Angry Sheffield residents and train station users are planning a protest march against East Midlands Trains plan to install ticket barriers in Sheffield station.
A march has been arranged for 15.45 at Barkers Pool with the march going on to Sheaf Square.
East Midlands Trains, the owners of Sheffield station, want to resurrect ticket barriers near the footbridge to ensure all passengers are carrying a valid ticket.
However, the footbridge provides a well lit, safe route for pedestrians from Park Hill and Norfolk Park into the city centre.
Councillor Paul Scriven, leader of Sheffield city council said: "I’d urge anyone who can make the protest to attend. Restricting access to the footbridge can only have a negative effect on the people of Sheffield.
“Although we support the principle of checking tickets, we are totally opposed to gating at the station."
Over 2000 people have filled out an online form expressing their view on the issue of the barriers. People wishing to have their say can fill in a form on www.sheffield.gov.uk or by emailing getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.
Gavin Patterson
Thursday 26 February 2009
Sheffield Hallam University to introduce a new prospectus.
By Marco Abonandi
Potential Sheffield Hallam students will be given a completely re-designed prospectus.
It will offer insight into student life and what one can expect from living in Sheffield.
Organiser Richard Stakeland said: "We found the old prospectus to be too thick and boring when reading through it. Hopefully the new one will be more helpful."
The magazine will have more a visual element compared to the old one.
Prospectus photographer Marc Harvey said "We've been holding photo shoots at the University's union for a limited time. We urge any one from Sheffield Hallam to come along and take part."
Filming of current Hallam students will also take place through March to go on the university's website.
Richard Stakeland said:"We hope to interview students in some of their favourite locations saying why they love the particular location, this will hopefully give possible new students an insight into Sheffield and what is here for students to do and enjoy."
A select few will be picked to go into the new prospectus. For everyone involved in a shoot will be put forward to a prize a draw for an I-Pod shuffle.
For further information in taking part, E-mail Richard Stakeland to r.stickland@shu.ac.uk /.
Chicken and Chorizo Recipe
Chicken and Chorizo Pasta recipe
This is a dish that I first tried in Spain whilst visiting friends several years ago. Seemingly it is a combination of meats frequently used in Spain and is a recipe I have been cooking for a few years. It is packed with flavour and provides a great crunch in the mouth. The chorizo adds a good kick to the meal and goes really well with any pasta dish.
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves 3 to 4
· 2 Skinless chicken breast fillets
· 100g of chopped Spanish chorizo sausage
· 150g dried penne pasta
· 1 red pepper
· 1 yellow pepper
· 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic cloves
· Chop half of a small onion
· A small handful of parsley
· 2 tsp paprika
· 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
1. Chop the red and yellow pepper into 4-6 sections then discard the stalks and seeds.
2. Grill the chopped peppers skin side up until the skin is char grilled and blackened. When blackened, leave the peppers on a plate to cool.
3. Prepare the pasta according to the cooking instructions on the pack.
4. Finely chop the chicken fillets. Fry in olive oil until brown then add the chorizo, chopped onion and garlic.
5. Once the peppers have cooled, peel off the charred skins and discard. Chop the flesh of the pepper and add it to the chicken and chorizo. Then add the paprika to the pan and stir.
6. Drain the pasta when cooked. Add the parsley and pasta to the chicken and chorizo mixture and stir.
Serve with black pepper!
Gavin Patterson
This is a dish that I first tried in Spain whilst visiting friends several years ago. Seemingly it is a combination of meats frequently used in Spain and is a recipe I have been cooking for a few years. It is packed with flavour and provides a great crunch in the mouth. The chorizo adds a good kick to the meal and goes really well with any pasta dish.
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves 3 to 4
· 2 Skinless chicken breast fillets
· 100g of chopped Spanish chorizo sausage
· 150g dried penne pasta
· 1 red pepper
· 1 yellow pepper
· 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic cloves
· Chop half of a small onion
· A small handful of parsley
· 2 tsp paprika
· 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
1. Chop the red and yellow pepper into 4-6 sections then discard the stalks and seeds.
2. Grill the chopped peppers skin side up until the skin is char grilled and blackened. When blackened, leave the peppers on a plate to cool.
3. Prepare the pasta according to the cooking instructions on the pack.
4. Finely chop the chicken fillets. Fry in olive oil until brown then add the chorizo, chopped onion and garlic.
5. Once the peppers have cooled, peel off the charred skins and discard. Chop the flesh of the pepper and add it to the chicken and chorizo. Then add the paprika to the pan and stir.
6. Drain the pasta when cooked. Add the parsley and pasta to the chicken and chorizo mixture and stir.
Serve with black pepper!
Gavin Patterson
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Make Noize Review
It is not often that top unsigned bands gather at one place and actually live up to the description- ‘top’.
However, on Sunday night a trip to Sheffield Hallam students union proved to be an enjoyable way to round off a weekend and some of the bands easily fit the description.
A crowd of around two hundred enjoyed seeing some of the local talent hoping to go onto bigger and better things.
The Talk, Cabfire and Modern Eulogy were the stand out acts. Both The Talk and Cabfire were bands that were unique in sound and entertaining to listen to. Despite having never seen either band I was quickly transfixed on both the on stage performance and lyrics and thoroughly enjoyed both bands. Louis Fox of The Talk was great in dominating the stage and keeping the crowd going. Cabfire were easy to listen to and seemed to have many different sounds to their music.
Modern Eulogy was an intriguing ‘band’. Basically it was Matt Williams doing vocals, playing guitar and occasionally using the harmonica. Williams played some fascinating tracks such as ‘Farmyard Graveyard’ which had meaningful lyrics and a catchy tune. Seeing one man perform so confidently was something to be admired and certainly would be someone I would go and see again.
Kiss Track Comeback were different. Annoyingly it seemed the front man was trying to imitate someone else by putting on an American accent throughout despite being a local band. This seemed to be a hindrance as people were unfortunately commenting on this rather than the music itself. The Silver was a band that lacked a unique sound and their style of shouting down the microphone made it difficult to tell what they were saying but certainly got the crowd jumping.
Make Noize provided a place for bands to raise interest in themselves and give people names to look out for in the future. Although not all to my taste others may have felt otherwise, which is all part of events like these. Any further event similar is definitely worth seeing, even if just for the experience of what not to know and the prospect of surprise.
Gavin Patterson
However, on Sunday night a trip to Sheffield Hallam students union proved to be an enjoyable way to round off a weekend and some of the bands easily fit the description.
A crowd of around two hundred enjoyed seeing some of the local talent hoping to go onto bigger and better things.
The Talk, Cabfire and Modern Eulogy were the stand out acts. Both The Talk and Cabfire were bands that were unique in sound and entertaining to listen to. Despite having never seen either band I was quickly transfixed on both the on stage performance and lyrics and thoroughly enjoyed both bands. Louis Fox of The Talk was great in dominating the stage and keeping the crowd going. Cabfire were easy to listen to and seemed to have many different sounds to their music.
Modern Eulogy was an intriguing ‘band’. Basically it was Matt Williams doing vocals, playing guitar and occasionally using the harmonica. Williams played some fascinating tracks such as ‘Farmyard Graveyard’ which had meaningful lyrics and a catchy tune. Seeing one man perform so confidently was something to be admired and certainly would be someone I would go and see again.
Kiss Track Comeback were different. Annoyingly it seemed the front man was trying to imitate someone else by putting on an American accent throughout despite being a local band. This seemed to be a hindrance as people were unfortunately commenting on this rather than the music itself. The Silver was a band that lacked a unique sound and their style of shouting down the microphone made it difficult to tell what they were saying but certainly got the crowd jumping.
Make Noize provided a place for bands to raise interest in themselves and give people names to look out for in the future. Although not all to my taste others may have felt otherwise, which is all part of events like these. Any further event similar is definitely worth seeing, even if just for the experience of what not to know and the prospect of surprise.
Gavin Patterson
Ask review
A trip to Ask on a Friday night with the girlfriend represented a different way of winding down the week than usual.
Instead of draining pints of lager at the academy it was a civilised meal at this modern eatery which was full to the brim.
Prior to eating at Ask, I held reservations about going to another chain restaurant after sampling the delights of BB’s just up the road. Zizzi’s, Strada and Pizza Express were just a stone’s throw away and also churn out the same food nationwide like Ask.
Perhaps I may have forgotten that in order for a restaurant to go national they must have done something right somewhere. Ask proved this.
To start we shared a garlic pizza bread with cheese. The bread was served on a super stone baked base with garlic drizzled all over accompanying the mozzarella perfectly.
The bustling ambience was the perfect environment to share a bottle of house white wine, which had a crisp and refreshing taste to go perfectly with the bread.
For main meals we ordered a Stromboli pizza and a calzone di pollo e pancetta. The Stromboli was a pizza with a generous helping of pepperoni. The calzone had chicken, leeks, pancetta, mushrooms mozzarella with garlic butter and grana padano cheese. The Stromboli was again on a similar base to the garlic bread. The tomato taste burst in the mouth with the pepperoni adding a splendid kick to the taste buds. The calzone was maybe a little thick; it required a hard bite to get into it! However the calzone was bustling with fillings and could not be accused of cutting back on fillings. The garlic butter was an exquisite to finish the dish.
The only downside was that perhaps the restaurant had tried to pack in one too many table and chairs. Quite often when a fellow customer left their seat it required one or both of us to adjust so they could manoeuvre past.
However, with a buy one main meal get one free voucher and a total bill of £28.85 perhaps I will give the academy a miss again soon.
Instead of draining pints of lager at the academy it was a civilised meal at this modern eatery which was full to the brim.
Prior to eating at Ask, I held reservations about going to another chain restaurant after sampling the delights of BB’s just up the road. Zizzi’s, Strada and Pizza Express were just a stone’s throw away and also churn out the same food nationwide like Ask.
Perhaps I may have forgotten that in order for a restaurant to go national they must have done something right somewhere. Ask proved this.
To start we shared a garlic pizza bread with cheese. The bread was served on a super stone baked base with garlic drizzled all over accompanying the mozzarella perfectly.
The bustling ambience was the perfect environment to share a bottle of house white wine, which had a crisp and refreshing taste to go perfectly with the bread.
For main meals we ordered a Stromboli pizza and a calzone di pollo e pancetta. The Stromboli was a pizza with a generous helping of pepperoni. The calzone had chicken, leeks, pancetta, mushrooms mozzarella with garlic butter and grana padano cheese. The Stromboli was again on a similar base to the garlic bread. The tomato taste burst in the mouth with the pepperoni adding a splendid kick to the taste buds. The calzone was maybe a little thick; it required a hard bite to get into it! However the calzone was bustling with fillings and could not be accused of cutting back on fillings. The garlic butter was an exquisite to finish the dish.
The only downside was that perhaps the restaurant had tried to pack in one too many table and chairs. Quite often when a fellow customer left their seat it required one or both of us to adjust so they could manoeuvre past.
However, with a buy one main meal get one free voucher and a total bill of £28.85 perhaps I will give the academy a miss again soon.
Gavin Patterson
Monday 23 February 2009
The office for post is to have a new host
Norfolk Row Post Office has finally found a new location for the business just 600 metres away after a threatened closure.
The post office was due to close on Monday March 23rd for good after the shop it is located in, GT News, is shutting on the same date.
However council bosses unhappy about the closure have managed to find new premises on Norfolk Street, formerly where the National Deposit Friendly Society was.
Council leader Paul Scriven said: “We know how important post offices are to local people and this is a great example of the council working hard with local people on what matters to them.
“We have been working hard with Post Office Ltd to help them find a new location for this tremendously popular post office. I’m delighted that this move is finally happening to secure the future of this key city centre post office.”
Post Office field change adviser Dave Smith said: “Ensuring our customers have continued access to Post Office services is important to us and this move will enable us to maintain a presence in this part of Sheffield.”
The new post office at 194 Norfolk Street opens on Thursday March 26th. The news comes after fifteen post offices were shut in the Sheffield area recently.
Gavin Patterson
The post office was due to close on Monday March 23rd for good after the shop it is located in, GT News, is shutting on the same date.
However council bosses unhappy about the closure have managed to find new premises on Norfolk Street, formerly where the National Deposit Friendly Society was.
Council leader Paul Scriven said: “We know how important post offices are to local people and this is a great example of the council working hard with local people on what matters to them.
“We have been working hard with Post Office Ltd to help them find a new location for this tremendously popular post office. I’m delighted that this move is finally happening to secure the future of this key city centre post office.”
Post Office field change adviser Dave Smith said: “Ensuring our customers have continued access to Post Office services is important to us and this move will enable us to maintain a presence in this part of Sheffield.”
The new post office at 194 Norfolk Street opens on Thursday March 26th. The news comes after fifteen post offices were shut in the Sheffield area recently.
Gavin Patterson
Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Film Review.
By Jack Phillips
Sex, sex and more sex. That must have been the only thing running through Woody Allen’s head when he both wrote and directed his new movie.
With two of the most beautiful actress’ in the world in the film and, debatably, a real hunk of a guy in the male role, this film really can make you feel like an ogre in 97 minutes.
Scarlett Johansson plays nymphomaniac and lost actress, Christina, whilst Rebecca Hall plays more conservative art student Vicky. They decide to spend their summer with Vicky’s distant relatives in Barcelona. Hence the film’s name Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Inspired title.
Whilst at an art show, the pair meets Juan Antonio, played by Javier Barden, a painter who looks like a Spanish Adonis. I heard some females comment in the theatre of course.
In a forward Spanish manner, Juan Antonio asks the two girls if they would like to fly to Spanish town Oviedo for a trip away from Barcelona to see a sculpture that inspires him in all his works.
After some hesitation from Vicky and none from Cristina they decide to go with him on a plane he borrows from a friend. Living the tough life indeed.
It is here where the films landscape and beautiful setting is something to behold. The views of the seas are breathtaking and the buildings look like they are in a deserted Spanish town. It looks like the Mamma Mia set, just without the blue screen effects.
A dangerous love triangle begins between the three of them, where Vicky cheats on her fiancée and Cristina starts dating Juan Antonio. It is here where the film’s best character comes in as Penelope Cruz plays Juan Antonio’s suicidal ex girlfriend Maria Elena who takes an instant disliking to Cristina. Cruz plays the role brilliantly, mixing Spanish and English, to which she resembles Amy Winehouse with her smoking and outrageous verbal assaults towards Juan Antonio.
With a four way love square, and three beautiful women in love with Juan Antonio, you begin to realise a very odd situation is occurring. I am pretty sure this would not happen in Sheffield. To say this film was a little over exaggerated maybe a slight understatement but that’s what creates the great story and surreal actions of the characters. A crazy final half an hour the film makes for great watching.
Men watching will be in awe of Juan Antonio and the three beautiful women lusting over him. Ladies watching will be planning a summer in Barcelona to meet Juan Antonio.
The film’s final scene is great, with laughs throughout; the film can be watched and enjoyed by all, either by hating or loving the characters. Cruz and Barden are brilliant right the way through the film and leaves viewers with questions of what people really want from love in their lives.
Monday 16 February 2009
Discounted Swimming Lessons Fail to Inspire!
It seems as though Sheffield Council's Learn to Swim programme has fallen to a watery grave.
The local alternative to the Government's free swimming programme seems to have failed to inspire locals with only 130 people taking up the discounted swimming lessons.
The lessons, which have been available since December at a third of the normal price, have not ignited local people's enthusiasm. This is despite 1 in 5 adults in Sheffield being unable to swim and swimming being listed as an activity that most inactive people would like to try.
Janet Jenkins, who is one of the people to use the discounted lessons said: "I think they are great. As a middle aged woman I wouldn't have benefited from the government scheme but due to this scheme I have become a much stronger swimmer."
Janet appears to have bucked the trend though as many places on the scheme remain empty. Cllr Sylvia Dunkley, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Streetscene admitted as much when she said: "There are still plenty of places available." She remained upbeat though and added: "Come on Sheffielders, grab your chance and come and learn to swim with us!"
The lessons are now available at all swimming pools in Sheffield so anyone interested should contact their local pool.
By Stephen McShane
The local alternative to the Government's free swimming programme seems to have failed to inspire locals with only 130 people taking up the discounted swimming lessons.
The lessons, which have been available since December at a third of the normal price, have not ignited local people's enthusiasm. This is despite 1 in 5 adults in Sheffield being unable to swim and swimming being listed as an activity that most inactive people would like to try.
Janet Jenkins, who is one of the people to use the discounted lessons said: "I think they are great. As a middle aged woman I wouldn't have benefited from the government scheme but due to this scheme I have become a much stronger swimmer."
Janet appears to have bucked the trend though as many places on the scheme remain empty. Cllr Sylvia Dunkley, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Streetscene admitted as much when she said: "There are still plenty of places available." She remained upbeat though and added: "Come on Sheffielders, grab your chance and come and learn to swim with us!"
The lessons are now available at all swimming pools in Sheffield so anyone interested should contact their local pool.
By Stephen McShane
Saturday 14 February 2009
Strada Restaurant Review
As a student in the ‘credit crunch’ a 2for1 voucher at a restaurant is perfect. If it's good enough for Wayne and Coleen Rooney then why should I feel ashamed about using it?
It was reported the Rooney’s used a voucher in a restaurant in Chester last week so a friend and I went for a meal at Strada Italian restaurant in Leopold Square with a voucher in hand. It was a quiet Sunday night and we were greeted from the snow with a warm welcome.
We were sat down and promptly served our drinks and the food order was taken. A shared schiacciatella starter (stretched pizza bread with garlic and rosemary) was the perfect starter and just enough to keep us going.
The main meal of a Rossa pizza was my tipple with spicy salami, peppers and chilli it was a real kick in the gut, but it was definitely something I would have again. The waiter offered me some chilli olive oil for extra kick but that was not needed. The pizza had a thin, light and crispy base and the toppings perfectly complimented each other.
My friend had the Panzerotti Porcini pasta which was ravioli type pasta filled with mushrooms covered with sage butter. The meal was very rich and the butter got a bit too much towards the end. This was quite a small portion compared to my huge pizza.
All was good and the service was impeccable even with a bit of football banter with the waiter. I was a little disappointed with the service charge added on to the bill at the end of the meal. I was planning on leaving a tip because of the good service anyway and feel this was an unnecessary addition to the end of a great meal.
I would definitely recommend it for all, especially with the 2for1 on main meals voucher. A total bill of £16.10 was a bargain for the meal that was one of the best I have had in Sheffield.
Jack Phillips
It was reported the Rooney’s used a voucher in a restaurant in Chester last week so a friend and I went for a meal at Strada Italian restaurant in Leopold Square with a voucher in hand. It was a quiet Sunday night and we were greeted from the snow with a warm welcome.
We were sat down and promptly served our drinks and the food order was taken. A shared schiacciatella starter (stretched pizza bread with garlic and rosemary) was the perfect starter and just enough to keep us going.
The main meal of a Rossa pizza was my tipple with spicy salami, peppers and chilli it was a real kick in the gut, but it was definitely something I would have again. The waiter offered me some chilli olive oil for extra kick but that was not needed. The pizza had a thin, light and crispy base and the toppings perfectly complimented each other.
My friend had the Panzerotti Porcini pasta which was ravioli type pasta filled with mushrooms covered with sage butter. The meal was very rich and the butter got a bit too much towards the end. This was quite a small portion compared to my huge pizza.
All was good and the service was impeccable even with a bit of football banter with the waiter. I was a little disappointed with the service charge added on to the bill at the end of the meal. I was planning on leaving a tip because of the good service anyway and feel this was an unnecessary addition to the end of a great meal.
I would definitely recommend it for all, especially with the 2for1 on main meals voucher. A total bill of £16.10 was a bargain for the meal that was one of the best I have had in Sheffield.
Jack Phillips
Thursday 12 February 2009
Music Review.
FLEET FOXES: FLEET FOXES
This American yodelaic 5 piece set up offer no more than background easy listening. There's nothing ground breaking and to be honest I actually nearly fell asleep listening to it. They seem to have a feasible choir like charm about them.
Lead singer Robin Pecknold does do his job well, his echo like vocals bring out the essence of what this Bill Withers influenced band are trying to achieve. They are tight with doped up yawnful harmony. Listening to the album I found them a bit of a one trick pony with each track starting or ending with an oooooh or an aaaaahhh in their exploitable fashion.
Not my cup of tea and nothing really catchy about this album apart from the radio one milked track "White Winter Hymnal". The acoustic number "Blue ridge Mountain" has to be mentioned. It did tickle my fancy, purely because it was something a little different from the rest of the album. It had plausible simplistic charm about it. The album overall does offer great fluidity and is produced very well. There's something raw and mention ably rustic about it. If you get a listen, listen with open ears and without pungent musical ignorance. Then I'm sure you'll get their gist.
Marco Abonandi
This American yodelaic 5 piece set up offer no more than background easy listening. There's nothing ground breaking and to be honest I actually nearly fell asleep listening to it. They seem to have a feasible choir like charm about them.
Lead singer Robin Pecknold does do his job well, his echo like vocals bring out the essence of what this Bill Withers influenced band are trying to achieve. They are tight with doped up yawnful harmony. Listening to the album I found them a bit of a one trick pony with each track starting or ending with an oooooh or an aaaaahhh in their exploitable fashion.
Not my cup of tea and nothing really catchy about this album apart from the radio one milked track "White Winter Hymnal". The acoustic number "Blue ridge Mountain" has to be mentioned. It did tickle my fancy, purely because it was something a little different from the rest of the album. It had plausible simplistic charm about it. The album overall does offer great fluidity and is produced very well. There's something raw and mention ably rustic about it. If you get a listen, listen with open ears and without pungent musical ignorance. Then I'm sure you'll get their gist.
Marco Abonandi
Band night at hallam
Local bands are flooding to Sheffield Hallam students union for an unsigned bands festival.
The event, ‘Make Noize 09’, is aimed to raise the profile of local bands as well as to raise money for the upcoming comic relief.
Local bands such as Cabfire, Kiss Track Comeback and The Talk are all confirmed at the event at Hallam students union on Paternoster Row.
It is the first event of its kind to be held at Hallam union and more are said to be scheduled should it turn out to be a success. Band slots were filled quickly and some bands had to be turned away such was the demand.
Head organiser Tom Davison said: “Sheffield has been a hotbed of talent for bands in recent years with Arctic Monkeys and Reverend and The Makers amongst others making big strides in the industry.
“We feel this is a chance for the bands to raise their profile and hope that this can be the start of some fantastic bands playing at Hallam union.”
Tickets are currently on sale from Hallam students union for the event on Sunday 22nd February and are expected to sell quickly.
By Gavin Patterson
The event, ‘Make Noize 09’, is aimed to raise the profile of local bands as well as to raise money for the upcoming comic relief.
Local bands such as Cabfire, Kiss Track Comeback and The Talk are all confirmed at the event at Hallam students union on Paternoster Row.
It is the first event of its kind to be held at Hallam union and more are said to be scheduled should it turn out to be a success. Band slots were filled quickly and some bands had to be turned away such was the demand.
Head organiser Tom Davison said: “Sheffield has been a hotbed of talent for bands in recent years with Arctic Monkeys and Reverend and The Makers amongst others making big strides in the industry.
“We feel this is a chance for the bands to raise their profile and hope that this can be the start of some fantastic bands playing at Hallam union.”
Tickets are currently on sale from Hallam students union for the event on Sunday 22nd February and are expected to sell quickly.
By Gavin Patterson
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