Issue 83 • August 2009 • Free to everyone in Burngreave www.burngreavemessenger.org Voice of the Burngreave Community 10 years of the Burngreave Messenger July 1999 – July 2009 Community backs Abbeyfield Festival to see lots of people looking very happy,” a delicious smell on the warm air. There Story:Viva Radja said one festival-goer. was plenty of information, stalls and Abbeyfield Multicultural Festival activities for children to participate in. brought thousands of people to The event was an amazing sight in the celebrate in Abbeyfield Park on a park, which seemed enormous with “There’s loads to do, loads of hot summer day in July. everyone in it. Many different kinds of entertainment and really nice people. The people came out to enjoy themselves, to food’s right nice.” The event was opened by the ex-Home hear many types of music such as reggae, Secretary David Blunkett, who Roma music, break-dancing style, and “I thought it wouldn’t be this big. My congratulated all the festival volunteers rapping style. On the main stage, local girlfriend had found some information on for making the event happen, without residents demonstrated their talents in housing – she’s been looking for a flat.” funding from New Deal and on less Kung Fu, dance and singing. money than previous years. “There is a nice family atmosphere and There were lots of fascinating foods to try, lots of stalls. The people are friendly, The multicultural event brought residents including barbecue grills, which gave out we’ve enjoyed it.” from Burngreave and outside to share a “I have been to the reggae delightful atmosphere, area, which sounds good, “The festival is very and it’s good to see the good. I think it’s good different food and the different cultures gathering together.”

“It’s very good, the weather helps. The people are fantastic and it’s nice to see everyone enjoying themselves.”

Photos (clockwise from left) by Farzana Khan, Steven Lang, Sherin T Rajan and Anwar Suliman.

Inside: Summer activities. See pages 13, 14 and 15

More photos on our website: www.burngreavemessenger.org Could an advocate help you get your Sheffield voice heard? Do you need help to sort out your housing or finances, your treatment or any other issue that is worrying you?

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Shiloh United Church of Christ Apostolic Worldwide 8 Gower St., Sheffield, S4 7JW The well for all your needs Come and join us in our Holy Convocation Topic: “...This Is That...” Acts 2:16 From: 21 – 26 July 2009 Tuesday to Friday: 10am–12.30pm 6.30pm–9.00pm Saturday starting: 10am–12.30pm 5.30pm–9.00pm Sunday starting: 10.30am–1.00pm 5.30pm–8.00pm

2 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Shootings continue Violent crime has featured in the Messenger too often in its 10-year history. In 2003, the deaths of Lester Divers and Gerald Smith sparked calls for action to prevent another generation facing violent deaths. But four residents have been shot dead since then and July saw another young life lost. “The additional ‘outstanding’ areas in 22 year old James Kamara was shot in ‘Good’ news for this report demonstrate staff and Broomhall on 1st July.The four young management commitment to continuous men arrested and charged with his improvement.” murder all have connections with Watoto Pitsmoor. It shows that violence and “Brilliant service” says parent Erica criminality are still part of our lives Watoto Preschool are celebrating Patterson, “I feel standards are high, the despite the efforts of local people and a ‘good’ Ofsted report with areas staff are warm, friendly and agencies. of ‘outstanding’ exceptional approachable.” quality. As we go to print, the trial for the Norma Euter's daughters both attend the murder of Tarek Chaiboub continues. Ofsted praised the children’s progress preschool and she is really happy with the Tarek was just 17 when he died on Spital towards early learning goals saying: “staff help Watoto provides her youngest, who St, while those on trial are all under the plan and focus activities around has Down's Syndrome. “The staff respond age of 22. children’s preferences as well as the six to Josephine’s development needs to Work continues to prevent young areas of learning, offering children many complement what I do at home,” said opportunities to be active learners”. people from falling into dangerous and Norma. criminal activities, but Burngreave will Ofsted also commended excellent have to fight to keep resources for Deputy Lillian Linton, with Watoto since young people coming to our area, and information exchange between staff, 1996, said: “I love working here. It’s parents and professionals and the we will have to keep hoping that this fantastic that our work has been work will stop another generation of detailed knowledge of individual needs recognised by Ofsted so highly." and family background. “There are well young people seeing their peers die in forged links with local schools with staff the street. informing them of relevant information Purpose built as they accompany children into school to Watoto moved into a purpose built Copy deadline: 9th September ease the transition” location with Council support in May Published: 26th September 2008. Parent Alison Thompson said: Burngreave Messenger Ltd, Dreams and aspirations “This has been a great success the new Abbeyfield Park House, premises are excellent with a lot more Abbeyfield Road, Sheffield S4 7AT. Manager Sharon Brown said “Since we space for the children especially outside”. opened in 1996, partnerships have Tel: (0114) 242 0564 underpinned everything we do. I Watoto Preschool has 57 places [email protected] passionately believe in working with

catering for children 6 months to Messenger Info www.burngreavemessenger.org parents to positively nurture children’s five and is open from 8am to 6pm strengths, dreams and aspirations.” all year round except Bank Holidays. Staff support a range of The Burngreave Messenger is a “Our last Ofsted in 2004 was also ‘good’” languages. Call 2751 817 for further community newspaper with editorial says Watoto chairperson Terry Garvey. information. independent, funded by the Tudor Trust, Comic Relief, the Scurrah Wainwright Charity, Sheffield Town Trust, Church Alice Ingham 1916-2009 Burgesses and our advertisers. All content is copyright Burngreave Alice Ingham of Fox Street died Messenger Ltd or its voluntary on 1st July aged 93. Alice contributors, not to be reproduced featured in the Messenger in without permission.We aim to increase September 2005, when she told and encourage communication in us about her life in Pitsmoor, Burngreave. Each edition is put together where she had lived all her life. by an editorial team who write articles not otherwise credited. Alice, who regularly attended Christ This month’s team: Ian Clifford, Michelle Church Pitsmoor, was a friend to many Cook, Saleema Imam, Rohan Francis, and will be sadly missed. Douglas Johnson, Jamie Marriott, John Mellor, Lisa Swift,Viva Radja.

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 3 Vestry Hall New Deal flooding post mortem Story: Ben Kirby Story: Ian Clifford Photo/s: ?????? On 11th June, the Council’s Scrutiny Heavy rainfall on 10th June Board met for a final post-mortem caused extensive damage to the into what went wrong with the main hall at the Vestry Hall. Council’s Accountable Body role Repairs will be carried out at the with Burngreave New Deal and Vestry Hall over the summer what could be learnt for the future. holidays, the costs will be covered by the insurance. Senior Council Officer Evelyn Milne admitted that mistakes had been made New Deal’s Ann Allen told the Messenger, and the Council needed to learn from “Rainwater came in through the Vestry these. Evelyn explained that Burngreave Hall roof and ran down the rear wall of residents distrusted the Council at the the building, damaging the walls and start of New Deal and the national blinds of the main hall. The water ran New Deal was looking into this, “We programme philosophy was that Councils into the basement, under the stage, and intend to work with the project manager were poor at serving poorer areas. This under the main hall floor. The wooden of the original Vestry Hall renovation to context made it difficult for the Council to floor expanded because of the amount of determine why the rainwater came have a ‘hands-on’ approach to the water and buckled.” through the roof.” Accountable Body role.

Mud and Rubbish In the meantime, events to be held in the Evelyn said ultimately the Council, main hall have been cancelled: “The first Government Office and the New Deal Ann explained that the repairs will be thing we did was to offer alternative Board all took their eyes off the ball and made before the start of the new term in locations for all the events we’ve had to failed to properly scrutinise the September: “We aim to do the work cancel. Obviously we have stopped taking programme’s spend. during the summer holidays so that we bookings for events, but we are happy to don’t disturb the Vestry Hall’s other offer alternative locations.” Particularly alarming was the admission users. The main hall floor will be taken up that Council projects had not been audited and dried out.” For more information about the Vestry properly for several years as New Deal Hall contact New Deal on 213 2300. The funded Council activity had not been A build up of mud and rubbish on the steering group for the Vestry Hall will be properly separated from other activity. roof blocking the drains appears to be the restarting on 8th September at 6pm, if cause, which could have been left by the you would like to be involved contact New Councillors present seemed to have a poor contractors. The Messenger ask Ann if Deal. grip of the issues, but this was made up for by questions from Burngreave residents. The Messenger pointed out that the Council, as Accountable Body, had all Wicker floods the audit certificates from projects, yet seemed unable to add up a row of figures again to establish that the programme was overspent. Story: Douglas Johnson | Photo: Ellie Bennett Jennifer Booth pointed out the Council Two years ago, the Wicker was was paid £15,000 for its accountable body flooded, causing extensive role and asked for this money to be damage to businesses and returned to the community as the Council disruption to everyone. The had clearly failed in this role. clean-up operation took huge resources and many businesses When asked why the Council had been so have still not fully recovered. unchallenging to Burngreave New Deal given that they knew some senior So traders were worried to find the managers were incompetent, Evelyn Wicker flooding again - not once, but water. Like other people who had Milne accepted there were issues of three times in a month – as drains failed attended the Wicker Community Forum incompetence but said she had to cope with torrential, but predictable, meetings, she was concerned that the encouraged previous New Deal Chief summer downpours. On Monday 6th drainage recently laid in the construction Executive, John Clark, to manage certain July, the chaos was compounded by a of the ring road was unfit for purpose. people tightly. broken-down bus on the Wicker all morning. It is unclear what solutions can be found. Recommendations from the Scrutiny “At least the council are talking to us,” Board will go to the Council’s Cabinet. Ellie Bennett of the Wicker Chemist said said Ellie. their cellars were flooded again by water For an update of how projects are coping backing up the drains and that their front On another note, the Wicker Community without New Deal funding and details of doors were threatened with the wash Forum heard definite plans to improve what New Deal spent its money on, go to caused by buses tavelling through the signage for motorists on the Wicker. www.burngreavemessenger.org.uk

4 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Burngreave Rubbish at Cemetery public Grimesthorpe Residents are again complaining meeting about rubbish dumped on the land at Grimesthorpe owned by Story: Lisa Swift developer Redwall. Following months of campaigning by local resident, John Duignan, on the maintenance of Burngreave Cemetery, have really dragged their heels on this Bereavement Services have issue and it’s really unfair to the people agreed to hold a public meeting. who live in Burngreave, and also the visitors to this cemetery who have to see In November 2008, John took a petition all this mess when paying their respects to Full Council with the names of to the people they miss.” unhappy grave owners, who were distressed about the poor state of the Residents and grave owners will now cemetery. John asked the Council to hold have the chance to express their concerns a public meeting to address the issue. and hear about the plans Bereavement Services has to tackle the problem. The site at the top of Smithies Field has Cllr Ibrar Hussain who is supporting the been covered in rubbish and waste since campaign, said “The Lib Dem Council The meeting will be on Monday 10th Redwall cleared the green space prior to August, 6pm in the Cemetery Chapel. submitting a planning application for housing and flats in 2005. The Council’s Environmental Services have agreed to Hall Road, Hampton Road, Cannon Hall take action to make the developer clear Road, Fir Vale Road, Coningsby Road, Hospital parking the rubbish, after the issue was raised by Hampton Road, Blyde Road, Herries councillors. Road, Longley Hall Road, Norwood problems persist Grange Drive and Fairbank Road. Local resident, Sylvia Pennington, said: Parking continues to be a daily The Council is again asking for feedback nightmare for residents near the “It’s disgusting - it used to be such a on what effect the new restrictions have. beautiful place, a real bit of the Northern General. The Council put If you have comments, contact Brian Hey in place an Experimental Traffic countryside in the city, I used to take my at Traffic Regulations on 273 6086, children down the path to play in the Regulation Order in March 2009, [email protected] which means the Council can try fields but I couldn’t do that with my parking restrictions to see how grandchildren now. Redwall should look However, residents remain frustrated at after the site.” well they work. the lack of progress from the Northern General towards building their multi- Redwall are still pursuing planning The Traffic Regulation department told storey car park. Despite receiving permission to build on the site. Their the Messenger they have received a lot of conditional planning permission in application for flats and houses was feedback so far. In response to what October 2008, the hospital have yet to submitted in April 2008 which provoked residents have said, during July further finalise legal documents that are objections from local residents, who said lines will be put down to protect access to conditional to full planning permission. the development was too large. Redwall drives and to prevent parking . The work The legal agreement will tie the hospital have now changed the design, removing will affect the following streets: Norwood to responsibilities around managing any the block of flats with eight levels and Road, Drive and Place, Crabtree Road, parking issues off site. replacing it with a care home for the Close, Crescent, Lane and Place, Goddard elderly, with six levels.

symptoms, do not visit your GP or The planning applications are likely to be Swine flu advice hospital - instead phone your GP or call considered by the board in August. NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go to the Residents can submit comments by post Byron Wood was the first school in website www.nhs.uk or on the planning website until the our area to confirm cases of swine planning board meeting. flu. Since then it has become GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on more widespread but the health the basis of patients’ symptoms rather If you wish to comment contact the authority tells people not to panic. than waiting for laboratory testing and Council planning department on 273 4215 medicines will continue to be offered to or submit a comment via the council Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the all those who show symptoms of swine flu website www.sheffield.gov.uk symptoms of regular seasonal flu and at their doctor's discretion. may include fever, fatigue, lack of Application numbers appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in If you want more general information muscles and joints, headache and chills. about swine flu call the automated 08/01990/REM 20 houses information line on 0800 1513 513 or go 08/01999/REM 24 houses The current advice to help limit the to the NHS Sheffield website at 09/02110/FUL care home (this is a new spread of swine flu is that if you have www.sheffield.nhs.uk/swineflu/. application replacing the proposed 124 flats)

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 5 Sun shines on the Photos by Anwar Suliman Environment Day except top right by Fran Belbin Story: Lisa Harrison-Winfindale & Fran Belbin The sun shone on 31st May the annual Environment Day in Abbeyfield Park, generating the event’s best turnout yet. Many of the regular stalls and activities were on display, with seedlings and hanging baskets on sale and plenty of information available They said, “We have a static display and a about green issues such as flying display. We have about 20 birds - recycling and composting. The barn owls, tawny owls, falcons etc. initially places six books to swap and bike doctors were kept very busy There’s been a lot of people asking takes away up to six books.” as residents brought their bikes questions, especially about what we feed out and made the most of the them on: - day old chicks, rabbits etc.” To get involved in the book swap group: lovely weather! [email protected] Many younger residents were delighted Charlie from Melrose Road had a book by pony rides. Five year old Erin said “I Staff from Rotherham based Phoenix ‘recycling’ stall, to promote the idea of a rode the brown pony called Toby – he Falconry, showed their birds of prey to an book swap group. “The group could meet had a black mane. I loved it when he appreciative crowd. every couple of months, each person walked round in circles!”

Young people in particular had Glorious Firth plenty to do, as much of the festival was taken up by rides for children, and the local Park Festival police had a car present which children could sit in, try on a Story: Lisa Harrison-Winfindale helmet and play with the siren. The Firth Park Festival took place on 28th June, on a gloriously sunny Fir Vale resident Vince day in the middle of the recent heat McCarthy said, “It’s a lovely wave. Residents from the day for it. My kids are well surrounding areas took full occupied, and I’m getting tired advantage of the beautiful weather just watching them. It’s a to come together and celebrate in a shame the only food is burgers and day filled with music, activities, hotdogs though - I’m a Caeliac so I can’t information and fun. have the bread. I popped up to Somerfield though and grabbed some fruit so I’m happy.” Photos by Anwar Suliman

More photos on our website: www.burngreavemessenger.org BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Fun at Firshill Family fun at Story & photos: Rukaiya Hassanali Y5 Byron Wood On Tuesday 23rd June, Firshill Community Primary School booked Story & photos:Alexis Cowan a bouncy castle, made some cakes and had a summer fair!

Thankfully, on that day it was sunshine like no other so we were alright weather wise but what would we do on the stalls? We did: a cake stall, food stall, lollypop stall; a henna stall, a stall where you find a fiver from yellow pages and all sorts of other things as well. A few people actually got soaked by water when we were throwing wet sponges at them. How fun!

Some children got to leave class at 2:00 but some of them had to stay until school was over. This was the best summer fair On Wednesday 24th June, Byron that we had since…ages! Wood’s Family Fun Day took place. The weather was great and everyone came out to support the school and have some fun!

After a difficult year, parents and staff all the school staff on the day. Everyone were determined to organise a fun event worked so hard making food and posters, and to raise money to make activities setting up and tidying up the mess more sustainable. A grand total of £629 afterwards. It was a real team effort! was raised, proving that it was a huge success. £200 is for Year 5 to ensure their Norman Hanashi (parent of Farid trip to Whitby can take place and the rest Hanashi in Y1 and Lina Hanashi in F2) of the money will be spent on holiday said, club activities, courses for parents and more events like this. “It was brilliant! It was a good chance for children to be with their friends and The event was organised by the Parents’ take part in all of the activities. The kids Group, along with Dave Hall (Learning all enjoyed the activities and the food Mentor), Smaira Sadique (Family was great. My daughter and son had a Advocacy Officer), Alexis Cowan really good time - they kept on talking (Extended Schools Coordinator) and about it, especially the bouncy castle. I Kaltun Mohamed (Community Worker) think that the school should organise with the support of the Year 5 team and more things similar to this.”

With a sound system, lots of stalls, activities and displays, there was plenty to do for the crowd who attended. There Parkwood were police dog displays, fire engine rides, dance and singing competitions – Summer Fair and plenty of food. The presence of primary schools, such as Story & photos: Douglas Johnson Pye Bank and Watercliffe Meadows, and For “just” a school fair, Parkwood family activities showed Parkwood’s School’s summer do was a fun- welcoming approach to the younger filled and well-attended day. generation and the whole community.

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 7 A marvellous day ESOL presentation Story:Viva Radja Story: Farzana & Djamila | Photos: Farzana Khan A marvellous day of gathering for all the refugees and asylum seekers from all over Burngreave and Sheffield was held on 19th June in the familiar atmosphere of SADACCA.

The Celebration of Culture was part of refugee week, and was organised by one of the community initiatives officers, Mr Barry On 15th June ESOL learners from Whiteways School Brown, from Refugee Support. He brought together all received certificates for completing entry level one, communities of refugees to celebrate and to demonstrate their two and three in English. original hidden culture. People experienced incredible things such as dancing, traditional food and music from different parts of the Thirty learners were awarded certificates by Mary Blacka from the world. They were invited to breathe in the cultural atmosphere Council's Life Long Learning and Skills. Everyone celebrated and to discover what other people provided at the event. success by sharing food, which the learners had made.

Guests from the Refugee Support were called up on stage to Usha Blackham, family learning development worker, organises receive their certificates after successfully completed their family learning at Whiteways, she told us how the programme had resettlement programme. Talented people then gave amazing developed: performances of drumming, dancing and poetry that made your eyes pop out! “We started off with three or four people doing ESOL, now we have around 36 learners, working in mixed groups. It’s good to It was more exciting, brilliant and enjoyable to see other countries see people working together and achieving well.” dancing styles, and movement. It made you feel like getting out of Students thanked their tutor Margaret Gibson for all her support your chair and having the courage to follow the performers on and presented her with flowers. All the students are visiting stage. Chatsworth House as a reward for their achievements.

Station foyer resident said, “The music, the people and not Students Aparna and Nareen said, “It’s thanks to Margaret our forgetting the food; I loved all these and it was well planned and teacher that we have reached this level and succeeded in our organised. I loved all the refugee week events, which took place in exams. She always works hard and is very helpful and supportive. June and I found out about other cultures. The food was great.” Working in a mixed class was difficult at first but now we work as a group and help each other.” To find out more about refugee support contact Barry Brown, Community Initiatives Officer at Refugee Support on 267 5250 To find out more about family learning at Whiteways contact Usha Blackham on 242 3169.

other activities in the community and Justice and Peace campaigning to help local people to keep their shops and jobs. Story: Pye Bank School Entry 2 ESOL class Dave Havard lives and works in Dave has visited many countries, New Roots in Burngreave. He and including Palestine where he met Arwa. other staff welcome many We were very interested to hear about his different people in the café and experiences. He went there in 2007 as a help them with many things. Dave Peacekeeper because he wanted to help visited our class and we asked the people suffering because of the Israeli him questions about his life and occupation. He told us, “life is very work in Burngreave. difficult for Palestinians living in Hebron because Israeli settlers have moved into their town and soldiers are there to He was born and grew up in Chelmsford, He moved to Canada and lived there for protect the settlers. They stop near London. He has 3 grown-up 14 years to work with disabled people. He Palestinians living a normal life and often children and now lives with his second came to Sheffield in 2002. Now he is attack people in the streets.” Dave wife, Arwa. working as a volunteer at New Roots and himself was beaten four times while he he is also a midday supervisor (or dinner was helping the Palestinians. He has travelled a lot and had different lady) at Firs Hill School. jobs. He first studied to be an electrician. Dave feels himself at home among the After that he worked in a theatre. In 1985 New Roots started in 2000 and has been many different cultures in Burngreave. he became a Christian and trained to be a “a place where people can come together He said, “I love to travel, but living in Deacon in the Church of England. He from different cultures and religions,” Burngreave I don’t have to – the world wanted to work to help people in the Dave explained. All the food they sell is comes to me”. His life is guided by his community. He said, “I feel that my work Fair Trade, so that it helps the people strong faith and the desire to help people in the Church is about justice and peace.” who grow it. They are also involved in get justice and improve their lives.

8 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER reception, technical BCR 103.1fm and hospitality Jazz at SADACCA duties.” Story: Ben Kirby, Photos: Jack Flanagan A range of unites the On the evening of Friday 3rd July, broadcasters give “Jazzmotic”, a local five-piece you key priority jazz collective, played the first of community! issues debated live. a series of gigs at SADACCA. BCR truly gives a Story: Farhan Ahmed taste of the many This is DJ Samosa hitting the languages spoken keyboard to tell all you lovely in our community. readers out there that the one and only BCR radio is on the air. From Young people from schools & youth clubs June this year we heard a full including Launch Pad special needs group programme bring to the audience a came into the studio to observe and sensation of sound. present live on air! These are just some of the many highlights. Tune in and listen to a whole variety from the children’s With the signal being breakfast show on Sunday transmitted all over With the warm evening sun streaming in to the inspirational show on Sheffield and Rotherham, through the windows of SADACCA's Fridays. Listen to soul, people can now tune into upstairs hall, it was rather apt that the raga, bassline, dancehall the newest radio station band opened with the classic jazz and locally produced music. allowing Burngreave talent standard, “Summertime”. With the to shine. setting sun on their necks and cool drinks Matloub, presenter and in their hands, a mixed audience settled committee member, says: To get involved or for more down at their tables for an informal and “Currently BCR has over 200 info ring 01142132360 or relaxing evening of good conversation members with over 15 BCR e-mail: [email protected] and quality music. Committee members and over 80 To advertise e-mail: presenters with 10-20 on standby. We [email protected] As candles were lit, the spectators have over 20 core groups of volunteers involuntarily tapped, slapped and nodded who undertake varying tasks from duty Full programme listings on the their way through a diverse selection of studio manager, sales, admin, training, Messenger website. lively jazz numbers. Alongside polished renditions of John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock, and a fitting tribute to the late Sing into summer Michael Jackson's musical genius, there was a definite Latin twist to Jazzmotic's set – between the likes of Dizzy Gillespie women’s group and Duke Ellington, there was even scope for a bit of bossa nova. Story & photo: Saleema Iman Three-part harmonies wafted from As the evening drew to a close, a member the Welcome Centre as I of the audience spoke for everyone when approached Christ Church to visit he expressed his frustration that too few the Tuesday afternoon singing people had come along, when the music group run by SAGE Greenfingers. was so good. Stephen “Mongoose” Naylor Josephine, Lorna, Hazel, Barbara, (tenor and soprano saxophone) simply what you can do individually and with Carol, Cynthia, Diana and tutors replied: “Until you've heard us, we can't others that is important. It’s amazing to Helen and Kate made me convince you that we play 'real' music!”. welcome and invited me to join see relationships developing and the increase in confidence that some them in singing ‘Rosa Parks’ which With cries for more from the audience, participants now show. All the feedback is they were rehearsing. the band, clearly at ease and enjoying positive.” themselves, slid into one final number – a First run at the Burngreave Vestry Hall beautiful rendition of Miles Davis' “All During tea break Lorna talked about and from October last year, calling itself ‘Sing Blue”, which topped off a delightful played her personal favourite tracks from through the winter’, this friendly group evening, perfectly. home. Each week someone different invite all women to their sessions. brings in their own music to share. Jazzmotic are Stephen “Mongoose” On average 12 women turn up each week Naylor (tenor and soprano saxophone), Suitably refreshed, we then launched into to share the sessions previously funded by Kent Roach (tenor and baritone ‘All Will Be Well’, another four-part New Deal, now by the City Council. The saxophone), Errol Francis (piano), Smyli harmony song new to the group. The sessions finish in July, but Greenfingers (drums), and Stephen Mosel (double session ended with arrangements being very much hope to continue them if bass). made to visit a concert together and as I funding is available. left, Carol called,“Come again.” If you missed out this time, you can catch “Previous singing experience is not a Jazzmotic the Red House pub, Solly For more information, contact: requirement, just being able to enjoy Street on 23rd August. Jazzmotic will be making music in the company of others”, Kate: [email protected] back at SADACCA in the autumn, check said Helen. “It’s the process of learning Helen: 0114 266 1943 the Messenger website for details. ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 9 Year 3 pupil’s visit the site of the new school expansion.

Living Book- Ken Robinson Interview by Farah, Antonia and Adam as St Catherine’s part of Heritage Week’s living library. How has the school changed? old and new I first came to St Catherine's on Andover Story: Year 3 class - Hamzah,Isbah, Street in April 1929. There has been a Alex, Hannah, Morgan, Danyaal, Zoe, dramatic change. There is no comparison Ben, Zo,Joshua,Armani and Daanish between the new school and the one on Andover Street. It was a very old building. On Monday 29th June 2009 The windows started approximately two St Catherine’s School held a metres from the ground. There were 30 Heritage Week to celebrate children per class, two children per desk. our school getting bigger. There were no school dinners, you ls dress for each decade that St Foundation pupi brought your own sandwiches. We were The old school used to be on Catherine’s has seen. made cups of coco though. Andover Street and it was shut down in 1974. The old school was The school moved so that the children knocked down and the new one was built Chatting to Mrs Bower could have modern amenities. I was a on Firshill Crescent. Mrs Bower was the head teacher before school governor for 17 years. Initially the Mrs Rigby. She came and told everyone school was designed to be open plan, that Going to the past about the old school building on Andover was the vogue at the time. Street. There was a massive hole in the Year 2 are doing a time-line with pictures roof and they were not allowed on the Do you remember any funny stories about how long the old school was open floor because they got splinters. Mrs from when you were at school? for and when it was shut and when the Bower said that the playground was so new school opened. “We found putting a I remember dashing out of school at the small they didn’t have enough places to time-line together helped us understand end of the day, running against the guard play. They knocked it down because it the direction the school has taken,” rail, banging my hand down, and was not safe. explained Miss Walker (Y2 teacher) breaking my wrist. It was my left hand and had to be set. The teacher thought I Books come alive! New site might try to get out of writing (because Year 3 visited the new site and the builder I'm left handed) and said I must learn to Year 6 and Year 5 are going to the library called Clive explained the things that write with my right hand.The teacher's to meet real-life books. The Living Books were in the building. We saw a multi-faith were very good. They were firm, rather were Mr Robinson (ex-Governor), Mrs room that means any religion can come than strict. Sister Vieni imparted a lot of Watson (ex – pupil), Father Stoker and and pray. We had to wear helmets information and knowledge to me. We Mrs Easton (teaching assistant). What because bricks can fall on you and had an excellent grounding in English.. you do is you ask questions and the glowing vests for the people to see us. visitors answer. “We are so lucky to have How has the area changed? so many people who are willing to be books,” said Miss Latter, Year 5 teacher. Andover Street The current school used to be allotments. “I liked it when Mr Robinson told us In fact, Firshill wasn't buildings, it was all We visited the old school site at Andover allotments. Pitsmoor was lived in by very about how the toilets used to freeze in the Street. We saw where the school and winter,” said Jack Green high class people. Burngreave Road used playground used to be. We saw where the to have seven or eight doctors living on it playground was on a steep hill. We saw from Spital Hill to the Tollbar. There were Picture present where they used to get their food from. a lot of dentists. And people from the The 5 to 6 year old children were creating steel works, all skilled jobs. Mrs Rigby said, “This week is going really a scrap book about the new site. They well. This is a great day.” looked at different photos and picked out St Catherine’s are collecting the which ones go in the scrapbook. “They information from their Hertiage Week Everybody has had fun in what they are have worked ever so hard. They have for an exhibition to celebrate the opening doing. The Y3 class have fun because done it by using the computers and of the school extension in September. their newspaper articles are going in the looking at other pictures” said Miss You can find more photos and work by Burngreave Messenger. Barker. “It was very good” said Joshua. the children on the Messenger website.

10 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Firshill and Pitsmoor Local History Group Story: Marion Graham We are a small group of people who live on Firshill estate in Sheffield.

When Adult Education offered to provide a tutor for any courses which might be of interest to people living in the area, the estate opted for IT lessons and the formation of a group of people interested in local history. publishing - “Down Memory Lane” - consisted of a mixed For about a year we had help from the tutor, John Hopkins, who selection of reminiscences about living in Firshill and Pitsmoor pointed us in the right direction for researching the history of from the 1920s onwards. Firshill and Pitsmoor. We included 'Pitsmoor' in the title of our group because many of our members (we started off with about Recording the past 22) had been born and spent most of their lives in the Pitsmoor area - now generally referred to as Burngreave - and so most of Flushed with success at actually producing that journal, it seemed their early memories were about Pitsmoor. natural to make the next step a record of our time at school, so that today's children would realise what they had missed! Our “Schooldays” booklet followed and was very well-received. A close community Firshill estate was built in the 1970s and lots of people were We still couldn’t stop chatting at our weekly gathering and the moved from the Ellesmere, Petre Street and Carwood areas, to result was a third journal “Do you remember…” - another mixed the new flats and houses at Firshill. So, at that time many of the collection of memories widely circulated amongst our members people who came to Firshill already knew each other, having lived and their families - our contribution to posterity! Some of our in quite a close community. They had attended the same schools, articles have been reproduced in the Sheffield Weston Park married in the same churches and raised their families around Museum. And, not to be left out of modern technology, we also the same time. Lots of the men worked in the same local have several stories in the BBC People’s War website. steelworks and factories and had spent their leisure time together in the local pubs. And, of course, they had gone through World We were also involved in a local project, supported by the War 2 together - the men in the armed forces and the women Museums and Libraries Department which resulted in the ‘keeping the home-fires burning’. publication of a comprehensive book of memories of people and places in the Burngreave (Pitsmoor) area of Sheffield – So, when our History Group began, we just reminisced about old ‘Burngreave Voices’. times and when we were young. We spent lots of time chatting and recollecting days gone by - we are champions at talking! We So, maybe others of our and following generations might like to were encouraged by the tutor to bring in old photographs and read some of our reminiscences. Our stories are primarily about other items to stir memories. We ended up with a huge collection the lives of the people in Firshill and Pitsmoor, rather than the of really old pictures and stories. Then we thought it would be physical history of the area and we hope they might prove good to get some of our recollections down on paper - so that they interesting and/or amusing and stir a few memories. Maybe we would not be lost completely. Hence our first venture into will include some articles in future issues of The Messenger.

assured that comments will be taken back in for an Older Person’s Play Area Firshill TARA AGM and discussed at future board meetings. (outdoor fitness equipment), a spruce-up Wendy said that from the end of this for the children’s play area, and a Street Story: Sarah Cooper summer Firshill will have its own Party to finish off the year. The AGM of Firshill Tenants and dedicated Sheffield Homes officer, with Residents Association (TARA) on regular surgeries. Pauline West was elected Chair and 16th June at St Catherine’s School Maureen Scott vice-chair, with Sue Harris was very well attended, with local P.C. Gareth Webb reported recent arrests secretary and Jo Wallis Treasurer. Other residents able to question the Fire of drug dealers causing problems on the elected committee members were Barry Service, Police, Sheffield Homes, estate and Sue Butler from South Scott, Anne Murphy, Kevin Murphy, and local councillors. Yorkshire Fire Service offered free home Vince Conroy and Jamie Reedman with fire-safety checks and the fitting of free Milton and Marian Graham Honorary smoke alarms with a 10 year battery-life, Committee members. Wendy Barlow of Sheffield Homes took contact the Fire Service on 253 2314. questions about the lettings policy in If you can help report on news and issues relation to properties with adaptations; 2009 will see work progressing on the on the Firshill Estate, contact the the wide age-range living in some blocks ‘Walking Wonderland’, and funding bids Messenger on 242 0564. and vacant properties. Residents were

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 11 Free advice and support to help you stop smoking!

The Sheffield Stop Smoking Service has trained stop smoking advisers ready to give you information on nicotine replacement products and other aids to stopping smoking and provide support to you after you have stopped smoking. You can get support to quit in the following places: Community Clinics Burngreave Health Shop, 131 Spital Hill S3 Firth Park Clinic, North Quadrant S5 GP Surgeries Burngreave Surgery, 5 Burngreave Rd S3 Melrose Surgery, 120a Burngreave Rd S3 Sheffield MC, 21 Spital Hill S3 Upwell St Surgery, 93 Upwell St S4 Pagehall MC, 101 Owler Lane S4 Norwood MC, 360 Herries Rd S5 Herries Rd Surgery, 450 Herries Rd S5 You must be a registered patient with the surgery to access support Pharmacies Wicker Pharmacy, 55–59 The Wicker Rowlands Phamrmacy, 149 Burngreave Rd S3 Lloyds Pharmacy, 17–19 Pagehall Rd S4 Peak Pharmacy, 427 Herries Rd S5 We have 152 pharmacies & GP’s providing the service across Sheffield. Its summer! Time for activities and outdoor pursuits. Get fit and healthy and give up smoking with help from the Sheffield Stop Smoking Service. www.sheffieldstopsmoking.org.uk Freephone: 0800 068 4490

12 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER 13

All activities are free and open to all unless otherwise state. 15 Welcoming Café Story: Derrick Okrah On July 16th last year a local support group: ‘Dementia? Welcome! Cafe’ was born. The group believes that living with Dementia can, and should, include joy in life and a sense of community. The group is made up of volunteers, some with dementia, and professionals with experience in coping with the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Society defines dementia as progressive symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific never dreamt of such a success. Students have been a great help diseases and conditions, but how quickly symptoms get worse in publicising the Cafe, their hard work has certainly helped it to depends on the individual. develop. The group takes part in activities, outings and learning and recently exhibited a painting at the Dementia Creative Arts Nick Edmondson, volunteer and group contact, said: “We make Exhibition at the Northern General Hospital”. each other welcome with drinks and biscuits, tell and listen to each other’s long stories, share information, play dominoes and Local resident, Farhan, said: “If you ever need a cup of tea and sometimes follow the rules and, oh, don’t worry if the subject someone to talk to on a Wednesday morning, this is just the place suddenly changes before there’s a conclusion.” to be.”

The Café based at The Furnival Community Centre includes local There is no formal process involved in joining the group, anybody community members and Grosvenor care home residents. can drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Café is open from Family carers, workers and people living with dementia all 11.00am to 2.00pm every Wednesday at the Furnival Centre in contribute to the life of the group. “A year ago we would have Verdon Street. Visit from the new Bishop Carwood Hanging Story & photo: John Mellor The new Anglican Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, Basket Days visited Burngreave in June. Speaking at Christ Church, Story: Michelle Cook Pitsmoor, Bishop Steven said, ‘The Christian church is Photo: Marc Charlton the community called into being by Jesus. And we are called to be like him, not full of ourselves and our Carwood TARA own achievements but full of our need of God – it’s a held another of big call and a holy one’. their Hanging Basket Days On 6th June. Despite the poor weather, people turned out to have their empty baskets refilled with an abundance of colourful plants, all for only £5.00.

Following repairs, the community centre will reopen for use from Thursday 23rd July, when the TARA host the first of many regular coffee mornings, 11am till 1pm.

The meeting, held just before the European elections, was also Unfortunately the TARA' s plans to hold luncheon clubs and other given a message of ‘Hope not hate’ from Burngreave’s 84-year-old food events have been dashed due to the lack of an extra wash Normandy veteran, Ken Riley. Urging everyone to stop the BNP, hand basin being installed when the kitchen was refurbished. Ken said: “Some of the lads who went on D-Day and who never Consequently the brand new cooker must be removed in order to came back were barely old enough to vote. If they had made it meet health and safety requirements. through the fight against fascism they would be voting now to stop the BNP”. A series of summer trips have been organised by the TARA. - A free walk from Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam on 28th July. Meet at This message reflected another ‘Hope not hate’ meeting in the Endclffe Park cafe at 11am. Sorry no unaccompanied children city centre in June co-ordinated by Abdul Gafoor of the Islamic under 16. Society of Britain. Bishop Steven has emphasised the importance of our different groups working together for the welfare of the -Thoresby Market, 9th August. - The Butterfly Farm at Anston, city, in learning from each other and sharing concerns which we 13th August. Tickets for both of these will be on sale from the have in common. He saw himself, in his new role, very much as a TARA office 22 Carwood Green, Tuesdays 4.30pm till 5.30pm. learner and as a pilgrim treading new paths. Further details and ticket prices from 0114 243 3192

16 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER hand and pinned the Dorrett goes to medal to my dress. He then proceeded to ask me about the Buckingham things I had done to receive my award and where I was from ... Palace and he was very Story: Nikky Wilson enthusiastic about Jamaica! It was such Burngreave resident, Dorrett a lovely, reassuring Buckley-Greaves, recently had conversation – I felt one of those once-in-a-lifetime very special.” experiences; she went to Buckingham Palace to receive an “When I think of the MBE for 50 years of service for things I have done worked for Social Services, making home black and ethnic minority with my life, I’m just so thankful that I communities in Sheffield. Having visits to elderly people and helping as a have been able to make people proud of lay inspector of care homes. And through been included in the New Year’s me and that the work I have done has honours list, she finally got her the church I’ve offered support and been recognised by others. I did it from comfort to many lonely people who faced chance to go to the palace and my heart, never expecting rewards, but receive her award on the 11th difficulties. Much of my work has been it’s still nice to know that they as a volunteer but it’s given me a great June. I went to meet her to find appreciated my efforts and nominated me out more about this event... deal of pleasure to know that I’ve used for this award. My motto has always my abilities to help others. So this award been, ‘Let my life be a light to the world,’ finally brings me much happiness.” “Oh it was simply exhilarating!” she told and over the years I’ve tried to follow me. “I had never ever dreamed that I this constantly.” would gain such an award! In fact when The last question for the interview had to the letter first arrived from the palace, I be, “What did you wear on such an didn’t quite believe it and I didn’t even Suitcase and sewing occasion?” tell anyone. It wasn’t until a palace machine official rang me to ask if I was accepting it “Well”, Dorrett told me, “I had vowed not Arriving in Sheffield in 1956 with just a to spend too much money on an outfit that it began to seem real. And now I suitcase and a sewing machine, Dorrett know it absolutely was! but when I went looking, this dress just quickly settled into life in Sheffield and jumped out at me! It was a beautiful blue, became involved in many different long and flowing, just right for such a Regal and elegant activities. stately occasion ... and not too expensive. “The ceremony was so regal and everyone And it matched my ‘queenie’ hat, a great “Over the years I’ve been a founder was so elegant. I was brought into a huge big saucer of a hat covered in blue member of lots of different groups, banqueting hall on the day itself (even feathers that I had worn to my daughter’s helping to set up what is now known as helped to climb the stairs by a very wedding.” SADACCA (Sheffield and District gallant guard in full uniform). After African Caribbean Community refreshments and a briefing on what to Looking at Dorrett’s photos of the day, it Association), the 50 Plus Group and the do, we all waited our turn to receive our was indeed an eye catching combination, Elders Congress. I’ve been a teacher, a award. With a guard at my arm to guide worn with elegance and grace just right specialist foster mother for young black me, I stepped forward to meet Prince for a day at the palace, talking to Prince teenagers, a ward housekeeper at the Charles, he congratulated me, shook my Charles! Northern General Hospital and I’ve also

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 17 10 years of the Burngreave Messenger 1999 2002 2006

In July 1999 the Supporting Business as usual first issue of the Burngreave residents to get The Messenger has supported local Messenger was their voices heard businesses to promote their services put together by throughout our 10 years. In February When Woodside’s demolition 2006 Spital Hill shops were battling volunteers, who was confirmed in March were “determined with road closures because of the Ring 2002, residents were already Road – our guide to Spital Hill said that it would be suffering from the serious the property of loud and clear that it was business as neglect of the estate. We usual on the Hill. local people and would later reflect their feature a views.” successful 2007 campaign to keep The voice of the some of the “wavy-roofed” News and views community houses and report on new As a monthly or bi- problems for the remaining monthly newspaper, we On the front page of the first issue was residents, who were forced “Marching for Justice” in support of don’t get to respond to live with rubble, dust instantly to unfolding Anthony Green, who had been knocked and rats for months. off this bike by a police car driven by events, but our website plain-clothes officers and then run over has opened up a new again. Supporting local people’s 2003 world. When the Wicker campaigns has been a key part of the flooded in June 2007, Messenger ever since. Anthony’s case Stop the cutting Burngreave off led to greater openness in the police violence from the rest of the city, we complaints process reported the flooding with Violent crime has photos and updates on the featured in the Messenger too often in situation as it developed. 2000 its 10 year history. In 2003, the death Later we gathered views and of Lester Divers and Gerald Smith experiences from residents and Reporting on New Deal sparked calls for action to prevent businesses for the printed edition. In March 2000 we first heard the news another generation facing violent that Burngreave was in line for over deaths. The tragic deaths of young 2008 £50 million from the New Deal for people in the years that followed have shown that action is needed more than Communities programme. “We are only Listening to young just starting out organising the ever. ‘Partnership’ but we have been given 9 people months to sort this out and start the 2004 Young people have always been a key serious debate: what do we want to do part of the Messenger. In recent years with this opportunity?” It didn’t take A lot to be proud of they have taken on the reporting for long for people to realise that, along the Messenger themselves - making with all the things it could achieve, the Young, old and in-between, many have sure the voices of young people are money could cause a lot of trouble and shared their achievements in the heard, and also showing their skills as disappointment. community with the Messenger. From writers and photographers. In June success in sport such as completing the 2008, the local Youth Council made the 2001 Mile Run or competing in the local front page reporting on their campaign football team. To writing the best poem to get their voices heard. or gaining a degree. To It’s all receiveing a New Year honour 2009 happening from the Area Panel for work in the community. There’s always tons Into the future going on in Burngreave; that’s 2005 remembering the past one of the reasons Burngreave has a rich past. Even in the the Messenger was Community action recent past, there is a lot to be needed – to let Demolition has been a recurring discovered and remembered. With the people know what is theme in the last 10 years. In help of residents’ memories, we have happening and to 2005 the Masterplan threatened documented the changes the area has celebrate all the to clear a lot of Page Hall of seen and the important moments in great activities local housing as well as businesses on people’s lives. In June 2009, Ken Riley, residents are Kilton Hill and Spital Hill. We a World War 2 veteran, showed us that involved in. were proud to support residents the past should never be forgotten as he Abbeyfield Festival is just one example, who fought and won the battle to save campaigned to stop fascists for a second here from the July 2001 issue. their homes and businesses. time in the Euro-elections.

18 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Eric, the Park Superintendant, and Memories of Audrey Stokes lived at Abbeyfield Park House for many years. He was friends with both the older folk, who daily Abbeyfield Park played bowls and dominos and the younger ones too. He worked hard to Last issue we marked a hundred keep the park looking good. years of Abbeyfield Park as a public park. This issue residents The house had been a school many years share their memories of the park ago and his wife and daughter told me over the last 70 years. that several people who worked there Courtesy of Local Studies Library had, when it was quiet, heard children In front of Abbeyfield House, looking laughing and playing. Storrs School at Bents Green. After across the park, there is now a five-a- school I got a bus or a tram into town Sadly Eric is not with us now, but I’m and then the tram for Firth Park and got side football pitch which used to be the sure he is remembered by many second bowling green, the first one is still off at Abbeyfield Park gates and Joyce, Firshill History Group next to Barnsley Road. Going back collected my brother in his push chair. I further there was a lake where children then walked home up Orphanage Road sailed toy boats, amongst resident through Roe Woods (no Firshill estate swans. back then just allotments and woodland) to Fairbank Road where I lived. I don’t At the side of the house are some small think it was ever considered that it might buildings, originally the stable block. In not be safe for either of us. Sometimes we the 1940s the park keeper lived there and were even a little bit late getting home had a workroom where he could watch because we had stopped to look at the the park. He was very particular about swans and ducks on the pond in the park keeping the park nice and might – but that was okay too. administer a slap on the legs to children going on ‘his’ grass. Later when our children were young, we Elizabeth Shaw, talking to Abbeyfield lived in Roe Lane and visited the Bowlers playground in the Park quite regularly. I remember Abbeyfield Park from when I The nursery and the duck pond had gone but it was still a beautiful very well I first played bowls at Abbeyfield Park was young. During the war there was a maintained park, but woe betide us if we about 20 years ago when there were still Nursery in the park near the duck pond walked on the grass…. two bowling greens in use. Anyone which was just above where the wishing to have a casual game of bowls playground is now. My mother worked Marion Graham, Firshill History Group had to get permission from the Park as a ‘buffer-girl’. Lots of women had to Keeper. His office was near the top do factory work at that time because the When my daughter was born in 1952 we bowling green. From there he collected men had all gone to fight. Provision had lived on Grimesthorpe Road and I went green fees and loaned out the equipment: to be made for childcare whilst the in Abbeyfield Park everyday, to sit two Crown Green Bowls, a smaller Jack women worked, so nurseries sprang up around the bowling green. and a mat to stand on when bowling. all over the place. In winter the pond iced over and people However, for the Park Keeper the most My brother, born in 1944, got a place in would come and skate on it! We had important consideration was that the the nursery in Abbeyfield Park from some hard winters back then. player had the right kind of smooth soled being one year old I think – it was a shoes with no heel, to protect the grass. really nice place and he always liked it I remember Eric very well, he kept the He was very keen on checking your shoes there and didn’t want to leave and go to park immaculate, it was lovely. There met his standards. If they didn’t he school when it came time. I had to collect were little notices saying keep off the would not allow you on the green. him in the afternoon after school, I was grass. Gordan Shaw about 12 at the time and attended High Flo, Firshill History Group

high profile Abbeyfield House buildings which need urgent maintenance, needs a new roof including the Central Library. Water has been pouring into the Abbeyfield House during the Abbeyfield House, recent heavy rain, due to a which has been the leaking roof which the Council Messenger’s base has failed to fix. for 10 years, is more than 150 Council officers say the roof can no longer years old, but is be repaired and must be replaced. The now in danger of issue has been referred to Corporate becoming unfit for Property for them to consider it for use. The Council capital spend. However the money in the recognise that an empty building will Write to or email the Messenger if you capital pot is tiny in comparison to cost of quickly decline into ruin, but action to repairs needed to buildings across the think Abbeyfield House should be prevent further damage by the water saved, [email protected] city. Abbeyfield House will be up against looks unlikely. ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 19 Women’s Construction Centre AGM Story: Saleema Iman June 23rd saw the fourth Annual General Meeting of South Yorkshire Women’s Development Trust. The Trust’s Women In Non-Traditional Trades and Technologies project (WINTT) is based in The Women’s Construction Centre at 21 Buckenham Street.

Ellesmere Multicultural Event Story: Michelle Cook Photos: Marc Charlton Staff wore fancy dress as the festivities began at Ellesmere Young Children’s Centre’s annual Multicultural Event on Friday June 26th. The AGM marked the retirement of former manager of WINTT Ros Wollen, Jo Goodison (Tradeswomen South Yorkshire) and Chair of SYWDT Jane Thomas. It also celebrated the successful completion of the Foundation Course in Building Craft Occupations by six young women, with the presentation of certificates and Women’s Construction Centre ‘hoodies’ to each of them.

Useful new skills I met up with Melanie, Jodie, Ruth, Danielle, Shanice and Lynsey at the Construction Centre. For them the course is just the beginning. Single mum Lynsey has already launched into gutting, re-plastering and tiling her own bathroom. While Jodie, having also completed a carpentry course, is beginning an apprenticeship. With the help of tutor and course organiser Julie Blacker, they are all involved in creating the hard landscaping for Paradise Steel Band from Leeds provided the Calypso sound in a community garden adjacent to the Centre. None of them want the afternoon sunshine in the beautiful garden, full of sculptures, their time at WINTT to end. “We really enjoy these two days a a wooden summer house and mosaics. Beneath a gazebo, tables week,” they said, “We’ve made new friends and learnt loads of were decorated with flowers, ribbons and crystals, almost like a useful new skills.” wedding, the perfect setting for SADACCA Ladies’ Group to provide a delicious meal of Caribbean mutton, dumplings and Shabana Murtaza, outreach worker for WINTT, is working with fried chicken with Asian samosas. Sheffield City Council Regeneration Team, running workshops at the Wensley Community Centre offering introductory courses in Inside, an African drumming workshop got underway. Godson tiling, plastering, painting and decorating courses, as well as and Moses, from UK Mama restaurant, guided a group of tiny other exciting projects within the community. tots through their paces; others scampered on the bouncy castle and ball pool or had their faces painted. Time for the adults to Though based in Burngreave, a much expanded WINTT now also relax: nail art, henna and makeovers were on offer plus massage offers courses throughout the former coalfield areas in South and therapy. After sampling the homemade cakes on sale, it was Yorkshire. These often include hands-on work placements within time to join in the dancing workshops. A dozen folk were soon local community groups completing painting, decorating , jiggling away with attitude to "Bollywood dancing". We were plastering, tiling etc. The permanent staff has now increased to entertained by a performance of Capoeira from Cordao De Ouro. five with several other freelance workers. The Centre also runs Capoeira is a Brazilian dance/martial art combining the control of evening, weekend and daytime classes at affordable rates. To find Eastern fighting styles and the fluidity of dance. out more about what’s on offer at the Women’s Construction Centre contact 0114 273 7046.

20 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Burngreave Community Action Forum

Transition Burngreave

On a sunny Saturday in Abbeyfield Park, local people got together to find out how climate change will affect our area and how we can make sure we come out of the changes ahead, as a stronger, Decision time healthier, sustainable community. This meeting came from the workshop at the BCAF’s latest Quarterly Forum meeting BCAF Quarterly meeting, where people on Saturday 20th June unanimously area. All providers of training and said what they wanted to focus on. passed the proposals to become a courses in the area are encouraged to limited company and amend the objects send details to [email protected] by Young and old shared their personal of the constitution to make charitable Friday July 24th. experiences by drawing and writing status a viable future option. about their past and how this shaped The Working Group meets monthly to their understanding of sustainability. Some concerns were raised that this discuss Adult Learning in the area – get Many remembered families growing food could restrict the ability of BCAF to be a in contact if you are interested in and keeping it through the winter and campaigning organisation and that attending a meeting. neighbours rallying round. One person similar problems could be encountered reflected how nothing was wasted during to those of Burngreave Community BCAF has another long-standing working her childhood in India, even the clay Action Trust. Members of the group that has focussed on issues around from old cups. After a refreshing lunch Coordinating Committee and Working Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Members from Caribbean Cuisine, the workshop Group explained that company status is recently decided that the group would moved into two discussion groups. They essential for BCAF to maintain its benefit from a wider remit, with three identified the positive and negative independent status. Ensuring such proposed themes: effects seen in everyday life, in housing, mistakes are avoided is a crucial part of transport, shopping, health choices, the process. • Strengthening community cohesion in education and priorities in life. the area Following this, Alison Rayner from Participants enjoyed a relaxed Community Assembly North-East gave a • Celebrating the diversity of cultures informative afternoon which gave the presentation on the new arrangements. opportunity to meet and talk with new in Burngreave A copy of the presentation is available at people. Ideas for action included sharing www.bcaf.org.uk. Some people raised a community bus to go shopping and concerns that there would be no public • Ensuring Burngreave offers sanctuary designing bike generators for household meeting for residents to participate in, to those in need. use. as there had been at the area panel. The group intends to hold an event in The group agreed to meet again to Transition Burngreave also ran a the next couple of months to discuss prioritise ideas and make a practical workshop. these proposed aims and recruit new action plan. All interested residents are members to the group. Please get in welcome to come along and contribute. Despite reduced staff hours, BCAF have touch if you would like to be a part of it. continued important work in a number Next Meetings: 1st August, 12-3pm, of areas. Vestry Hall. Free lunch and creche. For more information contact: BCAF played a major role in bringing 7th, 8th, 9th August, Introduction to together the residents and groups who BCAF, permaculture garden design tel organised this years successful 82 Spital Hill, Saleema 2755770 Abbeyfield Festival. Supporting the Sheffield S4 7LG 10th August 6.30pm BCAF office. community of Burngreave to work Telephone: For more info visit: together like this is exactly the type of 0114 272 8008 work we think BCAF should be doing. www.transitionsheffield.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Transition Burngreave, Alison BCAF’s Adult Learning Working Group is Check BCAF's website for the Norris 07761 5360651 putting together another edition of their latest information: Article by Nuria Quintilla, Alison Norris popular directory of all the Adult www.bcaf.org.uk Learning opportunities available in the and John Wood. Photo by Richard Hanson

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 21 Local artist, Casper Carr from Fir Vale, has been supported by his Neighbourhood Enterprise Coach and the BiG programme to develop a vibrant new business.

Casper turned his life around after one of his friends was shot dead five years ago. He EMERGING SHEFFIELD has used his artistic talents to ARTISTS T OURING launch his own enterprise and EXHIBITION VISITS now works as an urban art tutor and graffiti art historian. BURNGREAVE For the last year he has been working with BiG: Make it he Creative Outpost, based in Your Business to learn Burngreave Chapel, hosted an practical business skills. exhibition on 4th June, which featured a collection of pieces from He said:“I started out on the emerging Sheffield artists whose talents range T underground scene but, for across a wide variety of styles. It was a me, losing a friend to gun chance to showcase artists and an Artist Gary Hindley discusses his work with crime was a wake up call. I opportunity to link up in local creative space visitors to the Creative Outpost. decided to turn things around beyond the city centre. - something needed to be done with my life. The Exhibition culminated in a fantastic BiG has helped me with book-keeping and FREE TRAINING networking event in the Winter Gardens with tax. My family and friends are proud to see over 200 people attending, including a I'm doing well for myself. My ambition would 'HOW THE PUBLIC representatives from the creative sector of be to paint worldwide, involve a sponsor, and SECTOR SOURCES' Sheffield and South Yorkshire. work in the USA.That would be the next step.Taking my graffiti to an international Everything you wanted to know but Fir Vale graffiti artist, Casper Carr, featured in platform is a lifelong ambition for me.” were afraid to ask. the exhibitions and has been supported by the BiG prgramme to set up his social To find out more about Casper Carr’s 25th September 2009 Sorby enterprise 'Breakout Kids', which aims to business, or how BiG can help you contact House support other young people. them on the number below. For more information and to book your place contact via: Your Enterprise Coach can help you: www.thebigwebsite.org.uk/ FACING REDUNDANCY? procurementsupport • Develop your confidence Have you thought about being your • Discuss your ideas and explore what It will cover: own boss? they will involve.Will they work? • How, where and why contracts are Our team of Neighbourhood Enterprise • Look at what business support is right advertised Coaches are here to help you turn your for your individual needs and access this • What’s the process for you dream of running your own business into a • Approved Suppliers and registered • reality! Connect you to the right expertise to suppliers help you set up in business • How to respond and get involved We provide encouragement and support to • Help you build networks with other help you take the first steps through our one businesses • Registration systems to one service • PQQs and Tender evaluation • Evaluation and contract SORBY HOUSE: Office space for new business start ups, management THE BUSINESS BUILDING existing businesses and voluntary and FOR BURNGREAVE community groups. IT is available as well as a friendly fully serviced reception area. Sorby House is a carbon neutral building at 42 Spital Hill. Call (0114) 213 6310 for more information.

If you are interested in setting up a business or would like further information about what BiG – Make it Your Business can do for you, contact the team on 0114 213 6310, or visit us for a chat at Sorby House, 42 Spital Hill, Sheffield, S4 7LG. www.thebigwebsite.org.uk A New Deal for Burngreave wwwwww.bndfc.co.uk.bndfc.co.uk

Business plan Achievements in the last We are still We have a business plan that has to be eight years approved by both the local authority, We’re also in the process of here... Government Office for Yorkshire and commissioning the required New Deal Humber and our funders the Department programme evaluation. To finish on a ...an update from the BNDfC of Communities and Local Government. positive note I’d like to share some of the We will be presenting that plan at our Executive Manager, Ann Allen things BNDfC has achieved over the past Board meeting in July. eight years.

A week or so Several people have said to me that New • 50% of Burngreave young people ago I bumped Deal only seems to care about buildings achieving 5 A-C GCSEs for the first into someone I now, but that’s really not the case – as time ever in the last academic year used to work I’ve explained above, we’re concentrating with years on them now for a longer term benefit for • 120% increase in the number of ago. She’s the people of Burngreave. Burngreave young people going to now teaching university compared to a city increase at the Vestry Employment support of just 29% Hall and she And we’re still delivering our employment asked me • Vestry Hall – back in use as a support initiatives through the remaining what I was community learning centre doing now that members of our Burngreave Opportunities team. David, Tammy and Burngreave New Deal had ended. That • An award for our training and support Zaheer are still seeing an ever growing question made me think… to get people into jobs at Meadowhall caseload of people for advice on getting into work. They’ve seen 216 people this Burngreave New Deal had to take some • Health Awareness shop – local drop year and if you want to benefit from their really difficult decisions early in 2009 in advice available on health issues around stopping funding for projects. The guidance please telephone them at Sorby House on 213 2300. We hope to access disappointment is still being felt and • New Deal Police team – continuing to more European funding to expand the voiced by both the New Deal Board and deliver impressive improvements services we can provide in this field and local residents. It was a really tough time such as the 46% reduction in house we’re already having discussions about for everyone involved. burglaries providing Flexible New Deal employment services. Since March 2009 a number of our • 53% of Burngreave residents said partners have stepped up to the plate they’re satisfied with their physical and provided continuation funding for Jobs at Tesco environment in the city household some of those projects. Our sincere survey – higher than the city average thanks go to the City Council, the Primary We’re also still working with Tesco on bringing 200 jobs for local people in their Care Trust and South Yorkshire Police for • House prices up by 20% - not always making sure that the activities which have new store due to open in late 2010. BNDfC will be co-ordinating the pre- a popular fact but certainly an brought such benefit to local people are indication that Burngreave is carrying on in some form. Thanks also to recruitment training to help residents get those jobs. becoming a more desirable The Messenger and BCAF for their neighbourhood to live in campaigning on this matter. BNDfC might not have the resources it used to have but we are still working on I’m not trying to say that everything has So, what about BNDfC itself? Well, we been perfect about BNDfC, we do have had an intense couple of months behalf of Burngreave and through our work with the community assembly we’re recognise our faults, what I am saying is refining our succession plans which still that we are still here and we are still have at their heart the aim of generating determined to make sure the needs of Burngreave continue to be voiced in the trying to improve the quality of life for an income from New Deal assets to people in Burngreave. invest back into the local community. This right places. principle was publicly endorsed back in 2007 and it hasn’t changed.

That income is going to take some time to achieve but to give ourselves the best chance of delivering that aim, we have pared back the New Deal team to an absolute minimum and we’re all focussed on making sure we manage our buildings to make the maximum profit to give back to the community. We have the acknowledged luxury of using the remaining half a million NDC grant to support us over the next two years in getting to that profitable position.

This page is produced by New Deal • For more information on BNDfC please contact 213 2300 Community Assemblies

• Provision for consultation costs First Community Assembly (£10,000) • To continue the provision of Sheffield Homes’ wardens in parks meeting attracts great attention and neighbourhood centres in Southey Owlerton. (£7,500) • Continuing the extension of Approximately 100 people from all Saturday opening at Burngreave across the North East Community library (£1,400) Assembly area attended the first community assembly meeting to Other items agreed at the meeting were witness local ward councillors the process for the development of the make decisions about the assembly’s Community Plan, the principles for the Community allocation of over £200,000 of Involvement Strategy and the summer funding within the area. programme for Activity Sheffield.

It was the first opportunity for members, The full reports can be accessed at officers and the public to experience the http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city- new format meetings, which will be held council/council-meetings/community- quarterly in different venues across the Other funding agreed was: assemblies/north-east/agendas-2009. area. • Continuation of the provision of To contact the North East Community These meetings are where elected Childcare Training Pathway Assembly, please contact the team on members of the community assembly Coordinator in Brightside Shiregreen 0114 203 7646. make decisions in a public setting and (£21,525) have been compared to the more formal cabinet meetings which the city council • Firth Park Summer Festival (£2,000) holds. • Shiregreen Festival (£500) • Wincobank Festival (£500) While there is time for public questions at the beginning of the meeting and at • Fir Vale Festival (£2,000) set points in the agenda the format was • Abbeyfield Festival (£5,000) very different to area panel meetings and some residents felt that they had not had • Shirecliffe Festival (£500) enough opportunity to ask questions or • Longley Festival (£500) make comments. However, the real opportunity for residents to have their • Southey Festival (£500) Councillor Surgery Dates say is at ‘Your Say’ events across the • Foxhill festival (£500) area. This summer the Community Your local councillors, Jackie Assembly team have already visited • Parson Cross festival (£400) Drayton, Ibrar Hussain and Steve Jones (left to right above) share Firth Park festival, where they received • Floral features across the assembly surgeries on a rota basis. feedback from over 140 residents, area (£28,416) Parson Cross, Abbeyfield and Fir Vale festivals. • Activity Sheffield (£63,000) 21 July: Ibrar Hussain 5pm–6pm Carwood Tara. Jackie Drayton, • Burngreave Messenger (£5,000) It was reported at the meeting that Area 11am–12pm Shirecliffe Centre and Based Grant allocated to the community • Burngreave Street Champions 12.15–1pm Norwood/Bishopsholme assembly had been split between the (£2,000) different areas to ensure a fair allocation 25 July: Jackie Drayton, • Community Chest (£3,000) – to be 11am–12noon Burngreave Library across the whole of the North East provided across the area. Community Assembly area. 12 September: Steve Jones, • Community North Forum (£20,000) 11am–12noon Burngreave Library, At the meeting, residents were informed • Burngreave Community Action 2.15pm–1pm Firshill Tara that a decision had already been made to Forum (£6,000) purchase the Burngreave New Deal 15 September: Steve Jones, Consultation Vehicle for £20,000. Some • Pakistani Advice Centre (£6,000) 11am–12pm Shirecliffe Centre, 12.15–1pm Norwood/Bishopsholme residents at the meeting were not happy • Free swimming for the under 16s and 5pm–6pm Carwood Tara. with this decision however, it was voucher scheme £4,000 explained that it is being used as a key • Purchase of Burngreave Mobile 17 September: Steve Jones, 2pm–3pm element of the assembly’s Community Pakistan Advice Centre Involvement Strategy and the decision to Information Unit £20,000 purchase the vehicle had been taken • Provision for annual running costs 26 September: Ibrar Hussain, following a full engineer’s inspection and for Burngreave Mobile Consultation 11am–12noon Burngreave Library a cost-benefit analysis. Vehicle (£5,000)

24 24 This page is produced by the Community Assembly TeamBURNGREA • Contact:VE 0114MESSENGER 203 7646. Earl Marshall Juniors Story: Mick Ashman | Photos:Anna Mercedes

Pitsmoor’s Olympic Bid Story: Gaby Spinks | Photos:Annie Mason The Parents and families of The Special Olympics GB National Summer Games local football club, Earl taking place from 25th – 31st July, will host the 21 Marshall Juniors, filled the sports on the Special Olympic programme. Training Steel City Community Club in hard for the Equestrian event at the High Hopes Riding Shiregreen, to celebrate the for the Disabled centre, based at Rockley Abbey season’s success at their Farm near Barnsley, is Pitsmoor boy Ryan Martinwood, annual Presentation Night. aged 14 with his horse Trigger. This season the Under 13s team High Hopes, run by Marjorie Shepperd’s team of volunteers, secured promotion to Division B, coordinates the Dearne Valley Olympic Team and has 10 horses clinching third place with an which they use. Ryan, one of 6 riders from Yorkshire & impressive 6-3 win over local rivals Humberside competing this year, takes part in the Dressage and Ecclesfield Red Rose. Abdi Ali Countryside knowledge tests where he and his horse will have to celebrated a fantastic year with the ride certain set routines and tasks. club, winning three awards – Parents’, Players’ and Coaches’ Player of the Season, whilst Kenan McKenzie received the Ryan’s mother Kate said that Ryan, who has optic nerve Coaches’ Most Improved Player award. hyperplasia, has been riding at High Hopes since he was 5 years old. “Riding is really good for building physical skills, balance, The Under 8s enjoyed a second outstanding season. Bradley coordination and confidence, especially for people with a Davison was nominated Player of the Year by his teammates, and disability.” the Parents’ award went to Tyler Shipston. In his first season Harrison Cassim picked up the coaches Player of the Season, Other parents agreed that after riding, their children were much whilst goalkeeper Jake Brown was voted the most Sporting more confident and outgoing. Player.

The Messenger wishes Ryan and the rest of the team all the best For the Under 7s team, playing their first season together, there for the Olympics. was just one award, to Jack Whyers - the Top Goalscorers’ award for scoring 19 goals for the club. The Opening Ceremony is at Walkers Stadium in Leicester on Saturday 25th July, 6.30pm (Gates open 5.30pm). Different The players of all three teams are now preparing for the new events are held in venues across the city. Details from campaign in September with regular training, tournaments and www.sol2009.com pre season friendlies.

High Hopes always needs volunteers. You don’t need to be able to Earl Marshall Juniors is proud to reflect the diversity of our local ride just be happy working with horses and young people with community – please contact Mick Ashman on 07843 731430 for disabilities and special needs. Contact Marjorie on 07900 534 512. more information

There were many activities including Arabic Language presentations by young students, drama acts, songs and speeches from the Head of the Arabic Language School Mosied al- School Hakam and Chair of the Yemeni Community Association, Saleh al-Noud. Story: Mosied al-Hakam – Headteacher, Approximately 500 people attended both Arabic Language School parents and students. The students The annual end of the year received certificates of achievement and celebrations of the Arabic gift vouchers for doing well in their end of Language School took place on year exams. All in all it was a great day the 25th June and the event was and we obtained very positive feedback hailed as the most successful from the many people who attended. ever.

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 25 Malcolm X travel A new development for Spital Hill; it’s first dedicated travel agency.

Ali Abdi, a local resident for many years and active in community affairs since 2001, finally managed to open the Malcolm X Travel shop on June 1st this year, after long negotiations with BNDfC.

Assisted by Abbiaziz bin Geleh, Ali Abdi can supply world wide air tickets and Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage package deals. A family man himself with three young children, he says “We are friendly and reliable, we understand family needs and will arrange customised packages, including transport to airports, to suit your plans”. Somali, Arabic and English languages are spoken.

Instant money transfers can also be made on-line while you wait.

Future possibilities include providing cargo shipping to African countries.

Open 7 days per week Mon –Sat 10am -7pm and Sun 11am – 5pm.

Tel 0114 275 8985 or email: [email protected]

Vacancy – Office Administrator (maternity cover) The Burngreave Messenger is looking for an Office Administrator for a maternity cover. The person we are looking for will do general office duties and will also be expected to organise our team of distributors, who are mainly young people. The Messenger is a small team so we are looking for someone who is ready and able to use their initiative and work flexibly. Hours: 10 per week Salary: £16,941 pro rata Closing date: Friday 31st July 5pm Interviews will be week starting 3rd August. For an application pack, please look on our website: www.burngreavemessenger.org, e-mail: [email protected] or phone 242 0564

BURNGREAVE AMATEUR BOXING CLUB 40 Earsham Street, Sheffield, S4 7LS. • ABA AFFILIATED • All Coaches Fully Qualified & Police checked • Private Sessions by Appointment • Schools & Groups Welcome Opening times

Monday – Friday: 4pm – 7pm Saturday: 10am – 12 Noon

Contact Phil Wood For More Details Gym: (0114) 279 9052 Mobile: 07946 250 587

26 BURNGREAVE MESSENGER Landlords... Sheffield City Council can help you • Consultation Room Free access to a University run training course for landlords! • NHS & Private Sheffield Hallam University’s Landlords for Excellence Fir Vale Prescriptions NEXT COURSE - SEPTEMBER 2009 • Free collection & PHARMACY Delivery It’s free to join the Sheffield Responsible Landlord Scheme and • Health Care you get the following benefits as a member: Advice • Discounts from traders, insurance brokers and solicitors • Repeat • Free access to Council waste recycling sites throughout the city! Dispensing • Free access to a dedicated landlord Housing Benefit Advice line! • Medicines Use • Free advertising for your vacant rented properties on the Review Sheffield City Council Property Shop website! Open 7 days a week, 8.00am–10.30pm To find out more telephone Kevin Sharpe or Dennis Tester on 0114 273 5134 Or visit www.sheffield.gov.uk/privaterentedproject or www.sheffield.gov.uk/rls (0114) 242 0009 Or email [email protected] 29 Rushby Street, Fir Vale, Sheffield S4 8GN

18 President Buildings, Saville Street, Sheffield S4 7UR. Telephone: (0114) 279 5961 Fax number: (0114) 275 8222

ISSUE 83 • AUGUST 2009 27