Hayley Gallimore - Journalism Portfolio

Work experience feature published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times 10/7/08: ONE MAN'S JUNK IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE

2008-06-30T16:41:00.004+01:00

As a student returning to the Ribble Valley from the big city I am reminded, not only of what a beautiful place I come from, but also of the area’s rich historic cultural heritage and how that shapes our leisure activities.

Much of my spare time is spent scouring shops and the internet for vintage clothing and retro household items. Even a recent trip to Berlin was dominated by the quest to buy vintage. Similarly, when I’m home I seize the opportunity to see what local shops have to offer.

I could spend hours in the Charity shops that are scattered along Clitheroe’s main shopping streets. They attract bargain hunters from far and wide who come in search of second hand clothes, bric-a-brac and collectables. A rummage through the rails can prove very rewarding as you never know what you might find or how cheap you might get it.

You could snap up a vintage dress or handbag as donations come in from all generations, and you’d be right on trend because vintage garments are so chic everyone from Kate Moss to Sharon Stone is wearing them. Or maybe you’re inspired by the revival for retro interiors. You might stumble upon a roll of graphic printed wallpaper, psychedelic curtains or an art deco dinner service.

Charity shops are no longer a graveyard for fusty cardigans and battered boots. Oxfam has a rigorous sorting process where they pick out the best quality clothes and the rest is recycled at Wastesaver, a clothes recycling plant in Huddersfield.

“We sort strictly and pick out the best things we can put a higher price on,” says a volunteer at Oxfam, Clitheroe; “people are looking for good value and better quality. “We don’t sell clothes from the cheaper high street shops like Primark because the prices are so low they wouldn’t sell.”

This year, Oxfam’s 60th anniversary, the charity has joined forces with Marks and Spencer for the UK’s biggest clothing recycling campaign, “M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange”. Customers making a donation of M&S clothes to Oxfam will receive a £5 voucher to spend on their next £35 M&S purchase. The scheme aims to raise money for Oxfam’s work in tackling poverty and injustice while reducing the one million tonnes of clothing we send to landfill each year.

In these environmentally conscious times, using charity shops is a great way to recycle and save money. During the current “credit crunch” we are all thinking about money saving, but that’s nothing new says Connie Callow, manager of Clitheroe’s Help The Aged: “Charity shops have always been popular in Clitheroe. “People have always watched their pennies, no one wants to throw their money away.”

Oxfam anticipates that second hand shopping will increase in the coming months as people can’t afford to splurge on luxuries. “I would think charity shops will do better during this period,” says a volunteer. Connie from Help The Aged agrees that charity shops are an affordable way to shop: “There’s not much else in Clitheroe if you don’t want to pay designer prices, people have to come here.”

For some people, charity shops are a sign that an area is poor, but this is not the case in Clitheroe. The town’s history and affluence make it a dream for anyone with an interest in antiques. Charity shops and auction rooms see many shoppers through their doors who are looking for specific pieces.

Silverwoods of Clitheroe hold auctions for everything from Georgian antiques, rural and domestic bygones to vintage tractors and motorcycles. Their Wednesday evening sale of modern furniture and bric-a-brac attracts buyers from all over the North.

Wilf Mould, Valuer and Auctioneer at Silverwoods, tells me that popular 20th Century pieces are art and design, retro items and street art: “But the stuff that makes the money is the stuff that is attributed to, or signed by a maker,” he says.

“We get a lot of collectors in trawling for that elusive piece, as well as dealers, connoisseurs and private buyers.” Wilf explains why private buyers are attracted to Silverwoods: “A modern piece can be a focal point among older furniture and decor, vice versa, people who have decorated in the minimalist style might buy a statement antique”.

Wilf assures me that antiques are still as popular as ever. Television shows like Antiques Roadshow, and more recently Bargain Hunt, have broadened the appeal of antiques: “They have trivialised the business to an extent but I think any promotion is good promotion,” he says.

On the subject of Ebay, Wilf is not concerned about its effect on the antiques industry, explaining: “Ebay is alright for things if you know what they look like, but there is no substitute for seeing a piece live.”

There’s no question that the Ribble Valley has a healthy antiques and collectables scene. “It’s a very nice part of the world,” Wilf says; “There is an element of wealth in the Ribble Valley, a lot of our stuff comes from Ribble Valley houses and goes to Ribble Valley houses. “Private buyers are keeping local items in the area.”

As I head back to the city, with my bags heavier than when I arrived, I am proud to have added to my collection by recycling someone else’s “junk” and without spending a fortune.

Work experience article published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times 26/6/08: SAMPLING LIFE ON THE FARM FIRST-HAND

2008-06-30T16:34:00.004+01:00

Sheep shearing, nest building and picnics were just some of the attractions that brought nearly 200 visitors to Croasdale House Farm in Slaidburn.

Open Farm Sunday, organised by Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), was a free event that gave everyone the chance to enjoy the living, vibrant countryside of the Ribble Valley by soaking up the scenery and experiencing the sights and smell of the farmyard.

Local farmers Malcolm and Marty Handley said the day was a huge success that even the rain couldn’t spoil: “It went brilliantly despite the fact that it rained all day,” said Marty.

The event raised £350 for St Andrew’s Church, Slaidburn, from the sale of refreshments.

The most popular attractions on the farm were the sheep shearing demonstrations and the small animal nursery where rabbits, chicks and ducklings could be handled: “The kids loved it,” added Marty.

Other popular activities included a nest building competition, won by Rosie Rainford, of Accrington, and Joseph Clarkson, of Read, and a colouring competition won by Leah Hartley, of Rishton and, Burnley's Gregory Worden.

Open Farm Sunday was a national event that saw over 500 farms open their gates to encourage the public to visit.

Clearly not deterred by the rain, Marty Handley is looking forward to next year’s open day: “We’ll definitely be doing it,” she said, “and hopefully the weather will be better.”

Work experience article published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times 12/6/08: SUMMER ARRIVED FOR GROUP

2008-06-30T16:27:00.003+01:00

Summer had truly arrived when Clitheroe Naturalists visited the Washburn Valley.

The trip started at the viaduct at Lindley Wood Reservoir and took them down a woodland track along the River Washburn and past the weir. On their way into more open countryside, the group passed a trout hatchery and spotted three herons who were hungry for a meal.

The walk continued past the fish ponds near Leathley Mill and over to Leathley Hall, before sitting down for lunch in the picturesque hamlet of Leathley.

The walkers continued to Leathley Bridge and down to the banks of the River Wharfe. Many butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies were seen along the way, as well as 59 different flowers including Soapwart, Catchfly, Wood Speedwell and Sanical. Many Finches were spotted and other birds that were seen and heard included Blackcaps, Grey and Pied Wagtails.

On the other side of the corn fields, the walk finished in Otley.

Please note that the next walk has changed to Harewood House. To book please ring Christine on 01200 441638.

Work experience article published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times: ALSTON - ROTHWELL WEDDING

2008-06-30T16:17:00.002+01:00

A honeymoon in Egypt followed the wedding of Joanne Rothwell and Richard Alston.

The bride, a dental nurse, is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Bill and Christine Rothwell, of West View, Clitheroe.

Her bridegroom, a postman, is the son of Janet Cooper, of Ennerdale Road, Clitheroe.

Given away by her father, the bride wore an antique white lace gown with sweetheart neckline and crystal detailing accompanied by a cathedral-length veil. She carried a bouquet of white roses.

Her attendants, in striking cobalt blue satin gowns, were Lisa Alston and Natalie Briston.

Best man was the bridegroom's brother, Andrew Alston and groomsmen were Mark Rothwell, Wayne Eccles, Simon Duckworth and Ian Middleton.

The wedding ceremony took place at All Saints Church, Pendleton, and it was conducted by the Rev. Chris Sterry. It was followed by a reception was held at The Higher Trapp Hotel in Simonstone.

On return from honeyroom the couple will live in Padiham.

Work experience article published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times: WHEATLEY - WARE WEDDING

2008-06-30T16:08:00.004+01:00

Clitheroe newlyweds Sylvia Ware and Trevor Wheatley are taking an unusual honeymoon - on wheels.

The bride is an examination board subject officer and qualified graphologist. Her bridegroom is a senior electrical engineer for an international consultancy

The couple plan to start married life touring the Loire Valley in their motorhome.

The newlyweds, of Whalley Road, Clitheroe, were married at Clitheroe Register Office.

The bride wore a full-length dress and jacket in pale lavender with crystal beading.

She carried a bouquet of ivory, pale pink and lilac roses with ivory lilies.

Her flower girl was her three-year-old granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Ware.

She wore an ivory tulle fairy dress with lavender organza sash and carried a posy that complemented the bride’s flowers.

Page boy was the bridegroom’s seven-year-old grandson, Sean McCormack-Wheatley.

A wedding reception was held at The Old Post House Hotel in Clitheroe followed by an evening party at the couple’s home.

Work experience article published in Clitheroe Advertiser and Times 26/6/08: WONDERFUL EVENING BOOSTS CC COFFERS...

2008-06-30T15:59:00.003+01:00

A wonderful evening of food and entertainment was enjoyed by guests at Mitton Hall, Whalley.

A cocktail party organised to boost funds for Whalley Cricket Club was organised by sisters Ruth Telford, of Whalley, and Jen Read, whose sons are young cricketers at the club.

Around 150 people attended the partywhich raised £2700. Entertainment was provided by Whalley acts DJ Joel Beckett and Andie Dee on guitar and vocals.

Summing up the night, Ruth said: "Everybody came dressed up and made the effort to make it a wonderful evening."

Work experience article: SALTHILL CLEAN UP

2008-06-30T15:53:00.001+01:00

A group of young people are doing their bit for the environment in Tower Hill, Clitheroe. The Tower Hill Youth Action Group, organised by local mother Lynn Wilson, have held litter-picking days at Salthill Playing Field and surrounding woodland.

The first outing saw a group of around twelve volunteers aged 5-18 collect fourteen bags of rubbish. They used bags and pick-up sticks provided by the council. Ultraframe employee Lee Martin also offered the services of his garden tools to cut back overgrown hedges.

Ultraframe litter was among the rubbish collected. Lynn, who is chairperson of the Tower Hill adult committee, said the Ultraframe rubbish blows over into the park because it is right next to it. “On the second clean-up there was no Ultraframe rubbish!” said Lynn.

The group are currently trying to obtain a “Big Lottery Fund” grant to improve the Salthill Field and surrounding area. Money from the grant would go towards new play equipment and picnic tables, a vegetable garden, sensory garden and bird boxes as well as funding activities for the area’s young people.

The group plans to hold monthly clean ups. The next one is expected to be over the weekend of July 5th-6th.

Job assessment article, timed: CREDIT CRUNCH = CHEAP HOLIDAYS

2008-06-30T15:50:00.003+01:00

British holidaymakers could benefit from the current economic slump if they choose Eastern European city breaks. A Post Office report has seen a huge increase in two and three night city breaks over the last 20 years, with Budapest likely to see increased tourism in 2008 due to its strong currency.

The current travel situation is being likened to the 1980s when UK holidaymakers flocked to cities like Barcelona, Prague and Dublin after Black Monday when UK shares fell 26.4 per cent and low cost flights were gaining popularity.

Helen Warburton, head of Post Office travel says, “After Black Monday many people had to cut back on expenditure and there was a strong growth trend in two or three night short breaks.”

The Post Office says that short breaks to European cities still take 8 of the top 10 places popular with UK travellers.

While cheap deals will be snapped up this year, tourists should be warned that the cost of goods such as food, drink and souvenirs will be higher than previous years because of the weak Pound which this month reached its lowest ever level against the Euro.

Word count: 190

Job assessment article, timed: JOSEPH FIENNES FACE OF THINK CAMPAIGN

2008-06-30T15:47:00.002+01:00

Joseph Fiennes is the voice of a new campaign aiming to stop motorists driving while tired. The £800,000 THINK! Campaign will include advertising on the radio, on journey planning websites and at service stations. The high profile initiative is targeted at people in driving jobs as they are most at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

The campaign will focus on the yawn as a sign that drivers need to take a break. A government poll found that only 18% of British motorists always take a yawn as a sign to pull over. Dr Neil Stanley, a sleep expert at Norfolk and Norwich University hospital says, “Yawning quite simply means you're on the road to falling asleep - so if you're yawning behind the wheel it really is time to pull over."

THINK’s campaign advice is not to start a long journey if you’re tired, ensure you take a 15 minute break every 2 hours and find a safe place to stop if you feel drowsy.

Only last month, lorry driver Jamie Logue was sentenced to four years and nine months, when he fell asleep at the wheel and killed pensioner, Andrew Linton. The campaign hopes to help avoid anymore such tragedies.

Word count: 203

Sheffield Hallam University student magazine article published May 2008: SHOULD FACEBOOK BE BANNED ON UNIVERSITY COMPUTERS?

2008-06-30T15:40:00.003+01:00

It’s that time of year again, deadlines and exams are looming and all your waking hours are spent in the learning centre (honestly!) This stressful period is made even more frustrating when you pace around scanning for an available computer only to see Facebook on every other screen. Of course, when you hunt down and log on to a PC, it’s the first site you check. But we all like to think we wouldn’t sit there and unashamedly hog a computer just to check status updates or upload last night’s drunken photos… or would we? Think about how little time you actually spend communicating with Facebook friends compared to the countless hours perusing profiles and applications!

There are 2,700 computers for 30,000 students at Sheffield Hallam University. That’s eleven students to each computer. So I got to thinking, would there be more computers available if we COULDN’T access Facebook and other social networking sites at University? Apparently it is possible for Universities to block access to individual sites – some workplaces have banned social networking sites because they distract staff.

I’m not suggesting that the University should ban Facebook – I don’t want a lynching! I just want to gage what people think about the idea. So I’ve set up a Facebook group and invited my friends to discuss whether the site should be banned on University computers.

Many students admit they spend too much time on Facebook instead of doing their work:

Mark Fell, a Sheffield Hallam University student of Communication Studies admits he checks Facebook “far too much” while he’s supposed to be working. “Having a deterrence would be beneficial” he says.

“I agree. I spend far too much time checking Facebook when I desperately want to get on with work” says Kiri Allmand, another Communication Studies student.

Lucy Gresty, a student at University of Central Lancashire says the problem is the same there:

“Social networking has turned the library in to more of an internet cafe but I'm guilty of it too during periods where I reach a lull in my studies. I would personally be in favour of having ‘work only’ computers on designated floors of the library. But I suspect many students would balk at the control over their computer usage.”

Marcus Bowen, a Communication Studies student, points out that there is always the option to use the online booking system to ensure you get a PC when you arrive at the Learning Centre. He adds:

“I find Facebook a good way to have a two minute stop and then get back on with work. People who can't help themselves from checking it every 30 seconds need to have some self discipline and show some restraint.”

Facebook can be a valuable communication tool. Ollie Burt is a Communication Studies course representative who, quite appropriately, wrote on the group’s wall while in the Learning Centre at midnight. He says that Web 2 applications are as useful as email for the organisation of society events and helping each other with assignments. He also notes that not everyone owns their own computer:

“Using Facebook at Uni is often their only opportunity to catch up with friends from home and even other countries.”

Before hearing these viewpoints I thought that banning Facebook at Uni might be beneficial. But I think Marcus is right, we can avoid such measures by showing some restraint and using computer resources appropriately. Book a computer if you can, or try one of the many other campus-wide computer rooms to ease congestion in the Learning Centres.

Word count: 589

University portfolio 2008: BRITAIN IN CRISIS

2008-06-30T15:37:00.005+01:00

Britain is in crisis. Our out-of-control teenagers are being splashed across global and local press after London suffered 27 teen murders last year and ‘yob’ violence has infected many other towns and cities. Last month, TIME magazine’s front page image of a hooded youth flanked by the Union Jack brought the plight of a scared nation to the World’s attention and provided an unflinching depiction of binge drinking, casual sex, gang warfare and violence that has come to symbolise British youth culture.

TIME reveals some disturbing home truths; 27% of British 15-year-olds have been drunk 20 or more times and 35% have used cannabis in the last 12 months, figures that will not surprise people who so regularly encounter groups of underage drunks in their neighbourhoods. If the current crisis of adolescence is not tackled we may see more tragedies like that of Garry Newlove, the 47-year-old father who last year was kicked to death outside his home in Warrington by a gang of drunken youths after he tried to stop them vandalising his wife’s car. The “scourge of feral youngsters” – as identified by the Sun newspaper – is also being felt in suburban and rural areas where local communities fight to keep control of their young people.

One such community is in the Ribble Valley, an idyllic cluster of small towns and villages in Lancashire, where police recently piloted an initiative aimed at underage street drinkers. As part of the government’s Confiscation of Alcohol Campaign, officers in Clitheroe used new alcohol testing kits to target suspicious soft drinks bottles carried by teenagers during the month-long blitz in February and large amounts of beer and cider were seized. But why pilot such a scheme in sleepy market town like Clitheroe, and what impact has it had on local youngsters? Trinity Youth and Community Centre is where I found my answers. The centre works closely with the local community, government, police and schools and has provided essential services for young people since 1972. While the pool table, tuck shop, sports hall and music room are understandably popular among youth club members, Trinity also provides a curriculum of sorts that covers career advice and drug and sex education. Simon Whipp, the youth leader is proudly evangelistic about his work. He explains; “we have an impact of six hours a week here on their lives but they learn a lot from it.”

Simon, 32, has worked with young people for ten years, five of which have been at Trinity. He says many people are unaware of the social problems that exist in Clitheroe, that so many of the young people he sees are from unstable families;

“They don’t understand that there is compassion and there is love and affection and things like that which we tend to show them a little bit of. It’s nice having male and female workers here as well because they see that we show each other respect whereas at home dad won’t show mum respect and mum won’t show dad respect,” Says Simon.

While Simon admits underage drinking is a problem in Clitheroe he has mixed feelings about February’s police blitz which he thinks only drove youths away from the town’s parks towards the more dangerous rivers and quarries in the area. He also thinks the approach was perhaps too hard-line; “fair enough, approach them, confiscate their alcohol but arresting them and things like that to me is just wildly absurd,” a feeling that was echoed by some of the kids I spoke to at Trinity. Max, 14, tells me about an occasion when the police targeted him and his friends, some of who were drinking alcohol in Clitheroe Castle grounds. He says some people were restrained unnecessarily when they refused to cooperate; “I know there’s an age limit for a reason but you’ve got to realise that if there’s a law kids just want to break it just to say, “I’m well hard I can drink in the streets””.

Trinity was the right place to go for proof that underage drinkers are a problem even in more rural areas. A heated argument between a 14-year-old girl and an older boy about a stolen mobile phone leads Simon to confide in me that he had confiscated a large bottle of cider from the girl. And this is what he calls a “quiet night”. When I ask Max whether the girl is a regular youth club member he seems unconcerned by her behaviour; “yeah she’s alright,” he shrugs. The loud dance music pumping from the ‘disco’ room may not be to everyone’s taste but it really draws the youngsters to the youth centre

“One of the main reasons for having youth clubs is to provide an environment, not simply to take them off the streets but to give them an environment where they can be shown that you don’t have to drink to have a good time and they can develop skills outside getting drunk,” explains Simon. “I know we shouldn’t have them in if they’re in any kind of state but if they’ve had a small amount to drink or if they’ve been smoking a bit little of cannabis they tend to come in and the room fills up and everybody dances. But the actual lads who are doing the music and the MC-ing tend to stay sober because they take a lot of pride in what they’re doing.”

Simon seems confident that in Clitheroe at least, underage drinking is controllable and doesn’t escalate into violence and crime, he tells me how some of the boys can be aggressive but that it’s only what they have learned at home. “I think people are becoming more aware and less tolerant,” he says; “I don’t think the behaviour is actually getting worse”. In a small town it is understandable that the local press will pounce on minor crime and disorder in order to fill their pages, Simon’s recent examples being, “a bloke who’d been caught flashing up at Spring Wood and we had four cakes stolen from the sandwich shop.” “It’s not stabbing or shooting or anything like that”.

The question on Britain’s lips is ‘how can we bring our badly behaved children under control?’ and part of the solution lies here in Clitheroe. Youth services can clearly provide an environment where kids feel comfortable and valued, where they can be educated and prepared for adult life. The most rewarding part of Simon’s job is “seeing a young person succeed”.

Word count: 1079

University portfolio 2008: OPINION COLUMN - PRINCE HARRY

2008-06-30T15:35:00.006+01:00

It’s fair to say the wool has been Royally pulled over our eyes by the media bosses’ secret pact to keep stum about Prince Harry’s deployment in Afghanistan. Many journalists, I'm sure, were shocked and felt somewhat cheated this week when the news broke. It felt like all the journalist training drills of news timing, impartiality and objectivity - and above all, public service - had been thrown to the wind. But I’ll deal with the professional betrayal later, let’s look at the facts.

Harry returned home today after serving in the dangerous Helmand province in southern Afghanistan for 10 weeks coordinating air strikes as a forward air controller. Soldiers on the other end of the radio receiver had no idea they were talking to the 23-year-old prince. Unlike the troops on the ground who must have been all too aware of the ‘bullet magnet’ in their midst. Harry, however, who threatened to resign from the army last year when it was ruled too risky for him to go to Iraq, was delighted at his opportunity to serve on the front line. In an interview while still in Afghanistan he said; “It's very nice to be a sort of normal person for once, I think this is about as normal as I'm ever going to get." Come on Harry, if it’s normality you were after, couldn’t you have tried a gap year in Australia like most ‘normal’ kids?

We shouldn’t be surprised by Harry’s desire to be a soldier; he is only the latest in a long line of Royals to have dabbled in military adventures. This stint of active service – however short-lived – will help Harry’s military career. Sir Richard Dannatt, Head of the British army, has praised his “highly responsible attitude”. What some commentators have branded a PR stunt will no doubt prove invaluable to Prince Harry’s progression through the ranks, we are sure to see him in the next series of Soldier Idol.

The prince, who is third in line to the throne, was certainly not shy of media attention prior to his deployment. The Paparazzi has chronicled his coming of age in their photos of drunken nightclub jaunts, street brawls and Nazi flirtations all of which will now be forgiven as Harry emerges as a brave soldier in the war against the Taliban.

To put the young prince’s shortcomings to one side, the current beef is with the media’s decision to keep Harry’s whereabouts from the public. Surely such deceit will tarnish the reputation of journalism as an honest profession that strives for public awareness of global happenings. When we can’t trust the democratic press to keep us informed on matters of such national interest, are we not one step closer to the media censorship experienced in China and South Korea?

Of course I can see the flip-side. The Afghanistan publicity stunt has been a hugely successful news strategy, generating more column inches and raising more eyebrows now than if the story had been made public from the start.

Word Count: 524

University portfolio 2008: DIAS TRIAL - COURT REPORT

2008-06-30T15:31:00.002+01:00

A Portuguese man who head butted the manageress of a Sheffield restaurant was given a five month suspended sentence, a £500 fine and 240 hours community service at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Forty-eight-year-old Gabriel Ambrosio Dias had drunk a bottle of red wine and a shot of whiskey before arriving at Cubana Tapas Bar on Trippet Lane on the evening of Sunday 29th April 2007. Manager Monika DaCosta claimed she asked him to leave because he was barred but he became irritated and abusive. Witnesses saw Dias escorted off the premises only to barge back in and head butt DaCosta in the face, knocking her back against a wall.

The court saw the victim break into tears as she described the incident. She suffered a burst lip, a bump to her head and a bruised arm. DaCosta said that her facial injuries – including a broken tooth – have affected her speech and lost her confidence.

Dias, of Washington Road, Sheffield, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm insisting the collision with the victim’s face was accidental and that he did not intend to hurt her, “because of our friendship.”

Mr Wetton, prosecuting, said it was unlikely that Dias - at six feet and two inches tall – could have accidentally head butted Miss DaCosta who is much shorter. “It would have to be quite a drop forward for you to hit her mouth. You collided with so much force as to injure her,” he said.

Mr Sandford, defending, said there is no question that there was a collision. “We need surety that it was done with hostile intent and was not accidental,” he said.

In delivering the guilty verdict, bench chairman Mr Griffiths said there were inconsistencies in Mr Dias’ story and there was credible evidence that Monika DaCosta sustained serious injuries. “This offence is so serious only custody is justified,” he said.

Word count: 316

University portfolio 2008 published in NENG Newsletter April 2008: NETHER EDGE EASTER FAIR & FARMERS' MARKET

2008-06-30T15:30:00.004+01:00

Spring sunshine was enjoyed by hundreds of revellers who attended the Nether Edge Easter fair and farmers’ market on Sunday 9th March. A brief shower in the final few minutes did nothing to dampen festivities as the egg-rolling competition went ahead with the children keeping dry under their Easter bonnets.

Dancers, musicians, games, crafts and food stalls lined Nether Edge Road which was closed to traffic from 12 until 3pm. Chris Venables, chair of the Nether Edge Neighbourhood Group (NENG) who organised the event said it was a success, “Today’s fantastic, the weather is the icing on the cake and what a turn out.”

The aim of the fair was to bring the community together to enjoy local talent. Thildy Lowe, another NENG member said “There’s a tremendous amount of talent in Nether Edge and it’s a really crafty place so it’s nice to bring people together.” Sheffield City Morris dancers opened the fair with their traditional dance routines followed by young clarinet choir Alley Cats who were raising money for their summer tour to Malta. The entertainment continued throughout the day as a saxophone quartet, the Kings Centre church band and Boomshanka Tribal Belly dancers kept the crowd’s toes tapping.

A selection of local produce was on offer for the hungry public. Homemade pies, cakes, pickles and jams were snatched up while some people queuing for sausage and burger butties were disappointed when stallholders sold out of food. A representative from Whirlow Hall Farm Shop said, “It’s just been phenomenal. We brought four huge boxes of meat and we sold out in an hour so we rang up the farm shop and got them to send as much more as they could spare and that’s all gone too. We’ll definitely come to this market again.”

Other attractions on the day included St Andrew’s scouts group’s ‘splash a scout’ sponge-throwing game, barber shop Edge Cutters charity haircuts with proceeds going to charity, Nether Edge Bowling Club had an open day and table-top sale, Sheffield entrepreneur Julia Gash sold eco-friendly shopping bags and local children made their own Easter bonnets to show off in the final parade.

Over £1000 was raised for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and there are plans to expand the market to accommodate more stallholders. Nether Edge will host three more markets this year with the next one expected to take place on June 8th.

Word count: 397

Sheffield Hallam University student magazine article, published 2007: SHEFFIELD'S HIDDEN GEMS

2008-06-30T15:26:00.004+01:00

By now all you Freshers will be exploring Sheffield and students who’ve been here a while will already know your favourite haunts. While it’s often said that Sheffield has a compact city centre, there are loads of great places you probably haven’t stumbled upon yet. Here I’ll tell you where to find Sheffield’s hidden gems…

This month we’ll discover an area only 5 minutes walk from the city centre. If you’re tiring of the Ecclesall Road / West Street trawl why not wander into Shalesmoor, an area steeped in industrial history and boasting award-winning eating and drinking holes.

The area is easily reached by alighting the yellow-line Supertram at the Shalesmoor stop. Alternatively, a walk down past Castle Market, the magistrate’s court and across busy West Bar will take you in the right direction.

While Shalesmoor is undergoing major regeneration - transforming many former warehouses into trendy apartments – one area, Kelham Island, maintains much of its historic architecture.

If it’s alcohol you’re after the Kelham Island Museum on Alma Street is home to a working brewery. It supplies the neighbouring pubs (and further a field) with its beers. Unfortunately the museum was devastated by July’s floods and is closed for refurbishment, but Kelham Island Brewery is still producing gallons of golden ales. ‘Pale Rider’ and ‘Easy Rider’ the company’s award-winning brews are on the shelves of Sheffield’s main supermarkets.

The Fat Cat pub is right next door to the brewery and if you’re sick of the greasy bar food that often constitutes a student diet then look no further… For £4.20 The Fat Cat offers to pile your plate with its legendary home-made favourites such as steak pie or chilli. Their prize-winning vegetarian menu is accompanied by vegan and gluten free options. Add crumble with custard and a pint of Kelham’s finest and you’re sorted! Monday night offers the chance to win 8 pints at the quiz. Between 8 and 10pm you can get curry, naan and onion bhaji for £2.75 and a selected Kelham beer will be £1.20 a pint! Student-tastic!

Across the road on Russell Street is the newly refurbished Kelham Island Tavern – Sheffield’s ‘Pub of the Year’ for four years running. Their quiz (also on Monday nights) offers free sandwiches - Yes! Like the Fat Cat, the Tavern serves an array of weird and wonderful beers in a charming setting.

If you prefer a swanky environment, The Milestone on Green Lane is a restaurant and cocktail bar perhaps more suitable for special occasions. Although the à la carte dishes are a little pricey, the Milestone also serves tapas, pizzas and ‘funky gastro specials’ – that’s burgers, rib eye steak and sausages to you and me!

Kelham Island’s cobbled streets and riverside views are definitely worth a visit and when you’ve sampled the local beer, homemade food and warm hospitality you won’t want to leave ye olde Sheffield.

University portfolio 2007: HOTEL PLANS HALTED - COUNCIL REPORT

2008-06-30T15:14:00.004+01:00

Councillors put back plans for a new hotel near Meadowhall yesterday because the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) claims the development would block a potential rail route.

The courses of two disused railways cross the land between Barrow Road and Meadowhall Road, where permission for a five-storey hotel has been requested.

Tracks no longer exist on either route. The north – south route is now used as part of the Trans Pennine walking Trail, while the route crossing the site from east to west was a Barnsley – Rotherham rail link whose bridges have since been demolished.

The SYPTE objects to the hotel plans and is carrying out a study into improving links from Barnsley to Doncaster. The use of this rail link could create a direct route without passengers having to change trains at Meadowhall.

Access would also be improved to Robin Hood Airport where a new rail station is in the pipelines. The government want to improve public transport access to airports. In 2004 only 3% of airport users came by public transport, the Yorkshire and Humber region has a target of 20%.

A spokesperson from the hotel company yesterday told the council that the current site is a scrap yard and car sales showroom. He said that recent big events in Sheffield, such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers concert, had highlighted the need for hotel accommodation in the city. He also said, “This project can contribute to Sheffield and be here when the Olympics come in 2012.”

The hotel site is just off Junction 34(N) of the M1. It is close to Meadowhall and its Transport Interchange and also the Lower Don Valley industrial area including the Centertainment complex.

Lib. Dem. Councillor John Hesketh called the land “an awful wreck of a site”. “We are in a difficult place. We need to welcome investment but need to encourage people to use public transport,” he said.

Chairman of the meeting, Labour Councillor Alan Law said of the planning application, “None of us wants to turn this away. It really is a wonderful opportunity.”

The council must now wait until January when the SYPTE’s report will determine whether the old railways need to be protected.

Word count: 366

University portfolio 2007: LOCAL LAD DONE GOOD - RICHARD HAWLEY CONCERT REVIEW

2008-06-30T15:10:00.002+01:00

The Sheffield public gave their hero Richard Hawley a teary-eyed standing ovation at his sold out City Hall gig on Tuesday night.

‘Who’d ave thought it?’ said Hawley, visibly overwhelmed by the 2,200 strong crowd who gathered in celebration of a triumphant 18 months for Sheffield’s Pitsmoor-born son. His latest album Coles Corner has gone gold, picked up the South Bank Show’s Best Album award and narrowly lost the Mercury Music prize – to fellow Sheffielders Arctic Monkeys, who were among the audience that included Hawley’s proud wife Helen and thirteen-year-old daughter Rosie.

The landmark concert was an emotional event for all who attended – especially for Hawley who dedicated a song to his dad, Dave, whose battle with cancer meant that he couldn’t be there.

The Sheffield crooner sailed flawlessly through a back-catalogue spanning three albums. Always an evangelist for his home city, songs like Naked in Pitsmoor and Coles Corner struck a chord with his audience who heckled along to Hawley’s trademark lively banter.

The mutual admiration was obvious as the singer said, ‘Thanks a lot folks. I think we love you.’ His backing band, comprising all local musicians grinned like Cheshire cats throughout the two-and-a-half hour set of country-tinged timeless classics. The momentous night seemed long overdue for Hawley who has shot to fame after a 25-year music career.

Hawley previously played guitar with the Longpigs and Sheffield outfit Pulp, only recently realising his own talent for velvety vocals and swoon-some poetry. Glorious orchestral ballads like ‘The Ocean’ and ‘Run For Me’ had the Arctic Monkeys hanging over the balcony in awe as he showed them how to rock n’ roll.

Hawley’s meteoric rise to fame has seen him touring the world and collaborating with Jools Holland and the famous Muscle Shoals rhythm section. But he proved that he’s still true to his Yorkshire roots, ‘You’ve got time to nip out for a pie and a pint,’ he told fans before the interval.

During the final few songs, while Hawley’s handpicked archive footage of Sheffield was projected onto the stage, few could fail to notice an accidental shadow of their hero cast on the wall. A rapturous encore saw a brave couple on the front row jiving to rockabilly cover ‘It’s Alright Mama’.

The memorable evening ended with Sheffield on its feet, welcoming it’s idol back just in time for Christmas.

Word count: 392

University portfolio 2007: MUM OF FIVE STOLE TO FEED KIDS - COURT REPORT

2008-06-30T15:04:00.005+01:00

Romanian immigrant Sofica Aolteanu faced Sheffield Magistrates yesterday charged with shoplifting from a Somerfield supermarket.

Mrs Aolteanu (30) of Selbeck Road pleaded guilty to stealing £30 worth of groceries - mainly sweets and chocolate - from the shop on 22nd October.

She received a three-year conditional discharge, reduced to two years because of her guilty plea. Mrs Aolteanu will also pay £30 costs to cover the goods she stole.

The court heard that 25 items were found in a bag around her waist. A security officer stopped her after she paid for some shopping at the till. She said, “I have money. I can pay now when my husband arrives.”

When questioned by police Aolteanu said her children had told her to buy items she couldn’t afford. “I know I was wrong, I admit I stole the items,” she said.

Mr Gwynne, defending, said that when her children brought items to her she put them down but they kept bringing them to her. Magistrates were told that Mrs Aolteanu gave in when one of her children got upset. The child had recently been ill which upset her so she hid the sweets in her clothes.

The court heard how Aolteanu had previous shoplifting convictions. Magistrate Mr Cook said, “If you carry on shoplifting you may well go to prison.”

Mrs Aolteanu came to the UK in 1998. Her family lives on a weekly allowance of £215 from the National Asylum Association. The family’s application to stay in the UK has not yet been granted, meaning that she and her husband are unable to work.

As a result, a representative from the Probation Service advised against giving Aolteanu community service because she would not be granted a work permit and she would also require an interpreter.

Appealing to the magistrates, Mr Gwynne, defending, made it clear that his client’s last conditional discharge in 2004 was obeyed for its two-year duration. He suggested a financial penalty would ‘cause considerable disruption to the family’.

After giving his verdict, Mr Cooke said, “The message she must get is that she was very close to custody.”

Word Count: 351

2008-06-30T14:41:00.010+01:00