Sir Adsetts Returns to Sheffield

Sheffield business pioneer returned to Sheffield Hallam University, for a tour of its newly-extended learning centre yesterday.

Sir Norman Adsetts, 78, former president of Sheffield's Chamber of Commerce, opened up the original building in 1996 and was amazed with the new development.

He was also chairman of Sheffield Hallam's board of governors until 1999 and during his time the university named the building after him, calling it the Adsetts Centre.

Sir Norman Adsetts said: "It's a unique building. I was proud of it when I opened it, and I'm even more proud of it now. To have my name attached to it is wonderful."

During his visit students demonstrated how they use digital technologies such as videos and podcasts to share information and how the new visualisation suite aids them in their studies.

Sir Adsetts has played a major part in the regeneration of Sheffield and he is credited with saving Kelham Island.

On his visit he said that the results of regeneration are only starting to show in the city and "it feels vibrant and lived-in".

He added: "It's happening because the different elements of the city are working together, not fighting with each other or ignoring each other. Both of the city's universities have been strong agents for the regeneration of Sheffield."

Local man died of natural causes

An inquest reveals a man who was found dead in his flat in Sharrow last October died of natural causes.

Robert Bradwell, 30, a keen Rotherham United supporter had a history of heart problems going back to childhood.

Being an enthusiastic football fan he was well known in the local areas particularly at the Byron House Pub, Nether Edge, where he regularly watched matches.

One local who became good friends with Robert was Howard Brooks who said:

“The news of his death was very shocking but at least with this inquest result there is some form of closure now.”

By Tom Wright

Sheffield cleans up its act

Sheffield is currently undergoing a ‘Big Spring Clean’, an initiative put forward by local councillors who aim to show the positive impact of keeping the city clean.


The event which started on 23rd March is ongoing until the 19th April, encouraging everybody to get out on the street and clean up the rubbish they find around them. The initiative has gained a successful response from local businesses, schools and community centres, who have pulled together to get their hands dirty and ensure that Sheffield keeps its reputation of being the greenest city in England.


There have been organised litter pickups around the city, with the council providing plastic sacks and lending cleaning equipment to entice people to get involved. Local citizen Caroline Yates, 37 took part in an organised cleanup at Darnall Community centre, she said: "I think this is a great idea, there was a great response up at the community centre. If more people get involved across Sheffield then the place will look alot cleaner on April 19th ready for the summer”.


Similar 'Big spring clean' events are taking place up and down the country to try and make England a cleaner place. Nottingham City Council’s clean up commenced on the 20th March.


By Sean O'Malley

Gripple Spider Gag

One of Sheffield's favourite inanimate statue's became animated yesterday as a spoof news report had thousands of people in stitches on April Fools Day.

Award-winning manufacturers Gripple Ltd, Savile Street East, Sheffield, removed their famous sculpture of a spider off their building a week ago not knowing that it would be the focus of a side-splitting humorous gag.

The hoax YouTube report by NNN news journalists has over 4000 views already, leaving the question on every ones lips, where has the spider gone?

The mock broadcast consists of a reporter interviewing staffs at Gripple Ltd, who voice their concerns about the spider walking off to pastures unknown.

James Lambert, 34, Employee of Gripple Ltd, said: "It was a great gag and I enjoyed acting in it. I hope it makes people who watch it laugh n'all."

Onlookers also acted out eye-witness accounts of the spider crawling off, backed up by CCTV type footage of the actual event itself with great computer animation.

The whereabouts of the spider are still unconfirmed and Gripple are asking the public to keep their eyes peeled.

By Liam Day