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Literature Festival Saturday 5 October 2013, 7.30pm – 8.45pm Following the success of the inaugural biennial prize for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian women, SI Leeds, together with its partners, Peepal Tree Press and Ilkley Literature Festival, is delighted to announce the launch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!