Sheffield cinema hosts award winning director Mark Herman as part of its 30th birthday celebrations
The director and writer of the 1996 film Brassed Off was joined on Saturday by cast and crew for a screening and Q&A at the city's iconic Showroom Cinema.
The event took place as part of Showroom's 'mini season' of films and events which are to mark 40 years since the end of the miners' strike in 1985, and this weekend coincided with the cinema's birthday.
Brassed Off is set in South Yorkshire around ten years after the strike, and follows a brass band made up of miners who are struggling after the closure of their pit. It was inspired by the story and struggles of the real-life Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
The screening was fittingly followed by a performance from Sheffield-based Unite the Union Brass Band, which was met with a standing ovation.
In addition to Brassed Off, for which Herman was awarded 'Best Screenplay' by the Writer's Guild of Great Britain, the director's works include The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) and Little Voice (1998).
The cinema described the film as a "Showroom favourite", partly because lead actor Pete Postlethwaite opened screens 3 & 4 in 1998.
Actor Stephen Tompkison also took part in the Q&A alongside co-star Melanie Hill and producer Steve Abbott. It was hosted by Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films and assistant location manager of Brassed Off.
Dave, from the Instagram account steelcitysnapper, wrote: "It was a really interesting Q&A! Afterwards Mark Herman and Stephen Tompkinson signed my blu ray."
The event also marked Unite the Union Brass Band's third collaboration with Showroom.
The band has its roots in Sheffield, and has played under various names since its formation over 100 years ago.
Melissa Maddison, the Chairperson of the Band said: "Brassed Off was the perfect film to capture the history of mining whilst celebrating a classic Yorkshire film. There are many issues that sit deeply at the heart of the working people of Yorkshire and beyond. Music, particularly brass music, really brings people together.
"The band has its heart and soul in the centre of our beloved Sheffield."
It has historic ties to working people in Sheffield and around the country, and to this day plays at key events such as Workers Memorial Day and the annual Durham Miners' Gala.
Melissa said: "We believe our music at such events helps to unite groups of people to stand together for one another. Music plays a key role in making a positive difference to people's lives, and we are very grateful to play a part in that.
"We rehearse in the city centre and the band has its roots here which is where it all started back in 1900. There are so many events, celebrations and occasions where music, particularly brass music is so important to our communities within Sheffield."
Showroom's Head of Programming, Ryan Finnigan, said: "We view these kinds of screenings and events as very important in not only providing access to cinema that has historical and social value and can help us learn about and from our cultural heritage - but also in providing the space to have surrounding conversations and expertise on the issues that a film can represent."
"For the Miners' Strike screenings, we've tried to get the creators of the films and local academics into the cinema alongside the films as much as possible, to provide valuable context on their production and the history of the strike, to give the local community - whether from Sheffield originally or new to the city - the chance to ask questions and learn directly about the strike and the history of our region."
He said the 30th anniversary of Showroom represents an "incredible achievement" in a time that is extremely challenging for independent cinema.
He said: "Venues like Showroom need to survive and receive support so that we can continue to support the independent filmmakers of the future, and we're all very passionate about not just the history of cinema, but also that we are able to show films that other cinemas often don't support because they aren't overtly commercial, and we're hugely grateful for our audience that come and support that mission."
Sheffield man jailed for horrific sexual attack
A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for sexual offences and assault following an attack on a woman in Woodhouse.
On 12 April 2024, Simon Lomas from Wybourn House Road subjected a woman to a 'horrific attack', for a quarter of an hour, during which he sexually assaulted, raped, and physically assaulted her.
Investigating Officer Amy Todd, from Sheffield's Protecting Vulnerable People Investigation Unit, said: “Lomas subjected his victim to a cruel, violent, and horrific attack. I am glad that he will have a decade behind bars to reflect on his savage actions which will have caused his victim unimaginable pain.
“He has caused further misery in, subjecting his victim to a trial but was rightly found guilty of deplorable sexual and violent offences."
The victim reported the crime to South Yorkshire Police on 15 April 2024, and Lomas was later arrested on suspicion of rape and other offences, which he denied.
He was later charged with rape, assault by penetration, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
On 15 May, Lomas pleaded not guilty to all charges at Sheffield Crown Court, but was found guilty of rape, assault by penetration, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial at the same court on 27 January 2025.
Last Thursday, Lomas was not only jailed, but given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
Investigating Officer Todd continued: "I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting this crime and helping to see justice served. I hope that this sentence brings her some measure of closure.
"We take all reports of sexual offences seriously. If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101."
If you are in need of support, you can find advice around reporting sexual offences on South Yorkshire Police's website.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, you can access specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222.
Rotherham United “proud” to receive GreenCode accreditation
An award winning community kit Swap Shop was one of the sustainable wins that contributed to Rotherham United becoming the third English football team with GreenCode Accreditation last week.
The Millers were the first third tier team in the English Football League (EFL) to undertake the assessment to become a member of the GreenCode, which was first launched four years ago.
Sam Groves, Stadium Manager at Rotherham United, said: “We’re proud to be taking notable steps towards a greener future here at Rotherham United.
“We see this as just the start of our commitment to making a positive impact on and off the pitch at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and in the wider community.”
The club has been praised previously for its commitments to environmental sustainability, including providing sustainable travel and the aforementioned swap shop.
The shop, which ran from November 2023 to early 2024, allowed fans to swap or donate old football kit as well as children’s clothes and warm coats.
The League One team also ran a one-off football boot swap shop, before their game against Huddersfield Town in 2024.
Georgie Kelly, a former Millers striker who was present at the Swap Shop's launch, said: "There is some really good, barely used stuff here which people have generously donated.
"It makes so much sense from a financial and environmental point of view to come and take advantage of this."
The GreenCode scheme supports EFL clubs to improve environmental operations and practices, and was updated this year to introduce a new tier system for participants, including 'Bronze', 'Silver' and 'Green' categories.
To gain higher status, clubs need to publish environmental policies and also appoint staff responsible for sustainability.
Two other clubs have received GreenCode accreditation in the EFL, with Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle being recognised for their efforts.
Ben Fisher, EFL Sustainability Coordinator, said: “Everyone at the EFL is delighted to present our first round of Green Club Awards and to celebrate their success on our journey towards becoming a more environmentally sustainable League.
“All three clubs have worked tirelessly throughout the process.”
“Putting Sheffield on the map”: Exclusive interviews with The Lord Mayor Awards 2025 winners
By Freya Ingram and Nicole Taylor
A 12-year-old girl who raised over £50,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital in memory of her friend who died of a rare childhood cancer was commended at the Sheffield Lord Mayor Awards.
Leah Walton, who was presented with the Young Hero award, was the youngest of the winners who were celebrated for their contributions to the city on Thursday night (March 13).
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Jayne Dunn, thanked the winners for “putting Sheffield on the map and making this a brilliant place to live".
She said: “The event showcased people who would never normally have their voice heard.”
Sustainability Connects won the environment award for their work bringing underrepresented groups into climate change conversations.
They have conducted workshops with local groups including Sheffield Women's Hub and learning disability charity, Workplace Limited.
Sustainability manager, Sophia Reeve, said: “We’re bringing a variety of people into the topic of climate change and sustainability to show that it impacts everyone regardless of background.
She added that the workshops are “giving them a platform to really share their thoughts and opinions because typically disadvantaged communities are excluded from these conversations.”
The Lord Mayor stressed the importance of recognising peoples’ contributions.
We forget there is so much to celebrate and that is one of the joys that I have had as Lord Mayor
She added: “It is giving people a sense of hope, belonging and celebration.”
The event was hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield Breakfast presenter Ellie Colton.
Iraqi-born, Firas Sharefy, who has been running Open Kitchen Social Club for over a decade won the local community award for the support he gives to asylum seekers, refugees and people living in poverty across Sheffield.
He said: “At that time the media started talking about refugees and asylum seekers saying they come for benefits, they steal our jobs, so we created a refugee and asylum seeker action group where we did storytelling workshops and presented ourselves in a good way and told the stories of the culture and why we came to the UK.”
Yuri Matischen who is the founder of basketball teams Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Hatters, won the award for contribution to sport and said sport is in “Sheffield’s DNA”.
Cheriene Bailey, who also commended for her contribution to education, has taught dance in Sheffield for over 50 years and expressed how rewarding it is to see students become professional ballerinas or perform on the West End.
She said: “We’ve had lots of success but also I've been very keen on high standards, but also I've been very much a friend and mentor to thousands of children and students.”
Winning the award for contribution to culture is Jerry Cheung for his role in organising the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Sheffield over the last 20 years.
He said: “Everything I do is motivated by my passion.”
Mr Cheung first moved to Sheffield in 1975 and shared his love for the city saying his favourite part is the people.
He said: “There are not many places or cities or countries where the person in front of you will hold the door open for you and in Sheffield you get that.”
Award winners included:
- Outstanding Contribution to Local Community Winner - Firas Sharefy
- Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Science – Sustainability Connects
- Outstanding Contribution to the promotion of Arts, Music & Culture – Jerry Cheung DL
- Outstanding Contribution to Local Sport - Yuri Matischen
- Outstanding Contribution to Education – Cheriene Bailey
- The Young Hero - Leah Walton
The winners were chosen by an independent judging panel, made up of sponsors and individuals, including representatives from Sheffield United community group, Sheffield Wednesday community foundation and Voluntary Action Sheffield.
JUS News Morning Bulletin (17 March 2025)
Here’s our JUS News morning news rundown with Cassidy Chan.
Stay tuned for our afternoon news rundown with Ollie Clay at 2pm.
On Sheffield Wire Today
Good morning and welcome to today's coverage of news from across South Yorkshire. It's Monday 17 March 2025.
Some of our highlighted stories coming up include:
- The Lord Mayor Awards: Freya Ingram and Nicole Taylor interviewed some of the winners from the awards ceremony on Thursday, including Cheriene Bailey, a dance teacher who won Outstanding Contribution to Education
- Brassed Off: At the Showroom, a trade union brass band performed alongside a screening of the 1996 film, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Miners' Strike. Nia Raine Jenkins was there
- Councillors in Ukraine: Two Sheffield city councillors, Matt Dwyer and Mark Rusling, are on a solidarity trip to Ukraine and they were in conversation with Olivia Booth before setting off.
That, and plenty more including our multimedia bulletins are on their way, so watch this space!
JUS News afternoon bulletin (10 March 2025)
Here’s our JUS News afternoon news rundown with Siddharth Thakur.
Stay tuned for our main news programme at 4:30pm with Alex Crombie and Kezhen Wu.
University of Sheffield’s SU Launches ‘Fight For Our Future’ Campaign
The University of Sheffield students’ union provides a store, nightclub, and is home to over 300 student-run societies.
This year, the officers are trying to launch a campaign to inspire students to vote for better-funded education.
Their demands are to all student loans by 2,700 pounds, provide better housing, and have people pay back their loans based on what they earn.
The Union has been voted best SU in the country six years running - now, they’re aiming to use this to reach a national audience, and are bringing other universities all over the country into their plans.
However, a delay to their plans has made organising the scheme tough. Usually, it takes 10 days for a petition to be reviewed by the government.
For them, it’s nearly been a month.
They’re not sure what’s going on, but they aren’t able to progress with the campaign until it’s been solved.
With the support of Central Sheffield’s MP Abtisam Mohammed, they still have their sights set high, and are hoping eventually a new group of student officers can take the project over.
Watch the full report here:
JUS News morning bulletin (10 March 2025)
Here’s our JUS News morning news rundown with Georgie Hood.
Stay tuned for our afternoon news rundown with Siddharth Thakur at 2pm.
JUS News afternoon bulletin (3 March 2025)
Here's our JUS News afternoon news rundown with Millie Park.
Stay tuned for our main news programme with Georgie Hood and Siddarth Thakur.
Read the full stories here on our website.
BAE Systems shares surge after Ukraine summit despite cries for ceasefire
BAE Systems, set to open a £25m artillery factory in Sheffield later this year, saw a 17% rise in share prices this morning after the London Ukraine summit on Sunday, despite students and anti-war groups rallying for a ceasefire.
The summit saw vows from various European and NATO leaders pledging support and emphasising the urgent need for Europe to rearm, especially in the case of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Shares in the FTSE 100 weapons manufacturing companies, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, hit all-time highs the morning after the summit.
This comes at a time when university students and anti-war groups like Stop The War have incessantly rallied for the UK to stop arming countries and investing in war.
Lindsey German, national convenor of the Stop The War coalition, said in an article: “Starmer’s increases [of spending on defence] – to effectively 2.6% in two years and then to 3% in five – are at the expense of overseas aid, which will have horrendous consequences for some of the poorest and most desperate people in the world.”
BAE Systems' factory opening in Sheffield this year is capable of manufacturing the company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer, a weapon used by US, Canadian, Australian, and Indian forces.
A group of University of Sheffield (UoS) students occupied the Arts Tower in 2023 protesting the involvement of defence companies like Rolls Royce and BAE Systems in the University of Sheffield’s Careers Fair.
A 2023 transparency request from The Star revealed that the UoS was receiving £72 million in research funding over the past ten years from companies that manufacture weapons and military hardware alongside civilian products, a number higher than any other university in the UK at the time.
The current Labour government has pledged an increase in spending on defence, investing an additional £1.6bn to send thousands of air defence missiles to Ukraine, despite receiving criticism for taking away state pensions from WASPI women, saying that they "cannot justify paying for a £10.5bn compensation scheme at the expense of the taxpayer."
Sir Keir Starmer said during the summit that Europe “must do the heavy lifting” in ensuring a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine – but that it must also have strong US backing.
Last month, the Prime Minister also pledged a 100-year partnership with Ukraine – which includes first and foremost military spending.
The two countries promised “military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression.”
Image source: BAE Systems
University of Sheffield SU hosts Women’s History events
Additional reporting by Georgina Hood.
Poetry workshops, panels and fancy-dress sports days are just some of the events taking place at the University of Sheffield's Student Union this March to mark Women's History Month.
The union is also fundraising for several charities, including, Together Women, The YWCA, Mums In Need (MIN) and The Snowdrop Project.
The SU's Women's Officer, Eloise Taylor, said: “Women’s History Month serves as a crucial reminder in how our society is indebted to the women who helped create and uplift it.
"It's a really good time to come together and show solidarity on common issues, like gendered violence. It's also just a nice space to get to know other women."
The Student's union is focussing on two themes this year, one of which is women in the workplace.
The UK gender pay-gap still stood at 7% in April 2024, despite declining year on year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
To combat this and other gender-based discrimination in professional settings, the Student's Union is hosting a discussion with female and non-binary alumni about their experience transitioning from university to the workplace on 24 March.
They are also hosting a Bystander Training course to help people intervene in dangerous situations and support other marginalised people.
This year's other theme for Women's History Month is women in sport.
Sheffield student, Emily Lamb, said that in the past she had preferred using women-only areas in gyms.
She said: "When I was an undergraduate going to the gym, there would be times when men came up to me showing me how to do an exercise or something, and that can be intimidating."
To encourage more female students to feel confident participating in exercise, the union is hosting a Women's Sports Day on 8 March and a panel discussion about the benefits of sports in recovering from domestic abuse.
Later in the month, the SU is running a Liberation Festival Creative Workshop in the Information Commons library, on 19 March, where students will make blackout poetry, collages and Reclaim the Night tote bags.
Ms Taylor said: "Women’s contributions are often left out of history, therefore, at our SU I hope we follow a trend of recognition and appreciation rather than dismissal for the women from the past, the present and our future.”