Welcome to Episode 10 of Caravan Convos! In this episode Sue talks to Denetta Copeland AKA D3 a talented force of nature, a performer and writer who regularly performs, works and hosts events at Left Bank. Denetta talks about how she began to write as young mother to cope with tough times and learned to produce music to create her own tracks when she couldn't find anyone to do it for her. Spotted by the founders of Leeds Young Authors, Denetta went on to volunteer with them for 13 years whilst raising her three children as a single parent, coping with a diagnosis of MS at 21 and performing and singing with a local Jungle band! She travelled to America with talented young people and importantly whilst mentoring them she was able to develop her own writing.

Denetta worked festivals while juggling her passion for music and being a mother, from working security to stage management she loved the festival environment and opportunities to appreciate the natural world around us and the people we meet along the way in our lives. The pandemic was a turning point for Denetta, developing her own online courses Writing for Mental Health during lockdown, she met a group of people from all around the world who are still in touch today, supporting each other with their writing. One of those people was amazing Sarah Autumn from this podcast and Left Bank family, another creative activist and they have been firm friends ever since!

Denetta and Sarah developed a social enterprise 'Between the Lines' together as we emerged from the pandemic, dedicated to creating an inclusive platform for everyone to develop and share their creativity AND we love the fact that they host their events here at Left Bank - our values are perfectly aligned.

We can learn so much from the Denetta's of this world (they are rare diamonds), talented creatives pushing through major challenges with enduring positivity, hope and strength and uplifting and supporting our community when it's needed. Awesome.

Find out more about Denettas work here at D3 Creations

Listen on Spotify D3 UK

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In this episode, Sue speak to Ed Thompson aka Edek Thompson. Ed lives and works in Hyde Park and is a popular workshop tutor at Left Bank and a great collaborator in the area.

Hear about Ed's journey as an artist, his work with Left Bank and his creative practice. Ed is passionate about accessibility to the arts and supporting neurodiverse makers and creators following the work he has done through his life working with autistic people of all ages and across the world!

You can follow Ed on Instagram HERE

Ed's Profile on curator space HERE

Find out more about OWLS Older Wiser Local Seniors and their work HERE

Here is the link to the Ed's latest exhibition with OWLS 'Apocalypse Remix' at Left Bank HERE

You can buy prints of Ed's work at our favourite art shop in Headingley Beam Works HERE

See the current Art Show at Wild Craft Bakery based in Meanwood HERE

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In this podcast Sue and Leah chat to Holly and Danika from the TAP (Transforming & Activating Places) Programme delivered by Sheffield University. Holly and Danika have recently completed their first year at Uni and have worked with us at Left Bank this summer to support the community neighbourhood planning process in Hyde Park by delivering creative engagement sessions and researching the history of the neighbourhood through capturing the stories and memories of local people. Find out more about this fantastic programme delivered by Sheffield University HERE

Inspired by the story of Pat Regan, Holly wrote a song about her work as a anti-gun crime campaigner and performs it on this episode.

We also discuss the artwork of Georgia D'Silva and Beam Works a beautiful non-profit on Otley Road in Headingley LS6 where this episode was recorded.

To find out more about the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Plan you can visit the website HERE

If you want to find out more about the BIG WARM WELCOME TO HEADINGLEY yarn bomb and get involved, please join the facebook group HERE

We are still learning so the audio is pretty rough today - sorry and thank you for listening!

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WARNING - It's a LONG one! We wanted to capture conversations about CULTURE in Hyde Park after a recent event at Left Bank hosted by Leeds City Council exploring the future of Culture in Leeds post Leeds 2023.

We chatted with Nathan Clark from The legendary Brudenell Social Club and Jack Simpson co-owner of Hyde Park Book Club and then Sue and Sarah got into a deep late night convo about all things Leeds and Left Bank!

Both from Leeds and passionate about the arts and community, Sue and Sarah met at Left Bank after the first lock-down in 2020. Now working together at Left Bank on a variety of projects you'll hear reflections on life in Leeds and how the culture and community at Left Bank has developed.

You'll hear our first letter from a listener, why a DEPECHE MODE disco sadly won't be happening any time soon and why we think HIP HOP culture is leading the way in defining what culture is and how to embrace culture and pass it on.

Nathan is born and bred Hyde Park and his unwavering passion for the area and understanding of his community has helped to create his legendary music venue in Leeds. He has recently launched a new venture Project House along with Super Friendz and Welcome Skate Store - check it out!

Jack is co-owner of both Hyde Park Book Club and Eiger Studios and has recently achieved a PHD from Leeds University in Political Science.

We will be inviting both back to caravan convos in the next series!

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In this week's episode, Gaz chats to Sue and our guest Dirk Mischendahl about the work they have done together, getting involved at Left Bank and how commercial business can benefit from working alongside the not-for-profit centre to create good things and develop expertise....while still making a profit!

Side Note: We think Sue might have had one too many coffees for this one as she pretty much dominates the conversation, has developed a wierd (er) laugh and interrupts a lot (she is very apologetic!).

Dirk and Sue met in 2015 at one of his successful projects, Castleton Mill in Armley, Leeds and they worked together to develop this beautiful Grade II* former textile mill into to a very special space for creative businesses to thrive. In 2019, through Dirks contacts they took their combined expertise to Left Bank to support it to realise its potential.

Dirk Mischendahl is a celebrated entrepreneur arriving in Leeds as a student in the early 90s. Following the sale of his successful business 'Logistic' 10 years ago, Dirk has since developed The Tetley along with his wife artist Pippa Hale, Castleton Mill to support businesses in the city, created the Northern Bloc Ice Cream company and more recently The Boat Co North. Dirk is a passionate advocate for Leeds and local business and has received an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University.

You can contact Dirk via his Linked In profile HERE

Find out more about our Gaz HERE

This podcast is powered by the team at Left Bank. Want to comment, get involved, got an idea, promote your business, moan, think you can do it better ....drop us an email at hello@leftbankleeds.org.uk



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In this episode Sue chats to Amit and Shane about the annual community event 'Unity Day' in Hyde Park, Leeds. Part of the original Unity Day team, Shane and Amit reflect on why it was created in 1996 and how it has changed over the years. Hyde Park Unity Day was created by the community of Hyde Park after the riots in the area in 1995. Local residents wanted to bring the neighbourhood together to celebrate their community, get to know each other and showcase talent. With funding gaps and a dwindling team post-covid, Unity Day going ahead in 2023 currently hangs in the balance - but is this an opportunity to bring the event back to its roots for the benefit of the Hyde Park community once again?

Shane Fenton is a musician and original BBoy, Breaker-dancer 10Tonn and has spent most of his adult life teaching children and young people to dance, skip, rap and DJ always focussed on creating environments to bring students and locals together. You can listen to his latest music HERE

Without Amit Roy Hyde Park Unity Day would never have continued for as long as it has. Amit is the heart and soul of this event although he would never admit it. A humble man, Amit came it live in Hyde Park when he went into care at 11 and is one of our most well-known residents.

Support Hyde Park Unity Day HERE

Follow Hyde Park. Unity Day on Facebook HERE

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This week Sue and Gaz chat to Steve, first ever Left Bank employee! Steve takes care of our beautiful building when he isn't cooking big breakfasts for bikers and hosting his new Swap Shop!

Come along to Steve's Swap Shop TODAY! Find out more HERE

Get your FREE ticket for our Heritage Open Day Event HERE

Find out more about the Burley Bikers Breakfast HERE

Find us at Left Bank, Cardigan Road, Leeds LS6 1LJ

www.leftbankleeds.org.uk

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Welcome to Episode 3! This week Jack chats to Poppy about Leeds Poetry Festival, a grass roots celebrations of diverse voices in Leeds and beyond! Now in its third year, Jack and Poppy reflect on its beginnings, its ethos and what to expect in 2023. Left Bank is a firm supporter of the week-long festival and its monthly On The Mic night, providing a platform for writers and performers to develop their craft and share their voices.

Check out Leeds Poetry Festival HERE

Poppy Jennings HERE

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