Firvale School has become one of just two schools in the City receiving an “outstanding” OFSTED inspection report. Headteacher Mrs Lesley Bowes said, “this wonderful outcome provides a launch pad for the next stage in the school's development.”

Recent highlights of exclusive website stories and features.

The Messenger's staff team for the new project.

The Council’s decision to deny planning permission to Redwall Developments for part of Grimesthorpe Road has been overturned in a public inquiry.

Three articles:

• Weldon defends mixed communities

• New Deal asks for money back

• What does it all mean?

Plus details of the related BCAF and New Housing Project Group meetings.

In a shock announcement, the government’s Learning & Skills Council has proposed to withdraw the existing entitlement to free classes for adults who need to learn English as a Second Language (ESOL).

On 28th November 2006 two men were removed from the, soon to be demolished, flats on Catherine Road. Through an interpreter, the men tell us what happened.

A family in Burngreave is at risk due to the dangers caused by a derelict house next door, it has emerged.

Advocacy Training Health Day, First Aid, Interational Women's Day and many more. All are welcome

Do you remember the old cinemas of Burngreave? The Messenger has received a fascinating article from Mrs Reaney of Fir Vale, which we hope to use in the next edition of the Messenger with any old photographs we can bring together. Do you remember:

The Gower – the pub in the centre of Burngreave – remains open. In November’s issue, we reported on new conditions the police wanted to see in place to address their concerns. Sheffield City Council’s licensing board met on January 9th to review the licence and decided the pub can still open as long as certain conditions were met.

The newly-licensed Normanton Inn, on Earldom Road, has been completely revamped with deluxe furnishing in the lounge and bar/pool room facilities.

Following the successful Pension Credit take-up campaign last year, local advice agencies have got together to launch a take-up campaign for low-paid workers in Burngreave.

The chairman of Democracy Network for Somaliland (DNS), Mr. Mohamed A. Issa, recently met Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport, and Councillor Ibrar Hussain at Richard Caborn’s office in Sheffield.

Once again a diverse group of people came together to celebrate the life and work of Dr Martin Luther King and discuss issues around racism. The Welcome Centre on Nottingham Street was transformed for the event with informative and artistic displays about the 1960’s civil rights struggle in the USA.

Patrick Edwards has received an UnLtd grant to start a business as a fitness instructor. Health issues have become one of the government’s number one priorities, and the people of Bungreave are not left out in this race to keep our community healthy, as Patrick intends to run his fitness services right here in Burngreave.

For the first time in many years a real steam train will pass over the Wicker Arches on Saturday, 3rd March 2007.

The photography of Burngreave resident Kamida Khan will feature in an exhibition showcasing some of the best creative and cultural businesses and talent from Sheffield’s black and minority ethnic community.

Following on from our graduations article in the December 2006 issue, we bring you details of those local people who graduated at the end of last year.

Children at Pye Bank School enjoyed a wonderful end of year party, thanks to the hard work of parents and staff. The behaviour of all the children was brilliant and they were all treated to a goodie bag at the end.

The Association of Sheffield Community Language Schools (ASCLS), recently welcomed Maria Yusuf Bostock, the author of a new Somali language learning book, to meet young language learners from Burngreave’s Somali Language School.

A Portable Ice Rink with Snow Machine and DJ was organised in December to reward children and young people from across Burngreave and Fir Vale for positive activities and for good behaviour throughout the year.

Ellesmere Youth Project, which has been providing quality youth work in the Carwood and Ellesmere area for 10 years, have announced that, due to lack of funding, they are having to make their senior youth worker redundant. Lorraine Blake started

Burngreave author and Muslim sociologist, Mohamed Younis, has just published a book, which “investigates the history and the future of this powerful religious culture.”

Matloub Husayn-Ali-Khan is planning a trip along the route of the Silk Road, retracing the steps of 14th century Islamic journalist, Ibn Battuta.

Ella Road playground is the last remaining of three local playgrounds constructed in the ‘70’s. After years of complaints, from children and adults alike, Green City Action (GCA) have taken on the task of making it usable again.

• Job vacancy: Become a Green City Steward.

• Elderly residents gardening service.

News from Burngreave New Deal for Communities, including:

• A report from John Clark as BNDfC enters year 7 of the programme.

• Details of the BNDfC public meeting.

• Dates for upcoming Information Shop drop-in sessions.

• Job vacancy: Small Grants Administrator.

• Details on the BNDfC Grants Bonanza – up to £25,000 available.

• Dates for Forum events and Board meetings.

• Mystery Shopper opportunities.

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

• With colleagues from Street Force, Green City Action and Sheffield Homes, the Area Panel has been looking at three options to maintain a clean and tidy environment.

• The latest about the Northern General and parking/transport issues.

• Plans for the upcoming New Year Awards.

• Councillors’ surgery dates.

Did you know that Burngreave has seen its share of stardom perform at the King Mojo Club back in the 60’s? For just three years, from 1964 to 1967 the club on Pitsmoor Road became a thriving scene of modern music and a place where an amazing array of famous names performed.

Letters from our readers:

• Islam came to liberate and not to oppress! – Umm A'tika responds to issues raised by readers regarding the veil.

• Messenger Abolishes Christmas! – D. Harrop raises concerns over the Messenger's lack of Christmas event coverage.

Job vacancy: SHEBEEN is seeking to appoint a project co-ordinator.

• Salary: £24,292.

• Full time but part time considered.

• Closing date: 19th Feb 2007

A community conference to explore issues around ethnicity and substance misuse, harm reduction and family support on Wednesday 21st March 2007.

Would you like to take part in tree planting in Burngreave? Then come along to the tree planting days on February 18th and March 24th 2007.

Burngreave voices invite you to their website launch and a celebration of their achievements on Saturday 17th March 2007.

Full report on Planning inspectorates decision to overturn the City Councils refusal to grant outline planning permission to Redwall Developments for a strip of land on Grimesthorpe Road.

Skinnerthorpe Road, due for demolition, features in a short documentary on Channel Five News.

Report from Burngreave New Deal for Communities January Board meeting. Includes discussion about Woodside, New Deal's Crime projects and the Engagement Team.

Do you work? Are you getting all your rights? An alliance of local advice centres wants to make sure you know your rights.

The Burngreave Enterprise Event and Business Awards returns next month in what promises to be the year’s biggest business event in Burngreave. The event takes place at the Verdon Street Centre on March 14th 2007 and will include exhibitions from Business Support agencies, advice and guidance for businesses.

Tesco are hosting consultation events in preparation for a possible new store at the end of Spital Hill.

New titles now available at Burngreave Library for people learning English as a Second Language (ESOL).

More construction and DIY courses for women at the Women's Construction Centre from Febraury through to May 2007.

Music, singing, dancing: NOMAD is holding a fundraising event on Friday 2nd March 2007, featuring Slack Mamoth and guests, at the Companion's Club.

First meeting for the April issue, to review the February issue and discuss ideas for the next issue.

Jobs: Age Concern Sheffield has three job opportunities available:

• Community Link Worker (£17,880 per annum)

• ACS CHOICE Manager (£22,106 per annum)

• Customer Service Assistant – 16 hours a week (£6,487 pro rata)

Southern Voices Conference: Saturday 24th March 2007 – Perspectives from Africa, Asia, Latin America & the Middle East on the roots of human/environmental impoverishment and the routes towards solutions.

Report from the recent consultation by Tesco about a possible new supermarket on Spital Hill.

Sessions organised by Burngreave Community Learning Campaign and Burngreave adult learning providers. Promoting fun, free and fulfilling learning.

A campaign to keep ESOL free!

Job advert: Part time cleaner to start as soon as possible to undertake various cleaning duties at Firs Hill Community Primary School.

• Scale 1 SCP 4 Pro rata to £11,193 (£5.80 per hour)

• 14 hours per week

• Closing date: Friday 16th March 2007 at 12pm

Adult education faces a major funding crisis. Come and discuss the threat to and the future of adult and community education with our panel of guest speakers on Thursday 1st March 2007.

Events and meetings in March 2007.

Over 350 people attended the Town Hall to celebrate the contribution to Sheffield of Dr Abdul Shaif as he and his family leave for the Yemen. The following poem was contributed to the event by Chris Searle…

Listing of just the articles found in the printed (and PDF) edition of the Burngreave Messenger.

List of articles exclusive to the website in February 2007, not to be found in the print or PDF edition.