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Sheffield Local election results

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The leader of the Liberal Democrats has lost his seat, the Green Party and UKIP won seats, and Labour maintain their position running Sheffield City Council. Sheffield Live! were at the election count on Friday 23rd March, covering the exciting results as they were announced.

The biggest story of the day was in Crookes. Shaffaq Mohammed of the Liberal Democrats, their leader on Sheffield City Council, had previously represented Broomhill, but had decided to switch to stand for the previously safe neighbouring ward. But his vote fell and Labour picked up votes to win the seat, forcing the Lib Dems to find a new leader over the next few weeks.

Shaffaq Mohammed speaks to George Torr after the results were in

Elsewhere in the city, the Liberal Democrats performed better than in 2012, holding vulnerable seats in Graves Park, Stannington and Beauchief and Greenhill, where their 2010 candidate, Clive Skelton, had defected to Labour and has now lost his seat. But they lost seats in Nether Edge and Walkley which they also failed to win 2012, and end up with six fewer seats on the council.

The Greens were celebrating after winning both their target wards, Sarah Jane Smalley taking the final seat in Central, and Brian Webster gaining Broomhill – their first ever win outside the Central ward. They managed second in the remaining wards in Central constituency (Manor Castle, Nether Edge and Walkley).

Sarah Jane Smalley speaks to Mickey Conn

Jillian Creasy speaks to George Torr after the results were in

UKIP attracted the most headlines, following big gains in Rotherham with three seats on Sheffield City Council: Jack Clarkson taking Stocksbridge and Upper Don, their top target, along with two surprise victories in East and West Ecclesfield. They managed strong second places to Labour across most of the east of the city, while in the west, despite increasing their vote share, they didn’t challenge the leading parties.

John Greenfield speaks to George Torr

Labour saw their votes slightly down on the previous elections of 2012 in many wards, but still well up on 2010, the last time these candidates were up for election. Their gains from the Lib Dems slightly outweighed their losses to the Greens and UKIP, leaving them up one seat overall and with an even larger majority on the council.

Olivia Blake speaks to George Torr after the results were in

Among the other parties, the Conservatives for the first time didn’t stand in every ward, and struggled in their target areas around Dore & Totley, Ecclesall and Fulwood. TUSC picked up only a handful of votes in most wards, their strongest performance by Maxine Bowler in Burngreave only 443 votes and well down on 2012. Independents also failed to feature heavily, with two Liberal Democrats doing the best: John Hesketh in Crookes taking 549 votes and Martin Brelsford in Stocksbridge & Upper Don on 526.

Overall, Labour now have 59 seats (up one), the Liberal Democrats remain the official opposition on 18 seats (down six), the Green Party now have 4 councillors (up two), and UKIP have 3 (up three).

Dementia Awareness Week

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Don’t bottle it up: Dementia Awareness Week

By Samuel Newton

This week marks the now annual Dementia Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign fronted by the care charity Alzheimer’s Society, aimed at generating a more thorough understanding of dementia amongst the general public. Under the slogan Don’t bottle it up, the charity is encouraging people to speak to them should they have any worries or reservations that either they or someone close to them may be suffering from dementia.

Dementia, an umbrella term which describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, is catalysed when the brain is damaged by diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. There are currently estimated to be 670,000 sufferers of dementia living in the United Kingdom, while Sheffield is currently home to a figure just in excess of 6,500. Providing quality care to the people suffering from the syndrome, as well as those undiagnosed, is of high importance to Sheffield’s National Health Service.

“The provision of high quality care and support for people with dementia and their carers is a top priority for NHS Sheffield” said Dr Steve Thomas, GP and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Dementia Portfolio clinical lead.

This care provision offered in Sheffield has recently been highlighted and celebrated in a report produced by NHS England, published in correspondence with Dementia Awareness Week, entitled Dementia Diagnosis and Care in England: Learning from Clinical Commissioning Groups. Within the report, Sheffield was earmarked for the high standard of its dementia training programmes across all care providers including general practitioners, care home staff and the council. Furthermore, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was also commended for its endeavours to ensure all new staff within a dementia-relevant role receive the training necessary to fully understand the condition and its side effects.

As well as those directly suffering from dementia, there are also new streams of support for those who may be caring for someone with dementia, such as the newly launched DementiaCarer.net website, a project jointly funded by both Sheffield City Council and NHS.

“DementiaCarer.net has been designed specifically for carers by carers, with support from ourselves and other project partners”, said Kath Horner, Health Improvement Principal from Sheffield City Council. “It provides practical tips and advice with videos of carers talking about how they cope with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing the person they care for. The carer clips also include useful tips and advice about how to stay positive, active and well – all of which is vital for people providing such important care.”

Dementia Awareness Week, which kicked off last Sunday, runs until Saturday 24th May. Detailed information regarding dementia, its symptoms and side effects can be found on the Sheffield City Council website and NHS webpages.

Invest in Sheffield Community Media Ltd

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SCM_CSO_Cover_2Your opportunity to buy Pioneer and Community Shares in Sheffield Community Media Ltd

  • A social investment in community media
  • Become a co-owner of Sheffield Community Media Ltd
  • Invest any amount from £100 to £20,000
  • Option to pay in instalments for those on low income
  • We aim to pay a modest rate of interest after 3 years
  • We aim to allow you to “cash in” your shares after 5 years

Invest in Sheffield Community Media Ltd

Sheffield Community Media Share Offer DocumentTo invest in Sheffield Community Media Ltd you need to apply for Pioneer and/or Community Shares. To do this you need to complete an application form. Before starting your application, please make sure you read the Pioneer and Community Shares Offer Document.

Download and print out an application form

The easiest way to apply for Pioneer and/or Community Shares is to download and complete an application form. There are separate application forms available here for Pioneer and Community Shares and for individual and corporate investors.

Request an application pack

If you would prefer for us to send you an application pack, call us on 0114 281 4082, write to shares@sheffieldlive.org or click on the link below.

Request an application pack

Further information

This is an invitation to invest in Sheffield Community Media Ltd, a Community Benefit Society. Commedia Sheffield (owner and operator of www.sheffieldlive.org and operator of Sheffield Live 93.2fm community radio station) is a partner to Sheffield Community Media.

Residents urged to make their vote count

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By George Torr

Sheffield electors are being reminded to use their vote in this Thursday’s up and coming elections.

Like many other local authorities across England, Sheffield is holding local elections on Thursday (22 May) and electors will also be having their say in the European elections for Yorkshire and Humberside. 

A total of 128 candidates will be standing for election this year across the 28 wards in Sheffield –   a third of the Council seats – plus one additional seat in Walkley following the recent resignation of Cllr Nikki Sharpe. The results will be announced on Friday 23 May and will be available on Sheffield City Council website.

Voting cards

“By now, everyone in Sheffield who’s on the electoral roll should have received a polling card, showing which polling station they need to go to in order to vote,” said John Mothersole, Returning Officer for the local elections in Sheffield.

“All polling stations are open from 7am in the morning until 10pm, so you have all day to go and vote.  You don’t need to take your polling card with you to vote, so don’t worry if you don’t have it with you when you call in, although sometimes it can be helpful to have it with you.

 Postal votes

 “If you have a postal vote and you haven’t already posted it, you can hand it in to any polling station up to 10pm on Thursday.  If you do have a postal vote, then please take responsibility for it.  You need to complete it personally and follow all the instructions.  There is a voluntary code of conduct for handling postal votes, which candidates and agents have signed up to.”

The count for the local elections will be held on Friday 23 May at the English Institute of Sport in Attercliffe.  The European election count will be held on Sunday 25 May and the results will be sent to Leeds, where they will announce the countywide results on Sunday.

Exclusive interview with rock legend Joe Elliott

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Graham Marshall interviews Joe Elliott

Graham Marshall interviews Joe Elliott

Joe Elliott will need no introduction to many Sheffielders, nor to rock music fans from across the world.

The lead vocalist of Def Leppard and of the Mott the Hoople cover band, Down ‘n’ Outz was in town this weekend, and Sheffield Live! managed to catch up with him for an exclusive interview – which you can hear on tonight’s Spirit of the Wapentake show, on air from 5pm – 7pm.

Joe talked with Spirit of the Wapentake presenter, Graham Marshall, about being back in Sheffield and discussed his projects planned for this year.

And he told Sheffield Live! that he’s looking forward to the launch of Sheffield Live Television.

What next?

Job opportunities

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Want to work in Sheffield’s new cross-platform media operation?

We’re recruiting Enterprise Advisor(s), a Technical Manager, and a Head of News.

Our goal is to establish an inclusive and sustainable local media service which will inform, educate and entertain – encompassing television, radio, and our website, that shows what is vibrant and distinctive about Sheffield, that meets the public interest in local news and information, and that offers a platform for local opinion and creative expression.

With a planned launch date for Sheffield Live! TV of autumn 2014 on Freeview, and a news operation starting from July via our new website and through Sheffield Live 93.2FM, we now need to recruit some talented, passionate staff committed to help make our vision become reality.

Closing dates for all of these roles is 19 May 2014.

Head of News (SLTV)

Full time. Salary, according to experience, in the range £26,000 to £32,000 per annum. 

Sheffield Live TV (SLTV) is the new local television channel for Sheffield co-located with Sheffield Live community radio and part of a new cross platform media offer for the local community. News programming will be at the heart of the new cross platform approach with regular bulletins on both radio and TV, a flagship early evening local TV news programme and a news feed to web and mobile.

The Head of News will be responsible for leading a team of radio, TV and online news reporters including news journalism apprentices, student reporters and community correspondents. They will build a network of sources including hyperlocal news partners and will build relations across the city with the public and private sector and with neighbourhood-based and specialist organisations.

Download the job description including person specification here:

JD-SLTV-Head of News (microsoft word)

JD-SLTV-Head of News (pdf)

Technical Manager (SLTV)

Full time. Salary, according to experience, in the range £24,000 to £30,000 per annum. 

SLTV is a partner in Digital Media Exchange (DME), a project managed by a consortium of partners and part funded by the European Union through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-2013. DME is designed to promote jobs and enterprise by supporting digital media entrepreneurs to engage in cross-platform production for radio, television, web and mobile, building on existing infrastructure previously supported by ERDF and benefiting from investment in a new local television channel for Sheffield.

The Technical Manager will provide support in the use of studio and mobile audio visual equipment and facilities as part of the delivery of Action 3 of the Digital Media Exchange (DME) project, including induction and supervision of new users, coordination of technical assistance, assuring the smooth functioning of equipment and software and maintaining production, broadcast and network systems.

Download the job description including person specification here:

DME-JD-SLTV-Technical-Manager (microsoft word)

DME-JD-SLTV-Technical-Manager (pdf)

ERDF Logo Landscape Colour JPEGThe Digital Media Exchange is supported financially by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the 2007-2013 Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

Enterprise Advisor (SLTV)

Part-time. Salary, according to experience, in the range £30,000 to £36,000 per annum for full time equivalent, pro rata to hours worked. Self employed candidates are welcome to apply.

The Enterprise Advisor will provide specialist audio-visual enterprise support for the delivery of Action 3 of the Digital Media Exchange (DME) project (see details above), providing one-on-one and group mentoring and coaching support to audio-visual enterprises.

Download the job description including person specification here:

DME-JD-SLTV-Enterprise-Advisor (microsoft word)

DME-JD-SLTV-Enterprise-Advisor (pdf)

ERDF Logo Landscape Colour JPEGThe Digital Media Exchange is supported financially by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the 2007-2013 Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

How to apply

Please download the job description,  including person specification, essential and desirable requirements, and terms, for the role you are interested in from the links above.

Apply for the above roles by submission of CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation, with examples of similar work undertaken for other clients and a minimum of 2 referees.

Applications should be sent to: jobs@sheffieldlive.org including the job title as reference.

Deadline for applications: 19 May 2014

We may, in the future, have other roles available – please get in contact via jobs@sheffieldlive.org if you have skills and experience you can offer.

We are also recruiting for the following apprenticeships: Production Assistants, Apprentice Journalists, Technical Assistants.

Further information on apprenticeships is available by writing to: apprentices@sheffieldlive.org

Sheffielders invited to become media owners of local TV channel

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SCM_CSO_Cover_2People who live, work or have interests in Sheffield have today been invited to become co-owners of an exciting new local media organisation set up to invest in Sheffield’s local digital TV channel and to build a new cross-platform media service for Sheffield.

Sheffield Community Media Ltd, an organisation set up for community benefit, has been established to support community media development in Sheffield, including the new local digital TV channel that will be launched on Freeview, cable and the internet in 2014.

And Sheffield media, music, communications and business figures and the city’s residents are already getting excited about the thrilling plans.

In May 2012, Ofcom, the communications regulator, advertised local digital TV licences for Sheffield and 20 other ‘pioneer locations’. Sheffield Local Television Ltd, wholly owned by Sheffield Community Media Ltd, was the winning applicant for the Sheffield local TV service.

Launching in 2014, the new television channel Sheffield Live TV will cover Sheffield news; events; music; sports and culture. It will reflect the interests of Sheffield people and communities – and provide a platform for local talent and opportunities for local businesses.

It will be Sheffield’s first digital local TV channel, broadcasting on Freeview channel 8, cable and the internet.

And it will be part of a new cross-platform media partnership – radio, TV, web and mobile – working with existing community radio station Sheffield Live 93.2 FM and a new web and mobile Sheffield news service.

Community Shares are a form of social investment to raise funds for projects of community benefit. Sheffield Community Media Ltd want Sheffielders to support this groundbreaking project – and today launched a “Pioneer and Community Share Offer” at www.sheffieldlive.org/shares
Notable figures from Sheffield’s business, media, music, communications and community sectors have already given their support to Sheffield Community Media’s plans.

Jill Davies, chief executive of Westfield Health, said “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity that we’re going to get our own local TV in Sheffield. It’ll enable us to keep our fingers on the pulse of all those local important issues.”

Ed Cosens of Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers commented “Sheffield Local Television is an amazing opportunity for the people of Sheffield to do what Sheffield does best – be creative and get inspired. Musically it’s going to be amazing, you’ve got loads of great music programmes on there so I’m excited about that.”

Heather MacDonald, chief executive of The Sheffield College, said “It’s brilliant for Sheffield College and it’s brilliant for Sheffield City.”

The Sheffield Community Media Ltd business plan, published today at www.sheffieldlive.org/shares sets out the organisation’s proposals for the development of a digital local television channel for Sheffield as part of a cross-platform community media offer.

Richard Motley, chair of Sheffield Community Media Ltd, said:

“Building on Sheffield’s history of culture, creativity and innovation, our goal is to establish a cross-platform community media service that serves the public interest in local news, information, education and entertainment and encourages local talent and creative expression.”

Steve Buckley, chair of Sheffield Local Television Ltd, said:

“We have a sustainable business model that will create jobs and nurture talent. But we need Sheffielders’ support to make Sheffield Live TV happen.

“The Sheffield Community Media shares prospectus – at www.sheffieldlive.org/shares – explains how to get involved in Sheffield Community Media Ltd and what, together, we can achieve. Please join this exciting new media project – the first of its kind.”

ENDS

Media enquiries: Jamie Veitch: 07904 272 200

Questions about the Pioneer and Community Share Issue: call 0114 281 4082 or email shares@sheffieldlive.org

Sheffield Community Media Ltd is a society for the benefit of the community incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No: 31727R. Registered address: 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX

Expressions of Interest invited: Commercial Production

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Expressions of interest invited – Television Commercial Production Services for Sheffield Live TV

Sheffield Local Television Ltd wish to appoint one or more experienced production companies to manage and produce television commercials for local advertising clients.

We will require the appointed companies to offer a range of fixed price production options to advertisers, and to be responsible for and manage full delivery (including shooting, editing, and compliance), on time and to budget, of television advertisements from Autumn onwards.

If you are interested in providing Television Commercial Production Services, please read the Selection Criteria below and supply a short (2 pages of A4 max) Expression of Interest outlining how your experience and capabilities meet the criteria.  The deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest is 31 May 2014.

Selection Criteria

1.1 Production experience – The appointed production company (or companies) must demonstrate that they have effective processes in place for broadcast standard acquisition, post-production and delivery to channel, (potentially including Clearcast approval).

1.2 Operational Capacity – Production companies must demonstrate that they have effective processes in place for the production of the adverts.

1.3 Quality Systems – ensuring that all content meets UK broadcast standards is essential as is ensuring that the overall quality of the TV adverts are high.

1.4 Creativity – Pro-active production suggestions are sought to help produce effective ads that meet the expectations of the clients. We will provide companies with a copy of our brand guidelines for the output if required. Once appointed, the chosen production companies need to respond to SLTV’s requests in a pro-active fashion.

1.5 Costs – The chosen production companies need to offer a range of production options to advertising clients at different price-points. We are interested in your suggestions of a 3 or 4 point menu of options.

1.6 Experience – examples of TV commercials delivered on low budgets and the successful implementation of similar projects will score highly. As part of your response it is essential that you list examples of similar work produced, with links to your showreel or to view these online.

If you are interested in providing Television Commercial Production Services, please supply a short (2 pages of A4 max) Expression of Interest outlining how your experience and capabilities meet the criteria above to advertising@sheffieldlive.org  The deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest is 31 May 2014.

Hillsborough remembered

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Red carnations for Hillsborough

Sheffield Live presenters, staff and volunteers wearing their red carnations to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster

Sheffield Live! 93.2 fm partnered with MagHull Community Radio in North Liverpool today to remember those who were affected by the Hillsborough Disaster.

David Hughes, one of the volunteers at Maghull community radio came up with the idea to wear a red carnation as way of paying tribute to those who lost their lives on that day, twenty-five years ago today.

“It’s a personal way of showing you remember. There are lots of big events and big organisations that do things,” said David, “but this is personal. It is your own way of showing you remember.”

Sheffield Live! 93.2 FM was contacted by David to see if staff would be willing to wear a red carnation on the day. Sangita Basudev, chief executive of Sheffield Live! 93.2 FM said “This is an important time to show our solidarity with the people of Liverpool. 96 people lost their lives, 766 were physically injured on the day and countless others were affected.” Sangita added “It is important that a community radio station in Liverpool and one in Sheffield will stand together today to remember.”

Sheffield Live! 93.2 FM held a minute’s silence at 15:06 today.

“It’s me PG” interviews James Gillespie

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Paul Gregory was joined in the studio during his Saturday morning “It’s me PG” show today by James Gillespie, who is appearing at The Viper Rooms tonight (12th April) in Sheffield.

Paul and James discussed James’ musical background: busking, appearing in a wide range of bands and now touring as a solo artist. Listen to the podcast of the 2nd hour of Paul’s show, containing the interview with James.

Paul comments:

James is an acoustic singer/ songwriter based in London. James brings a lot to his music – story telling from Folk, pain and passion from blues, hooks from pop and all with an indie edge.

James’ live performance is engaging, honest and mesmerising. His personality is charismatic and contagious.

After completing a very successful 25 date UK tour in Feb-March 2014, James will be returning to five of the best venues in London, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh, to blow the socks off his existing fans and new listeners once again.

He is already booked for 16 festivals, some along side Hudson Taylor and Toploader. He is warming up for Turin Brakes at an exclusive UK gig later this year.

James song ‘The Hills are Hers’ is being used as a soundtrack for a Redbull surf video for Jordy Smith. His new single is ‘Survive’ (both produced by Ken Nelson – Coldplay, Paulo Nutini, Gomez).

What next?