IN BRIEF
Birkdale Prep School head Chris Burch
Gold medallist Saffiyah on way to British Schools Judo Championship Westbourne School pupil Saffiyah Khan is proving herself a gold medal star in the world of judo. Saffiyah, who is 11 and lives in Bakewell, represented the Sheffield independent school in the British Schools Judo Wales Regional Qualifiers. Winning all three of her fights in the Year 7 category, she was awarded the gold medal at the event and has now qualified for the British Schools Judo Championships, which will be held next March. Saffiyah also competed in the Years 8 and 9 category where she achieved a silver medal. “This was a fantastic achievement by Saffiyah,” said Westbourne Director of Sport, Nigel Elvidge Latham. “We take great pride in the sporting prowess of all our pupils and are always pleased when we see a pupil like Saffiyah making her mark at such a high level.”
Birkdale Gladiators take on 10k challenge for hospice The Birkdale Gladiators raised more than £3,000 for St Luke’s Hospice when they joined the runners in the annual Asda Foundation Sheffield 10K. A team of 20 parents and teachers from Birkdale School, many of who had never taken part in an organised race before, were organised by mum and long-time St Luke’s supporter Sam Debbage. They were among more than 100 runners who took part in the event specifically on behalf of Sheffield’s only hospice. The Birkdale Gladiators have already raised more than £3,000 and there’s still time to support them by visiting www.justgiving.com/birkdale-gladiators
White Rose recognition Independent hotel and restaurant Brocco on the Park has been shortlisted for a prestigious White Rose award. The industry-leading annual tourism awards recognise excellence across the Yorkshire and Humber region and this year, Brocco is the only South Yorkshire finalist in the Small Hotel category. Brocco on the Park owner Tiina Carr commented: “We are thrilled to have been selected as a Small Hotel finalist in the White Rose awards. “It’s a huge honour for our team to receive this recognition in what are undoubtedly the region’s most illustrious tourism awards. We will be proud to represent Sheffield and South Yorkshire at the awards ceremony in November.” The much-anticipated White Rose Awards ceremony takes place on 12 November in Harrogate, and it’s only then that Tiina and her team will find out how Brocco has fared in this competitive category. The hotel, which opened its doors almost four years ago following a complete renovation of the formerly derelict site, has received a number of notable accolades including a Sawday’s British Hotel award 102 www.sheffieldvibe.com
for Favourite Newcomer [2015] and a Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award for Best City Hotel of the Year [2017]. Brocco Kitchen is the winner of this year’s Westside Best Restaurant Award.