Sheffield footballer will climb Ben Nevis for Alzheimer’s and diabetes charities
A Sheffield born footballer plans to climb Ben Nevis to raise money for charity, alongside his childhood best friend.
Jake Hull, who currently plays for Buxton FC on loan from Rotherham United, will climb the highest mountain peak in the United Kingdom in order to raise money for Alzheimer's Society and Diabetes UK.
He will be joined by lifelong friend Harrison Foulstone; they have been friends since playing in the Sheffield United academy together as youngsters.
Mr Hull, now aged 21, revealed how important his 'best friend' is to him ahead of their planned climb.
He said: "We used to play for Sheffield United Academy, so I joined when I was six and he was already there. We've been best mates literally all the way through.
"We do everything together, like every Sunday, we go to the cinema as we've got one of those Unlimited cards! All my mates have got girlfriends but we just do everything together."
The pair became inspired after stumbling upon social media clips of others scaling the mountain.
Both admitted it looks "ridiculously hard", but that they are willing to face the challenge in order to raise money for charities close to their hearts.
Mr Hull said: "For me, someone in my family is affected by diabetes. They've had to change their treatments quite often, they have to take so much with them when they go on holidays. It's a nightmare for that person!
"Harrison's nan was really affected by Alzheimer's too, to the point where she didn't remember who anyone in the family was. I saw her a few times and it was heartbreaking."
Their JustGiving page has already received £532 of its proposed £1000 target, with the climb expected to happen in May this year.
Mr Hull's new loan club Buxton FC have even announced their support of the climb on social media, with their "man mountain" now taking on his very own peak.
Retro Weekend sees victory and heartbreak for Steelers
The Sheffield Steelers had a tumultuous weekend of hockey after securing a 4-1 victory against the Nottingham Panthers but suffering defeat at the hands of the Guildford Flames.
The weekend was a Retro one for the Steelers as they celebrated the double winning side of 1994-95, with the team dressed both nights in Retro shirts which were raffled off on the night, and all 22 on each day.
The first period between the Steelers and Panthers got off to a strong start for the Sheffield side, with a goal coming within the first 2 minutes from Scott Allen from a Petgrave breakaway that hit the post.
The Panthers continued to press but the Steelers deployed defensive tactics, and looked dangerous on the attack. The chances in the first period were Sheffield dominated, with plenty of shots that were blocked well by the Panthers netminder.
The Steelers maintained their high intensity in the second period, despite two minors for Daniel Ciampini, the team then switched back to a more defensive front as the Panther's employed a strong counter attack.
A crucial save was made by netminder Greenfield in the last two minutes of the period, and the Steelers nearly went 2-0 up courtesy of a last minute strike from Ackered.
After a goalless second period, the third saw plenty of action. A goal came in the first minute from Kristo who skated into the high spot and slid the puck into the back of the net. Another goal was scored a minute afterward from Allen who bagged his second of the night.
The Panthers retaliated and pressed hard, securing a goal from Welch to make it a two goal game. Both sides attacked strongly in this period, resulting in minors for the Panthers Sorenson and Levin and Steelers Vallerand.
The last period saw a late minute goal from Ciampini, to secure the Steelers an emphatic 4-1 victory against the Panthers. The result is a 6-0 sweep for the Steelers against them.
Manager Aaron Fox said: "I thought we played hard and well, when you go 6-0 against your biggest rival that's a pretty big accomplishment for our group."
The Steelers entered their game on Sunday in high spirits, but a goal quickly came in the first five minutes from Guildford's Tedesco. The response from the Sheffield side was quick however, with Neumann slotting the puck into the back of the net courtesy of a Ackered assist.
Despite the response, the Flames dominated the game with goals coming from O'Connor and Tedesco respectively, leaving the Steelers much to work for in the second period.
The Sheffield side quickly bagged another goal from Dowdy, and built on this momentum to secure a second from Valler and a minute later, to level the score line at 3-3.
With just four seconds left on the clock for the second period, the Flames found their fourth goal on the powerplay, courtesy of Tait, leaving the third period wide open for a Steeler's equalizer.
The last period was an attacking battle between both teams but neither finding the back of the net until Ciampini clinched a late minute goal to pull the Steelers level and head for overtime.
The overtime period saw heartbreak for the Sheffield side however, with the Flames' Ferguson slotting the puck past Greenfield to secure the two points for Guildford.
Manager Fox said: "I'm disappointed with the result obviously, but the guys left it out there, played with emotion and desperation all night long.
"We have to maintain our focus here we play two very good hockey games next week, we have to show some pride here and be ready to play for that seating."
The Steelers are away at Belfast Giants on Friday before returning to the Utilita Arena to face the Cardiff Devils at 4pm.
New café to open at Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Work on an old site at Sheffield Botanical Gardens will begin this week in order to refurbish the old Curators House Team Rooms.
Sheffield City Council announced plans for the new café, which will be situated close to the Clarkhouse Road entrance of the historic gardens.
Cllr Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee, said: “We’re really pleased to see that this development is getting underway.
"A thriving café makes a huge difference to visitors’ experience within our parks, gardens and woodlands and we know that the gardens have been crying out for improvements to these facilities for some time now."
The council is collaborating with a new partner, Joni, which has a reputation for delivering high quality hospitality in venues across the city, such as Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet.
Amy from Joni said: "We're incredibly excited to bring you our signature breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee & bakes in the most beautiful setting imaginable.
"Since opening our little shop in Oughtibridge we've been overwhelmed by support from our locals and the wider reach of Sheffield. We can't wait to serve up spritz brunches and sunset tapas overlooking the gardens."
The Botanical Gardens' features include expansive greenhouses, a Victorian 'bear pit', and hundreds of rare plants and trees across its nineteen acres. It is listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site of special historic and architectural interest.
The gardens welcome thousands of visitors each year, hosting major events including a firework display, plays and concerts.
Improved toilet facilities will also be open for public access this summer.
Miles Stevenson, the Chair of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust, said: "We know that people from all over the world visit these beautiful gardens – and having a great café for visitors is a really important aspect of any visit. We’re really pleased that Joni is going to be operating the new café and we wish them much success."
The venue's launch has also received support from The Friends of the Gardens (FOBS), a large army of volunteers who maintain the Botanical Gardens.
Carolyn Clark, the Executive Chair of FOBS, said: "We are thrilled to have a café with such a great reputation and known track record of working in heritage sites in Sheffield’s beautiful Botanical Gardens.
"We welcome them to the Gardens family and wish them much success."
An official opening date will be announced soon.
Parson Cross Forum celebrates launch of art group for adults with learning disabilities
A Sheffield-based community forum is encouraging people to get involved after the successful launch of its new art group for adults with learning disabilities.
Parson Cross Forum is an organisation providing educational and social support to local residents.
It started the ‘Open Door Art Project’ as a way of providing a safe and tailored space for disabled people as facilities for this group lacks within the city.
Community development worker, Louise Askew, 48, from Longley, said: “We’ve run our dementia services for years, but we found that a lot of disabled people were coming to these groups as they had no alternative.
"We created this new art club so disabled people in Sheffield have a specific place they can go that’s tailored exactly to their needs and what they want.”
The group offers a range of activities from paper flower making to working with clay.
Although the art sessions are currently volunteer-led, there’s a hope in the future for the members to eventually run the club for themselves and decide which activities they want to do.
Ms Askew said: “We like to offer a new little project for our participants to work on every week and art is such a great way to relax and make everyone feel comfortable.
"But art is secondary. This group is about social connections, making new friends and reducing the loneliness disabled people all too often face.”
Parson Cross Forum has targeted the art group at those over 18 as adulthood is often the stage where those with disabilities have less support.
Centre manager, Louise Ashmore, 52, from Parson Cross, said: “We desperately need more services across the city for adults with learning disabilities.
“We find that when they turn 18 or leave education, the services available to them just disappear as they’ve lost a key support network.”
The organisation has been generously funded by the National Lottery Awards for All which hope the group will be a great benefit to the community by reducing isolation and improving mental health.
Ms Ashmore said: “It gives them something to look forward to and allows them to build new friendships which carry on outside the group.”
The Open Door Art Project runs every Thursday from 10am to 11.30am at Parson Cross Community Development Forum and attendees are encouraged to bring their carers and loved ones who are free to join in or chat amongst themselves.
The group is open to everyone and the building is fully accessible with disabled toilets and changing facilities available.
Ms Ashmore said: “Even if someone feels unsure about joining, they can come and have a chat with us beforehand and we’ll make sure they feel comfortable. They’re such a lovely bunch of people and the group really does have a family feel. So please come down and give it a go.”
To find out more or to get involved either turn up or contact Parson Cross Forum via the details on its website.
The organisation is always looking for more volunteers so anyone interested is being urged to contact the team here.
Mental health charity offers support for women and non-binary people in Sheffield
A 'life-changing' mental health charity has announced the launch of its new peer support group for women and those who identify as women or non-binary.
Survivors of Depression in Transition (SODiT) is a predominantly peer-led organisation that aims to support those struggling with isolation and their mental health.
Trustee and mental health adviser, Jill Wood, 55, of Foxhill, said: “I can’t even put into words how amazing this group is for women. I’ve been volunteering with this organisation since 2019 and it’s been so invaluable that it’s changed my life.”
The group’s new sessions will launch this Thursday and are going to offer a safe space for women to open up and confide in others.
The get-togethers will continue to run every Thursday from 5.15pm to 6.30pm in Unit 4 at SYAC Business Centre.
The organisation already offers a peer support group on a Tuesday afternoon, but the team, which includes CEO Stephanie de la Haye, felt it was a great time to start a new workshop on a Thursday evening to allow more women to join in.
Ms Wood said: “A lot of women work or have childcare responsibilities, so we wanted to extend the group and get more people involved.
"In the other group, a lot of the women have been coming for years, so we wanted a fresh group where everyone is starting together from the same point in their journey with us.”
There’s no pressure to talk and the sessions will be hosted in a relaxed environment where members can have a hot drink, some biscuits and feel free to discuss their experiences if they want to.
The group also offers social activities like meals out and hope to run massage and yoga sessions in the near future, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ms Wood said: “We’re an incredibly welcoming and lively bunch of women, but people are more than welcome to just take a back seat, listen and enjoy the space if they prefer. We’ll be on hand if they want a private chat too.
"Most of all we want to create a nurturing environment where women can learn from one another and know that they’re not alone."
The charity particularly believe the peer support structure will help to create a judgement-free space where the members can feel safe to talk with those that understand them.
There is no referral system in place, and everyone is welcome to join with the charity encouraging women to get in touch if they need support.
To join the group or find out more, contact SODiT by email or telephone via their website here.
Sheffield residents and business owners condemn council ‘connectivity plans’.
Many people living in Kelham Island, Neepsend and West Bar have criticised Sheffield City Council's plans to introduce numerous pedestrian and cycle lanes in the area.
Updated plans show that many roads, which provide access to local traders, are being converted into primary cycling routes, one-way streets and a 'Dutch-style' roundabout.
This is all part of the council's wider plans to increase 'sustainable transport options'.
But with many businesses already suffering the impact of the Clean Air Zone, the council have not responded to our approach for comment on the additional plans which many fear will put businesses under.
"It's short sighted and it's killing industry." said Sarah Walker, a local resident who attended the council's public information event.
"This is a waste of time because its going to happen no matter what the people of Sheffield say. I have emailed the council and told them what I think but they're not very good at getting back to you."
Dana Windle, organiser of Rex Market on Neepsend Lane, echoed Sarah's frustrations at the lack of communication from the council.
She said: "It feels like there is no democracy in Sheffield City Council. There's no taking in people's opinions and seeing who its actually going to effect before going ahead with the changes. They've just decided they want to do something and gone ahead with it."
Michael Windle, who founded P&W services 60 years ago and runs the car body repair shop on Neepsend lane with his son Matt, fears the worst.
He said: "The passing trade will disappear. People come here because we're a father and son business and they always know we'll be here. Well, we might not be soon."
His son, Matt, believes it's no accident that these plans coincide with the introduction of Sheffield's clean air zone.
"These plans are all designed to send vehicles through the clean air zones because no lorry will be able to access this area without going through the clean air zone." He said.
Whilst the council have not responded to these criticisms, Councillor Mazher Iqbal believes these changes are important for the regeneration of Sheffield.
"It's important we make it easier to travel by public transport, cycling and walking" he said in a press release.
Whilst protecting Sheffield's status as one of Europe's greenest cities is a noble cause, business owners between Kelham and Neepsend wonder if they are collateral for the council's regeneration plans.
“Every game is a must win”: Doncaster Rovers’ Charlie Seaman views on rest of season hopes
Defender Charlie Seaman has reflected on his season so far and looks forward to Doncaster Rovers' fixture against Crawley Town tomorrow evening.
The full-back has been in and out of the starting eleven this season, but is determined to nail down a starting spot in the side for the rest of the campaign.
The former West Ham youth prospect played as the Rovers lost 3-1 to Salford at the weekend.
In a press conference, he said: "You can't expect to stay in the team if you are not performing. I want to stay in the team and nail down a position.
"I've had to work hard to get back in. I just need to be consistent and hopefully I'll stay in the team."
The defender has played in more in recent weeks in a variety of positions, including left-back and as a left winger.
"It has been up and down since I signed. I played towards the back of 2022 and I'm comfortable on either side. The manager asked if I can play there and I had before on loan at Maidstone United."
The 23-year-old believes the mid-table side can still have a successful season, despite being 10 points off the play-offs.
Mr Seaman said: "We'll take it game by game and take it from there but every game is a must win. We can't take our foot off the gas."
The former Bournemouth defender also praised manager Danny Schofield, despite some fans expressing their discontent with him.
"He's a great manager, he's implemented a style we like to play. He makes it clear what he needs and what you need to do as a player.
"We've got a good group of boys and there's no negativity in the building."
Seaman has made 27 appearances for the South Yorkshire side since he signed in 2020. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the right-back is determined to earn a new contract.
"You can say you aren't thinking about it but contracts are always at the back of your mind. Sometimes it's about putting yourself in the shop window and I'm working hard to prove my worth.
"If you perform, the contract will come. Here or elsewhere."
Eco-friendly aeroplanes will create 1,200 new jobs in Doncaster
Over 1,200 new jobs will be created in Doncaster from the construction of eco-friendly aeroplanes.
The Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, approved plans to invest a £7 million loan into the company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) to build its new fleet of aircraft in Doncaster.
Green technology specialists HAV are UK-based, and will create over a thousand "highly skilled" jobs in South Yorkshire.
Their Airlander 10 vehicle creates 90% less emissions per passenger than a standard aeroplane, and can carry up to 100 people.
Mr Coppard said: “I was elected as South Yorkshire’s Mayor on a pledge to build on our world-leading assets in the region and create a bigger, smarter and greener economy.
“We have a world-class cluster of companies working at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and green technology, so I’m genuinely excited that we can support HAV in their ambitions to build a sustainable aviation cluster here in Doncaster.”
HAV aims to have completed its first orders to customers by 2026. After that, it will construct 12 planes per year in Doncaster.
Chief Executive of Hybrid Air Vehicles, Tom Grundy, said: “ At Hybrid Air Vehicles we are revolutionising views of what aviation is, and Airlander is designed for us to rethink the skies.
“We will work with outstanding regional partners, including Mayor Ros Jones and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster UTC, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the University of Sheffield, to establish a world-leading cluster for green aerospace technologies, skills and supply chains.”
Arundel Gate bus and taxi only route came into effect this morning
A new city centre 'bus gate' came into effect today, reducing access to Arundel Gate for normal traffic.
From the morning of 20 March, drivers will be fined £60 for driving northbound on Arundel Gate toward the Park Gate Roundabout - but will still be able to travel southbound.
Drivers will still be able to access the Novotel Hotel and Q-Park before the bus gate comes into effect. Only buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles will be allowed to use the road.
The new scheme is part of Sheffield City Council's Clean Air Plan, which aims to reduce emissions in the city centre.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “Arundel Gate is one of the most polluted spots in the city and the Council must do all it can to reduce these dangerous pollution levels.
“We cannot ignore the devastating effects pollution can have on people’s health, particularly the elderly, children and people with existing health conditions.”
The Council described Arundel Gate as one of the most polluted areas of the city, and said the gate will help the environment for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improve reliability of bus services.
The changes are being implemented through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), a legal tool that allows new highway measures to be implemented for a period of time, allowing members of the public to give feedback to the Council.
The bus gate will initially run for 18 months, and the consultation period will take place for the first 6 months of that period.
Cllr Iqbal said: “We encourage local people to have their say on this measure now to help us as we progress our plans. The statutory consultation is live now and will be for the first 6 months.
"Everyone’s feedback will be considered before a decision is made on whether or not to keep the bus gate in place.”
The Council's Clean Air Plan has seen a series of measures put in place to reduce air pollution in Sheffield city centre.
This includes the controversial Clean Air Zone, which was introduced last month and charges heavy polluting vehicles for driving within the cities ring road.
Those wishing to make comments on the bus gate must send their name, address and details of comment to trafficregs@sheffield.gov.uk or info@connecting-sheffield.co.uk, with the subject line ‘Arundel Gate ETRO’.
Ponds Forge sports event helps combat isolation felt by carers
A monthly sports social afternoon to prevent carers from feeling overwhelmed by their duties has got underway.
Sheffield Carers’ Centre has partnered with Ponds Forge Sports Centre to host a free monthly event where attendees can socialise through sports and games like badminton, skittles and table tennis.
The Carers’ Centre estimates that one in five UK adults are unpaid carers, and wants to raise awareness so people are able to seek support and prevent 'carer breakdown'.
Stephen Broomhead, from Sheffield, has attended both previous sessions of the group along with his wife and father, both of whom he cares for.
He discovered Sheffield Carers’ Centre when his daughter was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 16, and needed their support to continue on when she sadly died a year later.
He said: "They gave me that foundation to build a life, otherwise I don't think I would have been here."
Mr Broomhead isn't the only person whose life has improved because of the group.
Debjani Chatterjee is a Sheffield writer who cares for her mother and husband.
She said she struggled to exercise after the pandemic when their conditions worsened, but sports like doubles badminton have helped her by allowing her to meet people in similar situations.
Mrs Chatterjee said: "Just knowing we're both carers, it's good.
"There does need to be more of this, but I know I haven't got the time. This is all I can manage, an hour once a month."
Mrs Chatterjee tries to visit her husband in hospital every day, and needs to hire a professional carer to look after her mother when she leaves the house.
As well as this new sports afternoon, the Carer's Centre organises other events like regular support groups, walks and helpful courses like first aid, general health and how to deal with dementia.
Jan Outram, the activities coordinator for Sheffield Carers’ Centre, said: "Carers are often quite isolated, they might be looking after someone with dementia who they can't leave at all, or sometimes can't leave for more than an hour. This is just a short amount of time where they can do something completely different."
She discussed the importance of carers looking after themselves too, as their needs often go overlooked.
She said: "The emphasis is so often on the person being cared for and the carer can feel invisible a lot of the time."
For more information about their events, click here.
Special educational needs pupils will be “living the experience” as teachers raise £1,500 for France trip
Schoolteachers from a Doncaster school will be climbing three of England’s highest mountains later this month to raise money for a trip to France.
Twenty pupils, aged 14-19 years-old, from Coppice School will spend four days to develop their independence in a different country, and for the majority of them, this will be the first time they have gone abroad.
Sixth form teacher, Chris Medwell, said: “Our curriculum is very experiential. Doing something like this is a very holistic organic way of delivering sessions. We’re not just sat in a classroom; we’re actually living the experience. We do that in our local community so just imagine doing this on a ferry to France.”
Mr Medwell said special educational needs schools are largely funded by the government and although opportunities like this are possible, the budget can sometimes be tight.
The logistics of organising a trip abroad include the provision of adequate transport facilities, sufficient support for each pupil, and a range of pre-planned activities.
Mr Medwell said: “It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but we know that if we don’t put the hard work in, we’re not going to be able to offer an opportunity like this four our young people, which they absolutely deserve.
“We will be trying snails, which the students are excited about, but what I look forward to the most is for them to watch the sunset on a beach in France.”
Last year was the first time Coppice pupils travelled abroad. The school took six of its students to Belgium, where they took part in Special Olympics.
One of their students, Dave, even won six medals.
Mr Medwell said he was happy with the success of the trip. He said: “Going away we were expecting issues, but we didn’t have any. We label our young people, but we’re blown away by what they can do given the opportunities.”
The school has, so far, managed raise £1,126 for the trip which is due to take place in May.
Fundraiser launched to keep popular Sheffield event Pax in the Park free for all
Dorothy Pax, a city centre pub, has set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of keeping their 'community-spirited' music festival running for free this summer.
The three day festival is set to start on 21 July and will be held at Heeley People's Park.
Richard Henderson, 50, the managing Director of Dorothy Pax Ltd, said: “I think it's great for people's wellbeing to get together, attend a free event, and enjoy some great free music.”
So far, the appeal has raised almost £2,000 towards the £10,000 goal.
Mr Henderson said: “The people who have donated are absolutely amazing. They have not only given a gift to us, but to the people and community of Sheffield.
“It makes us feel acknowledged and recognised for the good work all the artists and crew at the Dorothy Pax do.”
The total cost to run the event will be around £85,000, with the £10,000 going towards the sound production.
There will be many local food and drink vendors at the event and about 20 performers across the weekend, with the first line-up set to be announced on 7 March.
Last year, the event attracted about 9,000 people, but this time Mr Henderson is expecting around 15,000.
Dorothy Pax offer over 120 bar shifts to people who want to get experience, as well as hiring a local stage, and employing three sound engineers.
Mr Henderson said: "It really is a community endeavour."
To those who wish to support the cause without sending money, Dorothy Pax is eager for volunteer litter pickers and stewards to take part on the day.
Contact the organisers on DorothyPax@gmail.com.
To donate to Pax in the Park, visit their Gofundme page.