Nancy Fielder

Sheffield should treat its historic buildings and sites as valuable cultural and tourism assets rather than obstacles to development. Heritage campaigners and volunteers have repeatedly fought to protect the city’s past, despite losing several battles, and their influence may now be growing as Sheffield Council recognizes heritage’s importance. The piece calls for local expertise to guide planning decisions and urges the city to preserve landmarks such as Bishop’s House, Kelham Island Museum, Birley Spa, Vulcan and the Norfolk Park archway for future generations.

Sheffield Star editor Nancy Fielder argues that the former Debenhams building on The Moor is essential to the revival of Sheffield city centre. She welcomes the prospect of new businesses and investment but remains concerned about the building’s deterioration, the £1 transfer deal and the risk of repeated promises without visible results. Fielder calls on owners NewRiver to explain their “clear plan” and deliver tangible redevelopment, while encouraging residents to support the city centre and its events.

Sheffield City Council is criticised for introducing a new bus gate on Furnival Gate and reinstating another restriction, with fines due to begin on 19 September. The commentary argues that confusing access rules will deter drivers, students, families and shoppers, hurt city-centre businesses and generate revenue for the council. It supports pedestrianisation, affordable buses and reducing car use, but says better public-transport alternatives must be provided before motorists are discouraged from entering the city centre.

Editor Nancy Fielder announces that The Star’s 21-person editorial team has moved to new offices at the Fountain Precinct in Sheffield city centre. She says the move will help reporters engage more closely with communities, promote local businesses, schools and individuals, and hold wrongdoers and people in power to account. The newspaper also aims to emphasize the value of trusted local journalism to readers, customers and advertisers while continuing to serve Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

Recent fires in Sheffield, including house fires on Fox Hill Road and a blaze at the Aesthete Cafe in Crosspool, have devastated residents and businesses. The column praises community support and firefighters while connecting local fires, Derbyshire wildfires, and severe fires in France and Spain to increasingly extreme weather and climate change. It calls for urgent collective action, especially from wealthy and politically powerful people, and argues that heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires must become a higher political priority before more homes and lives are lost.

Sheffield’s declining rail services, reduced London trains, inadequate station drop-off arrangements, parking problems and incomplete Supertram network are presented as evidence that the city has been neglected by local and national leaders. The editorial urges Mayor Oliver Coppard and all elected politicians to unite against cuts, improve regional transport and demand greater investment, warning that continued inaction will impose the same frustrations on future generations. Free bus travel for under-18s is welcomed as a possible sign of a more positive direction.

Nancy Fielder argues that Sheffield must openly confront the longstanding safety, poverty and social problems affecting Page Hall rather than deny them or avoid discussing them for fear of being accused of racism. She criticizes council, police and political leaders for offering little beyond visits and expressions of concern, and says deprivation, exploitation by landlords, weak employment prospects and racism have been shaped by deliberate policy failures. Fielder rejects using ex-military personnel, while acknowledging why residents experiencing violence and fear might support such intervention. She calls for urgent, practical support involving senior members of the Page Hall community and condemns politicians for prioritizing political point-scoring over solutions.

Businesses on Sheffield’s George Street face a cycle of openings and closures as low footfall and weak city‑centre engagement persist. The closure of the Curzon cinema highlights failures in local promotion and strategic planning, while the forthcoming Mulberry Club offers only limited optimism. Sheffield’s leadership is criticised for lacking vision and failing to make the city centre attractive and competitive compared with northern rivals. Stronger long‑term planning, better promotion and greater investment are urged to revitalise struggling areas such as George Street and Chapel Walk.

Nancy Fielder reflects on what it means to be from Sheffield, recalling cockle sellers, local food traditions, the Hole in the Road and Roxy's. She argues that Sheffield identity is shaped less by birthplace, labels or familiarity with the steel industry than by shared memories, kindness and a sense of belonging. Although younger generations may no longer feel connected to steelworking, she believes the city's industrial heritage remains an important part of its collective identity.

Nancy Fielder urges Sheffield residents to spend more of their money with local businesses and support independent shops, markets, cafés and venues. She argues that the city centre lacks a clear publicly communicated plan, highlighting the proposed demolition of the recently opened Atrium to make way for student flats as an example of conflicting priorities. Sheffield BID is praised for events and improvement efforts, while the council is urged to develop a coherent strategy combining housing, retail and community amenities.

The Tudor Players’ production of Bea Roberts’s Whitby Rebels is praised as a joyous, absurd and skilfully performed comedy based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire people who sailed from Whitby toward the Arctic in 1991. The 12-member cast, including Edwina Gascoyne, Phil Gascoyne, Justin Harrison, Ross Bannister and Jan Ibberson, is credited with bringing the story’s dangers, friendships and hilarity to life. The Sheffield Library Theatre production runs until Saturday, with tickets priced at £13 and £12 for concessions.

A parent recounts how Sheffield Children's Hospital provided urgent surgery and compassionate support when her teenage son suffered a sudden medical emergency. The column celebrates the hospital's 150-year history, specialist staff and child-friendly services, highlighting its importance to families across Sheffield and the wider region. It also promotes the Pride of Yorkshire lion art project as a fundraising opportunity and argues that the NHS remains vital and should be protected.

Nancy Fielder welcomes government funding for Sheffield's proposed Station Campus, which could transform the long-abandoned plot beside Sheffield station with new homes and other development. She argues that the project must also address severe traffic congestion, inadequate drop-off and pick-up facilities, parking problems and accessibility for disabled passengers. Despite scepticism based on the site's history of stalled plans, she remains optimistic that a development partner will finally bring the project forward, while flagging possible controversy over a planned bridge linking the station area to Park Hill.

Nancy Fielder argues that Rother Valley Country Park has become intimidating and unsafe during busy periods, citing disorderly crowds, drinking, littering, nitrous oxide use and inadequate enforcement. Following the death of a teenage boy during the bank holiday weekend, she urges Rotherham Council to take decisive action so the popular South Yorkshire attraction is both safe and perceived as safe for visitors.

Sheffield currently lacks a functioning shared outdoor athletics track after Don Valley Stadium was demolished and Woodbourn Road was shut by Sheffield Hallam University. The closure has forced schools to hold limited competitions without facilities for events such as high jump and long jump, restricting opportunities for young athletes and worsening inequalities in access to sport. The editorial criticizes Sheffield City Council for allowing athletics provision to decline, while the council says it is working with the university and other partners to reopen the track and develop a sustainable long-term solution. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard also acknowledges the urgency and says he will press for action, but the immediate priority is restoring local facilities rather than pursuing a Northern Olympics bid.

Sheffield’s rail connections are portrayed as having deteriorated while other major UK cities have benefited from electrification and improved services. The closure of the Snake Pass, unreliable journeys to London, and reduced trains to Manchester Airport highlight the city’s poor connectivity. The column argues that Sheffield’s political representatives and the government have failed to secure necessary infrastructure investment, and urges residents and local leaders to campaign more forcefully for action.

Nancy Fielder identifies four Sheffield traffic hotspots: queues and hazardous access at Weston Park Hospital, congestion caused by new traffic lights near Lidl in Handsworth, waste-site queues on Blackstock Road, and Costco petrol-station traffic backing up toward Parkway and the M1. She argues that better planning, consultation, traffic management and cooperation between the council, university, NHS and businesses could improve safety and reduce delays, particularly for cancer patients and motorists trying to dispose of waste or access cheaper fuel.

Nancy Fielder argues that Sheffield must provide more homes without sacrificing the parks, fields and woodlands that support residents’ health, community life and sense of place. She urges authorities to prioritize brownfield and abandoned industrial sites, ensure new homes are genuinely affordable and built to high environmental standards, and require developers to maintain community facilities after construction. The column calls for transparent decision-making and greater weight to be given to residents who will live with development consequences long term.

Nancy Fielder criticizes the severe congestion and disruption caused by Sheffield's extensive road closures, burst water mains and planned energy-pipeline works. She argues that poorly coordinated projects, ineffective cycle lanes, expensive parking and bus lanes are increasing motorists' stress, costs and emissions, while even ambulances struggle through stationary traffic. Although she questions whether anyone has overall responsibility for coordinating the city's roads, she identifies potential improvements through expanded Supertram services, bus investment, smart traffic signals and real-time passenger information.

Nancy Fielder reflects on the lasting influence of dedicated teachers following the death of Kath Auton, who taught at several Sheffield schools and served as deputy headteacher at King Edward VII for 18 years. Tributes describe Auton as kind, committed and able to make people feel valued, qualities Fielder connects to her approach to teaching and community work with the Chesterfield Canal Trust. The piece argues that teachers’ encouragement often remains with former pupils throughout their lives and deserves greater recognition.

An editorial reflects on Sheffield’s abrupt shift from spring sunshine to snow as a reminder of the climate crisis. It argues that individuals and policymakers must address fossil-fuel dependence through sustainable housing, more attractive electric-car alternatives, transparent recycling and waste policies, and stronger support for local food and economies. The column calls on residents to pressure city leaders for openness and coordinated long-term green policies rather than piecemeal solutions.

The Crucible Theatre has been recognised as a building of global and national significance, with plans to expand and reshape the Grade II-listed venue while preserving its existing configuration when needed. World Snooker will continue staging the World Championship in Sheffield, ending uncertainty about the event moving overseas. Redevelopment work is not expected to begin before summer 2028, and the announcement is presented as a major boost for Sheffield’s cultural identity, theatre scene and international profile.

Sheffield Central Library and the Graves Gallery are described as culturally important institutions whose historic building is visibly deteriorating, with faulty heating and long-term scaffolding. The council has promised another review covering modern library services, digital inclusion, customer services, and accommodation, but has not presented concrete action or secured national funding. The piece urges Sheffield residents to use and support the library and gallery, highlighting Graham and Sue Royle’s donation-matching campaign for Museums Sheffield.

Sheffield residents are described as deeply angry about the decline of the city centre, weak leadership, inadequate support for football-related initiatives and voluntary organizations, and repeated failures to deliver promised projects. Editor Nancy Fielder argues that criticism is necessary rather than damaging, calls for greater accountability from politicians and civic institutions, and urges residents, community groups and local leaders to work together to harness Sheffield’s potential and secure a better future.

Manor Operatic Society’s production of Sleeping Beauty at Sheffield City Hall is praised for its larger-than-ever dragon, special effects, pyrotechnics, set and audience participation. The Sheffield-focused pantomime embraces noisy crowd interaction, slapstick, local jokes, water guns, custard pies and other traditional features. Its performances continue through 4 January, offering family entertainment and celebrating a long-standing Sheffield tradition.

A personal review praises the Christmas markets at Sheffield’s Mowbray and Victoria venues in Kelham Island for their locally made products, high-quality food and drink, live entertainment and welcoming atmosphere. The markets are presented as successful examples of creating modern community spaces while preserving the area’s industrial heritage, with the Chimney House and Kelham Island Museum adding to the setting. The event runs for only one Sunday in December, although the venues host other events throughout the year.

A highly positive review of The Shelbourne in central Dublin praises its 200-year history, famous guests including John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, elegant décor, attentive service and luxurious junior suites. The hotel’s restaurant receives particular acclaim for its seafood, meat dishes, desserts, wine pairings and breakfast, while the spa is presented as an appealing additional amenity. The reviewer concludes that the hotel successfully combines historic grandeur with modern luxury and offers an exceptional Dublin experience.

A men's “walk and talk” group has been established in Sheffield in memory of Dalton Williams, who died by suicide in May. Organised by his friends and family under the informal name Don't Quit Your Daydream, the group meets in different parks to help men talk, reduce stigma and find support. Organiser Lee Wisdom says the walks have attracted around 26 men, with some participants subsequently seeking help from their GPs or professional services. Dalton's family and the family of Leon Bennett have supported the initiative, including a donation of more than £500 to Sport In Mind. The next walk is scheduled for November 15 at Dam Flask, while Samaritans crisis-support contact details are also provided.

Nancy Fielder describes taking her family by Stena Line ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and completing the company’s €100 Duty Free Challenge. The family bought a mix of toiletries, beauty products, electronics and regional sweets, including a JBL headset and Benefit The Porefessional, while finding the ferry a relaxed alternative to flying. The article highlights Stena’s lounges, sea views, entertainment and extra luggage capacity, and notes that duty-free day trips on the Dublin-Holyhead route have been reintroduced.

Devon Myrie, a 47-year-old Sheffield father, died after collapsing at Station Gym on Mansfield Road on August 14, reportedly suffering a heart attack. His wife Sammy, family, friends and the gym community remembered him as a warm, humorous and devoted man with a close bond to his 13-year-old son Kobi. Myrie worked at Nationwide, supported Liverpool and loved travel, food and cooking. His funeral is scheduled for September 26, with donations requested for the Haggai Project and a separate fundraiser established to support his family.

A family takes a two-night Amsterdam city break organized through TUI, combining a stroopwafel-making workshop, a visit to the windmills and traditional craft attractions at Zaanse Schans, and a stay at the historic Hoxton Lloyd Amsterdam. The trip is presented as an appealing alternative to beach holidays, with activities suited to both teenagers and adults, easy tram travel and cycling, and a strong emphasis on shared experiences. TUI’s city-break package includes flights, accommodation and excursions, with prices starting from £234 per person, while the company is expanding its portfolio to thousands of hotels across dozens of European cities.

A two-night stay at Radisson Blu Royal Dublin finds the centrally located hotel to be a stylish, comfortable and reasonably priced base for exploring Dublin. The review praises its quirky modern décor, helpful staff, outdoor spaces, parking and proximity to Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Its Old Town Wine Bar & Restaurant receives especially strong recommendations for cocktails, sharing dishes and seafood, while breakfast offers both Irish and healthier options. Rooms start at £140, and the hotel is presented as suitable for families, couples and groups of friends.

A review of The Reserve at Chester Zoo describes a new luxury stay opening on 18 August 2025, with 51 sustainable lodges overlooking giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. Guests can access exclusive experiences including giraffe feeding preparation, an after-hours safari and conservation-laboratory activities, alongside high-quality food, cocktails and ranger-led campfire storytelling. Prices begin at £492.50 per night, with premium packages costing considerably more. The project is intended to generate long-term funding for Chester Zoo’s conservation work, though the reviewer notes that the experience is expensive.

Sandals Montego Bay is portrayed as a luxurious all-inclusive resort deeply connected to Jamaican identity because it was founded by Jamaican businessman Gordon “Butch” Stewart. The review highlights the resort’s welcoming staff, especially longtime maître d’ Dalton, high-end rooms with ocean views, tropical grounds, butler service, restaurants, water sports and spa facilities. It also provides package prices for seven-night stays and argues that guests should explore Jamaica’s beaches, food and culture beyond the resort.

Jamaica is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, particularly from British visitors, supported by increased flights and government promotion. The island's global appeal comes from its reggae heritage, figures such as Bob Marley and Usain Bolt, cuisine, beaches, waterfalls and tropical climate, but also from the warmth and energy of its people. The feature acknowledges persistent poverty, violence and the continuing effects of slavery while highlighting tourism's importance for jobs and the economy. Sandals Montego Bay is presented as a major Jamaican-owned resort that contributes to local communities, with attractions including Dunn's River Falls, Negril's beaches, Luminous Lagoon and the island's food, music and nightlife strengthening its appeal.

A highly positive review describes Turkey’s Dalaman coast and Jiva Beach Resort near Fethiye as an increasingly popular destination for British holidaymakers. The area is praised for its scenery, hospitality, Turkish cuisine, historical sites, shopping and relatively affordable holidays. Jiva Beach Resort receives strong recommendations for its rooms, buffet dining, pools, beach facilities, cocktails and activities, while Jet2 and Holiday Extras are presented as convenient travel partners. Visiting outside the peak summer season is recommended to avoid extreme heat and crowds, although tourism and hotel development in the region are expected to continue growing.

The Last Laugh, playing at Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre, reimagines the lives and comedy of Eric Morecambe, Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse. The review praises Bob Golding, Damian Williams and Simon Cartwright for their convincing, affectionate portrayals, with particular acclaim for Williams as Cooper. Despite initial reservations about the second-half cast question-and-answer session, the reviewer found it highly entertaining and felt the production successfully preserves the comedians' legacy for future generations.

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell is in complete remission from Hodgkin's lymphoma after a 13-year battle involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy and stem-cell transplants. An autologous transplant failed, but a donor transplant carried out after intensive treatment was successful, with an April PET scan showing no signs of cancer. Campbell has returned to performing and hopes to meet and thank his young donor in the future.

Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa near Leeds has added a luxurious relaxation lounge with heated beds, loungers, soft throws and guided meditation experiences developed with TEMPLESPA. The review praises the spa’s calming design, refurbished gym, pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor lounging area, Rosette-awarded restaurant and treatments from Caudalie and TEMPLESPA. Food, particularly the tempura vegetables and burger, is well received, while the Body Detox mud treatment is described positively, with a minor criticism that the treatment-room shower offers too little choice of toiletries.

Manor Operatic Society’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Sheffield City Hall is praised for its spectacular sets, strong stagecraft and energetic performances. Dylan Lambert is singled out for his Willy Wonka, while Rafe Newton, Callum Fellows and the performers portraying the other children and families also receive strong praise. The review concludes that the ambitious amateur production captures the magic and humour of Roald Dahl’s story and will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres’ production of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, set in 1940s Nigeria, explores ritual, cultural misunderstanding and the dehumanizing effects of colonialism. The review praises the colourful staging, music, acting and emotional intensity, while noting that some Yoruba humour and plot elements may be difficult for audiences to follow. An offensive racial insult prompted audible shock and debate, with the reviewer questioning whether it was necessary. The production runs at Sheffield’s Crucible until Saturday.

The Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy, near Conwy, is praised as a luxurious waterfront retreat with scenic views across the Conwy Estuary. The 80-room hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly service, an expanded spa with thermal facilities and OSKIA treatments, and the Ebb & Flow restaurant, whose Welsh-inspired dishes and locally sourced ingredients receive strong commendation. Its location provides access to Conwy, Llandudno, Snowdonia and nearby beaches, making it suitable for romantic breaks, families and year-round domestic holidays, although visitors are advised to bring warm clothing.

Manor Operatic Society’s Jack and the Beanstalk at Sheffield City Hall is praised as a lively, funny and deeply local Christmas tradition. The review highlights the enthusiastic audience participation, Simon Hance’s comic performance as Dame Tilly Trott, strong supporting cast, inventive costumes and sets, and the production team’s ability to turn scripted and accidental mishaps into additional laughs. The show runs until January 5, with the society’s next production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, scheduled for May.

A family review of Alton Towers Resort’s 2024 Santa Sleepover praises its decorated hotel, Santa’s Grotto, family rides, festive shows, Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, Reindeer Games, themed entertainment, buffet breakfast and Splash Landings waterpark. The reviewer found the experience especially magical for young children and said the family could have stayed several days. Prices start at £90 per person for selected dates, while expensive food and the demanding outdoor schedule are highlighted as practical considerations.

A highly enthusiastic review of Pine Cliffs Resort on Portugal’s Algarve coast praises its luxurious but locally influenced design, spacious accommodation, spa, pools, golf course, tennis facilities and cliffside setting. The resort’s restaurants receive particular acclaim, with fresh seafood at O Pescador and Mare, steak at Piri Piri Steakhouse and an extensive breakfast highlighted as standout experiences. The review also recommends the Mirador Champagne Bar, a Benagil caves boat trip and the resort’s wellness offerings, concluding that Pine Cliffs is an excellent destination for food-focused luxury and leisure breaks.

Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that the closure of youth clubs in London following public-spending cuts was associated with worse GCSE results and a 14% increase in youth offending over the subsequent six years. Young people who lost access to a nearby club performed about half a grade worse in one GCSE subject, while pupils from poorer backgrounds lost more than a grade. Community leaders and education organizations said youth services provide safe spaces and essential support, while the Local Government Association called for greater investment. Sheffield charity Always An Alternative has launched a mobile youth club to support young people in neighborhoods affected by service cuts.

A highly enthusiastic review praises Jack Holden’s one-man performance in Kenrex, a true-crime thriller about Missouri bully Ken Rex McElroy and the community that turns against him after he shoots grocer Bo Bowenkamp. The production is lauded for its character transformations, lighting, sound, music and minimalist staging, with Holden and composer-performer John Patrick Elliott creating an immersive experience. Written by Holden and Ed Stambollouian, the play was running at Sheffield’s Playhouse until November 16.