International Women’s Day 2023: What’s happening in South Yorkshire?
International Women’s Day is this Wednesday, and many businesses and organisations across South Yorkshire are hosting events to spotlight women in the area and discuss gender-based equality.
The region will be bustling with activity and discussions this week promoting equality and equity.
Across the city, events include a ‘Solidarity Through Song and Dance’ disco by Sheffield Palestine Women’s Scholarship Fund; a ‘Rising Above Gender and Racial Bias’ conference by Black Northern Women; and an ‘International Women’s Day’ panel discussion by In Good Company.
Shane Young, Head of Commercial and Partnerships at, Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: "Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. It's about being included and a sense of belonging."
Equity, as opposed to equality, recognises that circumstances and other factors mean that not everyone has equal access to opportunities - even if everyone is offered equal opportunities.
Officially created in 1911, International Women’s Day was made as a response to the worldwide suffrage movement of the early-20th century. The date, 8 March was initially used by left-wing movements and countries before being adopted by the global liberal feminist movement in the mid-20th century.
In the 21st century, the day is used to reflect on key issues that impact people who identify as a woman, from reproductive rights to abuse, to workplace sexism. While not a national holiday in the UK, it is marked off as a government-imposed holiday day in some countries and provinces, including Madagascar and the German capital Berlin.
Various South Yorkshire-based organisations are approaching this year's theme in different ways. Some are explicitly having conversations about intersectionality and equity, whilst others are encouraging women to speak about their own experiences, so they can think about how these themes impact their lives.
Doncaster-based organisation My Network For Women is hosting a free event, including talks, stalls, panel discussions, and skills-based networking at Cast Community Theatre at 10am on Wednesday.
The group, which helps connect professional and creative women, is hosting an International Women’s Day special networking event, featuring skill-building workshops and talks. Ideas and skills around natural healing, therapy, creating flowers, and business coaches will be included.
May King Tsang, Director and Media Contact, from My Network For Women champions and empowers women from the Doncaster area.
She said: “Every year we do an International Women’s Day event. It’s always about helping women, and non-binary people, in various aspects of their business. We want people to be inspired, to learn, and to network. There will be a speaking panel at the end to encourage discussion about networking and what it’s like to take up these professions as women.”
Ms Tsang will be teaching a workshop about using the concept of ‘FOMO’ in social media marketing. There will be a raffle to raise money for The British Red Cross, to support Syria and Turkey earthquake relief. Prizes include therapy sessions, mentoring sessions, and workshop packages.
Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce is hosting a conversation at the Grade I listed Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.
Shane Young said the annual International Women’s Day event is a “flagship” occasion in the organisation’s calendar, and each year they learn from the speakers’ tales of lived experience.
There will be poetry as well as talks from Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, Kelly Wooller from ACW Medical Services, and Claire Louise Dickinson - Director of AESSEA, which are designed to “lobby for accelerated gender parity” and “celebrate women’s achievements”.
He said: “The speakers have been selected to inspire and motivate attendees in the room. They bring their own unique story and business journey that will inspire our local business community.”
These are just a few of the events going on across the region but there are plenty of others to choose from here, each with its own angle and focus.
‘Something like this will happen pretty much every time I cycle’: Are Sheffield’s cyclists vulnerable?
A Sheffield cyclist has said dangerous incidents with drivers on the road are ‘routine’ after posting several near-miss videos.
Twitter user @Llamasteve has called for more segregated bike infrastructure on which cyclists can complete their whole journey, as well as greater traffic speed controls.
He added: “Something like this will happen pretty much every time I cycle in or out of the city centre or anywhere for that matter.
“When you go out, there's always something in the back of your mind of will this be the day? You shouldn't think that when you set off in the morning. I don't think that when I set off in the car.”
The safety of cycling in Sheffield has been an important topic of discussion following the crash of broadcaster Dan Walker.
Mr Walker was cycling around the roundabout at the junction of Moore Street and St Mary's Gate on 24 February, and said he was ‘glad to be alive’ after colliding with a car.
Two of the main arguments arising on social media after the incident concerned who was at fault for the incident, and whether Mr Walker’s helmet saved his life.
Some users also questioned why Mr Walker didn't use the underpass below the roundabout, but others said it was often very busy with pedestrians and debris makes it unsafe at times.
South Yorkshire’s Cycling Action Plan, from 2015, aimed to increase the share of cycling to 10% of all journeys by 2025, and to 25% by 2050.
But questions still remain about the viability of this target when accidents are happening frequently across the city.
Triple Olympic Champion, Ed Clancy OBE, 37, was appointed South Yorkshire’s active travel commissioner by Mayor Oliver Coppard in February 2023 and stated he was committed to addressing this issue.
He said: “South Yorkshire has some of the deadliest roads in the country and this stops people choosing to walk or ride the short distances they currently drive, which just adds to the pollution and the danger. If you’re scared to cross the road, you’ll use the car instead.
“I’m committed to using my platform to get more people of all ages to walk, cycle, scoot or skate around South Yorkshire and this means giving people a real, safe choice when it comes to their journeys.”
Cllr Mazher Iqbal also said the council is striving to achieve a transport network that meets Vision Zero by 2050 - meaning no people are seriously injured or killed in road accidents within the next 28 years.
@Llamasteve said he feels the council have good intentions, but he hopes that more can be done practically to support cyclists in the city.
Recent measures taken by the council such as the closing of Archer Road and Little London Road, were extremely controversial, and demonstrate the difficulty in dealing with the issue.
Sheffield City Council were contacted for comment, but have not yet responded.
Transpennine Express to cancel 23,000 services in 2023, says mayor
The train operator Transpennine Express is on track on to cancel more than 23,000 services this year should reliability remain at its current levels, according to a new study by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The annual conference of Transport for the North was held this morning in Newcastle, where West Yorkshire Mayor Tracey Brabin urged the government to 'get a grip'.
The company runs trains across Northern England and Scotland, and passengers have suffered a number of delays and cancellations due to strikes, as drivers are no longer wanting to work paid overtime shifts.
The office of Rail and Road data showed that Transpennine Express cancelled 1,781 services over the last four weeks from February 4.
According to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, there will be a total of 23,153 services cancelled by the First Group company if this rate of cancellation continues.
Mayor Brabin said: "This is shocking, and the government must hear our calls, get a grip and bring this situation under control.
"Without action people will lose jobs, our youngsters will miss vital opportunities and the northern economy will go off the rails."
A spokesperson for Transpennine Express said: "the company worked hard with the Department for Transport to improve the offer on overtime working for our drivers.
"it is deeply disappointing this offer was rejected, we hope the union will reconsider and put the offer to its members.
"We know the service levels over the past year have not been good enough and we are pulling out all the stops to make things better."
Sheffield Martial Arts School offer free classes to combat stigma around men’s mental health
X Martial Arts Sheffield are offering a free monthly class in Nether Edge for men to connect through martial arts.
'Martial Arts for Mental Health' is a safe space where people can meet others and feel a sense of belonging and purpose while doing physical exercise.
The owner of X Martial Arts Sheffield, Craig Williams, 38, said: "Martial arts has been massive for me in terms of building confidence and comfort in social settings.
"Physically and emotionally, it has taken me out of a bad place."
Mr Williams, who has struggled with his own mental health and lost a close family member to suicide, wants to give back to the community and hopes he can share some of the benefits of martial arts with other men.
He said: "I guess for my cousin to feel like he couldn't confide in his family or a close friend speaks to the pain some people can feel."
'Martial Arts for Mental Health' isn't exclusively for men who are struggling and there's no pressure for people to talk, but group stress support is there if needed.
The sessions generally aim to improve mental wellbeing by making participants feel lighter, energised and more motivated.
Mr Williams adds: "You don't have to deal with your problems and worries alone and so I would really encourage people to come to the classes."
He is also hoping to run similar sessions for women in the near future.
The sessions take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 8pm at Common Ground Community Centre in Nether Edge and are open to men over 16.
Call 07877176160 to book a place.
Watch the TikTok here.
South Yorkshire Police appeal to HGV drivers after vehicle checks
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) have stressed the importance of adequate Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) maintenance and drivers not exceeding set hours behind the wheel. This comes after random checks last week exposed low standards.
Alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, SYP stopped a total of 14 HGV's and two LGV's last week. Of these, one of the HGV's stopped had a flat tyre, and another was overloaded with excess cargo.
Further, two drivers had exceeded their driving hours.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: "When you have stood in front of a victim’s loved one and told them of their loss, you realise how every effort is needed to make people think about their actions.
"Those in larger vehicles such as HGV's and LGV’s have to adhere to laws around driving hours and weight as it affects judgement, stopping distance and the safety of everyone else."
SYP identified inaccurate loads, poor maintenance and tired drivers as increasing risks to innocent road users.
This comes as SYP join seven other forces across the country to launch 'Operation Freeway', using unmarked HGV's, provided by National Highways, to tackle unsafe driving on the M1.
The operation is focused on drivers failing to wear seatbelts, using a phone while driving, and failing to control their vehicle, among other offences.
Barnsley face tough test at Oakwell on Tuesday night against a rejuvenated Portsmouth side
Despite winning three out of their last four matches in League One, Barnsley face a tough test on Tuesday night when John Mousinho's Portsmouth side travel to Oakwell.
Barnsley are in impressive form, but Portsmouth haven't lost in their last five games with a recent 3-1 win over promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers standing out.
Still, with home advantage on their side, Barnsley's manager, Michael Duff, is looking forward to the clash regardless of Portsmouth's qualities.
He said: "They've picked up under John (Mousinho) recently. You can see his methods starting to creep into the team, they want to play.
"It will be a tough challenge. They'll still think they have a chance of the play-offs. We're in the sixth place so if they beat us they get three points closer!"
The Tykes will have ex-Bolton player, Luca Connell, back in contention for this match after he sat out on Saturday's 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers.
The defensive midfielder has been a key player for Mr Duff's men this season.
Portsmouth also have Tom Lowery available for this match under the lights at Oakwell. The ex-Crewe midfielder has been unfortunate with injuries since making his summer switch to Fratton Park.
John Mousinho will hope his players can replicate their performance at Cambridge, where they managed to get a narrow 1-0 win, when they make the long journey up to South Yorkshire.
The win was secured despite Pompey only registering five shots all match at The Abbey.
He said: "We ground out the win - that's the best way to sum it up. But, these are the important results."
But they'll need more than grit and determination to win away in South Yorkshire.
Barnsley have won 10 out of their last 15 matches at Oakwell this campaign with the team's home stadium a tough place to visit in League One.
Players such as former Ipswich Town striker, James Norwood, have called on the Tykes' crowd to deliver the same passion they conjured up in a recent win over Derby County.
He said: "They make such a difference, the way they travel in their numbers.
"If they can turn up like that every week until the end of the season, they can put us in a really good position to be able to put teams on the back foot almost immediately after coming out of the tunnel."
Barnsley v Portsmouth can be watched live on iFollow, with YouTube highlights available on both Barnsley and Portsmouth's YouTube channels after the game.
Sheffield United look ahead to Reading game in tense encounter for both clubs
After losing to Blackburn over the weekend, Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has said improvement is needed ahead of their clash with Reading tomorrow.
The Blades were away at Ewood Park and, despite having more shots and possession, fell to a 1-0 defeat. Coming after their FA Cup success against Tottenham last Wednesday, Heckingbottom admitted the result was disappointing.
He said: "I don't want anything about us to be average, I don’t want us to go into a game and hope to win, I want us to impose ourselves and be the team that we want to be.
"We’ve got good players, and I don’t think anyone would be happy with our performance on Saturday.”
Defeat to Blackburn means Sheffield United have lost three of their last five games, leaving them only four points ahead of an in-form Middlesbrough.
Heckingbottom said: "I’m more bothered about what we produce and how we perform.
“That gap is going to chop and change all the time, you’re not going to mirror each other’s results. But with a game in hand, we’re in total control to make that gap bigger or not.”
That game in hand will be against Reading, who lost 5-0 to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Despite that, Paul Ince's Reading side will be taking confidence from their strong home form. In the Championship this season, only three teams have a better points-per-home game ratio than Reading.
Royals defender Tom Holmes said: "It's clear there's a difference between our home form and our away form - that's pretty obvious now.
"But being at home does give us a lift. If we get good numbers into the stadium and put in a good performance, we give ourselves a chance."
But while the team is confident, for the fans who will be filling out Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, it is a nervous time with a possible points deduction looming that could land the club in a relegation battle.
Reading supporter and host of the Elm Park Royals podcast Nick Houlton said: "There's frustration, sadness and just a sense of being fed up.
"After Blackpool it looked like survival was secure but this drops us back into it."
Reading v Sheffield United can be watched live on iFollow, with highlights to be posted on both club's YouTube channels.
Decision to close key footpath in Crookes, Sheffield referred to Whitehall
Plans to close a footpath crossing a former community garden have been sent to the Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs after an objection was received.
The footpath, which has been used as a common area for over 50 years, links Cobden View Road and Northfield Road in Crookes, a Sheffield suburb about 1.5 miles from the city centre.
It was recognised as a public right of way after an application was granted in 2022.
The order to close the footpath can’t be confirmed without approval from the Secretary of State.
Council officers believe that, despite the objection, the Council will still be able to achieve the closure of the path on the basis it is necessary to facilitate development.
An objection to the closure of the footpath states: “It is a valuable local asset, both functionally and aesthetically.”
It also claims that the footpath is much safer than the alternative route, which is steep and could be dangerous in wet or icy weather.
The objection mentions parents prefer using the footpath when walking their children to school as it's further away from the main road and therefore safer.
The opposition comes a year after members of the Crookes community lost a petition signed by 673 people to save the adjacent green space from development.
There were over 100 objections to a planning application by Urbana Town and Planning to build six family homes on the green space on Cobden View Road.
But in June 2022, it was approved by Sheffield City Council Planning and Highways Committee.
In the report about the housing development, Sheffield Planning officers state “there would be no objection to the diversion of this as it would not result in people having to travel a significantly greater distance.”
Minesh Parekh, Labour and Cooperative Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said: “If we’re looking to address the climate and nature emergencies we need to protect green spaces in urban environments.”
Having used the footpath on his way to university as a student, Mr. Parekh worries its closure is a 'foregone conclusion' when the development next to the path has been approved.
He said: “I do worry that so many of these decisions are already made in Government offices in Whitehall.
“I worry that there’s a lack of powers for local authorities and planning and actual decision making - so much of it is just a formality."
Despite this fear, Mr Parekh said he is committed to putting forward the views of the Crookes community in maintaining the right of way.
Abstract art appears in Firth Park as part of new council initiative
The first piece of abstract art has appeared in Firth Park as part of Sheffield City Council's Economic Recovery Fund.
The art, which was created by colour theory artist Bryan John, will hopefully bring more people to the area and increase foot traffic into the nearby high street.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr John said: "Sheffield city centre has a very long history of street art, so its good to see some more areas get some.
"It will bring pride back into the community. Instead of looking at graffiti people can look at some beautiful artwork that was made for them."
The artwork is due to be joined by further pieces in the coming weeks, all with an abstract theme.
The local artist, based in Millhouses, designed the abstract art based on colour theory and colour coordination.
Commenting on the project, Sheffield City Council said: "The Economic Recovery Fund is a grant fund supporting work to improve local high streets and encourage residents and visitors to spend their time and shop there."
"The fund has already been successful in other areas of Sheffield, such as an eye-catching planting scheme in Broomhill."
Grants are aimed at supporting high street businesses who have proposed that funding from the council will increase the amount of people who visit their area.
The council are offering grants of up to £200,000 for similar projects across the city.
More information about the fund can be found at Economic Recovery Fund | Sheffield City Council.
“We want it to belong to Sheffield:” Free festival in Woodseats to be expanded to more city suburbs after turnout success
Woodseats Live is the cultural event that shook Sheffield's music scene on Saturday, seeing over 90 artists perform to bars crowded with hundreds of people, all eager to have a good time.
The festival took place on March 6 across 10 popular venues in Woodseats, including The Abbey and Chantrey Arms.
Ciaron Elm, 34, is a Freelance Entertainment Consultant, and an organiser behind Woodseats Live.
He said: “There’s people from all walks of life in this city, from all over the world, and from all kinds of different backgrounds.
We want to make sure there is an accessible way to see all of the wonderful culture and art that we have on offer in Sheffield.”
The event was sponsored by Turner Guitars, Finale Guitars, and Finale Music School, and there has been interest by future sponsors to expand the festival across the city.
Plans are underway for Heeley and Meersbrook Live this May, and locations such as London Road and Abbeydale Road will follow later in the year.
Attendee Theo Parmakis, 29, a local instrument maker, said: “I think it's a good way to bring people together. Sheffield is big but small, and an event like this feels like it draws a lot of people in from various different circles.”
Future festival goers can expect to see visual art and installations added to the long set list, along with the music and comedy showcased by Woodseats Live.
Set up as a community interest operation, all profits go into carrying on the events and paying the performers.
Mr Elm said: "We want it to belong to Sheffield.
“With the difficulties that entertainment faced through the pandemic, there will always be some channel for artists to be paid for their time.”
Over 200 artists applied to perform on Saturday, and those who missed out can apply for future festivals.
Mr Elm said: "We have to work together to support the whole industry and keep it alive.
“I think this time next year, the live music scene in Sheffield is going to be really back on the map.”
Sheffield Beer Week kicks off today with hops themed events across the city
The ninth annual Sheffield Beer Week began today with a series of events taking place across the Steel City.
The week, which focuses on supporting independent beer businesses and breweries, runs from 6 to 12 March.
On the line up are several tap takeovers at local bars, pub quizzes, beer showcases and tastings.
Along with the opportunities to drink craft beer and find new local favourites, there are some unique one-off events.
On 8 March, Heist Brew Co and hosting a roleplaying event based on Grant Howitt's RPG Honey Heist.
The premise: you are hired to infiltrate Sheffield's Indie Beer Feast 2023 to steal the original recipe for Stones Best Bitter and the twist: you're a bear.
Events for International Women's Day are also being held with a free celebration of the day being held at Hop Hideout on 8 March and Lost Industry holding a women's only brew day on 9 March.
Alder, which was recently named Sheffield's best bar in the Battle of the Boozers, brewed their own bitters in partnership with Big Trip Brewing as part of the week long event.
The first Sheffield Beer Week, held in 2015, was coordinated by Jules Gray and Clare Tollick after they were inspired by the success of the SIBA conference and Beer X festival.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheffield Beer Week operated in a virtual capacity in 2021 and used a mix of in person and online events for their 2022 line-up.
Rotherham cheer team come second at NCA Championships
A cheerleading team based in Rotherham has come second in the NCA All-Star National Championships which took place in Texas last weekend.
Trailblazer Allstars were runners-up in the hardest level of the competition, losing to Cheer Extreme Super 7 who have won the title three years in a row.
The competition is one of the biggest in international cheerleading, with over 25,000 athletes taking part across various ages. The arena holds roughly 50,000 spectators, with one performance floor and three separate halls with competition floors where lower levels were competing.
Miriam Kuepper, 24, a member of the Trailblazers, said she: "couldn’t believe how well they would do, just being there was so amazing".
She added it was nerve-wracking going onto the floor on the Sunday to perform as many teams were waiting for the awards ceremony to begin but they did not let it affect their performance.
"The feeling of doing it was just amazing, I rang my mum at around 4am and just realized what we had achieved."
The Trailblazers were also surprised with a trip to Trinity Valley Community College whose team are involved in the Netflix show Cheer. Miss Kuepper said they had the opportunity to meet the team who wanted to keep their Trailblazer flag as a souvenir.
She added: "It was an even bigger highlight to the experience because it was so unexpected."
The Trailblazers have four more competitions this season with high aspirations to qualify for the World Championships, which the team failed to qualify for last year.