Category Archives: Community News

Are your Electoral details up to date?

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Leeds City Council is warning local residents not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

Households across the city will be receiving their annual canvas letter and are being urged to check the details are correct.

The annual canvass ensures that the council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Government changes this year mean that people only need to respond if the letter asks them to or if they want to change or add information. In the majority of cases, households will not need to respond if their details are correct and complete.

Letters are being sent to around 350,000 households in Leeds, with 78,000 of these definitely requiring a response which will be clearly stated.

People who have moved to the city recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the letter and check the details are correct.

If residents need to make a change to their information, they can do this easily online at www.householdresponse.com/leeds. Residents will need to enter a two part security code which they will find on the communication they have been sent. Households without internet access can do this by calling 0113 222 4411.

If you are not currently registered to vote, your name will not appear on the letter. If you want to register, the easiest way to do so is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Those without internet access can do so by calling 0113 222 4411.

With local elections and the Combined Authority mayoral elections taking place in Leeds in May 2021, this is an important opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part and have their say on the decisions that affect them.

Susanna Benton, Head of Electoral Services at Leeds City Council, said:

“It’s important that residents keep an eye out for a letter from the council over the coming weeks so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the city. This is an important process in making sure that as many people as possible have the right to vote on decisions that affect them.

“This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working hard to ensure that we take into account public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.

“Making sure you provide the necessary information to us when it is needed will ensure the process runs smoothly and will help avoid the need for home visits from canvassers.

“I would encourage any households which are required to respond to do so by 14 August 2020 to avoid a reminder being sent to them.”

For helpful information about registering to vote, visit https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter.

Any residents who have any questions can contact electoral services by calling 0113 222 4411 or emailing electors@leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds City Council Logo 2 - Red Ladder Theatre Company

Leeds in sculpture – a virtual tour with Leeds Civic Trust – 29th July

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A virtual tour of the city of Leeds through its sculpture, statues and ornamentation: the city’s representation in physical form

Originally planned as a new supper walk for the Trust, this walk has suddenly become very topical. Join Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton as he takes you on a virtual tour round some of the city’s statues, sculptures and monuments.

Wednesday 29th July 7pm-8pm.  Register on Eventbrite for a place

Highlights include:

• The City Square statues

• War memorials – how we remember casualties of war

• 20th and 21st century sculpture, including work by Moore, Armitage and Scott

• Ornamentation and decoration – including the work of sculptor Catherine Mawer

This will also be an opportunity to consider who and what we represent in sculptural form and why these choices are made.

‘Wasted’ – The Brontes Story in a Rock Musical

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Brought to you by Southwark Playhouse – part of the ‘Southwark Stayhouse’ programme

https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/archive-2018/wasted/

Through the lens of a rock documentary, Wasted gives an access-all-areas account of the struggles, heartbreaks and triumphs of the three Brontë sisters Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and their brother Branwell. Brought up in a remote, poverty-stricken town in Yorkshire, without money or opportunity, they fought ill-health, unrequited love and family feuds to write some of the most celebrated literature including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

Never afraid to rebel against expectations, the lives behind the pages expose a struggling, squabbling, ferociously driven, drug-fuelled crash and burn trajectory from obscurity to celebrity and ultimately to their untimely deaths. Coupled with a rock score from Christopher Ash (Showstoppers – Oliver Award winner for Best Entertainment), book and lyrics by Carl Miller (Emil and the Detectives, National Theatre), directed by Adam Lenson (Superhero – Off-West End Award for New Musical), the Brontës ask – was it all wasted?

This is the Brontës as you’ve never seen them before.

Please note that this production contains flashing lights and strobe effects, loud noises, strong language, and haze

Miracle Theatre – 4 plays you can watch on YouTube

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The National Theatre at Home series has now come to an end, so instead here are some performances from Miracle Theatre – a non profit making theatre company from Cornwall.

4 performances, mostly filmed outdoors on Cornish Clifftops and at the beautiful outdoor Minack Theatre.  Visit during the day | Minack Theatre

The Magnificent Three 

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Case of The Frightened Lady at Minack Theatre

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UK’s first Silver Pride this weekend – online

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Brought to you by Friends of Dorothy a Leeds charity that champions social inclusion for older LGBT+ people by hosting regular activities and events. A welcoming inclusive group that supports members to keep well, have fun and stay connected.

Over 2 days this weekend – 25th and 26th July

Join Friends of Dorothy, LGBT+ celebrities and friends for the inaugural Silver Pride UK; a culturally diverse and enriching programme of live performances, masterclasses and events to champion social inclusion and ensure elderly LGBT+ people are socially connected, celebrated and recognised for their contributions to culture and society. Everyone welcome!

They invite you to Rainbow up your life and come together for this fabulous, gargantuous, entertaining celebration of LGBT+ history.

A PRIDE-PACKED PROGRAMME OF: MUSIC, DANCE ,THEATRE, LITERATURE LGBT+ HISTORY, COMEDY, MASTERCLASSES, DEBATES, HOT TOPICS, LGBT+ WELLBEING, LIFE STORIES.

See the full programme and get free tickets here

All registered Silver Pride UK attendees will be sent a virtual programme and links to all of the main events and fringe events on the morning of the 25th July.  The event is free to attend but donations to Friends of Dorothy will be welcomed.

 

Face coverings mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July

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The government  plans to make face coverings mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July.

Use of a face covering is not a replacement for social distancing and keeping up regular hand washing.

A face covering is something that covers your mouth and nose. Under the new rules, people who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100. Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.

Should someone without an exemption refuse to wear a face covering, a shop can refuse them entry and can call the police. If people refuse to comply, police can issue a fine.

For information on how to use a face covering correctly, watch this video.

face covering

Public Transport

The new Government guidance means more people are likely to be using public transport. However, you are still encouraged to use other means of transport where possible. 

Public transport users must wear a face covering when travelling on buses and trains. In line with government guidelines, visitors to travel centres will need to wear a face covering from 24 July.

The exemptions for wearing a face covering in supermarkets and shops also apply on public transport.

Those exempt from wearing a face covering can download an assistance card to help communicate this to staff on bus and rail services in West Yorkshire. You can print them off or take a picture on your phone to show staff.

You should also continue using contactless payment if you can.

Taxis and private hire vehicles

You should wear a face covering when using taxis or private hire vehicles. A taxi driver or private hire vehicle operator may be entitled to refuse to accept you if you do not wear a face covering.

Follow the advice of the driver. For example, you may be asked to sit in the back left-hand seat if travelling alone. You may want to check with your taxi or private hire operator before travelling if they have put any additional measures in place.

Full guidance on face coverings including other exemptions, and how to make your own face covering, is available here.

Poetry Reading from The Leeds Library and Clare Wigzell

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I am the Landscape with Clare Wigzell

Clare Wigzell (friend of Caring Together) will read her poems about Barbara Hepworth, her sculptures and the landscape from her chapbook, I am the Landscape. Clare will take you on a poetry journey around Yorkshire and Cornish scenery through Hepworth’s sculptures and touch on themes from Hepworth’s life. Slides of the sculptures and printed versions of the poems will be on screen to enhance your experience. There will be a short Q and A at the end.

All welcome- Wednesday 22 July 13.00 – 14.00

You will need to use Zoom to take part in this event and it is a free event but you will need to register and book.

To book your place, register here on Eventbrite and you will be emailed a Zoom link to the event on Tuesday 21 July.

 

The Good Book – from Slung Low@The Holbeck

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The Good Book, the first production from Slung Low’s new project Leeds People’s Theatre, is a dystopian drama set on the streets of Beeston and Holbeck. It features three professional actors, more than 100 members of the local community.

Film: The Good Book

“In a future Leeds, society is divided between loyalists of the powerful Queen Bear and radical followers of Galahad. Avalon is a young woman desperate not to take sides, but as civil war begins she must undertake a dangerous mission to rescue a precious relic from destruction”. (contains strong language)

It’s 30minutes long and can be watched from the link below – you might need to scroll down the page a bit – and turn the volume up on the video.

https://www.slunglow.org/tgb/

New localised measures re Covid 19

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The Government has announced that from today (Saturday 18 July) councils will be given specific powers to tackle localised outbreaks. This means the council will be able to intervene to shut down events, premises and outdoor spaces at short notice.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the infection rate in Leeds is currently low and we have a comprehensive plan in place to keep it this way in order to keep residents safe and support the city’s recovery. Our plan is regularly reviewed and updated to make sure we are meeting our aims.”

To prevent the spread of the virus and the need for localised measures please remember:

  • As part of the NHS Test and Trace, businesses are being asked to keep a record of their customers and visitors for 21 days. You should assist by providing details when asked to do so.
  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Regularly wash your hands and wear a face covering if you’re using public transport.
  • Stay home if you or anyone in your household experience any symptoms and book in for a test.

If you are missing The Shows Must Go On….

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Last week’s showing of Joseph was the last from The Shows Must Go On for a while as they take a break over Summer.  Hopefully they will be back in August.

In the meantime here are a couple of alternative musical theatre shows you can watch online for free.

Rogers and Hammerstein Carousel – Lincoln Centre Theatre – until 8th September  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxRMlv-mwxM

Carousel was hailed by Time Magazine as “the best musical of the 20th Century.“ The New York Philharmonic presents a stunning staged production of this iconic American work, featuring a star-studded cast including Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Stephanie Blythe, Shuler Hensley, Jason Danieley, Jessie Mueller, Kate Burton, John Cullum and New York City Ballet dancers Robert Fairchild and Tiler Peck.

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals – from Matrix Theatre, Los Angeles and by StarKid Productions.

For something a little different, this is a musical horror comedy. “Paul is an average guy. He likes movies, and pizza, and average guy things. He does not like… musicals.  Everything in Hatchetfield seemed normal until people began singing… Then, they began dancing… And now, a musical pandemic is sweeping the entire city.  People blatantly stating their inner most wants and desires in verse. Music inexplicably playing from out of nowhere. Random people performing impossibly choreographed dances. All perfectly normal on stage; all absolutely horrifying in real life.

Paul’s small world is about to come crashing down under the weight of unspeakable terror! Now he must run, run for his life, as something sinister spreads, and grows, and sings, and dances! The town of Hatchetfield is plunged into a musical hell in… ‘The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals!’

Availble to watch until further notice  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrxKX44qBJ0