Lunchtime Talk: Online event – Magic & Sparkle: M&S at Christmas

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Join the M&S Archive for some festive nostalgia as they trace the story of M&S Christmas food and merchandise through the archive collection, from the first mince pies to all-time favourite stocking fillers.

Online event - Magic & Sparkle: M&S at Christmas

Online Event

This is a pre-recorded talk featuring original archive images introduced by our Archivist, who will be available to respond to questions during and following the talk.

Friday 11th December 12.45-1.15pm

Running time – 30 minutes.

Booking Details

Advance booking is essential, you’ll receive full details of how to join the event with your booking confirmation email.

Click here to book your free place.

Covid Scam Alert – Christmas Edition

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The latest Monthly alert outlines trending fraud patterns during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what we can do to stay protected. There have been further reports of scams, doorstep Crime and business complaints all relating to the COVID-19 pandemic here in West Yorkshire.

This news alert will give you an indication of the current situation here in West Yorkshire.

This edition also includes Christmas Shopping tips and advice to help you keep safe from seasonal scams

covid19 scam alert issue 21

Poetry Corner: ‘A Yorkshire poem’ by Lynda Goodwin

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A Yorkshire poem by Lynda Goodwin

Alf’s Big Surprise! 😳

It wer a baking bank ‘oliday weekend,
an Alf ad nowt to do,
id sent their lass up tahn tot shops,
it being er birthday too.

So nah is on is tod all day –
e thought it through and through,
e drummed is fingers on is knees
an giv is pipe a chew.

“Ah know” e said, a gret big smile
spread slowly cross is chops,
“Al put misen to some good use
while shis spendin dahn at shops.

“Al build a pond int garden –
al mek it big an wide,
so shick’n sit wit glass int and
ont deckchair by it’s side.”

E went n fetched a pick n spade,
a rusty ammer too,
a crowbar juster prize aht rocks –
thes barned to bi a few!

Alf huffed n puffed an dug all day
tilt sweat dripped offer is noowas,
it trickled dahn is achin back
an sooaked is mucky cloowas.

E pushed is foot ont spade once moor –
but t’spade it wouldn’t budge,
id it a box deep dahn int soil
all covered up wi sludge.

“Av farned sum treasure!” Alf did gasp
an plonked dahn ontot grass,
“Dunt think al oppen it misen,
al leave it for ah lass!”

Alf dug no more, just smiled and grinned,
by gum, ow well id done!
not just a pond – but jewels fer er,
an stretched aht undert sun.

Id nodded off when she gor ome –
Shi froze n stared in shock –
then marched up to is side n glared
at tin set out ont rock.

“It’s all fer you!” Alf blinked is eyes
an beamed from ear to ear,
“A thought that thad bi overt moon,
look warrav found thi ere!”

“Ye can’t” she wailed, “wot ave yer done?”
“Ey lass dunt speyk in riddles”
“Am not!” she cried “just purrit back –
that’s weer wi buried Tiddles!!”

“Oh well” thought Alf to imsen, “thell be other birthdays.”

sourced: i yorkshire. com

Covid Vaccine comes to Leeds

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Leeds is one of  50 places in the country that can offer the Pfizer vaccine this week.  The first phase of vaccinations will be taking place within hospitals but GPs are expected to be able to start administering these vaccines from next week.  You will be contacted once you are eligible to make arrangements to receive the vaccine.  
There is a lot of conflicting information out there so please discuss any concerns you may have with your GP or trusted health professional.
More details on the vaccine & initial roll out nationally nhs.uk/covidvaccine
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said:

“Our amazing teams across the NHS in Leeds and Leeds City Council are proud to be part of the first wave of the national NHS vaccination programme.

On Tuesday, we will be starting to vaccinate people across Leeds in the groups identified as a priority by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – patients over 80, care home staff and NHS staff who are at risk from coronavirus.
At first, we will be arranging appointments directly with people eligible to receive the vaccination. Watch this space for news about wider access to the vaccine, as soon as it can be made available.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Phil Wood, said today: “Our incredible staff have been at the forefront of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic, supporting each other, saving lives, leading vaccine research, and holding hands with patients in isolation who sadly never recovered to return to their loved ones.
“We have worked committedly, with compassion and with hope towards the day we could begin vaccinating people to help prevent further tragedy. We know the struggle is not yet over but reaching this momentous point is a tremendous achievement.”

Staff from across health and care organisations in Leeds are working together to put in place plans to deliver this national vaccination programme to everyone in our community who would like to have the vaccine.”

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Foodbank Donation Drive – Thank you to all who helped

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 From Cllrs Pryor, Walshaw & Garthwaite:
Thank you so much to everyone who’s helped with our Christmas foodbank donation drive today, it’s easily been the biggest one yet!
🎉 We’re so grateful to everyone who donated and everyone who hosted a donation station for us. Together we can make a huge difference to our community

‘Monday Mind Workout’ – answers for Monday 7th December 2020

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Yesterday’s Monday Mind Workout was based on 60s music – see the answers below:

1.True or false: Penny Lane is named after a real street in London – False, it’s street is in Liverpool
2. Who is the lead singer of The Who? Roger Doltrey
3.It’s Now or Never was the first 60s number one for which musical icon? Elvis Presley
4.Who sang the title track of 60s Bond film Thunderball? Tom Jones
5.Which Daydream Believer band initially began as a fictional band on a sitcom? The Monkees

6.Peter, Paul and Mary famously sang Leaving on a Jet Plane – but who wrote and sang the original version? John Denver
7.What is the best selling single of the 1960s in the UK? She Loves you by the Beatles
8.Which UK comedian had the best-selling UK single of 1965? Ken Dodd with Tears
9.The Animals formed in which UK city? Newcastle
10.What was the name of Tom Jones’ first number one in 1965, later popularised by Carlton in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? It’s Not unusual
11.Which iconic BBC music show premiered on 1st January 1964? Top of the Pops
12. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini was a 1990 hit for Bombalurina, but who sang the 1960 original? Brian Hyland
13. Which band were recording their first album at Abbey Road while The Beatles were recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band? Pink Floyd
14. How many number one albums did Cilla Black have in the 60s? None, her first number one album was in 2015
15.Which American rocker was the final performer at Woodstock festival in 1969? Jimi Hendrix
16.Jim Morrison was the lead singer of which controversial band? The Doors
17.Name the song: “All the leaves are brown, And the sky is grey…” California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas

18.How many number ones did The Beatles have during the 1960s in the UK? 17

19.Gimme Shelter and Paint It Black were hits for which legendary British band? The Rolling Stones

20.Which blonde bombshell became the face of country music in the 60s? Dolly Parton

Christmas Music by Candlelight (The Shows Must Go On)

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The Shows Must Go On brings us Ex Cathedra’s Christmas By Candlelight from 7pm tonight and then available all through December.

In the deep, still darkness, only candles pierce the winter gloom. And then, upon the silence, comes the luminous sound of a choir in harmony. With a sequence of Christmas music old and new, this concert is a uniquely magical way to begin your festive season

Ex Cathedra is a leading UK choir and Early Music ensemble with a repertoire that reaches from the 12th to the 21st centuries.   More information on Ex Cathedra Singing Medicine: www.singingmedicine.co.uk

 

‘Monday Mind Workout’ – Monday 7th December 2020

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Dear all,
Today’s Monday Mind Workout is based on 60s music. Good luck!

1.True or false: Penny Lane is named after a real street in London
2. Who is the lead singer of The Who?
3.It’s Now or Never was the first 60s number one for which musical icon?
4.Who sang the title track of 60s Bond film Thunderball?
5.Which Daydream Believer band initially began as a fictional band on a sitcom?6.Peter, Paul and Mary famously sang Leaving on a Jet Plane – but who wrote and sang the original version?
7.What is the best selling single of the 1960s in the UK?
8.Which UK comedian had the best-selling UK single of 1965?
9.The Animals formed in which UK city?
10.What was the name of Tom Jones’ first number one in 1965, later popularised by Carlton in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?
11.Which iconic BBC music show premiered on 1st January 1964?
12. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini was a 1990 hit for Bombalurina, but who sang the 1960 original?
13. Which band were recording their first album at Abbey Road while The Beatles were recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band?
14. How many number one albums did Cilla Black have in the 60s?
15.Which American rocker was the final performer at Woodstock festival in 1969?
16.Jim Morrison was the lead singer of which controversial band?
17.Name the song: “All the leaves are brown, And the sky is grey…”
18.How many number ones did The Beatles have during the 1960s in the UK?19.Gimme Shelter and Paint It Black were hits for which legendary British band?20.Which blonde bombshell became the face of country music in the 60s?

sourced: radiotimes

Mindwell Winter Wellbeing Campaign

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December is here and Mindwell have launched the  #WinterWellbeing campaign . It’s been a challenging year & now the nights are getting darker & temperatures dropping, it’s even more important to take care of your mental wellbeing.

For lots of information, including the top ten tips listed below, Mindwell Christmas Toolkit and where to find additional support if you need it visit mindwell-leeds.org.uk/winter

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MindWell’s Top Ten Tips for Winter Wellbeing

TIp 1: Keep to a daily routine – this can help us cope better with uncertainty and help us keep going, especially while having to stay at home more. We usually feel better if we’re up and dressed, eating at regular mealtimes and going to bed at the same time.

Tip 2: Stay connected – a friendly natter by phone, online or at a safe distance (if we can) helps us keep connected. Ringing a helpline if we’re lonely can help us feel better too. There’s always someone to talk to. It might be useful to keep a few phone numbers handy, to remind us to stay in touch.

Tip 3: Do things you enjoy – we’ve had to live with new restrictions this year, but it’s still important to take time to enjoy ourselves each day. Whether it’s reading, watching a box set under a blanket, making handmade gifts or festive baking. It can also be fun to try something new, get creative or dust off an old hobby.

Tip 4: Get outside for some sunlight and exercise – try to get outside, according to government restrictions, for at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Walk in a green space if you can, such as one of Leeds’ many parks. This can help you feel refreshed and more energised, especially if you’re working from home. If it’s difficult for you to get out, open a window and let some fresh air in.

Tip 5: Look after your physical health:

  • Keep warm – Public Health England recommends that indoor temperatures should be between 18and 21 degrees.Eat well – eat regular nourishing, hot meals including plenty of vegetable
  • Stay hydrated – drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day and have regular hot drinks.
  • Sleep well – if you’re struggling to get a good night ‘s sleep, check out MindWell’s self-help guide.
  • Keep active – it’s important to keep moving, when we’re staying at home more. Walk the stairs or try an online exercise or yoga video.
  • Get a flu jab if you’re contacted – flu can be more severe in certain groups of people. If you’re in one of these groups you will be contacted to get a free flu jab.
  • Stop smoking – find help to stop in Leeds.

If you’re struggling with fuel bills, contact Home Plus Leeds for advice (there are eligibility criteria), or, for a review of benefits entitlements contact Welfare Rights Advice on 0113 376 0452 or email: welfare.rights@leeds.gov.uk. You can find more details of servics in Leeds offering support around finances or benefits on our practical help page.

Tip 6: Make a plan – Christmas and other faith festivals are likely to be different this year and there’ill be less opportunity for face-to-face socialising. It can help to make a plan for days of festive celebration that are special to you. And if you don’t want to celebrate that’s OK too. MindWell has information about community events happening in Leeds this festive season.

Tip 7: Relax and unwind – 2020 has been a difficult year, with many people feeling anxious about their health, job security or money worries. Take some time each day to relax. Find what works for you, whether that’s relaxation breathing, caring for your plants, going for a run, or getting up and moving to your favourite festive tunes.

Tip 8: Drink sensibly – taking a mindful approach to what you’re drinking can have huge benefis for your physical and emotional health. Try Public Health England’s Drink Free Days app, which can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Tip 9: Write it down – keeping a journal can be a great way to explore and organise your thoughts. It can help you plan your day, express gratitude and understand your worries and feelings. Winter is also a good time to think about your future goals and prepare for the new year.

Tip 10: Ask for help – if you’re struggling, it’s OK to ask for help if you need to, there’s always someone to talk to: www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/help