Deputy Lord Mayor Hails St David’s Day Event as ‘Great Success’

The Sheffield and District Cambrian Society hosted a hugely successful St David’s Day dinner and concert at Tapton Hall, but calls for more young people to attend the society's events. 

Founded in 1910, the society brings together people who are native to Wales or are of Welsh descent and regards the event as the ‘highlight of the year’.

Former Lord Mayor, Sioned-Mair Richards, President of the society, said: “I love it! It’s quite an old fashioned event but I really enjoy it. There is good food, good company and good music.”

Mrs Richards addressed the room, speaking of the great success the society has in bringing Sheffield’s Welsh community together. She said: “If I can’t live in Wales, Sheffield is the next best thing!”

Olwen Vernon-Hunt, who takes over as president of the society in May, said: “We need lots of young people, we’d love students!” 

The University of Sheffield has a Welsh Society, with 60 paying members. Lestyn James, President of the Society said: “My plan is to create a central website for any Welsh people visiting Sheffield.” 

Mr James hopes this will incorporate both societies and therefore strengthen their relationship.

An excellent three-course meal was served- the Welsh Lamb a popular option with the members and guests.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Andrew Sangar spoke of his fondness for the ‘Hospitality of the Welsh people’. Councillor Sangar also said: “The Cambrian Society plays a key role in keeping a strong connection between Wales and Sheffield.” 

As dinner concluded, Toastmaster Dr John Richards proposed toasts. The first to ‘His Majesty the King’, who sent ‘heartfelt warm good wishes’ in an address from the Palace. This was followed by toasts to ‘Saint David’ and ‘The City of Sheffield and Our Guests’.  

After a short interval, it was time for the much anticipated ‘main event’; a concert performed by three award winning performers: a Soprano, a Tenor and a Harpist and Pianist. 

The performance was much enjoyed by the audience, with one person describing the music as ‘magical’.  

The evening concluded with the singing of the Welsh national anthem “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” and the United Kingdom's national anthem “God Save The King”.

Kim Kardashi-Hen? Chick Jagger? Hen-drick Lamar? Can You Name The Feathery Friends Bringing Joy To Sheffield SEND Community?

Members of the SEND, Special Educational Needs and disabilities, community are ‘delighted’ after the Rainbow Kite Project rescued six chickens, bringing dreams closer to reality.

Rainbow Kite Project is a community of SEND specialists based in NE Derbyshire, Sheffield, Chesterfield and surrounding areas. Their aim is to help individuals with autism, learning disabilities, complex needs, and PDA to ‘develop independence’.

A survey to name the chickens living at an Eckington allotment is underway; almost 20 names have already been put forward, including Kim Kardashi-Hen. The survey is set to close on Wednesday, 4th March. 

Becca Oseman, Co Director of the Rainbow Kite Project, said that the arrival of the chickens has been ‘extremely positive, providing both calm and responsibility for the clients’. 

Osian Wilson, a 24 year old client, said: “Most people look at chickens as either boring or dinner, but I see them as my maturest friends.” 

Mr Wilson added: “Just being around them is really calming even on a bad day.” 

James Cheung, 25, another client, said: “I really enjoy spending time with the chickens. You can give them a stroke or a wellbeing check.” 

Mr Cheung also said: “I dream of having my own chickens!” Mr Cheung runs his own business, Little Doolittle, which provides a number of services for small animals, including home boarding and welfare checks.

The allotment group meets every Friday, and is a great way to ensure that the clients can spend time outdoors, even if that means having to brave the rain.

Lulu Knott, 23, a client, explained how spending time with the chickens can ‘keep my mental health in check’, saying the allotment is a place where she ‘doesn’t need to think about anything’.

Ms Oseman and Ellen Kelly have directed the support service since it opened, over two years ago. Ms Oseman said: “The service has worked really hard to build a community where people can be themselves. 

“I’ve seen the clients come on socially as well as gaining a massive growth in independence.”

Rainbow Kite Project has ambitious plans for the future, including setting up a playgroup for SEND children. To find out more about the Rainbow Kite project visit:Rainbow Kite Project | Specialist Community Support. To vote for a name for the chickens, visit: Names for the Rainbow Kite Chickens

Successful interfaith dinner brings communities together around a shared table.

An event held at the University of Sheffield on Monday 17th November brought students of different faiths together and encouraged engaging dialogue. 

Hosted at the Student’s Union, the event consisted of six faith societies, each sharing traditional dishes from their culture, offering attendees an opportunity to try food they may not have encountered before.

There were people of Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Baháʼí and Muslim backgrounds.

All food served was vegetarian, ensuring that regardless of faith, attendees were able to try the full array of dishes.

Thought- provoking questions were placed around the room, sparking conversations which helped students learn about each other’s religions and beliefs. 

Kayla Chesler, organiser of the event and a member of the Jewish society’s Committee said: “The event has had a great turnout from a range of different faith societies, and it has been lovely to meet people from a variety of different faiths and try foods from different cultures.”

Milan Gadher, President of the Hindu Society said: “You may enjoy talking to people with the same ideas, but take a minute to talk to people with dissimilar thoughts and you will find it more valuable.”

Micah Ferguson, Prayer Secretary of the Christian Union commented: “It’s a great event to meet people from other religions and see what‘s similar and different. Food is such a great way to bring people together.”

In an age where division often dominates headlines in our news feeds, it was refreshing to see students interacting with such curiosity and respect. 

When addressing the room, Kayla Chesler highlighted the importance of ‘building bridges between the communities’ and hinted that the societies would work together to organise another interfaith event in the future.

Students from diverse faiths and backgrounds share traditional foods and engage in meaningful conversations.

17/11/2025

Thousands of anti-racists gather in Sheffield City centre to march against UKIP on Saturday.

More than 1,000 ‘anti-racist’ protesters mobilised in Sheffield city centre on Saturday 8th November in order to counter 100 UKIP supporters who were marching through the city. 

Counterprotests were organised by Sheffield Stand Up To Racism. The group said in a social media post that: “Trade unionists, Palestine activists, trans, Muslim, Christian, Jew, Black, White, migrant and others stood together in solidarity with refugees.” 

Seven arrests were made by South Yorkshire Police, with Stand Up To Racism saying that the police imposed ‘disgraceful restrictions that sought to criminalise antifascists’. 

At the City Council meeting on Wednesday 5th November, when asked about the upcoming protest, Leader of the Council Tom Hunt said: “Those people who come to our city to sow division and hate, to turn neighbour against neighbour, community against community, are not welcome here.”

Sheffield became the UK’s first city of sanctuary in 2007, designating it a safe place for those seeking refuge. Councillor Hunt said: “We are really proud of our city of sanctuary status.”

Sheffield Stand Up To Racism are organising a unity rally in Sheffield on the 22nd of November which is expected to have a strong student turnout.