Light on Leeds: Recent Episodes

Hazel

This is a podcast about all of the fantastic things happening in Leeds and the amazing people who are making them happen. We've got social activists, writers, BAFTA winners, artists, gallery owners, playwrights, stand-up comedians, authors, raconteurs, bands, fiddle players, charities - and you don't have to live in Leeds to enjoy it...

Rob Galloway has been the lead singer of punk rock and roll band The Yalla Yallas for 16 years. He tells me all about the Leeds music scene and how it has changed over the years, how the band got together, their upcoming new album (their seventh!) and much more.

Rob played Sid the Snake in the Shane Meadow's production The Gallow's Pole which you can see on iPlayer. It's a great series with some amazing actors and I would thoroughly recommend.

Rob chose to feaure the cracking tune that is "Into The Future" by The Yalla Yallas - I'm pretty sure you're going to love it.

https://www.theyallayallas.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NWdnJrZskPzrkzq4vzlSd

https://www.instagram.com/theyallayallas/

https://www.facebook.com/theyallayallasleeds

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14676562/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001mg3k/the-gallows-pole

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Tian Liu has been selected as a member of the Youth Parliament Leeds. She advocates for youth voice, climate action and making mental health support accessible. She taslks with representatives from the UK governemnt, youth groups and has met with King Charles.

Tian has a passion for social mobility, justice and activism. She aims to understand difficulties within her own community and to provide solutions.

11th October, 2023 was International Day of the Girl and to coincide with that, WOW (Women of the World) launched a brand new festival especially for girls, based on recent research into girls' wellbeing.

The WOW Foundation released its 2023 WOW Young Leaders Directory profiling girls and non-binary young people from across the globe, who are demonstrating extraordinary leadership in activism and leading campaigns for change.

Tian Liu is one of the young leaders that has been chosen.

The featured track on this episode is "Northern Flame" by the fantastic Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat, from her debut album also entitled "Northern Flame" which you can buy on Bandcamp (links below). The band will next be playing at the Howard Assembly Rooms on Sunday, 26th November.

https://thewowfoundation.com/

https://twitter.com/WOWisGlobal

https://www.instagram.com/wowglobal/

https://www.instagram.com/wowglobal/

https://www.facebook.com/emmajohnsonmusic

https://twitter.com/emmajohnsonsax

https://www.instagram.com/emmajohnsonmusic/

http://www.emmajohnsonsgravyboat.bandcamp.com/

https://www.songkick.com/concerts/41289830-jasmine-myra-at-howard-assembly-room?utm_source=11593&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=ticket-link&utm_content=10159986

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

I had a wonderful time chatting to Spike and Fran who are both members of Leeds Arts Cenrtre. Spike and Fran tell me about their upcoming play ROPE, a play by Patrick Hamilton that was further immortalised by the Alfred Hitchock film.

ROPE is Spike's directorial debut and he tells me all about what the experience has been like. Fran only moved to Leeds in April and she tells me more about the community aspect of being a LAC member and the character she is peforming as, Leila Arden.

Fran chose to feature the really beautiful song "Princess Nokofia" by her good friend Alex Rushfirth.

ROPE is on at The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds from 8th to the 11th November. Tickets for Friday and Saturday night have now sold out.

The amazing ROPE poster was designed and created by Mitchell Perry (link to his IG below).

https://www.leedsartscentre.org.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/@LeedsArtsCentre-fn9fk

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsArtsCentreLAC

https://soundcloud.com/alexrushfirth

https://www.instagram.com/alexrushfirth/?hl=en

https://alexrushfirth.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/alexrushfirth

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mQvMxB2F3nLezmhFwCxNu

https://www.instagram.com/perrysketches/?hl=en-gb

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Martin Gaughan is a contemporary classical music composer, currently living in North Devon.

He tells me what led him to becoming a composer, the inspirational people who helped him on his way and about some of his creative processes.

Martin chose to feature his beautiful track "Echoes" which is part of a larger piece called "Pale Goddess".

Do check out his work on Soundcloud (links below).

https://www.martingaughan.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/martin_gaughan/?hl=en-gb

https://soundcloud.com/martingaughan

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Hannah Broadbent told me all about Feel Good Film Experience, which as she explains, the title of the project sums up it's aims.

Hannah explains to me how she got started, her love of film and what you can expect form one of her events.

Hannah is collaboratong with Come On In and is showing a film called "Ginger Snaps" as part of the Scalarama Leeds DIY Festival taking place at various locations across the city throughout the month of September.

Please do check out the links below.

Hannah chose to feature Happy Back by DUCK - links to them also below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scalarama-leeds-2023-ginger-snaps-freedom4girls-workshop-tickets-702206567747

https://www.jumborecords.co.uk/tickets-single.asp?event_id=30821

https://issuu.com/scalarama_leeds/docs/scalarama_leeds_diy_film_festival_2023_programme

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lily-topples-the-world-domino-toppling-workshop-tickets-681028012117

https://www.facebook.com/FeelGoodFilmClubExperience/

https://www.facebook.com/scalaramaleeds

https://twitter.com/comeoninevents

https://duck5.bandcamp.com/track/happy-back

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Lisa Thiel has been an Egghead since 2014. She was a fantastic guest and told me all about how she got started in TV quizzing, what it's like behind the scenes, the move form BBC to Channel 5, Jeremy Vine on a unicyle and much, much more.

The featured track is "Blowing Kisses" by the up and coming and very talented Leeds band, Lucky Iris. I predict big things for them.

https://twitter.com/LisaThiel1980

https://twitter.com/eggheadsTV

https://luckyirisband.bandcamp.com/track/blowing-kisses

https://www.instagram.com/luckyirisband/

https://www.facebook.com/luckyirisband/

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

I had a grand old time chatting to Vic Bingham about standup comedy, coming from a funny family, how she got involved and where you can see her perform.

The featured track is the stunnng "I don't Want To Live Without You" by Lorenzo Gabanizza & Jeff Christie.

https://www.https://www.laughatleeds.com/instagram.com/vixbingham/?hl=en-gb

https://www.laughatleeds.com/

https://www.jeffchristie.com/

https://open.spotify.com/track/0hS0ozULcnlyn0huGdYF1B

https://www.facebook.com/JeffChristieMusic/?locale=en_GB

https://www.lorenzogabanizza.it/

https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.gabanizza/?hl=en-gb

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Lucy & Mathew joined me to tell me all about Foodcycle, to tell me how they got involved, how you can get involved and about all of the good work thet are doing across Leeds and the 66 projects they have running across the UK.

"We are FoodCycle, and our vision is to make food poverty, loneliness and food waste a thing of the past for every community.

We connect communities, reducing loneliness and food poverty – working with thousands of volunteers and surplus food to help everyone who needs us. By creating welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life to meet, eat and have conversations, and by offering a weekly telephone Check-in and Chat, we are supporting people’s health and mental wellbeing.

By cooking with surplus ingredients, we promote healthy, sustainable attitudes towards food and its impact on the environment, and help people to learn more about healthy food.

We aim to inspire greater change by sharing the impact of our community dining spaces and the voices of our guests to encourage more people to join and support FoodCycle, so we can help more people and more communities."

https://www.instagram.com/foodcyclehq/

https://twitter.com/foodcycle

https://www.facebook.com/foodcycle

https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodcycle/
Harehills:

St Aidan's Church, Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 5QD

When

Thursday

Time

6:30 pm
Contact

leeds@foodcycle.org.uk

Hamara HLC, Tempest Street, Leeds, LS11 6RD:

When

Wednesday

Time

6:30 pm

Contact

beeston@foodcycle.org.uk

Chapel FM Arts Centre, York Road, Leeds, LS14 6JB:

When

Tuesday

Time

6:30pm

Contact

seacroft@foodcycle.org.uk

Do also check out local band Champ Kind:

https://champkindband.bandcamp.com/album/mojo

"Champ Kind's fresh exciting sound is composed by a band of well known faces on the Leeds music scene. Champ Kind combine inspirations from Indie, Soul, Funk and Rock to create a familiar , yet uniquely refreshing and addictive modern pop sound."

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

I had a great time chatting to Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and CEO of Leeds 2023 - the city's international year of culture.

"For one whole year, we’re Letting Culture Loose.

In partnership with world-class creatives, homegrown talent, local communities and international arts organisations, together we’re creating a celebration that's about Leeds, for Leeds, by Leeds.

LEEDS 2023 is an explosive, bold and imaginative Year of Culture packed with creativity. We’re showing off Leeds to the world, putting the city front and centre in the nation’s mind as an exciting and vibrant cultural hotspot. From dance to design, poetry to pop and sculpture to sport, Leeds has something for everyone."

Kully chose to feature the track "Tomorrow" by Ntantu which opened The Awakening in January.

https://leeds2023.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/2023Leeds/?locale=en_GB

https://www.instagram.com/leeds2023/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/LEEDS_2023

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ijqECUdixtCFSyNw4FQJq

https://www.instagram.com/ntantunow/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ntantunow

https://soundcloud.com/Ntantu

https://www.facebook.com/ntantunow

https://www.ntantu.com/

https://twitter.com/NtantuNow

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Ann Lightman told me about some of the fascinating history of Leeds and it's colourful characters - she relates this history as part of her Lawnswood Cemetery Walks.

Spring 2023 walks at Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds LS16 6AH:
Ann Lightman is offering the following walks, all at 2.00 p.m. on Sundays and no charge made! Expect each to last about two hours –tailored to suit group or individual needs. The meeting point varies according to the walk.

To book any (or all) of these free tours, please contact Ann on c.lightman@sky.com or 0113 216 0630.

Ann also does walks “Arts in Leeds” & “Links to Leeds University” in addition to those above and talks “Behind the Chapels” and “Women of Lawnswood” for private groups – please contact her to discuss your requirements.

April 16: NEW this year: “Early years of the Leeds Museum”. Meeting point – in front of the chapels. The walk covers the memorials, in the Victorian and the 1910 extension, of eminent people who were either curators or Presidents of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, owners of the museum in early years. Some interesting and different monuments visited. Reserve date: 7 May

May 21: (Introduced last year) “Innovation and Trailblazers” Meeting Point: Friends Noticeboard just inside the main entrance. The walk takes us up to the Columbarium, the Victorian cemetery and the 1910 extension. A varied walk! Reserve date: 28 May

Ann chose to feature the beautiful song "Carrickfergus" by the Leeds Male Voice Choir - thanks so much to Rob Butler for sending the track.

https://friendsoflawnswoodcemetery.org.uk/event/introduction-to-lawnswood-cemetery/

https://leedsmalevoicechoir.co.uk/

https://soundcloud.com/leeds-male-voice-choir/carrickfergus?in=leeds-male-voice-choir/sets/front-page

https://www.instagram.com/leedsmalevoicechoir/

https://www.facebook.com/leedsmalevoicechoir/

https://twitter.com/LeedsMaleVoices

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed chatting with Elizabeth! I learned so much!

Elizabeth is the Lead Coordinator of Leeds Festival of Gothica. She tells me all about 1980s Leeds being at the forefront of the alternative and goth scene.

I also learn about the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the great work they do; about the Batwings mural in Kirkgate Market and about the Leeds Alternative Market.

There's an archive on the Leodis website where anyone can upload photos of flyers or nights out in Leeds that represent the city's alternative scene. Link below.

Elizabeth chose to feature the track "Snake Dance" by The March Violets.

The next Alternative Market takes place at Kirkgate Market on Saturday, 1st July, 2023.

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsFestivalofGothica/

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/leeds-alternative-market-12-of-the-best-pictures-from-kirkgate-market-as-gothic-traders-return-4070583

https://www.instagram.com/leedsfestivalofgothica/?hl=en

https://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsMarkets/?locale=en_GB

https://www.advintageous.co.uk/

https://www.leodis.net/SearchResults/YWx0ZXJuYXRpdmU/?page=1

https://www.facebook.com/TheMarchViolets/?locale=en_GB

https://marchviolets.bandcamp.com/album/made-glorious-2

https://www.instagram.com/leedsmarket/?hl=en

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

It was so interesting chatting to Hannah Gehrke, a talented tattoo artist at Red Tattoo & Piercing in the Corn Exchange.

She tells me what led her to being a tattoo artist, her apprenticeship, developing her own style, how she ended up in Leeds and much, much more!

The featured song on this episode is "Birds Are Falling Out Of The Sky" by West Yorkshire band, Bloodhound. It's a really beautiful song and there are links below if you'd like to hear more of their music.

https://www.instagram.com/gerktattoos/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/redtattooleeds/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/redtattooleeds/

http://www.facebook.com/bloodhoundhull

http://www.instagram.com/bloodhoundhull

http://www.musicglue.com/bloodhound

https://linktr.ee/bloodhoundhull

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

Enya Lucas is the director of the Leeds Arts Centre production of the play "Scarborough" which is on at The Carriageworks Theatre from Wednesday 8th March until Saturday 11th March, 2023.

We had a great chat and Enya tells me about being involved with Leeds Arts Centre, all about the play written by Fiona Evans, the role and challenges of being a director and what she loves about being living in Leeds.

Enya chose to feature the beautiful track "Girl On A Hill" by Duncan Evans.

The design of the "Scarborough" poster is by Mitch Perry (link to his IG account below).

"Scarborough

Wed 8 - Sat 11 Mar, Various Times

Running Times: Approx 2 hrs (inc interval)

Age Guidance: 16+

Scarborough is the emotional and uncompromising exposure of abusive relationships. Illustrated through two stories between students and their teachers. It is a stark portrayal of coercion, corruption and control forcing audiences to examine their own attitudes and subconscious bias towards gender, power and the very nature of our relationships.

Due to the sensitive topic of child sexual abuse, Leeds Arts Centre recommends Scarborough for audiences of 16+ years only.

Leeds Arts Centre will be asking for donations to the charity SARSVL

This production is produced by Leeds Arts Centre, a Community Arts Group."

https://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/scarborough/

https://www.leedsartscentre.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/leedsartscentre/

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsArtsCentreLAC

https://twitter.com/leedsartscentre

https://duncan-evans.bandcamp.com/

https://www.duncanevans-music.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/duncanevansmusic

https://www.facebook.com/duncanevansmusic

https://twitter.com/devansmusic

http://www.sevenleeds.co.uk/event/miranda-arieh-duncan-evans-and-the-weeping-starlight/

https://www.instagram.com/perrysketches/?hl=en-gb

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

"Leeds Community Foundation distributes vital grants and gives trusted advice to Community Organisations across Leeds and Bradford to influence positive change. We are driven by creating meaningful social impact for thousands of local people every year.

As the region’s largest independent funder, Leeds Community Foundation is the only organisation of its kind in Leeds and Bradford, working with hundreds of Community Organisations each year. The Foundation generates philanthropic giving and leverages statutory funding to deliver grants that address specific challenges. This opens up vulnerable and often marginalised communities to a wealth of opportunities including skills, education, health, culture and employment.

Our work goes beyond funding alone as it also provides resources that Community Organisations would otherwise struggle to access. As an organisation focused on creating a fair and inclusive society, Leeds Community Foundation works alongside the Community Organisations we fund to address inequalities and create opportunities.

Leeds Community Foundation prides itself on building strong, trusted relationships across Leeds and Bradford with local Community Organisations, incredible supporters and regional leaders. This collaboration means the right investment is made available now, while building a brighter future for all."

I had a fantastic chat with Maria Spadafora, Senior Programmes Officer from Leeds Community Foundation. We talked about some of the great projects they have helped, the difficulties community organisations who the foundation helps are facing and ghost buses!

Maria was a brilliant guest and she chose to feature the track "Stargazers Know This Stuff" by Galitza and dedicated to Stevie Adams.

https://www.leedscf.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/Leedscf/

https://twitter.com/LeedsCommFound

https://www.instagram.com/leedscommfound/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-community-foundation/

https://www.last.fm/music/Galitza

http://wrathrecords.co.uk/agalitza.htm

I make no money from this podcast and all I ask is that you enjoy it, tell your friends and if you could leave me a review I would be most grateful.

If you know of someone you think would make a great guest, do get in touch - hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.

Do send an mp3 or a wav if you would like your track featuring on an episode.

I had such a great chat with Kenneth Barker of WOTR Movies, a film company that has been going since 1998.

Kenneth is a producer, writer, director and film maker and he tells me all about how he got started, how he works, where his inspiration for his films come from and much more.

Kenneth chose to feature the track "Count Creepy Head" by the fabulous band Johnny Cosmic and the Night Terrors - You may remember Johnny from the Leeds Tarot episode - if not go and have a listen he's a fascinating guest.

Probably don't listen to the featured track if accompanied by young children

Go and check out WOTR films - links below.

https://www.wotr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/manoffilm/?hl=en

https://mobile.twitter.com/kennethbarker1

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gaVx5IoF0aGM4bfhz2pUI

https://www.instagram.com/the.nightterrors/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086103302008

I had a grand old chat with Dave, Daniel and Tony of SAS - Specialist Autism Services.

"Specialist Autism Services has worked exclusively for and with adults (18+) on the autism spectrum and their families since 1999. We are a non-profit organisation that works with the charity Sacar to provide autism specific services across the Yorkshire region.

We provide a range of services including group social skills workshops (through an autism-specific learning programme), information and guidance, autism-specific counselling, employment support, autism awareness training and community outreach support. Under the name Autism First we also provide bespoke support for adults with autism and additional needs."

Tel: 0113 2 775 656

info.leeds@specialistautismservices.org
Great Northern House, Junction 7 Business Park, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 3DQ

The featured track is "Chainsaws" by brilliant Leeds band Perspex who describe themselves as "lurking somewhere between Nancy Sinatra & Dr Feelgood". I love the song and can't stop playing it - enjoy!

https://www.specialistautismservices.org/

https://www.facebook.com/SASautism/

https://twitter.com/SASautism

https://perspex3000.bandcamp.com/track/chainsaws

https://www.instagram.com/perspex3000/

Sorry for the delay in getting podcasts out to you all! Normal service has now resumed...

In many ways this episode is a reboot as I last spoke to Yusef back in May 2020 about Art by Arjo.

He joins me on this episode to give me an update since our Lives inLockdown and slo to tell me about Sketch Club Leeds. These are monthly events of skecthing amazing architecture across Leeds. You get access to locations you normally wouldn't too!

I was sent the featured track by Tony Peek - it's called "Broken Dreams" - it's a great track, the lyrics are incredibly prescient and just a heads up - there's a small amount of swearing at the end of the track.

https://www.sketchclubleeds.com/

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sketchclubleeds/

https://www.facebook.com/ArtByArjo

https://www.instagram.com/artbyarjo/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/tonybpeekmusic/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm8vw3LwrWw

https://www.youtube.com/c/antonypeek

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tonybpeek/broken-nation-acoustic

"Leeds Coppice Workers is a workers co-operative commited to restoring and managing neglected and underused woodlands in the Leeds area.

We aim to create jobs in Leeds woodlands for our members and to promote the use of locally sourced woodland products within the Leeds area. We also aim to reintegrate local people to their woodlands, show how woodland can be managed in sustainable and ecologically sound ways and to train and share skills in woodland related activities."

I had a great chat with Joshua about Leeds Coppice Workers, the history of coppicing, how he got involved and how you can.

The featured track is the enchanting "Schiehallion" by Iona Lane.

https://leedscoppiceworkers.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/leedscoppiceworkers/

https://twitter.com/LeedsCoppice

https://ionalane.bandcamp.com/album/hallival

https://twitter.com/IonaLaneMusic

https://www.instagram.com/ionalanemusic/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/ionalanemusic

Catherine Warr was a brilliant guest who is extremely knowledgeable about history - especially Yorkshire History!

She has a very popular YouTube channel "Yorkshire's Hidden History" and she has written a book "A Yorkshire Year" which will be published soon.

Catherine tells me about what inspires her, her up and coming episode on Louis LePrince and what her TV programme would be about it.

The featured track on this episode is the absolutely beautiful "Lammas Fair" by Henry Parker

https://www.youtube.com/c/YorkshiresHiddenHistory

https://twitter.com/HiddenYorkshire/status/1384155701014978561

https://henryparker.bandcamp.com/

https://henryparkermusic.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/henryparkermusic/

https://twitter.com/HenryParkerBfd

https://www.instagram.com/henryparkerbfd/

https://www.patreon.com/henryparker

Leeds Hunters RUFC is an inclusive rugby club formed in 2016. It has a rapidly growing membersip that is broad and diverse. They have recently developed their O2 Touch Team that aims to provide rugby access to all, including women of all sexualities and the trans community.

Chris Woods and Daniel Nerini are both Membership Officers of the club and were great guests who told me about the formulation of the club, the numerous awards they have won, appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4, being part of Leeds Pride 2022 and much, much more.

The featured track on this episode is sooo funky - "Send the Rain" by United Disco Organisation. Check out their social media outlined below.

https://www.leedshuntersrugby.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheLeedsHunters/

https://www.instagram.com/leedshuntersrugby/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leeds-hunters/

https://uniteddiscoorganisation.bandcamp.com/album/send-the-rain-funky-thing

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/united-disco-organisation---send-the-rain-[12%22-vinyl]/4610469745675308

https://www.discogs.com/artist/10497553-United-Disco-Organisation

"Leeds Dads is a voluntary organisation that brings together a diverse community of fathers for social interaction and support."

I had such fun chatting to Errol Murray, the founder of Leeds Dads. He explains how and why he got started, the challenges he has faced and the successes.

We talk about Forest School, Saturday Styling Sessions, Sunday Walks and Dad Talks.

If you'd like to get involved do email info@leedsdads.org

Errol chose to feature the very apt and beautiful track "Fatherhood" by Tommy Evans.

https://leedsdads.org/

https://www.facebook.com/leedsdads

https://twitter.com/leedsdads

https://www.instagram.com/leedsdads/

https://www.youtube.com/c/leedsdads

https://www.linkedin.com/company/leedsdads/

https://www.instagram.com/tommyevansofficial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tommyevansofficial

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD3XbBEwPufhVaKaQJ2_pfg

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CcYOJCtBvHYTZH3MxnKVI

What a great conversation I had with Johnny Cosmic! We talked art, offence, inspiration, frustrations with the city loop system - it was wild!

Leeds Tarot is "a commmunity focused art project aiming to unify both established and aspiring artists together therough the intriguing imagery of tarot. 78 crads by 78 different artists."

The Leeds Tarot Deck is the first of its kind and was inspired by a deck Johnny's Dad owned (Dad worked at Waddington's that produced tarot decks).

It's a fascinating conversation - do check out the lonks below to get your hands on your own deck.

Johnny chose to feature "The Triangle" by Leeds band Blue Jinns and it is a raucous tune indeed!

https://www.instagram.com/leeds_tarot/

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1215572845/the-leeds-tarot-card-deck

https://www.facebook.com/bluejinns/

https://bluejinns.bandcamp.com/music

https://coloursmayvary.com/

https://www.thepinkroomleeds.co.uk/

https://www.globalcrystals.com/

https://northernguitars.co.uk/

I had a fantastic rambling chat with Mat Cooper who is a BAFTA nominated script writer for hire, a script consultant and script doctor.

He has written for Eastenders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs. Mat was the first ever winner of the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge and the the winner of the Oscar Moore Screenwriting award.

Mat works with producers, directors, production companies, brands, broadcasters and content creators across the globe.

He has directed and produced two films "Markham" (2010) and "At The Mountains" (2021) and the third film in the trilogy is due out this year.

Mat chose to feature the track "Pick Yourself Up" by Audio Republic which is a bit of a banger!

http://www.matcoop.co.uk/matthew-cooper-director/

https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewCooperukscriptwriterforhire

https://warehousetransmedia.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/matcoop23/

https://twitter.com/Matcooper

https://soundcloud.com/audio-republic

Sue Jennings is the Director of Left Bank Leeds. We first had a brilliant chat back in April but unfortunately, technology failed us. Sue very kindly agreed to rerecord our conversation and I am very glad that she did.

"Left Bank Leeds is a progessive space for creativity, culture and community, set inside a beautiful Grade 2 listed former church building."

Sue chose to feature the track "Coffee Shop" by Lucky Iris - it's a fantastic song.

https://www.leftbankleeds.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/leftbankleeds/

https://www.instagram.com/leftbankleeds/

https://twitter.com/leftbankleeds?lang=en

https://www.musicleeds.com/supported-artists-2020/2020/12/15/lucky-iris

https://www.instagram.com/luckyirisband/

https://touch.facebook.com/luckyirisband/

https://luckyirisband.bandcamp.com/track/coffee-shop

https://twitter.com/luckyirisband

I had such an interesting conversation with Rob Wilson, founder of Angels of Freedom.

"Bringing a caring LGBT+ scene to a compassionate city

The Angels of Freedom is a community based initiative organised by volunteers and supported by Leeds City Council, British Transport Police and West Yorkshire Police.

Our aim is to provide visible support for the LGBT+ community based in the Freedom Quarter area of the city every Friday evening. Our volunteers provide conversations on support & social groups, activities and events in Leeds, along with just being a friendly approachable face on the bar scene for anyone wanting a chat."

The featured track on this episode is aptly named and is about the city, "Leeds" by Moses Rubin. Moses has produced an EP entirely devoted to Leeds.

https://www.angelsoffreedom.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/leedscc_lgbt/

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsLGBTAngels

https://twitter.com/LeedsLGBTAngels

http://www.mosesrubinmusic.com/

http://www.mosesrubin.bandcamp.com/

https://mosesrubin.bandcamp.com/track/leeds

https://www.facebook.com/mosesrubinmusic

https://www.instagram.com/moses_rubin/

https://twitter.com/moses_rubin

This was such an interesting interview with Bryn Mostyn (Team Leader at Leeds Community Gambling Servcie).

We discuss the impact of gambling not only on your finances but also on your time; what he and his team are doing to reduce the stigma of seeking help with gambling and how all of this affects family and friends.

The featured track on this episode is "Glimmer" by Leeds band Precept - it's a really soothing and beautiful track. Should you wish to own a copy there is a link to their Band Camp page below.

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/find-local-treatment/leeds/

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/outreach-and-training/leeds/

https://twitter.com/LeedsCGS/

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsCGS

https://preceptmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/preceptuk

https://twitter.com/PreceptMusic

https://soundcloud.com/preceptuk

https://www.instagram.com/preceptmusic/

Steven Burt has written a fantastic book "The Remarkable History of Hunslet" which covers the history of this area from 11th century to the present day.

More people were living within the bounds of Hunslet by 1850 than in Wakefield or Dewsbury. Many visitors, from the Seneca Indians of North America to the future Tsar of Russia, came to see the marvellous machines of Hunslet in action.

The book provides an insight into this exciting period of radical change and highlights the role played by those who risked all to make it a better place to live.

The book, priced £20, can be purchased from:

Leeds Civic Trust, 17-19 Wharf Street, The Calls
The Leeds Library, 18 Commercial Street
Stephenson’s Wallpapers, 333 Hunslet Road
Online purchase available via www.leedscivictrust.org.uk

The featured song is the wonderful track "Stars" very kindly sent to me by Mik Artistik's Ego Trip and his team.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MikArtistiksEgoTrip

https://www.facebook.com/mikartistiksegotrip/

https://twitter.com/mikartistik/

https://www.instagram.com/mikartistik/?hl=en

https://mikartistiksegotrip1.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ_loupqeCs

https://www.youtube.com/c/LeedsCivicTrust

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/hunslet-the-story-of-leedss-most-famous-industrial-suburb-3683036

https://m.facebook.com/leedscivictrust/

Lucy Ndlovu is the Communications Director at Leeds African Communities Trust. We had a great chat about how and why the trust was formed, how they are looking for more communities to join them, their food hub at Little London Community Centre and much more:

"The Leeds African Communities Trust promotes the wellbeing of people of African descent throughout Leeds, by advancing education, relieving poverty and improving their welfare, through community based activities in partnership with its associated African community groups, Leeds City Council and other public and private sector bodies."

(Their website is in development and I will add a link here when it's live)

https://twitter.com/leedsafrican

http://caringtogether.org.uk/leeds-african-communities-trust-hub/

https://hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk/season/cinema-africa

https://www.facebook.com/leedssfricans

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQy6ot8LP6io-qTtkNxMbA

Lucy wished to feature an Afrobeats track and I follow the wonderful TC & The Family Groove on Bandcamp who kindly agreed to let me feature their fantastic track, "Let's Start"

"Inspired by the afrobeat pioneered by Tony Allen and Fela Kuti, Let's Start is about moving forward as a stronger, unified society for all those who seek justice and peace; standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement."

You can see the band live for their album launch at Brudenell Social Club on 1st June, 2022:

http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/whats-on/tc-groove-family-album-launch/

https://tcandthegroovefamily.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/47DpSgD00hWJA970gp7nlZ

https://twitter.com/groovetc?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/TCandtheGrooveFamily/

https://www.instagram.com/tcandthegroovefamily/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0lp4zhdabAyrduIwiebdBg

https://tcandthegroovefamily.bandcamp.com/album/lets-start

It was really lovely to chat to artist Pamela Crowe about 23 Press, art, community walks and poetry.

"23 Press is a Small Press, a new inclusive publishing platform co-created within the community of Headingley & Hyde Park, LS6. #23PRESS is part of My World My City My Neighbourhood and Leeds 2023 Year of Culture.

23 Press would like to explore how we use words and our voices to define and occupy a personal and shared space in the world. To challenge perceptions of culture and who defines it.

At the heart of the project will be a series of call outs inviting community members and collaborating organisations to participate. We’ll work together to co-create a vision for the #23PRESS and explore how to produce and publish new work.

This is a co-creation project, rising and taking shape from the people who participate. The #23PRESS is working with three co-creating partners, the Cardigan Centre, the School of Languages, Cultures & Societies at the University of Leeds and All Hallows’ Church / Rainbow Junktion PAYF Cafe in LS6. The project is facilitated by artist Pamela Crowe."

Pamela chose to feature the track "Never Good with Horses" by LYR. LYR are comprised of author and current British poet laureate Simon Armitage, musician Richard Walters and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Pearson.

https://23press.org/

https://www.instagram.com/crowe_pamela/?hl=en

https://mobile.twitter.com/pamela__crowe

http://www.leeds23.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/23_press/

https://www.lyrband.com/

It was really great to chat to author Miranda Keeling about her new book "The Year I Stopped to Notice".

We talk about her inspiration for the book, her Twitter friends and the art her book inspired in them, her work in theatre and on radio and much more.

The featured track on this episode is "The Snow" by a brilliant band originating south of Leeds, Astoria. Astoria describe themselves as "bringing together the music of their individual record collections to create a sound with its roots set in Ambience, Soul and Rock."

https://www.mirandakeeling.com/

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-year-i-stopped-to-notice/miranda-keeling/9781785787966

https://twitter.com/MirandaKeeling?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://open.spotify.com/artist/39aIlhN6QwqFiPjc4QkmfB

https://twitter.com/astorialeeds

https://www.instagram.com/astoria.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/astorialeeds

https://linktr.ee/astoriaband

I had a grand old chat with Chris Bailie, Director of Swarthmore Education Centre.

We talked about how Chris got into working in adult education, Sawrthmore being founded by members of the Quaker movement in 1909, the Grade II listed building it's housed in and much more.

Chris chose to feature the brilliant track "Rail Road Blues" by Brendan Croker and the 5 O'Clock Shadows. Brendan has a quote from Mark Knopfler his website:

"… his marvellous voice; sometimes a howling Blues shout and other times a husky, gentle roll your own …
Don’t be deceived by the determinedly uncomplicated Croker … he's got deep roots…"- Mark Knopfler

https://www.swarthmore.org.uk/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/swarthmoreleeds/_created/
https://twitter.com/SwarthmoreLeeds
https://twitter.com/SwarthmoreLeeds
https://www.facebook.com/swarthmoreleeds

http://www.brendancroker.com/

I enjoyed chatting to Annabel Harrison (writer and director) and Hester Cox (assistant director) about their upcoming play "Zip It".

" How many voices must be taken before we are heard? Join the studio audience of this dystopian and comedic gameshow and follow the friendship of two young women and their experience of womanhood, sexual harassment and domestic violence. Created with an all-female cast and creative team, comprised of members of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. Follow the journey of a woman, brave, broken and not alone. A moving insight into the reality for many women."

"We are working in collaboration with Women’s Solace Aid, who are offering a ‘Safety in Society’ workshop for anyone that is affected by the messages of the play."

Running time: 1 hour approx. | Age restriction: 16+

Annabel and Hester told me about how they started in drama and about taking the play to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Zip It at stage@leeds event tickets from TicketSource

https://twitter.com/ZipItPlay

https://www.instagram.com/zipittheplay/

Contact: Zipittheplay@gmail.com

The featured track on this episode is the beautiful "Worry Not" by Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat - recorded by Good Boy Live Sessions at Northern Monk Refectory, Leeds

Emma says: ‘A lot of the most brilliant people (and especially women) that I know spend inordinate amounts of time worrying. The most literate, incredible, wise people I know regularly voice worries about having said something silly after a couple of drinks, about having not replied entirely politely to a rude comment, about things that are beyond their control, about all sorts that they are far too fantastic to spend their moments worrying about. This album is about those little niggling worries, and is for these brilliant people. Written after a house flood and on the brink of the pandemic, the album (and the year awaiting it's creation) encapsulate a process of having worries, acknowledging and dealing with them, and allowing them to wash away. "

https://twitter.com/emmajohnsonsax?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/emmajohnsonmusic

https://www.instagram.com/emmajohnsonmusic/?hl=en

https://emmajohnsonsgravyboat.bandcamp.com/

CD and Digital Download Available on Bandcamp
Digital on Spotify, Apple Music, ITunes, Deezer, Amazon

I have been looking forward to speaking with Caleb for such a long time!

Caleb Ranson is a writer and creator from Dorset. If you enjoyed the BBC production of 80 Days Around the World at Christmas you have Caleb (And Ashley Pharoah) to thank for that.

Caleb has written and created some of the biggest successes on UK television in recent years.

We talk about the nature of TV today, his production company, about what inspires him to write and so much more.

Caleb chose to feaure "Shooting Star" by Dorset band The Gravity Drive". It's a fantastic song and there are links below to their work should you wish to buy this track or explore more of their work.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710432/

https://www.facebook.com/playnicestuff

https://thegravitydrive.bandcamp.com/album/shooting-star-e-p

https://twitter.com/TheGravityDrive

https://www.facebook.com/thegravitydrive

http://www.thegravitydrive.com/wildlight

https://www.dorshi.co.uk/

I have been looking forward to speaking with Emma Bearman for such a long time and I was not disappointed!

We had such fun chatting about Playful Anywhere "Catalyzing creativity and conviviality with people, in places".

Emma tells me about her gigantic playboxes, the Playlab, Culture Vulture, Digital Access West Yorkshire and we discuss the nature of fun and play and so much more.

There is a small amount of swearing in this episode.

Emma chose to feature the joyous track "Eurospin" by the ever wonderful Hope & Social.

https://www.playfulanywhere.fun/

https://www.facebook.com/playfulleeds/

https://www.instagram.com/playfulanywhereanytime/?hl=en

https://vimeo.com/579759637

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/playlab-with-the-orchestra-of-objects-tickets-309820129347?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

https://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/hopeandsocial/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/hopeandsocial

https://www.facebook.com/hopeandsocial/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_f8yLJys2g

I had a lovely chat with Elvi Piper from Wrongsemble.

Wrongsemble are a theatre company based in Leeds who specialise in creating work for schools, families and young people.

Elvi and I talk about how she got interested in theatre, the company and their upcoming production The Not So Ugly Sisters which runs from Saturday 2nd April until Sunday 24th April and is a Leeds Playhouse, Red Ladder and Wrongsemble co-production.

Elvi chose to feature a brilliant song from the show U.G.L.Y. performed by Daisy Ann Fletcher and Lucy Rafton.

Composed by: Bay Bryan, Claire Marie Seddon

Lyrics: Elvi Piper

Mixing: Dan McGlade

https://www.wrongsemble.com/the-not-so-ugly-sisters

https://www.wrongsemble.com/about

https://www.facebook.com/wrongsemble/?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/wrongsemble

https://www.instagram.com/wrongsemble/?hl=en

I chatted to Carl Hutton, Chief Executive at The Leeds Library - the city's oldest cultural institution.

We spoke about the Grade 2 listed building the library is housed in, the resident ghost, Sternberg, about all of the amazing events they hold in the building and much, much more.

The featured track is "(Shitting Bricks) Lucky 13" by Undisclosed Addictions.

https://www.facebook.com/leedslibrary

https://twitter.com/theleedslibrary

https://www.theleedslibrary.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/theleedslibrary/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUkABk1pBZd7NceTwl9M_bw

https://www.leedslitfest.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/UndisclosedAddictions/

http://www.undisclosedaddictions.com/

Laura Beare was a great person to chat with about the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery and the Treasures of the Brotherton Library.

Laura tells me about her love of museums and galleries beginning in childhood, how she and her team have been expanding their digital content, some of their fabulous collections and works of art and the Leeds University Library Tik Tok account (it's great fun and very interesting - check it out).

Listen out for the story of the Cottingley Fairies too - fascinating!

The featured track this episode is "Kaalay Rang" by friends of the show Leeds band, Kinaara. The song is a "Punjabi folk song - A woman has received a gift from her beloved, a black paranda (a hair extending ornament which is plaited into the hair), she dances and celebrates but their love is hidden from society" and it is cracking! There are links below to their Band Camp page if you feel like buying a copy for yourself.

https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1900/galleries

https://www.tiktok.com/@lulgalleries?lang=en

https://twitter.com/lulgalleries?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/LULGalleries/

https://www.instagram.com/lulgalleries/?hl=en

https://kinaaraofficial.bandcamp.com/

http://www.kinaara.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/kinaaraofficial

https://www.instagram.com/kinaaraofficial/

https://twitter.com/kinaaraofficial

What a great conversation I had with Amy Letman, the Creative Director of Transform!

"Transform is an engine room for powerful performance. We create exhilarating international festivals and work year-round to catalyse future-gazing artists and creatives to reimagine what theatre can be. We bring Bold, Brave, Vivid & Socially-Conscious international performance to the Leeds City Region and beyond."

The Transform Festival runs biennially and has been running for 10 years.

"Transform 21-22 is an experiment to reimagine what an international festival can look like and represent in the future. It is an invitation to artists and communities to join us in manifesting an extended festival for our times, one that is slower, more sustainable and more embedded.

From this October 2021 until April 2022, our extended festival will invite audiences from across Leeds and beyond to rediscover and explore the city and to connect with bold, brave, vivid and socially-conscious performance by powerful artists from across the globe."

All performances are Pay What You Can.

The featured track on this episode is "Mr Magnificent" by Ringo and the Wolf. The song is about a villainous ex-boss but the song is really upbeat and joyful.

https://transformfestival.org/

https://www.facebook.com/transformleeds/

https://twitter.com/Transform_Leeds

https://www.instagram.com/transform_leeds/?hl=en

https://ringoandthewolf.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ringoandthewolf/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kmudrf3SkaS8olmKtAR4c

https://twitter.com/ringoandthewolf

What a great conversation I had with Joe Kent, Business Development Manager at Barca-Leeds.

Joe told me about some of the great things they do "Barca-Leeds delivers transformational services to adults, children, young people and families in Leeds" and it was especially great to hear about the work they do around homelessness.

We talk about how the team deal with vicarious trauma by taking part in random acts of kindness and how disappointed Barca fans occasionally get them mixed up for a Leeds based Barcelona fan group.

Joe chose to feature the beautiful track "Take the A Train" by the band he plays with, Sharp Intake (currently known as King & I"

https://www.barca-leeds.org/

https://www.facebook.com/barcaleedsfb/

https://twitter.com/BARCALeeds/

https://www.instagram.com/barcaleeds/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/KingI-156705504387781/

I learned a lot about the history, culture, fashion, music and dance of flamenco with this week's guest, Vanessa Matthews. She was a fascinating guest and I was glad to learn more about something I knew very little.

"Flamenco de Leeds was started in 2015 after looking for local Flamenco workshops and events and found they were few and far between. Since then, they are providing regular workshops, events and performers across Leeds and further afield.

The ethos of Flamenco de Leeds is very much focused on enthusiasm and ensuring everybody feels welcome to participate in any way they can. If you can clap your hands, stamp a foot, bang a stick or shout Ole you can get involved!"

Vanessa chose to feature the track "Solea" by Samuel Moore - it's really beautiful!

See the links below to get involved and check out their Live Flamenco Event at Seven Arts on 12 & 13th March:

http://www.sevenleeds.co.uk/event/flamenco-de-leeds-live-flamenco-at-seven-arts/

https://flamencoleedsweb.me/

https://www.facebook.com/flamencodeleeds/

https://www.instagram.com/flamencodeleeds/

I had a grand old chat with Deby Jackson who is the creator, editor, all-round-everything of That Leeds Mag, an independent printed Leeds magazine that goes out to 19,000 homes across North Leeds.

It provides advertising for local businesses, has great editorial features and the cover art work is really beautiful too.

Deby tells me about how and why she got started and what she thinks of Leeds as a relative newcomer to the city. I had been interviewed by her for That Leeds Mag the previous week so it was good to be able to turn the tables too!

Do check out That Leeds Mag social media (links below) and get in touch with her if you'd like to advertise:

https://thatleedsmag.co.uk/

ads@thatleedsmag.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/thatleedsmag

https://twitter.com/thatleedsmag

https://www.instagram.com/thatleedsmag/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatleedsmag/

Deby chose to feature "Ocean Floor" by a Leeds pop-collective called Sea's Cape and any proceeds of the song raises money for the Marine Conservation Society.

"The Leeds band members and comprise Spencer Bayles - music producer, and musician, Nicky Bray - musician, and curator of longstanding Leeds open mic night 'Tower of Song', and Emma Gatherer, singer and former member of Leeds Sea Shanty group 'Ocean Loiners' - a Loiner being an old term for a resident of Leeds. 'Ocean Floor' has been recorded over several weeks with elements of social distancing at times, while fitting the project in around day jobs. Sea's Cape hope their resulting catchy pop song with upbeat folk undertones will inspire enough interest to raise funds for and awareness of the Marine Conservation Society. The Society campaigns and takes action for a cleaner, better protected ocean, to care for coastal habitats and raise awareness of the challenges of Climate Change on our oceans."

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seas-cape-fundraiser

https://seas-cape.bandcamp.com/track/ocean-floor-fundraiser-for-marine-conservation-society

Where to begin?! Testament is a rapper, a spoken word poet, a world record holding beatboxer, a writer, a theatre maker, a workshop facilitator, a husband and a father...

We spoke about his perfomance for Desmond Tutu, how he came to write Orpheus in the Record Shop and performed it with seven members of the Opera North orchestra, how his First Word record label was voted Label of the Year and how he had to keep Idris Elba off the stage at an event.

It's a brilliant conversation that traverses many things!

The featured track is the DJ Vadim remix of “I Don’t Even Know” by Homecut ft Corinne Bailey Rae & Soweto Kinch (Homecut being another alter-ego of Testament's) - it's a fantastic track and I am sure you will love it...

https://www.testamenthomecut.com/

https://twitter.com/testamentonline

https://www.facebook.com/testamenthomecut/

https://www.instagram.com/testamenthomecut/?hl=en

https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/orpheus-in-the-record-shop/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vbtx

http://www.firstwordrecords.com/

I had such a fabulous time chatting to Amy Sanderson, Head of Communication at Leeds Heritage Theatres.

Leeds Heritage Theatres encompasses Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.

Amy tells lots of great facts and stories about the three, how hard the last 18 months have been and about their Learning and Engagement Programme and Leeds Actors in Training.

Amy chose to feature the beautiful track "Northern Time" by the force of nature that is the band Hope & Social - the link to the video is included below.

https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/

https://twitter.com/leedstheatres

https://www.facebook.com/leedsheritagetheatres

https://www.instagram.com/leedstheatres/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-heritage-theatres/

https://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/hopeandsocial

https://twitter.com/hopeandsocial

https://www.youtube.com/user/HopeAndSocial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S5tBlYW8XY

I had a good time chatting to Denham Hill, the Community Manager and Skateboard Coach at LS-Ten Skatepark.

LS-ten is situated in South Leeds and provides alternative provision for pupils who are close to, or have been excluded from school.

The skate park covers 25,000 feet and has a wide selection of professional and bespoke ramps and a huge street section open to all kinds of rider.

Do check out Denham's YouTube videos in the link below.

The featured track this week is "Friends" by the excellent Leeds band "Silverlode"

https://www.youtube.com/c/DenhamHill

https://ls-ten.org/

https://www.facebook.com/LSTENCharity/

https://www.instagram.com/ls.ten/

https://www.facebook.com/silverlodeband/

https://silverlode.bandcamp.com/

https://twitter.com/silverlodeband

https://www.instagram.com/silverlodeband/?hl=en

"The Leeds Salon is a discussion group founded in early 2009 by Michele Ledda and Paul Thomas, inspired by similar initiatives they had attended and, in particular, their participation in the Academy of Ideas sixth-form Debating Matters competition.

The Salon organises public discussion around political, cultural and scientific issues, with the aim of challenging any orthodoxies along the way, defending and developing the legacy of the Enlightenment and, above all, providing a space where free speech can take place.

Writers, academics and experts in their field are invited to present their ideas and to have them debated and held up to scrutiny by the audience. The Salons are lively, informal and open to all — but please let us know you intend to come along by e-mailing us at contact@leedssalon.org.uk.

Leeds Salon also runs and helps organise debating competitions and debate training in schools and colleges in Leeds and beyond."

The featured song on this episode is "The Boor" by the briliant (and excellently named) Priest of Beards.

https://www.leedssalon.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/theleedssalon

https://priestofbeards.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MhdwPGSnldHyA4aesNkRX?si=qh2VvQ2wTj-kTs__Zvx3dQ&utm_source=copy-link

https://twitter.com/priestofbeards?s=09

https://www.facebook.com/priestofbeards/

https://www.instagram.com/priestofbeards/

I had a great time chatting to Rebecca about Young Musicians for Social Justice, how they began, their ethos and what their plans are for the future:

"Founded by a group of students at the University of Leeds, our mission is to mobilise young musicians for sustainable social justice solutions. We aim to establish a community of musicians who care about social justice, find creative ways to advocate for the relationship between music and social justice, and empower young musicians aged 18-25 to establish their own bespoke, grass-roots projects through events, networks and training. What do we mean by social justice? We have put together a comprehensive document which you can find here, however we want to allow space for our projects to be shaped by the people we work with. We are open for all musicians of different backgrounds, abilities and professions to join our community."

Do listen along to their podcasts or access their Word Press link (below) to read more.

The featured track on this episode is the brilliant "Half as Good" by Jumbo Chords.

https://anchor.fm/ymsj

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/young-musicians-for-social-justice/id1549687055

https://www.facebook.com/Young-Musicians-for-Social-Justice-106275814663707/

https://open.spotify.com/show/2qRVr9jEs7DgFRIFRQwc64

https://twitter.com/ymsjuk

https://youngmusiciansforsocialjustice.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Jumbochords/

https://soundcloud.com/user-659636309

https://www.wharfchambers.org/

I had an illuminating chat with John Crouch all about Leeds Fencing Club.

The club is about to celebrate it's 50th aniversary and is recruiting new members.

The Club can cater for fencers of all abilities from the age of 12 years.

It meets every Monday (except for the month of August and Public Holidays):

Beginners - 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Intermediate & Advanced - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The club runs regular beginners courses for those new to the sport. There is group coaching available for intermediate fencers as well as individual coaching for intermediate and advanced fencers.

The featured track on this episode is the wonderful "Free Now" by Thomas John.

http://www.leedsfencing.co.uk/

https://active.leeds.gov.uk/findacentre/kirkstallleisurecentre

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.johnmusic.1

It was great fun chatting to Adam about Quantum Sauce and how it aims to break down barriers between university researchers and the public.

Quantum Sauce is a blend of fascinating science facts that keep you curious - it's science meets stand up!

The featured track is gorgeous - "You Gotta Move" by Nick Cody and The Heartache

The next event Is Dr Who and The Tardis:

SCIENCE + ART + BEER = MIND EXPANSION!

Thursday 18 November

Doors 7pm - Commences 8pm

Three experts talk for 30mins each on:

The Next Doctor: Regeneration, Reincarnation and Personal Identity Problems - Dr Mikel Burley

The Impossible Planet: Planets, Stars, and What Happens when Gravity goes Wrong - Dr Adrian Barker

Daleks in Manhattan: Lost (and Found) in Translation - Dr Sara Ramos Pinto

Tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quantum-sauce-doctor-in-the-tardis-tickets-162160218579

You can check out the Quantum Sauce social media and view past talks on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNQIvvGlvXXYvPQDTlGQDA

https://www.facebook.com/theconstitutional

https://twitter.com/quantum_sauce?lang=en

https://twitter.com/FConstitutional

https://www.facebook.com/nickcodymusicprojects/

https://www.nickcody.co.uk/

I spoke to Kim and Adam Strickson about the charity 6 Million Plus and the Friendship Through Puppets project they run.

It was an illuminating and fascinating conversation.

If you are available, do go along this weekend to their Weeping Sisters Parade (featuring 12 foot puppets!) this Saturday 6th November beginning at the Market Place in Dewsbury from 11am and the Batley Market Place at 2pm.

Adam and Kim chose to feature the beautiful song "Sbrenica" by Bosnian musician Sanya Chin.

https://www.6millionplus.org/

https://www.facebook.com/6MillionPlus

https://twitter.com/6millionplus

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3P5--UHuY1QNI3IQuMKhKQ

Masato Jones was born in Saitama, near Tokyo, Japan and graduated from Central St Martins in Womenswear in 2009. He is a designer, pattern cutter, tailor, tutor and artist.

He tells me about his own label Masato, how he designed the costumes for Beverly Knight's 2011 tour and his wonderful shop in Thornton's Arcade.

The featured track is the fantastic "Richard's Office" by the spectacular Leeds band Silverlode.

Check out all their links below:

https://www.masato.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/masato_jones

https://www.instagram.com/masatojones/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/masatoboutique/

Masato Limited

5 Thorntons Arcade,

LEEDS, LS1 6LQ

Tel 07799053329

http://www.silverlodeonline.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/silverlodeband

https://twitter.com/SilverlodeBand

https://www.instagram.com/silverlodeband

https://soundcloud.com/silverlodeband

Buy Nowt Ls6 believe that everyone can make an environmental difference by borrowing and not buying. This reduces the creation of waste and allows people to come together and share resources.

The scheme was set up by Jed, Sarah, Lee, Mark and John.

I had a great time chatting to Jed about the ethos of the scheme and how they got started.

The group decided to feature the stunning track "Holly's Got a Ticket" by Peter Darling - a beautiful track with quite heart-breaking lyrics.

https://buynowtls6.com/about/

https://www.facebook.com/BuynowtLS6/

https://twitter.com/buynowtls6

https://www.peterdarlingmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PeterDarlingMusic/

https://www.instagram.com/peterdarlingmusic/

https://twitter.com/pdarlingmusic

https://soundcloud.com/peter-darling

https://open.spotify.com/artist/03D1pfPUZBDoL3OSg0JgG2?si=8fIV2rutT62sXP73wDtvHg

Dermot Daly was a very interesting person to chat to!

Dermot is a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire. He has worked regionally, nationally and internationally in stage, screen and radio drama.

He has directorial awards for his film work and he explains to me whay he is so fond of the phrase "throwing the ladder back down".

Dermot voices The Guardian podcasts and tells me about the work he is doing with Red Ladder Theatre Company "My Voice Was Heard But Ignored" and with Freedom Studios on "Aaliyah (After Antigone)".

He chose to feature the fantastic uplifting song "A Club at the Edge of Town" by Jamie Fletcher and Company.

http://www.dermotdaly.co.uk/

https://www.freedomstudios.co.uk/production/aaliyah-after-antigone/

http://www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/my-voice-was-heard-but-it-was-ignored/

https://jamiefletcherandcompany.bandcamp.com/track/club-on-the-edge-of-town

https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2021/jul/23/why-every-single-statue-should-come-down-podcast

Phil Mellen was the Deputy Director of Children's Services for Leeds City Council.

He tells me about having to leave the role, contracting Covid and then long Covid, writing songs and his recording deal.

Phil lives in Cheshire, just south of Manchester and answers the three questions I ask every guest.

http://www.blacksheeplad.com/

https://twitter.com/blacksheeplad

https://soundcloud.com/blacksheeplad

https://blacksheeplad.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blacksheeplad/?hl=en-gb

It was great to chat to another Leeds Podcaster - Simon Treen about his podcast Working Hours.

Simon is aiming to record 1000 people over the course of the decade about their job and how they feel about it.

If you'd like to get involved please check the links below.

The featured song on this episode is the raucous "Sunset Claims" by Blue Orchid Reaction.

https://western-studios.com/

https://www.instagram.com/western_studios_leeds/

https://twitter.com/WesternStudios2

https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-studios/

https://www.instagram.com/workinghourspodleeds/

https://www.patreon.com/WorkingHoursPod

https://workinghourspod@western-studios.com

https://www.facebook.com/BlueOrchidReaction/

https://twitter.com/blue_reaction?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/blue_orchid_reactionband/?hl=en-gb

https://blueorchidreaction.bandcamp.com/

Dr Kerry Harker remotely connected to tell me all about the East Leeds Project of which she is a founder and the Artictic Director.

Kerry tells me about the MakerSpace project, East Leeds Pavillion and KIOSK.

She was very proud to tell me about the launch of their newspaper "We Are Pioneers".

"We are a practitioner-led visual arts organisation based in Gipton, East Leeds. We work with art as a social action, which we understand as ‘employ[ing] the varied forms offered by the expanded field of contemporary art as a collaborative, collective and participatory social method for bringing about real-world instances of progressive justice, community building and transformation’. (Gregory Sholette and Chloë Bass, 2018) "Kerry chose to feature the beautiful track "Some Things Grow" by Zoe Carty.https://eastleedsproject.org/

https://www.facebook.com/eastleedsproject

https://www.instagram.com/eastleedsproject/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/leeds_east?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/carty.zoe

https://www.instagram.com/zzzoca/?hl=en-gb

https://zoecarty.bandcamp.com/

Philip Cumberland has written a fantastic book called "Killing Time in Cambridge".

He speaks to me about the book, how he got started writing and about Cambridge and the Fens.

The featured track is "The Sesh" by the brilliant Kirkcaldy musician PG Ciarletta.

https://fenlandphil.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20858356.Philip_Cumberland

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-Time-Cambridge-Philip-Cumberland/dp/1916481779

https://www.u3a.org.uk/

https://whittleseywordsmiths.com/?wref=bif

Facebook – PGCiarletta

Twitter – @PGCiarletta

Instagram – pgciarletta

Youtube – PG Ciarletta

Tiktok – @pgciarletta

Killing Time in Cambridge

I was so excited to speak to Dr Kate Lister who is a lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and who researches the literary history of sex work and created the online research project Whores of Yore - a digital archive for the study of historical sexuality.

Kate is the author of the A Curious History of Sex (which I have read and is a fantastic and fascinating read) and has appeared on TED Talks (links below).

Our chat is very frank and honest and if you don't like discussions around sex and the words we use for certain parts of the anatomy then this one may not be for you. I hope it is though because I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to Kate.

The featured song is "Love You Better" by Rob Chew - I love this track, it's so poppy and upbeat - see what you think!

https://twitter.com/k8_lister

https://www.thewhoresofyore.com/about.html

https://www.ted.com/talks/kate_lister_an_honest_history_of_an_ancient_and_nasty_word?language=en

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-History-Sex-Kate-Lister/dp/1783528052

https://www.musicleeds.com/launchpadartistblog2019/2019/5/29/rob-chew

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0JaNIOrkb4nyEzDLa77QFW

https://www.facebook.com/RobChewMusic/

https://twitter.com/robchew?lang=en

A Curious History of Sex

Sara Merritt was a brilliant guest and told me about her role as Leeds Museums & Galleries Audience Development Officer.

She and her colleague Meg are the hosts of the Museums n'that podcast.

Sara chose to feature the astoundingly great track "Cool Down" by Issac Saierre.

https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/podcasts/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/museums-nthat/id1499083156

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsMuseumsandGalleries

https://twitter.com/leedsmuseums

https://t.co/m8SGP4VQTW?amp=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFXhU7QRiuE

https://www.instagram.com/isaacsaierre/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/isaacsaierre?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=isaac%20saierre

I had a fabulous chat with Alex from Riptide.

As of 2014 Riptide have been making work that places audiences at the heart of the experience. They use innovative story-telling and digital technology to achieve this.

The featured track is the absloutely beautiful "Lost and Found" by the incredibly talented Carmen McClean. The single was released on 30th July - do go and support her if you can,

https://theriptide.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/riptide_uk

https://www.facebook.com/intheriptide/

https://youtu.be/iBCetd73t-s

https://www.facebook.com/carmenmcleanmusic

https://twitter.com/carmenmmusic

https://www.instagram.com/carmenmcleanmusic/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/02pG0Q00YJFbvmO82qVanX

https://soundcloud.com/carmenmclean

I am abandoning the Corona Bloody Virus Extraordinary episodes for now in the great hope that we do not need to return to them...

I had a brilliant chat with Jeremy Morton who is the Editor of South Leeds Life - a community news channel. We talk about how it started and Jeremy gives advice about how you could start your own...

The featured track is the wonderful ""Chancer" by PG Carlietta.

https://southleedslife.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PGCiarletta

https://twitter.com/PGCiarletta

https://www.instagram.com/pgciarletta/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SDC-HB0T7uvW9IGeipYDw?view_as=subscriber

https://www.tiktok.com/@pgciarletta?lang=en

I had a great time chatting to author Richard Smyth.

We talked about his inspiration, writing processes and the books he has published including his latest book "The Woodcock":

"It’s 1920s England, and the coastal town of Gravely is finally enjoying a fragile peace after the Great War. Jon Lowell, a naturalist who writes articles on the flora and fauna of the shoreline, and his wife Harriet lead a simple life, basking in their love for each other and enjoying the company of Jon’s visiting old school friend, David. But when an American whaler arrives in town with his beautiful red-haired daughters, boasting of his plans to build a pier and pleasure-grounds a half-mile out to sea, unexpected tensions and temptations arise.

As secrets multiply, Harriet, Jon and David must each ask themselves, what price is to be paid for pleasure?

I was sent the beautiful track "Breathe" by Stellar Anderson and is the featured song of this episode - I think you will love it.

https://www.fairlightbooks.co.uk/the-woodcock/

https://richarddsmyth.com/

https://ditto.fm/the-book-of-stellar-vol-1

https://www.facebook.com/interstellaranderson

I had a fabulous chat with Raj aka SilverFinger Singh.

We talked about his music career, Leeds 2023, Hyde Park Unity Day, his BBC Radio Leeds show, about his father, the
acclaimed percussionist, Inder Goldfinger Matharu and much more!

Raj chose to feature his new single "Lioness" out on 21.07.21 - it's a brilliant track dedicated to the amazing women in their lives - highlighting their Strength, Beauty, Love and Commitment.

"SilverFinger Singh is back with his brand new single titled LIONESS Featuring Leeds based Singer / Songwriter: G Exclusive.

Song written by SilverFinger Singh & G Exclusive and Music created by Desi HipHop Producer Harm Sandhu who has previously composed alongside -

Singer's & MC's such as DIVINE, Sikander Kahlon, Big Boi Deep, Straight Bank, Verbal Singh& many more.

This track is a global sound, with a fusion of HipHop, UK Desi Rap featuring Eastern percussion recorded by Inder Goldfinger Matharu."

https://www.facebook.com/SilverFingerSingh/

https://twitter.com/silverfinger01?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/silverfingersingh/?hl=en

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/ylP0hD1pxcFYflDjblbcWm/silverfinger-singh

https://soundcloud.com/silverfingersingh

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bSa1w9aUMBg4g4kzktmlt

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs7rp4TEdpLZbrW623kYVHQ

https://www.facebook.com/hydeparkunityday/

https://leeds2023.co.uk/

Andy Wilson is a facilitator at Andy's Man Club and connected to tell me how he got involved and what the ethos behind the club is.

"We are talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm or have a storm brewing in life.

OPEN EVERY MONDAY FROM 7PM EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS."

itsoktotalk

Andy chose to feature the fantastic track "Concrete" by Sheffield four piece Indie band The Rosadocs.

https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/andysmanclubuk

https://www.facebook.com/andysmanclub/

https://www.instagram.com/andysmanclubuk/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/TheRosadocsUk

https://twitter.com/therosadocsuk?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/therosadocsuk/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hqiN72qqxLCWxAOqsxNoP

Chris Lloyd was the perfect person to talk to about Red Ladder Theatre Company where is is a producer, the joy and pain of being a Leeds United supporter and much more.

"Red Ladder is a radical theatre company with 50 years of history. The company is acknowledged as one of Britain’s leading national touring companies producing new theatre, contributing to social change and global justice. Red Ladder is funded by Arts Council England and by Leeds City Council.

Founded in 1968 in London, the company has a colourful history rooted in the radical socialist theatre movement in Britain known as agitprop. Born into an era of riots, demonstrations and revolts, Red Ladder has grown up, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century, where it continues to fight, to entertain, and to agitate in as equal measures as possible."

Mossie sent me their fantastic new track to feature "Time To Shine" links below to buy the track.

http://www.redladder.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/RedLadderTheatre/

https://twitter.com/redladder?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/redladdertheatrecompany/?hl=en

https://www.mossieofficial.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/MossieBand/

https://twitter.com/bandmossie?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/mossie_official/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0foBftLzBg4BHYbX95Os3k

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAafcmyiIyBBoEv5cYT9_FQ?view_as=subscriber

Luke Dickson was a great person to chat to and is the Co-Creative Director at Alive and Kicking Theatre Company.

He is also playing Brian Clough in Red Ladder Theatre Company's production of The Damned United - you can see this live from 10 June - 12 June, 2021 at Leeds Playhouse.

Luke talks about the state of theatre through COVID, LUFC and much, much more.

The featured track is by Priest of Beards "This Life is Killing Me". I was offered Wotsits to feature the track although this was not necessary (as much as Wotists are ever unnecessary) as it is a corker.

https://www.aliveandkickingtheatrecompany.co.uk/

http://www.redladder.co.uk/

https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/the-damned-united-2/

https://priestofbeards.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MhdwPGSnldHyA4aesNkRX?si=qh2VvQ2wTj-kTs__Zvx3dQ&utm_source=copy-link

https://twitter.com/priestofbeards?s=09

https://www.facebook.com/priestofbeards/

https://www.instagram.com/priestofbeards/

I really enjoyed my chat with Paul Handley of Grindhouse:

"The first movie-themed bar in Leeds has opened in the city centre following a film-like journey through lockdown.

Grindhouse Bar on Upper Briggate is the creation of Dave Holmes [founder of Santiago] and Paul Handley, [formerly of Santiago and Mojo].

Work started on the bar in February 2020 and it was due to open in May when lockdown hit. The team continued working on the build and the idea to ensure they could be up and running when restrictions were lifted but everything went on hold until now.

“The hospitality industry has taken several hits over the last 14 months, and we were no exception,” says co-owner Paul Handley.

“It’s been a really difficult, wonderful, challenging, exciting time full of setbacks which slowed us down considerably, even out of lockdown it has affected the build because materials were harder to come by – but we’ve done it and we can’t wait to get started properly.”

The walls of the bar are adorned with movie posters - mainstream, arthouse, and of course grindhouse. The table lamps light up original film cells, there is a large screen showing films on a loop and film soundtracks - popular and less known – play all day."

Grindhouse Bar is now open

Find it on New Briggate just down from The Grand Theatre

Opening times

Mon to Thurs – 9am to midnight

Friday and Saturday - 9am to 1am

Sunday 11am to midnight

Paul chose to feature the song "Close as The Ceiling" by L.D.Moses

https://www.facebook.com/grindhouseleeds/

https://twitter.com/grindhouseleeds?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/grindhouseleeds/?hl=en-gb

https://www.facebook.com/LDMOSESband

I had a great time chatting to Yvonne Carmichael the Director of South Square Heritage Arts & Community Centre in Thornton Bradford.

"South Square Centre is a collection of 19th Century Grade II workers cottages.

In 1979, following a period of dereliction, 30 unemployed people and graduates from Bradford College came together to transform the building and Thornton and Allerton Community Association Ltd was formed pioneering the building’s restoration in partnership with Bradford Metropolitan District Council and the Manpower Services Commission.

The unique U-shaped building is one of the last surviving examples of this courtyard feature in the region.

Renovated as a community arts and heritage centre in 1982, South Square Centre is now home to ten studio spaces for a variety of artists, an art gallery, community spaces, an Antiquarian Archive, fine art framers, a bar, and café. It is committed to providing a platform and opportunities for new artists and curators.

Leeds-based Brooks Ecological worked alongside South Square to conserve The Bronte Bats.

The Capital Works project is being carried out by Ilkley-based company Dobson Construction.

Thornton is famous as the birthplace of literary family the Brontë’s and its impressive 20-arch viaduct – it also features on the famous Brontë Stone Walk.

The Brontës birthplace is still standing and lived in - part of it is now a café called Emily’s.

Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and their brother Branwell were born in the house and would later move to nearby Haworth where the Brontë Parsonage Museum still celebrates their work.

The capital project is also supported by Arts Council England, Garfield Weston Foundation and Bradford Council. "

Yvonne chose to feature the track "Spiral Halt" by the excellent band Kuunatic.

https://www.facebook.com/southsquarecentre/

https://twitter.com/south_square?lang=en

https://southsquarecentre.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/southsquarecentre/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kuunatic

https://www.instagram.com/kuunatic/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/kuunatic

https://kuunatic.bandcamp.com/album/kuurandia

Camilla Asher and Anita Adams remotely connected with me to tell me about "Theatre For A New World"

"Presented by Leeds Community Arts Network and The Carriageworks Theatre, Theatre for a New Word is a season of five pieces of theatre, Songs for a New World, Stake-Out, The End and The Last Five Years.

Rehearsed entirely in lockdown and recorded live and COVID safe on the Carriageworks stage, this season has been created with the astonishing commitment, talent and drive of Leeds Community Arts Network, who are committed to keeping the arts alive for everyone.

Enjoy this Performance and the entire season safe and sound in the comfort of your own home.

This is extraordinary theatre created by extraordinary people in extraordinary times.

https://leedscan.wistia.com/medias/31rzinf06e

Buy tickets for each of the events (Songs for a New World, Stake Out/The End, Skylight and The Last 5 Years) for the discounted price of £27.50

Tickets for all the shows in our festival:

bit.ly/CWXLCAN

Anita chose to feature the excellent song "Dance for God" by James Sigdwick and Robert Sanders (Spoitify link to the whole album below).

https://www.facebook.com/TFANW/

https://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/songs-for-a-new-world/?venue=2882

https://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/stake-out-the-end/?venue=2882

https://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/stake-out-the-end/?venue=2882

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LvUWXrrWb8aLwyeHab2Eu

The lovely Katie Hayes remotely connected to tell me all bout the great work they do down at Cloth Cat Studios. She told me about the Man About Town Project, the Get Your Act Together Project, their Repair & Recycle Workshop and loads more.

Katie chose to feature the brilliant track "Try That" by The Slates - a band completely made up of 15 and 16 year olds and they are very impressive!

"Cloth Cat is a music/education charity based in inner city Leeds supporting those at most disadvantage living in neglected parts of the city. Building from the bottom up where support is needed most, music, people, confidence building and empowerment are at the heart of our activities.

We help people to gain control over their lives and find avenues into employment, further education and other positive social activity by providing a range of inclusive and creative projects, courses and events so that people gain the opportunity to learn a range of musical and personal skills."

https://clothcatleeds.org.uk/manabouttown/

https://www.instagram.com/clothcatleeds/?hl=en

https://www.twitter.com/clothcatleeds

https://www.facebook.com/ClothCatLeeds

https://clothcatleeds.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/wearetheslates/

https://www.wearetheslates.wordpress.com/

Satnam Galsian remotely connected to tell me about her band Kinaara:

"Kinaara are a Leeds trio exploring the connections between the music of Punjab and the West. Brought together by singer Satnam Galsian in 2018 they aim to achieve an identity that reflects both her Punjabi heritage and their UK upbringing as a whole. They began with the folk songs of Surinder Kaur and the popular songs of Noor Jehan which they infuse with John Hogg's electric guitar textures and the jazz inflections of drummer Simon Henry. The next stage was to bring in the songs from the West, songs of hope and betrayal, and plug them in. Pentangle, Elvin Jones and even The Velvet Underground have been said to be felt in the sound. Kinaara released their debut EP 'Across The River' in April 2021."

http://www.kinaara.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/kinaaraofficial/

https://twitter.com/kinaaraofficial?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/kinaaraofficial/

https://kinaaraofficial.bandcamp.com/album/across-the-river

https://linktr.ee/Kinaaraofficial

https://linktr.ee/satnamgalsian

Elissa Newman remotely connected to tell ne all about the fantastic work she and her team at Holbeck Together are doing:

"Once the beating industrial heart of Leeds, Holbeck has a rich history shaped by the people who have lived and worked in the area. It’s a history brimming with pride, entrepreneurship and success.

Yet more recently Holbeck’s situation has been better reflected by the startling fact that it is one of the 0.2% poorest areas in England and challenged by deprivations in income, employment, education, health, housing and environment and suffering from high crime rates.

We work with communities to strengthen existing relationships and resources, keep older people socially and physically active, empowering them to make more informed choices and live longer."

Dominique Simone sent me her beautiful track "Serenity" this week - the single will be release on May 28th so you are getting a priviliged pre-release listen! Check out Dominique's social media via the links below and support a local artist by buying the single when it is out...

https://www.facebook.com/HolbeckTogether/

https://www.holbecktogether.org/

https://twitter.com/HolbeckTogether

https://www.instagram.com/holbeck_together/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesimonemusic/

https://www.facebook.com/dominiquesimonemusic/

https://mobile.twitter.com/dxminiquesimone

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfR20IVIlKLnXnWtsVd0Jmw

Jack Simpson is a very busy man! He owns Hyde Park Book Club, Eiger Studios, runs the Leeds Literary Festival AS WELL as completing a PhD in Politics.

He tells me about all of these things and much more, including DAWS - Digital Access West Yorkshire and the time Damon Albarn had a wild night in Beeston...

The song Jack has chosent o feature is "Lara - A Piano At Night" a beautiful song by Lara Jones.

This episode was the first one edited by yours truly!

https://www.hydeparkbookclub.co.uk/

https://www.leedslitfest.co.uk/

https://eigerstudios.co.uk/

https://leedsliving.co.uk/music-dance/lara-a-piano-at-night/

https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/creative-programme/supported-artists/lara-jones

https://accesswy.org/

Jo Bailey remotely connected to tell me all about her work as a Wellness Co-ordinator and what life has been like for residents, family and staff during lockdown.

The featured song on his episode is the beautifukl track "Don't Mind the Weather" by the briliant Sunflower Thieves.

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.anchorhanover.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerthieves/

https://sunflowerthieves.wixsite.com/website

https://twitter.com/sunthievesmusic

https://www.instagram.com/sunflowerthieves/?hl=en

Tony Macaluso (Co-Director of Chapel FM and Heads Together Productions) and Peter Spafford (Chapel FM, Dircetor of Words) remotely connected to tell me about all of the great work they are doing at Chapel FM:

"East Leeds FM was created back in 2003 as a pilot project run by Heads Together Productions with students from John Smeaton High School. It has grown and developed since then and in 2014 we saved the crumbling old Seacroft Chapel to create Chapel FM; a new home for ELFM and the first-ever dedicated arts centre in East Leeds."

The featured track is "Fall Between" from Peter Spafford's Song Portraits

https://www.chapelfm.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/chapelfm

https://twitter.com/chapelfm?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/chapel_fm/?hl=en

https://edibletent.bandcamp.com/album/song-portraits

https://www.chapelfm.co.uk/elfm-player/shows/list/writing-on-air/

Faye Phillips remotely connected to tell me about her self-published book The Pumpkin Pantry which includes 91 delicious vegan recipes.

"A quirky little scrapbook of 91 rounds of tasty glorious vegan grub. Right up your tastebud's street and packing a super splendidly delicious and nutritious punch, this is one motley collection aimed to have you both firing on all cylinders, back for seconds (or thirds), to be enjoyed by all.

"Faye Phillips will donate £2 to NHS Charities Together (registered charity no. 1186569) in connection with the sale of this product".

The featured track on this episode is the brilliant "Daddy Shark" by the fantastic Wilko Wilkes!

This episode has been produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WNRJ2TY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1613441436&refinements=p_27%3AFaye+Phillips&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Faye+Phillips

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3buELA1

Facebook - http://facebook.com/WilkoWilkesMusic
Instagram - http://instagram.com/WilkoWilkesMusic
Twitter - http://twitter.com/WilkoWilkes
Youtube - http://youtube.com/WilkoWilkesMusic
WilkoWilkes.com

None

I had a great time chatting to Becky Houlding, Operations Manager at New Wortley Community Association.

Becky told me all about their great work helping the people of New Wortley and Armley.

She talks about their food store, community laundry, offender support programme, community cafe, counselling service and much, much more.

The song featured on this episode is "Titanium" by the wonderful Cry Baby Cry .

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://newwortleycc.org/

https://twitter.com/@NewWortleyCC

https://www.facebook.com/TeamNewWortley/

https://lovemusicleeds.bandcamp.com/track/titanium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO7BAdlfGUE

The Highrise Project is the brainchild of visual artists Victoria Kotrekaas and Louise Atkinson.

"The Highrise Project was originally set up to explore the links between architecture and social relations within municipal highrise buildings and council-built estates. The project uses ethnographic and creative research, which is co-produced with residents. Through exploring the history of social housing, our aim was to highlight the stories, benefits, and challenges of living in social housing, as well as related issues, including sense of community, family history, impact on health and wellbeing, class, etc. Our collaboration combines our own experiences of living in social housing, along with our skills and interests in co-producing high quality art with communities.

Our mission through this project is to use creativity and art as a way for people to tell their own stories, as well as enabling them to learn new skills or share existing ones. As the project has grown, so has our mission, and we are now focused on bringing people together to explore ideas of place making and community in general, incorporating ESOL and other forms of support as required to ensure that our workshops are accessible to everyone."

The beautiful track they chose to feature is called "Hope Floats" and is by the very talented Dave McKinley.

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.thehighriseproject.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/TheHighriseProject

https://twitter.com/leedshighrise?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/thehighriseproject/

https://davemckinleymusic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DaveMcKinleyMusic

https://twitter.com/dmckinleymusic

https://www.instagram.com/dave_mckinley_music/?hl=en-gb

Rich Huxley (of Hope & Social fame) connected with me to tell me all about the Music From The Attic project.

It is a community music group of "lapsed" musicians who were encouraged to pick up their instruments again.

Music From the Attic have headlined the Kirkstall Festival, played at the Lord Mayor's Charity Dinner and performed at many more charity gigs.

"Open to people of all ages and abilities, MFTA aims to inspired everyone to pick up their dusty instruments, shake out their singing muscles and rediscover their musical talents. Music From The Attic is fun and friendly. A place to meet interesting people, build confidence and rekindle the joy of playing and singing music."

Do check out the TWO featured tracks "See What I Can See" by Music From The Attic and "I'd Do It All Again" by the fabulous Hope & Social with Dancing Years.

The video for "See What I Can See" is spectacular (well done Simon Wainwright)

This episode was expertly produced by the ever-helpful Richard Hatton.

All proceeds from "See What I Can See" go t Leeds Asylum Seeker Support Network: https://lassn.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/musicfromtheattic/

https://musicfromattic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/hopeandsocial

https://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/

https://youtu.be/ZP9INCHxr7s

Paul "Wilko" Wilkes remotely connected to tell me about his work as a Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator at Leeds City Council.

He also tells me about how he has pushed himself to get out there and perform - you can check out his fantastic featured track "Stalked By A Stranger" at the end of the episode.

Richard Hatton produced this episode.

Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3buELA1

Facebook - http://facebook.com/WilkoWilkesMusic

Instagram - http://instagram.com/WilkoWilkesMusic

Twitter - http://twitter.com/WilkoWilkes

Youtube - http://youtube.com/WilkoWilkesMusic

WilkoWilkes.com

Catherine Warr remotely connected to tell me all about her great passion for Yorkshire History and her incredibly popular YouTube channel.

The beautiful song featured on this episode is "Only Friends" by Beth Kilburn.

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4EhKVJccvPDs5dF8hxQ3JQ

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=yorkshire%27s%20hidden%20history

http://www.catherinewarrshistorytours.com/

https://www.facebook.com/beth.kilburn.37

Katie Hall remotely connected with me all the way from Vouleme in France to tell me how she got there, how she is coping with a French lockdown and about her very exciting plans for the future.

Katie chose to feature two tracks by the very talented Lewis Hall - do check out his work and Katie's Go Fund Me page (links below).

"Legacy is a project created in order to offer disadvantaged and/or city dwelling children the opportunity to spend time learning how to love and care for the natural world.

Set in the picturesque village of Vouleme, southwest France, The Hub will also serve as a community centre, including: a cafe serving vegetarian and vegan dishes, freshly prepared using homegrown and locally sourced organic ingredients; a zero waste shop selling eco-friendly products, organic food and drink products and locally made arts and crafts items; affordable family holiday accommodation beside the beautiful Charente river; an educational market garden, open to visitors and demonstrating permaculture techniques; various workshops including vegan and vegetarian cookery, zero waste cosmetics, etc.

Having privately raised the funds to purchase our amazing riverside property, set on 6500sqm of fertile land with a well and outbuildings, cafe, holiday gite and space for the new shop, additional funds are now needed to buy materials for the construction of accommodation cabins, composting toilets, solar showers and a large greenhouse, along with the renovation of the shop space.

Without these additional funds we could not bring this eco-socio project to fruition. Our initial target of 1000 euros will get the ball rolling but further donations will enable us to achieve faster results and help to subsidise the children's retreats once the works have been completed.

We are also looking into the availability of grants for the installation of solar panels and other eco-renovations, with the ultimate goal of becoming self sufficient and carbon neutral."

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/c8fkn-legacy?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

https://www.facebook.com/HubVouleme

https://www.facebook.com/voulemois

https://www.facebook.com/LeBourgVouleme

https://soundcloud.com/user-13922959/downtown

https://soundcloud.com/user-13922959/you-got-it-right

Kenn Taylor is the Lead Cultural Producer North at the British Library based at Boston Spa.

There are over 170 million items stored there and in 2023 they will be celebrating their 50th birthday.

Kenn tells me about the work they do at the British Libray and about their collaboration with Invisible Flock on "Faint SIgnals":

"An invitation to slow down, an opportunity to experience an imagined British woodland, densely populated with sounds of nature from the British Library’s archive.

Faint Signals is an ambient and slow experience of discovery, exploring the world one step at a time. With thousands of combinations of sounds, your constantly evolving experience will be unique to you.

Each tile scrolled past unlocks a narrative and rich vein of sounds from the forest, all of which are based on real life environments, with wildlife, weather and other nature sounds reflecting the diversity and complexity of ecosystems in the Yorkshire region."

The featured track on this episode is "Natural Force" by the brilliant Weathered Man and The Noise.

https://www.faintsignals.io/

https://invisibleflock.com/portfolio/faint-signals/

https://www.bl.uk/events/british-library-north#

https://ffm.to/naturalforce

https://www.facebook.com/weatheredmanmusic/

https://twitter.com/weatheredman?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/weatheredman/?hl=en

Archie Brooks remotely connected to tell me about Assembly House in Armley - an artist led studio housing 21 artists in an old textile mill.

Archie chose to feature the track "The Hunt" by Three Streets - it's certainly one to rock out to!

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://www.assemblyhouse.art/

https://www.facebook.com/assemblyhousestudios/

https://twitter.com/assembly_leeds?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/assembly_leeds/?hl=en

Archie's piece "Durations":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEFYG_MifT4

https://open.spotify.com/album/5735yVKx2wjE8aWpbHqs2T?si=y9A73DgxT9yFdvuivnZ3Sw

I have known Augustus for quite a while, so when he told me about his project to raise money for a school in Ghana I asked him to remotely connect and tell me all about it.

If you are inspired to help out and donate after listening to him speak, you can do so on the link below.

The featured song on this episode is the excellent "Monochrome" by Introspective, a newly located University of Leeds band all aged 18-19 - it's a great track.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-school-project?qid=8eba470ef71da570a6400837471687a4

https://instagram.com/introspectiveband

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LJGG1qT2s0kZYZYsWd1iK?si=bI5Y12QyQiC04CPkawokvw

It was great to catch up with Chesca Joy the Artistec Director of Imagine If Theatre Company (founded by her in 2015) and based in Armley Leeds.

Chesca tells me about her grandad who she based her play Jadek on, how she got into writing through getting into trouble.

Free as a Bird: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqL-1_S8ok8

Jadek trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK0KxRn3x5E

https://imagineiftheatre.co.uk/

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/6701#!/DonationDetails

http://musicfromattic.bandcamp.com/album/see-what-i-can-see

https://bit.ly/MFTASWICS

Welcome to this new series entitled Light On - pretty much the same as Light On Leeds except in this series I shine the light a little wider onto people doing amazing things outsideof Leeds.

My first guest is a person I have known online for many years, Jane Badrock. Jane is an author and remotely connects to tell me all about how she came to be writing novels and about her inspiration.

The wonderful Nicky Bray wrote, sang and recorded the brilliant theme tune for this series.

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

The song featured on this episode is "Settlers Street" by Adam and Elvis.

If you know of anyone outside of Leeds who would like to be featured on the new series of Light On - do drop me a line at lightonleeds@gmail.com. Similarly, if you would like a song featured, do send me an mp3 and I will get you on an episode.

https://badpress.ink/authors/jane-badrock/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jane-Badrock/e/B07HZ2HD3Q%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Twitter: @janebadrock

https://www.facebook.com/janebadrockauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/adamandelvis/

Happy New Year Leeds (and beyond!)!

Boff Whalley is my guest on this episode that was recorded just before Christmas.

Boff is formerly the lead guitarist of Chumbawamba, is a playwright and the founder of the Commoner's Choir - amongst much else!

He talks to me about his love of fell-running and the play he has written the music for "The Hills are Ours" by Dan Bye.

Please check out the links below to hear the Commoner' Choir for yourself.

Boff chose to feature the brilliant track "Ferry Across the Aire" by Carl Puttnam and Alaric Neville.

This episode was produced by Richard Hatton.

http://www.commonerschoir.com/

https://www.facebook.com/commonerschoir/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-C9LGhEcpdhtFrmlDKq4w

https://www.patreon.com/commoners?fan_landing=true

Tony Lambert was a blast to remotely talk to - he told me all about the fantastic project Bringing It All Back Home which is a mental health project using music as a resource - music recorded at Chapel Studios in Holbeck.

Tony and his musos have created The Lockdown Album featuring 14 songs and is available on Band Camp.

He chose to feature a fabulous version of "Mad World" by Stoneblower.

Do go and have a listen to the album on te Band Camp page and donate if you are able!

BIABH is a project run on behalf of Leeds Music Trust (registered charity 1128587)

https://www.facebook.com/bringingitallbackhome.lmt

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/biabh

Colin Griffiths is a Store Co-ordinator at SCRAP - a wonderful and much loved resource for arts and play.

Colin tells me about his background in graphic design about being a "Reimagineer" and some of the amazing items that have turned up in the scrap store.

Colin chose to feature the song "The People" by The Music a Leeds band who have a loyal following (1999-2011) and are having a huge reunion gig at Temple Newsam in May 2021.

"SCRAP Centre of Creative, Reuse Play and Learning is a social enterprise based in a creative space at Sunnybank Mills, Farsley, Leeds. We were established in 2006 in a small unit in Leeds and have grown a great deal in size since then, developing from a funding reliant organisation to a self-sustainable not-for-profit social enterprise. Founder Louise Lucas, who has worked within the education and community sectors for many years, has always had a concern for environmental issues and could see the potential and need of diverting business waste as low-cost resources for art, play and learning. From our Centre we divert over a hundred tonnes of business waste per year from landfill to play, learning and community projects across the region. As a not-for-profit organisation we try and make our social enterprise as sustainable as possible. We achieve this mainly by running a shop which sells low cost resources that would have gone to waste. We also provide ScrapSheds to schools across Yorkshire, run environmental corporate days and training and craft sessions for adults and children. Every single project and activity SCRAP delivers has an environmental and social thread running through it."

https://scrapstuff.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/themusicuk

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/gigs-clubs/leeds-band-music-return-huge-18877217

I really enjoyed chatting to Adekola and I was veryhonoured to hear him perform a beautiful poem in this episode.

"Abdullah Adekola is a writer, performer, poetry promoter, and all-around creative based in Leeds UK.

He writes, performs and teaches poetry.

He believes people need hope and they need stories.

He believes you should tell your story or risk being ignored or misrepresented

His style is playful, philosophical, and romantic.

He has had an immigrant experience and is a Black-British, working class artist.

He offers personal reflections and social commentary on identity, class, and faith

He is interested in decolonisation, self healing, masculinity, and the search for beauty, meaning, and connection in life and art.

Adekola leads a collective Leeds called Say It With Your Chest.

Say It With Your Chest deliver regular open mic nights, workshops, and have facilitated the development of a zine made by Leeds-based people of colour. 'People of Content'

People Of Content Zine

Adelokla chose to feature the brilliant track "Carnival" that he performed on as part of the Alex Robinson Project.

This episode of Light on Leeds was produced by Richard Hatton.

https://thealexrobinsonproject.bandcamp.com/album/leeds-together-blm-bhi-fundraiser

https://adekola.bigcartel.com/

http://instagram.com/adekolapoetry

https://www.facebook.com/adekolapoetry

Alan Lane is the artistic director of Slung Low which is an award winning theatre company specialising in making performances usually in non-theatre spaces.

Their work has adapted to running a food bank during the Corona pandemic and together they have fed many, many people.

This weekend they are holding their annual Christnas Fayre which I am very much looking forward to attending myself.

"The Government has very kindly agreed that the second lockdown will end just in time for our tenth Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5th December 12-4pm. And this year we’re teaming up with our friends at Holbeck Gala.

Joking aside, rest assured our Christmas Fayre will be outside and will follow Government guidelines to ensure it’s Covid secure.

And the fun stuff you need to know: we already have oodles of crafty stalls confirmed, a brass band, and the annual Pay What You Decide hog roast/vegan lunch and mulled wine.

Do keep checking back for updates."

The featured track on this episode is "Take Back the Power" by the inimitable Blue Kubricks

https://www.slunglow.org/

https://www.facebook.com/SlunglowTheatre

https://www.twitter.com/slunglow

https://www.instagram.com/slung_low/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/bluekubricks

https://www.instagram.com/bluekubricks/?hl=en

https://www.officialbluekubricks.com/

http://www.holbeckgala.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/holbeckgala

Ruth Middleton is the community producer at the wonderful Slung Low. She remotely connected to tell me about all of the amazing work they do and how she got involved.

Leeds theatre company Slung Low has published a children’s book and launched an initiative that aims to give every child in Holbeck a copy. In early October three of the Slung Low team spent a week at Holbeck’s Ingram Road Primary School reading ‘Emergency Story Penguin’ to the children and gave all 340 of them a copy.

“It was an absolute joy to take the book to the pupils at our localschool, we all loved it,” says Ruth Middleton, Community Producer at Slung Low and one of the readers. “We do a lot of work with the school and when we discovered there were pupils who started at the school without books, we set about changing that. Now every one of those kids has at least one book.”

The company is renowned for both its theatre and the work it does with its local community in South Leeds; they operate a food bank, acultural community college, and manage the country’s oldest working men’s club.

Artistic Director Alan Lane believes that theatre companies should redefine what they do and how they operate. “There are kids in Leeds without books, without crayons - how can that be?” he says. “Every child should have a book and we’redetermined that every kid in Holbeck will have one by Christmas.”

This scheme is the first time the company is selling something that isn’t ‘Pay What You Decide’, but all monies will go back into printing more copies to sell and give away.

The featured track is "Piece of Home" by the wonderful Beth Kilburn.

https://www.slunglow.org/

https://www.slunglow.org/espbook/

https://www.facebook.com/SlunglowTheatre

https://www.twitter.com/slunglow

https://www.facebook.com/beth.kilburn.37

Jon and Dan remotely connected to tell me about The Liquor Studio, Yorkshire's first and only Spirit School and creative drinks space.

"The Liquor Studio is the brainchild of two thirds of The Hedonist Bar, Dan Crowther & Jonathan Lee. Hedonist is a staple of Leeds’ thriving independent bar scene & over the last four years has become one of the city’s coolest cult bar brands.

Through this Jon & Dan have created one of the UK’s leading hospitality and drinks consultancy companies, Hedonist Drinks, working with household brands such as Pepsi, Nestle & Jack Daniels.

Together they have created a mecca for all things drinks and hospitality in Leeds city centre. A place where the general public and industry professionals alike can learn from Dan & Jon’s many years of experience in training, teaching, and creating all things alcohol in this one of a kind creative space for the North. Their mission is to provide, create, and innovate bespoke products & experiences for drink enthusiasts."

Due to the current Government guidelines they have unfortunately had to shut their doors until December 3rd, but they will be back!

In the meantime, their online shop is up & running for gin, spiced rum, gift packs & gift vouchers; so please do help support them during these strange times.Jon & Dan chose to feature one of my favourite bands Alt-J and their track "Left Hand Free" - I am very excited to be able to feature them on the podcast!https://www.liquorstudio.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/liquorstudio

https://www.altjband.com/

https://www.hedonist.bar/

https://www.facebook.com/TheHedonistBar

Ian & Libby remotely connected to tell me about The Purple List - a gay dementia venture:

"is a 35 minute, one-man play. It opens on Sam and Derek’s wedding day and goes on to explore the highs and lows of their lives as Derek’s dementia progresses. Told from Sam’s point of view, the play is a touching, sad, yet often funny, insight into the lives of these two gay men as they navigate their way through the care system and the changes in their personal relationship.

A stand-alone piece of theatre that can also be used as a training tool in a range of issues regarding dementia and diversity for those working in social care and for those caring for, or involved with people living with dementia.

The play hopes to raise awareness around the potential issues for those caring for someone with dementia in general, and the barriers to support which members of the gay community may perceive and experience."

“The Purple List”….a gay dementia venture“Utterly outstanding, extraordinary writing, excellent acting.”“Educational and inspiring and it will influence my practice as a Registered Nurse and Registered Manager” (Shrewsbury September 2018)“Anybody who cares about how modern services are delivered within health and social care would really benefit from seeing this play.” (Ian Trenholm, CEO, Care Quality Commission, March 2019)

Ian chose to feature the beautifuk track "Silvermoon" by the very talented Beth Kilburn.

https://www.purplelisttheatre.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/purplelisttheatre/

https://www.facebook.com/beth.kilburn.37

Alice Gilmour is the Community Partnerships and Access Officer at Opera North.

Alice tells me about bringing opera to audiences that are not traditionally engaged with the arts or with opera.

She also tells me about the work that Arts Together Leeds does:

"We are a friendly group of arts and community organisations who are working together to ensure that the arts in Leeds and beyond are as welcoming and accessible as possible to groups of people who might usually have barriers to engaging with them."

Alice chose to feature the fantastic track "Blue Jean" by Fuzzy Jones.

https://www.operanorth.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/OperaNorth

https://www.instagram.com/operanorth/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/Opera_North?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://artstogetherleeds.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/fuzzyjonesmusic

http://fuzzyjonesmusic.bandcamp.com

Ben Buddy Slack is the founder and creator of The Swan Song Project whcih helps those facing the end of their life write a song.

"The songwriting process in an incredibly powerful method of exploring, articulating and communicating ones thoughts, experiences and emotions.

The Swan Song Project gives people facing end of life and those surrounding them the opportunity to write and record their own original song. A professional songwriter provides support to guide each person, through finding the initial idea to the completed recording. No previous musical experience or abilities are required. Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and this is what makes great songs. With the right support everyone can do it."

Ben remotely connected to tell me how he got started with the project and his inspiration.

He chose to feature the beautiful blues track "The Devil, The Money and The Gun" by Angelo Palladino.

https://swansongproject.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/TheSwanSongProject

https://www.instagram.com/swansongproject/

https://twitter.com/SwanSongProUK

https://www.facebook.com/angelo.palladino.332

Sarah Oldknow remotely connected to tell me all about the Leonora Project - could you nominate someone inspiring?

Sarah also told me about her work as an Ambassador for Women's Lives Leeds and an actress and arts worker.

Sarah chose the gorgeous track "Summerbird" by Beth Kilburn.

Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/4772-4539-0109

https://twitter.com/saraholdknowact?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/sarah.oldknow

https://www.facebook.com/beth.kilburn.37

David Ward and Louise Garner set up the Northern Opera Group who have just celebrated their 5th anniversary.

They tell me about why people can be wary of opera (and why they shoudn't be), about their innovative hybrid opera festival and their own podcast "Opera Cast".

David and Louise have recently announced their next project which is a film version of a Cinderella opera and they would love the community to get involved with the chorus singing. This will all take place from home and participants will receive free online rehearsals with a director and conductor! All you need to do is fill out this form:

https://forms.gle/TG9QEZsyXfCXU4NR6

David chose to feature the track Theme to Hancock's Half Hour by Angela Morley.

http://www.northernoperagroup.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTAHPAHsHRBanVcSZ_09usQ

http://www.facebook.com/northernoperagroup

http://www.twitter.com/northernopera

http://www.instagram.com/northernopera

Abi Whistance is a very busy woman!

She founded To The Local, is the Head of Music at Leeds Student Radio, is a writer at Clash Magazine, writes for the Yorkshire Post and is a DJ on LDC Radio (97.8 fm).

She connected with me to tell me about where it all began, her love of rare music and her passion for the Leeds music scene.

Abi chose the track "Scraps" by Shaku

http://www.tothelocaluk.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tothelocal

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOIeMuTP2rh7Usj7vrF9zXw

https://ldcradio.co.uk/members/abi-whistance/

https://www.facebook.com/shakuband/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3tG7tCwHb0FkVhVcbQCwA

This episode of Light on Leeds is dedicated to the memory of Nigel Whalley.

John and Catherine remotely connected to tell me about the poignant and beautiful film they made together "Nigel". They talk about how they came to know each other and tell me who Nigel was and why they wanted to film him.

Here is Catherine in her own words:

"It was really nice to hear that our film, Nigel, is causing some debate and being used to address the issues around homelessness in Leeds. When John first told me about Nigel and we discussed making a film together we didn't have any real intentions for it, the idea was simply to get Nigel's story out there. What happened next was a lovely collaboration between the three of us, the sad part now of course is that Nigel isn't here to discuss his part in creating it. That in itself forms another part of the story and so it continues."

Catherine chose the track "Homeless" by Sad Little Attic boy.

You can view the film "Nigel" here:

https://vimeo.com/236197069

https://www.youtube.com/sadlittleatticboy

Garance Rawinsky connected to tell me about the Little Woodhouse Street Art Project run by the Little Woodhouse Community Association in conjunction with Leeds Civic Trust - they worked together to promote positive action in the community.

Fed up of graffitti and "tagging" they worked together with taggers, teaching them new skills and allowing them to legitimately create street art in Little Woodhouse to brighten up the area for residents.

Please check out the links below that show their work.

Garance chose a track by the wonderful D3 (friend of the podcast - check her out on Epiosde 23) called "Check Me Out".

TIME LAPSE - 13, 14 & 15 July 2020

First Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bkkf8St7Wo

All three days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpYS8oAvyiY

Fe’s vimeo link

https://vimeo.com/439796071

https://youtu.be/A10BZUmQRnQ

https://www.theartfulrambler.com/post/wall-is-the-art-is-the-art

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A10BZUmQRnQ

https:\www.d3creations.co.uk

https:\www.facebook.com/D3CreationsUK

Jo Ritchie remotely connected to tell me about Projecting Grief which explores how creativity can help people through the grieving process.

Jo is a photographer and developed this project with Faye Dawson (of episode 36 fame!).

Together they have created a beautiful website with stunning photographs and stories of people who used creative processes to help them through a difficult time.

In their own words:

"We believe this project to be not only beneficial to those who have lost – but also to the arts as an industry as an entity.

We strongly believe in the power of creativity – where would we be as a civilisation without music, dance, song, a boogie in the kitchen, a book or magazine, theatre, pictures, paintings, podcasts, television, stories, film?

Creativity touches all our lives."

Jo chose the track "Inexhaustible Love" the gorgeous track by Rosie Blofeld.

https://www.projectinggrief.com/

http://www.joritchiephoto.com/

http://www.fayedawsonpr.com/

https://www.instagram.com/projecting_grief/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu2YChKJ65m0Vs4YoGQ7UXw

https://twitter.com/rosieblofeld?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/rosieblofeld/

I loved to hear about the work Keziah and others are doing at Mafwa Theatre.

Keziah is a theatre maker, who works with the theatre group who are made up of female refugees, asylum seekers and settled Leeds communities.

Keziah chose to feature some beautiful singing by Cecilia who is the theatre group's longest-standing member and is from Cameroon.

https://twitter.com/mafwatheatre?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/mafwatheatre/

https://www.instagram.com/mafwatheatre/

https://artstogetherleeds.co.uk/partner/mafwa-theatre/

Mafwa Theatre
Leeds Refugee Forum
One Community Centre
Lincoln Green
Leeds
LS9 7SG

Email: mafwatheatre@gmail.com

Nicky and Sarah remotely connected to tell me about Musicultural Conversations which are fun and interactive English, music and drama sessions for refugees, asylum seekers and migrant communities.

Nicky chose at track she wrote and perfomed herself "Live and Learn" it's a brilliant song and the lyrics are really clever and funny.

Musicultural Conversations: http://www.musiculturalconversations.co.uk/
Leeds Church Institute: https://lcileeds.org/

Bringing It All Back Home (music & mental health project): https://www.facebook.com/biabhproject/

Committee for Foreign Language Assistants in Yorkshire: https://flacleeds.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/nickybraymusic

https://www.facebook.com/towersongleeds/

Risk A Verse: https://www.facebook.com/riskaverseleeds/

Fox & Newt pub / venue: https://www.facebook.com/thefoxandnewt/

Faye Dawson is a fantastic story teller and was a brilliant guest who remotely connected to tell me how she got involved in the world of public relations.

She chose the fabulous track, Plastic Fox by her friend Mik Artistik.

https://fayedawsonpr.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fayedawsonpr/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/FayeDawsonPR

https://www.facebook.com/faye.dawson.359

https://www.projectinggrief.com/

https://www.anetelusina.com/

https://www.mikartistik.com/

I had a great chat with Robb from Scalarama Leeds.

Scalarama Leeds is run by volunteers for the love of cinema. Robb tells me about the events they organise and the service they can provide for people wishing to put on a film screening.

Robb chose a song to feature by his band Roman Empire called "Hyding in the Dark". It was written to commemorate the centenary of the Hyde Park Picture House in 2014. You can buy this song from Band Camp and all the proceeds go to the HYPH - a worthy cause.

https://theromanempire.bandcamp.com/album/hyding-in-the-dark

http://www.theromanempire.info/

https://scalarama.com/leeds/

https://www.facebook.com/scalaramaleeds/

https://www.instagram.com/scalaramaleeds/?hl=en

https://www.wharfchambers.org/

https://www.headingleyleeds.com/heart

Shreena Gobey is a Senior Youth Work Officer at Leeds Playhouse.

She supports young people, refugees and assylum seekers. She was a lovely person to chat to and it was great to hear about the various and brilliant initiatives that are going on at Leeds Playhouse.

Shreena chose the beautiful track by Peakes "Will Talk" to feature on this episode.

https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/creative-engagement/

https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/furnace/

https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/latest_news/connecting-with-us-with-each-other-in-this-moment/

https://breezeleeds.org/aboutbreeze

https://www.facebook.com/peakesmusic/

Tessa Smith is a band leader, singing teacher and runs community choirs.

She tells me about her work and the unexpected bonuses gained from online singing practice.

Tessa chose a track she’s sung herself called “Can He Dance”.

https://www.tessasmith.com

https://tiny.cc/tessamaillist

Joe Williams of Heritage Corner Leeds runs Leeds Black History Walks celebrating African history and diversity in Leeds.

Joe has the most mesmerising voice and tells me some amazing stories.

If you would like to book yourself onto one of his walks, you can do by clicking the link below:

https://www.gcfoundation.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/Leeds-Black-History-Walk-435822270295768/

https://www.instagram.com/leedsblackhistory/

https://twitter.com/HeritageWalker

Music this week is the absolutely stunning track "Warrior" by Jaayns from her EP :Push Bar To Open".

www.jaaynsmusic.com

www.facebook.com/jaaynsmusichttps://instagram.com/jaaynsmusic

https://linktr.ee/Jaayns

NEED MORE INFO?

Contact Carolyn:

07775 951172

jaaynsmusic@gmail.com

Rob Pyke from Veritas Paranormal UK run ghost hunts that make lots of money for charity.

Rob and his wife Ann-Marie host ghost hunt events up and down the country and between them they have over thirty years experience in the world of the paranormal. You can join them online ofr a real time ghost hunt.

Rob told me lots of ghostly stories and was a great guest!

The featured track this week is "Are You Gonna Get Away" by the excellent The Light Show, an indie punk band from Leeds.

https://www.veritasparanormaluk.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/veritasparanormal/

https://www.facebook.com/Thelightshowband/

https://twitter.com/thelightshow2

Alan Lyddiard runs Performance Ensemble which is a theatre company of performers aged 60 and over. Alan believes older people have valuable contributions to make to society. As we age, we can become invisible to others and that must change.

Alan is a great story-teller and has the most fantastic voice.

Alan chose the featured track for this episode and it's by a very famous Leeds punk band Mekons and is called "Where Were You".

https://www.facebook.com/ThePerformanceEnsemble/

https://theperformanceensemble.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mekons

https://www.facebook.com/mekons

I had a fantastic time chatting to Lee Murtagh about Bethlehem Boxing in Richmond Hill.

Lee is a real character and I loved hearing about the movie “Straightner” and am very much looking forward to seeing it.

The brilliant featured track on this episode is by Honeycub and is called “Nothing Changes”.

https://www.facebook.com/lee.murtagh.1

https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehemboxingclub

http://www.bethlehemboxing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Straightner-102046147900388

https://www.facebook.com/HoneycubUK

https://www.instagram.com/honeycubuk/

https://twitter.com/honeycubuk

Carrieanne Vivianette is the CEO of CVIVArts, a group of creatives who were due to stage a performance of “A Hunger Artist”, Sadly cancelled due to COVID.

Carrieanne tells me about being a performance practitioner and a fine artist, how she came to be doing what she’s doing and much, much, more.

The track this week is the beautiful “Christabel” by Duncan Evans.

This episode has been edited by Gethin Jones.

www.carrieannevivianette.co.uk

www.facebook.com/CVIVArts

www.facebook.com/Cvivartsfineart

Sam Fish is the Director of Rolling Social Events and is the co-founder of Leeds Rum Festival and Leeds Gin Fair.

Sam is the Head of Food and Beverage at The Tetley.

She runs Sip Along events for those struggling to get out and about.

The featured track this episode is “The Ballad of Jenny Horne” by Chichilla Death Cult.

www.rollingsocialevents.com

www.facebook.com/rollingsocialevents

www.facebook.com/chinchilladeathcult

Vicky Ackroyd runs Totally Inclusive People which offers consultation and interactive disability awareness and equality training. They aim to give as many people as possible the skills to communicate confidently and compassionately with anyone they meet.

Vicky is also an audio describer at theatres and writes for stage and radio

The brilliant track this week is “Online” by Vicky’s daughter Annie Griffiths.

www.totallyinclusivepeople.com

Alison McIntyre and Liz Stirling are the Art Doctors.

They remotely connected to tell me about prescribing art and how it encourages audience engagement; the zoom videos they’ve been creating during lockdown and lots more.

The song this week is provided by the band Liz is a member of F= with their track “It’s Easy Being in a Band.”

http://artdoctors.org.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udYocd2RUeY

www.facebook.com/art doctors.org/

www.twitter.com/art_doctors

www.instagram.com/art_doctors

D3 is a spoken word atist who has created her own genre Ra-poetry.

She remotely conncted to tell me about her work educating young people, her time as a radio presenter, performing on BBC's Live Lounge and much more!

The track this week is of coures, by D3 herelf and is called "Nutter".

She is currently working on her debut album "Product of Society".

D3 was a fantastic guest, please do check out her work in the links below:

www.d3creations.co.uk

dthree.dc@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/D3CreationsUK

Much thanks goes to Gethin Davies for editing this episode - it was a particularly difficult one to do!

www.twitter.com/GethinDavies

It was great to speak to Tasha Grant who owns Flavour Like Fancy, an independent gift shop which supports local artists.

Tasha tells me about the shop, how she’s feeling about reopening and her art as Loon Moon Jewellery.

The song this week is by Carmen McClean and it’s called “Slow Down”.

www.flavourlikefancy.co.uk

www.facebook.com/FLFGiftshop

www.instagram.com/loon_moon_jewellry/

www.instagram.com/flavourlikefancy/

www.instagram.com/carmenmusician/

www.facebook.com/carmenmcclean97/

Lily Craig is an Arts Facilitator and connected to tell me about the work she has been doing to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

She is a trained Dementia Care Mapper and helped to develop Young at Arts where she worked closely with Yorkshire Dance, Northern Ballet and Opera North.

Lily works alongside two previous guests, Chris O’Connor and Anna Turzynski on Fragments - a multi sensory project for dementia care.

Lily provided the music track by a friend of hers. The band are Dreuw and the song is “Heavy”.

fragmentsleeds@gmail.com

http://fragments.org.uk

www.twitter.com/fragmentsleeds

www.facebook.com/fragmentsleeds

www.twitter.com/lilycraig1

www.facebook.com/dreuwmusic

Gill and Rob from Zero Waste Leeds remotely connected to tell me about them building a movement to make Leeds a zero waste city by 2030.

ZWL use social media to share ideas and top tips on waste reduction.

https://twitter.com/zerowasteleeds

www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk/

www.facebook.com/zerowasteleeds/

www.instagram.com/zerowasteleeds/

www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4AOnL4OuGUnxHqDi_5ghQ

The track this week is “Orion II: Reactionary” by Progressive Metal trio Divided by Design.

www.facebook.com/dividedbydesign

www.instagram.com/dividedbydesign_band

Andy McVeigh remotely connected to tell me how he got the name Burley Banksy, his street art on electricity junction boxes, his work with LUFC and much, much more.

Check out his website to order your very own LUFC art.

Music this week is the cracking track “I Am Some body” by Limpit.

www.twitter.com/pantsdanny

www.Facebook.com/burleybanksy

www.burleybanksy.com

www.instagram.com/I.am.limpit

www.facebook.com/limpitmusic

Martin Newton and Susan Childs from Hawksworth Older People Support Services remotely connected to tell me about the work they do allowing older people to live independently and to improve the quality of life of the individual.

They’ve had over 480 planned activities that have had to be cancelled due to Covid bloody 19 and tell us how the elderly are coping and what they’re doing to help.

Music this week is the gorgeous track “Hide and Seek" by Sunflower Thieves

Thanks to John Boocock for editing

Photo credit of Susan and her Mum to Mike Pinches 2018.

www.facebook.com/hopsleeds5

www.twitter.com/hopsleeds5

www.facebook.com/sunflowerthieves

www.instagram.com/sunflowerthieves

www.twitter.com/sunthievesmusic

Una & Margaret are a mother and daughter who produced a graphic novel together called “On Sanity” which tells the story of Margaret’s experience of psychosis.

We also discuss their adventures in teaching Margaret digital skills.

Music this week is provided by Scum (Una’s son is in the band) with their excellent track “This Machine Will Kill."

The sound is not fantastic on this episode, despite my editor's best efforts. There was a lot of preparation that went into preparing for this episode, and after listening I felt that the content of our conversation overrides the sound quality

https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=una%20on%20sanity

https://unacomics.com/2016/07/17/on-sanity-a-book-a-zine-a-project-about-mental-ill-health/

https://unacomics.com/

scumband01@gmail.com

Phil remotely connected to tell me what he’s been up to during lockdown, his time at Leeds College of Music and his record label Clumsy Alien.

Phil chose a track he’s written himself “5am”.

https://www.facebook.com/PhilGrahamMusic

https://twitter.com/twigsays

https://open.spotify.com/album/51Z1nrJe71XLnUaGkWzW7v

https://www.facebook.com/ClumsyAlienRecords

https://twitter.com/ClumsyAlienRec

For this episode the wonderful Faye Dawson interviewed me to commemorate the first birthday of the Light on Leeds podcast.

I tell Faye the inspiration behind it and how despite quite a few setbacks, I persisted.

There is some swearing in this episode.

I chose the brilliant tarck "Mr 'ow Much " by the excellent ExP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZuiWGC6Pto

https://www.facebook.com/ExPorBen

www.lightonleeds.com

Brad Parsk is an explorer, musher and survival instructor. He has travelled to over 50 countries across 5 continents.

He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London.

He is currently writing his first book and was a very interesting guest!

Music this week is by The Sheratons with their brilliant track “Raving & Drooling.”

www.twitter.com/BradParsk

www.BradParsk.com

www.facebook.com/TheSheratons/

www.twitter.com/TheSheratonsUK

www.instagram.com/the_sheratons/

I discovered Martyn’s amazing art on Instagram and was very pleased when he agreed to come along and talk to me about it.

Martyn is a design director and has travelled around the world working for some very big companies.

The band who supplied a track for this episode was Flat Moon with “Hold It There”.

Flat Moon fuse elements of funk, rock and psychedelia to form an alternative sub-genre they’ve dubbed Brit-Funk, or B-Funk.

www.martynhayes.com

www.instagram.com/martynhay3s/

www.elmwood.com

www.flatmoonband.wixsite/press

www.facebook.com/flatmoonband/

www.instagram.com/flatmoonband

I had a great chat with Amy about Hania Therapies, yoga, meditation and the training she completed in India.

Music this week is the fabulous track “Promises” by Sure Fire Affair.

https://app.namastream.com/#/hania-therapies/join/info

www.facebook.com/haniatherapies

www.Instagram.com/haniatherapies

https://www.facebook.com/surefireaffair

@haniatherapies

Peg Alexander is a freelance journalist, works with Leeds Community Homes and hosts an 80s music podcast.

She tells me about her love of the city, her work at the Bradford radio station BCB and her work with Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess.

Music this week is a gorgeous track called “A Sacred Place” by Peakes.

https://www.facebook.com/TVRadioPeg

https://www.twitter.com/TVRadioPeg

https://www.instagram.com/TVRadioPeg

https://www.facebook.com/peakesmusic

https://twitter.com/peakesmusic

https://www.instagram.com/peakesmusic/

Yusef Arjo makes incredible art - he tells me how he got into it through architecture and how lockdown has made him reassess how he engages with his audience.

He has gone from craft markets to online auctions - do go an check out his work on Instagram...

Yusef explains how he can create personalised art for his customers and how he and his family are coping in these strange times.

Music this week is the tremendous track "5am" by the talented Phil Graham who has his own record label Clumsy Alien Records

www.artbyarjo.com

yusef@artbyarjo.com

www.facebook.com/artbyarjo

www.twitter.com/artbyarjo

www.instagram.com/artbyarjo

Tel: 07830 458644

Philgrahammusic@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/ClumsyAlienRecords

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009611122962

Anna Turzynski remotely connected to tell me about the Compass Festival and the Young Producers Scheme got 18-24 year olds (deadline for applications is 05.06.20).

The track this week is the brilliant “Chasing Thunder” by Paradeis.

https://compassliveart.org.uk/news/Compass-Young-producers-scheme-2020

https://www.facebook.com/CompassFestLDS

Chris Nickson has been a published author for ten years - he was a guest on Episode 3 and has come back to tell me about his new role as the Writer in Residence at the Abbey House Museum.

The track this week is “Prince Charming” by the wonderful jazz singer Beverley Beirne.

She has a new album coming out later this year “Dream Dancer” so do keep an eye out for that.

https://www.chrisnickson.co.uk

http://www.beverleybeirne.com/

Jamie Taylor has three podcasts on the go! I don’t know how he does it but he remotely connected to explain how he does.

We talked about Japan, technology, podcasting and much more...

Music this week is the raucous track “Hang on There Boys” by the brilliantly named The Blind Dead McJones Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsopumv0fGA
www.blinddeadmcjonesband.com
www.facebook.com/blinddeadmcjonesband
https://twitter.com/blinddeadmcjone

.NET Development Consultant - RJJ Software
Podcast host - The .NET Core Podcast, The Waffling Taylors & Tabs and Spaces podcast
Podchaser Profile: https://www.podchaser.com/creators/jamie-taylor-107ZzkFzHS
Twitter: @podcasterJay
dev.to: https://dev.to/dotnetcoreblog
about.me: https://about.me/thejamietaylor

I really enjoyed taking to Alice about Dwell time an award winning, not-for-profit arts publication reflecting on mental wellbeing.

It was founded in 2018 and is curated and produced by Alice Bradshaw, Vanessa Haley and Lenny Szrama in collaboration with Penistone Line Partnership.

http://www.alicebradshaw.co.uk
http://dwelltimepress.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/deancloughartlab/

Music this week is the beautiful track and a debut single “A Perfect Circle” by the talented Teresa Terzione

Spotify & ITunes: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tree13/a-perfect-circle-2 Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Perfect-Circle/e/B000APKU2S

Kimberley Robinson remotely connected with me to tell me about how and why she founded Keep Real - a social enterprise running mental health interventions in the community.

Check out the Keep Real podcast and eco store at:
Keep Real

www.facebook.com/KeepRealUK

www.twitter.com/keep real UK?lang=en

Music this week was provided by a friend of mine Joe Leo with his band Kaya. The track is called Milestones and I’m sure you’ll love it.

www.facebook.com/KayaBandOfficial/

Geraldine Montgomerie and Fe remotely connected to tell me about the great work LAWHN Leeds Art, Well-being and Health Network are doing.

Music this week is a fantastic track “Magpies” by Blue Nudes.

Thanks to John Boocock for editing.

You can join at http://bit.ly/joinLAHWN

Email: g.montgomerie@leeds.ac.uk

Tel: 0113 34 32911

Twitter: @LeedsAHWN

FB: @LAHWNpage

Https://www.facebook.com/bluenuudesband

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xVa44kVKbzMat16et1OUb?si=4nJ8aQZRRi21N2d5Jp1LbQ

Kirsty (aka Hizzle) and Camille (aka Camboozled) were my last guests I got to interview face to face before the world went crazy and no-one was allowed outside.

Kirsty and Camille told me all about how they got such great nicknames and how you can get involved in Leeds Roller Derby - once the world is back to normal of course.

The music this week is provided by Plot 32 (a band that contains another Leeds Roller Derby team member) with their fantastic track “Issues”.

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreLeedsRD

https://www.instagram.com/weareleedsrd/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/Plot32Band/

Joe Williams is an award winning poet and a writer.

In November 2018 he published the verse novella “An Otley Arun”, shortlisted for a Best Novella in the Saboteur Awards 2019.

He remotely connected to tell me about his work, how he started, how he has ended up in Leeds and much, much more.

Joe provided the song “Quicksand” by a band he was a member of The Resplendents, it’s a great track!

https://www.facebook.com/haikuhole

https://www.twitter.com/JoeWilliamsPoet

https://www.joewilliams.co.uk

https://www.anotleyrun.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2VWFDb891GodKhfSVYU2BQ

Rob Kilner is my guest on episode 3 of the extraordinary episodes.

We had many problems recording this episode so please forgive the sound quality. Thanks to John Boocock for working his editing magic.

Rob specialises in nano-tourism, creative urban mini breaks, food tours and city engagement.

Hear about his Bettakultcha talks, his Worker’s Lunchtime project on Instagram and how he’s coping with lockdown.

https://www.workerslunchtime.com

https://www.instagram.com/Workerslunchtime/

Music this week is provided by the Leeds band Pornographic Sunset with their riotous track “Skin Tight”.

https://www.facebook.com/PgSunsetBand/

Ann told me all about her brilliant company Cards or Die and explains how board games bring people together.

Cards or Die can provide a bespoke selection of board and card games and can tailor the games for any event and any guests.

I loved talking to Ann about favourite board games and she told me about lots of games I’d never heard of.

Ann chose the track this week by Leeds band Van Houten, it’s called “Nice People”

Https://www.facebook.com//cardsordie/

https://www.twitter.com/cardsordie

https://www.ko-fi.com/cardsordie

https://www.VanHoutenBand

Chris O’Connor has just finished touring The Parting Glass with Red Ladder Theatre Company.

He is also the creator of Life is Sketchy.

Chris co-hosts Mantality with Stevie Ward of Leeds Rhinos - it’s a podcast exploring male mental health, offering advice and entertainment.

Chris was a great guest and I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to our conversation.

Music this week is provided by Day of the Jackal with their brilliant track “Rock n Roll Deathride”. See below for links to their social media.

Mantality:
http://mantalitymagazine.com/

Fragments:
http://fragments.org.uk/

Life is Sketchy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EFPzInMpsU

The Parting Glass: http://www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/the-parting-glass/

Arts at the Arms:
https://artsatthearms.com/

Email: dayofthejackalmusic@gmail.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DayoftheJackalBand/

IG:
https://instagram.com/dayofthejackalmusic?igshid=14ghvyz7pd6xp

YouTube:
Day of The Jackal

Emilia Quinn was a lovely guest and told me all about the Whiskey Kisses events she runs.

She’s a singer/songwriter from the epicentre of Leeds - Beeston.

Emilia was due to go on a tour in April - she tells me about how she is adapting during lockdown and about the virtual gigs she’s hosting.

Do check out one of her performances, she has the most beautiful voice!

Emilia chose one of her own tracks to play called “Woman Like Me” it’s stunning!

http://www.facebook.com/emiliaquinnmusic

http://www.instagram.com/emiliaquinnmusic

http://www.emiliaquinnmusic.com/

I have lots of previously recorded podcasts saved up but obviously none of them mention Corona Virus or the lockdown we’re all experiencing in the UK. I felt that it’s important to acknowledge how this is affecting us all and so I’ve started a new series for these strange times.

I found a way to remotely record podcasts and Seth Mowshowitz from the band Fold was my first remote guest.

I heard about Seth through Kieran O’Malley, a previous brilliant guest.

Seth tells me about his band Fold, how he came to be in Leeds and how he’s coping with lockdown as an artist and father.

The track this week is by Fold, “Concrete Things” and will be released on Monday 30th March, 2020 and features Kieran on strings.

Huey Morgan made this track of the week and it was played last night by Gideon Coe 🙌

Fold – Concrete Things | from the album Aphelion(a tribute to Lorraine Hansberry)

It can be pre-ordered at https://fold.bandcamp.com/album/concrete-things-single

SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lOmv1v5gfdtBwvRufzjtr

SOUNDCLOUD

http://soundcloud.com/fold

TWITTER

https://twitter.com/foldfm

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/foldfm

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/foldfm

WEBSITE

https://fold.fm/

Erlend Arnesen is a Norwegian student currently studying songwriting at Leeds College of Music.

He tells me how he ended up in Leeds, about his course at LCM and his Arnesen Music project.

Erland supplied his own fantastic track “The Fast Lane” featuring vocalist George Harris.

https://www.facebook.com/Erland.arnesen.5

On Episode 27 I speak to John Boocock, historian, who tells me about the Leeds 1917 convention which was set up to support the first Russian revolution.

He tells me about Leeds alternative publications including Leeds Other Paper.

Music this week is the enchanting track “Latthay Di Chaddar” by Kinaara (formerly Naghma) featuring Satnam Galsiam.

www.facebook.com/kinaara.band/

www.facebook.com/naghma.band/

Sam Taylor, Adam Chase & James Benson host the popular Leeds podcast, Killer Rabbit. They tell me about their inspiration for beginning the podcast and were generally just great fun to chat with.

www.facebook.com/killer rabbit pod/

http://www.patreon.com/killerrabbitpod

https://Twitter.com/KillerRabbitPod

Music this week is a fantastic song “Nobody Listens” by Destiny K

www.instagram.com/destinykmusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCurewk6MQFr5wcB_JVrROoA

James Rhodes came to tell me about his voracious love for Leeds facts.

He tells me about how the book “On This Day in Leeds” came about and he was so lovely he gifted me a copy!

It was great to hear James share his love of Leeds history and share stories of his grandfather, who sparked his interest in the subject.

Music this week is the gorgeous track “Star Sailing” by The Star Sailor.

www.soundcloud.com/thestarsailormusic

Alan Bennett: Building Sites
Https://youtu.be/W93qsJv0T9u

Shadowlark - Marching on Together (featured on Take Us Home)

https://youtu.be/yXJVzJKMBK0

Carl Milner told me about his work with Igers Leeds (Instagram) and the epic photography meet ups he organises with Elaine Taylor and Bill Moody.

www.instagram.com/igersleeds

Music is this week provided by The Sheratons with their great tune “Part of a Picture.”

www.twitter.com/TheSheratonsUK

www.facebook.com/TheSheratons

Larry & Paul have a brilliant show on Saturdays on BBC Radio Leeds. They came to tell me all about how they got to where they are and about the exciting launch of their production company Northern Imposters.

For more information, or for interview requests, contact hello@northernimposters.com or call 07734 999612.
Every Political Debate. Ever: https://www.facebook.com/larryandpaul/videos/441819546430199/The ISIS Closing Down Sale: https://twitter.com/bbccomedy/status/1102564148557373440?s=20
Newsreader Nightmare: https://www.facebook.com/larryandpaul/videos/1758146374233990/

Music this week was provided by Glass Rope, a band channeling their love of late 80s/early 90s classic Indy pop. Check out their excellent track, “Bricktop”.

https://www.instagram.com/glassropeband/

https://www.facebook.com/glassrope/

Episode 22 of Light on Leeds podcast features Rachael Unsworth, an urban geographer whose company Leeds City Walking Tours takes groups of people on guided walks across the city.

If you’d like to learn more about Leeds, you could do worse than getting hold of a copy of the book “Leeds: Cradle of Innovation” which Rachael and Steve Burt authored together.

Leeds City Walking Tours offers scheduled tours at different times and on a wide range of topics.

You can also book a private tour - to celebrate a family occasion or when you're hosting visitors.

Companies, professional societies and colleges book tours for groups at lunchtime or after work: new graduate intake, healthy lunchtime activity, special social activity on a summer's evening, professional conference. Starting and finishing times and places to suit.

Contact:

Rachael Unsworth

www.leedscitywalkingtours.co.uk

leedscitywalkingtours@gmail.com

M: 07712 739153

Music this week is the track “Not The Same” by the wonderful band Red Shakes.

http://www.facebook.com/redshakesofficial

http://www.twitter.com/redshakesmusic

This episode was kindly edited by Richard Without-a-Hatton.

Danika Priim is a rugby league player for Leeds Rhinos Women in the Leeds Rhinos Women’s Super League.

Danika told me about how it feels to be the current Women’s Super League Champions, her travels in East Asia and where to get the best donuts in the city.

Music this week is by singer/producer and multi-instrumentalist, Sam Stevens with his own take on what makes a great James Bond theme, “Grand Illusion.”

https://soundcloud.com/samstevensmusicltd

I’m afraid I messed up in the intro with my numbering of episodes, but Cleve Freckleton was my amazing guest on episode 20 of the Light on Leeds podcast.

Cleve talks about what music means to him, being Rasta Claus, his work with gospel choirs and his work with young people.

Cleve chose the featured track this week by an ex pupil of his. The track is called “Miss You When You’re Gone” by Masi Masi and it’s beautiful.

Thanks to Richard Without A Hatton for editing the episode.

Emily Carrigan was a brilliant guest and tells us all about her great work at the Rainbow Junktion Cafe.

Music provided this week by Chris Clyburn “Cherry Blossoms”.

Listen to his album “Life, Love and Other Compilations” here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RqSSPW0tbWvF6lDC5LIB2?si=IhA27wXnR2CZYrrsLKymfg

www.facebook.com/rainbowjunktion

instagram.com/rainbowjunktion

#feedbelliesnotbins #buildbridgesnotwalls

Lucy Meredith and Zoe Parker came along to tell me about all sorts of fantastic initiatives they’re involved with.

Apart from being real life mermaids, they run Bramley Mermaids, the Institute for Crazy Dancing, Yorkshire Life Aquatic, Tea and Tolerance AND they write and podcast for Culture Vulture - phew!

I don’t know how they fit it all in but thank goodness for Leeds, they do.

Thanks to Richard Without-a Hatton for his editing skills!

Richard chose our song by a Leeds band this week: “I’m Turning the Wheel Around” by Sentimental Trash - it’s great - have a listen!

Human Aquarium www.humanaquarium.co.uk

Sunday Practise http://www.selabar.com/events/event/sunday-practise/

Caribbean Cricket Club https://caribbeancricketclub.neocities.org/AboutUs.html

Eulogy https://theculturevulture.co.uk/cultures/community-eulogy-jamaican-community-leeds/

Zoe and Kate’s Culture Vulture podcast:
https://theculturevulture.co.uk/cultures/podcast-gary-clarke-companys-wasteland-dance/

I really enjoyed my chat with Antony Butcher - he's a student education service officer at University of Leeds and he's heading off on an epic adventure!

Antony will be cycling coast to coast from New York to San Francisco to raise money for various charities and to raise awareness of mental health.

If you’d like to follow his journey head to:www.tinyletter.com/antonyjcbutcher (mailing list)

www.facebook.com/AntonyAcrossAmerica

www.instagram.com/AntonyAcrossAmerica

www.antonyjcbutcher.com

And if anyone would like to sponsor him, they can do so at www.justgiving.com/antonyjcbutcher

Big thanks to Richard Without-a Hatton who has saved the day by editing the podcast. https://www.facebook.com/Darkstarr1cc0
I would have been lost without him this week... Richard will be editing future episodes and will be introducing us to some Leeds music he is interested and/or involved with.

Music this week is provided by the fantastic weatheredman and the noise https://www.facebook.com/weatheredmanmusic/ with a great track called Mr Jones Says You're Lookin' Real Good

Kieran O'Malley is Beeston's best kept secret - he has been playing the violin since a very small child and now plays with all sorts of bands in all sorts of places.

You can hear Kieran playing at the longest running folk night in the world at The Grove pub (down the side of Bridgewater Place).

He has lots of stories to tell and I am sure you will enjoy our conversation.

Kieran chose a track he worked on himself to play out the episode - the track is called Choose Love by the fabulous band Fold.

I was so excited when actual Father Christmas asked if he could be a guest on the Light on Leeds podcast - he wanted the chance to dispel some of the myths surrounding him and his helpers. It's a lot more complicated than it seems!

Merry Christmas Leeds!

Music provided this week by the wonderfully talented Grand Old Ukes of York with Listen, the Snow is Falling.

Lisa Holdsworth is a very busy woman! she is Chair of the Writers' Guild Great Britain. She's written for Emmerdale and Midsomer Murders and has an adaptation of James Herriott's All Creatures Great and Small coming out on Channel 5 in 2020. We were thrilled to have her as a guest.

Music this week is provided by A Night In November and the track is Time At The Bar - cracking tune!

Taras Gorevoy came to Leeds all the way from Estonia and says that he chose our city because he loves football and beer!

Taras runs an Instagram page called Leeds.Life which has one of the largest amount of followers of all our city IG accounts. He also has a social media marketing agency Yolka Yolka Didgital yolka.co.uk and has just begun his own Leeds themed clothing line chuffedyorkshire.com.

Taras chose a Leeds based band to close the episode, Arnesen, based in Leeds but from Norway. Their beautiful track, Choose For Me features Leeds based Italian singer Matilde Mirotti - Leeds, you are so cosmopolitan!

Jesse and Jim from Blue Kubricks came and had a beer and told us about how they write songs, looking for the perfect drummer (when they already had one) and much, much more.

Check out their work on Spotify and their new song Heroin at the end of the podcast...

It was wonderful to have Cat & Kate from Seagull's Paints as guests - I've been looking forward to meeting them for such a long time.

Have a listen to how they began, all of the amazing things they do and what their plans are for the future.

Do check out their Refill Shop and Mosaic Workshops.

FB: Seagulls Paint
Twitter: @SeagullsPaint
IG: seagullspaint

Music this episode by our multi-talented engineer Will Gurrey and Owen Gurrey as HiFi Richard with Test the World. An uplifting song for an uplifting episode.

This podcast contains mild swearing

Jack Hurley is our fantastic guest for episode 10. He is an artist, best know for his Rubbish Seaside collection. You can find his work in Fabrication on Albion Street, Leeds or their branch on Coney Street, York.

Jack talks about his inspiration and how different towns react to being portrayed by him.

You can also find Jack's art at www.loud ribs.com and Fabrication's website is https://www.fabric-ation.co.uk

Although we talk about a lack of huge success for Leeds bands during this episode, we could be changing all of that with this very podcast!

We are featuring Leeds bands or solo artists (original songs only) at the end of our episodes. If you are interested or know someone who is, email your details or an mp3 to hazelmillichamp@gmail.com. Similarly, if you know of someone who should be featured on Light on Leeds, get in touch!

This week we are featuring Ava In The Dark's excellent fourth single called"Talk to Myself".

@avainthedark on Twitter you can find them on FB under Ava InThe Dark.

Bruce Davies was a brilliant guest who came along to tell us all about his Basement Arts Project and discusses the public benefit of art and how accessible (or not) it can be.

Bruce opens the basement of his Beeston home to artists to display works of art which the public may view by appointment (if they are unable to make any of his opening times and dates).

He tells us about what he has planned as part of the Index Festival - a collaboration of artists working on the On The Corner will be producing an 8ft sculpture of Jacob's Ladder.

Music this week is provided by HiFi Richard with Always Be The Same (HiFi Richard are made up of our talented producer, Will Gurrey and his equally talented brother, Owen Gurrey).

https://www.basementartsproject.com/

https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/index-festival

https://yorkshire-sculpture.org/

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/hi-fi-richard/1367555453

https://youtu.be/MS4So5tlxHs

http://dolce-vita.co.uk/

https://www.phill-hopkins.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/jadenefine_art/?hl=en

https://www.dominichopkinson.com/

http://independent.academia.edu/DerekHorton

Jessica Penn is the engneer on this epiode:

https://www.facebook.com/JessPennMusic

This episode features the Artistic Director of Red Ladder Theatre Group, Rod Dixon. Rod was a great guest and spoke passionately about many subjects including austerity, the miner's strike, male depression and much more.

He asks big questions about whether art can change things and can theatre be used as political activism.

Rod has many funny stories too and explains his next projects and where you will be able to see them.

Music at the end of the podcasts is Bleak House Farm by Paul Bryce as The Gordons.

This episode contains some swearing.

Alice Nutter was our fantastic guest on Light on Leeds Episode 7...

She tells us about her Chumbawumba days and how she and the rest of the band squatted in a mill owner's daughter's house (until she remembered she owned it!) and much, much more.

I tell her how much I loved the FX series Trust that she was heavily involved in writing and she explains why it was not as successful as it could have been (and what a shame!).

Brilliant music this week by Blue Kubricks with Pictures of Your Name - these guys are going to be guests on one of our future episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/bluekubricks/

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/pleasure-demo-single/1439365289

Instagram: @bluekubricks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluekubricks?lang=en

Engineered by Jess Penn - check out her music here: https://www.facebook.com/JessPennMusic
and produced by Will Gurrey.

Episode 6 of Light on Leeds features Mick McCann as our guest...

Mick talks about the importance to him of music and dancing, his books Coming Out as a Bowie Fan in Leeds, Yorkshire, England and How Leeds Changed the World and tells us why Leeds United are a proper club (as opposed to Manchester United).

A small warning that there is quite a bit of swearing in this episode.

Music this week is provided by a good friend of his, Believe (Mikk Stupp ft. Silverfinger Singh, Oova and Goldfinger Singh).

Here are the links to many of the events, music etc that Mick talks about:

Armley Press: https://www.armleypress.com

DROP has a dance tent at Hyde Park Unity Day (daytime, 3rd August Woodhouse Moor) with the three DJ's through the day and performances from 7 of Leeds' most exciting 'urban' artists and DnB legend Pat Fulgoni from Huddersfield.

Bass BC set (aka John Lake author/publisher) Beaver Works Urban Eclectic 06.19

DROP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1564137200475901/

Ojos de Brujo - Todo tiende live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxCM73g7nlQ

Submotion Orchestra - 'In Gold': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uou5wR43Cg

Engineered by Jess Penn and produced by Will Gurrey.

Episode 5 features Ed Carlisle who is a hugely active person in his local community of South Leeds...

Ed tells us about his forays in local politics, community action, Beeston Festival, the Repair Cafe and the Holbeck Viaduct Project amongst other things. I had so many things on my list to ask him about that I didn't get to, that he must come along again and tell us more.

Music this week by Lewis Hall.

This episode engineered by Jess Penn and produced by Will Gurrey.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=535470579

@edleeds Twitter

Repair Cafe on FB

https://www.facebook.com/groups/252645815067316/?ref=share

Holbeck Viaduct Project

http://holbeckhighline.org.uk/

Lewis Hall Music on FB

https://www.facebook.com/Vouleme/

How Leeds Changed the World by Mick McCann

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0955469937/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-ahkDbM7B7H1F

How Leeds Changed the World

Episode 4 of Light on Leeds features not one, but two times BAFTA winner Mark Catley.

Mark is a two times BAFTA winning writer and producer and has written for Casualty, Eastender, Coronation Street and much more. He was the first writer to be commissioned by the West Yorkshire Playhouse (as it was then) as part of the BBC’s New Writing schemes, Northern Exposure.

Mark is involved with Slung Low Shorts which is a night of 6 new plays written by both experienced and emerging writers at the Holbeck WMC, Leeds. Next performance is 18th July 2019.

This week the music comes from is the superb Chris Helme formally of The Seahorses fame. Check out his track Closer Now.

Jess Penn was the engineer and Will Gurrey was the producer.

https://www.slunglow.org/event/slung-low-shorts-2/

https://www.facebook.com/slunglowshorts/

https://twitter.com/dukeofbeeston?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://twitter.com/slunglowshorts?lang=en

https://gottsparkgolfclub.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/ChrisHelme?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://www.facebook.com/chrishelmemusic/

This weeks guest is Chris Nickson. Author, music journalist and veritable gold mine of facts about Leeds!

This episode features music from The Jolly Code.

Produced by Will Gurrey and engineered by Jess Penn.

http://www.instagram.com/thejollycode

**http://facebook.com/thejollycode

http://www.twitter.com/thejollycode**

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Nickson

https://chrisnickson.co.uk/

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/n/chris-nickson/

https://m.facebook.com/chris.nickson

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leeds-Changed-World-Mick-McCann/dp/0955469937

https://twitter.com/chrisnickson2?lang=en

How Leeds Changed the World

Episode 2 of Light on Leeds features Nick Ahad, BBC Radio Leeds DJ, playwright and stand-up comedian. Features Rise not Fall by Jess Gardham.

Some swearing in this episode.

How Leeds Changed the World by Mick McCann is available at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leeds-Changed-World-Mick-McCann/dp/0955469937

You can find Jess Gardham on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=785785314

Details of Nick's latest play Redcoats here:

https://mikron.org.uk/shows/redcoats

How Leeds Changed the World

Alan Lane comes to talk about Slung Low; the brilliant work they are doing in the community and how you can get involved...