“You need to support people in their time of need”: Sheffield stands in solidarity with Ukraine
Hundreds of Sheffield residents attended Sheffield town hall yesterday to voice their support for Ukraine in their war against Russia. Chants of 'Putin Out, Freedom In' and 'Stop Putin, Stop the War' were popular as the crowd voiced their unhappiness with the Russian leader's actions. Attendees were invited to air any thoughts they had. Speakers included people from across Sheffield including emotional testimonials from Ukrainians worried about their families at home. Sofiya Lytvyn is a Ukrainian national living in Sheffield, whose parents currently remain in Kiev. She said: "I have been praying for rockets not to hit my house and my friends are fighting. I really appreciate any support and its shows that people care." It is estimated that 250 people attended the protest. It was originally promoted on Facebook but the demonstrators were joined by shoppers who stopped to join throughout the day. Shaffaq Mohammed, councillor for Ecclesall and leader of the Sheffield Liberal Democrats, helped organise the protest. He said: "I was very proud to see Sheffield turn out in such big numbers at short notice. "You need to show compassion and you need to support people in their time of need. If society just looks after its own, and no one cares about anyone else, that's a poor world we live in and it's not one I want to bring my children up in." Elena Mandrik, organiser and member of the group Sheffield Stands With Ukraine, said: "I was really touched by the number of people who turned out "We need to act and we need to act now. All actions matter and the more voices there are, the more politicians will hear us and the quicker they will react." Further protests are planned for later in the week including one today outside the town hall at 6pm organised by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. All 84 councillors from Sheffield City Council are set to come together before Wednesday's budget meeting in a united demonstration backing the Ukrainian people.
Protesters gather in Sheffield as part of nationwide movement to protect NHS
Crowds gathered in Sheffield city centre at the weekend to demand protection for the future of the NHS. The protest, which took place outside the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, was part of a national day of action organised by a coalition of campaign groups and health organisations under the name SOS NHS. With over 100 demonstrations across England, Scotland and Wales, people heard from healthcare workers about concerns over increasing privatisation, as well as the need for state funding and fair pay for staff. Holly Johnson, a nurse and organiser of the Sheffield demonstration, was among those to address the public. She said: “Resources are being drained in the NHS due to years of deliberate underfunding.” Johnson added: “Unsurprisingly, the effect of the pandemic on patients, staff and the service has been brutal.” Last year, the NHS was said to hit “breaking point” by health chiefs, due to record numbers of patients seeking care. Meanwhile, the government proposed a 3% pay rise for healthcare staff including nurses, paramedics, consultants and GPs. The protesters fear that the pay proposal will jeopardise the NHS further, as staff may have to take up work in the private sector to make ends meet. Sheffield healthcare worker Alex Brown said: “It is incredibly difficult to recruit and retain staff who are working long hours in high pressure jobs, saving lives and keeping the country running yet earning less than you might do in a coffee shop.” Low morale among staff is another concern, said Johnson: “I don’t think it’s any way to treat people who have kept us safe and work so hard, prior and during the pandemic. Staff don’t feel valued.” SOS NHS has launched an online petition to push the group’s aims further. Specifically, it calls for emergency funding of £20 billion for a fully publicly owned NHS which ensures free healthcare for future generations and ‘proper’ staff payment. For more information, visit https://sosnhs.org.
Doncaster Fire Update: Morris Metals confirm zero injuries in the fire
Morris Metals has confirmed there were no injuries in Friday's fire after up to 45 firefighters were sent to tackle the recycling centre blaze. Tom Morris, company director, confirmed there were no injuries and damage from the fire thanks to the company’s Fire Prevention Plan, which ensured the fire was contained to a single bay. A massive fire broke out in one of eight bays at Morris Metals in Doncaster around 5:15 pm on 25 February. Nine fire engines and around 45 firefighters responded to the incident at a waste recycling site on Balby Carr Bank. Roads were closed and local residents were being told to avoid the area, keep doors and windows shut and stay indoors. In an initial message, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters were mobilised shortly after 5.15 pm on Friday and expect to remain on the scene for a significant length of time. “The fire involves mixed metals and industrial waste and covers an area around 100m by 40m in size.” A high-volume pump was set up to support the firefighting operation, with specialist waste fire advisors also in attendance. Two appliances remained on the scene on Saturday afternoon before departing after Sunday checks. Mr Morris said: “At 17.15 on Friday evening a small fire started in a segregated waste pile at our Facility on Balby Carr. The fire spread through this pile but was contained within it by our fire containment storage walls. “There are no injuries and there is no damage to any site infrastructure, with our containment strategy working to limit the size and scope of the fire.” It is believed the fire was caused by a lithium ion battery for which these units cause fires on a weekly basis in the waste site. He added: “We continue to impress on households, local authorities and government, the importance of responsible disposal of these devices. We would like to take the opportunity to thank South Yorkshire fire brigade for their assistance.”
League One leaders Rotherham United prepare to face lowly Shrewsbury Town
League One pace-setters Rotherham United will aim to extend their lead at the top of the table as they visit 17th-placed Shrewsbury Town at New Meadow tomorrow night. Unbeaten in nine league matches, the Millers will fancy their chances of three points against a Shrewsbury side who lie just six points above the relegation zone. Securing a 1-0 victory on the south coast against Plymouth on Saturday thanks to a goal from top scorer Michael Smith, Rotherham are now nine points clear of closest challengers Wigan Athletic at the top of League One. Despite their concerning position near the foot of the table, hosts Shrewsbury will take confidence from their first league victory in nine matches against Burton Albion at the weekend. Tom Bloxham and Matthew Pennington were on the scoresheet as Steve Cotterill’s men picked up a much-needed win on the road. Rotherham boss Paul Warne will therefore be wary of an upset as he prepares his troops for tomorrow night's fixture. Speaking ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury, Warne reported a few selection concerns following the victory against Plymouth at Home Park on Saturday. He said: "There's a little bit of illness in the camp and one of my players is away for a scan. So we've got a few issues, but that's why we've got a squad." "I always intended to make a few changes, and knowing the opposition and their strengths it seems a perfect opportunity to do it."
Rotherham United's match against Shrewsbury Town will take place at 7:45pm at New Meadow tomorrow night.READ | Warne's pre-Shrewsbury Town press highlights 🚌 Time well-used on the bus 🕙 Training later 🚑 Squad health 📈 Georgie's progress Read and watch, here. ⬇️#rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProudhttps://t.co/7BmkaeH1Zh
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) February 28, 2022
Game Review: Glasgow Rocks hold off Sheffield Sharks in Series Leveller
On Sunday, the Sharks took on the Rocks at the Emirates Arena for the second time this BBL season. 
B.Braun Sheffield Sharks and The Glen Luss Glasgow Rocks have met a total of 76 times in British Basketball League matches, with the Sharks winning 75% of these games.
The Rocks set the tone of the game and opened the scoring in the first quarter with a three pointer from Jonny Bunyan.
The Sharks fought back with their first three pointer of the game from Devante Wallace.
Sheffield Shark's Devante Wallace (Photo: Adam Bates Photography)
Although there was low scoring between both teams, the Sharks looked strong throughout this quarter outscoring the Rocks 18-17. However, the Rocks still held the lead and entered the final quarter with a score of 61-55. The final quarter at the Emirates Arena saw the Rocks last push for a win. With 5 minutes left to play, the Rocks were up 68-59. Thanks to a three pointer from the Rocks’ forward, Hillsman and six points from the Rock’s MVP of the game, Boban Jacdonmi, Glasgow’s team took a nine-point lead.🎥Nice finish from @kipset7 as @SheffieldSharks look to eat into the Rocks lead!
📺https://t.co/5Z3hL32KCC 📊https://t.co/beWsnDLKe6#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/6zg0SfeWjy — British Basketball League (@BBLofficial) February 27, 2022
With two minutes to play in regulations, the Rocks were leading 74-65 and slowed down the game, resulting in a win on their home turf with a score of 78-71.🏀#ROCKSMNL🏀: Jaycee for three!#Glasgow | #GoRocks | #RocksRumble pic.twitter.com/AsG7f0WbCr
— Glen Luss Glasgow Rocks (@GlasgowRocks) February 27, 2022
Overall, the Sharks appeared to be on the back foot the entire game, not heading into a single quarter with a lead. The Rocks scored 84% of free throws while the Sharks only managed 61%, a deciding factor in a game that could have gone either way. The Sharks entered the final quarter with hope of turning the tide, but the Rocks managed to see the game out comfortably. This loss for Sheffield Sharks means the regular season series between the two teams is at 1-1. The Sharks hope to regain the series lead in front of a home crowd in their next game against the Rocks in April. Despite the loss on Sunday, the Sharks remain hopeful that they can win the championship. Rodney Glasgow Jr. said: "We can win a championship! We were right there last week against Leicester. We can play with the best of them. I just think now we just need to get our chemistry up, and come Play Off time we will be ready."Not to be today in Scotland - the regular season series with @GlasgowRocks is now tied at 1-1 before the mid April return game in the Steel City.
We're back in action next Sunday when we travel to @noordinarypark to face the @LondonLions (4pm, live at https://t.co/nBJe4QaUOk). pic.twitter.com/25H93anQ14 — B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (@SheffieldSharks) February 27, 2022
The Sharks' next game in the BBL Championship will take them to London to face the Lions on Sunday.🗣 “We can win a championship!”@RodneyGJR11 | @TheBBLBUZZ pic.twitter.com/4UhgKvgR4X
— B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (@SheffieldSharks) February 25, 2022
In-form Sheffield Wednesday to continue play-off push against struggling Burton Albion
After moving into the play-off places with an imposing victory over Charlton at the weekend, Sheffield Wednesday will go in search of another three points against Burton Albion at Hillsborough tomorrow night. Overcoming the Addicks on Saturday thanks to goals from George Byers and Callum Paterson, Sheffield Wednesday appear to be battling through their injury problems as they prepare to welcome 14th-placed Burton to South Yorkshire. Saturday’s triumph means the Owls have now won six of their last seven games in League One, and will fancy their chances of continuing this good run of form against a Burton side who have contrastingly won only one match over this same period. In the last meeting between the two sides at the Pirelli Stadium at the start of this month, Wednesday ran out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from George Byers and Sylla Sow. Owls manager Darren Moore will be hoping for a repeat at Hillsborough tomorrow as he aims to cement the club’s position in the play-off spots. Speaking after his side's win over Charlton on Saturday, the Wednesday gaffer was pleased to see the Owls move take their place in the top six. Moore said: "That's what we wanted to do. That's been one of our aims and then from the top six we start working and continue to look up the table. We've got another game here on Tuesday and we have to turn our focus and attention towards that."
Sheffield Wednesday's match against Burton Albion in League One will take place at Hillsborough at 7:45pm tomorrow night.🔜 Next up, we're back home on Tuesday night 👊#swfc | 🎥 @LENSGOvisuals pic.twitter.com/bbKPpNZc4M
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) February 27, 2022
“Many girls don’t have the access”: Project encouraging young women in sport launched in Barnsley
A new project empowering young women was launched in Barnsley on Thursday, after girls reported not feeling comfortable participating in sport and exercise.
The project, Us Girls, was set up by the Barnsley Youth Association and Barnsley Youth Council. It will advocate for issues raised by 12-19 year old girls in the area, and run various sport taster sessions.
Rebecca Coyne, the lead youth worker on the project said: “Young women are not feeling safe in their community. You come across many more young men than young women doing sports, especially at this time of year when it’s dark and they might not feel safe.”
Free taster exercise classes offered to the girls will include yoga, boxercise and self defence classes, along with match and stadium visits.
The launch on Thursday was a prelude to the first session on Wednesday 2nd March, which will be a boxercise class and team building activities.
According to Ms. Coyne, many girls expressed that they don’t feel comfortable doing most local team sports. She said: “If there is [a sport they’re interested in], it’s something like dance that comes at a cost. Many girls don’t have the access or don’t have the confidence”
The project is based on consultations that took place with young women before Christmas, and will continue to be led by the young women themselves. According to Ms. Coyne, the girls at the launch were especially interested in campaigning on women's issues, and this is something they’d like to incorporate into the project.
Ms. Coyne said: “We’ve got to really work hard now to help them go through all the group processes which make them effective, but also just to have some fun.”
If you’re interested in the project and want to get involved, contact Rebecca Coyne on 07816486731 or email info@youth-association.org
Sheffield to host Cultural Programme for WUEFA EURO Cup
Sheffield will be one of the cities in England to host the cultural programme for the Women's UEFA EURO cup this summer. Many projects have been launched in Sheffield recently aimed at the regeneration of the city. Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city full of creative talent and ingenuity, which is reflected in our strong cultural sector so I know this exciting programme will be a huge hit alongside UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. Bringing sport and culture together means we can really put on a show for all our visiting fans, inspire more local people to get involved and more women and girls to take up a long term interest in football.” The Arts Council England granted them £800,000 for the commissioned projects through the National Lottery. Art Council's North Area Director, Sarah Maxfield, said: “We know the huge difference that taking part in arts and culture makes to people’s lives and so I’m delighted that the Arts Council is supporting The Football Association’s first cultural programme through our National Lottery Project Grants fund. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the combined forces of culture and sport inspire audiences during the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 and I hope it will encourage people, particularly women and girls, to get involved with both the competition and the different celebratory cultural activities on offer.” The three commissioned projects will be led by the artist Emma Smith, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Idle Women. Such artwork will celebrate women football's history to encourage young women and girls to be inspired. The Arts programme is managed by the Football Association. Chris Bryant, the tournament director, said: "We are delighted to be working with such prestigious artists and organisations on bringing this programme to life. As we work towards tournament kick-off on 6 July we will be reaching out to local artists, musicians and community groups via our host city partnerships to share in the moment and deliver a programme of events in each region."
Yorkshire Silent Film Festival returns to Sheffield for 2022 season
Abbeydale Picture House will become Yorkshire’s Silent Film hub this March, showing thrillers, comedies and westerns until July.
All the films will be accompanied by a live orchestra, who will improvise their scores alongside the films.
The event will be held at venues throughout Yorkshire and beyond, with showings in Leeds, Hull, York and Manchester.
Event organiser Jonny Best said: “We’re bringing films to Sheffield that you can’t see anywhere else.
“Seeing live music with film is a really immersive and enjoyable experience, especially when you’re somewhere as atmospheric and interesting as the Abbeydale.”
This year, urgent repairs in the main auditorium has led organisers to convert the picture house stage to a cinema, but Mr Best says this should not deter audiences.
He told the Sheffield Wire: “It’s a unique experience in a place audiences don’t get to see ordinarily.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful space.”
The smaller auditorium will create an intimate atmosphere between the audience, the film and the musicians as they create “a bridge between the audience and century old films.”
The festival is also offering free tickets for under 18s, and organisers are encouraging people unfamiliar with the genre to try it out. Mr Best said: “It’s a lot of fun. A great way to get started is to see one of the comedy shows.
“They are still every bit as funny, clever and ingenious as they were when they were made.”
To see the full line up visit the Yorkshire Silent Film website here.
Romanian miracle dog survivor raises money for wheelchair to start a new life in Sheffield
Miracle dog Ayla will finally be able to make friends at the park after her owner raised enough money for a wheelchair following a tragic car accident and freak dog attack. Charlotte Morgan rescued the 10-year-old dog from Romania. It fell victim to a random attack in the centre of Wakefield from a homeless Staffordshire Bull Terrier in August 2021.
Ayla after her leg amputation.
Home sweet home after her surgery
Ayla in her harness
Ayla during her hydrotherapy session
Ayla playing with her physiotherapy ball
Ayla acclimatising to her car journey
Ayla fully recovered
Ayla ready for a cuddle with Charlotte
Monday Morning Briefing: No War in Ukraine protest and the latest sport
Good morning from Sheffield Wire, here's what you need to know to start your day. The 'No War in Ukraine' protest took place yesterday outside Sheffield Town Hall following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was attended by around 100 people and featured speakers from the council and local organisation groups. A Romanian 'miracle dog' survivor that fell victim to an attack in Wakefield, has raised enough money for a wheelchair to start a new life in Sheffield. Sheffield United have been knocked out of the Championship top six after suffering a 0-1 defeat from Millwall over the Weekend. Keep checking the website for updates.
Millwall 0 – 1 Sheffield United – Blades suffer play-off setback in the capital
Millwall made it an impressive four wins from four to revive their play-off hopes and knock Sheffield United out of the top six. Jake Cooper’s towering header at the back post in the 63rd minute marked a frustrating day for the away side in a game of little quality. The win puts Millwall within five points of the play offs, in which the Blades have been replaced by Luton, following their first defeat in nine games. The Lions suffered an early setback, with Mason Bennett forced off with a hip injury within the first quarter of an hour in a half of little action. Jack Robinson’s cross-cum-shot just after the break was the first time either keeper was called into any real action, with Bartosz Bialkowski needing to be alert to tip over. At the other end, Wes Foderingham was less than convincing in dealing with Danny McNamara’s deflected, long range drive, which the Blades' defence managed to scramble away. A dull afternoon at The Den finally burst into life, after Cooper peeled away unmarked at the back post and was able to powerfully head home Jed Wallace’s dinked free-kick. The visitors attempted to hit back and largely dominated the rest of proceedings but struggled to create anything clear-cut. Some Blades’ fans were left bemused at the decision to leave midfielders Sander Berge and Morgan Gibbs-White out of the starting lineup, after their recent positive form. Both Berge and Gibbs-White did come on in the second half but failed to make an impact. A rare positive on a disappointing day for the Blades was the impressive league debut of 19-year-old centre-back Kyron Gordon. “I support Sheffield United, I support Sheffield, so when I knew I was starting I was buzzing,” Gordon said. “We didn’t get the result we’d have liked, but for me personally, it’s a massive achievement. “Hopefully I can put that shirt on every week”. Millwall manager Gary Rowett was delighted to complete the double over the Blades and was full of praise for away team after the game. He said: "Sheffield United are a good side.” "I have watched a lot of them recently and I think they are probably as good as any other team behind Fulham in this division. "I expect them to be challenging come the end of the season, probably even for the top two positions.” Sheffield United had 62% possession and more shots on goal, which left manager Paul Heckingbottom lamenting the fine margins of the contest. “We probably shaded it in terms of chances, efforts and possession, but we were not at our best,” he told SUTV. “It was a nothing game, so that’s the frustration, it looked like two teams who had played Wednesday night”. Heckingbottom will be hoping his side can bounce back on Friday night, when they host fellow play-off hopefuls Nottingham Forest.