South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services have tested their capability to respond to a major blaze as part of a service-wide exercise. Dozens of emergency services vehicles lined up outside the former Prince Edward Primary School on Queen Mary Road. The operation, involving more than 60 on duty firefighters and 10 standard fire engines, was the biggest training session of the year. Shamaan Freeman-Powell spoke to Assistant Chief Fire Officer Martin Blunden.
Sally Goldsmith, has created songs and poems from the words of ‘ordinary’ local people for her new work ‘Out of the Ordinary’. The Sheffield poet, singer and songwriter was performing at Sheffield’s Festival of the Mind and has a published a new book of the same title. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Mental Health Action Group Sheffield may cease to provide vital services after a Sheffield City Council funding decision. The local charity has been told that from 2017 it will no longer be guaranteed an annual grant of £10,500. Established 25 years ago, MHAGS, is a user-led mental health charity. The funding has enabled the charity to provide drop-in services and support to those who have suffered or are suffering from mental health issues. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to founder Tim Jones.
The Sheffield Children’s Centre is appealing for contributions, ahead of their 25th anniversary, to help revamp their facilities for local children. The pioneering, co-operatively run centre on Shoreham Street looks after children of all ages and backgrounds, and it also hosts community events. Built in the 1990s, the Centre will be celebrating 25 years in 2017, and is aiming to renew its indoors and outdoors environment. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Chrissy Meleady, Chair of The Sheffield Children Centre.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has published a new book, ‘Politics: Between the Extremes’. It is a frank account of his experience in politics, power and the 2015 General Election defeat. The Sheffield Hallam MP argues that with the resurgence of nationalism and mainstream parties in turmoil, new divisions define the country that are no longer simply left and right. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Nick Clegg at the launch of this year’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words at Sheffield Hallam University.
Nether Edge Festival got under way with a ‘yarnstorming’ session as local artist Lynn Carruthers led Nether Edge locals through the streets to decorate the trees with woollen patterns. The family festival, celebrating the community of Nether Edge, is now in its second year and features events ranging from ceildhis to cricket matches, wildlife talks and musical performance. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Local artist and comedian Chella Quint is hosting a series of workshops on wind turbines as part of Sheffield’s Festival of the Mind. The festival is a celebration of ideas, culture and collaboration between academics and professionals from Sheffield’s cultural, creative and digital industries. The activities and events are free and open to the public. Quint, who has been working in collaboration with Sheffield University, is a passionate turbine spotter. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Marathon man Ray Matthews, 75, completed his epic challenge of 75 marathons in 75 days to raise money for Newman School, Rotherham. The South Yorkshire special school provides a learning community for children, young people, families, carers and staff of many different backgrounds. Ray Matthews was so impressed, he vowed to raise much needed funds to support their work. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Robert MacNeil Wilson, author of a fictional account of the miners strike, has backed calls for an enquiry into the Battle of Orgreave. Wilson’s novel, The Enemy Within, is based on the author’s first hand experience of the miners’ strike of 1984 to 1985. Orgreave justice campaigners met recently with Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Government is expected to make an announcement on the matter in October. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Robert MacNeil Wilson.
Government proposals to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies by 50 seats have been criticized by the Labour Party. The plans are part of reforms which would see the House of Commons reduce from 650 to 600 MPs. A public consultation is under way and final decisions will not be made until 2018. Labour MPs are among those hardest hit, potentially loosing 25 or more seats in the shake up if the proposals go ahead. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Paul Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central.