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Discovering the location of the Plaque

Florence Staniforth a pupil at Gleadless Primary school discovered a plaque in Jaunty Park whilst out walking. The plaque was marking the planting of a tree by The Lady Mayoress 1975-1976. Elsie and Albert Richardson were the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress in 1976. Albert was a councillor and they lived on Basegreen. Birley Ward Councillors Karen McGowan and Bryan Lodge met with Florence, her mum and SCC Parks & Countryside Officer to show them the plaque. It has now been agreed that the plaque will be re-sited to a more suitable location within the park. Councillors are grateful to Florence and her family for finding this and bringing it to their attention.

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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BIRLEY BLITZ

Councillors with the Fire Cadets and Police

It was a miserable, damp and rainy Saturday morning but that did not deter the local Frecheville residents, Fire Service Cadets and police who joined the Birley Ward Councillors in cleaning up a large area of Jaunty Park. This initiative came about through a couple of residents raising concerns about fires, litter and general anti-social behaviour in park land behind Longstone Crescent. The litter pick is a follow on to work done two weeks previously by Councillors, a resident, Fire Service and Police in talking to pupils in assemblies at Birley Academy on the dangers of fire and the consequences of a criminal record.

Councillor Karen McGowan said “The response from everyone especially the local residents and the fire cadets was fantastic and I can not thank them enough. It was terrible weather but everyone did a great job”.

Councillor Bryan Lodge said “ the enthusiasm was great, residents retained some of the litter pick equipment so they can continue cleaning up the area which we are happy to support”.

Councillor McGowan added “the most encouraging part is the willingness of the local residents to form a Community Group to look after this area and some great ideas where discussed such as working with the wildlife trust to educate people on the different species of trees and animals that can be found here and creating seats areas for people to enjoy the area”.

Councillor Denise Fox said “We could not have done this without support from everyone that attended including the Councils Parks & Countryside Department who provided equipment and collected the waste. Also Ruth from the Remember When Café on Silkstone Crescent who provided warm drinks and buns. It was a real community effort and we look forward to supporting and working with the new community group in the future ”.

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Non-Uniform Day Raises Money for Local Libraries

Local schools held a non-uniform day on Friday 17th April to raise money for Frecheville and Gleadless Libraries.

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Charnock Hall Primary School raised £297 for the Gleadless library; Birley Community Primary School raised £461 for the Frecheville library, and Birley Community College raised a massive £850 that will be split amongst both libraries. Local Labour Councillors Denise, Bryan and Karen arranged for the cheques to be presented by the Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Rippon.

 

As most people will know, the libraries are now entirely volunteer run, and to date the staff at both Gleadless and Frecheville, have done a fantastic job in keeping these libraries open for the community to use. The council is doing what it can to support financially, for example paying the utility bills for the first 3 years of operation; however, the libraries are showing they can be financially viable which is important so services can be maintained once funding ceases.

 

Frecheville and Gleadless Libraries, as well as Labour Councillors Denise Fox, Karen McGowan and Bryan Lodge would like to thank all the pupils, parents and teachers of the schools for holding the event and donating all the money raised. Everyone seemed to have a great day, and it all helps keep library services in the community.

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New War Memorial For Frecheville

Bill CarlinBill Carlin, a resident of Frecheville is seeking support to build a new war memorial in Frecheville. Below is information that Bill has supplied regarding his appeal.

 

Frecheville – Memorial Appeal

I have been a Frecheville Lad all my life, and having served in the RAF in the Second World War I was proud to have known many servicemen who returned from the onslaught of many battles and events between 1939 and 1945. It was an honour to have served along with them and many people from Frecheville at that time were rightly proud of the commitment they gave. Next year of course will see the 100th year of commemorations of the start of the War to End All Wars and in 2015 it will be 70 years since the end of the sequel to that event World War two.  Every year at Armistice I have attended parades and the war time members are getting fewer and fewer.

Some of them of course did not return having paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Frecheville was no different and The People of Frecheville erected a small but meaningful monument to 19 young men who made the ultimate Sacrifice which is tucked away in the Frecheville Community Centre. Out of site to most but never the less erected with pride in order that they were not forgotten.

Sadly that small tribute to their bravery seems lost to those of us that still remember them, and I wonder if the people of Frecheville today know who they were, of the price they paid or the fact that there is a memorial. I would dearly love to erect another replacement monument outside the centre near the trees that still grow in their name leading to the centre.

I would love to make contact with the families of those 19 service men to let them know, they are not forgotten. When I have drummed up the support and the necessary permissions I would like to raise a small but perhaps more appropriate monument bearing their names at the back of the centre and overlooking Frecheville pond.

If you are a relative of these brave men shown below please get in touch with me and maybe when it is unveiled the families can be there to honour the promise made. Surmounted by a wreath, the monument reads:-

In Grateful and honoured memory of

The following men who gave their lives in the 2nd World War from the Frecheville Estate

J Ashford                                           J C Harrold                                       C Pratt

D H Beresford                                   W A Harrison                                    H Rastrick

R J Booker                                         G R Hargate                                      C A Sugden

L A Cook                                           S Head                                                G R Turner

P Cowlishaw                                      R Knott                                              E Vickers

C Haynes                                            A E Letch                                           S Watson                                                                  A P Manning

 

 

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Contact Bill  Carline on 0114 2397796

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the cost of the memorial can contact Bill.

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Birley Blitz Litter Pick at Hackenthorpe Skate Park

Hackenthorpe Skate Park Litter Pick

Photography by Peter Wolstenholme

Our thanks go to the Sheffield Youth Justice Service, East Youth Forum and Sheffield City Council Parks & Countryside who joined the Birley Ward Labour Councillors on the third Birley Blitz event on 31 October to clear litter from around the Hackenthorpe Skate Park. Birley Ward Councillor Karen McGowan said “although there wasn’t as much litter as we have found in the other areas it was a good effort by all who took part”. Thanks must also go to Rother Valley Church for joining us and also allowing us to use their premises for refreshments. Thanks also go Councillor Bryan Lodge for providing excellent homemade soup. Birley Ward Councillors undertook a walking surgery around the area after the litter pick and where joined by members of the East Youth Forum. Denise Fox said “we knocked on the doors of those houses that faced/backed onto the skate park. We had promised residents that we would consult with them six months after the skate park had been installed”. Councillor Bryan Lodge said “It was great to talk to residents as they were previously concerned that the skate park could attract anti-social behaviour. The residents were pleased with the park but raised concerns over litter.” Councillors are now responding to this by investigating if another bin and signs can be installed. For details of future events go to birleywardlabourparty.org.uk.

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Birley Blitz event at Hackenthorpe Skate Park on 31 October 2013

This is your invitation to join the third Birley Blitz event on Thursday 31 October.
Your local Councillors have joined together with the East Youth Forum, Sheffield Youth Justice Service and Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside Department to undertake a litter pick around the Hackenthorpe Skate Park area. We hope that litter picking events become a regular feature around the Birley Ward. Please come and join us everyone is welcome.

We will be meeting at 1.30 p.m. at Hackenthorpe Skate Park. From 2.30- 3 p.m. light refreshments will be available in Rother Valley Church on Spa View Road. From 3-5 p.m. your local Labour Councillors along with members of the East Youth Forum will be on a walkabout around the area to talk to residents if they have any issues.

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Birley Ward Councillors Hold Roving Surgery on Fox Lane and Jaunty Estate

Councillor Bryan Lodge, Councillor Karen McGowan and PCSO Roger Shalome
Councillor Bryan Lodge, Councillor Karen McGowan and PCSO Roger Shalome

As part of the preparations for the successful Birley Blitz litter-picking event, Birley ward Councillors Bryan Lodge and Karen McGowan held a roving surgery on roads surrounding Jaunty Park. Unlike normal sugeries, where constituents come to the councillors, in a roving surgery the councillors walk round the area, assessing potential problems and talking to residents. This time they had the support of local PCSO Roger Shalome, who was able to give advice to residents on issues concerned with crime and public order.

The roving surgery was very successful, with the team able to meet many residents and deal with the issues that concern them. Further, they noticed an overgrown footpath which they were able to bring to the attention of Amey, with the result that it is now cleared and suitable for public use once more!

Councillor Karen McGowan said: ‘It was good to get out and meet local residents and talk to them about how we can all improve our community. We certainly had many useful discussions today about what can be done.’

Councillor Bryan Lodge added: ‘These roving surgeries are essential as they allow us to get out and see people where they live. Residents of other parts of Birley Ward should look out for us as we’ll be doing more walkabouts very soon. You don’t just see us at election time!’

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Birley Blitz is a Great Success

Birley BlitzPhoto taken by Peter Wolstenholme

The first Birley Blitz event took place on Thursday 25 July. In response to complaints of litter in Jaunty Park by local residents your local Labour Councillors have joined together with local residents, the Youth Justice Service, staff from Parks and Country side, Sheffield Futures and the East Youth Forum. Also helping out on the day were Richmond Ward Councillor Lynn Rooney and Clive Betts, Labour MP for South East Sheffield.

Councillor Karen McGowan said “a big thank you to all those who took part, they worked extremely hard and we managed to collect over 50 bags as well as some other more unusual items such as a headboard, a carpet, a leather jacket to name but a few.”

Staff and young people from the Sheffield Youth Justice Service participated in the Birley Blitz – ‘keeping our communities clean and green’. Armed with gloves, brushes, bags, barrows and litter picks this was an opportunity for young people working with the Youth Justice Service to make a restorative contribution to the local area whilst also developing links with local residents and increasing their awareness of environmental issues. A lavish spread was provided and prepared by other Youth Justice staff and young people which was a welcome sight at lunch time for hot and hungry volunteers.

Sheffield Futures East Youth Forum joined in the Birley Blitz to clean up Jaunty Park as litter is one of their priorities this year. Ryan Pickersgill is taking the lead in this area on behalf of the East Youth Forum and said “we are here representing all young people of the East to keep the area clean and tidy. I hope in the future that people will use bins and also come and join us in future clean ups”

Councillor Bryan Lodge said “It was a great turn out for this first event and I hope people will join us for the next Birley Blitz event which will be on Saturday 14 September 2013. We will be meeting at Scowerdons Community Centre at 10 a.m. the event will end at 1 p.m. and everyone is welcome”.

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Birley Labour at the South Yorkshire Festival, Wortley Hall

Birley Labour at the South Yorkshire Festival Wortley Hall Image 1
Birley Labour at the South Yorkshire Festival Wortley Hall Image 1

Last Saturday, Birley Ward’s Labour councillors attended the South Yorkshire Festival at Wortley Hall, along with members of Birley Ward Labour Party.

This was a wonderful event, with many stalls from trade unions, local Labour branches and community organisations from across the region, as well as stalls selling all manner of arts, crafts and foodstuffs.

Birley Ward members and councillors had a great time in the sunny weather, fundraising and discussing with festival-goers how best to fight the cuts foisted on Sheffield and South Yorkshire by this pitiless Conservative/Liberal Democrat government.

Councillor Denise Fox said: ‘It was great to see so many people at the festival that are determined to fight for those suffering from the coalition’s policies. The cuts on local services and the bedroom tax are having a terrible effect, and it’s all thanks to the government that the Sheffield Liberal Democrats support. The message to them from today is clear: the people of Sheffield and South Yorkshire won’t stand by while you attack the most vulnerable’.

Birley Labour at the South Yorkshire Festival Wortley Hall Image 3
Birley Labour at the South Yorkshire Festival Wortley Hall Image 3
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Don Valley Stadium

Your local Labour Councillors find it ironic that in the context of Olympic legacy Sheffield has to consider withdrawing council subsidy from Don Valley Stadium. Councillor Karen McGowan says “There is no revenue funding for Olympic legacy to support this facility and the council has to find the money from within our ever decreasing funding from Government. The cuts the Government are making to Sheffield and other cities in the North are unfair. Sheffield Council has had to slash £140m from its budgets in the past two years, this year we have to identify a further £50m of cuts to balance our budget. These unfair Government cuts mean we have to take some tough decision in order to make the huge savings across Sheffield”. Councillor Isobel Bowler, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure wrote to the Government in the summer to notify them that Sheffield would have difficulty in continuing to subsidise this venue – a venue which we consider to be a regional resource and the financial burden of which can no longer be met solely by Sheffield council tax payers. No central funding has been made available. Councillor Denise Fox says “if Nick Clegg wanted it to stay open why didn’t he step in and help at this stage!”

In terms of ensuring that there are excellent training facilities for athletes in the future if Don Valley were to close we propose to re-open the Woodbourn Road venue which has a high quality track and other outdoor athletics training facilities. We have identified the capital funding required. The running costs are approximately 10% of the cost of Don Valley Stadium. This venue could be managed by our two city athletics clubs and the Council has been in discussions with them in the run up to bringing forward the Don Valley Stadium proposal. Councillor Bryan Lodge says “We have been advised that a re-opened Woodbourn Road can meet the needs of athletics training. The indoor training facility at the English Institute of Sport remains open. What we lose with Don Valley Stadium is the ability to hold major athletics events”. Sheffield have been outgunned for the next few years by other cities such as Birmingham (these events require the council to put in money – other cities were able to offer a more attractive package than we could). Once the Olympic stadium re-opens we see no realistic prospect of being able to compete with that venue (nor the Commonwealth facility in Glasgow). We will continue to have high profile world class events coming to the city – not least as you will be aware the Tour de France in 2014.