Sheffield-based Utopia Theatre has launched a youth academy to create more opportunities for young people from African-Caribbean heritage and other minority groups. Free arts classes and workshops will be offered to young people age 9-19 years living in Sheffield and surrounding areas. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Bookey Oshin, a trustee at Utopia Theatre, and Kate Brindley, project director for the arts, culture and heritage at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Following the recent break-in at Sheffield’s Assay Office in Hillsborough, chief executive Ashley Carson has appealed to members of the public to report to the police any suspected attempts to sell the stolen jewellery. Speaking to Sheffield Live!, Carson said the total value of the items taken is around £60.000 but some of the items are very “distinct and irreplaceable”. The break-in took place at night on 15 January, with CCTV footage showing the thieves entry and getaway. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Sheffield Wednesday’s new community football facility, costing almost £1m, looks set to be out of use for months following a suspected arson attack last weekend. Firefighters were alerted to Jubilee Sports and Social Club after a stolen car was driven on to the middle of the astro turf pitch and set alight. The facility was opened on 3 January 2023 and was paid for by grants from the Premier League, the Football Association and the government’s Football Foundation. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have appealed for anyone with any information about the incident to report it. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Marcus Brameld, community programme manager, at the club.
Former Sheffield boxer, Johnny Nelson, has expressed his delight after recently being awarded an MBE for his contributions to boxing and for work with young people across Yorkshire. The former cruiserweight champion said he was honoured to have been recognised. Recently Mr Nelson has been campaigning for men to speak up about their mental health and other health related issues. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Thousand of ambulance workers have been back on strike this week in the continuing dispute over pay and staff shortages. In Yorkshire, Unison members walked out, as the only union representing ambulance workers in the region. Tristan Metcalfe, a paramedic on the picket line at Longley Ambulance Station, spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh.
Sheffield based Utopia Theatre has been granted National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status by Arts Council England to establish an African Theatre Youth Academy. The award assures funding for three years to run regular performing arts classes and workshops to compliment the skills of young people age 9-19 years with oral storytelling and performance techniques, including acting, music, dance, learning a musical instrument, public speaking and film making. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Liberal Democrats councillor, Martin Smith, has described the container project as a “shambles” after a Sheffield Council report recommended the complex be dismantled and stored for future use in communities or parks. The eight units in Fargate, which opened in October 2022 after a three month delay, were installed as a pop-up space for food stalls, shops and events, and to help boost footfall. Having spent nearly £0.5 million on the project the council has announced the containers will be removed at the end of February. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Three days after a huge water main burst on Moonshine Lane and flooded into properties in the area, one of the victims has spoken to Sheffield Live! about the impact on her family and other local residents. Elaine Williams said she and some of her neighbours have lost everything as many didn’t have content insurance. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Hundreds of nurses across South Yorkshire are taking part in two days of industrial action in the continuing row over NHS pay and patient safety. Members of the Royal College of Nursing at NHS Trusts in Sheffield and Barnsley are involved in the strike. Jo, a band six nurse in Sheffield who joined the picket line at Northern General Hospital, spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh.
Local para ice hockey club, Sheffield Steelkings, has been named club of the year by Parasport UK after a public vote, beating off stiff competition from ten other para sport clubs. Sheffield Steelkings train weekly at Ice Sheffield and offer sporting opportunities to people with a lower body disability or impairment. They are proud winners after receiving the highest number of votes ever cast for the Parasport UK award. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Jake Oakley, player-coach and chairman of Sheffield Steelkings.