Community
There are a number of community groups, committees and associations across south Leeds and the Holbeck area, all working hard to benefit the local community with anything from events to environmental improvements.
How you get involved is up to you, from simply attending events to taking a more active role in shaping the future of your local community.
Here’s a round up of some of the most active groups and how you can be part of it.
Holbeck Gala
Celebrating community spirit, local culture and tradition, Holbeck Gala has been running for more than 70 years.
The Holbeck Gala Committee is made up of local residents and volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to create the Holbeck summer gala and the Holbeck Christmas market, alongside a series of fundraising events from beetle drives to bingo.
For the past two years the gala has played host to the final of the ‘South Leeds’ Got Talent’ contest and brings unique acts from around the country to the area including Zulu dancers, steel bands, majorettes and traditional Punch & Judy shows. This event makes use of the large open moor and the St Matthew’s Community Centre at the heart of Holbeck.
The committee are always looking for volunteers and a helping hand, from raffle donations and event ideas to new committee members to help deliver their packed programme.
Holbeck in Bloom
Holbeck in Bloom, a committed bunch of community spirited and green fingered local people, are gearing up to enter the prestigious Yorkshire in Bloom competition in 2011, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Sites across Holbeck have been given a green face-lift in recent years with new planters along Old Elland Road, clearance of plots at Shafton Lane Allotments opening up more gardening opportunities, hanging baskets at St Matthew’s Community Centre and an exciting new project planned for the motorway subway.
A ‘blooming’ route is planned that will take in Sweet Street, new meadow sites at Brown Lane East as part of the Green Corridor project, Shafton Lane Allotments and St Matthew’s Community Centre. Holbeck in Bloom is looking for new volunteers to help to get their hands dirty, giving the area the best possible chance of success in the competition, before the judges walk the trail.
To find out how to get involved, please contact Angela Gabriel on 0794 663 2468 or e-mail angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk
Shafton Lane Allotments
With more almost 40 plots, Shafton Lane Allotments have been providing the residents of Holbeck with fresh and healthy food for more than 30 years. The allotments were home to prize winning tenants in their hey day and even won a string of collective prizes in city-wide competitions for the best kept allotments.
A dedicated community of gardeners are still braving the elements to tend their patch, and recent work undertaken by environmental charity Groundwork has seen new facilities including water butts and a community allotment take shape.
South Leeds Area Management Committee also recently funded a programme of site clearance, opening up new plots for local residents as the ‘grow-your-own’ ethos enjoys a revival across the country. Plots start from just £13 per year depending on the size of plot and your circumstances and are easy to rent via Leeds City Council’s Parks & Countryside team.
To take a plot of your own or to find out more about Shafton Lane Allotments contact Tom Peacock at: tom.peacock@leeds.gov.uk
Residents’ Associations
Holbeck is home to thousands of residents living in a diverse mix of housing from family homes, back to back housing and bungalows to apartments and penthouses. Across the area a number of residents’ associations are in operation ensuring a brighter, safer neighbourhood through liaison with police teams and local councillors.
Residents’ associations currently operating in the area include:
Round Foundry Residents’ Association – Steve Brumby chairman@rfra.org.uk
Gaitskells Community Association – Diane Dobson ddobson@NSPCC.org.uk
Voice of Holbeck – Ian Pickup ian.pickup@yahoo.co.uk
Cross Ingram Area Residents’ Association – stpeacock@btinternet.com
