Story:Lynda Kenyon,Kate Dawson, Lyn Brandon
Kevin Hartney, who has recently died after a brief, but intense, battle with cancer was well known in Burngreave as a determined community activist who was passionately committed to protecting and promoting the rights of the poor and disadvantaged.
Kevin was a working class lad from Birmingham who moved to Sheffield in the 1970s. He loved music, politics and beer and was fiercely articulate. His keen intellect, strong will and clear vision in political situations made him a great ally to the causes he embraced, and he was never afraid to call out the powerful or those in authority if he saw them acting against the best interests of the community.
Over the years he chaired and facilitated many local action groups with aims to better the lives of local people. His politics saw him drawn into the defence of social housing through Woodside Tenants and Residents Association. He was a member of a number of New Deal groups such as the Education Group and Community Learning Campaign, and went on to chair Burngreave Community Action Forum, making sure that the community’s voice was heard.
These struggles often brought him into confrontation with development professionals managing the New Deal for Communities programme at the time. He chaired Pitsmoor Surgery’s Patient Participation Group right up to his final illness.
Outside community politics, Kevin had a background in chemistry and strong interest in technology, which he saw as an important tool to facilitate solidarity amongst similar communities.
He was also an enthusiastic supporter of sports including cycling and football, and for many years was the manager of local team Bradfield FC. He had a passion for the local live music scene and was a founding member and drummer for The Flax! He never forgot his roots and was deeply committed to his Irish heritage.
Kevin’s death is more than a personal loss to his many friends; he was a part of Burngreave history leaving behind strong and loving memories. A memorial is planned for Kevin at a date to be arranged, expressions of interest in attending or contributing should be sent to https://kevinhartneymemorial@burngreave.net.