Author Archives: Sangita

Darnall Post Office – local community in action

While the big society initiative may still be limited to speeches made by Prime Minister David Cameron, a Sheffield neighbourhood has already put it to test. Darnall Forum, a Darnall based charity rescued their local post office with the help of the Sheffield City Council. The community-run post office will be inaugurated on Tuesday, August 21. The post office was one of 65 in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Huddersfield and Colne Valley selected for closure by Post Office Ltd in 2008.

Sheffield Live! reporter Nick Mosley chats with Rob Russell, manager of the Darnall Post Office about this unique initiative, the effort that went into it and what it means for the local community.

DarnallPostOffice-NickMosley.mp3

The report was aired on Communities Live on August 27, 2010.

Comedy, Drama and Sci-fi

‘Cornucopia Radio’ is a local ‘audio drama’ group which works closely with Sheffield Live! to give opportunities to local writers and performers to have their own work produced, performed and broadcast via the FM frequency (and networked around the world via various podcasting systems). It is both a platform for established Sheffield writers & performers and anybody wishing to gain experience or exposure for their work. If you wish to get involved yourself, you can email the production team at studio@cornucopia-radio.co.uk

Over the past few months, they have produced the following work.

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The Drop

In the far future, humanity has expanded out to explorer the outer reaches of the solar system. In the process, leaving behind the radioactively poisoned planet once known as Earth, now more commonly referred to as the “Forbidden World”. However, ‘Captain Robert Newsam’ is about to discover that the planet is not as desolate as he once imagined and that sometimes the only way to get where you’re going is… “The Drop”

‘The Drop’ is the first in our series of updated radio sci-fi pieces from the forties and fifties. Re-recorded with new actors, modern sound effects and atmospheric music. During these productions we try to stick to the original script as closely as possible; in-turn seeking to create modern, yet strangely old fashioned pieces of radio drama…

[audio:http://cornucopia.jellycast.com/files/audio/thedrop.mp3|titles=The Drop|artists=John Christopher]

Cast: Nic Bowden, George Webster, Joe Lister Yates, Matthew Scott, Jason Greenwood and Roderick Shearer Written by John Christopher. Original version broadcast on ‘ABC Radio’ April 9, 1953,
Directed and Edited by Peter Beeston, Copyright ©2010 – A Cornucopia Production

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Martians Never Die

What is the ideal bodyguard? The most ferocious looking? The most efficient killer? Or the most devoted? On Earth, you might find a combination of all three, but it’d never be as effective as the curious creature which came back from Mars with Dr. Clyde Curtis; the first human to ever step foot on the red planet…

“Martians Never Die” is the next in our series of updated radio sci-fi pieces from the forties and fifties. Re-recorded with new actors, modern sound effects and atmospheric music. During these productions we try to stick to the original script as closely as possible; in-turn seeking to create modern, yet strangely old fashioned pieces of radio drama…

[audio:http://cornucopia.jellycast.com/files/audio/Cornucopia%20Radio%20Podcast%2022.mp3|titles=Martians Never Die|artists=Lucius Daniel]

Cast: Tim Rutherford, Christine Bellamy, Ian Carter, Stephen Bullivant, Peter Beeston and Claire Hodgson. Written by Lucius Daniel, Original version first broadcast on ‘ABC Radio’ March 12, 1953 Directed and Edited by Peter Beeston, Copyright ©2010 – A Cornucopia Production

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Digging Deep

‘Digging Deep’ tells the story of a community and a friendship that struggled to survive during the 1984-85 UK ‘Miner’s Strike’. Two people coming together for the first time in 25 years; remembering the decisions that they had to make and the consequences that were bound to follow…

[audio:http://cornucopia.jellycast.com/files/audio/Cornucopia%20Radio%20Podcast%2020.mp3|titles=Digging Deep|artists=Alice Collins]

Cast: Alison Fell, Gill Butter and Dave Ridley
Credits: Written & Produced by Alice Collins,
Directed and Edited
by Peter Beeston, Copyright ©2010 – A Cornucopia Production

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Biscuits for Tea

This is “Biscuits for Tea“, the story of two young flatmates who have recently left university and now find themselves considering what life might have in store next. Faced with broken relationships, dead end jobs, empty bank accounts and too much spare time to fill; they quickly work out they’ll have to help each other out if they’re going to get through this. That is, as long as they don’t irritate each other to death first…

[audio:http://cornucopia.jellycast.com/files/audio/Biscuits%20For%20Tea.mp3|titles=Biscuits for Tea|artists=Matthew Brown]

Cast: Renate Reynolds and Robert Perkins. Written By Matthew Brown
Directed and Edited by Peter Beeston, Copyright ©2010 – A Cornucopia Production

Highlights From the Dronfield Festival

In 1999 John & Jackie Aspinall were having a party to celebrate 25 years of marriage. Not one to do things by halves, John decided to combine his 2 biggest loves, his wife and music! Dronfield’s football pitch was hired for the day, a stage was built and umpteen bands were invited to come and play. The ‘Party on the Pitch’ as it was known was a massive success with a guest list of over 1000 people, all of whom helped to contribute to charity by donating in the buckets around the ground.

It soon became apparent that a day this good was worth re-creating and so year after year John has put massive amounts of time and effort into bringing the Dronfield Charity Music Festival to life. The success of the festival can be measured by its contributions to numerous Dronfield and Sheffield based charities; with the total funds raised over the years now totalling over £25,000.

Just a few days ago the 11th ‘Dronfield Music Festival‘ took place at the ‘Carr Lane Recreational Ground‘ and Sheffield Live! was there; broadcasting live for the entire afternoon, bringing you all the live music and interviews from this amazing multi-stage event, presented by our intrepid DJ’s: Paul Tansley and Kevin Resley.

But if you missed it don’t worry, as we’ve put together this special podcast, which we hope will bring you all the highlights from this wonderful day, direct to your computer speakers.

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/dronfield festival.mp3|titles=The Dronfield Festival|artists=Paul Tansley and Kevin Resley.]

We would also like to thank “Taylor Taylor Hairdressing” for sponsoring this live broadcast. The aim of their premier hair salons is simple: to ensure that every one of their clients receives an experience beyond expectation, leaving the salon looking and feeling fantastic.

Mind Labs – Sheffield Writers

“Mind Labs” is Sheffield Live’s slot for cutting edge creative work. It is a space for dealing with stories, issues, philosophical questions and concepts. Although varied in content, each feature is underpinned by strong production values and audio pieces that create pictures and emotion for the listener.

‘Mind Labs’ is an open slot for radio work, so if you have produced material (perhaps for a University of College course) and would like to broadcast it on our station, please get in touch via studio@cornucopia-radio.co.uk

This week on ‘Mind Labs’ we presented a varied selection of short work from graduates of Sheffield Hallam’s MA writing course; performed by local Sheffield actors and performers.

Please note, some of this work might contain language unsuitable for younger children.

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Birthday by Robert King

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/birthday.mp3|titles=Birthday|artists=Robert King]

Blue Plates by Suzanne Batty

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/blueplates.mp3|titles=Blue Plates|artists=Suzanne Batty]
Carol’s Christmas by Caroline Priestley

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/carolschristmas.mp3|titles=Carols Christmas|artists=Caroline Priestley]
Fat Slag by Nicky Cowan

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/fatslag.mp3|titles=Fat Slag|artists=Nicky Cowan]
Fine by Chris Grogan

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/fine.mp3|titles=Fine|artists=Chris Grogan]
Home Grown Therapy by Helen Shay

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/homegrown.mp3|titles=Home Grown Therapy|artists=Helen Shay]
Shaken not stirred by Helen Shay

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/shaken.mp3|titles=Shaken not Stirred|artists=Helen Shay]
Three Wishes by Dave Mackin

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/three.mp3|titles=Three Wishes: Show 1|artists=Dave Mackin]
Universal Fate by Julie Lumsden

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/hallam/fate.mp3|titles=Universal Fate|artists=Julie Lumsden]

A Flavor of Sharrow Festival 2010

On the 3rd of July, the 13th ‘Sharrow Festival’ was once again held on ‘Mount Pleasant Park’ and continued its reputation as one of Sheffield’s best local festivals with over 7000 people attending to enjoy various music stages and nearly 100 stalls providing a wide selection of foods, crafts and information.

In these two reports produced and presented by Erini Apostolidou for Sheffield Live, we take a closer look at some of the events and people around the festival.

Part 1: Evelyn Joseph presents a local project for sexual health awareness in the BME communities. Ronin Barkshire explains why the extraction of oil from tar sands has to stop and how the struggle to achieve this is connected with saving energy here in the UK. Georgina Valentine gives us an insight on the beneficial effects of meditation. Usua, Maira and their friends tell us about their expectations from the festival and stress the need to bring famous bhangra musicians and performers.

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/podcast/get.php?web=j5768.mp3|titles=The Sharrow Festival 2010|artists=Erini Apostolidou]

Part 2: A compilation of music performed live at the festival. From rap to gypsy and from a cappella singing to karaoke. Don’t miss young Pallav singing the Jacksons 5 hit “I’ll be there”

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/podcast/get.php?web=j5776.mp3|titles=The Sharrow Festival 2010|artists=Erini Apostolidou]

Latest Sheffield Podcasts

SHEFFIELD: Forgemasters by Amna Kaleem

The biggest casualty of the recent budget in Sheffield has been the cancellation of the £80million loan to the city’s steel manufacturer Forgemasters. The loan was approved in March when the Labour government’s business secretary Peter Mandelson came down to the city of steel and made the announcement.

The loan was to be spent on constructing a 15,000 tonne forging press to make components for nuclear reactors. This plan would have created around400 jobs in the city. Once completed, the forging press, was expected to attract international business as the demand for heavy nuclear forgings is estimated to triple by 2020, up to 70,000 tonnes. There are currently five companies, capable of producing large nuclear components, and only one possessing a forging press as large as the one planned for Sheffield.

This podcast takes a look at how the city responded to the decision, featuring interviews with the city’s Labour MPs, Leader of the City Council, Lib Dem Councillor Paul Scriven, Doug Patterson, Unite’s regional representatives and locals who signed the petition asking the government to rethink its decision.

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/podcast/get.php?web=j5576.mp3|titles=Sheffield: Forgemasters|artists= Communities Live!]

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SHEFFIELD: City Of Culture by Amna Kaleem

‘City of Culture 2013’ aims to build on the success of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008, which had significant social and economic benefits for the area. The winning city will be one that is able to deliver a substantial programme of cultural activity which leads to a demonstrable step-change in their area, and a lasting legacy. The four finalist cities are: Sheffield, Birmingham, Derry/Londonderry and Norwich.

The Sheffield bid aims to position a whole generation of young people in the driving seat for culture. The programme will uncover, nurture, inspire and showcase the talent and energy of Sheffield’s young people as the city’s emerging cultural asset. The city will become the stage for their cultural programme in which many elements are produced by and with young people and will connect with the wider generations of Sheffield.

We wish to engage everyone in the city in creating, making and performing cultural activities in 2013. Our people won’t just watch culture, they will create it themselves and produce an original, authentic, interactive and international programme.

This podcasts talks to Council Cllr Paul Scriven on the city’s bid to become UK’s first City of Culture and first aired on Sheffield Live! 93.2FM on June 16, 2010.

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/podcast/get.php?web=j5577.mp3|titles=Sheffield: City of Culture|artists= Communities Live!]

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SHEFFIELD: City Of Sanctuary by Amna Kaleem

City of Sanctuary is a movement to build a culture of hospitality for refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2007, with the support of the City Council, Sheffield became the UK’s first ‘City of Sanctuary’ for asylum-seekers and refugees—a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety.More than 100 local organisations including schools, community projects, student groups, and most of Sheffield’s main faith communities have now joined the movement.

This podcast (Broadcast on June 16, 2010) is a report on Sheffield’s status as the City of Sanctuary for asylum seekers and refugees. The podcast features interviews with Sarah Elridge, development officer for Sheffield City of Sanctuary; Lib Dem Cllr Shaffaq Mohammad; Rodrigo Edema from Uganda, Tendero from Zimbabwe and Jinan from Lebanon, who all have successfully progressed from asylum seekers to refugee status.

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/podcast/get.php?web=j5578.mp3|titles=Sheffield: City of Sanctuary|artists= Communities Live!]

The Poetry Show

On the 29th of March, a talented bunch of writers from across the UK got together to present and perform a new radio show featuring a unique collection of live poetry and music. The show was recorded ‘as live‘ at ‘The Red House’ pub on Solly street and produced by wordsandthings.co.uk in association with Sheffieldlive!

This evening was conceived by the ‘Bard of Broomhill’ otherwise known as Ruth Grimsley, who presented her unique and unmissable readings along with co-host Paul Amber.

The show also featured amazing performances by Richard Faulkner, Mr & Mrs Mills, Graham Stevens, Rex Davies, Anxious Andrews and Sue Wallis

And if you fancy getting involved with future poetry or writing events, remember to check out wordsandthings.co.uk or email us here at info@sheffieldlive.org

Update: The next ‘Words and Things: Open Mic Roadshow’ will be taking place on June 8th upstairs at the Harlequin pub on Nursery Street

The Poetry Show (90 mins) Warning: Contains Some Adult Language

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/audio/poetryshow.mp3|titles=The Poetry Show|artists= Ruth Grimsley and Paul Amber]

Our General Election Coverage 2010

The UK general election was held on the 6th of May 2010 and turned out to be one of the most tightly fought and important this country has seen in generations. Although the Conservatives won the largest number of votes and seats, they still fell short of the 326 seats needed to have an overall majority. The first time this has happened since 1974 and only the second time since the ‘Second World War’ that a UK general election has returned a hung parliament.

Sheffield’s Full General Election Results

Sheffield’s Full Local Election Results

On a local level, Sheffield Live! was there every step of the way. Our team of reporters and presenters broadcasting both the ‘General Election’ & ‘Local Council’ results; along with all the interviews and comments from the people that matter. We started at 1am in the morning and didn’t stop delivering the news to you till 6pm that evening.

Our reporting team throughout the event were: Paul Gregory, Sangita Basudev, Charlotte Dobson, Amna Kaleem, Mickey Conn, Ross Drayton & Simon Thake. Below you can hear some of the highlights from their coverage.

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The Night-time Shift: 1am till 6am
Presented by Paul Gregory

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/2010election/Election%201.mp3|titles=Night Time Election Coverage|artists= Paul Gregory]

The Breakfast Show: 6am till 9am
Presented by Ross Drayton and Simon Thake

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/2010election/Election%202.mp3|titles=Breakfast Election Coverage|artists=Ross Drayton and Simon Thake]

The Afternoon Show: 12pm till 3pm
Presented by Sangita Basudev & Mickey Conn

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/2010election/election%203.mp3|titles=Afternoon Election Coverage|artists=Sangita Basudev and Mickey Conn]

The Late Afternoon Show: 5pm till 6pm
Presented by Amna Kaleem

[audio:http://web.sheffieldlive.org/wpress/2010election/Election%204.mp3|titles=Late Afternoon Election Coverage|artists=Amna Kaleem]

Photoshop CS4 Training at Sheffield Live!

Adobe Photoshop is the industry’s leading digital image editing software. It is the perfect creative tool for designing and manipulating images for print layouts, web publishing, multimedia, video, photography and visually expressing your creative ideas. The ‘Showroom’ in partnership with Sheffield Live! is offering two weekend courses in May to improve your skills in this amazing software package. These sessions will take place in the new Sheffield Live! computer suite and participants will gain expert tuition in the core elements of Adobe Photoshop CS4

Weekend One: Level 1: Beginners
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th of May
10.00am – 5.00pm

The course will be filled with a number of hands-on tutorials which you’ll work through with help from your tutor. Some of the features you’ll learn are:

• Navigating your way through the Photoshop CS4 workspace.
• How to use ‘auto correction’ tools to fix common problems with tones, contrasts and colours.
• How to crop and resize images.
• How to use healing brushes to fix blemishes within a photograph
• Understand the basic use of layers.
• Adding text to photographs.
• How to easily apply filters to create stunning special effects.
• How to save and print your images.

Tutor: Peter Beeston
Price: £125 (£110 conc)

Weekend Two: Level 2: Intermediary
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd of May
10.00am – 5.00pm

The course will be filled with a number of hands-on tutorials which you’ll work through with help from your tutor. Some of the features you’ll learn are:

• Navigating your way through the Photoshop workspace
• The benefits of working in a more ‘Non-Destructive’ style
• How using filter and pixel masks can give you more control over your work
• How adjustment layers can fix most common problems
• How to create smart objects
• How to ‘touch up’ photographs like the professionals
• Understanding how to paint in all various ‘colour modes’
• How to use a ‘vanishing point’ to edit in perspective
• How to use Photoshop as a 3D editing tool

Tutor: Peter Beeston
Price: £125 (£110 conc)

Places can be booked through the showroom box office on 0114 2757727
or online www.showroomworkstation.org.uk

Underground Cliche presents …

Sheffield Live’s very own Lady Stardust and DJ Deb step out from the studio and on to the floor to present an ecelctic sound. You can catch the Underground Cliche team performing at The Raynor Lounge, University of Sheffield Students Union on 27 February from 8pm – 1am and all for only £2.50 for the whole night. All the proceeds go to Sheffield Live! So come on down and get on to the dance floor. Have a great night and support your favourite community radio station, Sheffield Live! What else could you possibily want on a Saturday night? Cake I hear you say! Well guess what? There will be some of them on sale too!

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