May 2006 Issue 61

A wildlife sanctuary was opened at Parkwood Springs by children from St Catherine’s School on 20th April 2006. It will be known by its original name ‘Little Pear Tree Field’.

Steve Anthony McLaren passed away on 15th March 2006 following heart problems in recent years and will be sadly missed. He was well known in Sheffield and other parts of the country. He was a great person, friend, brother, cousin and dad.

Over 1,000 people took part in a procession in April 2006 to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).

Granada Television are making a documentary featuring Anthony Green, who was knocked off his bike by an unmarked police car in 1999.

The Messenger is sad to announce that we have had to make a half-time Development Worker post redundant due to economic reasons.

• Under 8s – Merger promises brighter future

• Under 9s – Meteoric Rise

• Under 10s – Comfortable win ends season

• Adults – Caribbeans recruiting

NonStop Foundation has announced that the proposed Music in the Sun festival will be postponed until 2007.

The proposal to build a 28-storey tower by the Wicker Arches is one step closer to reality as the Planning Board has asked for the removal of conditions recommended by planning officers restricting the height and scale of the building.

Local resident Abdillahi Hassan, local parents and agencies have come together to tackle issues involving Somali young people – particularly crime and drugs.

Local resident, Claire Blencowe, has just returned from her successful debut at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Claire achieved personal bests in the 3-metre synchronised diving and the 1-metre springboard.

Bennetts Tyres, which has operated from premises on Kilton Hill for twenty years, has had a reprieve from planned demolition under the Masterplan. Out of the blue a letter arrived from the Council, which told the Bennett brothers that their business was safe – for now.

Earl Marshal Junior Football Club require players to form brand new teams at U12s and U13s for season 2006–07.

Training takes place at Firvale Sports Centre, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5–6pm.

For the Kashmir earthquake relief fund – to take place on 24th June 2006 in the Peace Gardens in the City Centre.

Under new management since March 2006, an idyllic traditional Middle Eastern establishment is causing a stir, as many local people enter and savour its menu.

It was with great pride that members of the Jamaican community gathered at SADACCA on 30th March 2006 to launch the Sheffield Branch of the Jamaican Diaspora, headed by Chairperson Miss Carmelita Duncan.

The NETT Safety Driving course is run jointly by NETT (Nationwide Ethnic Transport Training) and Sheffield Futures, teaching young people, referred by youth workers, to drive safely and legally.

Amendments to the proposals for Burngreave buses, announced in the April 2006 Messenger, are being considered following a series of consultation meetings held last month.

• Green Brigade in action

• Toy Library Reopens

• Bowling Competition

During the Easter holidays over 50 young people from Burngreave Study Support projects visited Sheffield University, getting a taste of life as a university student.

New Deal funding ran out for some projects in March 2006, following New Deal’s decisions to give them ‘red’ and ‘amber’ lights and no further money. This issue, we asked what has happened these projects?

It was an event that had all the makings of a hit show, with a wide range of Burngreave talents being showcased, in the dramatic setting of Burngreave Cemetery Chapel.

In November 2005, the Messenger reported on Ray and Emily, two local residents preparing for a 5,000 mile trek for their honeymoon. Four months on and happily married, they’re back in Sheffield with enough photos and stories to last a lifetime.

Pitsmoor Adventure Playground has existed for more years than I care to remember, and I can honestly say I have been involved in one way or another throughout most of my life.

A recent event raised £550 to build a well in drought-stricken Somali.

NOMAD’s Burngreave Tenancy Support Scheme, based on Grimesthorpe Road, provides housing advice, support and practical help to people from all backgrounds who live in the Burngreave area.

Area Family Support Coordinator Michael Dennis and the team of home visitors, are providing vital early help to families in Burngreave to make sure children reach their full potential and that difficult situations don’t get worse.

News from Sheffield City Council on the regeneration of Woodside.

News from Burngreave New Deal for Communities, including:

• Forum House provides Burngreave jobs boost

• Coffee Morning

• Youth Work

• Theme Meetings

• Vestry Hall's new look on show

• Are you on Incapacity Benefit and looking for a new start?

• Details of the 26 March 2006 Partnership Board Meeting

Latest news from the Area Co-ordinator for the Burngreave Area Panel. Including:

• A new school for Burngreave?

• Compost bin deal

• Next Area Panel meeting details

• Councillors' Surgery Dates

Letters from our readers. Including:

• Statement from BCAF Chair

• Statement from BCAT Chair

• A response to the ‘Ultimatum for BCAT’ article in the April 2006 Messenger.

The Burngreave Messenger in partnership with New Start magazine and the Fir Vale Forum are offering free, informal, training to residents of Burngreave and Fir Vale on how to produce newsletters.

Do you have a son or daughter or other family member in prison? Are you interested in joining our new support group? Our group aims to meet informally on a monthly basis for mutual support and advice.

Details of the Burngreave Community Action Trust (BCAT) Annual General Meeting.