Government bill ‘attacks democratic freedoms’
Campaigners say the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill, currently making its way through parliament, will “destroy what little democratic rights we have left”. The bill is in its third reading stage in the House of Lords this week and votes will be held on an array of amendments. The government says new laws are needed to stop disruptive protests using up police time. “In my opinion there’s no doubt that this bill will go through” said intersectional activist Talia Woodin. Woodin has been campaigning against the bill since its proposal and says on its new stage: “It’s the logical next step for our right-wing ruling class, in their pursuit to stifle dissent, further oppress the already oppressed, and destroy what little democratic rights we still have.”
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What is happening with the bill this week?
The Lords are voting this week on amendments to the bill, which include expansions to police stop and search powers, a ban on "locking on" (attaching yourself, others or objects to another person, object or the land) as a form of protest. They will also vote on the introduction of Serious Disruption Prevention Orders which would enable police to ban protestors whose actions could have resulted in serious disruption from attending further protests, even if disruption did not in fact occur. Several amendments to the bill were added in the aftermath of a wave of disruption caused by Insulate Britain protesters who blocked major roads by gluing themselves to roads and vehicles. This includes harsher punishments for anyone who wilfully obstructs a public highway. If these new amendments are passed, then protesters could face up to 51 weeks in prison for breaches of the new offences or resisting stop and search.“An orchestrated attack” on protest rights
The proposed amendments have triggered a wave of fresh Kill the Bill protests, the largest of which took place outside Parliament on Wednesday. Protesters spoke of previous victories for social justice in an attempt to remind those debating in the nearby House of Lords of the importance of the right to protest. Human rights group Liberty has called the bill “an orchestrated attack on the fundamental right to protest". They also said: “These new offences will either deter people from protesting, or drag them into the criminal justice system for doing so. They will also further entrench discrimination, with devastating consequences for marginalised communities.”
Kill the Bill protest outside Parliament on Wednesday
'Selfish actions which drain the police of resources'
The government has said the bill seeks to give the police sufficient powers and tools to protect the public and themselves and will lengthen the prison sentences of serious violent and sexual offenders. These powers are being proposed despite official figures showing there to be no significant change in levels of violent crime in the year ending June 2021 compared to June 2019. Priti Patel vowed to cut crime and back the police when she was appointed Home Secretary in July 2019. “The police have our full support to maintain the pace at which they deal with difficult protests and public order matters," said Patel. “We have seen some of the most self-defeating and dangerous protests ever seen in recent years. These are selfish actions which drain the police of resources which should be used in our communities, protecting the vulnerable people who need them most” Metropolitan Police Service Deputy Commissioner Sir Steve House welcomed the new powers the Bill will give the police, saying tactics of protesters had increased difficulty in public order policing in recent years. For Talia Woodin, the effects the bill could have are deeply personal: “I've seen too many friends sent to prison over the past year for taking a stand against the real criminality, happening within the confines of Westminster.” “I've experienced, witnessed and heard too many accounts of police abusing their powers and causing extreme harm to people. The damage this institution causes knows no limits.” “This Bill will change the course of history in this country and for the vast majority that history is looking bleak. It's on all of us to take a stand against it.”
VROOM VROOM… Disco Dave is that you? DVLA releases most unusual car names
A DVLA survey reveals Disco Dave, Beast and Bat Mobile are just some of the quirkiest names given to cars by their drivers. With many taking inspiration from TV and film characters some four-wheel-motors have been named Betty Boop, Eeyore, Homer, Kermit, Mickey, Olaf, and Snow White. Hopefully their cars aren't fall into a deep slumber any time soon.
Car with personality @M J Richardson
Holly Keane and her car, Flo
Does your four-wheeled friend have a name? 🚗
We'd love to know what it is! From 'Kermit' to 'The Beast', comment down below and let us know ⬇️ #driving #car #vroom pic.twitter.com/A6HYwTbi0d — Sheffield Wire (@Sheffield_Wire) December 8, 2021
Government launches new inquiry into recent spikings
Two more Sheffield students came forward saying they have been spiked just after the government urged victims of spiking to share their stories as part of a new inquiry. It is taking evidence from people who have been spiked by injection or know someone who has. Spiking took a sharp rise after lockdown restrictions were lifted and is mainly affecting women, particularly students. One Sheffield student ended a night out in A&E and said she felt “violated” after it was suspected she had been spiked. Mia Rousso posted a statement on Facebook about her experience to raise awareness of spiking. She said: “It is happening a lot more regularly in Sheffield.” She recounts feeling dizzy despite only having a few drinks and said: “After sitting there for a while, I felt myself deteriorating and noticing I was starting to find it difficult to get my words out. "I also started losing my balance. "My vision had gone blurry and I was disorientated. “I was super careful with my drinks as I always am, but still this happened and unfortunately, there was nothing more I could have really done to prevent this from happening.” Another young woman in Sheffield who didn’t wish to be named told Sheffield Wire that a friend of hers ended up in a critical condition in hospital after being spiked: “She nearly died. "They [the perpetrators] are only going after the vulnerable and girls can’t remember what’s happened. "They could die from it.” In the past, spiking was commonly caused by substances being placed in drinks. However, it is becoming increasingly common for people to secretly inject women on nights out. In response to the rise in spikings, women and girls across the UK boycotted nightclubs as part of the Girls’ Night In campaign to highlight the issue of spiking.
A group of Sheffield students created the Claim Back West Street campaign in response to the rise in spiking to make safer a popular nightlife destination in Sheffield. Some of the measures included calling on West Street bars to implement anti-spiking measures, creating safe spaces within West Street, and introducing Street Angels (people who actively patrol the streets during busy nightlife periods) to Sheffield. The inquiry is collecting victims' experiences until 5 January and will remain open to gather views and opinions from the public on how spiking should be addressed until 19 January. Sheffield Wire has contacted the South Yorkshire Police for a comment on how the local police force is approaching the problem.View this post on Instagram
Injury-hit Sheffield Wednesday look to take advantage of relegation-threatened Crewe Alexandra
Sheffield Wednesday are facing an injury crisis at centre back ahead of the weekend’s game against Crewe. The Owls were forced to field full backs Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson alongside utility man Callum Paterson in central defence during the midweek draw at Portsmouth and the same back three could line up on Saturday. The 0-0 result at Fratton Park owed much to a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. The on-loan Burnley stopper made a string of good saves in order to earn the Owls a clean sheet. Midfielder Massimo Luongo was sent off for a poor challenge on Pompey’s Ronan Curtis and now will serve a three match ban. Owl’s manager Darren Moore said: “What I was pleased with the other night was that they were really dogged and determined. I have just got to do more of the same.” Wednesday go into the match against lowly Crewe two points off the play offs and seven away from the automatic promotion spots. Crewe currently sit 23rd in League One but have won their past two games in all competitions. The young side, including 17-year-old centre half Michael Williams, will go into the game with increased confidence. On Crewe, Moore said: “They play with an energy and a purpose about them. "I think it will be a wonderful, fast football game tomorrow.” The Railwaymen’s manager David Artell has been playing mind games in the build up, describing Wednesday as "the Real Madrid of League One". Connor Thorpe, a 22-year-old Sheffield Wednesday blogger, said this of the match: “We traditionally struggle in games like this and we obviously have a huge problem at centre back. “The loss of Luongo is disappointing as he has probably become our most important player with the bite he provides the midfield. “Despite my concerns I think Wednesday will still win this. There has been a clear improvement in our style of play in recent weeks and I think that will be too much for a young, struggling Crewe side.”
£470 million to be invested in Sheffield’s ‘Heart of the City’ development scheme
Sheffield City Council will oversee a £470 million investment in Sheffield’s Heart of the City development scheme. Originally active from 2004 - 2016; this year has seen the revitalisation of further initiatives to make Sheffield even better. Exciting updates are to come on the 15th this week, as the Council is set to analyse progress so far and evaluate how to move forward productively. Labour Councillor Mazher Iqbal, the Executive Member for ‘City Futures’, has been overseeing these plans and is looking forward to the regroup. Mr Iqbal said: “The council’s got a decision making process on the 15th. It’s called the ‘corporate executive’. “This report will show Sheffield: ‘this is where we’re at’ and ‘these are the next stages’...” The councillor said he wants to overlook a variety of different changes in the next couple of years, including more physical work and living spaces. He claimed the reaction so far has been mostly positive and plans have reached an international level, with Sheffield assuming the status of ‘City of the Future’ overseas. Labour Councillor for Manor Castle, Sioned-Mair Richards, agreed, and emphasised the effort being put into this scheme, and specific key improvements. “The biggest development is the Radisson Hotel on Pinstone Street. The fact that this international company is still going ahead with the project is a real vote of confidence for the city.” “We will be a destination for weekend breaks; with a good entertainment and retail offer, as well as being the outdoor city with the Peak District on our doorstep” Managing Director of the plans, Adam Reeves-Brown, emphasised the importance for lifestyle in these plans, to help people enjoy life more after the pandemic. An old car park is set to be revamped, and new bowling alleys, art galleries and live entertainment spaces are set to be introduced. There is also a big focus on prioritising cyclists and pedestrians, in order to contribute to the council's low carbon emissions for 2030. However, for those worried Sheffield will lose its sense of ‘self’, Mr Reeves-Brown said the restoration of certain streets and buildings that hold historical significance are being prioritised too. “Cambridge Street will become the real di-cultural and social heart of the scheme. There’s a lot of significant heritage attention there, including saving a Grade 2 listed building that has remained derelict for many years. “You’re combining the new and the old." Expected to complete in 2022 and 2023, this scheme is set to become one of the largest regional campaigns in the UK. (Photo provided by Adam Reeves-Brown)
Charities brace for Christmas and COVID dog abandonment crisis
On a cold winter’s night in 2013, Ian Courtney’s life was changed forever. His girlfriend at the time was on duty as a police officer when she heard scratching and whining coming from a box left at the side of the road. Upon investigating, she found an abandoned 11-week-old female Jack Russell puppy inside. She made the decision to take the puppy to her and Ian's home in Newcastle. Despite much searching for missing flyers and any contacts in the area, nobody came forward to claim her. The couple then made the decision to keep the pup, who they named Daisy. This was not something Ian, 39, had planned for.
Ian Courtney, owner of Daisy and Sophia
Daisy
Sophia
'Don’t be too proud'
Dog abandonment over the festive period is a problem the RSPCA is bracing for as it launches its ‘Join the Christmas Rescue’ appeal this week. Pet ownership hit new heights as a result of the pandemic, with estimates of more than 3.2m people taking on new pets. However, as abandonment has risen by 20% this year compared to 2020, the charity fears a surge of pets left behind as people return to normal life following lockdown. Dermot Murphy, who is in charge of the charity's frontline rescue teams, urged the public to do the right thing if they can no longer care for an animal. “Please never abandon a pet. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.” In December 2020, the RSPCA received 51,815 calls, with 770 on Christmas Day. Many experts in pet rehabilitation and rehoming say that situations like those of Daisy and Sophia can be easily avoided. Cleo Wiltshire, 28, from Cambridge is a volunteer dog rescuer and trainer. Studying a degree in Canine Behaviour, Practice and Management at the British College of Canine Studies, she says: “There are so many problems with how dogs end up in rescue and it starts even before their born.” From her experience, she believes a huge part of the problem is unregulated family breeders. She said: “There are so many people who think they should just be able to breed their pets, with no health or temperament testing, no idea how to whelp a litter (help the mother give birth) or look after a mother in pregnancy.” It is situations like this, a lack of understanding of dogs and poor training which leads to so many pets being handed over to rescues, she believes. “It’s people breeding dogs with no idea, it’s people buying dogs with no idea and the worst part about this is the first two years of a dog’s life is so unbelievably important.”'People need to be regulated'
Cleo is active across many dog rescue Facebook pages and does training with various adopters and with people that run rescue centres. She finds that most often, dogs termed ‘aggressive’ are actually not that at all, but are simply uncomfortable in their surroundings, confused and scared. As the animal sector itself is not regulated, no formal training is required in order to set up as a rescuer or trainer. This is something Cleo feels needs to be changed, with the activity of backyard breeders causing so many issues. “People do need to be regulated, whether they are rescues are not. They need to make sure they are doing their all for the animals in their care.” There are so many other independent volunteers out there doing everything they can to ensure the safety of dogs that have either been abandoned or surrendered by previous owners. Ruth Leckie is the Rehoming Coordinator for Labrador Welfare, a breed-specific charity based in Sheffield. They have been rehoming dogs since 1989, covering a huge area across the north of England.
Ruth Leckie with her dogs Rambo and Bonnie
Rambo
Bonnie
In pictures: remembering Sheffield’s blitz – 81 years on
Crowds gathered on Thursday afternoon to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Sheffield Blitz, one year after Covid-19 restrictions caused the event to be postponed. The event paid homage to the devastating impact of the Blitz and was hosted in one of few buildings to survive the bombings, Sheffield Cathedral. Sheffield City Council supported the day and its various activities and provided a budget to enable the event to take place.
Stalls outside the cathedral for the National Emergency Services Museum.
Canon Keith Farrow showing the memorial books of The Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment.
Author Neil Anderson launching the 10th anniversary edition of his book "Sheffield's Date with Hitler."
Vintage vocalist and personality entertainer Miss Marina Mae performing at the event.
A reenactor showing some of the contents of the mobile canteen vehicle, brought by the National Emergency Services Museum.
Reenactors demonstrating the act of putting on a gas mask at speed.
Ruthless Rotherham determined to maintain astonishing unbeaten record
Rotherham will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 20 matches in all competitions in Saturday’s fixture against Burton Albion. The Millers are aiming to secure promotion to the EFL Championship, and are in good standing so far, sitting in first position ahead of this weekend’s action. Despite a dominant 5-1 midweek victory over Gillingham, manager Ritchie Barker demanded more from his players, urging his squad to make improvements. He said during Thursday’s press conference: “It’s strange to think we won 5-1, and we still came away saying that we didn’t do some of the things we talked about.” The resilient character of the Rotherham side impressed Barker who added: “I don’t think we’ve conceded an early goal for a long time, the response was a credit to the character of the players.” Looking ahead to this weekend’s game at The New York Stadium, Rotherham welcome a Burton side managed by Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who lie 10th in the table. Barker, who spoke highly of the Burton manager, said: “Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank took over a struggling Burton and the team produced promotion form last season.” Hasselbaink was appointed as Burton manager in January, his second spell at the club, and last season managed to rescue the team from relegation by guiding them to a 16th place finish. A rapidly improving Burton Albion side are now six points from a play-off position and will be desperate to boost their chances of returning to the Championship for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile, high-flying Rotherham will be mindful of other promotion candidate’s results, as they push for a swift for a return to the second tier after finishing 23rd in the Championship last season. Tickets for tomorrow’s clash can be purchased online at: https://www.themillers.co.uk/tickets/
Fears raised that winter funding isn’t enough to fight Omicron in Sheffield
Sheffield locals raise fears over the government’s £112m NHS investment fund.Many are worrying it won’t be enough to get through the winter months. The North East and Yorkshire are set to receive this funding in an attempt to relieve the pressure caused by the pandemic. It will reduce waiting times, expand wards and upgrade equipment. Many criticise this and believe the NHS needs the money elsewhere. Andrew Smith, father of a northern NHS doctor, 59, said: “The work pressures my son has are not COVID related, his pressures are from people abusing the NHS system. “It is people doing student things, taking drugs, getting into fights, stabbings, so what his problem is people are being stupid. “If money was spent on the education of people to get them to understand the NHS is a limited resource and the staffing is limited, if we put money into it being respected then I would say money is well spent. “Once people respect the NHS, then serious cases like heart disease and cancer, they can concentrate on those people rather than those abusing the system. “
How communities helped towards thanking the NHS through lockdown. @Wikicommons
Sajid Javid
Prof Stephen Powis
60,000 Sheffield school kids take part in festive fitness day
A Santa Dash to get kids "happy, healthy and passionate" had pupils from more than 50 schools exercising in Sheffield today. The event, organised by School Games and The Arches School Sport Partnership, encourages children to get moving through festive fun, as well as raising money for charity. Adam Fuller, School Games Organiser, said: "Sport isn’t for everyone and there will be a percentage of kids who don’t want to engage in team sports. "What we want to do is make children understand the importance of being active and we can deliver that message whilst having fun.” The schools involved have organised Christmas based activities to get pupils moving such as 'snowball' fights, festive Just Dance and Santa Searches where kids must find Santas hidden around the school. David Millns, P.E. teacher at Westways Primary School, said: “You've got to touch every child’s imagination really. Spark some interest and enthusiasm. "If you create the next Olympian that's amazing but that's not really the aim. It's about getting kids happy, healthy and passionate about doing sport and activity." Exercise is proven to improve both physical and mental health in young children. Mr Millns added: “Active kids are healthier kids. They can concentrate better and work better in classrooms." Westways have also combined the event with fundraising for Sheffield Children's Hospital and are hoping to smash their target of £600. The school is just one of 50 in Sheffield taking part in the national event. Nick Wells, Head of PE at Beck Primary School, said: “It’s lovely that it's national. But for me I just like the idea of making activity and exercise fun. "For me and for our kids it's more important that we’re doing something with a funny and exciting twist. I think there will be more children engaged than ever.” 60,000 children across Sheffield will be taking part in the event, which is just one part of School Games' mission to encourage exercise amongst children. To learn more click here.
Covid causing ‘shocking’ mental health crisis among NHS staff
In 2020, during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, junior doctor Jeremy Telford was deployed to an end of life ward. After four months on the unit, he moved to another placement, but kept having PTSD flashbacks, feeling as though he was physically at the hospital even when at home.
Dr Telford later returned to the ward for an audit. "When I went back to that ward again, it hit me like a tonne of bricks, frankly. Flashbacks came back again at that point," he said.
He is not alone in experiencing post traumatic stress disorder. Official figures from the Royal College of Psychiatrists revealed 40% of intensive care staff reported symptoms of PTSD in the first wave of the pandemic, which began at the end of March last year.
The illness is an anxiety disorder that can be caused by any distressing life event. According to the NHS, symptoms include flashbacks, insomnia, and night terrors, with many sufferers turning to drink or drugs to cope with the impact.
Statistics also predicted 230,000 new referrals for PTSD as a result of the pandemic, either directly or indirectly.
Dr Jeremy Telford speaks about reports of parties in Downing Street last Christmas
Dr Telford said the figures were “not surprising at all”. He continued: "We need to be treated like people. Glorifying us as heroes does us absolutely no good."Last Christmas, Michael MacLennan set up the UK's first Covid support charity, Covid Aid, after seeing how the second wave was impacting the people around him mentally and physically. Mr MacLennan, a former trustee of international development charity Just a Drop, said: "I think, speaking now in December 2021, the need for mental support is even more pronounced." Covid Aid offers online bereavement counselling and support for those who were hospitalised with the virus. The charity also works with other organisations to signpost those in need of help to the right places. The charity has directly dealt with people traumatised by various incidents during the pandemic, ranging from loss to long Covid. On the new statistics, the charity boss said: "Sadly, the figures don't come as a surprise but they are shocking to see.""Drinking was the only way to cope"
Bethany Van Den Berg-Slowey is now a first year Nurse Associate at the University of Sheffield
The mental impact of the pandemic has had varying impacts on the lives of NHS workers. Bethany Van Den Berg-Slowey was a Healthcare Assistant in Sheffield throughout the first and second wave of the pandemic. She says she turned to alcohol to deal with the stress of work. "I would be buying a bottle of wine on the way home, it was the only way to cope. "It would be the only thing getting me through the day, thinking about having a glass of wine or two in the evening." Mrs Van Den Berg-Slowey would visit patients in care homes at the height of the pandemic as she was the least vulnerable of all her colleagues. She described how every day she would have clinics of 50 patients to see, leaving her with very little time to have a conversation with some of the most isolated people at that time. The 26-year-old said: "You'd go in and you'd have to rush to get out. Patients wanted to talk to you because they didn't see anybody, and I haven't got the heart not to talk to them. "Every day we had a teary patient come in just wanting to talk. And you can't do it because you're pushed for time." Even first-year medical students are already experiencing the impacts of the pandemic on their wellbeing.
Lucy Wade in intensive care in September last year (credit: Clare Wade)
Just five days after moving to Hull to begin studying medicine, Lucy Wade was diagnosed with Covid after waking up struggling to breathe. She spent eight days under the supervision of intensive care staff, calling the time "traumatic". Now, after a long recovery, Miss Wade, 19, has had to return to the same hospital where she almost lost her life in order to fulfil her training requirements. It brought back feelings of anxiety and has impacted her mental health. "I walked in and it literally felt like I had been punched in the gut, stepping foot in the hospital. "We also have placements on a respiratory ward where patients were gasping for breath. It would never have affected me that way before, but I am now a lot more anxious and definitely think a professional would say I suffer with PTSD."Lucy Wade talks about the impact on her family
Miss Wade was encouraged to attend counselling after leaving hospital, but turned down the offer, which she now regrets as she deals with Covid and healthcare every day. Doctors experiencing trauma in the NHS have been offered support in the way of short counselling sessions and wellbeing seminars, according to Dr Telford. But he believes this is not enough and that staff need time off to process the full effects of the pandemic on their own mental health. The concerns for healthcare staff come after a parliamentary report in May revealed 92% of NHS Providers were worried about staff wellbeing, stress, and burnout following the pandemic. Last year, NHS England and Improvement pledged to spend £30m on staff wellbeing services, with £15m being spent on specialist mental health services. They expect demand for similar levels of funding to be upheld for at least the next three years. The impact of Covid has been all too real for many millions around the country already, but the lasting effects are perhaps only now coming to light. Support for NHS staff is viewed by workers as vital. Dr Telford said that after all, “although we are strong, we are still in the shell of a human, and have to cope with every other emotion that you do". “Some of the experiences we’ve had during Covid in the NHS will stay with us for the rest of our lives." If you are struggling with your mental health, you can call the Samaritans helpline any time on 116 123.
New carvings on the side of Beauchief Hotel pay tribute to the building’s history
Five new carvings, created by a local award-winning stonemason, were installed yesterday on the side of the Beauchief Hotel in Sheffield.
The carvings pay tribute to the hotel’s railway history, as the hotel was once Abbeydale Station Hotel.
Stonemason Steve Roche was commissioned by the hotel for this project last year and worked on the carvings at his workshop, The Stone and Letter Workshop, on John Street, Eckington.
Mr Roche was inspired by his love for art deco posters. He said: “I quite like the ones that have a really sharp vanishing point where they look like they’re coming at the viewer.
“I decided on the shape of them to make the wall look like a train at a station, but also as though they are a little window out to the past, that’s a nod to the trains that have passed through.”
Four of the carvings are dedicated to the different engines that served the Master Cutler Service, which runs from Sheffield to London. The final carving is based off of the Mallard steam train.
They are all carved in woodkirk, a local monumental quality sandstone.
The whole development process took around a year to complete and the carvings were stored up at Willow Hall Farm over the last few months before their installation yesterday.
The carvings have received already received praise from members of the local community, with Mr Roche saying that the people on the Dore and Totley community Facebook page have been very kind.
Mr Roche started his training to be a stonemason in 2009. He has always wanted to train as a stone mason or a sculpture. “It’s an interesting way of earning a living”, he said.
Mr Roche’s other work has included a carving for the new Lidl in Malin Bridge, a project based around the Sheffield flood of 1864 which won him the Keith Hayman award for public art.