October 2010 Issue 90

St Catherine's Catholic Primary school students are campaigning to keep one of their families in the UK. Mildred Okpara and her young family were threatened with deportation in September and live in fear that they will be deported any day.

Redwall Developments, the company behind controversial building work taking place on Grimesthorpe Road, has churned up local feelings once again after damaging local nature site, Smithies Field

Plans to build 19 affordable homes on Ellesmere Road have got the go ahead after the Council managed to find an alternative developer to match the £1.6 million of Government funding granted to the scheme.

• Burngreave Messenger AGM October 23rd

• North East Adult Learning Guide online

• Next copy deadline, this issue's credits

Ellesmere Youth Project (EYP) ran a 3-week summer programme in August, with over 30 young people. Activities included our now regular bike ride in Derwent Valley, a sunny trip to Millhouses Park and cooking, art & games at the Cornerstone Building.

In the summer, 30 children aged 8-13 from Burngreave After School Study Support attended a one-week educational project organised by the Sheffield Children's University. In the process, they improved their maths and literacy skills and found out about University.

The Greater Somali Community Network (GSCN) held a celebration of the achievement of their Homework Club on Saturday 31st July at Sorby House. The Lord Mayor presented awards to the children who had worked hardest and made the most progress in improving their learning. Over 150 children and parents were in attendance and enjoyed traditional Somali songs and delicious food.

Pye Bank School’s end of term play was a performance to remember. Their cutting edge production was a truly entertaining blend of fairy tale, science fiction, drama and reality TV.

• Includes gallery of photos.

Infant School created an amazing celebration of culture for pupils and families in July.

It was grey outside when Whiteways School opened its brand new nursery on 13th September but inside it was bright and cheery, with children busily exploring colourful things.

The Sheffield Boxing Centre businessman Mark McGrail and serving soldier Ross Burkinshaw have taken over the boding club on Earsham Street and given it a new lease of life.

Spital Hill's first Asian restaurant, the Kashmir Curry Centre, has closed after 36 years.

Burngreave Youth Development Centre was set up in January on Spital Hill and is aiming to provide activities for young people between the age of 8 and 18.

Residents are again complaining about smells coming from Parkwood landfill site, and now one resident is calling for an ASBO on Viridor.

Shirecliffe residents expressed their anger at recent bus changes at a meeting in August at Shirecliffe Community Centre.

Died 28th July Buried 6th August. The mother and family thank each and everyone for their kind thoughts and floral tributes.

People in Burngreave have been active in responding to the urgent appeal for aid to be sent to the victims of Pakistan’s floods.

Nestled in the heart of Grimesthorpe, you will find an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Thanks to the hard work of Greenfingers members and staff, we had an excellent open day on September 9th.

Our little green oasis, Devon Gardens on Abbeyfield Road, has won a coveted Green Pennant award. It has now been recognised as a historic park by Sheffield City Council.

A number of local allotment tenants have been threatened with eviction after receiving stern warning letters from the Council, criticising the condition of their plots.

Carwood resident Ronald Roe has been announced the winner of the ‘Best Wild and Sustainable Garden’ in the “Sheffield Gnomes Gardening Competion".

Residents and visitors were concerned to find a number of graves damaged near the Scott Road entrance in September.

Hommity pie, halloumi flatbread wraps, courgette and raisin cupcakes, carrot, orange, feta and olive salads: with new coordinator and cook, Ange Drozdowski, in the New Roots kitchen, you can be sure of a tasty meal at each visit.

It’s apple harvest time again. To coincide with national Apple Day, the Friends of Burngreave Cemetery are holding their Apple Fest on Sunday, 17th October, 11am – 3pm.

The Messenger catches up with local hero and firefighter, Delroy Galloway. Del won Silver in the World Firefighter Games in August in Korea in the natural body building competition.

The football season has got underway for local Pitsmoor and Burngreave based football club, Earl Marshall Juniors.

The 30th August Bank Holiday saw SADACCA's International Community Cultural Day, following the one held last year in June.

• Includes gallery of photos.

Miss African/Caribbean Sheffield beauty pageant was co-ordinated by Nurra Hooper as a fundraiser for the Ghanaian literacy group.

Many parents will have heard of Watoto on Catherine Road, which grew from a crèche of local parents into the successful pre-school it is today. I went to meet Manager Sharon Brown and Deputy Lillian Linton to hear their own stories.

Earlier this year, local resident Lena Abdo-Samed started an apprenticeship at Sheffield Archives and Local Studies Library. She applied to join the Library and Archive service via the Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme which organises training programmes and work-based placements for young people aged 16 to 24 across the city.

PITS group funding for clearing and improving Denolme Park cut due to government changes.

Plans for the new crossing at St Catherine’s School were threatened in July after funding was withdrawn. The school, local residents and Councillors campaigned to have the funding reinstated and in August they were successful.

On Saturday 24th July Firvale Pre-School proudly unveiled their new outdoor play area. The official opening was attended by special guests including the Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, local Councillor Ibrar Hussain and Councillor Jackie Drayton.

It’s that “back to school” time of year again and this made me think of our group’s memories of schooldays. Maybe our recollections will stir a few memories for older readers and give younger ones an idea of what it was like at school for us. (*Longer vesion*)

Work has begun on the expansion of Sheaf Training in Roe Woods, despite anger from local residents about the use of the path through the woods for construction traffic.

In 1940, Britain faced a ruthless, determined and well-equipped enemy. Many older Burngreave residents still vividly remember the deprivations and uncertainties they faced over the next 5 years. (*Longer version*)

What is the biggest cause of serious injury to young people in Burngreave?

The Congolese Summer Festival took place at Petre Street Green Space on Sunday 25th of July.

On Sunday 1st August, The Sportsman Pub hosted a charity event to raise money for Action Duchenne, which raises awareness for people who suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

There was football, fun, food and music at the Caribbean Sports Club Fun Day on Sunday 15th August. The club has strong links with Burngreave, with many team players from the area.

News from the North East Community Assembly.

Learn about healthy eating and gain an OCN Level 1 qualification (GCSE equivalent level). Starts on 3rd November 2010.

Health checks, information stalls and advice and support at Vestry Hall on Thursday 4th November.

We are holding drop-in clinics at both our surgeries for over 65s and those at risk…

WATCH IT is a city wide service which is designed to help and support children and young people aged 7-14 who struggle with being overweight. Each child receives guidance on achieving a healthy balanced diet, increasing physical activity and hopefully feel better about themselves.

BeeBuddies bee keeping courses in Sheffield from Groundwork Sheffield.

Change to advertised date Music, dancing, food and games at St Peter's Ellesmere, Saturday 30th October.

A Junior Chess Club for young people aged 7-14, starting September 27th at Burngreave Library.

Music event at SADACCA on Saturday 16th October 2010.

HIV Home Sampling Scheme: Free & Confidential. the earlier you test the more likely you are to remain healthy and less likely to transmit the HIV infection to others. Up to December 2010, a HIV home sampling scheme will be available for people from Black African communities in Sheffield.

Come and meet us at our Roadshow, 10am-3pm, to find out more!

Extra content not found in the printed edition, including longer versions of stories and more photos from events.