South Leeds Roundup: Brands, blades and ladies boxing

Here’s your regular roundup of what’s making South Leeds tick on other websites, blogs and across Facebook and Twitter.

We start this week down in Holbeck where we discover that HEA is the new name for Holbeck Elderly Aid who have gone through a bit of re-branding. Their strapline ‘Reaching out in the community’ better describe their work in fighting social isolation in the area. Make sure you download their newsletter to find out theatre and cinema clubs and trips to exotic places such as Oswaldtwistle.

Hilary Benn MP cuts the ribbon on HEA's new minibus back in October 2015
Hilary Benn MP cuts the ribbon on HEA’s new minibus back in October 2015

Work on building a new Silver Blades ice rink at Elland Road is finally to start next week according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. The rink is due to open this autumn.

We also picked up this story from the YEP. Big-hearted Beestonites donned onsies for a sponsored walk in Middleton Woods to raise funds for Val Duggan who has been struck down by breast cancer which has spread to her spine.

The South Leeds Academy is hosting an Aspirations Evening on Thursday (14 January). The event, for parents and carers, offers practical solutions and support on helping your children’s achievement.

Housing Leeds are organising a number of Estate Walkabouts. This is a chance to point out problems to staff and look at ways to improve your neighbourhood. On Thursday (14 January) there is a walkabout meeting at the Church of the Nazarene in Hunslet at 10am.

The Flood Advisory Service will be visiting Leeds according to the Inner South Community Committee report that . Their trailer will be outside Leeds Art Gallery next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (19-21 January) offering free, independent advice on mitigating flooding.

Thwaite Mills is an extraordinary working watermill at Stourton. It was hit by the recent flooding, but the good news from Leeds Museums and Galleries is that it will reopen on 23 January. Well done to everyone involved in the clean up.

Saturday 30 January at Middleton Baptist Church is the time and place if you want to get into one of the Leeds Dynamite cheerleading squads – it’s their mid season try outs.

New Year, new you? Have you thought about The Hunslet Club? They have a massive range of activities for adults and children. Ladies Boxing and Tiny Cheerdance are two new classes and the Fitness Challenge is back for more experienced athletes.

And finally, although Middleton Railway is now closed until Easter, the volunteers are hard at work during this period. They’ve posted photos of the restoration of a saloon coach.