YEP Letters: April 20

Readers’ favourite album sleeves?

Terry Maunder, Kirkstall

April 16 was World Vinyl Day and there were a number of items about it on the TV news programmes.

Apparently, young people like vinyl album sleeves to decorate their bedroom and/or living room walls with. Original. I have a Jimi Hendrix Experience album Axis: Bold As Love, in mono, which contains the much sought after orange lyric sheet that only a limited number in the UK were issued with. I’ve lost count of how many bedroom walls this has adorned. Before I learned its value, of course.

There were also discussions about people’s favourite album sleeves. Difficult one that. Cream’s Disraeli Gears? Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew? The notable Escher image that Mott The Hoople borrowed for their first album? Otis Redding’s Otis Blue? The Grateful Dead’s Live Dead? Sleeves designed by the band/artist such as The Band’s Music From Big Pink (Bob Dylan drawing, reflecting also his association with them)? Patti Smith’s Horses? One of my shortlist would definitely be the Andy Warhol designed sleeve for The Velvet Underground And Nico. Original, mono pressings with the “peelable” banana and gatefold sleeve go for small fortunes on some websites. Wonder what other readers would choose?

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Hotel site is ‘biggest eyesore in Leeds’

Councillor Peter Gruen, Ward Councillor for Crossgates & Whinmoor Ward, Leeds City Council

Here’s a question: where is the biggest eyesore in Leeds right now?

Two clues: I see it every day on my way into and from the Civic Hall. It was supposed to be the newest luxury hotel on the block.

Yes, you’ve got it. For 12 long months the partially completed monster shell, to be known at some point in the distant future as the Hilton Arena Hotel, sits unloved and seemingly not belonging to anyone! Is anyone claiming responsibility for this vast cavern with the idle crane towering in the skyline inflicting this unwanted intrusion?

For how much longer will pedestrians have to walk along the ‘temporary’ diversions and will cars need to skirt around the half of the road still not available to traffic?

Rumour has it that the Co-operative Bank holds the ultimate hand in this debacle and could, if they were so minded, sort out the contracts and get back to building now. But let’s not hold our breath; when have London bankers ever done the right thing by northern cities?

I’ll gladly give way to Co-op boss Richard Pennycook, if he would like to explain his next steps.

Voting to stay in European Union

John Appleyard, Liversedge

It’s no use those in favour of leaving Europe saying that people like Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill would vote for exit because we don’t know.

We have to deal with those that are living now.

Jeremy Corbyn made a very good speech on why he wants the UK to stay in Britain because its the best framework for trade, manufacturing and cooperation in the 21st Century.

He also made a special appeal for young people to get involved because the decision on June 23rd will effect their future.

More and more people particularly those in work are in favour of staying in to protect workers rights, equal pay for work of equal value, part time workers laws and guaranteed holiday pay.

I have never been a purist the EU is not perfect by any means, most organisations are not, but it doesn’t prevent us from participating in argument and discussion.

That’s why I will be voting to remain in the EU.

Leeds Equality Group meeting

Pete Redwood, by email

Leeds is considered to be the UK’s fastest growing city and is the largest financial and business centre outside London, with several important companies based here.

One would expect, therefore, that it is also a very affluent city. Sadly, there is another side to the story. Despite the growth, Leeds still has far too high a level of families officially classified as poor – those who do not reach the recognised minimum income standard.

This represents 27 per cent of all families. Although official unemployment figures are shown to be improving in Leeds, a large number of those classified as “in work” are on zero hours contracts with no guarantee of actual work and a very uncertain weekly income, in many cases less than those with guaranteed part-time contracts.

The Equality Trust is a national, evidence based campaign organisation that aims to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing inequality.

A local group is being set up and an inaugural meeting is being being held on Monday 25th April at the Quaker Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9DX, commencing 7pm. Admission is free.

A representative of the Equality Trust will address the meeting followed by three local speakers with extensive knowledge of poverty and inequality in Leeds.

It makes no sense

June Warner, Kirk Deighton

I have rarely heard more criticism of two people than that levelled at Messrs Cameron and Osborne since 2010. Fair enough.

What I cannot grasp, however, is why so very many of the people who have merrily lambasted this dubious duo seem to have fallen for their pro-EU propaganda. It makes no sense whatsoever.

EU and school places

G Waite, Leeds

What a shame it is that many thousands of parents, locally and nationally, have discovered that their primary school-age children will not be able to attend the school of their choice, even if attended by their older siblings, and the attendant problems that that will create for them, due to the demand for places.

This is just one more problem caused in no small part by our EU membership and the unfettered immigration demanded by our unelected European masters.

It’s just one more straw on the camel’s back.

In praise of Morley market

David Speight, Tingley

Morley has had a shopping mall since 1880 - the town’s market.
Until supermarkets and the new large shopping malls, the market and local traders served the town and people very well.
Now many have abandoned the local traders for big companies and faceless run empires - our town no longer has even a bakers or fishmongers.

The large corporations are in part to blame, however we locals have also been part of this by choosing to shop in supermarkets for all our needs.

Yet Morley market is still holding well. The only electrical shop in the town is in the market and so on. 
We need to see townsfolk and those from the area walking down to the market to see just what is on offer.

If I have a special event to attend I visit the barber at the bottom of the market for a trim and a shave.

The market has changed with the times, it has a computer and mobile phone shop who carry out repairs.
There are two inexpensive fashion shops for ladies.

You can arrange for double glazing or a new fire, buy amazing gifts including essential oils, candles and joss sticks.

I am not saying stop shopping in the supermarkets or flash shopping malls, only support our local traders who work hard to give the very best quality at affordable prices.
If you like our little town start supporting it.

Carers study

Arlene Phillips, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador

Caring for someone with dementia can be a challenge unlike any other.

I know first-hand from looking after my father that, while it can be very rewarding, it’s also all-consuming.

Alzheimer’s Society recently found that nine in 10 carers for people with dementia experience feelings of stress or anxiety several times a week. Despite this, many carers find it difficult to take time out of their caring commitments to access help and support – and when they do, they face waiting times of more than a year.

An immediately accessible form of therapy could provide a much-needed solution. Caring For Me and You is a research trial that will test tailored online cognitive behavioural therapy and support designed to help carers of people with dementia find ways of coping with the pressures of their role.

The research team needs any carers of people with dementia who have felt the emotional pressures of caring, and have access to a computer, to help test the effectiveness of these new online therapy packages. For details sign up at www.caringformeandyou.org.uk