Local Elections 2023 - Sheffield Wire

Live: Latest updates from Sheffield & Barnsley Local Elections 2023

Sheffield Varsity Trampolining Competition Returns in 2022

4:18pm

Sheffield's Varsity Trampolining competition made a triumphant return at the weekend, with Sheffield Hallam securing victory over the University of Sheffield by 24 points to 18. Ben Green, duty manager of Sheffield Sport, said students have been really excited to have Varsity back. He said: “It’s great to see all the competitions going ahead with Varsity, particularly after the time that our students and our athletes have had to wait for this opportunity. This is their first chance to compete for their university in the Varsity due to the pandemic that we've had for the past couple of years. “Everybody has impressed me, to be honest. The skills and the abilities that everybody's showing through here and Hallam is absolutely phenomenal.”

University of Sheffield supporters at the Goodwin Centre cheering on their Trampolining team. (Image by https://studiok.photography/

Varsity has taken place in March for the first time since 2019. It is not only a head-to-head battle between the sports teams of the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, but also captivates all corners of the two university's communities. Lauren Seven, a physio freshman from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “It's so much fun. It's like a whole weekend activity rolled into one day and then you have a really big nice social experience where you get to meet other trampoliners from all the universities and really get to know each other.”

An athlete from SHU shows off their moves in the air. Image by My website is https://studiok.photography/

For two weeks each year, both campuses turn the colours of their respective teams: black and gold for the University of Sheffield, and maroon for Team Hallam. The rivalry between the teams is clear. Kate William, Head Coach of the trampolining Club, has been coaching for five years. She said the key to achieving success in trampolining is consistency and commitment. She said: That's a big part that a lot of people miss. The conditioning and stretching are such a big part of what we do. You need to tell yourself that you are not going to check out halfway through, but a lot is dependent on the prep work that you put in beforehand.” You can check out more events at Varsity here:https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/sheffield-varsity

Sheffield’s ground-breaking solar solution to boost crops in East Africa

4:17pm

A successful trial, dubbed as ‘harvesting the sun twice’, found growing crops beneath solar panels resulted in larger plants and reduced water. The concept, known as agrivoltaics, enabled a farm in Kenya to grow cabbages 21% larger than usual. A researcher on the project from the University of Sheffield, Dr Richard Randle-Boggis, 33, said the long and short-term benefits of the new solution to crop growth were innumerable. He said one of the key pros was the system provided low carbon electricity. Dr Randle-Boggis continued: “Another long term benefit is potential for climate change and resilience because the solar panels reduce daytime air temperatures and UV damage and water loss. "As the climate is changing and rainfall becomes more unpredictable and temperature is increasing, then solar panels could help abate those more extreme conditions then in an open field system.” He said the project has been met with exceptionally good reviews across the board. However, it was not always received in such a way. When Dr Randle-Boggis first presented the project to farms in East Africa he was met with questions as to how it would be beneficial for them.

Photo of the farmers with Dr. Richard in Kenya. Photo credit: Chloride Exide ltd.

“I remember speaking with a solar developer in Uganda about agrivoltaics and he said why are you talking to me about tomatoes, yet he was an energy developer,” he said. “Thankfully one of his colleagues realised the importance of what was being done and saw that the water saving was a goal of the government. It is important to think of the holistic solutions and outside of the box.” The turning point was when a training farm south of Nairobi accepted they wanted agrivoltaics to be on their site. The site was up and running in May 2021. Since then, they have had interest globally in countries that are in South America, Southern Europe and the Caribbean. Data is currently being collected to see how the agrovoltaics system will benefit multiple terrains.

14 arrested in county lines drug raids

4:09pm

In a national 'week of action' South Yorkshire Police have arrested 13 men and one woman, targeting county lines drug gangs and child exploitation. County lines refers to the transportation of illegal drugs from one area to another, often urban to rural, and across police force boundaries. Detective Inspector Ben Wood, who led the operation, said: “National weeks of action like this are so important for us to shine a light on issues around child exploitation and county lines." In these criminal operations, drugs are frequently transported and sold by children, who gangs have coerced. Gangs sometimes take over vulnerable adults' homes as bases to deal drugs from, which is known as 'cuckooing'. Raids carried out across South Yorkshire led to police seizing over £1,000 worth of crack cocaine and £157,000 worth of cannabis. Across the week, police visited three properties believed to be cuckooed and put safeguarding in place for residents. Det Insp Wood continued: “We know how devastating this type of crime can be to families and communities across South Yorkshire. "Although this week was around disrupting county lines activity, we have also been raising awareness of child exploitation. Everybody has a role to play in spotting the signs a child might be exploited, through drug running, money laundering or sexually.” As well as action targeting criminal activity, SYP engaged with an adult and 12 children who had been identified as being at risk of being exploited. Officers also visited schools to help raise awareness of the risks of county lines. DI Wood added: "Although the week of action for county lines is now over, our work to disrupt this is far from over. We have dedicated teams that will continue every day to make South Yorkshire safer for everyone.” More information about county lines and how to spot exploitation can be found at County Lines - National Crime Agency

Rare female triplet goats born at Heeley City Farm

3:55pm

A golden Guernsey goat gave birth to an extremely rare set of all-female triplets on International Women's Day. Sarah Wild, the Animal Manager at Heeley City Farm said: "It is just unbelievable. We are really proud of this farm and what it has done." Heeley City Farm welcomed the trio into the world on the 14 March and are yet to name the whole clan.

Sarah Wild, Animal Manager at Heeley City Farm

The farm park work through the alphabet to name new-borns and are currently on the letter J. One of the kids has been named Jinx. Sarah Wild, an animal manager at Heeley City Park explained how the park is part of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and they aim to protect native British breeds. They protect animals in danger of extinction and hope to rear more endangered breeds. In 2020, the Rare Breed Survival Trust put the Golden Guernsey goat on their watchlist.

Calum Brown earns victory for Sheffield Hallam in thrilling Cross-Country Cycling Varsity contest

3:53pm

It was Sheffield Hallam who came out on top in the Varsity Cross-Country Cycling on Sunday afternoon, with alumnus Calum Brown racing home first in stunning fashion. On a beautiful day at Parkwood Springs, Brown was able to edge out University of Sheffield rivals Kieran Savage and Ollie Maynard in second and third place respectively to secure 0.5 points for Hallam in the Varsity competition. Racing four laps of the course, Brown posted an impressive finish time of 34:00:63. Savage was next over the line at 34:21:22, with third placed Maynard hot on his heels with a time of 34:27:88.

The Varsity race was very hotly contested, with each rider giving their all for their university team.

Race winner Calum Brown was delighted to return to a course at Parkwood Springs he has fond memories of from his time at university. Brown said: “I’ve spent a lot of time on this track. Probably the last time I was on it was a couple of years ago so it’s sort of a blast from the past to be back." Brown also expressed his pleasure at being able to race on behalf of Sheffield Hallam. He said: “It’s always good to represent Hallam. Hallam guys know how to have fun and it’s even better when we win. “There was a good showing of Hallam colours today and it’s always nice to spend time on the track with the guys." The final standings of the riders was as follows: Calum Brown (1st), Kieran Savage (2nd), Ollie Maynard (3rd), Harry Lee (4th), Tristan Gale (5th), Hamish Huss (6th), Martin McBrinn (7th), Nat Patthamasing (8th), Tom Williams (9th), Josh Lewis (DNS).

Brown (centre) pictured alongside the other eight finishers in the Varsity race.

Sheffield's Varsity competition continues, with the University of Sheffield currently leading Sheffield Hallam by eight points to five. For more information about Varsity events, visit: https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/sheffield-varsity/fixtures

From Shanghai to Sheffield: Guanyu Zhou makes Formula 1 debut

3:47pm

After starting his racing career in Sheffield, Guanyu Zhou drove in his first Formula 1 world championship race yesterday. The 22-year-old racing driver, who has been signed with Alfa Romeo for his debut season, is originally from Shanghai but moved to Sheffield in 2012 to pursue competitive racing. He began his British career with Strawberry Racing UK, a Sheffield based racing company and team, where he won multiple titles before being scouted by the Ferrari Driver Academy. Guanyu Zhou said: “I dreamt from a young age of climbing as high as I can in a sport that I am passionate about and now the dream has come true. “It is a privilege for me to start my Formula 1 racing career with an iconic team, a team that has introduced so much young talent into Formula 1 in the past. Now the dream is reality.” While in Sheffield, he attended Westbourne school and Birkdale school, racing in his spare time.

Guanyu Zhou at Woodbourne school.

John Hicks, Headmaster of Westbourne school said: "He was a lovely lad, he got on famously well with the other students. He would disappear off quite regularly to the Italian circuit and tell us how many tyres he'd burnt off at the weekend" Being one of the only Formula 1 drivers from Sheffield, he is also the first ever Chinese driver in F1 history. Mr Zhou said: "To be the first ever Chinese driver in Formula 1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. “I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more.” After leaving Strawberry Racing UK in 2015, he has since gone on to race in Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2, before finally making his Formula 1 debut yesterday at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Yesterday, Mr Zhou qualified 15th, but quickly recovered and finished 10th in the race to score a point. Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing said: “He is a very talented driver, as his results in F2 have shown, and we are looking forward to helping his talent flourish even more in Formula One”

New petition demands tougher sentences for domestic abusers

3:34pm

A Sheffield woman has started a new petition to give tougher sentences to domestic abusers. Currently there is no specific criminal offence of 'domestic abuse' - although crimes committed in cases in cases of domestic abuse include harassment, sexual assault and false imprisonment. Victoria Miguel - the creator of the petition - said in her change.org post that: "Sentences [that] domestic abusers are given are too low". A new domestic violence law targeting 'coercive control' was began in 2015, which sought to target actions of 'serious harm or distress' that would otherwise go unpunished. However, the maximum sentence for this is five years in prison. In South Yorkshire, 65% of legal decisions resulted in a charge for domestic abuse related crimes in 2020 - according to a report from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner. The average across England and Wales was 73%. Ms Miguel said: "Some [offenders are] receiving quite low sentences for horrific crimes - domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident, it is likely to become more frequent and serious the longer it continues". 34,864 incidents related to domestic abuse were recorded in South Yorkshire by police in the same year - which is around 25 instances per 1000 people. The petition can be found at Petition · Tougher sentences for domestic abuses · Change.org

Sheffield Hatters legend dies leaving family superstars to carry on her legacy

3:20pm

Basketball legend Betty Codona has sadly died aged 83 after dedicating 60 years to inspiring thousands of basketball players across the world. The grandmother was titled the 'Queen of Basketball' by many after dedicating her life to women’s equality within sports. The Sheffield Hatters coach founded the first women’s basketball club in 1961 and was later awarded an OBE for her services in sport in 1998.

Betty receiving an award. Image credit: @hatters_bc Instagram

A spokesperson for Sheffield Hatters said: “Betty was a pioneer in women’s sport throughout her life and was honoured with an OBE for her services to basketball. “Dedicating her time to the equality of not just basketball but all of women’s sport. Betty founded the first women’s basketball team in Sheffield which was formed over 60 years ago. “She has carried on her legacy in basketball through playing, coaching and even as the Chair of England Basketball. During this time Betty’s family would like to thank everyone who has reached out to pay their respects. Over the coming weeks we hope to celebrate the life that Betty has lived and hope to inspire all who knew Betty to do the same.” Betty started her sports career as a PE teacher and competed in the first National Cup Championship in 1965. She subsequently delivered 40 separate pieces of silverware as head coach between 1989 and 2009, prior to moving on to work as the Chair of the club.

Betty and her team. Image credit: @hatters_bc Instagram

Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett told the British Basketball League: “Betty lived an amazingly full and productive life. Her passion, determination and selflessness in promoting and serving the sport, and in particular, women’s basketball, has been unparalleled in terms of its success and influence. “She was one of a kind. Her spirit and generosity saw her contribute to the sport and her community in Sheffield over such a long period of time, positively impacting so many lives. She will be greatly missed but her fantastic legacy is rightly a huge source of pride form her family and the Hatters club and all of us in basketball.” Betty’s basketball success did not stop at coaching. Her two daughters Vanessa and Loraine both played to the highest level of basketball in England.

Betty and her family. Image credit: @hatters_bc Instagram

Vanessa went on to coach, representing Great Britain, and became a Commonwealth silver medallist. Loraine champions junior basketball development across Yorkshire, organising school and club tournaments. The pioneer was named an ‘Unsung Hero for Yorkshire’ by the BBC after her efforts to create a ‘bubble’ league for women’s basketball throughout the pandemic to help keep the club going throughout COVID. Betty’s legacy will not only live on through her daughters but her three grandchildren as well. Tyler is following in her footsteps as a coach within the Sheffield Hatters club. Her other grandchild Georgia, is a star player for the Sheffield Hatters WBBL and GB representative. And Quinn is carrying on her success internationally as a highly-touted prospect playing for Capo d’Orlando in Italy.

Betty winning an award. Image credit: @hatters_bc Instagram

Described by many who knew her as a force of nature, the inclusive and family environment Codona fostered within Hatters is something she was fiercely proud of and will remain stronger than ever. The sport stood together this past weekend in recognition of her impressive accomplishments. There were 24 seconds of applause before each game across the BBL, WBBL, and NBL, as British Basketball pauses to remember and respect a true great.

Fleetwood 0 – 0 Doncaster: Rovers held to stalemate by fellow League One strugglers

3:13pm

Doncaster had to settle for a point at Fleetwood Town in a draw which does little for either side's chances of avoiding the drop. A game of low quality typified both team's seasons as clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Rovers came into the game on the back of a five-game loss streak, while Fleetwood are the league's lowest scorers. Neither keeper was fully tested all afternoon as Cian Hayes came closest for the home side, firing just over early on. Rovers' best chance came just before the break as Jordy Hiwula's effort from outside the box was saved by Kieran O'Hara. Fans took to Twitter to complain about the display and looming relegation.

Rovers' manager Gary McSheffrey aired his frustration at the draw after the game, but also took some positives. He said: “We had opportunities. We had a few good efforts and more good entries into the final third where we just didn’t make the right decision with the final pass or final shot. “We’d have loved to have won it but if you can’t win then you don’t lose. “We’ve gained a point on a couple of teams and if we can back that up with a big win next week it could turn out to be a good point.” Rovers welcome Charlton to the Eco Power Stadium on Saturday in another huge game as they battle the drop.

South Yorkshire Police charge two with drug and weapon offences after Batemoor drugs raid

3:08pm

South Yorkshire Police have charged two people with drug and weapons offences after a drugs raid in the Batemoor area of Sheffield last week. Yasher Haji Ferhadi, 22, and Lauren Murphy, 26, both of Whinacre Place were arrested under suspicion of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine and possession of an offensive weapon. The pair were charged with the offences on Thursday 17 March after Police discovered substantial quantities of class A drugs on the Batemoor street the previous day. Both appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Friday 18 March and have been remanded in custody until Tuesday 19 April when they will appear at Sheffield Crown Court. Detective Sergeant James Dyson, from the Operation Fortify team, said: “Drugs are not welcome in our communities and I am pleased that as a result of this activity, we have seized a large quantity of class A drugs that were otherwise destined for our streets. “If you have any information or concerns relating to drugs in your area, please report it.”

£20,000 memorial to ‘King of Sheffield’ featuring custom statues and jukebox was built without planning permission says council

3:03pm

The memorial of the traveller king and bare-knuckle boxer Willy Collins is believed to be the largest in Britain. It was reportedly designed by the creator of Princess Margaret's headstone alongside Collins' sons. Known as 'Big Willy' or the 'King of Sheffield', Collins died in July 2020 after collapsing during a family holiday to Port de Pollença, Majorca. He was 49.

Willy Collin's headstone was unveiled two years after his death last Thursday.

His August 2020 funeral was attended by hundreds and featured a convoy of six horses and 40 Rolls Royce cars. Both the funeral and the £20,000 headstone was funded by donations from the local community. The 37-tonne memorial took two weeks to erect and features a solar powered juke box, two life size statues of Willy, LED lights and biblical scenes. The headstone also features 24 hour CCTV, after Mr Collins' grave was vandalised shortly after his funeral. Located at Shiregreen Cemetry, Mr Collins' grave is surrounded by family members. One of 16 children, Collins moved to Sheffield in the 1980s and became the patriarch of the family. Over 22 years of marriage, Mr Collins had nine children, 16 grandchildren and it is believed he had up to 400 nieces and nephews. The monument was unveiled last Thursday, almost two years after his death but council leaders say permission was not granted for the large memorial. Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, said: “We are aware of a large memorial which has been erected in Shiregreen Cemetery. This memorial was built without permission and we are currently considering our next steps.

“Cemeteries are a place where people can come, pay their respects and visit loved ones who are no longer with us. We understand memorials are deeply personal, however we must have rules in place to ensure fairness.” But the Collins family have defended the headstone, claiming they did have permission.

Willy's widow, Kathleen Collins, said: “We own the land and we do have planning permission.

“The council haven't contacted me or anyone from the family to raise any concerns. If they do have any issue with it they should contact us directly.

“It's just because it's all over the media and there's a lot of hate that this is happening.

“They watched it getting built every day without saying anything, and it wasn't done in a day. It took two weeks to get finished.” Kathleen also has a viral TikTok account where she pays tribute to her late husband. Her videos have reached up to 72 thousand people and has been met with both admiration and criticism.

Sheffield Harmony raise over £800 in week-long fundraiser for Ukraine

2:58pm

A Sheffield women's acapella chorus has raised over £800 in a week for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Sheffield Harmony, established in 1978, set up a seven day online fundraising event through a Just Giving page and chorus members raised £812.50 in total to help people suffering in Ukraine. Their 38 members also wore blue and yellow clothing at their last rehearsal to show visual support for Ukraine. Angela Taylor, Team Co-ordinator for Sheffield Harmony, said: "We were all shocked and saddened by the events in Ukraine. Sheffield Harmony women have supported each other through the past two years of the pandemic in such a caring way that it was no surprise at all that everyone wanted to find a way to support the people suffering so badly from the intense conflict.

Sheffield Harmony performing

"Raising funds for the DEC charity already working there [in Ukraine] seemed to be the most effective way of providing practical support swiftly." The chorus group decided a short donation period was the best way to raise funds quickly. Angela continued: "I was delighted that we were able to raise a significant amount. We hope that it will alleviate a little of the suffering." Sheffield Harmony rehearse every Monday at Banner cross Methodist Church. Members come from all backgrounds and profession and range from women in their 30s to retirement age.

Sheffield Harmony performing

The group are long-time members of international singing organisation Sweet Adelines, one of the largest of its kind in the world. The acapella group compete against other chorus groups in Barbershop acapella competitions. Their next competition, the first one since the pandemic, 'Region 31 Sweet Adelines International Quartet of Nations Contest', will be held in Warwick where 31 Sheffield Harmony members will compete against groups from England, Scotland, Wales and the Netherlands. Penny Baddeley, a Sheffield Harmony Community Reach team member, said: "We are a competition choir, but we also have a strong sense of community. "This group is like a big sisterhood. It's an inspiring group of women who are genuinely supportive of one another, whether this be through our singing, vocal technique or emotional support through the pandemic.

Sheffield Harmony rehearsal on Zoom during the pandemic

During the pandemic, the group rehearsed on Zoom and Musical Director, Ros Kipps, helped keep the chorus running at such a hard time. Penny said: "We don't sing with any instrumental accompaniment, so we can sing anywhere and in any place. Ros did a fantastic job in keeping the group going through the pandemic."