Civic buildings in Leeds will be illuminated this week to mark the city reaching the tragic milestone of 2,000 COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Landmarks including Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds City Museum will be lit up until Thursday in recognition of both those who have lost their lives and the front line workers whose tireless efforts have saved so many others.
The buildings will each be lit up in both blue, as a mark of respect for the city’s NHS and care staff, and yellow, the colour for grief awareness.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is a sombre milestone for the city which should prompt us all to pause and reflect on the unimaginable toll the past two years have taken on those who have lost family members, loved ones and friends.“
It is also an opportunity for us to be proud of the unity and compassion Leeds has shown throughout the darkest days of pandemic and to look towards the days to come with hope and optimism that having endured so much together, we can be closer and stronger than ever.”
Work has also begun on the transformation of the former South Leeds golf course, which will include a ‘Peoples Woodland.’ In partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, the woodland will be a space for reflection and peace in memorial of loved ones who lost their lives during the pandemic as well as a tribute to key workers.
Launching various opportunities to share your views
Women’s Lives Leeds would like to invite women to have their say around parks, park safety and what kind of activities you would like to see in the park for women. Activities will then be delivered in each park according to what women want.
The consultation is part of the national Safer Streets government project and the research will feed into local and national channels.
You will receive a £15 voucher for your time
Two Leeds Parks have been selected- Holbeck Moor and Woodhouse Moor.
We are hosting two focus groups in each park area.
Focus groups will last approximately an hour but we ask women to arrive fifteen minutes prior to register and to get tea/coffee etc.
The dates and Eventbrite links are as follows:
Tuesday 15th February 13.00-14.30 The Holbeck – Holbeck Moor Consultation
Focus groups not your thing but still want to take part?
In addition to the focus groups, Women’s Lives Leeds are working with Leeds University to run one to one interview research sessions, where any woman in Leeds can take part.
These are not fixed to opinions around any particular park but are about how women feel in any park space and what could be done to improve her sense of safety.
These interviews are being held in offices on York Road just outside Leeds. Support is available for transportation and women will also receive £15 for their time.
The interviews are expected to last an hour.
The dates for the interviews are on Wednesday 16th February and Wednesday 2nd March 2022
If you are interested in taking part in the one to one interview research or have any queries please contact jackieo@womenslivesleeds.org.uk or call 07741 552499.
Our local councillors for Headingley and Hyde Park ward – which also covers most of Woodhouse will be holding their monthly Woodhouse advice surgery at our premises.
They will be at Caring Together on Charing Cross shopping centre (Woodhouse Street, LS6 2PY – across from the Londis shop/Post Office) from 5pm – 6pm on the second Tuesday of the month starting from next Tuesday – 8th February.
Any resident who needs help or advice from the councillors is welcome to come along at this time.
Maureen Kershaw will be in the Caring Together offices from next week for three consecutive Wednesday’s kindly sharing her wonderful stories in person. Each week she will be sharing different tales and anecdotes of her memories of appearing in musicals, plays and pantos with some revealing humorous and hair-raising moments from onstage and behind the scenes. And there will be a chance to chat and reminisce along the way together as well. You can come to all three or just one or two, you choose.
It is open to all, we would love to see you.
Refreshments included.
Wednesday 9th February 2022 at 11am
and
Wednesday 16th February 2022 at 11am
and
Wednesday 23rd February 2022 at 11am
Venue: Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2PY
Not ‘A view from the Bridge’ but more ‘A room with a view’. I don’t know what reminded me of a childhood view from our house but something triggered it. My first bedroom in our house in Burley didn’t just face up the Grove but far beyond, over the rooftops to Headingley Rugby Ground. This was when the light blue clock tower was a local landmark and if I stood on the skirting board under my bedroom window, squeezing between the curtains and wardrobe I could see the tower. Headingley was the home of Leeds RLFC and Yorkshire County Cricket with its pavilion which housed offices, a ballroom and players’ bars. All I could see from the corner of my window was an illuminated window beneath the clock tower. A keen fan of Leeds RLFC in the 1950s even watching their Tuesday and Thursday evening training sessions, I would try to imagine what might be happening at night in the pavilion. When the long distance light was switched off, only then would I go to sleep.
Moving several years later to Headingley my bedroom was on the top floor in an attic conversion or dormer as we termed it then. Our house was the only one in the street to boast a ‘dormer’ which consisted of two rooms, my bedroom and a spare room. The view skimmed rooftops down towards the Cricket Ground, across Burley in the valley then up to grassed areas of Middleton in south Leeds. I loved to look at the wide curved road towards the horizon, the orange sulphur street lights marking out its route after dark. I liked to think it was the M1 heading south but on reflection think it was the dual carriageway of Belle Isle Road!
Living in Upper Armley for two years, the Victorian end terraced house at the top of an extremely steep cobbled street overlooked Gotts Park and from the attic window, the view took in much further afield. When Concorde flew into Leeds Bradford Airport much of the neighbourhood were standing in their gardens to watch it gracefully fly overhead. My partner Michael even dared to exit the skylight window to stand on the roof to watch! I photographed the event with my Kodak Instamatic which revealed only a small dot in the sky. More successful photographs were taken when on a fine Sunday morning in 1986, the cooling towers of Kirkstall Power Station were demolished. A good view had by all without being close enough to be covered in dust!
Our move to Meanwood gave us a grandstand view of the Parish Church as our garden wall adjoined the grounds. From the kitchen I would watch all the Parishioners walking up to Sunday Morning Service. Always fascinated to see what one elderly elegant lady would be wearing, I nicknamed her the Queen Mother! Always beautifully attired and accompanied by a different coloured long handled frilled umbrella which perfectly matched her outfit and hat.
If the Church’s front door was open on a Saturday, it would herald an imminent wedding, often being accompanied by the pealing of the bells. My kitchen offered a good vantage point and if pegging out washing then an even better view was available.
Two events stand out in my memory from the garden. The first was an overhead visit by the Police helicopter, sadly an all too regular occurrence. A 9-year old Darren – against my wish – ran into the garden and hid behind bushes as the brilliant beam centred on the Churchyard. Daz returned inside when a Policeman arrived to tell him off for wasting the time of the uniformed staff on the ground searching gardens.
The other memorable event took place in the mid 1990s with the arrival of Yorkshire Television to film scenes for “Frost”. On the evening of filming, Daz and I climbed over our garden wall into the Churchyard for a ‘nosey’. Not much was happening but on our return walk down the path, David Jason as Inspector Frost was approaching. We ignored him of course not wishing to to disturb his privacy and returned to the kitchen where we watched with interest, several takes of a man riding a bike outside the Church in – supposedly pouring rain – which was created on that dry evening by a man holding aloft a spray hosepipe!
My move to Hyde Park brought with it so many new views. Moving into a new build in July 2004, newly planted shrubs and trees developed underneath 100 year old sycamores and established blossom trees. The shops opposite were no longer grocery chains such as the Maypole remembered from my youth, but mainly cafes and letting agents, although not as many as today, offering such diverse menus. A brightly painted shop in psychedelic design named ‘Ambience’, sold all manner of memorabilia but soon sadly closed. The old Grade II Listed Post Office was the grandest of buildings on The Crescent and still is if one can look past the graffiti. The cracked windows still have stickers advertising ‘Phone Cards sold here’ , the cards now long gone, as have the people – save for squatters many years ago.
Across on the Cinder Moor I’ve always enjoyed the arrival of the Circus, watching the Big Top take shape then hearing the music from inside at showtime. Similarly the Feast, although nowadays its attractions now number far less compared to 2004 and especially the days of the original Woodhouse Feast. Nevertheless I still like to see how those fairground rides are pieced together in rapid time. I marvel at the bravery and enthusiasm shared by those partaking in all the fun of the fair but prefer to be at home watching the colours whizzing around and listening to the fairground’s combined sounds, which on the dot of 9pm are extinguished.
Over the years, visiting film companies have used the Moor as a base, the wardrobe and make up caravans busy in action from a very early hour as is the canteen in a converted double decker bus.
The skyline has changed dramatically with new additions to the University buildings and tower blocks of student housing, all bearing red or white rooftop lights.
The Cinder Moor has on several occasions been an additional landing site for the Air Ambulance too. If the Helipad at the LGI is in use, the weather is too icy or gale force winds prevail, then it may land on the Moor, where the emergency patient is transferred to a waiting ambulance, to complete the short journey by road.
Each evening over the last few months, floodlights shine through the bare winter trees. I try to kid myself there is a film company doing night shoots or even floodlit football in action, but in harsh reality it is the Covid testing site.
Suffice to say life is never boring with my flat’s triple aspect of views and I love it just as much as the day I moved in.
Thank you Maureen, some wonderful memories.
Maureen will be in the Caring Together offices next week, and two following Wednesday’s thereafter if you wish to pop in. It will be a time to hear some more stories from Maureen in person – titled ‘Funny Tales and Fancy Frocks’ but also time for reflection and reminiscing yourself too. Come to all three or just one or two. Different stories each week.We would love to see you. Refreshments will also be on hand.
Dates:
Wednesday 9th February @11am
and
Wednesday 16th February @11am
and
Wednesday 23rd February @11am
Venue: Caring Together Offices, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2PY
Open to all just call in.
If you need any more information just call Lisa 07436 530073
In the week that the government has lifted Plan B restrictions, we look ahead to a new phase as we learn to live safely with Covid-19. Although the virus is still here, the protection offered by vaccinations is allowing us to return cautiously to a more normal way of life.
Please read on for an overview of the Covid situation in Leeds and the steps we can take to keep ourselves and others safe. We also explain the options for getting your vaccinations in Leeds, how to apply for business support grants and the upcoming changes to international travel rules.
We hope this information is useful and helps you look forward to moving on from the pandemic. We have all had different experiences during this time, and it’s natural that some of us may feel anxious as restrictions relax. We can show kindness and understanding to others by continuing with a few simple precautions to reduce the risk posed to everyone by the virus.
Covid-19 and families in Leeds
The number of Covid cases in Leeds has fallen since the peak on 4 January, with a 14% decrease in the past week. However the case rate remains high in the city at 1,124 per 100K, compared with the average case rate in England of 1,000 per 100K.
This week the government’s Plan B measures ended, which lifts the mandates on working from home, using the NHS Covid Pass and wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces.
While many of us welcome the return of greater freedoms to our lives, we must remember that Covid-19 still has the potential to spread in our communities. The virus poses a great risk to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
There are a few simple things that we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe. One in three people who have Covid have no symptoms, so regular testing is important to check whether you might infect other people. Please remember to use a lateral flow test before you go to meet others and adhere to self-isolation guidance when necessary.
Covid-19 spreads easily in enclosed places, so when you meet other people it’s worth considering if you can get together outdoors. If you can’t, you can lower the risk indoors by letting in fresh air, wearing a face covering and testing before you go.
It’s never too late to get your Covid vaccinations
Wherever you live or work in Leeds, there’s a vaccine clinic near you. Across the city there is a wide choice of venues where you can book an appointment or just drop in for your vaccinations.
If you work in the city centre or are heading there for shopping or leisure in the next couple of weeks, you’ll find drop-in clinics at Kirkgate Market on Fridays and Trinity Leeds on Saturdays and Sundays. There are out-of-town options for shoppers too, with a vaccination pop-up at the White Rose Centre this weekend.
The vaccination centre at Elland Road is open seven days a week, and venues including pharmacies, GP surgeries, schools, community centres and supermarkets are holding clinics too.
The NHS publishes all up-to-date details of venues, opening hours and vaccines offered so you can easily find a vaccine clinic near you. Whether you still need your first, second or booster dose, the sooner you get vaccinated the sooner you will build up your own immunity to the virus and protect others too.
Support grant scheme opens up to smaller businesses
There’s welcome news for smaller businesses this week as a support grant scheme which helped businesses throughout the pandemic lowers the level of business costs needed to qualify.
The discretionary grant scheme offers assistance of up to £15,000 to help with overheads for Leeds-based businesses and charities from any sector. Applicants must submit a figure for their fixed business costs for the period from 1 August last year to 31 March this year.
From 1 February the qualifying figure will be reduced to £1,000 (from £2,000 previously) which opens up the scheme to smaller organisations. Please contact the council as soon as possible to apply for a grant before the deadline of 22 February.
A second grant scheme offers one-off grants worth up to £6,000 to Leeds-based businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. The scheme has extended its deadline for applications from the end of February to 18 March.
New testing rules a boost for vaccinated travellers
The arrangements for travelling abroad are set to change next month, making it easier for many people to plan long-awaited holidays or visits to family and friends.
From 11 February, fully vaccinated people travelling to England from abroad will no longer have to test before departure or self-isolate on arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than two days before departure and take a pre-booked PCR test on arrival in England, at their own expense.
There’s lots to look forward to closer to home as well! Our partners at Leeds 2023 are marking one year to go until their celebration of culture takes off. Watch their One Year To Go film to see what’s in store.
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch long weekend is here! There’s still time to sign-up and take part. Just spend one hour between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 January counting the birds, and help monitor how birds are faring. It’s free, fun, and a great way to keep an eye on your local wildlife. Wherever you are, whatever you see, it counts!
The Covid ‘Plan B’ rules are coming to an an end, this means that from today:
You will no longer be required by law to wear a face mask in indoor public places or on public transport. However the government and health services do recommend that you choose to wear one and venues or transport providers may choose to require you wear one.
Covid Passes will no longer have to be shown by law at venues or events – some places/events may choose to ask for them.
Covid is still very prevalent and you are strongly advised to continue to be careful and take measures to protect yourself and others from the virus
How to help stop the spread of COVID-19 – Advice from NHS website
Do
get vaccinated against COVID-19
meet people outside if possible
open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
limit the number of people you meet and avoid crowded places
wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and when it’s hard to stay away from other people (particularly indoors or in crowded places)
wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
Don’t
do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
‘One Day’ is the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day which, due to the closure of Leeds Town Hall for refurbishment, will be held at City Varieties Music Hall.
As well as a a live in-person commemoration event, following the success of last year’s live stream, members of the public are also invited to join the event online from the safety of their homes to remember those who lost their lives.
This international day of remembrance focuses on the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered in the Holocaust, and millions more people killed under German Nazi persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds will open the event followed by a keynote speech by Dr Stefan Hördler, Lecturer at the Institute for Economic and Social History, University of Göttingen, and Visiting Professor within the School of Arts & Humanities at the University of Huddersfield.
Leeds Heritage Theatre’s, Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) have created a performance for the event inspired by Emmanuel Ringleblum and the Oneg Shabbat Archive. The piece dedicated to his legacy. There will also be music by the UHC choir and a tribute to the late Rudi Leavor BEM who was part of the event for many years.
There will be also be a reading of the seven statements of commitments with candles lit by representatives of the different groups persecuted, including Holocaust survivors, people with additional needs, the LGBT+ community and Remembering Srebrenica.
Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – January 21, 2022
Dear Resident This week we are pleased to bring you updates on the changes to the Covid-19 rules and guidance, the latest Covid data for Leeds, vaccination advice, business support grants and information on staying well this winter. The most important change has been the government announcement that Plan B restrictions will be lifted in full in England from Thursday 27 January. The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis has issued an important and timely reminder to people that although “we know the change in Covid restrictions will have a positive impact on many residents and businesses throughout the city. It is important to remain vigilant and to be considerate to others as our lives and ways of working re-adjust.”You can read his full comment here.
Update on Leeds and Covid-19The Covid rate is falling, although it is still high. The Leeds infection rate has decreased to 1296.6 cases per 100k, which is down 35% in a week. There are still a relatively high number of patients in hospital with Covid. Thankfully, there are fewer people with severe illness as a consequence of Covid, but unfortunately some people continue to suffer and tragically die.It’s important to remember that the pandemic is not over. Omicron can be serious for some people and the NHS is still under significant pressure. Whilst numbers remain high we advise you to follow safe behaviours to protect yourself and others. Remember to wash your hands, let fresh air in, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces and continue with regular testing and self-isolation if you test positive. It’s also more important than ever to get vaccinated. Changes to Covid-19 guidance Following scientific advice that the Omicron wave is likely to have peaked, most restrictions will be lifted. Here is the revised government guidance. Some changes have already taken place. You are no longer required to work from home and are advised to speak to your employer about returning to the office. Secondary school pupils and college students don’t need to wear face coverings in classrooms, although they are still required in communal areas. From next Thursday 27 January face coverings will no longer be compulsory in any public spaces although they are still recommended in crowded and enclosed spaces. Also from this date you will no longer need to show your Covid Pass at venues and events and restrictions on visiting care homes will also be eased. You will still need to self-isolate, but the government is continuing to review this. Keep an eye out for the updated guidance. More information on the changes will follow in next week’s update. Get Vaccinated – boost your immunity! Getting vaccinated offers the best possible protection against becoming ill. Have you had your most recent jab? Walk-in and pop-up vaccine sites in the city centre and shopping districts are proving very popular and there are lots of pop-up clinics to choose from. If you would like to book in advance, you can book your Covid vaccine here. If you would prefer to visit a walk-in vaccination clinic, then all the details are can be found here .
National study for Covid-19 antivirals – PANORAMIC People are being urged to sign up for the PANORAMIC study if they test positive for Covid-19.The PANORAMIC study has been set up to gather data on how well antiviral treatments for Covid-19 work in a highly vaccinated population before making these treatments available in the NHS. Anyone aged over 50, or over 18 with certain underlying health conditions, can sign up to join the PANAROMIC study if they have received a positive PCR or lateral flow test and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms that began in the last five days. You can sign up to the trial online at www.panoramictrial.org or through calling the freephone number 08081 560017. Participants will be randomly offered either an antiviral medicine in addition to the current best care the NHS provides; or current best NHS care. Those selected to receive an antiviral medication will receive this in the post to take at home. For more information on the trial, including the full list of eligible underlying health conditions, visit www.panoramictrial.org
Grants for businesses and charities affected by Covid-19 – still time to apply Local businesses can apply for Covid-related support grants. This includes one-off grants of up to £6,000 for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses (open until 28 February), and discretionary grants of £1k-15k for businesses and charities whose income is being affected by the pandemic (open until 31 January). Until 28 February, eligible taxi and private hire drivers and owners can apply for a free three-year driver licence renewal as part of a scheme announced in March last year.
