Category Archives: Community News

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

Amadeus – National Theatre at Home

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Music. Power. Jealousy. Welcome to Vienna.  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives determined to make a splash.

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy it. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God.

Amadeus is the National Theatre Showing for this week. Peter Shaffer’s iconic play had its premiere at the National Theatre in 1979, winning multiple Olivier and Tony awards before being adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

Available to watch on YouTube from 7pm tonight until 7pm on Thursday 23rd July.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaEP2zn4bRE

The running time is 2hrs 50mins with a very short interval.  The BBFC age rating is 15 due to some strong language and moderate sex references.

The Little Book of Big Scams

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Alongside the weekly scams news alert, the latest edition of the The Little Book of BIG Scams is now available to download  from West Yorkshire Trading Standards website

What are the most prevalent scams? How to spot them and stay safe!

Originally written by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit, and reproduced with their kind permission, the book provides a comprehensive break down of the different types of scams and frauds. It also gives hints and tips about how someone can reduce their chances or those of a loved one, of being a victim and what to do if they do are targeted by criminals.

Changes to free TV Licences

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TV Licensing logo

I’m sure you will have heard the news that free TV licences for all those aged 75 or over will come to an end on 1st August.  This was initially going to happen on 1st June this year but was extended due to lockdown.

This means that you won’t automatically be entitled to free TV licence once you reach the age of 75.  If you receive Pension Credit you will still be able to apply for a free TV licence.

You should be entitled to Pension Credit if you have income of less than £173.75 for a single person or £265.20 for a couple. Benefits checkers such as Turn2us can help you work out if you are entitled to this or other benefits.  If you think you eligible and don’t already receive it you can apply online at gov.uk Pension Credit or on the Pension Credit Claim Line 0800 99 1234.

If you already have a free over 75 licence you will be covered until 31 July 2020. You don’t need to do anything just yet. TV licensing will be writing to all free over 75 licence holders soon to let you know how you may be affected and what you will need to do next.  You do not need to make any payments until you have received this letter.

If you do need to pay for your licence after August, please take extra care to make sure you are paying the correct people.  There are a number of scams circulating around TV licence payments and these are likely to increase at this time.  There is some useful information about avoiding and reporting TV Licence scams on their website here

If you are 75 and get Pension Credit, you won’t get your free licence automatically, you will need to apply for it.  You can apply now if you wish but TV licensing say  there is plenty of time and you don’t have to rush to do it.

More information about all of the changes, including how to apply for a free licence is on The TV Licensing website.  It should also be in the letter they send to you.

If you want some help or advice  about applying for a free TV Licence or about Pension Credit  (or both), please contact Valerie at Caring Together and we can work through it together to see what you are entitled to and to help you apply

 

Opera North – From Couch to Chorus

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Ever wanted to learn how to sing in an opera chorus? Now’s your chance!  Opera North are hosting a four-week series of Zoom workshops this July and August where you’ll be learning all the best singing tips and tricks from professional music leaders and singers from the Chorus of Opera North.

You don’t need to have prior singing experience or be able to read music – all they’re they’re asking is for is your enthusiasm. Whether you want to learn the basics of singing opera or experience what it’s like to be part of a chorus, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home!

You can learn more about the workshops and how to join here.

A chorus of singers on stage with their arms in the air

 

Gazing

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Adverse Camber Productions will be illuminating our summer nights over the next few months with ‘Gazing‘, a brand new online series starting at the end of July featuring a captivating mix of stories from some of the UK’s favourite storytellers and stargazing tips from astronomers.

Designed with an adult audience in mind, ‘Gazing’ will boast a programme of short films, podcasts, animations and livestreams exploring connections between life on Earth and the enormous possibilities of the Night Sky as we all look to the future.

Subscribe to Adverse Camber’s Facebook page or Youtube channel to enjoy the series as it unfolds. (You can unsubscribe at any time)