Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ sports community react to England’s “smack in the face” decision not to wear the One-Love armband
After England's last-minute decision on Monday for Harry Kane to not wear the one-love armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, many in Sheffield's LGBTQ+ community have been left angered and frustrated.
The decision came after FIFA issued a statement saying any player or coach seen wearing the armband would receive an immediate foul. In hearing this, it was decided in the game against Iran, which kicked off at 1pm, neither Gareth Southgate nor Harry Kane would wear the armband in support.
Therefore, many in the community have spoken out against the choice, including chair and founder of the Rainbow Blades, Sheffield United Football Club's LGBTQ+ community, James Laley, 36.
Mr Laley said: "They're basically saying we don't quite care enough. Like it's all well and good them saying soundbites and certain headlines that may sound positive and sound like they're with the LGBTQ plus community, but then they go and do something like this.
"At the end of the day, it was an armband; when this one love armband first got announced six months ago, I wasn't 100% keen on it in the first place. It felt very much like a token gesture, but it was at least something. It was visibility. It was a message."
Mr Laley said he believed that it won't affect the positive work the community has done at home however, suggesting, although it has angered them, it will push them forward to do even more, channelling that energy in a positive way.
From the other side of Sheffield's football community, Victoria Woods, also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a season ticket holder for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, said: "The last few weeks have been really difficult and triggering for the LGBTQ community and I would encourage yourself and your readers to reach out to their friends who may be struggling.
"Young LGBTQ people are already battling with feeling different, and, having their role models not visibly showing that they support their right to love who they want or express their gender in the way that they feel comfortable will be devastating."
Outside the football community, other Sheffield LGBTQ+ sports have felt the effect from the decision.
Michael Hudson, chair and one of the founders of the Sheffield Vulcans RUFC also spoke about the effects the World Cup is having on their community.
Mr Hudson said of the decision: "To the young teenage boy who is queer, really supportive of England and wants to watch them in this World Cup, that would have been so much more important for him to see his heroes, these people that he looks up to wearing armband validating his existence, validating that they support him having human rights in every country in the world."
The Sheffield Vulcans is part of the International Gay Rugby group and was set up in 2017, originally the 13th gay rugby team in the world. Now there are over 110 clubs who are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for people to play rugby, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Mr Hudson said although he chose not to watch the World Cup, he doesn't want to shame those who are, understanding it is a momentous sporting occasion.
He pointed out that many in the community can't watch the World Cup with last week seeing the LGBTQ+ community globally under severe attack, mentioning the Colorado Shootings that occurred on Saturday 19th of November, seeing five people in a LGBTQ+ night club shot dead and 18 others injured.
He said: "I want them to recognise that for X amount or a certain part of the LGBT community, we are unable to enjoy this World Cup in any way. Because we are just consistently shown how little people consider not only our feelings and our enjoyment of it, but our safety and our lives."
Sheffield musician raising funds to repair his 300-year-old cello that was “left in tatters” after it saved man’s life
A cellist has launched a Go Fund Me page in the hope of repairing his "incredibly precious" cello that may have saved the life of a British broadcaster.
Tim Smedley, 42, is the head of chamber music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and regularly plays around the country.
Mr Smedley of Greystones, a cellist since the age of 8, said: "I feel like I have lost that sound that has become my musical identity."
The musician was playing at the Buxton International Festival last summer and it was on the final afternoon of July 23 when the incident occurred.
Author and broadcaster Iain Dale, 60, was leaving the opera house stage after giving a talk to about 400 people and fell 10-12 feet into the pit and onto the instrument.
Mr Dale said: "The fact that I fell on this cello case broke the fall of it. It could have been a lot worse; I could have been paralysed or even killed."
The broadcaster badly injured his knees and has still not fully recovered. He said he did not realise how valuable the cello was until later and is "keen to support the crowdfunder."
Mr Smedley has tried playing on other cellos since the incident, but none have compared to his beloved 18th century cello.
He said: "It's just really sad that a piece of history like that could be wiped out in the blink of an eye. It's a tragedy."
It seems like others agree, with the donations now reaching above £6,000 out of his £25,000 goal.
Mr Smedley said any extra funds raised will go to the UK charity Help Musicians, as they helped his friends when they could not perform due to injuries, as well as helping out musicians when the industry was closing down during Lockdown.
When he bought it, the cello was in "bad shape" and Mr Smedley had to pay an initial £8,000 towards repairs to have a high-quality instrument at a lower price.
He said: "It feels like it's my sound and my cello and is probably still the best chance I have of playing on a high-quality instrument."
South Yorkshire arts and heritage sites take part in Museum Shop Sunday
Museums and galleries across South Yorkshire are taking part in Museum Shop Sunday to highlight the importance of retail in maintaining arts and heritage sites.
The annual international campaign aims to raise awareness of how gift shops help arts and heritage venues survive and grow.
The National Video Game Museum is one of the non-profit museums in South Yorkshire which is taking part in the event to help fund its charity work with the British Games institute.
Christian Beckett, marketing and communications officer at the National Video Game Museum, Sheffield, said: “People think they can’t go into museums just to shop.
“We’re hoping to try and encourage people who are shopping in the city centre to just pop in.”
This year, Museum Shop Sunday has over 2,000 shops taking part worldwide with over 150 of those being UK venues.
Joanne Whitworth, spokesperson for the Association of Cultural Enterprises, said the campaign was initially intended to help people escape the chaos of Black Friday and enjoy a relaxed day of Christmas shopping while supporting local cultural attractions.
She said: “For non-profit cultural organisations the gift shop represents an essential source of revenue.
"They stock beautiful design-led, ethical and unique gifts, often by local makers and artists.
“When you choose to spend within a gift shop or cafe at a gallery, museum, botanical garden or heritage site that money goes back into supporting the people, the exhibitions and the work behind those gates and doors.”
Other cultural attractions in South Yorkshire taking part in Museum Shop Sunday include Site Gallery in Sheffield, Barnsley Museums, Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham and Grimm & Co, Rotherham.
The campaign comes shortly after the National Arts Council announced its funding plans for 2023-2026, which saw Sheffield receive less than a quarter of the funding neighbouring cities got.
Braverman is directing attention away from refugees and towards international students, says Sheffield Labour MP
Home Secretary Suella Braverman plans to use international students as a diversion tactic from the growing refugee crisis, says Sheffield MP Paul Blomfield.
When asked by constituents about how he can use his power as a politician, the Labour MP for Sheffield Central said: "I want to support international students in Sheffield.
"Suella Braverman and the Home Office are directing attention away from refugees entering the country and are drawing attention to international students."
This comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a crackdown on international students as an attempt to lower the numbers of immigrants coming to the UK.
The government stated that international students will be the main targets in “efforts to reduce immigration”, especially those studying "low-quality" degrees and bringing dependents.
Downing Street has declined to comment on the definition of what "low quality" is or to "pre-empt" any policy decisions.
Suella Braverman has previously said that international students "bring in family members who can piggyback onto their student visa" and "propping up, frankly, substandard courses in inadequate institutions".
Immigration statistics reach their highest point since the Second World War. An estimated 1.1 million people moved to the UK in the 12 months to June of this year.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "We have welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to Britain this year following the devastating war in Ukraine, the evacuation from Afghanistan and the despicable crack down on democratic rights in Hong Kong.
"Therefore, it is understandable that we have seen a record number of people coming to our country thanks to the generosity of the British people.
"But the public rightly expect us to control our borders and we remain committed to reducing migration over time in line with our manifesto commitment."
The number of international students granted visas to work in the UK rose to 476,000. ONS data found that study visas accounted for the largest number of long-term immigration of non-EU nationals.
Research from 2021 reveals international students in Sheffield bring £313 million benefit to the economy and Sheffield Central is the top parliamentary constituency in the UK to financially gain from international students.
The average person in Sheffield is roughly £2,520 better off because of the contributions made by students from overseas studying at local universities.
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sheffield, said: “Our global reputation for teaching and research attracts more than 7,000 international students from over 150 countries.
“During their time at university, international students play a vital role working on placements in local hospitals and businesses, volunteering for more than 140 Sheffield charities and schools and also enriching the cultural life of the city.”
Joe Scarborough to donate £300 from latest artwork sale to Christmas Appeal
Local legend Joe Scarborough is giving back this Christmas, donating £300 to the Sheffield Hospitals Charity Christmas Appeal for the elderly.
Mr Scarborough, who is an artist known for his vibrant depictions, sold his latest piece ‘A Sheffield Christmas' for £3,000.
He now plans to donate some of these proceeds and hopes that more will consider the plight of those struggling this winter.
He said: “Even if it's at the end of the day, if you're broke, still give them your time.
“Do not be quiet. You have a voice. Use it and there are people prepared to listen to it.
“The nation is getting colder and it is our job to keep those in need just a bit warmer.”
Joe was born in Sheffield in 1938 and lives here to this day. His previous works includes ‘The Boxing Lord’, ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ and ‘The Things We Do For Weston Park Hospital.'
Mr Scarborough is an ambassador for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity. The charity aims to enhance the care and treatment of patients accessing NHS services in Sheffield, by supporting high-priority areas which are beyond the scope of government funding.
Gareth Aston, chief executive officer at Sheffield Hospitals Charity, spoke of his admiration for Mr Scarborough.
He said: “We are immensely proud and honoured by the continued support from our ambassador Joe Scarborough.
“This amazing donation will go towards our Christmas appeal supporting the elderly in Sheffield hospitals this Christmas.
“Joe is a hidden gem and one of the few treasures in Sheffield.”
Meersbrook Makers Market champions local businesses this Christmas
This weekend Meersbrook Makers Market will showcase products from Sheffield businesses and artists in a bid to promote shopping locally in the run up to Christmas.
Everything from festive decorations to jewellery and art will be on sale at the event which is running for a second year.
Charlotte Gower, an independent artist and designer for PipitCrafts, who is hosting a stall at the market this Saturday, said: “Small independent markets are vital to artists, it’s an opportunity to connect in person with customers and get your ideas and products out to new customers.”
Dani Parker-Jessop, the organiser of the Market and a jewellery maker, has expressed her delight to bring the event back after its success last November.
She said: “It’s great to have a nice range of items available and ensuring the event runs smoothly and the makers there feel supported.”
Miss Parker-Jessop picked out individual local artists and traders herself to show off the best independent talent Sheffield has.
“We’ve got a real range of things on offer. We’ve got art prints, gift wrap, lots of giftable items, Christmas decorations, jewellery, homeware, woodwork," she said.
Ms Gower explained that the boost of income in the run up to Christmas is crucial for independent businesses.
She said: “Times are really tough at the moment, people are being really careful with how they spend their money but even purchasing just a greetings card can help us stay afloat.”
Another trader, who sells children and baby clothes, has praised the organiser for bringing the community closer together.
Rebecca Siddall, owner of Buttons Attic, said: "It's so important for markets like this to take place so independent makers like myself can showcase their products in the run up to Christmas."
The free event will take place this Saturday, between 11am-4pm, at Meersbrook Park United Reform Church.
Alongside the stalls on offer, coffee and cake will also be available for those attending.
Charity will help Manor residents with cost of living crisis
Residents on a Sheffield estate who are "struggling massively" to pay their bills will get help from a new scheme during the run-up to Christmas.
The Manor and Castle Development Trust has partnered with National Energy Action to support the residents of Manor Park.
The Trust has seen an increase of nearly 300 referrals, with no sign of slowing down over Christmas.
Advice is being made available from The Manor Park Centre has been there for Manor residents for years,
Energy adviser Shelly MacDonald has been offering one-to-one advice to the residents who she said: "might be reluctant to call a helpline or don't know where to turn to for help."
She added: "Those on a low income, benefits, disabilities, and those with young children are really finding it tough to keep up with payments of their bills."
Manor Park residents mainly ask for financial support through vouchers and grants to help with bills. But this partnership between the two charities also allows people to buy energy-efficient appliances such as air fryers.
Manor and Castle Development Trust social prescriber and Link worker Val Jones said: "People are struggling massively and having to decide whether or not to eat or heat their homes."
Those who are on payment meters for their gas and electricity are paying "quadruple the amount they used to" according to Val.
She added: "Some families are paying £200-£300 a month out of their benefits for gas and electric in addition to food prices going up as well it's causing a knock-on effect."
South Yorkshire Police recover ten knives, three swords and crossbow in city-wide sweep
South Yorkshire Police have hailed the recovery of ten knives, three swords and a crossbow across Sheffield as a "fantastic success".
The unit performed 50 weapon sweeps and 152 searches as part of the national anti-knife crime campaign, Operation Spectre, which is held twice every year.
Police units additionally seized 142 cannabis plants following four warrants, after conducting ten purchase tests.
During the campaign, which ran from 14-20 November, South Yorkshire police spoke with over 2,000 people across the city with the aim of reducing the amount of people involved in knife crime in the community.
Police officers visited seven schools which reached over 500 children and hosted 26 community meetings that engaged with a further 1,640 people.
Detective Superintendent David Cowley led Operation Spectre and said the focus of the campaign was engagement in the community to alert people of the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.
“Those who feel the need to carry knives in our communities are not only putting themselves at risk, but also other people, we are determined to get this message across."
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Alton has assured members of the public that tackling knife crime is not only a focus during Operation Spectre but is also a year-round priority.
If you are concerned about knife crime, please contact the police on 101 to report any instances in your area.
Plea for council to put “swift bricks” in all new Sheffield homes
A wildlife group has said there is a “no-brainer” solution to stop Sheffield’s swift population going extinct.
The Sheffield Swift Network (SSN) presented its petition for “swift bricks” to be installed in all new homes to the City Council yesterday, but the group was told that would not be possible.
Hollow bricks would give the birds, who migrate to the UK over the summer before flying to Africa for the winter, a place to nest as their old habitats around the city are sealed up.
Laura Lian, of SSN member group S6 Swifts, said: “We’re really passionate about raising awareness of the plight of the swift.
“We’re trying to raise awareness, because they’re not here for nine months of the year, so you don’t tend to think about them in that time.”
Melanie Savas, also of S6 Swifts, said swift bricks would be easy to install and cause no trouble.
She said: “They last the lifetime of the building, there’s no maintenance, it’s so cheap and easy to install for builders, it’s a no-brainer really.
“People don’t even have to notice the swift bricks. They’re as subtle as an air brick, but the benefits would be amazing.”
Campaigners met outside the Town Hall at 9am on Thursday morning, where there was a performance by a street theatre group, Act Now.
Janice Brown, of Act Now, said they were keen to help: “We were approached by the Sheffield Swift Network about drawing attention to the fact the petition was going in today.
“It’s part of what we are passionate about.”
At 10am, the campaigners moved into the Town Hall to deliver their petition, which reached 1,400 signatures, to the council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of the committee, thanked the SSN for their “passionate speech”.
He said that swift bricks would be included in the council’s housing policy as an example of a design feature that could improve biodiversity, but they would not make them mandatory as the SSN wanted.
While not everything in the petition was accepted, members said their campaigning would continue.
Speaking before the committee meeting, Flora Jeferzade, of Crookes Swifts, said: “We’re doing our best, we’re doing everything we can, and we won’t give up if we don’t get it through today.”
More on the Sheffield Swift Network and their petition can be found on their website.
Businesses feel the cost-of-living crisis at Sheffield’s Christmas Market
Rising costs and shoppers' "focus on money" are having an impact on independent businesses at Sheffield's Christmas market, according to traders.
The market is back in the city centre this year with over 80% of the vendors being local traders.
Nina, a 22-year-old barista for Frazer’s Coffee Roasters, said the crisis had impacted the business in other ways than just its sales.
She is the only person working on the stall and will lose her job when the market closes. The company, based in Neepsend simply cannot afford to continue employing her.
“I’ve never seen it as monstrously so as at the moment,” she said about rising costs. “Everyone is so focused on money.”
She explained that Frazer’s Coffee Roasters café was shutting down as the landlord had increased the rent to double the amount they were already paying.
Nina said that although she was not worried about getting another job, she was concerned about how it might last.
“Jobs are so contractual now. I grew up watching my parents go through the recession, and now I can see it happening again.”
Helen Gilbert, from Meersbrook, Sheffield, sells her handmade jewellery and gifts. She thinks that while people are worrying a lot about money, it has not necessarily stopped them from buying.
“I think people are tightening their belts a little, but where my items are on the lower end of the price range, people still find the time for the tradition of buying stocking fillers.”
She has found that Fridays and Saturdays are busier than weekdays, which can be quiet.
“I’m lucky to have a supportive partner with a “proper” job, which means I can have a more artsy business,” she said. “Otherwise we might not be able to afford it.”
Angilina Dhami, a 20-year-old university student, paid £7 for a vegetarian Yorkshire pudding wrap. She says the cost of living crisis did influence how much she spent at the market.
“I don’t want to say the market is too expensive but because of my income and being a student, I couldn’t splurge on much, meaning I only spent money at two places.”
Attractions at the market vary in price with the Ferris wheel being £5 for adults and £4 for children, and the carousel is £3 per person.
As for food and drink, burgers are £6 while a coffee will cost you between £2 - £4.
The market is open from 10am - 6pm Monday to Thursday and 10am - 8pm Friday to Sunday.
Michael Duff sends out a warning as Barnsley face “tough nut” Crewe Alexandra in FA Cup clash
Barnsley's head coach has urged his players not to be complacent as they look to book themselves a place in the 3rd round draw tomorrow.
Michael Duff’s side will want to return to winning ways when they face in-form League Two side Crewe Alexandra, after a midweek 2-1 defeat to Port Vale in the EFL trophy.
He said: "They are on a good run, they’ve won their last four games so they’ll be a tough nut to crack.”
In the league, the Reds have been in good form having won their last three on the bounce, pushing them into the playoff positions.
Defender Mads Andersen said: "We've done a lot of hard work and now we're getting some momentum, we have to keep that going."
In the FA Cup first round the South Yorkshire side beat Bolton 2-1 away from home, with a Ricardo Santos own goal and a Adam Phillips strike being enough for the Tykes to get over the line.
This weekend's visitors Crewe Alexandra come into the game in good form, winning four of their last five fixtures and the Railwaymen have not conceded in November.
Key to Crewe's run of clean sheets has been defender Rodney McDonald who has put in a string of impressive performances at the back.
Barnsley also pride themselves on their defensive record and the Reds have conceded the fewest goals in League One this season.
When asked about his side's defensive form Mads Andersen was quick to praise the team's effort and said: "It's not only the defence, it starts from the top. I’m very happy with the work-rate of the midfielders and the forwards."
Michael Duff confirmed that there were no new injuries for Barnsley.
Duff also said that Matty Wolfe was edging “a little closer” to a return to the side while Jordan Helliwell has suffered a setback and might be out for another five or six weeks.
Crewe Alexandra will be without their top goalscorer this season Courtney-Baker-Richardson who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The game will kick-off at Oakwell at 3pm.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard appeals for a Christmas card snap
The South Yorkshire Mayor is appealing to budding photographers across the region to help share their favourite festive snaps to create the perfect Christmas card.
Oliver Coppard tweeted his 12,000 followers this week asking for help to celebrate the diversity and heritage of the county.
The Mayor's Office said: "We want to see what South Yorkshire means to you and we want to celebrate that."
Mr Coppard also tweeted that if the picture looked a bit Christmassy it would be a "real bonus".
Photos can be of landscapes and green spaces, inspiring people within their communities or examples of South Yorkshire's heritage and history.
The Mayor's office said: "The winning entry will be used as the design for this year’s Christmas card which will be sent out by the mayor to hundreds of stakeholders across the region."
This is Mr Coppard's first Christmas as South Yorkshire Mayor after he was elected in May this year to serve a four-year term, after Dan Jarvis stepped down.
Candidates should send their photographs, along with their name for accreditation and phone or email for contact, to competitions@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk.
The deadline for photograph submissions is 27 November, and winners will be contacted by 29 November via email or phone.