December 2005 Issue 57

New Deal have announced the projects they have prioritised for the remaining five years of the programme.

Be part of it.

• Have you got a business idea?

• Do you want to start a business?

• Do you want your business to be more successful?

Enrol on the first night, all courses are free, ongoing and start week commencing 9th January 2006 unless otherwise stated.

South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB) has free training and resources available to help voluntary and community groups access funding information using IT and the internet.

Does your organisation have a new or innovative idea that would benefit local residents – would a small grant allow you to develop your idea?

Imagine this choice: being forcibly deported to your home country where you face interrogation, possibly torture, perhaps even execution. Or living on the run in a foreign country without any income or accommodation, risking arrest at any time. This is the choice facing many Iraqi Kurds in Burngreave.

New Deal’s traffic light decisions are likely to make many projects unhappy, the decisions are obviously very difficult and the issues complex. It should be recognised that it is a good thing these decisions have been made, now rather than later.

Initial approval has been given for the development of a large food retail outlet on the Hartwell Site. The plan involves building a two-storey retail outlet with the main pedestrian access being from the Carlisle Street–Spital Hill junction.

In 2006, a road safety scheme will start on Barnsley and Orphanage Roads.

Are you fed up with impersonal service and unexpected charges from your bank? Or find it hard to get a bank account or credit? Then why not try your local credit union?

In Summer 2005 the Messenger reported on the lack of local secondary school places for children. Now we have learnt that this is affecting all the school years from Nursery upwards.

Around 70 people enjoyed a fundraising meal at the Burngreave Methodist Church Hall on Thursday 17th November 2005. The meal was organised by Burngreave RESPECT and raised £420 for the Kashmir earthquake appeal.

In October 2005, Fir Vale School, Winterhill School (Rotherham), and Barnsley and Doncaster Technology Colleges took part in a fund-raising challenge. Fir Vale planned a charity fair involving poetry from Debjani Chatterjee, food and mendi from the Pakistan Muslim Centre, music from Fir Vale’s music department, Green City Action, silent auctions and lots of other activities.

Pubs in Burngreave are staying open later, after new government legislation was introduced UK-wide on 24th November 2005.

Blue Mountain is a new café that has opened at the recently-developed Spital Hill Plaza and specialises in freshly-ground coffee espresso blends including cappuccinos, lattes and mocha.

Got an idea that will make a difference in the community but don't know how to take it further?

New Deal is now in its fifth year of a ten-year programme to spend £52 million regenerating Burngreave. After committing large sums of money to projects such as the Sorby House and Vestry Hall refurbishments it became apparent that New Deal faced some difficult decisions, as there would not be enough money to continue all the projects.

The Burngreave Bonfire Night Celebration on Petre Street saw a dazzling show, glittering with colourful explosions, set against the backdrop of the Sheffield hillsides.

An impressive evening combined new artwork by Cassie Limb, fantastically funny torture cabaret with ‘Couscous Torture Circus’, inspiring ariel performance by Rosie Morrison all topped off with brilliant sounds from Animate.

Do you spend too much at Christmas? Why not save the cards and paper you receive and use them to make your own cards, decorations and even presents? They are classy, individual and appreciated by the recipient for the care that has gone into producing them.

Tickets are free and available from 7th December 2005.

All people are welcome to come and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Challenging racism through quotes, films, discussions, open mic, artistic displays.

On Friday 4th November 2005 at SADACCA (Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association), three local sisters were honoured at the Black History Month achievement dinner and award ceremony.

The Caribbean Sports Club’s adult football team have been going for thirty years. They’ve had their ups and downs, but this season has seen an exceptional start.

Working with local Iraqi Kurds, Carwood resident Jean Wood has been fundraising to support their football team, Shirwana.

A mid-season 2005 roundup of news from the Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10 football teams.

Burngreave Sports Network (BSN) and Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe Young People’s Project (NUYPP) are seeking skilful, determined and enthusiastic young footballers to be part of new under 14 and under 16 teams and represent that local talent is out there.

News from Burngreave New Deal for Communities including:

• Year 6 Consultation

• Festive Fun

• A Thank You

• Job – Employment Advisors

• Burngreave shines at national awards

• What was discussed at October 2005's Partnership Board Meeting

• Details of the next theme meetings

Latest news from the Area Co-ordinator for the Burngreave Area Panel, including:

• It's not just sports

• Two- and Four-legged friends

• Area Panel Outcomes

• Last minute nominations for New Years Honours

• Councillors' Surgery Dates

• Details of the next Area Panel meeting

Staff, pupils and parents at St Catherine’s primary school joined together to make a mosaic as part of Family Learning Week in October 2005. However the exercise had much more significance; it was part of the plan to create a ‘Quiet Garden’ in one of the school courtyards to honour Joe Butler, a much-loved school governor and local figure who died in January 2005.

Would you like to learn the skills needed to interview people professionally and earn some money by recording interviews?

Interested in walking? The Ramblers are a small friendly group who welcome new members on any of their walks.

Letters from our readers.

Do you live in the Sheffield Burngreave area? Have you got space in your garden for a tree – a specimen tree, perhaps a fruit tree, a tree to keep in a container, a tree to celebrate your cultural background, a hedge instead of a fence?

Get out into the fresh air and get active by taking part in gardening and nature conservation activities in Burngreave’s parks and green spaces. Sessions last between two and four hours and are free. Women Only sessions are available.

‘Drop in session’ – Free advice and help about repair and management. Come and have your say!

Did you know…that the Burngreave Messenger offers a full graphic design service to many local organisations and businesses?

Community Placements Sheffield, run by the children’s charity NCH, is working in partnership with the Sheffield Council to provide specialist foster placements for young people, aged 8–17 years, with complex and difficult life histories.