The Mercury - Issue 1536

TourisT indusTry boosTs sheffield’s economy over £1b

More than 15 million people visited Sheffield in 2022, bringing an estimated £1.35billion boost to the city’s economy.

Tourists spent money on accommodation, food and drink, culture, shopping, and travel, which helps bring money into the city and create jobs. The visitor economy supports 13,285 full time equivalent jobs in Sheffield.

Cultural events, sporting fixtures and Sheffield’s growing reputation as a city break destination has helped the city attract tourists in 2022. The Women’s Euros brought football and footfall to Sheffield. City centre footfall increased by more than 10,000 (22%) and all

of the city’s hotel rooms were fully booked during match days. Whilst the Rugby League World Cup brought thousands more sports fans to Sheffield.

Events run by local businesses also helped make Sheffield more attractive to tourists. Markets like Peddler street food market and Pollen flower markets continued to thrive and annual events like World Snooker, Tramlines and Art in the Gardens brought sports, music and arts fans to the city. Sheffield has been named the ‘second best city to visit’ by TimeOut and its reputation as The Outdoor City attracts city break visitors who enjoy adventures from climbing

to stand up paddleboarding to exploring our open spaces on foot. Having the Peak District on Sheffield’s doorstep is an added bonus for visitors. These adventure opportunities sit alongside culture and heritage and live music, which adds to Sheffield’s tourist offer.

This is the first year since 2019 that the visitor economy has not been affected by covid restrictions.

The value of Sheffield’s visitor economy is now only 1.2% below its pre-pandemic level.

Figures show that Sheffield’s visitor economy recovery is in line with other major cities across the UK.

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills

Committee, said: “We all know how brilliant Sheffield is because we’re residents of the city. It is fantastic to see that tourists are keen to visit and experience all the Sheffield has to offer.

“The pandemic was an incredibly challenging time for our visitor economy and it is good to see that recovery is on track and that visitors are returning to Sheffield. A strong tourist offer is good for our city and its residents, it creates jobs and boosts our economy. “In autumn, Sheffield’s proposed Destination Management Plan - a long term plan for tourism in the region will be considered by the Economic Development and Skills Committee.

The plan follows July’s announcement of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership by Visit England and will bring together unique attractions and visitor experiences from across the region to attract more visitors to South Yorkshire.

“From world-class sporting events to local artisan markets, adventures on the edge of our city in the Peak District, visits to our museums, galleries and theatres, and of course, shopping trips. I am proud that Sheffield has attracted so many visitors, providing a welcome boost to the city’s economy.”

To find out more visit welcometosheffield.co.uk/ visit.

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Rotherham honours Arthur Wharton

On Thursday 7th September, 134 years to the day that he made his professional debut, a blue plaque was unveiled in Rotherham to celebrate the life and career of Arthur Wharton. Arthur Wharton made history as England’s first black professional footballer when he signed for Rotherham Town FC in August 1889.

Born in Ghana in 1866, Arthur Wharton moved to the UK in 1883 aged 18 to train as a missionary at Cleveland College in Darlington, Co. Durham. However, his athletic ability soon became evident, not only as footballer but also in athletics. Aged 20, he set a world record time of ten seconds in the 100yard sprint at the AAA Championships at Stamford Bridge. In the same year, Arthur played amateur football for Darlington where he was selected as goalkeeper. He was known for a unique and somewhat eccentric style and would apparently wait in a crouching position at the side

of the goal before rushing out to save the ball.

Later, he was scouted by Preston North End where he was part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1886-87. He left Preston to concentrate on his running and moved to Sheffield, which was at the time the acknowledged centre of professional running.

He returned to football in 1889, signing a professional contract at Rotherham Town. In this period, Rotherham Town won the Midland League in consecutive years and were invited to be the first team to play Liverpool in their first season at Anfield. It was also a period of social unrest and Arthur faces bigotry and racial spite at times. Despite being a professional player, Arthur needed to supplement his income. He did so by running two pubs, the Albert Tavern and the Plough Inn in Masbrough. After retiring from football in 1902, Arthur took up a job as a miner at Edlington Pit. He died in 1930 aged 65 and was

buried in an unmarked grave in Edlington until the Darlingtonbased Arthur Wharton Foundation provided a headstone in 1997.

The plaque, commissioned by Rotherham District Civic Society, has been installed on the entrance to Rotherham Titans’ Rugby Club’s Clifton Lane ground which is where Rotherham Town played.

Former Chelsea and Southampton player, Ken Monkou, unveiled the plaque. Monkou was the first black player to voted club player of the year in his first season at Chelsea. He is now an ambassador for the Professional Footballers’ Association and for Show Racism The Red Card. Also in attendance were Shaun Campbell, founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation, former Chelsea goalkeeper David Speedie, Simon Hyacinth, the CEO of Sheffield-based Football Unites, Racism Divides, Rotherham United’s chief operating officer Paul Douglas, and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Robert Taylor Descendants of Arthur Wharton were also there on the day, including his two great-granddaughters, Dorothy and Nancy Leeson.

For more information on Arthur’s story, visit the Arthur Wharton Foundation website: www.arthurwhartonfoundation.org

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Catchments and Carbon

The correlation between global temperature rise and increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is used as definitive proof that emissions of carbon, as the dioxide, are the cause of climate change.

The media in particular have closed down discussion of the phenomena and any attempt to raise the issue is effectively banned as heretical. Governments, in the UK and elsewhere, are being pushed into accepting a zero carbon target as a major plank of policy. Primary within this policy is the abolition of coal, oil and hydrocarbons as a source of energy and transport fuel.

At one time the presentation of theories and hypotheses into the education system were closely policed in order to avoid the charge of brainwashing and indoctrination. These descriptors were usually reserved for totalitarian systems of government who could ill afford the free thinking of the scientific method to impact on their dictates.

Yet, without discussion or permission, zero carbon will apply and impact on society from henceforth and a “GCE “ will be introduced to assist our children into the brave new world of zero carbon.

Large amounts of taxation, disguised as subsidy, a more palatable word, are being raised from the people to expend by offshore companies on wind turbines and solar farms. Sadly the replacement of fuel for thirty million cars powered by hydrocarbons with electricity will require far more wind than even the politicians are able to raise.

Perhaps one should also point out

that banning fossil fuels in their entirety will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by only some thirteen percent of total from all sources and will impact not at all on the climate change model put forward nor the actual instability being experienced.

The correlation mentioned above comes from pairing temperature rise with carbon dioxide concentration. However correlation is not causation and there are other correlations the examination of which provide the basis for a more scientific and rigorous hypothesis for climate instability. Perhaps it would be wise to consider alternate scenarios for what should be defined as “climate instability” rather than the official global warming scenario.

This site and the accompanying book examine a number of the carbon emissions from the other sources listed by the IPCC and link the emission to the impact that they have on the natural environment.

In particular the book examines the present system of agriculture and demonstrates that in its entirety a major impact is being imposed on the hydrological cycle of the planet and that this is the true cause of the present weather disruption being experienced.

A second activity, deforestation, reinforces the first disruption of the water cycle and together they represent a major threat to the world climate that will not be in anyway stabilized by the end of fossil fuel use.

The destabilization of the worlds weather system goes hand in hand with the disruption of natural ecosystems. The air, water and soil compartments are all under threat from the disruption of the main ecosystem components. These are soil carbon being oxidized and emitted into the air, nitrogen, mainly as ammonia and nitrate from fertilizer now polluting aquifers and rivers and phosphorous, a scarce resource, once again damaging the aqueous environment.

Part two of the book and the site examines the methodology pioneered in sequestering these nutrients and the soft engineering required to stabilize our catchments against flooding.

To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633

BB WITH LOVE - SIMPLY THE BEST 2023

The phenomenal charity show ‘SIMPLY THE BEST’ is back with more glam and glitz than ever before, and will return to the prestigious Sheffield City Hall on Sunday 1st October 2023!

Hosted by BB with love in association with Weston Park Cancer Charity, this star studded event will raise money to help anyone affected by cancer in anyway. ‘BB WITH LOVE’ was founded by Michael, Rachel, Sean and Matthew Croke in 2021 in memory of their one and only,

magnificent wife and truly special mum Bev Croke who very suddenly passed away in March 2021 after an 18-month battle with breast cancer. Bev or ‘BB’ as she liked to be called, was a strong, beautiful, and inspirational woman who touched so many people during her lifetime. Through BB WITH LOVE, the family want to keep Bev’s memory and legacy alive by continuing to help others through their cancer journey’s and beyond! The show will once again feature

the wonderful students from RMC Academy of Theatre Performance, the fantastic Sheffield Cancer Choir, the amazing Manor Operatic Society, BB with love’s twenty piece orchestra, BB’s stunning pro-dance dance squad & of course STARS from both stage & screen!!!

Produced by Bev’s son & daughter Matthew & Rachel Croke this spectacular event is guaranteed to be as sensational as ever & will definitely bring SIMPLY THE BEST to Sheffield!

Since launching in 2021, the show has raised almost £100K helping cancer patients and their loved ones, and once again all proceeds raised from

this dazzling show will do exactly that. From extra after care, more research, additional treatments, alternative remedies, and something

extremely close to the Croke’s hearts mental health support! Tickets are available now for the City Hall Box Office and sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

Crossword Clues

Told the waitress my coffee tasted like mud. “It should, it was fresh ground this morning. “

Today I have opened my very own pizza restaurant. I will be rolling in dough in no time.

What’s made of leather and sounds like a sneeze ? A Shoe.

Does anyone remember the joke I made about the Chiropractor? It was about a weak back...

What do you call a woman standing between 2 goal posts? Annette.

Its untrue that most women want to get married. I’ve asked loads and they’ve all said no.

My wife is thinking of leaving me because of my obsession with poker But I think she’s bluffing.

I don’t mean to brag, but I just put a puzzle together in 1 day... and the box said 2-4 years!

A cheese factory exploded in France. Da brie is everywhere!

I’ve decided to quit my job as a personal trainer because I’m not big enough or strong enough. I’ve just handed in my too weak notice.

If you rearrange the letters of POSTMEN

You get them VERY ANGRY

My wife is kicking me out because she’s fed up with my South American animal puns... ‘OK,’ I said, ‘Alpaca my bags.’

I was on the beach and got hit by a massive wave of cake. It was a tiramisunami.

Week’s Solution

across: 6) Fin, 8) Get up and go, 9) Lad, 11) Bleeper,

13) Duvet, 14) Earth, 15) Green with envy, 16) Heath, 18)

Witty, 19) Halcyon, 20) Odd, 23) Sour- grapes, 24) Gym

DoWN: 1) Age, 2) Ate, 3) Spilt, 4) Intensive care, 5) Agree, 7) Inactivity, 10) Quarter Day, 11) Beneath, 12)

Ramekin, 17) Havoc, 18) Worry, 21) Spa, 22) Ask

17/9/1983 - Vanessa Williams becomes the first black Miss America.

18/9/1906 - A typhoon with tsunami kills an estimated 10,000 people in Hong Kong.

19/9/1981 - Simon & Garfunkel reunite for a free concert in New York’s Central Park.

1) The film ‘The Jazz Singer’ opened in October 1927, but what was notable about the movie?

2) Walter Hagen who died in 1969 was famous for playing which sport?

3) The photo sharing app Instagram was founded in October of which year? a) 2008 b) 2010 c) 2012

4) Before its reunification with West Germany in 1990 what was East Germany known as?

5) Anwar Sadat who was murdered by Islamic extremists in 1981 was the president of which country?

6) Born in 1931, Eileen Derbyshire played which character for 55 years in Britain’s longest running soap opera?

7) Founded in Oct 1919, which is the oldest airline still operating under its original name? a) British Airways b) Lufthansa c) KLM

8) Whose engine won the ‘Rainhill Trials’ in 1829?

9) The oldest still functioning Astronomical clock was installed in October 1410 in which european city? a) Paris b) Hamburg c) Prague

10) In 1799 which ship sank in a storm whilst transporting gold bullion to Hamburg with the loss of 239 of the 240 passengers and crew.

Studies in south Wales for what was to become the new section of the M4 showed that storm water could be in the thousands of tons per hour down the gradient of the initial section.

Very few of the techniques then employed for storm flow (particularly sewage) were capable of containing and or treating such volumes efficiently and disruption of the aquatic environment was forecast.

In addition to the volume load the water would be carrying contaminants such as petrol, diesel and polyaromatic hydrocarbons which are highly carcinogenic and capable of devastating aquatic life in streams and rivers.

It was obvious that habitats surrounding the M4 would be under threat. What is not obvious is that in everyday life as urbanization increases the threat to ALL habitats grow.

Data from the U.S. shows that when impermeability (housing, roads etc.) is less than 10% then water in a catchment is relatively unaffected in both temperature and quality.

When impermeability is 10

25% then storm flow erodes the channels and at greater than 25% severe physical damage occurs.

Impervious surfaces heat up and can input a 6°C temperature lift to the rivers and polyaromatic carcinogens, washed from tarmac roads, poison the biology of the river.

HOpE fOR HEaRING lOss

A regenerative cell therapy that could repair damage to the auditory nerve and improve hearing could hold fresh hope for people living with hearing loss. Sheffield based Rinri Therapeutics discussed their work, which will see the first clinical trial of a stem cell treatment for hearing loss, at the Hearing Therapeutics Summit, organised by RNID with the UCL Ear Institute and UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

Hearing loss affects 12 million people in the UK, and increases as we get older, affecting more than 40% of over 50s and rising to 70% of over 70s. People with hearing loss often experience communication barriers, and are less likely to be employed than the general population. They are twice as likely to experience mental health problems, including depression, and can be up to five times more likely to develop dementia. 1.2 million adults in the UK have hearing loss severe enough that they would not be able to hear most conversational speech.

Rinri’s groundbreaking work was founded on pioneering research into regenerative cell therapy, led by Professor Marcelo Rivolta at the University of Sheffield. Funded by RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, his laboratory team discovered how to turn pluripotent stem cells into specialised auditory nerve cells that carry information to the brain. These cells were able to reverse hearing loss, resulting in approximately 40% improvement in the hearing threshold. Rinri’s work is now at an advanced stage of preclinical development

SINGLE

and the company hope to start clinical trials in the next two years with patients with deficiencies in the auditory nerve, such as those with severe-toprofound age-related hearing loss. Rinri’s cell therapy, Rincell-1, is for patients with auditory neuropathy, a form of hearing loss which occurs when sounds become disrupted as they travel to the brain. Rinri says patients with auditory neuropathy make up 25% of the sensorineural hearing loss community. Patients will receive Rincell-1, which will regenerate auditory neurons and re-establish the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the auditory centres of the brain to reverse hearing loss. If clinical trials are successful, Rincell-1 could be available as a treatment to people with hearing loss within the next 5-10 years. To measure if their cell therapy is effective, in First-in-Human trials Rinri proposes administering Rincell-1 with cochlear implants – devices designed to bypass damaged hair cells and directly stimulate auditory neurons.

Cochlear implants can act as a recording sensor to pick up signals made by the cochlea as it passes sound information to the auditory nerve, so this will allow researchers to record objective measures of cochlear health.

Professor Marcelo Rivolta, CSO of Rinri Therapeutics, said: “It is well recognised that hearing loss significantly impacts quality of life, affecting 1 in 5 adults in the UK. A biological solution that can restore hearing significantly would be transformative to people with hearing loss, and we look forward to starting clinical trials in 2025.”

wIlls - GET THE RIGHT advICE

Dishonest, unqualified and incompetent will writers are costing people millions in extra tax, causing significant distress and leaving grieving families to deal with the financial and emotional consequences of bad advice.

STEP, the professional body for inheritance advisors, is publishing a report today, Wills and Trusts: Buyer Beware: It draws on the experience of 329 of STEP’s members, mainly in England and Wales. They draft wills and regularly advise clients that have previously been given bad will advice. The report found that:

• 79% have come across cases of wills with errors.

• Over half (54%) highlighted their concerns about rogue firms making false claims about wills leading to increased tax bills.

• The majority of respondents (63%) have come across cases where a will writing company has quoted a fee for writing a will but then charged additional costs not covered within the terms of business.

• Just over half (54%) have come across firms making false claims about the wills they are selling to clients. Of those, 71 people mentioned that advisors had wrongly told their clients that they could avoid care home fees by putting their home and other assets into a trust.

•A third of respondents had come across cases where incompetence has led to significant tax bills, with examples of tax charges in many instances in the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds and in a few cases up to £2 million.

Further independent research commissioned by STEP, which surveyed 2,000 members of the public in the UK aged 18 and over, found that:

• 49% of those surveyed do not have a will, increasing to 65% among people aged 45-54.

• Of the 51% who have a will:

• 55% got their will from a qualified solicitor/will writer.

• 22% got a low cost will

online (only 3% of people checked that the online will writer was qualified) – increasing to 32% of people aged 18-24.

• 22% wrote their own DIY will – increasing to 34% of people aged 1824. Sarah Manuel, Head of Professional Standards at STEP: ‘These findings are sadly not surprising. There is no regulation of will writing in England and Wales. Anyone can set themselves up as a will writer leaving unsuspecting members of the public without protection. All too often, people don’t realise that they have been a victim of rogue will advice until it is too late for themselves and their families. STEP members have reported many examples of rogue firms and cowboy will writers charging hidden fees and even appointing themselves as executors to exploit vulnerable clients for financial gain. False promises about avoiding care home fees and misleading advertising are commonplace. Far too many people are lured into thinking getting a free or cheap will online will save them money when this is not always the case. Our members have seen cases where unscrupulous will writers have added in thousands of pounds worth of hidden charges, and people have been left with huge tax bills.’

Drafting a will can be complex and it is crucial that will writers are trained, and have a recognised specialist qualification with proven experience and insurance. STEP warns that in the absence of regulation, people need to think carefully about who to choose to write their will. It recommends that you:

• Check qualifications and credentials and shop around.

• Watch out for red flags such as false claims about avoiding care home fees or saving your family members time and money.

• Always read the small print and watch out for hidden fees with cheap or free wills.

sOlaR ENERGY MYTHs

Research released today reveals misconceptions about solar energy in Sheffield - with many of us believing energy from the sun can only be produced in the summer months, is only available in the desert, and can’t be produced when it is overcast.

The comparative research study was originally ran in summer 2021 and has been conducted again this year to measure how understanding and attitudes have changed with our residents. The findings reveal a lack of awareness of how solar energy works and that understanding has not increased significantly in the past two years. A detailed education campaign will be required to raise awareness of how solar energy works if we are to tackle climate change, reduce greenhouse gases and understand the benefits of having solar panels installed to create energy required to run our homes.

Research revealed today from Project Solar UK reveals 17% of Sheffield residents think that you cannot get solar energy if it’s overcast – slightly more than the 16% who thought this statement was true when the research was first run in summer 2021. Fifteen per cent of Sheffield residents think solar energy can only be produced in the summer months drawing attention to the myths about how solar panels work. This is the more than the summer 2021 research when 5% of people polled in Sheffield thought that the only season for generating solar power was summer!

Seven per cent of Sheffield residents think you can only store solar energy if you live in the desert suggesting that people believe it cannot be stored by people living in and around Sheffield. Back in 2021 this figure was 5% indicating that our understanding of how to store solar energy is not correct. One reason that may be putting people off finding out more is that they have concerns about investing in solar panels. It appears that 14% of Sheffield residents think solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels when in fact investing in this sun powered system can save money over time. This figure was also 11% back in 2021 – again underlining the need for further education around the costs and savings to be had with solar energy. There is also a misunderstanding around storing solar energy (which can be done simply through having a battery as part of a domestic solar panels set up) with 17% of Sheffield residents thinking that solar energy can only be stored if its above 20 degrees Celsius. The figure is less than that reported in the previous piece of research when 18% stated that it could only be stored when above 20 degrees Celsius. Awareness of how the battery works is clearly low and an awareness raising exercise will need to be undertaken if people are to actively consider moving from gas and oil to energy from the sun.

RaaC - COUNCIl UpdaTE

Following the announcement from the Department of Education on 31st August regarding the impact of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools, the council has provided a further update. There is one school with RAAC in Sheffield, which the council was already aware of before the government’s announcement. Since July, contractors have been removing and replacing RAAC at the school, Abbey Lane Primary at Woodseats. Councillor Dawn Dale said: “Like many local authorities this week, we are continuing and accelerating our already planned schools survey programme in the light of newly issued Government guidance around RAAC. We want to be 100% confident that our schools don’t have RAAC and if they do, that we put in the correct measures to ensure everyone’s safety and minimal disruption to our children’s education. We are working closely with schools on this. We know that Abbey Lane Primary has RAAC and since July we have been removing the RAAC and re-roofing that part of the school, which affected the kitchen area. We have planned for and installed a temporary kitchen unit with a mobile servery, so

that pupils aren’t affected by any disruption to their school day. We are not aware of any other schools with RAAC at this stage. Our last comprehensive schools’ surveys were done in 2018. Previous surveys were asked to look at the condition of buildings and other elements including roofs, windows, and heating, but not RAAC. RAAC was not ruled out in 2018, but this year all of our schools will be surveyed and RAAC assessment will be part of our survey programme.” For information

• Abbey Lane Primary school is not and will not be closed as a result of the latest announcement.

• The school is open and functioning fully whilst the work is taking place.

•Work started in July to replace the RAAC at the school, which will cost £620,000 from our capital budgets. The work is expected to be completed by 1st December 2023

Other public buildings

The Council is reviewing its building data for buildings constructed between 1930 and 2000 and as a precaution, properties built within this period will be inspected to identify any that might have RACC. These thorough inspections and assessments will follow government advice and guidance and appropriate action will be taken if RAAC is found.

Tramlines: the impact of events on Sheffield’s economy and parks

Events bring millions to Sheffield’s economy, generate community pride and support the wellbeing of residents, according to a new report from Sheffield City Council that looks at the impact of events on the city, including Tramlines.

It’s estimated that Tramlines brings a £3.8 million boost to Sheffield’s economy annually. As well as the festival at Hillsborough Park, which was attended by more than 40,000 people, more than 40 city centre venues took part in The Fringe at Tramlines in 2023. With thousands of people enjoying a free family-friendly event on Devonshire Green during the Fringe.

During September, the council’s Economic Development and Skills and Communities, Parks and Leisure Committees, will be discussing Tramlines festival, the benefits it brings to the city, the recovery of Hillsborough Park after this year’s wet weather and plans for future festivals.

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “Tramlines is an incredible celebration of Sheffield’s musical heritage and emerging talent that attracts artists and fans from the city and beyond to enjoy a weekend of music and creativity.

“As well as putting on an incredible show, both in the city centre and Hillsborough Park, both events provide a welcome boost to the local economy. Tramlines fans spend money on hotels, food and drink and transport, whilst the events provide opportunities for local suppliers, create jobs and work placement opportunities, and helps provide an

income to support the running of the city’s parks.”

Tramlines is a major event for Sheffield and has grown to be one of the biggest city-based festivals in the UK since it started in 2009. In that time, the festival has supported more than 200 local artists to play the festival, given 68 work placements to local students and raised £200,000 for local charities. Income generated from Tramlines has helped to fund improvements in Hillsborough Park including improvements to pathways. As well as economic benefits, hosting events in Sheffield parks helps bring social and health benefits to the city as well. Smaller, neighbourhood events bring communities together and encourage more people to visit their local green spaces. With income made from these events going back into supporting Sheffield’s parks, to ensure more neighbourhoods have access to green space.

Fees from event organisers play an important role in helping the council to manage and maintain the more than 800 parks and green spaces in Sheffield. Income from fees contributes to maintaining and improving green spaces in the city. This includes sharing investment across parks which may be too small or unsuitable to host their own events but still bring a huge benefit to the community.

Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said: Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK and we are proud to have so many green spaces for residents to enjoy.

“The council’s budget has faced

unprecedented cuts and there will be growing pressures in the years to come. Despite this, customer feedback shows an increase in satisfaction with the quality of Sheffield’s parks and academic research shows how important good quality green spaces are for residents’ wellbeing. Bringing events into our parks gives the council an opportunity to be more ambitious with Sheffield’s green spaces, improve parks for residents and unlock opportunities for local businesses.”

In 2023, the weather throughout Tramlines was incredibly wet, with seven inches of rain falling across the weekend – more than double the average for the time of year. Whilst previous Tramlines festivals experienced some rainfall and the ground held up, this summer far more rain fell than was forecast. Despite preparing the ground before the festival and bringing in measures to protect the park during the event, the park was damaged and has required substantial repairs . Repairs have taken place during the summer and will be paid for by Tramlines.

The park has reopened in sections to allow residents to enjoy the park as soon as possible. The café, multi-use games area, pump track and some grassed areas are now open to enjoy, whist Parkrun has also returned to the park.

Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said: “Tramlines will remain at Hillsborough Park because it is the best venue for the festival in the city. The fee the festival pays to

the council will continue to support maintenance and improvements to the park for the benefit of all users. Festival organisers are always responsible for the cost of works required to reinstate the park after the festival.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience as repairs take place, I know the damage caused by the weather conditions during the festival has had an impact on residents, and particularly families during the school holidays. The council will monitor progress to ensure that high quality and sustainable repairs are made in

reasonable timeframes for the weather conditions and the park is opened up for use as soon as sections become ready. We will keep working with Tramlines to ensure this level of damage is avoided if extreme wet weather happens during the festival again.”

Updates on the progress of repairs to Hillsborough Park can be found on the Tramlines website at tramlines.org.uk/ info/residents

Find out more about council meetings on the council website.

Campaign to Save The Leadmill ramps us as Public Hearing looms

The Battle for the Soul of Sheffield will take to the streets on Monday 18th September 2023, with a major rally to Save The Leadmill.

The campaign to stop the hostile takeover of The Leadmill will bring together music enthusiasts, local residents, and cultural advocates in a resounding show of unity.

The rally will take place on Monday 18th September, at 09:00am outside Sheffield Town Hall. The public hearing, which will decide the future of The Leadmill, will commence at 10:00am.

The Leadmill will be running drop-in session to make placards and signs for the rally, the details

of which will be posted on the campaign website: www. savetheleadmill.com

A Spokesperson for The Leadmill said: “We're a team of passionate people who love providing events for Sheffield, and we're trying to keep The Leadmill running as the venue you know and love whilst also running this campaign.

“We’re working to Save The Leadmill, protect our city’s heritage, and defend our culture, but on 18th September, the decision about this hostile takeover will go to a public hearing, and we need you there — we must show the strength of support for our campaign.

“Every grassroots supporter

counts, so we’re asking you to come to our rally on Monday 18th September at 9:00am outside Sheffield Town Hall. We know it’s a working day, but if you can come even for just one hour, we would be so grateful. Bring your friends, family and signs!

“Tell us you’re coming and get updates by signing up to our campaign at www. savetheleadmill.com/rally

“We have been overwhelmed by your support so far, but it will take the full strength of this campaign to secure victory and win the Battle for the Soul of Sheffield, so please mark the date, sign up online and bring a friend with you!”

TickeTs For Good launches The FirsT naTionwide TickeT Bank

Sheffield based Tickets for Good launches new programme to give free and heavily discounted tickets for festivals, live music, sport, comedy, and theatre events to millions of households affected by the cost of living crisis. This news follows the separate announcement of Robbie Williams as an investor and supporter of Tickets for Good.

Tickets for Good - the company on a mission to give NHS and charity workers free and heavily discounted tickets to festivals, music, sport, comedy, and theatre - has launched a new programme: ‘The Ticket Bank’, to give tickets directly to the 8 million people affected by the cost of living crisis. Anyone who has received UK Government cost of living payments is eligible to sign up to the platform immediately. Major UK promoters are already

on board with Tickets for Good, with festivals including Tramlines (Sheffield), Truck (Oxford), Bath Festivals, and Deer Shed (North Yorks) offering tickets on the platform. Renowned venues including The Stand Comedy Club, The Clapham Grand, The National Theatre, Harrogate Theatre, and many more are providing tickets for comedy, cabaret, plays, and theatrical events, with the Roman Baths becoming the first highprofile heritage organisation to pledge involvement. The London Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and Regents Opera are helping to ensure that people squeezed by the current economic crisis can still enjoy classical music and the arts. High-profile sports organisations are also working with Tickets for Good, such as Newcastle Thunder and Newcastle Falcons providing rugby tickets, or Durham County

Cricket Club offering tickets for their T20 games. Tickets for Good originally launched as ‘The Ticket Bank’ back in 2019 - allowing venues, promoters, and event organisers to upload free tickets for local charities and social groups. During COVID-19 they began work on a new service, ‘Tickets for Good’ that would allow for tickets to be pledged directly to NHS workers. To date, Tickets for Good has registered over 250,000 NHS and general medical staff, charity workers, and volunteers, who have saved over £10 million in facevalue ticket costs. Free to sign up, members pay just £3.95 booking fee for free or heavily discounted tickets, and have enjoyed a wide range of events, with a lucky few even attending gigs from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Idles, as well as major festivals like Parklife.

Sacha Lord - Nighttime Economy

Advisor for Manchester, cofounder of Parklife Festival and the Warehouse Project said, “It’s a true honour to be partnering with Tickets for Good, an organisation that helps us support a vast array of projects and people as a result. Making Parklife accessible to as many people as possible is what we’re all about.” The cost of living crisis has increased pressure on families and individuals across the UK. A recent survey by mental health charity, Mind, revealed that nearly 8 in 10 Britons had experienced a negative impact on their mental health due to the crisis. Tickets For Good aims to provide some respite.

Steve Rimmer - Tickets for Good CEO and co-founder said, “The cost of living crisis is having a profound effect on millions of people. Buying tickets for events is just not possible for them as they struggle to balance financial commitments. We’re delighted to help our events partners give back to the nation at large scale through

free and discounted tickets.”

After becoming the biggest investor in Tickets for Good, music superstar Robbie Williams said, “Access to the arts is a cause close to my heart - the magic of live entertainment is something everyone should be able to benefit from. So, I’m thrilled to be working with Tickets for Good as they launch the first UK-wide project to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis to access a fantastic range of events.”

Eligibility for Tickets for Good’s Ticket Bank is simple: anyone who has received UK Government cost-of-living payments can sign up to the platform immediately. The platform is free to join and members pay a maximum £3.95 booking fee for free or heavily discounted tickets.

For details on who is able to receive UK Government Cost of Living payments, please visithttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/ cost-of-living-payment.

NoTIce of AppLIcATIoN foR A pRemIses LIceNce uNdeR secTIoN 17 of The LIceNsINg AcT 2003

Notice is hereby given that Zambezi Lounge Ltd has applied for a premises licence to Sheffield City Council in relation to Zambezi Lounge, 580 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QP to permit the provision of the following licensable activities:

Retail sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises

Monday to Thursday 12:00hrs to 23:30hrs, Friday 12:00hrs to 02:30hrs, Saturday 12:00hrs to 03:30hrs, Sunday 12:00hrs to 03:00hrs.

New Years Eve 12:00hrs to 03:30hrs, Christmas Eve 12:00hrs to 02:30hrs, Bank Holiday Monday 12:00hrs to 03:00.

Live music, Recorded music and Late-Night

Refreshment

Monday to Thursday 23:00hrs to 23:30hrs, Friday 23:00hrs to 02:30hrs, Saturday 23:00hrs to 03:30hrs, Sunday 23:00hrs to 03:00hrs.

New Years Eve 23:00hrs to 03:30hrs, Christmas Eve 23:00hrs to 02:30hrs, Bank Holiday Monday 23:00 to 03:00hrs.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected during normal office hours at the below address or online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations in writing to, Sheffield City Council Licensing Service at Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Sheffield, S9 3HD or by email: licensingservice@sheffield. gov.uk. Such written representation must be received by 04/10/2023 clearly stating the grounds upon which the representation is made in relation to the four objectives of the Licensing Act 2003.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited.

and Club Premises Certificates)

Regulations 2005

Notice is hereby given that I: sTevAN pARkIN oN behALf of pARk commuNITy AReNA LTd

Have made an application under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as pARk commuNITy AReNA, woRksop RoAd, sheffIeLd s9 3TL

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: The sale by retail of alcohol:

Mon - Sun 07:00 - 01:00 the following day

Provision of late night refreshment: Mon - Sun 23:00 - 01:00 the following day

Provision of regulated entertainment, namely playing of live music, playing of recorded music

Mon - Sun 07:00 - 01:00 the following day

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 28th September 2023

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service.

Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises and Club Premises Certificates)

Regulations 2005

Notice is hereby given that I: chRIsTopheR muRdoch

Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as The ouTposT, kINgfIsheR woRks, NeepseNd LANe, sheffIeLd s3 8Au

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON the premises:

Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 22.00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 10th October 2023.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service.

Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

hk TRANspoRT deRby LTd of 68 keNILwoRTh AveNue, deRby de23 8Ty is applying to change an existing Licence as follows:

To keep an extra 2 goods vehIcLe ANd 0 TRAILeRs at the operating centre at AggRegATe INdusTRIes, euRopA LINk, SheffIeld SouTh yorkShIre S9 1TQ Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane Leeds LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

FRIDAY SATURDAY

10.40 The Savoy Cameras return to follow life inside the glamorous London hotel as it finally reopens its doors after being forced to close during the pandemic.

11.40 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs Paul meets dogs still struggling to find a home, including two that have already been returned to Battersea once as they are so boisterous. 12.10

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY MONDAY

TUESDAY

Coronation Street: Dom watches on in satisfaction as Stu is arrested for assaulting an officer! Amy listens in as Darren confides in Dev that he and Courtney are having marriage problems and he suspects she’s having an affair. Paul receives a letter offering an appointment with the palliative nurse. Dee-Dee’s chuffed when Joel admits US law was just an excuse to ask her out and suggests they have dinner. As Evelyn settles into the café flat, Roy realises that she’s not the easiest of guests. Ed’s late for a celebratory meal at Speed Daal with Ronnie and Debbie. Have his gambling demons got the better of him?

Emmerdale: Cathy and her dad Bob meet with a doctor to get an OFFICIAL diagnosis of her condition. Cain and his brother, Caleb are heading off on a mystery road trip. But they don’t want anybody to know! WHAT exactly are the brothers up to?

In a heated moment, Cathy throws a garden ornament through a window at the village B&B! When Wendy tries to intervene and calm down Cathy, the angry teenager shoves her to the ground! As Manpreet and Bernice both get involved, it’s all too much for Bob, who feels a twinge of pain in his chest. Is he having another heart attack? David admits to his son, Jacob, that his feelings for Victoria are blossoming again.

Eastenders: Denise overhears Gina and Anna rowing about Ravi dealing drugs to Gina and she tells Jack she’s going to report Ravi to the police. Phil sneaks back into the house in the morning, after staying out all night following their row. Meanwhile, Kat finds out that there’s been a cancellation at the register office and making a decision, she books a slot. The wedding is next week! Keanu gets bad news about daughter Peggy when he’s sent an injunction from Peggy’s gran Lisa. Stacey has been acting like an overly protective mother hen with teenage daughter Lily. Comforted by Jean’s words, she agrees to back off. But when she goes outside she finds something horrifying.

OWLS BACK AFTER THE BREAK!

The Owls return to action this week following the first international break of the campaign.

Wednesday went into the break on the back of a determined performance against Leeds at Elland Road last time out.

Xisco’s men posted their first point of the season in the Yorkshire derby and now regroup at Middlewood Road to prepare for Ipswich at home on Saturday. The squad trained on Monday, minus those who remain on international duty.

Devis Vasquez and

Juan Delgado are set to go head-to-head in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Colombia face Chile in the second round of CONMEBOL qualifying.

Delgado came on midway through the second half in Chile’s 3-1 defeat to Uruguay last Friday, while Vasquez was an unused substitute as Colombia overcame Venezuela 1-0.

Di’Shon Bernard also remains away from Hillsborough until later in the week. Jamaica take on Haiti on Wednesday morning. The young

centre back was an unused substitute as his country defeated Honduras 1-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League on Saturday morning. Elsewhere, new Owls loanee Jeff Hendrick will return from duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Saturday’s clash with the Tractor Boys will be another stern test for the Owls. Following their promotion from League One, Ipswich have enjoyed a strong start back in the second tier and sit in second spot with four wins from five games.

MILLERS TRIP TO HUDDERSFIELD NOW SOLD OUT

Tickets for Rotherham United’s upcoming Sky Bet Championship clash with Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium have now SOLD OUT.

The Millers received a limited further

allocation of tickets which went on sale to supporters on Monday morning and were subsequently snapped up with the final tickets being sold early in the afternoon.

A SOLD OUT away end will be behind Matt

Taylor’s Millers in West Yorkshire where they return to second tier action on Saturday 16th September 2023.

The Red and White Shop are now taking names over the phone to go on a waiting list should any returns

be made or in the event that our hosts at Huddersfield Town are able to make any further tickets available to us.

Millers fans can call 01709 827768 to register your details on the waiting list.

MCCANN: WE’RE A ‘NEARLy TEAM’ AT THE MINUTE

Grant McCann labelled Rovers a ‘nearly team’ after suffering late frustration at Wrexham.

Rovers looked to be on course for a deserved share of the spoils courtesy of Mo Faal’s equaliser before Elliot Lee drilled home an 89th minute winner for the hosts.

that will take them over the line for a first league win of the season.

“We’re just a bit of a nearly team at the minute,” he said. “I’ve said it to the players.

performances and got nothing for it.

UNITED ADD ACADEMy DUO PLAy

United have added two more promising young players to the club’s academy with 18-year-old duo Jay Tinsdale and Evan Easton joining Michael Collins’ Under 21s squad after signing for the Blades last week.

Defender Easton moves from north of the border after a spell at Celtic, while midfielder Tinsdale,

who can also play fullback, moves from West Yorkshire to South Yorkshire after coming through the ranks at Bradford City. Easton was at Partick Thistle until being snapped up by the Glasgow side in 2020 and has been involved in the Scotland youth teams at several age groups and follows in the footsteps of Ryan

Oné who also moved across the border to join United from Hamilton Academical.

Tinsdale meanwhile has worked his way through with the Bantams and signed a professional deal in

2022, impressing in the academy and scoring in the team’s FA Youth Cup run last season, before heading out on a work experience loan to Ramsbottom United in February this year.

It was another performance of positives from Rovers but McCann is desperate for his side to find the muchneeded killer touch

SAFE WEEKEND

English football is set to unite again over the above weekend to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.

Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super

“Our performances are definitely improving but unfortunately we’re not getting the rewards for it. That’s down to us, that’s down to the lads on the pitch and us as a staff to make sure we get that right.

“If you think back to MK Dons, Everton and this one - we’ve had three good

League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game. This season the FA are asking EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – clubs and leagues at every level of the game, (and individuals if they wish) – to tell them what they are planning to do to make a difference over the Play Safe weekend and to share this via an online Play Safe Pledge.

The FA’s Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group (FASSSAG) continues to support

Play Safe: “Creating safe environments in every football setting is a collective responsibility. It’s really important that every

“I said to the lads that we need to find that winning mentality, that killer instinct, that killer edge that teams have to win games and see games out and get them into a position where they’re challenging at the top end of the league.”

McCann is looking for Rovers to establish an intimidation factor that will take them a long way in matches. He said: “I would say that we’re not scaring the opposition and

single person in football – no matter if they’re actively involved or on the sidelines – understands that they have an ongoing role to play. Knowing how to act on any concerns is vital and Play Safe is a key way to raise awareness so that everyone is vigilant and knows what to do if they become aware of any inappropriate behaviour.”

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play –coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE,

when I say that I mean that we haven’t got that fear factor yet. I know that will come.

“A team like Wrexham have probably got a fear factor in terms of what their forward players do, Elliot Lee does, bringing on Steven Fletcher and Paul Mullin. That will send a fear into League Two.

“We don’t have that at the minute. We have the players to do it but we haven’t got that fear factor and that is something we have to keep working on.”

EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns. These messages are reflected in the visuals on this page, which are examples of the various digital and print resources being distributed to every County FA, league and club in England. Captain’s armbands will be worn at various levels of the game over the weekend. Head coaches/managers are also being asked to wear Play Safe pin badges to show their support. It’s all part of football in England uniting to create an ever-safer culture across the game at every level.

TRAVEL IN COMFORT ANd ST yLE!

dAyS OUT 2023

SEPTEMBER

AD OAP/CHILD

Thu 14th Belvoir Castle & Cream Tea** £38 £38

Sat 16th Harrogate ...........................£18 £17

Sun 17th Wonderful Whitby ...............£18 £17

Wed 20th North Wales Tour.................£20 £19

Fri 22nd British Musical Firework Championship in Stockport ...£18 £17

Thu 28th Derbyshire Tour & Carvery ....£28 £28

OCTOBER

Wed 4th Bury Fish Market & Tea .........£32 £32

Sat 14th Pickering 1940s Weekend ....£18 £17

Sat 21st Blackpool Illuminations .......£18 £17

Wed 25th Flamingo Land at Halloween ...tbc tbc

Thu 26th Blackpool Illuminations .......£18 £17

Sat 28th Whitby Goth ........................£18 £17

2023 hOLIdAyS

NOvEMBER

Sat 11th York & Designer Outlet..........£18 £17

Mon 13th Bakewell Market & Castleton £18 £17

Sat 18th Chatsworth at Christmas ......£45 £45

Sat 25th Birmingham Christmas Market£20 £19

Mon 27th Thursford Christmas Spectacular£80 £80

Thu 30th Beamish at Christmas ..........£38 £35

DECEMBER

Sat 2nd Birmingham Christmas Market£20 £19

Sun 3rd Nottingham Christmas Market£18 £17

Sat 9th Lincoln Christmas Market.....£20 £19

Sun 10th Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market£19 £18

Sat 16th York Christmas Market .........£18 £17

Sun 17th Manchester Christmas Market£18 £17

18 Sep 5-days Ostend featuring Bruges & Ypres ............£399 pp

23 Sep 9-days Tuscan Sunshine ..........................from £870 pp

2 Oct 5-days Chilled in the Trossachs ........................£299 pp

7 Oct 8-days Jersey, A Perfect Island Break ...............£699 pp

16 Oct 5-days Discover the Isle of Wight .....................£399 pp

30 Oct 5-days Breath-taking Bournemouth ..................£349 pp

19 Nov 5-days valkenburg Christmas Markets ..............£499 pp

27 Nov 5-days Blackpool Turkey & Tinsel .....................£267 pp

27 Nov 4-days Awesome Amsterdam ...........................£399 pp

1 Dec 4-days Scottish Christmas Markets Weekend Break£289 pp

8 Dec 4-days Torbay Turkey & Tinsel Weekend ............£289 pp

11 Dec 5-days Llandudno Turkey & Tinsel.....................£259 pp

12 Dec 4-days Winter Break in Awesome Amsterdam ...£399 pp