Musings on reality

Woman 'who lived for smoking' died in fire

2009-06-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

By Hannah Seaman

A DISABLED woman who smoked 30 cigarettes a day died in a bedroom fire after refusing to have a smoke alarm fitted because she feared her habit would set it off, an inquest heard.

Pam Eaves, 58, a mother of three, suffered from multiple sclerosis and died from smoke inhalation after a smouldering cigarette fell from an ash tray on her bedside table, setting her underwear drawer alight.

It happened just days before Christmas last year with her uncle and carer of 35 years, Kenneth Wardly, 77, asleep in the next room.

Choking back his tears, Mr Wardly said: “There was no smoke alarm in the flat as she wouldn’t have one installed in case her cigarettes set it off when she was smoking in bed. I should have had one fitted but smoking was all she lived for.”

Sheffield Coroners Court heard that ten years previously Mrs Eaves narrowly escaped injury in another house fire where a cigarette stub set her bedroom alight.

But despite this she refused to have a smoke alarm fitted at her ground floor flat on Hazlebarrow Crescent, Jordanthorpe, because one was constantly triggered by her smoking whilst on a caravanning holiday in Scarborough.

Mr Wardly said: “I lived in fear of it happening again and that is why I used to stay over and check on her.”
But Richard Hutton, Fire Investigation Officer, said that cigarette smoke would not be able to trigger a fire alarm as it contains different particles to other sorts of smoke.

He said: “South Yorkshire Fire Service could have fitted a free smoke alarm and due to Mrs Eaves’ disability we would even have fitted her flat with a free sprinkler unit.”

The inquest heard that Mr Wardly discovered the fire after the smell of smoke woke him at around 6.45am.

He said: “I thought the Christmas tree was on fire but then realised it was coming from Pam’s room.”

He said he then went into her bedroom and found it filled with a haze of smoke.

“I went over to Pam and shook her by the shoulders but I realised she was dead.”

Mr Wardly then called the emergency services who later pronounced Mrs Eaves dead at the scene.

A post mortem confirmed that she had died from breathing smoke.

Investigations showed that she was woken by the smoke and had tried to remove the drawer which had been smouldering for around two hours. It was found discarded on the carpet.

Mrs Eaves weighed 17 stone and due to her disability had not been able to move to escape the fire. Instead she was forced to succumb to the fumes which contained carbon monoxide.

The fire later burnt out due to a lack of oxygen.

Coroner Judith Naylor said that the inquest had learnt that the belief that cigarette smoke sets off fire alarms is a misconception.

She said: “Mrs Eaves’ death was a tragedy that could have been avoided. I hope this will prevent a similar tragedy happening to another family.”

She recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Northern Ballet students shine at Meadowhall

2009-05-13T01:58:00.001-07:00

By Hannah Seaman

TALENTED students from an award winning ballet company had shoppers dancing in the aisles this weekend in Sheffield as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

The eight dancers from the Northern Ballet Theatre’s classical training scheme put Meadowhall shoppers through their paces with a series of simple ballet exercises designed to improve fitness.

They also performed demonstrations which they had been rehearsing as part of their training at the company’s studios in Leeds.

The event was held to launch the company's performances of Swan Lake and a mixed programme at the city's Lyceum Theatre from Tuesday until Saturday.

Catherine Hall, Media and PR Officer for the company, said: “Dancing is very popular at the moment thanks to television programmes like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice. So we wanted to offer people the chance to try something new today whilst being creative and expressive.”

She said that the company is trying to make ballet more accessible as a lot of people have never experienced it before or been to watch a performance.

She said: “We are proud to have survived for forty years and the fact that the company is attracting bigger audiences shows that people are becoming more interested in dance.”

Emma Chilton, 33, a shopper who tried out the exercises, said: “It was really good fun and surprisingly tiring. The dancers made it really easy to follow.”

The company currently have 48 students on their classical training scheme which is a five year programme designed to offer professional training to students in the north of England.

Youngsters aged between 12 and 16 audition for the scheme from all over Yorkshire and train around five times a week.

Hannah Kirkpatrick, Classical Training Officer, said: “We can offer them excellent training to a professional standard without them having to move away from home.”

Sophie Hall, 16, a student from the training scheme said: “I have been dancing since I was three-years-old and I just find it a perfect way to express myself. It helps me to relax and forget about the rest of the world.”

She hopes to move away to a vocational dance school later this year to complete her ballet training and then join a professional company.

A productive placement so far at Press Association

2009-04-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

Cath Kidston: darling of the design world.

2009-03-13T00:55:00.000-07:00

Cath Kidston is the darling of the design world with her nostalgic interior chic and floral patterns which grace millions of homes worldwide. After fifteen years in business she has become a cult success despite originally going against the minimalist fashions of the early 1990’s.

The furore all began in 1993 when Kidston opened a shop in Holland Park, London, where she sold vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly coloured junk furniture. Gradually she began to create her own prints and products which centred on floral, stars and polka dot.

Since then the company has opened 26 shops throughout the UK which sell an array of homeware, women’s fashion and children’s fashion and over the years, Kidston has worked alongside numerous companies designing one-off products. These have included designing tents with Milletts, Nokia mobiles with Carphone Warehouse and most recently collectible eco shopping bags with Tesco.

Kidston’s inspiration came from her childhood upbringing in rural Hampshire where she lived in a traditional English country house and this is clearly evident when entering one of her stores.

A riot of patterns, ponies, rabbits and roses adorn everything from teapots, deck chairs and notebooks to book bags. And this welcome transportation back to the good life leaves even the most undomesticated student enthused and with the motivation to improve their somewhat lack lustre home.

So why not get in touch with your creative side and attempt some of your own home craft projects. The Kidston look is an easy one to recreate and doesn’t have to be expensive if you shop around for materials.

Alternatively, for those that are more artistically challenged, there are plenty of high street stores that have cottoned on to Kidston’s success and that sell their own vintage ranges.

For further information and ideas visit:

Cath Kidston's website and online shop: http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/

To read the original story on Pg 27. of The Forge Press website newspaper for the University of Sheffield:

http://www.forgetoday.com/forgemedia/forge_press_viewer.kmod?cardid=38

Patient wait for a kidney donor

2009-03-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

Have a look at The Derbyshire Times website and video where I am interviewing Colin Cooper, 58, who is critically ill with kidney failure. March 13th is World Kidney Day which highlights the problems with organ donation and the challenges patients face. I have a chat with Colin and find out what his life is like.

http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/chesterfield/Patient-wait-for-a-donor.5054698.jp

The Jade Goody story: the exploiter or the exploited?

2009-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Jade Goody reality show continues to play out to its inevitable end whilst the masses gawp. It seems that human nature's sickening fascination can never be satisfied.

Now, a new twist has emerged since Goody announced that she would be marrying her boyfriend Jack Tweed at a country hotel in Essex. The Big Brother star has only a week to organise the wedding and is resolute that she will walk down the aisle. This will all only add further ammunition and tragedy to the story.

Yet, despite the criticism surrounding Goody and her actions you cannot help but feel sorry for her. To have her final weeks of life played out in the press as entertainment is somewhat unsavoury, whether she is encourgaing the attention or not.

The only good thing that I can see emerging from it all is that demand for cervical smear tests have already risen dramatically. The Guardian reported yesterday that the University Hospital Lewisham, south east London, has carried out 21% more tests since Goody was diagnosed with cancer. Lets hope that this effect will continue.

To read more about Jade Goody visit The Guardian on the link below: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/feb/17/jade-goody-nuclear-submarines-wrap

Also visit The Mirror:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/02/17/jade-goody-plans-to-marry-jack-tweed-in-glitzy-country-hotel-wedding-115875-21129567/

For more information about cervical cancer visit the cervical cancer charity Jo's Trust at: http://www.jotrust.co.uk/

NHS staff face persecution for praying.

2009-02-06T01:50:00.000-08:00

Have a read of this:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/4530384/NHS-staff-face-sack-if-they-discuss-religion.html

This is another worrying case of political correctness being taken to the extreme, thank goodness the press are backing her.

Another nail in the coffin for generation crunch.

2009-02-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Generation crunch received another blow this week with The Guardian announcing that it would not be running its graduate trainee scheme this year.

The scheme attracts hundreds of applicants every year and is slavered over by student journalists across the country as they push on to their goal.

Yet, it was not to be and a career in PR or communications seems ever closer for this years graduates.

Declining newspaper sales, a loss of revenue from advertising and the general economic climate has led to the majority of newspaper companies freezing recruitment and trainee journalist jobs have become an endangered species.

Last week at Norton College, Sheffield, a group of graduates successfully completed their NCTJ fast track course. Only two of them have found jobs.

But I will keep on trying and onwards and upwards I will go to 300wpm shorthand. Surely that will stand out on the CV. Or perhaps an exclusive with Obama would do the trick.

A new saviour chef has been crowned.

2009-01-22T13:01:00.001-08:00

Move over Jamie Oliver. Heston Blumenthal is the new favourite this week in the press after transforming the floundering Little Chef restaurants on Channel 4's 'Big Chef takes on Little Chef.'

The Michelin Star Chef took over the Little Chef at Popham near Basingstoke and his re-invention of its interior, decor and menu has received rave reviews.

Better quality ingredients and traditional British dishes were his focus along with some surprising additions, including singing toilets.

Blumenthal appeared genuine in his cause unlike Little Chef boss Ian Pegler whose ability to vomit marketing spiel was impressive. He also lost his appeal after his continued criticism of Blumenthal's menu, pompously advising him: "to make the chilli hotter."

Yet the nostalgic hope remains that Little Chef can be transformed and re-enter its home in the nation's hearts. I for one hope that Heston succeeds.

A Rite of Passage

2009-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Media law is a rite of passage that all journalists must suffer. Sadly this necessary evil is proving to be truly frustrating. Defamation fills my mind and I'm now off to bed cuddling my trusty McNae.

The Deep Freeze

2009-01-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Whilst driving home from Southwold today I stumbled across a scene that was reminiscent of Swan Lake combined with ITV's Dancing on Ice. In the middle of a misty Suffolk marsh we enjoyed two swans performing their very own pas-de-deux. They slipped and stumbled across the ice struggling to cope with the unknown conditions. But they had an appreciative audience and we headed home to our central heating smug and smiling.

Blazers make little difference

2009-01-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today I endured a joyous train journey squashed into one carriage with a bunch of horny teenagers from Notredame High School in Norwich.

They proceeded to sit on my suitcase, spray everyone with nasty cheap deodrant and discuss their apparently rampant sex lives.

There have been numerous complaints in the local press about the Norwich to Lowestoft service and the behaviour of the children on it. But little seems to have changed.

The school assures us they are taking measures to tackle the behaviour but other than introducing shiny new ties and blazers I see no difference.

Christmas Shelter Appeal

2008-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

By Hannah Seaman

A homeless shelter in Barnsley is appealing for volunteers this Christmas so that they can open for longer hours over the festive period.

The shelter is organised by the voluntary group Barnsley Homelessness and has run for the past three years. It is hosted by the YMCA and provides food, bedding, clothing, showers and a warm, safe place for around 30 people to sleep.

This year the group want to open the shelter for longer hours, especially on Christmas day. It needs about 40 volunteers to help with the preparation of meals and the general running of the shelter.

David Brannan, 57, Barnsley Homelessness organiser and volunteer said: “I have helped at the shelter for the past two years and it is a really brilliant way to help those that are less fortunate. It gives a tremendous sense of having done something special over Christmas which is refreshing when we constantly face a commercial overkill.”

It will offer bed, breakfast and an evening meal from 5pm on the 24th December. It will continue on the 25th and 26th between 5pm and 10am. It will close at 10am on the 27th.

Barnsley Homelessness also wants to set up a more permanent shelter in Barnsley that is open all year round.

Mr Brannan said: “Other towns have these facilities but they do not exist in Barnsley. If the homeless in Barnsley want shelter many may have to travel to Sheffield or Doncaster. A shelter should be all year and not just for Christmas.

“With the economic down turn it is even more important that there are facilities for the homeless. It is entirely possible we will see the number of homeless increase with many people losing their homes over the next year.”

Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over and willing to offer a minimum of two hours between 4pm and 11am on the dates above.

They should be free to attend a briefing about inductions, roles and health and safety on either Saturday 6th December at 4pm or Tuesday 9th of December at 7pm at the YMCA Barnsley.

For further information email barnsleyhomelessness@gmail.com, or call the YMCA 01126 213123.

Life-line for rape crisis centre

2008-12-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

By Hannah Seaman

The rape crisis centre in Barnsley which was facing closure is finally able to celebrate its 20th anniversary after securing emergency funding from the government.

Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Helpline will receive £48,000.00 of the £705,000 announced nationally. Nineteen other centres in England and Wales will also benefit.

Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, announced the fund back in March 2008. But the money will only keep the centres open until March 2009.

Dr Nicole Westmarland, Chair of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said: "Thanks to the emergency fund, 2008 has been the first year that no rape crisis centre has closed. It is our hope that this is a turning point, but for this to be the case we need urgent discussions to take place about what will happen from March 2009."

Katie Russell, 27, Development Worker at BSARCH and Yorkshire & Humber Representative for Rape Crisis England & Wales, said that they were very relieved to secure funding and without it they would have been in dire straights.

She said “We would have had to make staff redundant and wind down some of our services. But our future still remains uncertain and funding continues to be a problem.”

Last week Shadow Minister for Women, Theresa May MP, visited BSARCH at its new offices at Voluntary Action Barnsley in the town centre. She has continually raised the plight of rape crisis centres in the House of Commons.

She said: “The establishment of the one-year emergency fund is a welcome step, but it is frankly ridiculous for services as important as Rape Crisis centres to be living from hand to mouth each month.”

A recent report, by the Women's Resource Centre & Rape Crisis (England & Wales), revealed that more and more centres are closing. It said that in 1984 there were 68 centres in England and Wales but today only 38 remain. Nine have closed in the last five years.

BSARCH is a voluntary organisation and is responsible for its own funding. It relies on a team of four paid workers and 27 trained volunteers who provide free, confidential, counselling to females who are victims of sexual violence. Its helpline handles 500 calls per year and 120-150 women per year attend face to face counselling.

Miss Russell said: “Using local population figures and published research, we estimate there are around 22,560 women living in the Barnsley area who could benefit from our services.”

The funding will allow BSARCH to continue its existing services and to pilot weekly meetings for young women who have suffered sexual abuse.

Miss Russell said that there is still a lot of stigma around sexual violence and people are often reluctant to come forward and talk.

For the last six years BSARCH has received grants from the Big Lottery Fund and it has recently reapplied to them for £500,000 over the next four years. It receives £5,000 per year from Barnsley Borough Council.

For further information visit www.bsarch.org. Or if you are victim of sexual violence call their emergency helpline on 01226 298560.

Celebrating Volunteering in Barnsley

2008-12-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

By Hannah Seaman

A former footballer from Georgia and his team celebrated volunteering in Barnsley this weekend with other community groups at a forum held at the town’s travel interchange.

The Promote Volunteering Forum was organised by the council’s team at One Barnsley in partnership with Voluntary Action Barnsley. It aimed to promote and celebrate volunteering in the town.

Around 20 community organisations took part in the forum including: Mencap, Girl Guiding, Young Diallers, Radio Barnsley, Neighbourhood Watch and Barnsley International Football Club.

Davit Khutsishvili, 49, is Volunteer Chairman and General Manager for Barnsley International Football Club which he set up four years ago. He played professional football in Georgia before seeking asylum in Britain.

He said: “Volunteering with the club is my life. It is so important to give the young people of Barnsley something constructive to do with their time. Hopefully this event today will show people how they can get involved.”

He said that the club aimed to unite young people from all backgrounds and to give them a chance to play sport. It has players from Russia, Poland, India, Nigeria, Algeria, Iraq and Britain.

Miss Helen Knox, 29, from the Community Planning Office at One Barnsley organised the event. She said: “We wanted to promote volunteering in Barnsley and boost people’s skills. It is a part of civic life that has been undervalued and we wanted to celebrate the many volunteers and their special work.”

Throughout the day circus acts performed and the jazz band, Gershwin Gang, entertained shoppers with Christmas music. Girl-guides from across Barnsley put on face painting and craft stalls.

Tina Redhall, 43, Employment and Volunteer Coordinator at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said that it had been a great chance to network with other volunteering groups.

Megan Luck, 25 Volunteer Development Officer of the Mencap Volunteering team, said: “It has been a really encouraging day. At Mencap we try to encourage people with learning disabilities to get involved with volunteering. This is a new concept as often they are the recipients of it.”

Lee Marsh, 35, is a volunteer with Mencap at the Elsecar Heritage Railway. He said: “I work on the railway tracks and help with the painting. I really enjoy it. Its helpful and I get to meet lots of new people.”

My minor obsession with quotes.

2008-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

"Whenever you find hundreds and thousands of sane people trying to get out of a place and a little bunch of madmen trying to get in, you know the latter are reporters." H. R Knickerbocker from The Universal Journalist by David Randall