Darnall Community Meeting with NHS Bosses

Local residents of Darnall, working through the community forum, have come together with the three Darnall councillors and their MP, Clive Betts, to set up a meeting with senior managers from the Sheffield Primary Care Trust about the proposals for new community health services in Darnall.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 6 January in the Darnall Forum Community Learning Centre, which is at 245 Main Road in Darnall Centre, and will begin at 6pm.

Clive Betts said: “The people of Darnall deserve health facilities fit for the 21st century and which are easily accessible by all. It’s important that what is provided really meets the needs of people in the area, so come along and put your point of view."

Councillor Mazher Iqbal said: 'This project will serve people's health needs in Darnall for many years to come. It's important that we get it right, so I would encourage everyone to come, ask questions and have their say.'

Chair of Darnall Forum, Sylvia Hamilton, said: 'This development is long overdue, both for the people of Darnall and the health providers in the area - so let's work together to make it happen.'
ENDS

From Area Panels to Community Assemblies

7 new Community Assemblies will replace the current 12 Area Panels.

For Darnall, this will involve changes to the current boundaries. The relevant Community Assembly area will consist of 4 complete wards: Manor Castle, Arbourthorne, Richmond and Darnall.

Each Community Assembly will have a staff team of 5: A Community Assembly Manager with overall responsibility for the Assembly; a Planning and Performance Officer who will help to develop a Community Plan and ensure that services are adapted to local need; an Assembly Officer who will ensure good communication and consultation with local residents and groups; a Safer Neighbourhoods Officer who will work closely with the Police; and a Team Support Officer. Staff for these teams are currently being recruited. The Assembly will also be supported by a team of people from other services and partner organisations.

Community Assemblies will differ from Area Panels by having greater influence on how council budgets are spent in the area, and by deciding how local services will be provided to meet local needs. Councillors will have more power to make local decisions, based on the views of residents. The Assemblies will use public meetings as well as more innovative events and methods to reach local people. These will include Assembly Roadshows in each Ward and 2 way communication via Assembly websites.

The new Community Assemblies will come into being in May 2009.

Do you think it’s time you learned how to use a computer?

Don’t put it off!
Computing for Beginners starts at Darnall Forum in January 2009.
If you are interested please call the office on 0114 249 0099

or attend the enrolment session

at 1.30pm on 13th January

This will be a 10 week introductory IT course for complete beginners and will lead to a qualification.

What we said about the proposed Waverley Township and office park in Rotherham

The trustees of Darnall Community Forum are concerned about educational provision, especially for Year 7s and above. While we understand that Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has spare capacity in some of its schools we are concerned that the main pressure for additional places will fall on those schools – both in Sheffield and in Rotherham – which are closest to the proposed development.

We wish to support the view of Darnall Ward councillors that the whole project should be dependent on the provision of a sustainable plan for traffic management and public transport provision, which we believe requires the implementation of a bus rapid transit system, a tram service or a rail link between Rotherham, Waverley and Sheffield.

What we said about the re-development of the Wellington Public House in Darnall

At the Darnall Forum AGM concerns were expressed about access to and from the car park for the doctors’ surgery which it is proposed should be located in the Wellington public house. If cars are going to access the car park from Main Road it was felt that this could create an additional hazard in an already very complicated set of road junctions.

We understand that the Practice is saying that the majority of users will access the site from Station Road, however, the intersection between Station Road and Main Road is already very busy and it might be necessary to reconsider the design of the whole junction between Station Road, Main Road and Staniforth Road.

Both of the existing public car parks on Main Road and Station Road, as well as the on-street parking spaces on Station Road, are often fully utilized. There is also some concern, therefore, as to whether the car park for the Practice will really be large enough to cater for all of the patients and staff. If not, the increased traffic is certain to cause inconvenience to local residents and business, although we have no doubt that – if these concerns can be addressed – traders will appreciate the influx of potential customers into the centre of Darnall. One particular concern, however, is that patients might be tempted to park their cars on any adjacent private land.

Darnall Children’s Centre Official Opening

Come along on Saturday 24th January 2009 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

to the new Children's Centre at

563 Staniforth Road
Sheffield
S9 4RA
Tel: 0114 2423510

An opportunity to find out about services and look around the Children’s Centre and Darnall Community Nursery
Light refreshments
Everyone welcome

The European Elections & The BNP

Abdool Gooljar from the Islamic Society of Great Britain and the Sheffield organiser of Unite Against Fascism have asked for our support in a new effort to encourage people to vote in the European elections next June. They are concerned that, if the turnout is very low, the BNP may manage to get at least one of their candidates elected, which would give them special privileges such as access to town halls. They want to carry out a publicity campaign in places like Darnall to encourage as many people as possible to vote, for whichever party they prefer. The higher the turnout, the more votes that the BNP will need to attract in order to get an MEP elected.

If you share their concern, you are invited to a meeting at our offices at 6pm on Monday 26 January.

Darnall Forum Takes its Employment Roadshow onto the roads around Sheffield

Darnall is blooming - even in the Autumn

Darnall in Bloom will be launched next week by community groups and local volunteers working with Darnall Forum, Darnall Green Spaces Regeneration Project, Darnall Community Forestry and Streetforce.

Outside Darnall Library between 11am and 1pm on Wednesday 12 November you can meet volunteers and workers involved in Darnall in Bloom, as well as picking up some FREE seed sticks to take home. Inside the library there will be a special collection of books on gardening, wildlife, and cookery for anyone who wants to get more involved. Darnall residents can also find out how to get their hands on FREE fruit trees to plant in their gardens.

From 1.30pm there will be a tree planting session in Darnall Cemetery. Two majestic pin-oaks will be planted at the entrance to the Cemetery. This pyramidal tree is one of the most graceful of oaks, with its slender branches gently drooping at their tips, and a stunning red autumnal colour. Please join us and get green-fingered! Learn how to plant a tree and provide benefits to local people and wildlife. All tools are provided but bring sturdy footwear and dress for the autumn weather.

Local children have also been doing their bit, drawing flowers to form part of a banner and getting their hands dirty by planting bulbs and trees. An example of their art work is attached.

Councillor Mary Lea said “This has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by local people. The local area panel, made up of councillors for Darnall Ward, decided that it was time the street scene in Darnall got a makeover and we hope that residents appreciate the changes that have already been made.” As a prelude to the official launch there have been barrier troughs and lamppost wraps of flowers funded by the council, Forward Investment and the Open Gate Trust.

Annual General Meeting Monday 6 November

Why not come and have your say about what Darnall Forum does and how it is run? Our Annual General Meeting takes place at 6pm on Monday 10 November in our Learning Centre at 245 Main Road. (See below for directions.) Light refreshments will be served before the meeting and everyone is welcome.

To become a member of The Forum just send us an email with your name and address. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Darnall.

SPECIAL DARNALL IN BLOOM EDITION OF THE HERALD

A special "Darnall In Bloom" edition of the Darnall Herald has been published this autumn. If you haven't already had a copy delivered to your door you can find it on-line at www.darnallforum.co.uk. Just click on the link to The Herald and you will be taken to this month's edition, plus a full archive of earlier editions.

As well as all kinds of news about the environment The Herald still continues articles about The Carnival, staff changes at The Forum, our Women's Conversation Club and help for jobseekers.

Help for Jobseekers

Please click on the poster for a closer look.

New Developments at Darnall Wellbeing

DWB have recently recruited two new Community Outreach Play Workers.
The two workers, Debra and Mehrun will be working in Darnall for 9 hours a week during the weekends, late afternoons, early evening and holiday times. The new play workers are currently out and about meeting children and seeing some of the play activities already happening in Darnall and Acres Hill. This project will support the Play Darnall group in developing new play opportunities for children and working with children and their families to encourage informal play. The workers are based at DWB Office, 35 Clipstone Road but can be contacted through the
Family Development Project Tel 0114 2448497.

Darnall Well Being Activities
Health Walk every Monday, meet at Old Cafe in High Hazels Park (Free)

DWB Community Gym Sessions at PMC, Woodbourn Road
Monday 9.30-11.30 Women Session with childcare £1.50 plus £1 per child
Monday 2-4 Mens Session £1.50
Monday 5-7 Women Session £1.50
Thursday 5-7 Women Session £1.50
Women Only Chairobics - Wednesday 12-1at SUBUD Centre £1
Tai Chi - Thursday 1.30-2.30 atDarnall Horticultural Club £1.50
Crafty Crafters Card Club - Friday 10.00 at Darnall Baptist Church £1
Women Only Swim Bus - Friday 10.00 Transport to Upperthorpe Swimming Pool £1.50 for transport £1.60 for swim session

Darnall Area Panel

Just a reminder that the Area Panel meets tonight at 6.30pm in the Subud Centre on Swarcliffe Road. On the agenda for tonight's meeting is a discussion about the new Community Assemblies.

Eid Mubarak!

Today, or yesterday for some, is Eid al-Fitr, the celebration and festival - or 'feast day' - at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. This is an opportunity for all of us to recognise and admire the devotion of those who fast and spend time in prayer. These are features of other faiths, too, though they are usually practised less intensely.

Christians in Darnall are moving from the season of Harvest, a time of thankfulness to God for crops and the fruits of all human industry and learning, to the period of preparation for Christmas, culminating in the season of Advent which begins at the end of November.

(With acknowledgement to the Christian Muslim Forum)

Darnall Reading Week

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ

Tuesday 23 September 3.30 - 5pm Story in the Park at Phillimore Park
Join the Park Ranger for story telling and craft activities. Have a go at making sock puppets and bookmarks for Reading Week. For more details ring Claire on 244 6548

Wednesday 24 September 1 - 3.30pm Family Reading Event
Exciting storytelling sessions in Urdu, Bengali, Arabic and Somali. Other activities include creating finger puppets, library puzzles and designing a family reading challenge. For more details ring Yasmin on 243 6091

Friday 26 September 1 - 4pm Poet Performance
Craig is a professional poet, writer and performer who tours the country sharing his passion and infectious enthusiasm for words. For more details ring 203 7429

Saturday 27 September 10am - 4pm Story Telling Open day
Storytelling, craft activities, Chinese writing and much more. For more details ring Janet on 244 8497

Proposal for Section 30 Dispersal Order

1. Introduction

Due to issues in and around Bonfire night, particularly the misuse of and anti social behaviour related to fireworks, the Darnall, Tinsley, Attercliffe and Meadowhall Safer Neighbourhood Team will be applying for a Section 30 Dispersal Order.

2. Powers

Once an application has been successful, if a police constable or police community support officer has grounds for believing that the presence of a group of two or more people in a public place is likely to result in member(s) of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed, the officer can give the following directions: -

· Require the group to disperse;
· Require those who do not live within the relevant locality to leave the area;
· Prohibit those who do not live in the relevant locality from returning for 24 hours.

Refusing to comply with a direction from an officer is a criminal offence.

If you would like to comment on this application, or if you have any questions, please contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0114 2964439

Youth Facilities Promotion Event Phillimore Park 28 August 12 noon - 3pm

Come and join Darnall Green Spaces Regeneration Project (DGSRG) on Phillimore Park to promote the soon to be implemented Youth Facilities project. View the presentation drawings produced by Environmental Planning and talk to us about timescales of the project.

Craft activities with DGSRP and sport with Activity Sheffield will be provided on the day for children and young people. We are planning to ask young people/children what colours and designs of equipment they would like to see provided.

New Opening Times

Please note that our opening times have changed. You can now drop in to see us between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Thursday. It is no longer possible to drop in on Fridays. However, if you have arranged to attend a lifelong learning course or meeting on a Friday, the Centre will be open just before the start time.

We are sorry that these changes make it more difficult for residents of Darnall to get in touch with us. They have been forced on us by changes in the way we are funded. The European funding which used to pay for our drop-in service has come to an end, and it has not yet been replaced by funding from the City Council or other sources.

Small Grants for Small Groups

• Do you want to set up a new group?
• Does your small group need help with running costs such as room hire or materials?
• Or is your group looking to do something new or attract new people?
  
  The Council Small Grants Fund is a simple, fast track grant scheme for projects that want to make a difference in their local community. The Council is keen to fund small voluntary, community and self-help projects run by and for local people. They prioritise activities that:
  · Benefit the welfare needs of people who are at risk of social exclusion because of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability or sexuality;
  · Are based in areas of the city where the local population is disadvantaged when compared to the city average;
  · Promote integration and greater understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures;
  · Promote inter-generational activities that bring older people and younger people together;
  · Promote health and well-being;
  · Encourage people to be active in their local communities by volunteering and developing new skills.
  
  You do not need to have a formal constitution or be a registered charity to apply but you do need to have a bank account in the group's name with at least two unrelated signatories. In your application, you need to show that your project or group has at least 15-20 members, aims to tackle a particular need and involves local people working together to solve a problem.
  
  The Council will fund a wide range of costs and activities. Some frequently requested items are:
  
  Room hire
  Tutor/speaker/entertainer costs
  Volunteer expenses (out of pocket expenses like bus fares)
  Trips
  Equipment and materials
  Administration costs (printing, post)
  Regular transport costs for disabled members
  
  They do not give grants for food, costs for the benefit of individuals, or groups with large unrestricted funds or a high annual income.
  
  We are available if you need help to fill in the application form. For more information about the Small Grants Fund and an application pack please contact us.
  
  Voluntary Sector Liaison Team Town Hall, Sheffield S1 2HH
  Tel: 0114 273 4113 Fax: 0114 273 6421 Email: vslt@sheffield.gov.uk
  You will find more information about us and the Small Grants Fund on the Council Website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/smallgrants

Darnall in Bloom

There are some of the new 'barrier troughs' full of "blooms" which have been paid for by the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, Forward Investment, who own many of the shop premises in Darnall Centre, and the Open Gate Trust. Together they have kindly agreed to sponsor this year's 'Darnall in Bloom' programme, which is the first of its kind.

The Working Neighbourhoods Fund for Darnall has been allocated by the local councillors for Darnall Ward, Cllr Harry Harpham, Cllr Mary Lea and Cllr Mazher Iqbal. They have asked Darnall Forum to work with Street Force to provide the blooms on Darnall's streets this summer.

If you would like to get involved in helping Darnall to bloom, please contact Anne.

Conversation Club

By popular demand the Darnall Women's Conversation Club will be returning in the Autumn. The Club is a group for women in Darnall who want to make friends and need to practise their English.

It happens at Darnall Forum on Thursday mornings at 10am and the Autumn sessions will begin on 18 September. Free on-site childcare is available but you must book a place in advance.

Activities include word games, learning about different religious festivals and about Bonfire Night, cooking food for Eid, and picking apples and learning how to make a traditional English apple pie.

For more information please contact Anne or Shabana.

Telling it how it is!

As we fight for the funding to continue our current range of activities, this is the question, and the background information, which our Chair - Sylvia Hamilton - recently presented to the Cabinet of Sheffield City Council.

Given our current funding gap, does the Council see community organisations like the Darnall and Tinsley Forums playing a key role in the development of community assemblies and continuing to be key players in the economic regeneration of priority neighbourhoods such as Darnall and Tinsley?

Background Information for Cabinet Members

The Darnall Forum Board has Somali, Pakistani and White members and is majority BME.

Some of the trustees have worked for ten years to get this point.

We have carried out a community consultation, drawn up a community action plan and developed a robust business plan for future sustainability.

For the last two years we have employed a team of seven people, funded by ERDF and the Single Pot.

During that time they have made a real impact on Darnall

More than 840 local residents have received information and advice
More than 275 residents have been helped to get jobs
More than 250 have received informal training
More than 100 have accessed e-learning at our centre
More than 80 new volunteers have been recruited
More than 25 community groups have been supported

This means that Darnall Forum has out-performed all of its targets for economic regeneration.

The team has been working with us to find secure ways of sustaining the project in the future.

These are largely dependent on social enterprise, at which they already have some expertise.

They have already secured £230,000 of grants plus contracts worth £240,000 over the next 3 years.

Our expenditure over the same period will be around £935,000, if we continue to work at our current capacity.

We are already halfway to securing the total income we need, and we expect more contracts and commissions to be awarded to us in the coming months.

The Council has, in principle, agreed with Yorkshire Forward a programme of contracts and commissions ring-fenced for services that will be delivered by voluntary and community sector organisations in the City’s “priority” wards.

Darnall neighbourhood comes out No. 1 in the Sheffield Neighbourhood Information System when seven measures of disadvantage are averaged across the City.

Yorkshire Forward has already made an offer to the City Council to allow flexibility of additional resources for Darnall Forum, (letter from Thea Stein to John Mothersole, 2/07/08).

Council officers know already, from past performance and the new contracts already secured, that we are almost certain to emerge as the right people to deliver the work that is needed in Darnall.

We have a professionally managed, highly competent and experienced team in place to deliver the work.

We know the local community and are trusted by it.

As things stand, we do not need to borrow any actual funds from the City Council.

We are for the time being in a position to lend money to the City Council, instead!

However, because we are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, we do not have the freedom to use our reserves in this way without firm guarantees in writing from the Council that contracts will eventually be awarded to us and back-dated.

This means that any money which we continue spending now would need to be treated as if it were a loan from the Council.

If the Council does NOT feel able to help us, you will need to ask yourselves:

How will the Council fill the gap left behind when our services are cut back?

Will it cost you more money in the longterm to put in place a team of people with a similar level of competence and experience?

Will there be any volunteers left in Darnall who are prepared to help and support you?

Carnival 2008

The Darnall Carnival on 5 July wasn't a washout but it was affected by rain. After an overcast morning, with scattered showers, the event got off to a slow start and attendances were down on last year, with about 3,000 people estimated to have visited the event compared with 5,000 visitors in 2007. The picture (by "React Multimedia") shows a heavy shower in progress in the middle of the afternoon, but otherwise the sun shone!

There were all the usual attractions at this year's Carnival - information marquees, stalls, rides and live performers. This year we had a live installation about life in a beehive, and local artists taking part in our very own "Darnall's Got Talent".

One of the highlights, as ever, were the sets performed by the visiting artists, among them the Shaan Punjabi Dancers, Tariq Khan from Legacy and the inimitable "Juggy D". Two of our staff, Nazia (left) and Sidrah (in the centre) are pictured joining in the spirit of the dance!

Celebration Event

On Thursday 26 June about 40 people came together to celebrate the achievements of Darnall
Forum over the past two years.

The Forum has been funded by Objective 1 and Yorkshire Forward since 2006 and has:
• involved 70 volunteers
• given advice and information to over 800 people
• helped more than 250 people to access training
• helped over 230 people towards finding a job
• and helped 25 community groups to develop.

The event was attended by members of the community, funders and organisations that the Forum has worked with over the past two years.

Sylvia Hamilton, chair of Darnall Forum said, “It’s been wonderful to watch the Forum develop into a place where all the community feel welcome. During our recent matrix assessment a number of people even said that they felt the forum was their family in a strange country.”

Neil Bishop from the Darnall Forum added “It is a privilege to work for Darnall Forum. The trustees have been really supportive and helpful and the staff are a fantastic bunch of people. Not only are they really good at what they do but they’ve been totally committed to their work.”

The picture shows some of the people who attended.

(First published in the Darnall Area Panel Newsletter)

News From The Safer Neighbourhood Team

Inspector Tony Dobson (pictured) currently leads our Safer Neighbourhood Team. Our Safer Neighbourhood Officer is Roger White. They are based at Attercliffe Police Station. To contact our local Safer Neighbourhood Team please leave a message on the 24hr voicemail service – 0114 252 3995

Crime and disorder levels fluctuate for many reasons. Specially trained analysts closely monitor any emerging trends. If you have any concerns or want further explanation of this information, please contact our Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The Local Priorities for our area are:

1. Community Cohesion.
2. Auto Crime.
3. ASB – Environmental, graffiti and flytipping.
4. ASB – Youth Nuisance.
5. Nuisance Motorcycle.

Crime and Crime Prevention Overview for Previous 12 Months to 30 April

House Burglary - down by 42%
Damage - down by 52%
Robbery - down by 60%
Theft from Vehicle - down by 26%
Theft of Vehicle - down by 57%
Assaults - data not available
Racially Aggravated Crime - down by 100%

ALL CRIME down by 32%

Darnall's Got Talent!

“For a moment we thought that the X Factor Judges had dropped into Darnall Forum on their way to the Don Valley Stadium. But no, it’s Darnall Forum’s own talent contest judges, Shabana Sajer, Neil Bishop and Anne Shirling.”

Darnall Forum is challenging the talented people of Darnall to perform at this year’s Darnall Carnival on Saturday 5 July, alongside headline act Juggy D.

‘We’re offering local people a chance to show they’ve got talent in a five minute slot on stage,’ said Shabana, who is managing the celebrity acts for the annual Carnival in High Hazels Park. But, to take part in the Carnival, local people will have to audition before the judges on Thursday 26 June between 4.30 and 6pm.

‘We’re expecting lots of interest,’ says Anne, who works with Shabana as a community engagement officer for the Forum, ‘So if you want to perform at the Carnival you will need to come along to the Forum offices at 245 Main Road on that afternoon and show us just how much talent you’ve got!’

The Baishaki Mela

Sunday 8 June in High Hazels Park

craft, bouncy castle, stalls, face painting, kids rides, activity centre, live music, performing artists

For more information contact the event manager

Mothiur 'Shahin' Rahman on 07816 042133

(And don't forget the big Darnall Carnival on 5 July)

Babies and Toddlers Love Books

Come and join us at Darnall Library, Britannia Road for 5 FREE weekly workshops to take part in with your baby or toddler

The first session is on Wednesday 4th June 9.45am until 11.45am

Interested?

For more information and to book a place phone Michelle at Darnall Forum 0114 249 0099

Meeting About Traffic, Air Quality and Public Transport in Darnall

6pm Tuesday 13 May, Living Waters Centre, Darnall
Do you or your children suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems which are made worse by pollution? Come to a public meeting to talk about traffic pollution and air quality in Darnall and the Don Valley, and how things can be improved?

Do you have anything you want to say about public transport in Darnall? The meeting will be attended by a representative from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. Hear what they have to say about local public transport issues and put your questions and comments to them.

You will also be able to hear about plans to build 4,000 new homes in the area. These plans might make traffic and pollution worse, unless the new home owners are encouraged to use public transport, so we need to know what the developers and the SYPTE are going to do about this.

Darnall Community Park Nature Area Opening Event

Saturday June 7th 1.30 - 3pm
To celebrate the new Nature Area in Darnall Community Park we are having an official opening event on Saturday 7th June from 1.30 - 3pm. There will be a brief tour of the Nature Area and after there will be events for children including refreshments.
Improvements on site include:
Mosaic art features made with Greenlands Junior School children and artist Amanda Wray
A wildflower meadow
Information board
New trees
Wavy benches
New pathway
Shrub clearance
Vehicle barriers
Come and join us to celebrate the improvements and meet our new Project Assistant, James Starky.
Regards, Darnall Green Spaces Team

Visitors to the Employment Roadshow which toured Darnall last week

Darnall Forum Team Visits Parliament

Members of the Darnall Forum team are pictured with local MP Clive Betts on a fact finding visit to the Palace of Westminster. They are standing with Portcullis House and the tower of Big Ben behind them.

Mr Betts conducted the team on a lightning tour of the Palace and explained some of its workings. Over lunch on the members' terrace, overlooking the River Thames, he then answered questions about how MPs can work with local people and community forums to strengthen local democracy and make sure that people's wishes are heard.

The first pictures shows, from left, Clive Betts with Michelle Wood, Neil Bishop, Anne Shirling, Shabana Sajer, Sidrah Ahmad and Nazia Fazil. The second picture shows the team posing on the terrace before lunch. The extra member of the group in the second picture is our social work student, Ellen Sellars.

Plan to stop health project in Darnall is discussed at hustings meeting

Local residents held an old fashioned hustings meeting in Darnall last night. The meeting was organised by Darnall Forum and all the local election candidates for Darnall were invited. Two of the candidates attended, Mary Lea from the Labour Party and Julie White from the Greens. The UKIP candidate, Charlotte Arnott, was represented by her husband Jonathan.

Mary Lea told the meeting that the Liberal Democrats intend to sell land in Darnall which has been earmarked for a new intermediate care centre for older people. 'This is in their budget proposals and it will stop the project from going ahead in Darnall,' she said. Although both the Green and UKIP candidates have reservations about the sort of public and private finance initiative which will be needed to pay for the new centre, all three candidates at the meeting agreed that the new centre should be built in Darnall.

It was also alleged at the meeting that the LibDems have pledged to take resources away from more disadvantaged parts of the city to spend in Dore and Totley.

Challenged by local residents to say what they would do if a minority LibDem administration was proposing to take resources away from Darnall Ward, neither Julie White nor Jonathan Arnott would answer what Mr Arnott called 'a hypothetical question'. 'I don't know yet what the Greens will do if there is a hung Council,' Dr White said. Mr Arnott said that UKIP would have 'to look at things on a case by case basis'.

In a remarkably good natured meeting, all of the candidates praised some aspects of each other's policies. 'This sort of meeting is a really good thing and it should happen more often,' said Julie White. The meeting heard that Misbah Chowdhury, the LibDem candidate, was too busy to attend.
ENDS

The picture shows Mary Lea making a point to the meeting as (left to right) Richard Arnott from UKIP, Marie Gregory from Darnall Forum (who chaired the meeting) and Julie White from the Green Party look on.

Election Meeting in Darnall

Local residents have called for an old fashioned hustings meetings in Darnall to meet the candidates who are standing for election on 1 May. Half of the candidates have already agreed to attend, including Mary Lea, who has held the seat for Labour for the past four years.

The meeting will be held at Darnall Community Forum, which is based in the former Rose and Crown public house on Main Road. It will take place on Tuesday at 7pm.

Residents have already framed a set of questions for the candidates to answer, which are based on the Community Action Plan they have devised. Concerns have been raised about crime and safety, education, employment and training, the environment, local health facilities and activities for children and young people. 'But anyone is welcome to come along and ask their own questions, too,' says Marie Gregory, who will be chairing the meeting.

'I think this is a really great idea and I am delighted to attend,' Mary Lea said. 'It is good to get back to some old fashioned politics and I look forward to answering people's questions.'

The other candidates who have so far agreed to attend are Julie White from the Green party, who says she is always happy to answer questions, and Charlotte Schofield from UKIP who says that she is also happy to be involved. The Liberal Democrat candidate, Misbah Chowdhury, said, 'I will try my best to attend.'

Mary Lea is pictured on a visit to the Darnall Forum employment roadshow, which has been parked in different parts of Darnall this week.

Are You A Wednesday or United Fan?

Dear Darnall Forum,

I've got a favour to ask. I am currently researching the United-Wednesday football rivalry in Sheffield and would like to get a perspective on this from the black and Asian communities. I thought Darnall would be a good place to start.

If you know any ethnic minority United or Wednesday fans, could you please circulate this questionnaire to them, to be returned to your email address and forwarded to me? There are 16 questions in total. Thanks in advance, Joe

1. Name (optional):
2. Male / Female:
3. Ethnic origin:
4. Where in Sheffield do you live?
5. Do you support United or Wednesday?
6. At what age did you go to your first match?
7. Who did you go with?
8. Did you find it an intimidating place? Were there any other non-white faces there?
9. What did your parents think about your interest in football?
10. Did you try to persuade other non-white friends to come to matches as well?
11. Do you think the traditional 'drinking culture' of football fans is a problem for Muslims who might be interested in going?
12. Among ethnic minority kids in your area, would you say there is more support for United & Wednesday or Man United & Liverpool?
13. Among ethnic minority fans, how strong is the United-Wednesday rivalry?
14. Do you think United and Wednesday would attracted more black and Asian support if a local black or Asian lad made it into the first team?
15. Would you say there has traditionally been a strong link between hooliganism and black and Asian fans? Is this changing?
16. Do you think that some parts of the ground are 'safer' than others? Do you feel as though you have to 'blend in' with the white majority?

Employment Roadshow Monday 21 - Thursday 24 April (click on the images for a closer look)

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

STRUGGLING TO FIND THE RIGHT JOB?
Come and search for jobs and apply on-line at our e-job shop every Thursday afternoon from 2 till 4pm. Ring Sidrah now on 0114 249 0099 to make an appointment and click your way to a job.

INTERESTED IN BEING SELF-EMPLOYED?
Do you have an enterprising idea but need some advice on how to go about it? Become part of the new BIG initiative. Fur further information, contact Sidrah on 0114 249 0099.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
The Source is providing courses and guaranteed interviews for Darnall residents who want to go into retail work, customer service or call centre jobs. Only a six day course, and it's FREE! Please ring Sidrah on 0114 249 0099 to find out if you're eligible.

BLOOMING DARNALL

A group of people who live or work in Darnall have come together to raise funds for planting trees, shrubs and flowering plants in Darnall. Activities may include bring out your rubbish days, graffiti removal and anything else that will make Darnall a greener, more pleasant place to live and work.

We need you! If you would like to get involved in any way, or have any ideas about how we could take these plans forward, please contact Anne or Nazia on 0114 249 0099.

DARNALL CARNIVAL 5th July 2008

For more information, or to get involved, call Anne or Shabana on 0114 249 0099

Happy Easter!

A happy Easter to all our visitors. Our Centre will be open as usual after Bank Holiday Monday.

THE STORY SO FAR

Tell Us What You Think of Darnall Forum
Monday 17 March 2008 6.30pm
At the Darnall Forum Communty Learning Centre

• Are you happy with our services?
• What do you think are the main issues for Darnall:
• Schools and Education?
• Crime and Safety?
• Rubbish and Fly Tipping?

Come along, meet the staff and have your say.
Call Neil or Anne on 0114 249 0099 for more information.

The Grandparents and Carers' Toddler Group

You are invited to attend a coffee morning on March 18th at 11-15.
To be held at The Family Development Project
(For contact details and address please go to the "Easter Open Day" posting below)

Easter Open Day

At The Family Development Project
20 Chapelwood Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 5AY
Tel: (0114) 2448497
10am – 2pm Tuesday 1st April
Refreshments
Vegi Dogs & Hot Dogs At Lunchtime
Spring Cards
Face Painting
Crafts
Egg Hunt
Fundraising Games
Raffle
Party Games
Easter Bonnet Competition

HOSTEL PLANS WITHDRAWN

Plans to build a new hostel. for homeless young people , in Waverley Road, Darnall have been withdrawn by the South Yorkshire Housing Association. Watch this space for further developments!

International Women's Day Saturday 8 March

Dance, Self-Defence, Thai Boxing Performance, Indian head Massage, Aerobics, Henna, Reflexology, and much more

Venue: Darnall Education Centre (Starworks)

Darnall Road

Time: 1-4pm

Free entry

Small charge for treatments

WOMEN ONLY

Boxercise

STARTING 27 February!!!
SUBUD CENTRE
SWARCLIFFE ROAD

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS 1.30-2.30PM

One off Registration fee for the class
FREE on site childcare -
Booking essential

CONTACT ANNE OR NAZIA
FOR DETAILS - 0114 2490099

SAVE MONEY

SAVE MONEY AND TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE IN DARNALL
Would you like to
• Save money?
• Do your bit to tackle climate change?
We can lend you a SMART METER for a month to help you reduce your electricity bills.
See a SMART METER working at 35 Clipstone Road (Darnall Well Being’s office)
SAVE MONEY
A Smart Meter will help you to reduce energy use, because it gives real-time, instant and accurate information about how much energy you are using. Every time an electrical device is turned on or off, you can see the difference.
CLIMATE CHANGE
If you compare your energy usage day to day you can see how small lifestyle changes can help to save the planet by reducing CO2 emissions.
WHY USE A SMART METER?
• Understand where and how energy is being used in your home
• Identify how you can reduce energy consumption and save money
• Confirm whether your energy saving measures are working
SMART METER FEATURES
• Shows instantly how power is being used, the cost of the electricity and the personal carbon footprint
• The meter's unique memory stores daily, weekly and monthly data
• Its smart alarm will warn you about over consumption.
HOW IT WORKS
There are 3 parts to the Smart Meter:
The sensor clips around your electricity feed cable. The transmitter sends information instantly to the portable display unit which you can take from room to room to see which appliances are
using the most electricity.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
Nothing! Except a few minutes of your time. We will come and install the Smart Meter in your home. At the same time, we’ll complete a short questionnaire with you about the choices you make about travel, shopping, the environment and your local community. After a month, we’ll come back to collect your Smart Meter and complete another short questionnaire. The data we collect will be shared (anonymously) with WWF/CAG to help them evaluate their Community Engagement Impact Assessment Tool, and with Efergy who have supplied us with their Smart Meters at cost price.
I WANT A SMART METER NOW!
If you live in Darnall and want to try a Smart Meter at home for a month, get in touch with Jo Clarke on 0114 2496315, NeilParry on 0114 2859911 (neil@sheffieldct.co.uk) or Barbara
Rimmington on 0114 2859931 (barbara@sheffieldct.co.uk), or send your name, address and phone number to us at East End Quality of Life Initiative, FREEPOST NEA 13204, 10
Montgomery Terrace Road, Sheffield, S6 3ZZ (no stamp required) and we’ll get in touch with you to arrange a convenient time to call.

SAVING ELECTRICITY AT HOME
Five things that cost you nothing but can save a lot
Try these at home and save £100* a year
KITCHEN
When you make a drink, only put as much water in the electric kettle as you need. It will boil quicker and save energy.
Energy Fact Boiling one cup of water instead of a full kettle 5 times a day can save £30 a year. (£6.5m for Sheffield)
LIVING ROOM
When you’re not watching television, switch it off at the set or the wall, not the remote.
Energy Fact
A television left on standby can use more electricity when it’s off than when it’s on. Switching it off can save up to £11 a year for each set you have. (£2.25m for Sheffield)
ALL ROOMS
Switch the lights off when you leave a room.
Energy Fact
Each 60W light bulb that’s left on for 4 hours a day will waste £9 a year. (£2m for Sheffield)
If everyone in Sheffield did these it would save £21m a year
STUDY
If you’re not using your computer for a while, switch it off. It only takes a few seconds to come back on when you want it again. Energy Fact A 17” CRT monitor left in sleep mode for 8
hours a day when it could be switched off wastes £9 a year. (£2m for Sheffield)
BEDROOM
In a teenager’s room a computer, games console, television, battery and mobile phone chargers, video/dvd, cd player and modem could be using around 75W just on standby.
Energy Fact
Switching these off instead of leaving them on standby for 15 hours a day could save you £41 a
year. (£8.75m for Sheffield)
* These figures are based on typical equipment found in homes; some products are more efficient but many are worse.
Switch it off is a joint energy saving campaign by Sheffield’s East End Quality of Life Initiative, Darnall Well Being Group, Darnall Forum and Tinsley Forum

Join Granny and her friends for story telling and craft activities from around the world

Multicultural Family Learning Open Day

at the Family Development Project

20 Chapelwood Road, Darnall.

Tel: 0114 244 8497

Tuesday 12^th February

10.00am until 2.00pm

Free Entry

Free refreshments

Lunch 12 – 12.30pm

Veggie dogs, hot dogs 50p each

join in the fun…

Chinese writing Illuminated letters

Story sacks

Basic Computing

Please note that there will be basic computing courses starting in Darnall in the next few weeks. One of them will be at our centre on Main Road. Another will be held at the Family Development Project on Chapelwood Road. For more details contact Neil, Anne or Nazia using our phone number or email address below.