Station News

Sheffield Live Presenter Proposes to Fiancee Live on Air

Sheffield Live’s own presenter, Ben Keegan, proposed to his partner, Tracey Rogers, during his live radio show: Deserted Ireland Discs.

As Tracey discussed the final track of the show, Summer Wine by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, reminiscing about a recent road trip on the way back from France, Ben asked her one more question before the song started playing. He got down on one knee and asked “Tracey, would you do me the honour of marrying me?” whilst presenting an engagement ring.

Initially, Tracey responded with laughter and asked if he “was tying his shoelaces again”. When speaking to the couple after this event, Tracey told us that Ben had previously got down on one knee on a trip to Venice, and then proceeded to tie his shoelaces.

When Tracey realised Ben was genuinely proposing to her, she went silent for around four seconds, which she told us was “a long time to be quiet for me”. Her answer to the big question was “Yes. There was no question that I would not say yes.”

Reflecting on the lead up to the proposal, Ben said “We’ve been together for twelve years in September and I love her very much… Once I decided to ask her, I thought, how should I ask her?”

“I realised I had the perfect platform with my radio show. I’ve been asking Tracey to come on this show for a while now, so I knew she wouldn’t suspect a thing.”

On Deserted Ireland Disks, a guest is invited each week to discuss their life and play songs related to specific moments and memories. Ben used this platform to create a new core memory for himself and Tracey on Sheffield Live!

Rotherham’s Ray Matthews recalls his “Path to Success”

Pensioner, charity marathon runner and former boxer Ray Matthews of Rotherham shared his memories in the book “Path to Success”. The publication narrates his early life and introduction to boxing as a means to combat bullying and goes on to tell his account of aspirations to complete multiple challenges. Among these, Matthews famously running seventy-five marathons in seventy-five days on his seventy-fifth birthday to raise £75,000 for charity. Report by Baillor Jalloh for Sheffield Live!

From the Sheffield Live archives June 2023

Homelessness highlighted in Cathedral exhibition

An exhibition about homelessness brought new perspectives through multimedia artworks. The Black Eye Project collaborated with the Archer Project to create the event at Sheffield Cathedral. Sheffield Live! reporter, Isabelle Goodhand spoke to Jim Lobley, Creative Director of the Black Eye Project.

From the Sheffield Live! archives 2024

Ukrainian pianist Daria Golovchenko

Ukrainian virtuoso pianist Daria Golovchenko performed at the Nether Edge Festival while rebuilding her career after fleeing war in Ukraine. Golovchenko originally trained at Kharkiv University of Arts after discovering a passion for piano at the age of five. The concert was one among many diverse events that made up the Ninth Nether Edge Festival. Report by Baillor Jalloh for Sheffield Live!

From the Sheffield Live archives 2023

Remembering the opening of Sheffield Grand Mosque

The long-awaited Islamic centre and mosque in Burngreave formally opened its doors to the public in April 2023, having been under construction for over a decade. The Sheffield Grand Mosque, on Grimesthorpe Rd, is a landmark of Islamic architecture and design. It boasts four halls that cater for community activities, Islamic study, sports such as gymnastics, football and karate training, as well as prayer halls for both men and women. Sheffield live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to volunteers and worshippers at the mosque.

From the Sheffield Live archives April 2023

Mental health alliance launched in Sheffield

A new alliance of mental health providers and service users has been launched to improve the health and well-being of the people of Sheffield. The Synergy mental health alliance has more than 100 members including voluntary organisations, decision makers from the local authority, GP’s, and experts by lived experience working together to improves the lives of people with mental health issues. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor spoke to Rachel Siviter, independent chair of Synergy.

Autism charity in the running for lottery cash

Sheffield based charity, Autistics Children and Carers Together (ACCT) has been shortlisted for the public vote stage of the National Lottery funded People’s Projects and is calling for public support. The charity could win a vital grant of £70,000 to support its work with more than 500 children and their families in Sheffield. It offers activities and a supportive environment for autistic young people to relax and be themselves, developing confidence, social skills and making friends. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Former tree campaigner calls for better accountability from Sheffield Council

An extraordinary Sheffield Council meeting last week to discuss the findings of the Lowcock Tree Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute turned heated as questions were raised by former tree campaigners. Calvin Payne who was arrested in 2016 for protesting against the cutting down of thousands of trees across the city told Sheffied Live! he accepts the council’s apology over the felling of street trees and the treatment of campaigners but feels more accountability is needed. Baillor Jalloh reports.