Blind Sheffield pianist and charity fundraiser Bill Skipworth has regained his vision after a successful operation. Skipworth, whose sight has progressively deteriorated over 20 years, was left totally blind after a failed operation earlier this year. As a supporter of Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, the pianist has performed many fundraising concerts. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!.
As World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights science in society, Sheffield Live! investigates new developments in nuclear waste storage. Neil Hyatt, professor of Material Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield and a recognised authority on radioactive waste management is leading a team developing a new kind of cement to store radio active waste. Azz Mohammed reports.
Sheffield City Region has been confirmed as host of Horasis China 2017, an international economic summit bringing together Chinese business leaders and their global counterparts. Senior delegates from business and government will be in Sheffield in November 2017 to debate strategies that will shape the global economy and forge new approaches to pressing social, economic, and geopolitical challenges. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
British Land the joint owner of Meadowhall in Sheffield, has submitted a detailed planning application to Sheffield City Council for a £300 million Meadowhall Leisure Hall. The proposed extension is billed as the next phase of Meadowhall’s evolution and will follow a £60 million refurbishment due to complete at the end of 2017. The extension comprises a 330,000 square feet multi-level extension housed under a glazed roof, offering dining and entertainment as well as internal and external spaces for events and community use. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with director of Meadowhall Centre, Darren Pierce.
Shops and stalls in Sheffield city centre will be open late on Thursday night as part of the recently launched ‘alive after five’ campaign. The evening opening aims to boost footfall in the quiet period after work and before the night time economy takes off. The campaign, now in its third week, was launched by the Business Improvement District. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to BID Manager Diane Jarvis.
Sheffield City Council’s ‘Grey to Green’ project is replacing areas of city centre pavement with rain gardens designed to assist natural and sustainable drainage. The scheme was awarded both the Outstanding Project Award and the Open Spaces Award at this year’s Sheffield Design Awards. The main purpose of the awards is to recognise buildings and open spaces that meet high architectural standards and contribute to the environment. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Lucia Lorente, principal development officer at Sheffield City Council.
Jenny Christie who lost her father to pancreatic cancer is to walk 210 miles from London to Sheffield to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Her walk is planned to coincide with the pancreatic cancer awareness month of November and, all going well, will be completed in 10 days. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Jenny Christie about her campaign.
Sheffield Eagles are hoping the decision to hold the 2021 World Cup in England signals a brighter future for the game. The Rugby League International Federation gave England the nod ahead of the United States in the competition to stage the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. The decision, recognising the popularity of the sport in England together with government backing, is expected to boost fan numbers and bring more cash into the game. Sheffield Eagles has been looking for a new home since the demolition of Don Valley Stadium and with players reverting to part time status finding new financial backers has been a priority. Sheffield reporter Simon Thake spoke with Eagles head coach Mark Aston.
Key Fund, the North of England’s specialist social investor, has launched a new £10m fund to invest in 300 social enterprises over the next three years. Founded in 1999, the Sheffield-based Key Fund has supported thousands of social enterprises to deliver positive social impact in communities across the North and Midlands. Social enterprises supported can operate across any sector, and could be as diverse as new artists, reducing homelessness, recycling projects and community-run pubs. The new £10m fund includes loan and grant investment packages of up to £150,000 per business. Key Fund have also secured a £4.5m finance arrangement from Big Society Capital, to support general investment activity. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Matt Smith, chief executive of Key Fund.
Stuart Crossthwaite, general secretary of the South Yorkshire Migration, Asylum and Action Group has warned of chaos from closing the ‘Jungle’ migrant camp in Calais. More than a thousand police and officials in France have been engaged in clearing the camp which has housed at least 7,000 people. The UK has now begun to accept some of the estimated 1300 unaccompanied children from the camp. The first group without family ties to the UK has arrived in Britain under the “Dubs amendment” rules, which grant refuge to the most vulnerable.