Europe set to see its biggest food hall ever open in Sheffield
The unveiling of the Cambridge Street Collective marks a significant milestone in Sheffield's efforts for rejuvenation spearheaded by the City Council's £470M Heart of the City regeneration initiative.
Scheduled to open its doors this May, this sprawling complex is poised to claim the title of Europe's largest purpose-built food hall, promising an unparalleled adventure within its expansive 29,000 square-foot premises.
Behind the minds of the Blend Family, who are renowned for their prowess in curating exceptional dining experiences, the Cambridge Street Collective will showcase the culinary talents of 20 independent food partners.
The Cambridge Street Collective embodies a commitment to social responsibility, forging partnerships with Sheffield Children's Hospital and local food charities to address food poverty within the city. Initiatives such as 'kids eat free' during school holidays and a range of value-driven dining options underscore the collective's dedication to accessibility and inclusivity.
Within this vibrant space, spanning multiple floors, patrons will traverse continents with each establishment offering a distinct journey into the heart of its cuisine.
With a seating capacity of 1,200, the venue beckons visitors to immerse themselves in its dynamic atmosphere, complete with four bars, inviting outdoor seating, and captivating rooftop terraces that offer panoramic views of the city skyline.
The ground floor is set to serve as a gateway to Asian cuisine, featuring an array of authentic dishes from the region's finest purveyors. Ascending to the first floor unveils a cookery school, a kids' area, and additional kitchens.
Venturing further, guests will discover a games room, a Japanese-inspired bar, and a bespoke dining experience celebrating sushi and Korean BBQ beckon discerning palates.
Matt Bigland, the founder and CEO of Blend Family, expresses his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising the team's dedication to crafting unforgettable dining encounters. He said: “We take great pride in curating exciting culinary experiences for people and this is one of the most exciting line-ups of world food we’ve ever put together. "
In a nod to cultural diversity and community engagement, the launch festivities will feature traditional performances and events, celebrating the rich heritage of each food partner. Moreover, the cookery school will serve as a hub for culinary education, fostering creativity and nurturing aspiring chefs while supporting local talent incubation initiatives.
As anticipation mounts for the grand opening, the Cambridge Street Collective stands poised to redefine Sheffield's dining landscape, promising a fusion of flavours, cultures, and community spirit within its vibrant walls.
Supertram: South Yorkshire mayor considering extension to Sheffield Hospital, Stocksbridge and Chesterfield
Sheffield's supertram could be extended to Sheffield's hospitals as it embarks on a new era under public control.
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard is exploring routes to Stocksbridge and even Chesterfield "with potential for more such as connecting to hospitals".
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority took over last month from private company Stagecoach after 27 years.
Coppard, at the time, said: "Today is a historic day for South Yorkshire; it’s one small step for the tram, but it’s the first step in our journey back to a public transport system that puts people first, connecting our communities and helping us to build a bigger and better economy."
Plans to build a new station at Magna in Rotherham, which will service the neighbourhoods of Blackburn Meadows, Templeborough, and Deepdale, are already in place.
Labour Cllr Alan Rhodes took to X and voiced his opinion on the initiative.
He said: “An excellent idea. Anyone who has had to use any of the city’s hospitals, especially if they have travelled from outside Sheffield knows how difficult the parking situation is.
"This will make a huge difference to patients and staff.”
The authority is currently canvassing views on how the Supertram can be improved and where it should prioritise expansions.
While the larger investments are long-term, in the short term this has already provided benefits including a new Supertram app and a promise to deep clean all shelters and stops within its first 100 days in charge.
It has also started the ball rolling on refurbishing all trams by 2027 and introducing a new fleet by 2032.
Coppard is determined to give people more freedom and choice in the way they travel and move across the whole of South Yorkshire.
Youth music celebrated as part of Spring Musical Showcase
Young musicians throughout Sheffield will come together this week to perform a number of concerts, as part of the Spring Musical Showcase.
The event, running from 23 to 26 April, will bring together the 32 groups involved in Sheffield Music Hub, as well as groups from Beck Primary School and Firth Park Academy.
Sheffield Music Hub, the organisers of the event, are ambassadors for the 'Awards for Young Musicians' Furthering Talent Programme which supports young musicians with exceptional potential from low-income backgrounds to access music education.
Rory Evans, Assistant Project Officer, said: "Sheffield Music Hub believes that every child regardless of race; gender; where they live; their levels of musical talent; parental income; whether they have special educational needs or disabilities; and whether they are looked after children; deserve the very best music education."
Money raised from the concert will go towards funding musical education schemes for school pupils, with £2000 fully funding two pupils to have weekly instrumental lessons for 30 minutes throughout term-time.
Highlighting the importance of these concerts, Mr Evans said: "Music is incredibly important to young people, it helps them grow in confidence, fosters teamwork, gives a sense of accomplishment, helps shape self-confidence, and provides a safe social setting for long-lasting friendships to be made.
"Music is also a crucial part of our cultural identity, both in individual communities and on a global scale."
The concerts will take place every day this week from Tuesday 23 at 7pm at Victoria Hall, Sheffield.
Tickets can be found at: Events | Sheffield Music Hub
One week left to raise funds for Sheffield urban nature reserves.
Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves need to raise £10,000 by Thursday 25 April to enable The Big Give Fund's matching grant.
Nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust have identified five priorities for politicians ahead of the next general election.
It aims to bring back the UK’s lost wildlife, end river pollution and water scarcity and put more funding into wildlife-friendly farming.
Other key priorities are, enabling healthy communities and tackling the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats.
Paul Hodges, Fundraising and Corporate Relations Officer from the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, explained The Big Give has several campaigns throughout the year, they have their champions, which are other companies and organisations that provide financial contributions to match donations from the general public.
Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves application was successful meaning The Big Give will provide £10,000, effectively doubling what has already been donated.
“Donating goes twice as far this way,” Mr Hodges said.
Currently, the campaign has 20% left of funds to raise to make vital improvements to the Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves. Both nature reserves are in urban areas with nearby schools, but their ponds are currently in poor condition. These sites should be nice places for families and communities to enjoy.
Mr Hodges explained how the funding will be used, he said: “The ponds will be re-dug, there will be new boardwalks or ponded platforms that go around the area and it should provide a great new habitat for various amphibians. We will also improve the meadows and woodland around each site."
The new habitat enhancements will make a significant contribution to the overall health of birds, mammals and insects in the local area, Mr Hodge explained. As a rural area, they hope to see more foxes and hedgehogs too.
Involving the community is very important to Mr Hodge, who said how interpretation boards and signage will help people to get connected with nature. Pond dipping will also be available to the public.
To find out more, there will be staff and volunteers at Sunnybank Nature Reserve on Wednesday 24 April between 11 am and 1 pm.
Donate here: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002SEV60AAH
(All photos by Sarah Sidgwick)
Quirky Airbnbs provide people across South Yorkshire with an extra source of income
Hosting unusual and creative Airbnbs are providing people with extra income, with the typical host on the letting site earning £5,500 a year, the equivalent of 2 months additional pay for the average UK household.
According to ONS statistics, there were more than 2.8 million stays in short term lets last year, as sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com continue to grow in popularity.
Marcin Jeziorek, from Wombwell, renovated his garden to include a tiny house, complete with a hot hub, projector and its own guest entrance, which can be booked through Airbnb.
Image credit: Airbnb
Marcin initially had the idea of building a gym in the garden, which his wife suggested turning into a guest house. They then listed this on Airbnb, and it quickly became popular.
Despite being situated in an estate in Wombwell, the tiny house offers guests privacy, as fencing has been built around it.
He said: "We listed it and within a day or two bookings started flooding in, and it became so popular we had to make improvements."
Domestic visitors make up 63% of guest stays in the UK, as people increasingly decide to have "staycations" rather than holidays abroad.
Mr Jeziorek added: "We attract specific customers - people who want to celebrate their birthday or anniversary, who don't want to travel abroad but want high standards."
Image: Airbnb
According to ONS research, two thirds of Airbnb hosts use the money they make to cover the increased costs of everyday life.
Responding to this, Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: "This data shows the crucial role that short-term lets play in boosting UK tourism and supporting local families and communities."
Another unique Airbnb that can be booked in South Yorkshire is this yurt in the Rivelin Valley, pictured below.
Costing £95 a night, the "wonderfully different" accommodation has no WIFI, television or formal shower, but instead provides guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.
There is a double bed and log fire inside, and guests using the yurt will have access to around one and a half acres of land. The toilet is a short walk away from the tent.
Image: Airbnb
Reviewing guests speak highly of the accommodation, with one, Anne Sherine, saying: "The yurt and lawn is perfectly relaxing and has everything you need.
"The wood fireplace inside the yurt, hammock and flying horse sculpture give additional charm to the place."
Press conference Manchester United vs Sheffield United
Sheffield United held a conference this afternoon concerning the upcoming game on Wednesday.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says big decisions regarding selection are to be made ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.
United desperately need a win to stave off the inevitability of relegation to the Championship after a 4-1 home defeat to Burnley on Saturday left the club rooted to the bottom of the table 10 points from safety.
Our reporter Joe Green reports: https://sheffieldwire.co.uk/index.php/2024/04/22/manchester-utd-vs-sheffield-utd-wilder-realistic-about-sides-chances-as-relegation-looms/
“Someone shaved our cat” says perplexed owner after strange attacks
A Sheffield cat owner claims to be the most recent victim of a cat shaving spree that has spread across the UK.
Melisa Woodhouse took to Facebook last week in search of answers when her cat returned home with her hind legs shaved.
Similar attacks happened last year to her beloved pet, Sibel, which Melissa reported to the police and RSPCA but no one could help or find the culprit.
Melissa said: “It’s so distressing. She's not a cat who can be picked up so it would have taken more than 1 person to hold her down. In my eyes that’s animal cruelty.”
The attack happened in Gleadless Valley but when Melissa took to Facebook to share her concern she found people either blamed her for letting her cat out or made tasteless jokes.
The cat owner said: “She’s eight years old and has used a cat flap her whole life, if I kept her in I wouldn’t have a house left.
“Some of the other comments online are disgusting, it’s ridiculous. I'm scared it's all going to end with me putting a missing cat sign up."
Non-profit organisation Animals Lost and Found in Kent has mapped 117 different attacks spreading from Somerset to Scotland.
Natasha McPhee Director of the organisation said: "Unfortunately, we have no idea why anyone would do this.
"There was an elderly lady shaving cats that would come in to her garden but she was cautioned and stopped. I doubt she's travelling the UK shaving cats."
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We haven’t received any reports of these unusual and upsetting incidents in Sheffield but we hope the cats have recovered with their owners.
“Unfortunately, cats can be vulnerable because they go outside and explore.
“We would advise any owners whose cats have been affected to book an appointment with their vet. A veterinary examination will determine if that cat has experienced any physical injuries, such as cuts and abrasions from the shaving or other injuries as a result of being held down. Cat owners could also seek the advice of a behaviourist if they feel their cat is displaying signs of distress.
“There is never any excuse for harming any animal and we’d encourage people to show kindness, care and compassion to all animals and to report any concerns about animal cruelty.”
League One Barnsley sack head coach Neill Collins ahead of final game of the season
Barnsley have sacked head coach Neill Collins despite the side having only one league game remaining this season.
The shock decision comes after the Tykes have won just two of their last 11 games, putting their place in the League One play-offs in jeopardy.
Assistant Coach Martin Devaney will take charge in the interim period, with Barnsley currently in 5th and only one point away from dropping out of the play-offs.
Mladen Sormaz, Director of Football, said: "Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him. However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change."
Collins was appointed by Barnsley in July 2023 on a two-year deal with a view to getting the side automatically promoted to the Championship, but the poor run of form from the side has seen his time at Oakwell curtailed.
Barnsley's final league game of the season is at home to Northampton Town at 12.30pm on Saturday.
Number of Sheffield Council employees earning over £100k almost doubles
How would you feel about a £53,000 pay rise?
The number of Sheffield council employees earning more than £100,000 per year has increased from 7 to 13 between 2021-22 and 2022-3, with one employee getting an increase of £53,000.
Elliot Keck, Head of Campaigns at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “I’d have real questions as to whether or not the performance of that individual really justified a pay increase of about £53,000."
Read the full story here.
Women’s Aid marks 50 years of battling Domestic Abuse
This year marks 50 years since Women’s Aid was founded but 2.4 million people in the UK still experience domestic abuse every year.
The latest data from the National Centre for Domestic Abuse revealed three women take their own lives every week and a further 30 women attempt suicide every day as a direct result of what they have endued.
As part of Women’s Aid’s golden anniversary the charity has launched their Come Together to End Domestic Abuse campaign which aims to dispel myths, challenge sexism and misogyny, as well as encourage those impacted to seek support and encourage those who witness abuse to speak out.
The history of the Domestic Abuse Bill
The Domestic Abuse Act, which addresses coercive and controlled behaviour came into effect in 2021.
Teresa Parker, Head of Media Brand and Relationships at Women's Aid, says: “People started to thoroughly understand the truth of domestic abuse. You don't have to be physically hit. It's also about being with somebody where there's this ongoing pattern of control, and you are frightened of somebody and that underpins everything.”
The first domestic violence laws can be traced back to the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act in 1976, which merely focussed on married women. It was extended to protect non-married couples from domestic abuse in the Family Law Act of 1996. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 initially introduced made it an offence if a member of a family caused or allowed the "death of a child or a vulnerable adult ”.
Under the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021, apart from the inclusion of non-physical as a form of domestic abuse, children who “see, hear or otherwise experience the effects of abuse” could be classified as victims, whereas previously they were only regarded as 'witnesses' to the abuse.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced on 5 December 2022 that children who have been affected by domestic abuse can be automatically seen as victims, regardless of whether they were present or not during the violent situation.
The lack of support for migrant women
Despite the improvements made in the latest legislation, the government has failed to provide equal protection for migrant women under the new law. Women’s Aid suggested they were “highly disappointed by the failure of this law”.
Ms Parker explains: “Migrant women being in that enhanced state of vulnerability in terms of their own status that they can be abused by somebody who's got control over their access.
“Not only can it be a barrier to get support or access government support, migration status can be used by the abuser as a way to further control women, especially where their status is dependent on their partner. It provides additional control over their lives, their well-being, and their autonomy.”
Ms Parker adds that it is “vitally important” for migrant women to feel safe to be able to disclose their experience which is “so difficult” to talk about.
The failure of using ‘refuge’
The Domestic Abuse Bill 2021 does not use the word ‘refuge’ at all but uses ‘accommodation based’ services in terms of providing a living place for victims and survivors.
Ms Parker suggests: “It's really important to know the difference between ‘specialist refuge accommodation’ and ‘general emergency accommodation’. If you just say ‘emergency accommodation’, and if you don't understand domestic abuse, you might think that it could be an B&B that could be shared accommodation with other vulnerable people and vulnerable groups."
However, ‘specialist refuge accommodation’ means victims and survivors can access accommodation with a confidential address, where they can stay in a place with other women and children with specialist domestic abuse workers.
Ms Parker explains: “This means that if you are running away from somebody who could be trying to kill you and your children, and that's the reality of what we are dealing with this. It's a matter of life and death”.
“If you are a survivor of domestic abuse, your understanding is a 'refuge' is somewhere that really understands the abuse suffered. Survivors feel they can go there and that staff will make every effort to make sure they and their children are looked after.”
Insufficient Funding
Despite having a statutory duty stated in the bill to fund support in accommodation, Ms Parker suggests: “It is crucial that the guidance and regulations underpinning this duty make it crystal clear that local authorities must fund specialist women’s refuges, which deliver expert support to survivors and their children.”
The government announced earlier this year that a new £2 million fund will be provided to domestic abuse victims to help them leave abusers. However, Nicole Jacobs, the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner warned that domestic abuse organisations are in a ‘state of crisis’.
Over one-quarter of specialist domestic abuse organisations have had to close some of their services because of a lack of funding in 2020-2021. Additionally, many domestic abuse services operate on a non-statutory basis, which means that councils are not legally obliged to fund them. Since 2021, six councils have declared bankruptcy, with four in ten councils at risk of going bust in the next five years.
Given the increasing financial strain on local authorities, it is highly likely that domestic abuse services may be cut or cut altogether.
Ms Parker said: “If you've got limited budgets right now, and when you look at what local authorities and councils are going through with their own budgets, going for the cheapest solution (for providing a refuge accommodation) might seem like the best solution if you're trying to balance the budget.
“If you don’t fund the service, domestic abuse doesn’t go away. Survivors and victims of domestic abuse are really vulnerable. If you are not providing safe accommodation, again, that could be a matter of life and death.
“Domestic investing is a long-term saving for society and it means that people can rebuild their lives. We create a world where domestic abuse isn’t tolerated”.
Since September 2014, Women's Aid have been calling on the government to Save Our Services (SOS) by committing to preserving the national network of specialist refuges. To support, please visit: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/.
Read about Claire Throssell, a domestic abuse survivor and her story.
Read the new campaign launched by Women's Aid.
Cost of disability charity trip to Bakewell soared from £12 to £290 due to “inaccessible” public transport
A charity in Sheffield that organises trips for disabled people may have to pay huge additional costs for a private coach after facing “unexpected barriers” with bus service to Bakewell.
The Burton Street Foundation called on South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard to make public transport more accessible for disabled people.
The trip is set to take place in two weeks time as part of the charity’s ‘Word on the Street’ group, where clients get together and go on different outings.
They wanted to arrange the itinerary in advance, so that those who needed to be back home for a specific time, or any neurodivergent clients, could know exactly when they would depart and return home, and to prevent clients in wheelchairs from being stranded in the countryside.
When they got in touch with TM Travel, who provide the 218 bus service, they were told they could not provide an accurate timetable in advance, and would have to call them on the day.
The 218 bus only has one wheelchair accessible seat, which would not be enough for the entire group.
Lexy Webster, Marketing Coordinator at Burton Street, said this was “not acceptable” and “unfair”.
“It's a bus that runs once every hour, if it runs properly, and as it gets later in the day it’s even less frequent. If that bus doesn't come, how are they going to get home?
“The highest groups that use public transport are the disabled and the elderly. The fact that they do not serve two of the highest groups shows that it's not fit the way it is.”
The charity contacted Sheffield Community Transport to arrange a minibus, but were told that it would not travel outside the Sheffield boundary.
When requested for comment, Sheffield Community Transport said: "In the past we owned several vehicles which were used to provide trips for local groups and we were occasionally able to provide trips beyond the city boundaries.
"Sadly though, since the pandemic, we have had to curtail these trips because, unfortunately, we no longer have the resources available for these group trips. Our main focus is on providing trips within Sheffield for people who are unable to use mainstream public transport.
"We are hopeful that, in time, we may have more capacity to provide a service which would meet the needs of groups wishing to travel outside the city as we fully appreciate that this would be welcomed by local groups."
The only option was to book a minibus from Rotherham Community Transport, costing £130. They also needed a MiDAS trained driver for the trip, who would also drive the bus from Rotherham to Sheffield and back, costing an extra £160.
What should have been a straightforward bus journey to Bakewell, which would have cost a total of £12, became a private coach journey costing the charity £290.
Lexy Webster said: “Why should they have to pay more because they're disabled? It shouldn't cost them more to exist, and to do things that we think are super normal.
“We wouldn't think twice if we decided we wanted to go for a walk in Bakewell. Why should they?”
“There's absolutely no way that we are going to let our clients think that inaccessibility means they can't do things. What lesson does that teach them, that they're just going to have to live with it? That's not equality.”
One of Burton Streets' clients, Joseph, said: "I'm looking forward to going to Bakewell, to look around and take photos. I'm gutted about the 218 bus being unreliable because we put all that research into going. It's somewhere I've not been before and I would have felt shattered if we couldn't have gone on the minibus."
In a letter sent to Oliver Coppard on 27 March, clients said: “The enjoyment and excitement in the group has been shattered and everyone is disappointed.
“We wanted to go to the countryside and to go into another county somewhere where most of us don’t have an opportunity to go and lack of reliable transport excludes us even more.”
Oliver Coppard responded publicly on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday 18 April to say that he would be interested in visiting and speaking to the group about improving accessibility in public transport.
He told the group that he will respond to their request once the outcome of the Mayoral election on 2 May becomes clear.
TM Travel were contacted for comment.