Tickets now available for Karl Marx Memorial Lecture screening in city centre
Tickets are now available for a Karl Marx Memorial Lecture screening at a city centre venue in Sheffield, with the viewing focussing on a renowned 1983 talk by famous sociologist Stuart Hall.
The event will take place at the Union Street venue in the heart of Sheffield, which champions all sorts of events from woodworking workshops to yoga classes.
Now, the Union Street space will host a screening of a newly obtained, digitised lecture of Stuart Hall from all the way back in 1983 discussing the late Karl Marx.
This original talk was organised by Sheffield City Council to commemorate 100 years since Marx's death and celebrate the philosopher's life and works.
Joe Brindle, a student at the University of Sheffield and organiser for this new screening, has taken inspiration from Sheffield's radical past.
He said: "I've been working with a few Sheffielders to put this together, we had the idea after learning about some of the really interesting things that Sheffield City Council did.
"It's pretty inspiring that the council once stood firmly against Thatcher by encouraging public education, declaring a nuclear-free zone, building a mass council houses and much more. I guess our goal is trying to bring back a bit of that radical spirit to Sheffield."
In today's political climate, Minesh Parekh, Labour councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, argues that these talks are needed more than ever.
He said: "This isn't simply about history or heritage however: in the forty years since the last lecture, climate degradation has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, and inequality is spiralling to new levels.
In that context, Marx's ideas are more relevant than ever as we look to identify routes out of our current crises."
The talk, which is free to attend, will take place on the 30th of March - the screening occurring in the same month as the 140th anniversary of Karl Marx's death.
For Mr Brindle, once this Stuart Hall speech on Karl Marx has been seen by the public, similar talks in memory of the German philosopher should follow suit.
He said: "I really hope that we can bring back Sheffield's radical tradition of open and interesting debate on these really key issues, it would be great if we can persuade the City Council to allow us to do an annual lecture with guest speakers... We'll see.
You can pick up a free ticket for this Karl Marx Memorial Lecture here .
10-year-old boy with Crohn’s disease raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital
A 10-year-old boy with Crohn's disease is aiming to raise money for the Sheffield hospital that supported him through his years-long ordeal.
Willis Gosling wants to raise £600 by Christmas, which will allow him to have his own light up snowflake at Sheffield Children's Hospital, where he spends a large amount of his time.
The family have previously raised over £6,000 in 2018, to help raise funds for children with Crohn's and Colitis, its treatments, Willis’ well-being and to raise awareness about the disease.
Willis is asking for raffle prizes from Sheffield businesses, having already secured several such as tickets to Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United games.
He was diagnosed with Crohn's at two years old, after his mother found "large amounts" of blood in his nappies.
Mother Emma Gosling, said: "For the first six years of diagnosis, he had been really unwell. He was in and out of hospital and steroid dependent for four and a half years.
"He was the worst he had ever been in Year One at school, being told the only option was to have a permanent colostomy bag."
Willis is the youngest child to have been diagnosed with Crohn's at Sheffield. They told Mrs Gosling it was one of the worst cases they had ever seen, before referring them to Great Ormond's Street for genetic testing of children under five.
The youngster is local to Chapeltown, and is a pupil at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in High Green, frequently having to miss classes because of his illness.
Mrs Gosling said: "The people that live in Chapeltown have been really good. We have had loads of people coming forward with donations.
"People think Crohn's is just having diarrhoea and going to the toilet all the time, they don't understand the implications. Anything that raises awareness of the condition is enough."
Donations can be made on the family's JustGiving page.
Peak District hike will raise money for vital cancer-detecting ultrasound scanner
A massive fundraising effort is taking place to raise money for cancer-detecting ultrasound scanner.
On June 24, a charity hike organised by the Brown Dog Cancer Charity aims to raise funds for a potentially-lifesaving £50,000 scanner, which will be installed at Leicester hospital.
The trek will cover the most picturesque parts of the Peak District such as Mam Tor, Win Hill and Toadhole-Cote.
Dr Ram Vaidhyanath, a consultant radiologist for the Leicester Royal Infirmary, believes the new equipment will be vital for fast-tracking cancer diagnosis and improving patient outcomes.
He said: "Everybody's worried about a diagnosis of cancer. If they do have a diagnosis, they can be fast-tracked with this new equipment. That's a big plus for us."
The hospital currently has to share crucial cancer detecting equipment around several departments, potentially increasing the waiting times patients face and reducing hospital efficiency.
If enough money is raised for this equipment, patients can save vital hours between visiting their GP and receiving a diagnosis, which could change a patient's outcome on their cancer journey.
The a 24-mile hike costs £55 to take part, with a three-course, silver service meal included for hikers to enjoy whilst they rest their feet. For participants on a tighter budget, they can take part in the hike only for £25.
There is also the option to purchase a Brown Dog t-shirt to remember the day with.
The Brown Dog Charity is aiming to raise at least £47,000 in total, with remaining £3,000 needed coming from the Leicester Teaching Hospital.
Amy Barnes also works in the Radiology department at Leicester Teaching Hospital.
Dr Ram Vaidhyanath and Amy Barnes both highlighted the need for a new ultrasound scanner for the hospital (video below).
Ms Barnes expressed her support for the Brown Dog Charity, praising the crucial work does to help organisations purchase vital infrastructure to improve the detection or treatment of cancer.
She said: "Although we have a process of renewing machines, without the support of the charity, this is not something we could do."
More information on the charity's efforts can be found by clicking here.
Popular thrift store fails to meet fundraiser goal threatening closure
The Thrifty store has sadly failed to reach their fundraising goal needed in order to keep the store open.
The store, which can be found on King street, has blamed a multitude of issues for the reason they may have to close such as COVID-19, Brexit and Sheffield City Council’s Grey to Green scheme reducing their visibility.
Bally Johal, owner of the store said: “The Pandemic was two and half years lost when it comes to our customer base. Students during that time left which lost our community and 60 percent of our trade.”
Mr Johal also stated Sheffield’s Grey to Green Scheme which aimed to re-connect the Castlegate area with the city centre hid them behind fencing, making it hard to find them.
This comes as Sheffield high street is seeing numerous closures with shops moving to other areas of the city which was led by Primark in 2019.
According to Mr Johal, this has had an affect on the area, who said: “When Primark was there we used to do quite well now we’re just a lone crusader sat with nothing around us”.
Having six months to decide what to do with the store, it is now only run by Mr Johal who had to let go of his staff which he paid £15,000 over the last year out of his own pocket.
Importing from America and Europe in the past, the store has struggled post-Brexit and pandemic to do so, claiming that the costs to do so from America has risen to £6,000 for minimum orders.
Mr Johal said: “It’s difficult because it is part of me, you put your energy into something, build a brand for nine years and then you hand it over to people and it doesn’t quite work the same way, which is not their fault and I can’t pay them a lot”.
Mr Johal owns multiple businesses in the city including Bal Fashions, a club which recently saw itself named number nine in TimeOut Magazine's '25 most banging night's out in the UK'.
He also stated anyone who mentions this article when visiting the store will be offered 20 percent off.
“It’s twice we’ve gotten away without anyone being killed”: café owner’s bollard plea rejected by council
A local café owner has slammed Sheffield Council’s decision not to put bollards outside her café after her shop front was smashed twice in four years due to car accidents.
Totley Deli and Café owner Sheri Haslehurst has criticised the council after they rejected her proposal to install bollards or raise the curb edge on Baslow Road.
Ms Haslehurst said: “I think it's waiting for somebody to actually get killed and I don't think you can put a price on that.
“The first time it happened, I was told that it was very unlikely it was going to happen again, but it has happened again and in only four years so the possibility of it happening again is quite high.
“It’s twice we’ve gotten away without anyone being killed, maybe the third time we’re not going to be so lucky.”
The most recent incident took place on 29 December and caused emotional and financial distress for Ms Haslehurst.
She said: “It’s devastating because you’ve been through it once already and you put everything that you've got into trying to make a business work and then something like that happens.
“The whole front of the shop was demolished, there were three fridges that were smashed, the counter was smashed, the shelving was knocked up, the walls were boarded up. So you look as though you are closed.
“At that time of year, it was absolutely freezing so we were all freezing in the shop and you try to get cleared up and get open as quick as you can, because it's your livelihood.”
“Emotionally, it's been horrible, because I’ve been trying to deal with an insurance company and I still haven't been paid out in full.
“I've had to put my savings in to get in that shop back up and as quickly as possible.
“It’s been really stressful and to do it twice is more than anybody should be expected to do.”
The council rejected the idea of installing bollards due to accessibility issues.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “The response is it’s not possible for us to install a bollard or pedestrian railing, both must be installed a certain distance from the curb edge and there is not enough pavement width to allow the installation of these structures while maintaining the pavement width to ensure that all users so that’s mobility scooters, pushchairs and prams can still access the area.”
However this rejection was met with scepticism from Deborah Leonard, a member of the public, who witnessed the event and started the petition to raise the curb or install bollards.
Ms Leonard said: “There is a substantial litter bin on the same stretch of pavement so I don’t accept that bollards which are a lot less voluminous in size than a huge litter bin on the same stretch of pavement.”
The idea of raising the curb was rejected as it would cause water run-off into the shops on the road, however the council has said there will be a budget of £10,000 to resolve the issue.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Sangar said: “It’s not easy and we are going to work with you to find the right solution because clearly we don’t want a situation where cars end up in the front of shops.
“It’s terrible, it happened twice, I don’t know what the solution is but there is a sum of money that we’re passing over to next year and we are working with council officers to get the right solution.”
The Divine Collective to run its first men’s writing workshop to support mental health in Sheffield
A Sheffield-based publisher has announced the start of its new men’s writing group on Wednesday to support those struggling with their mental health.
The Divine Collective, a non-for-profit organisation, is offering the group for men to be creative and share their experiences in a safe and supportive space.
The organisation also wanted to open up their services to men due to the statistics on men's mental health.
Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women according to the Mental Health Foundation with the Priory Group which found 40 per cent of men don’t talk about their mental wellbeing.
Founder and creative wellbeing coach, Siobhan Louise, 34, from Hillsborough, said: “The organisation was started as a platform to give people a voice and offer a message of hope and empowerment to others.
“I want this new group to give men an opportunity to express themselves and heal through writing as a creative outlet.”
The organisation believes writing is a powerful tool to connect with yourself and overcome trauma as well as benefiting the immune system by reducing stress.
Having worked specifically with women, including when publishing the Amazon bestselling book ‘Words of the Wise’, Ms Louise wanted to extend the opportunity of writing to men due to the lack of gender-specific spaces available to them to discuss their mental wellbeing.
Ms Louise said: “There’s still a culture for men of bottling things up and I want to help overcome that stigma.
“This group isn’t just about sharing experiences. It's also about learning from others and realising you’re not alone as that can be a great weight off your shoulders.”
The workshops will be fluid in structure and plan to offer a range of written activities to tailor to individual needs.
Ms Louise has stressed that people shouldn’t worry about their writing ability as the exercises aren’t designed to be challenging, they’re just a tool for sharing thoughts.
She said: “A lot of people haven’t written since they were at school, so there’s absolutely no pressure to have existing writing experience.
“We want the group to be accessible for everyone and we will also cater for any additional needs anyone might have including spelling.”
In the future, the organisation hope to offer men in the group the opportunity to write a book like ‘Words of the Wise’, which was an anthology written by women who have faced trauma and other struggles.
The first men's writing session will start on Wednesday evening at The Rutland Arms and will hopefully become a monthly event, but people are urged to check the Facebook page for when and where the next event might happen.
The workshop will be co-hosted by David Heimerdinger, who has a background in somatic therapies like breathwork and supporting men through trauma healing.
There’s a suggested donation of £8 but the organisation runs a ‘pay what you feel’ system.
To get involved or find out more about the writing workshops, follow the organisation on Facebook or contact The Divine Collective.
“Too many people are held back by poor health in South Yorkshire”: £5.9 million pledge tackles work inequalities
A £5.9 million grant has been announced to help thousands of people with health conditions find or stay in work by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.
Following discussions with the Government to stop the trailblazing Working Win scheme from being scrapped, it’s expected that a further 3,000 people with physical or mental health conditions will be supported until March 2025.
Mr Coppard said: “When I was elected as South Yorkshire’s Mayor, I said I’d do what I could to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country, and Working Win is a great example of how we’re working to tackle health inequalities.
"Too many people are held back by poor health in South Yorkshire, and are unable to stay in work or find new jobs. Working Win has been genuinely life-changing for thousands of people here, so I’m so really pleased our campaigning efforts have paid off and it’s been given further funding to keep going, and will now help thousands more people.”
Working Win supports people aged 18 or over, who live in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Barnsley, and who have a health condition, to find and stay in employment.
The programme has already supported more than 6,500 people, and the funding will mean that the current instalment can continue to benefit participants until June 2023.
The new funding, secured by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), is part of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) initiative.
The aim of the IPSPC initiative is to promote inclusive growth by helping to achieve a reduction in health inequalities through supporting people to access employment.
Richard Stubbs, Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Fifteen million days of work a year are lost due to stress, anxiety and depression alone. This leads to businesses losing productivity and causes reduced quality of life for individuals.
"Working Win can help by supporting those out of work or off sick with free coaching to get them to a better place in their employment journey. This brings benefits to them, to employers and to the wider community.”
For more information or to register for support, visit the Working-Win page.
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.