A community boxing club in Bramley, which helps keep youngsters off the street and out of trouible, has launched an appeal for help after it was closed during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Bramley Villagers Boxing Club is a community club and needs help to pay its bills.
Member Christ Tunnicliff said the future looked ‘grim’. He said:
“We are a community club and rely on members and shows to keep us afloat.
“Due to the coronavirus scare, we are unable to keep open, meaning we still have bills to pay and are unable to pay them due to no income from members etc.
“We are asking the community to help keep the gym open as our future is looking grim.”
GP practices in Leeds have moved the majority of their appointments to telephone or video consultations as part of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
NHS Leeds said today that face-to-face appointments are still offered where absolutely necessary with patients being advised accordingly.
In addition any practices that previously provided same-day walk-in appointments have suspended this option.
Local GPs are also encouraging people to download and use the NHS app to access services such as repeat prescriptions as well as self management support for any existing health conditions.
And in an effort to get people to the right healthcare professional, people are being advised to provide as much detail as possible for their call when contacting their local GP practice.
Dr Sarah Forbes, GP and Associate Medical Director for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:
“The challenges facing the NHS are unprecedented, and we have been working on making sure our environment keeps patients and NHS teams as safe as possible by making use of telephone and online.
“We have been working across the city so that all my colleagues working in GP practices are confident in providing a safe and high quality service to our patients while reducing the risk of people catching COVID-19.
“It’s really important that anyone who thinks they have COVID-19 follows NHS advice and stays at home, using the NHS 111 online service should they need any support. You must not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. Should your symptoms get worse or you feel you’re struggling to cope please call NHS 111.”
Over the coming weeks further changes could see patients with suspected COVID-19 being seen at one location, where invited to do so. The aim will be to reduce the pressure on hospital services.
The ‘hub’ sites will only accept patients referred in through NHS 111, where appropriate to do so, with onward clinical assessment at a local level undertaken by a Leeds GP. The sites will not offer community testing for the disease.
For the latest advice on coronavirus please visit the NHS website.
Many parents across the country are finding they are now in charge of their children’s day to day learning, writes Richard Beecham.
And while many older children have work plans set by their schools, and are able to log on at home, how do you cope when you have younger kids who are more used to the interactive side of learning?
We’ve managed to speak to three parents who home school their young children, to see what handy hints and tips they have for parents who are having to oversee their childrens’ learning for the first time.
Ian Thursfield, 32, and Imogen, five.
Home schoolers Ian and Imogen, from Wortley
Ian and his partner live in Wortley with their daughters Imogen, five, and Elanor, two.
He said the Covid-19 epidemic had a significant impact on day-to-day schooling, but believes it has made them more creative and structured with their days. He said:
“Before [the outbreak] – there was always a broad idea that we would go out to a museum in a day or help her to read a book.
“Since Covid-19, we are having to be a lot more imaginative with the house itself. We can still do the activities but within the home environment. It’s given us a bit more structure – no matter what time we work, we are still stuck in the house and we are doing maths!”
“A lot of people who don’t home school say they can’t do home schooling because they are not knowledgeable enough, but it’s not like we are saying we know better – we are learning with the kids!”
For parents who are having to teach their young children for the first time, Ian said:
“The number one piece of advice is try not to get stressed – there will be a lot of questions. But the best thing to do is go with the flow.
“Look for life lessons in random activities. I would also stress to people to seek out the advice – people look to make their own generalisations about home schooling, but there are a good 20-30 different ways it can be done.”
Ewa Gorska, 33, and Buckley, six
Ewa Gorska home schools her son Buckley from their home in Otley.
Ewa and Buckley from Otley
She made the choice to home school, as she wanted her child to be able to spend as much time in nature, and to be as physically active as possible.
She added:
“I also wanted to decide what he was being taught and that this was relevant. Things like human rights and knowing how to set up a bank account or a business.
“I love it – it’s easy for me to say because I only have one child, so it’s just one to one care. Sometimes we get on each others’ nerves, but we generally enjoy each other’s company and we get to learn together.”
So is there a plan for the day’s lessons?
“This is what most people aim for,” she said. “But most of the time you find that a child’s interest is the best in the morning – so that is when we do English and maths.
“After lunch we would normally go to a museum, to the park, or to socialise – but we can’t do much of that at the moment! Right now we are going on a lot of walks and getting exercise.
“He is not going to music lessons or football every week like usual.”
For parents who are having to oversee their child’s education for the first time, Ewa said there were also some useful resources available online, such as Khan academy. She added:
“Some children have to attend classes online, but if that is not the case, my advice is not to push, and to try and make learning fun. Learning should not be a chore, it should be a pleasure.”
“I think above all this is a beautiful opportunity for people to spend more time with their kids.”
Anita Adams, 41; with Jasper, seven; and Tobias, five.
Anita said home-schooling works for her family.
“Jasper was an August baby,” she said. “I was taking him to look round schools when he was three. That part I was a bit exasperated that I was going to put him into a long term institution when he was still having an afternoon nap.
“I have worked in education and I have seen the other side. A lot of the current policies that go towards academic achievement and away from creativity and play. ”
She stressed it is important for parents to know that the current situation was not representative of home-schooling day to day. She said:
“When you home-school, you still go out lots. We have the run of the art galleries and museums – they also take classes like science, drama and French. At the moment, it is an emergency situation and we are struggling as much as everyone else.”
“My advice comes from having a five year old and a seven year old – my biggest piece of advice is not to try to school them. I know that might seem counter-intuitive, but at the moment, your main port of call is looking after their mental health. They are so worried about situation and home is their safe place.”
“I would also say social media is a useful tool – there are some fantastic Facebook groups and resources that point parents in the right direction.”
Do you have any home schooling tips? Drop us a line at news@westleedsdispatch.com and we’ll publish the best.
Busy: Two Hookers and Clickers put in some stitches for charity. Photo: Joanne Brophy
A group of West Leeds knitters are keeping busy making things for charities while staying home during lockdown.
The Hookers and Clickers (do it for charity) group of female knitters usually meets regularly at Unit 11 in Kirkstall Bridge Shopping Park, but has been unable to do so because to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Joanne Brophy, from Bramley, asked for donations towards buying protective gear for NHS workers and also ran a raffle of wooly loveliness on the group’s Facebook page. They raised £500 in just 48 hours. Joanne said:
“We had a day where people could donate to the H & C PayPal account & the following day I did a raffle for a wool prize.”
Joanne said the normally sociable group is continuing to keep busy and knit to support charities and good causes, despite lockdown:
“At the moment we are making blankets for Operation Orphan and they will be distributed around 16 countries. We are also making small blankets, cardigans & mitts & putting together small care packages for trafficked girls who get dumped on the streets when pregnant. The babies are usually premature.
“We send our items to a hospital down south who have a dedicated team to care for for these girls. We are making for KipBag too. They make up bags for the homeless & distribute around UK cities.”
If anyone wants to help but don’t knit or crochet there is a Hookers and Clickers (do it for charity) PayPal account if they want to drop a pound or two in. It goes towards buying wool for the ladies and postage to the charities. PayPal address is – hookersandclickers@gmail.com.
Unit 11 in Kirkstall are also hoping to run online meetings for the group during lockdown.
(Please note: Main photograph taken 2018, before social distancing)
In the latest of our series looking back at Bramley’s rich rugby league past, PAUL ABRAHAM looks at the popular Peter Goodchild, one of the best “finishers” in the club’s long history.
Having represented Yorkshire while at Doncaster, Peter made his first Bramley appearance in the 17-5 home victory at home in the opening match of the 1970-71 season, Peter announced his arrival to McClaren Field with two well taken tries.
His other tries that season included his first hat-trick for the club in a 17-13 away victory against Dewsbury in the Rugby League Challenge Cup.
He also scored crucial tries in the home victories against Hunslet (23-5), Batley (27-24) and in the away matches at York (16-7) and Rochdale Hornets (16-4) and the draw at Dewsbury (15-15), he ended the season as the top try-scorer with 15 tries to his name.
The 1971-72 season saw Peter confirmed as the clubs right winger and again he finished at the top of the Bramley try-scoring list with 14 tries in 38 appearances.
The season saw him scoring two tries in the 27-11 home victory against Doncaster and against Pilkington Recs (19-5) in the first round of the Rugby League Challenge Cup.
Other notable tries were scored in the 18-12 home win against Halifax in the Yorkshire Cup and the 10-0 home win against Warrington.
A successful season for the club which saw them qualify for the following season’s first division resulted in Peter crossing for eight tries including a hat-trick in the 18-2 drubbing of Whitehaven at McClaren Field.
He also scored in the home victories versus Huddersfield (28-10) and Barrow (16-0). The season also brought Peter his 100th “start” when he faced Leeds (10-21) at Headingley on Good Friday evening.
Bramley’s most successful season in the clubs history makes the 1973-74 season very special for Bramley fans and Peter played a huge part in the team’s success that season as he appeared in 40 matches and scored 13 tries as Bramley won the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy, reached the semi-final of the John Player Trophy and retained their place in the first division for the following season.
Peter scored two crucial tries in the Floodlit Trophy, first in the 13-2 home win against Castleford and an obstruction try in the final at Widnes in the memorable 15-7 victory.
His try in the 41-20 home defeat of Leigh was Peter’s 50th for the “Villagers”.
After the highs of the previous season, both Bramley and Peter had a disappointing 1974-75 season.
Peter scored in successive matches against Leigh at home in the Floodlit Trophy (15-9) and then in the 5-17 defeat at Wigan. He finished the season by scoring a try in the last match of the season, an 8-23 defeat at Warrington.
The 1975-76 season resulted in Peter just starting 4 matches and made one substitute appearance while his only try came in the 10-12 defeat at Rochdale Hornets.
The arrival of Peter Fox as coach of Bramley in the 1976-77 season coincided with a revival in both the club’s and Peter’s fortunes. Peter’s first “start” of the season came in the stunning 18-13 home defeat of Hull with Peter getting on to the scoresheet.
This was the start of a 25 match run in the team for Peter as Bramley won 14 consecutive league games to storm to promotion to the first division.
Eleven tries came Peter’s way including two tries in the 22-5 home win versus Huddersfield and another two in the 18-12 victory at Swinton which would prove to be his final Bramley tries, he also scored in a vital 15-13 home win against Halifax.
The season in the first division was always going to be a struggle as Peter Fox had left to take over at Bradford Northern and take the side’s best players with him.
And so the 1977-78 season saw Peter finish his career with Bramley in the first division while his last match being on Boxing Day in a 5-16 home defeat to Bradford Northern.
Peter will be fondly remembered as one of the best “finishers” in the club’s long history.
I will get this out of the way first: this post is not a free advert for the best sandwich shop on Rodley Town Street and the owner is in no way paying me for it (although I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to one of those cheesecakes she has been doing!), writes Mark Stevenson & Philip Hardaker.
But the sandwich shop is where all this started. There is a picture in the shop showing how it looked over a hundred years ago.
Unlike Sutcliffe’s shop in Farsley, which has been family run since 1900, this shop has had various owners.
I wrote a post saying who ran the shop in 1911 on the Rodley Facebook page and it was then that Philip Hardaker got in touch with me.
All the info and pics that follow are from Philip. And seeing as I have just plugged two local businesses I will plug the website that Philip contributes to, www.gracesguide.co.uk. It is my go-to website for the industrial history of West Leeds or Leeds in general.
So the shop now is called Tastebuds and, as I said, it’s a sandwich shop but back in 1911 it was a greengrocer and confectioner run by Margaret Ann Hudson, along with her daughter Lily.
Housing plans. Photo: Philip Hardaker
Back in Victorian times it was not unknown for a street to have been built by different people and built in such a way as to best benefit the builders’ bank account.
Thomas Hudson, from Horsforth, bought the plot of land that the shop and numbers 1, 3 and 5 Nunthorpe Road are built on. Planning permission was given in 1892.
Rodley at the time must have been one big building site. Nothing much remains of the old Hamlet of Rodley once the canal had arrived.
It was all downhill from there – or up, depending on your point of view. So Thomas did not hang about and by 1893 his buildings were built.
It is thought the land and the construction of the shop, houses and barn (somewhere for the shopkeeper to park his horse and cart) came to a total cost of £1,000.
If you look at the old pic of the shop again you will see Thomas and Margaret, and it is thought that Lily is the girl on the left as you look at the pic.
Strangely Thomas spells his daughter name as ‘Lilie’ but the census has it spelt as Lily.
My thanks to Philip for all his help with this supplying the info and pics.
Key parks in Leeds such as Gott’s Park in Armley and Middleton Park are owned by Wade’s Charity and managed by Leeds City Council. Wade’s trustee TIM BARBER writes about their benefits to your mental health during the Corona Virus lockdown.
Doorway to fitness and wellbeing in Gotts Park. Photo: Wade’s Charity
It’s generally recognised that parks and open spaces have all sorts of benefits to people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The Government even stated in a recent Public Health Matters blog that “a good quality natural landscape in urban areas can affect how people feel. It reduces sadness, lifts the mood and makes us feel better”. With present nationwide lockdown due to Corona Virus – these green spaces are more important than ever.
The Government also recently stated that: “We know that people who live in cities and towns that have more green space have better mental health.”
At present all Leeds City parks are open for daily exercise – walking, cycling, dog walks and running, (although many of the facilities such as skateparks, bowling greens, outdoor gym equipment and playgrounds are closed).
With present restrictions in place meaning people can only get out of the house once a day for fresh air and exercise our parks are playing a huge role.
Many residents of Leeds are unaware of Wade’s Charity, the small grants we provide small charities and the wealth of parks and green spaces we own in the city.
Gotts Park Mansion
They are often surprised to find out that Wade’s Charity lands include Middleton Park, Gotts Park in Armley and Beckett Park in Headingley, which we own and lease to Leeds City Council at a peppercorn rent.
We also own many playing fields and recreation grounds in Leeds in areas such as Burmantofts, Rodley, Adel, Osmondthorpe, East Leeds, Cross Green and Hunslet, as well as communal open spaces such as the woodland at Gledhow.
With Health Commissioners having recognised the use of the natural environment to improve health and wellbeing – they are starting to refer to use of England’s parks, woodland and other green spaces as “THE NATURAL HEALTH SERVICE” in a more holistic approach to healthcare.
With Wade’s Charity owning so much green space within Leeds, used by thousands of people each day we like to think we are a major player as Leeds Natural Health Service.
Furthermore, recent evidence submitted to Public Health England on their Inquiry into Benefits of Public Parks starts to shed light on why green spaces actually improve mental health.
It clearly states “healthy places make people feel comfortable and at ease and reducing anti-social behaviour, isolation and stress” and that these green spaces “are restorative, uplifting and healing for both physical and mental conditions”.
During these unprecedented times, whether people use our green space for physical exercise, to get closer to nature, to relax, to walk their dog or ride a bike, take their kids for a stroll or just grab half an hours peace and quiet on their lunch hour – all these interactions have tangible benefits to people’s mental health.
The Rose Garden in Gotts Park. Photo: Friends of Armley and Gotts Park
Wade’s Charity do stress the importance of people using our parks responsibly during the Covid-19 outbreak, especially as more people than ever will be taking advantage of them for their fix of exercise.
Please give everybody enough space and give people a 2m gap if jogging or passing people whilst walking.
“Our natural environment during lock down plays a vital role in keeping individuals, families and communities healthy.”
It’s not just us who recognise the mental health benefits of green open space – the World Health Authority (WHO) also stated recently “Green spaces are important to mental health.
Having access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities, improve well-being, and aid in treatment of mental illness. Some analysis suggests that physical activity in a natural environment can help remedy mild depression and reduce physiological stress indicators”.
So next time you have a stroll in the park – stop for a moment and think of the benefits to you both physically and mentally, but also to all those other people enjoying the fresh air. Or if you’re feeling a bit low – why not take a walk in one of our green spaces and watch the world go by. You’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel.
Wade’s Charity is seen by the few that know as Leeds best kept secret but our lands are really coming into their own and making a real difference during this crisis.
To find out more about Wade’s Charity including our small grants scheme, our green open spaces and a history that dates back to 1530 (we’re Leeds’ oldest charity) – visit our website.
Patients in Leeds are being asked to stop over-ordering on their repeat prescriptions or ordering earlier than they normally would do.
The NHS in Leeds is also reminding people that they shouldn’t ask for an increased supply, and to continue to request repeat prescriptions at the normal frequency.
This would normally be no more than seven days before their medication is about to run out, unless they’ve been advised differently by their healthcare professional.
Dr Sarah Forbes, local GP and Associate Medical Director for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“Your GP will not be able to increase the quantity of medication you would normally get.
“By over ordering or stockpiling medicines that you don’t immediately need, you could be preventing other patients from accessing the medicines they need from their local GP practice and pharmacy.
“Help your NHS by being sensible when ordering repeat prescriptions and any other medications, support your local community and make sure that we get through this together.”
For the most up to date and accurate information about coronavirus, click here.
Refuse collectors are among the many unsung heroes right now, out and about every day putting themselves at risk to help keep Leeds households running as normal during lockdown.
Armley resident Sarah Pearson left this thoughtful message and a ‘bin rainbow’ on two of her bins to thank them for their hard work in dangerous times:
“To our bin collection teams – thank you x” with the photo of a rainbow accompanying it.
And Sarah was touched when she heard the crew shout in delight: “There’s another one!” when they saw it.
Sarah later tweeted she ‘had a little cry’ when she heard their response:
Just had a little cry over our refuse collection team’s response to my thank you notes. “There’s another one!”, I heard them shout in delight whilst loading my bin onto the truck for emptying @LeedsCC_News@LeedsCC_Help@WLDispatch 🖤💚🌈🙏 pic.twitter.com/UumMBD2tFS
Sarah’s tweet read: “Just had a little cry over our refuse collection team’s response to my thank you notes. “There’s another one!”, I heard them shout in delight whilst loading my bin onto the truck for emptying @LeedsCC_News@LeedsCC_Help.”
And her tweet went viral, with 140 likes and dozens of retweets.
It prompted the council-run Leeds Recycles account to thank Sarah for her message:
“We’re having a little cry at this tweet – thanks for putting this lovely note out!”
And Tweeter Nik Peasgood was so impressed she’s going to follow suit: “That is so lovely I’m going to do that!” she told Sarah.
Just goes to show, a little thought and appreciation makes such a difference to people’s lives in these challenging times.
Just as Bramley’s long rugby history up to 1999 is not littered with trophies won and cup finals contested the club has not often been in the forefront when representative honours are being distributed, writes Paul Abraham.
No player has yet represented Great Britain in a Test Match whilst on the Bramley books and only one player has won a place in an England side since the club joined the Northern Union (Rugby League) in 1896-97.
Curiously enough as a Rugby Union club Bramley had its share of players honoured at the highest levels and had it not followed its northern brethren into the paid ranks of the Rugby League Bramley may well have been one of today’s foremost Union clubs.
The club’s first celebrity and international was a forward as indeed have all the club’s internationals been.
This was Charley Mathers who had the distinction of being a member of the first International rugby touring team which went out to Australia and New Zealand in 1888.
The tour lasted a mere eight months! No Tests or International matches were played but Charley remains the only Bramley player to tour Australasia albeit as a Union player.
Mathers was also the first player from the club to represent Yorkshire at Union making his debut on February 14th, 1885 as the tykes defeated Cheshire at Wakefield by a goal and three tries to two tries.
Charley played six times for the county whilst with Bramley and a further seven in 1887-88 after joining the Leeds St. John’s club.
Two Bramley players represented England under Rugby Union Laws. The first was Harry Bradshaw, a sterling forward, described by a contemporary critic as “a thorough bulldog in determination, and a glutton for work”.
Bradshaw first played for England on March 5th, 1892 when a 5-0 victory was obtained over Scotland in Edinburgh. In all he received seven caps between 1892 and 1894 scoring tries against Ireland (1893) and Wales (1894).
He played in the solitary Rugby Union International to be played at Headingley when Scotland defeated England 8-0 on March 4th, 1893. In addition to his England caps Bradshaw won 28 for Yorkshire under Union auspices ( 1891-1895 ) in the days when Yorkshire were undisputed champion county.
The other Bramley man to attain England status was policeman W. (Bobby ) Whiteley, another forward who won his cap in 1895-96, Bramley’s last season as a Union club.
Whiteley was a member of the England side that overwhelmed Wales 25-0 at Blackheath on January 4th 1896.
Lou Marshall
Lou Marshall, who joined the Villagers from Leeds in February 1919 in exchange for winger Squire Stockwell ( later a Test player ), holds the unique distinction of winning an international RL cap whilst with Bramley.
Marshall played loose-forward for England when they were defeated 13-2 by Wales at Wigan on February 7th, 1923. Among his team-mates that day were “ immortals “ such as Harold Wagstaff, Jonty Parkin and Billy Batten.
“The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with The Football Association and other stakeholders, and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019/20 season.”
It’s unclear when football will be played again at The Citadel in Farsley. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
“Both our mens and ladies first teams had reached the semi-final stage of their respective competitions after excellent campaigns, with the men looking to win a third West Riding County Cup in four years.
“However, in light of current situation, and with everyone’s health the priority, the Cup Competitions Committee have brought an end to all West Riding competitions.”
Junior football ended for season
All junior and grassroots football at the club has been ended this season.
Head of Development Football Eray Altinoluk said:
“All our Farsley Celtic development teams are really gutted that the league has ended this way, as so many of our teams were enjoying successful seasons.
“Our U13s boys had already won their league before the season was suspended, whilst both our U11s and U12s girls were also so close to winning their respective leagues.
“But at this moment football is not the most important thing, and we respect the decision due to the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am hoping that this will be over soon, and when it is we will have a big celebration for all of our Farsley Celtic development teams, and we will make sure all our teams will have the enjoyment of lifting their trophies that they deserve.”
Women’s results expunged
The season has ended for Farsley Celtic Ladies. Photo: Simon Cullingworth
Farsley Celtic Ladies’ season is over after the FA ended the season and expunged all results.
With the Celts in a strong position for promotion to tier four, Manager Sam Jackson was disappointed, but also philosophical about the decision. He said:
“I am absolutely gutted, but I fully understand the decision that has been made by the FA. The wellbeing of all players and staff in football is the most important factor in all of this.
“Obviously it is hugely disappointing as we found ourselves in a very promising position in the table and had given ourselves a very good shot at getting promoted.
“We will all stick together and get ready for the start of the season again, stronger than ever.”
Pudsey Parish Church. Image courtesy Pudsey Parish Church
Volunteers at Pudsey Community Project have intercepted bread and hundreds of eggs – and are giving them away in return for a donation.
The project, which is supporting people in Pudsey who are struggling due to the coronavirus lockdown, will be distributing the food to those requesting food parcels today and tomorrow.
But volunteer organisers behind the project also want to distribute as many as they can to the people of Pudsey.
As a one off, if you want a loaf of sliced bread and a tray of 30 free range eggs, attend drop off sessions at Pudsey Parish Church either tonight 6-8pm or tomorrow (Wednesday) morning 10am-12noon and get some to take away in return for a donation to the project.
People are encouraged to bring a carrier bag.
Organisers are saying perople can use their contactless card machine to make a donation at the door and are requesting people observe physical distancing of two metres minimum.
The food has short best-before dates on them but the bread should be good for a few days or will freeze and the eggs should be good for a week or two.
Pudsey Community Project is also welcoming donations of non-perishable foods and essentials, but especially: flour, cereals, nappies, rice, pasta, tinned fruit and veg, beans, baby formula, long life fruit juices, women’s sanitary items, cheese, marge/spread.
