Poetry Corner: ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns

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A Red, Red Rose
O my luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my luve’s like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonny lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun
O I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run:

And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Though it were ten thousand mile.

sourced: https:/ www panmacmillan om/blogs/literary

Snowy scene before dawn broke this morning in Leeds……but where?

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Dear all

Snowy scene in Leeds this morning…….but where?

I have been sent 2 pictures of someone’s view from their window just before dawn broke this morning. Can anyone guess where this might be? I can say that it is local 🙂

Keep safe

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Online Dance Classes from Yorkshire Dance (Dance On)

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The Dance On project aims to get over 55s moving more and having fun with dance.  Caring Together members attended sessions with this project pre lockdown and even took part in a flashmob performance at White Rose Shopping Centre.

Classes are now available on-line (via Zoom) and there are 3 to choose from:

Tuesdays at 2pm

Wednesdays at 2.30pm

Fridays at 10.30am

All the classes are suitable for all abilities, do as much or as little as you want.  And all can be done seated or standing.

Find out more about the classes here https://yorkshiredance.com/project/dance-on/ and please email jessrooney@yorkshiredance.com if you want to take part

Older ladies enjoying dance class

Leeds will light up this weekend to remember COVID-19 victims

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This weekend will mark a year since the first #COVID19 cases were detected in the UK. To remember all those who’ve tragically lost their lives to the virus, buildings across #Leeds city centre will light up blue and yellow on Saturday and Sunday

As a mark of respect, buildings including Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Town Hall, Leeds City Museum, Leeds Arena and Leeds University’s Parkinson Building will be illuminated blue, in tribute to selfless NHS staff working in hospitals and care settings, and yellow, the colour which symbolises grief awareness.

No photo description available.
More on this and statements from Leader of Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/…/city-lights-up-to-remember-covi…

An update from Leeds City Council on Leeds’ infection rates and the Vaccination

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COVID BANNER

This weekend is the one year anniversary of the first Covid19 case being identified in the UK. In recognition of this and to remember all those that have sadly lost their lives during the pandemic, buildings across Leeds will be lit up in yellow and blue. Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered and are still suffering from this awful pandemic.

It is estimated that the new variant accounts for over three quarters of all cases in Leeds and significant pressure remains on the NHS. The Leeds infection rate is 277.6 cases per 100,000 with a positivity rate of 11.3%.

Rates are still high and they are not declining very quickly. More than ever we need everyone to play their part and work together to reduce transmission. This includes staying at home as much as possible, handwashing, maintaining distance and wearing a mask – even after you have had the vaccination. We know that this is really tough for everyone, but we need infection rates to fall to see a way out of restrictions and to allow businesses and schools to reopen. We continue to appreciate the sacrifices that everyone is making and we remain concerned about the impact on individuals and organisations. We are encouraging everyone to seek support where needed and to be kind to each other.

A vaccination update from Leeds City Council

Leeds and West Yorkshire continue to perform well in the vaccination programme and are on track to achieve the mid-February deadline for the first set of priority groups. The local figure is estimated to be about 80,000 so far.

Please remember that the COVID-19 vaccination is free of charge. You will never be asked the share bank details to confirm your identity, or pay for a vaccine. Do beware of scams and false emails.

When it is your turn for the vaccination, you will be contacted by the NHS. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/CovidVaccineNorth

We are aware that the invitation letters from the national booking system have unfortunately caused some confusion for people. These are being sent to people aged 75 and over who live within a 45 minute drive of any of the open centres. This means that people are receiving invitations to book at locations that are in different areas to where they normally receive their healthcare and some people are concerned about having to travel outside of their local area.

You do not have to book an appointment at one of these centres if it is not convenient for you to get there you can choose to wait for an invitation from your GP practice or wait until the West Yorkshire centres open and are added to the national booking system over the next few weeks.

If you have had the vaccine, you must continue to keep following the rules of hand, face and space as you can still carry or contract the virus.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 – 29-31 January

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This weekend is Big Garden Birdwatch 2021 and here is how to take part:

  1. Pick a time
    You can choose any hour between 29 and 31 January. So whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can still take part. 
  2. Tell us what you see 
    Count the birds you see in your garden or from your balcony*. Ignore any birds that are still in flight. To avoid double-counting, just record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not a running total. 

    *This year our advice is to take part in the safety of your own home. This could include a birdwatch from your window if you overlook a green space or courtyard.

  3. Submit your results
    Online: You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 29 January until 19 February.
    By post: If you’d rather send your results by post, you can download a submission form below. Please post your results to us before 15 February.

Every count is important so, if you don’t see anything, please still submit your result. Finding out which birds don’t visit your area is as important as understanding those which do!

There’s lots more information and activities on https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/ as well as live events on the facebook page