Exciting new signing for Leeds City Museum!

Caption: The oldest surviving version of the FA Cup will be on public display for the first time in 95 years


Caption: Former Leeds United striker Mark Viduka celebrates scoring at Elland Road during The Whites' run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001

Football fans will be over the moon next month as a major exhibition charting the history of the FA Cup and Leeds United begins at Leeds City Museum.

The exhibition entitled ‘A Game of Two Halves’, which begins at the Millennium Square venue on Saturday 18th July, showcases the most famous club cup competition in the world – the FA Cup – as well as the story of Leeds United through the years.

Organised by Leeds City Council, the National Football Museum and Leeds United, the exhibition is in two parts, the first being ‘Saved for the Nation’ about the FA Cup and the second ‘Marching on Together’ which about the history of the Elland Road club.

Part one focuses on the legendary FA Cup, the world’s oldest and best-loved cup competition. Featuring an amazing collection of rarely seen memorabilia, the exhibition charts the players, goals, glory and controversy which make up the rich history of the competition known all over the world.

The centrepiece is sure to be the oldest surviving version of the trophy, which is now on public display for the first time in 95 years. This version was presented to the winners every year between 1896 and 1910, and was donated to the National Football Museum in 2005 after being bought by Birmingham City Chairman David Gold.

The exhibition also displays memorabilia from some of the great teams that won the cup in that period, such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Spurs, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and Wolves. Another eye-catcher is sure to be a collection of shirts worn by some of the heroes of the FA Cup in some of its most memorable finals at Wembley. These include Alan Clarke’s for Leeds in 1972, Frank MacLintock’s for Leicester in 1961 and Jimmy Stewart’s for Newcastle United back in 1911.

The second half of ‘A Game of Two Halves’ is devoted to Leeds United, telling the story of the club through the years. With amazing photography, familiar faces and many unseen items of memorabilia from the club’s recent and distant past, the exhibition charts significant dates and events including Leeds’ adventures in Europe, making it a must for all aficionados of The Whites.

‘A Game of Two Halves’ is not just the chance to look at memorabilia, however, there will also be the chance for fans to create their own dream team, re-live some glorious moments watching the 100 greatest FA Cup goals or show off their own skills by taking on the keepy-uppy challenge.

Leeds City Council executive member for Leisure Councillor John Procter said:

“This is going to be a fantastic exhibition and we are all really excited to be hosting it at Leeds City Museum. I’m sure it is going to be massively popular as all football fans will find it fascinating to see the amazing memorabilia like the FA Cup itself being on display, while Leeds United fans are going to love their own part of the exhibition especially. We can’t wait for kick-off!”

The exhibition is part of the Summer of Fun in Leeds, with details of all the council-managed free or low-cost events and activities going on around the city able to be accessed through the new web portal at www.leeds.gov.uk/summeroffun.

‘A Game of Two Halves’ starts at Leeds City Museum on Saturday 18th July and runs until January 10th 2010. Admission is £2.20 for adults, £1.20 for Under-16s, NUS and Senior Citizens, while a Family Ticket (2 Adults 3 Children) will be priced at £5. Under-5s are free.

LEEDSCard, Breezecard, Leeds United season-ticket holders and Club Members can also benefit from a 20% Discount (this cannot be used in conjunction with the Family Ticket).

As well as ‘A Game of Two Halves’, Leeds City Musuem features four floors of exciting galleries and exhibitions and free family activities Tuesdays to Thursdays to enjoy. Entry to Leeds City Museum is free and is a full day out. For further information visit the website www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:
Roger Boyde, Learning and Leisure Media Relations Officer,
Tel 0113 247 5472, Email: roger.boyde@leeds.gov.uk

‘Masti in the Market’ arrives at Kirkgate Market - Sunday 28 June

The spice is right for Leeds shoppers this Sunday as historic Kirkgate Market will be transformed into Kirkgate Bazaar.

In a fabulous Asian-themed market event, shoppers will be able to browse and buy a range of goods from India, Pakistan, the Middle East and elsewhere.

The event is being organised in association with Sunrise Radio’s Leeds and the Bradford-based Masti FM radio station, and will also include live artists performing all afternoon.

Named Masti in the Market - Masti is an Urdu word for fun and frivolity - this annual event will run between 12:00noon and 19:00pm on Sunday 28 June 2009. Last year’s Masti was a huge success, attracting thousands of shoppers from Leeds and further a field.

Traders from around the city and the region have already booked stalls for the day, selling:

• Asian fashions, such as traditional shalwar kameez, kusi, kurti, and bags
• Indian music, videos and DVDs.
• Arabic scarves, head wear and dupattas.
• Indian jewellery, bangles, and hair accessories.
• Musical instruments.

There will also be a huge variety of food, including, exotic spices, marinades, olives, stuffed vine leaves, cheese, and halal burgers.

Some great bands will also be playing including:

• Juggy D
• Mummzy
• 3Mix
• Spice Entertainment
• Dhol Players
• TKM
• Juz D
• Revive
• Jam Entertainment
• Young Archie Assignment
• UK SHOX

Visitors will also be able to sample traditional Indian head massage and henna painting.

Councillor Barry Anderson, councillor responsible for markets, said:

"Last year’s Masti was a soaraway success and this year’s promises to be another wonderful day.

“This is our fifth Masti in the Market and it is the only event on its type in the city centre, offering free entertainment from 12noon until 7pm. It’s a fantastic family day out with plenty to do and see and lots of amazing and exotic food from India, Pakistan and the Middle East.

“I am sure that people from all communities in Leeds and further a-field will want to come and enjoy a wonderful day out.”

Leeds City Council are working in partnership with Brewery Wharfe and Cafe Guru, who are based at Brewery Wharfe and will be providing the public with food demonstrations and an opportunity to sample some great dishes.

For more information, visit www.leeds.gov.uk, or telephone 0113 214 5162.

For media enquiries please contact:
Sara Hyman, Leeds City Council Press Office (0113) 247 4450
email Sara.Hyman@leeds.gov.uk

Council watchdog worried about city dialysis unit

A public watchdog is concerned that Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust may back track on its commitment to re-provide kidney dialysis facilities at Leeds General Infirmary – using the funding instead to update its water treatment plant (to treat water used in dialysis) at a facility at St. James’.

Councillor Mark Dobson, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Board, said:

"When I first became aware of recent discussions, I was naturally concerned – and already know that other members of the Scrutiny Board share my concerns.

"Renal services and, in particular transport for kidney patients, has been on ongoing issue since the closure of the Wellcome Wing was announced in early 2006, and has been the subject of a number of discussion at the Scrutiny Board. However, throughout these discussions, councillors have always believed that, in the longer-term, some of the transport difficulties would be resolved by the re-provision of dialysis facilities at LGI.

"While we welcome the proposals to invest in the water treatment facilities at St. James’ – which in itself is likely to benefit a large number of kidney patients, we do not want this to be become a bidding war between different parts of the City. As a Scrutiny Board we want to ensure that high quality health care services are available for all kidney patients across the city – without adding to patients’ often already complicated lives."

Since the proposed reconfiguration of renal services, which dates back to February 2006, a dedicated dialysis facility at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) has always been part of the plans and formed part of the public consultation between May 2006 and August 2006.

Prior to the closure of the Wellcome Wing in October 2006, the Trust made a commitment to provide a 10-station dialysis unit at LGI once a suitable location had been identified and in November 2007, the Trust Board approved the business plan to re-establish the facility. At the same meeting it was reported to the Trust Board that:

- The scheme fitted the overall direction of the Trust in its demonstration of responsiveness to patient demand for an accessible dialysis service on the LGI site.

- £3 million had been allocated in the capital programme across 07/08 and 08/09 for renal dialysis schemes, and the initial estimates for the units at LGI and Seacroft were £1.7 million and £1.6 million, respectively.

- There was no additional revenue expenditure.

As recently as October 2008, the Trust confirmed that a new renal dialysis satellite unit would open on Ward 44 at the LGI in December 2009, at a cost of over £1 million.

Councillor Mark Dobson added:

"I welcome any investment in the water treatment plant at St. James’ that will benefit a large number of kidney patients, but I fail to understand why this necessary investment was not identified earlier, nor do I understand why this should be at the expense of the long awaited unit at LGI – particularly when this is not a funding issue, as the budget had already been identified and agreed.

"On behalf of the Scrutiny Board, I have put these questions to the Chief Executive of the Hospital Trust – but have failed to be reassured by the response. However, having asked that no further decisions be taken until the Health Scrutiny Board has had the opportunity examine this in more detail, I have received assurance that the Trust Board will not now consider this before its meeting on 30 July 2009.’

"I hope to meet with the Chief Executive before the first meeting of the Scrutiny Board on 30 June 2009. While I don’t want to pre-empt the outcome of that discussion, I am confident that, given the ongoing concern around the provision of these services, the Scrutiny Board will agree to review all the issues in more detail at is meeting on 28 July 2009. Subject to final agreement, I aim to represent the Health Scrutiny Board and present any findings and recommendations when the Trust Board finally meets to consider this issue."

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Andy Carter, Leeds City Council Press Office (0113) 395 0393
Email: andy.carter@leeds.gov.uk

£20 million plan to build two new service centres given the go-ahead

A groundbreaking £20m plan to build two new state-of-the-art health and council service centres in Leeds has been given the go-ahead.

The two new ‘Joint-Service Centres’ in Harehills and Chapeltown are among the first of their kind in the city and will transform access to local services by providing a range of health and council services for local people in modern facilities and all under one roof.

The centres will be provided by Community Ventures Leeds Limited, a public private partnership joint venture company jointly funded by Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds. They will contribute to the regeneration of these inner-city areas to improve the services on offer locally and help address the health needs of local people.

Both centres will have great new libraries and customer services points for council services. They will also provide banking facilities through the Leeds Credit Union and in Chapeltown residents will be able to access a range of health services, including dentistry, and a new pharmacy.

Councillor Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“The centres are an important part of the council’s work to improve residents' access to key services and an excellent example of what can be achieved by working in partnership, being joint-funded and jointly run by Leeds City Council and Leeds NHS. I am delighted they have now got the go-ahead and look forward to work starting on their construction.”

Kevin Howells, Director of Finance for NHS Leeds, said:

“These centres will be first class, convenient centres for the people of Chapeltown and Harehills. They will transform healthcare facilities for local people and provide staff with 21st century surroundings to work in. They will also be a focal point for local people and will benefit the community as a whole.”

Nigel Fenny, Chief Executive at Community Ventures Leeds, said:

“Community Ventures Leeds are delighted to be working with Leeds City Council and NHS Leeds in providing these two new facilities which will support services to the local communities.”

Following first class design standards, each centre will look unique with a welcoming reception area leading to a range of different services.

The Chapeltown centre, on Reginald Terrace, will regenerate the site of the former Hayfield pub. In stark contrast to the former pub building, the new joint service centre will be a welcoming and striking building in a modern design, yet reflecting the character of the area. Displays of the plans will be available in the Chapeltown library for people to view the designs. The new services will include:

• Leeds City Council Customer Services.
• Chapeltown Library.
• Leeds City Council Environmental Health Services.
• Leeds City Council East North East Area Management Team.
• GP services relocating from Westfield Medical Centre.
• Community health services to include: health visitors, community midwifery, Multi-Ethnic Team, contraception and sexual health (CASH), community dentist (relocating from Chapeltown and Meanwood).
• Mental Health Services.

The proposed site for the Harehills centre is on Compton Road and will include the redevelopment of the existing library, together with an extension to house new services. Displays for the plans will be available for people to view on request in the temporary library bus at Harehills. The services planned for the Harehills centre include:

• Enhanced library with new technology access to the ‘Leeds Learning Network’
• Leeds City Council Customer Services
• Leeds City Council Chinese Advisory Service
• Leeds City Credit Union
• Access to Mental Health Services provided by NHS Leeds

Planning approval has now been obtained for both the Harehills and Chapeltown Centres and it is expected that the centres will open in late 2010.

Ends

For media enquiries please contact:
Sara Hyman, Leeds City Council press office, 0113 2243602
Email: sara.hyman@leeds.gov.uk

City centre restaurant owner’s £6,000 bill over dirty conditions

Caption: filthy conditions found by Leeds City Council Environmental Health Officers at Viva in Leeds city centre.

The owner of a restaurant who ignored warnings to improve hygiene conditions has been handed a bill of more than £6,000.

Vito La Gioia pleaded guilty to four charges at Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday, including that he failed to comply with a Hygiene Improvement Notice served on him over conditions at his restaurant, Viva.

He was fined £1,200 for the lack of a system to manage food safety and £1,500 for the non-compliance with the Hygiene Improvement Notice. He was ordered to pay Leeds City Council’s costs of £3,445, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Officers of Leeds City Council had warned La Gioia about the poor conditions and practices within his Bridge End restaurant in June and October 2007.

Food Hygiene law requires that food businesses must use a system of managing food safety to show what they do to make food that is safe to eat and have this written down. A file called Safer Food Better Business is available from the Food Standards Agency, at no cost to help small food businesses meet the legal requirement. La Gioia was given a copy of the file in October 2007 and advised how it should be used.

During the hearing, magistrates heard that on 29th May last year, La Gioia had not used the Safer Food Better Business file and had no alternative system in place. This in turn had lead to a number of other food safety offences.

The kitchen was not clean in that the floor, wall surfaces a hand wash basin and sinks were greasy and dirty. Uncovered food left at a dusty window to cool was open to potential contamination by dirt. A can opener had not been cleaned properly, so that when used dirt and old food was likely to touch fresh food.

La Gioia could also not show that he checked to ensure that food he sold at his restaurant was safely cooked to kill food poisoning bacteria. He was found to have mouldy food in his refrigerator and other food was out of date.

In response to his findings in May, the Environmental Health Officer served a Hygiene Improvement Notice on La Gioia. The notice obliged him to put in place a system to manage food safety such as Safer Food Better Business. When the officer returned in August 2008, he found that La Gioia had done some things to improve his business, most notably cleaning. Potentially serious food safety issues remained at Viva however, so the inspector gave La Gioia some more time to comply with the notice.

The court heard that on 2nd September 2008 the officer returned and found that remaining food safety issues had not been dealt with. La Gioia had used the Safer Food Better Business file, but ineffectively, and he had not followed the good advice within it. His staff had written in the file that a large refrigerator held food such as pate at high temperatures likely to enable food poisoning bacteria to grow. Such conditions had been recorded over many weeks. When the inspector checked the refrigerator for himself he found the same thing.

La Gioia had arranged repairs to the refrigerator but the action he had taken was ineffective, which may have put the public health at risk. In mitigation, he stated that he found the requirement to have a food safety management system in place to be very difficult to understand.

In sentencing, the magistrates said they viewed the offences as serious. La Gioia had been given several opportunities to improve but had not done nearly enough over a long time.

Food businesses can obtain a copy of Safer Food Better Business and refill packs at no charge from the Food Standards Agency on 0845 606 0667 or at www.food.gov.uk

Councillor James Monaghan, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for environmental health, said:
“It is the duty of any restaurant owner to ensure that food is prepared in conditions that adhere to regulations. Diners should be able to enjoy their meals in the knowledge that what they are eating has been safely stored and prepared.
“The council is only too willing to help businesses understand and comply with the regulations, but must take action where that help is ignored.
“I hope this sends out a proper message to restaurant owners that they must place the health of their customers first and face stiff penalties when they do not.”

ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3937
Email: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk