Stan Graham's Leisure Guide for North and West Yorkshire
At lunchtime on 26th May, 1967 a group of us sent our friend David to Valances Record and Electrical Shop in what is now Dortmund Square. We were at Park Lane College, which had just changed its name from Leeds College of Commerce, and we had entrusted him with our spending money as he had…
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Well, that’s the last time I complain about the punctuality of the 36 from Harrogate to Leeds. Last night I got on board a shuttle from Leeds Bus Station and didn’t arrive at Allerton Bywater until 27 years later in 2050. I must be in line for a heck of a payout in compensation, although,…
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I believe that, in life, timing is very important. Whether it is of the good variety or the bad. Unfortunately my visit to the Projecting Grief exhibition fell into the latter category. I have been in bitter dispute with my housing association since well before the pandemic and the strain had taken its toll on…
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As usual, Leeds Playhouse brings us shows and events which are a little out of the ordinary. The range is enhanced even more this year with their hosting of one of the most significant festivals in the country. We begin, however, on 13th – 16th September with a play in the Courtyard called The House…
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The back end of the year is a busy time for this iconic Leeds institution. There are no less than 53 visitors to its (steeply forward sloping) stage between now and the New Year. I must apologise to artists I don’t mention for only being able to pick what I consider to be highlights. You…
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Even though it is my local theatre, it is not often I get a chance to visit this Harrogate gem. As it happens I didn’t get to see any of the splendid auditorium this time either, as the function to which I was invited was held in the Stalls Bar, located in the cellar! It…
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Opera, isn’t that for rich snobs and aren’t academies elitist educational establishments, if so, what is Stan Graham doing at this event? The short answer is, enjoying himself! Now, put away your pre-conceived ideas and read on, you will feel much better for it. Let me begin with the opera part. Up until a few…
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Anyone thinking of visiting the lovely spa town of Harrogate should make sure that they arrange their trip to coincide with the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival. Not only because it is a great event for all the family but they seem to have a knack of picking the best weather. That’s next year’s event…
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Back at the beginning of April I went to the launch of LIFI23, you can work out what that stands for by looking at the title of this piece, where we were given the rundown of events taking place. As happens in life, stuff changes, and there have been a couple of tweaks to the…
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Sinfonia is the centrepiece of a project between The Performance Ensemble, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Museums and Galleries and Leeds Older People’s Forum for LEEDS 2023, under the umbrella title of 1001 Stories. Leeds Playhouse has surrendered their premises from 24th April – 6th May to the above to facilitate a series of productions from those…
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Tyke It To The Limit 