On 9 September John Casey gave a presentation to the club on the development of food banks in Leeds.  The 4 food banks being developed (north, east, south and west areas of the city) are following the framework developed by the Trussell Trust, which is a national organisation, with a successful track record in this area.  The 4 food banks in Leeds will operate under 1 charitable trust which ensures city wide engagements alongside being embedded at a local community level.  http://www.trusselltrust.org/foodbank-projects Food banks provide immediate emergency food for 3 days on receipt of a voucher given to the individual/family by an appropriate agency eg doctor, social services, police.  In addition to food they provide a listening ear and a signposting service to try and help people break the cycle. John outlined the scheme being developed to deliver the food banks which relies totally on

MUSICAL EVENING AT ST CHAD’S PARISH CENTRE, OTLEY ROAD, LEEDS                                                Tuesday October 8th 2013  8.00pm – 10.00pm. A programme of lively musical entertainment provided by THE LAWNSWOOD SINGERS and THE BRADFORD ACCORDION BAND was much enjoyed by club members, friends and local residents.  During the interval there was a delicious selection of wine and cheese, and a raffle was held. Funds were raised for Leeds Soroptimist Club Charities – KIDS IN KAMPZ, Birthing in Gambia and The Bulawayo Fund. http://www.lawnswoodsingers.co.uk/ http://www.bradfordaccordionband.org.uk/

Ilkley Playhouse, Wildman Theatre, Weston Road, Ilkley LS29 8DW in partnership with Ilkley Literature Festival Saturday 5 October 2013, 7.30pm – 8.45pm Following the success of the inaugural biennial prize for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian women, SI Leeds, together with its partners, Peepal Tree Press and Ilkley Literature Festival, is delighted to announce the launch of the 2014 SI Leeds Literary Prize, to take place at the Festival on 5 October. Acclaimed British novelist and Prize patron Bernardine Evaristo MBE will be discussing her groundbreaking new book Mr Loverman with Professor John McLeod of the University of Leeds. The event opens with Minoli Salgado, winner of the 2012 SI Leeds Literary Prize, in conversation about her career since the Prize award, and a reading from her winning entry A Little Dust on the Eyes. Please join us. Tickets cost £5, and can be

Members of SI Leeds and guests enjoyed an evening of beauty treatments at Pout Beauty’s spacious and smart new salon in Chapel Allerton to the accompaniment of the cool and lively Wang Dang Doodle band. The girls’ night out was in support of The SI Leeds Literary Prize and raised £250. “Congratulations on a very successful event! The music was great. It was lovely to get my feet tapping and I also enjoyed the facial; very professional!!”  Kate Peace, event guest. Most of the group continued the party mood at The Olive Tree restaurant, nearby. Because it was so much fun, we hope to repeat the experience in 2014.  

Central East cluster group met on 3 August at the Castle Howard Arboretum for a walk and to inspect the tree planted to mark the Yorkshire Region’s 75th anniversary. We polished up the plaque, enjoyed delicious refreshments at the excellent cafe, and spent a couple of hours in the subshine wandering round this wonderful treasury of trees.  If you always turn right to the House, try turning left on your next visit to Castle Howard and spend some time outdoors!