Sheffield wants you to get Behind the Girls!

16th April 2013

The Strength of Steel; the Power of Community; the Belief in Equality and the Eagerness to Stand Shoulder to Shoulder for what we believe in that's what Sheffield is all about.

And in this special Steel, centenary year let's show the world that the traditional values which made us famous in the past can bring us honour in the future, by supporting a group of modest and deserving Sheffielders, without whom our city may not be what it is today. They are the hundreds of Sheffield women whose spirit, hard work and good nature made an amazing contribution to the city and the country during the two World Wars, by uncomplainingly taking on the men's jobs in the steel works. A handful, now in their 80s and 90s, are still with us. The single thing they want to see before they die is the Statue they were promised in City Square - a celebration and inspiration for women in Sheffield and everywhere, forever. Now, Sheffield music and showbiz stars are boosting the Statue appeal with a concert at City Hall on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, Saturday 9 November, to raise at least £40,000 towards it. Already lined up are Heaven 17; Eliot Kennedy; Human League; John Shuttleworth; Baby Bird; Boy on a Dolphin; John Parr and John Tams, with others in the pipeline. There are several ways you can turn these women's dream into the city's tribute, whilst enjoying a night out that the city won't forget. You could become one of the Headline Sponsors whose donations of £5,000 will cover all the costs associated with the show (artistes are appearing for no fee, equipment, printing, design, marketing is at cost price). This will mean that all the money from ticket sales goes straight into the appeal. For your sponsorship, you'll get your name on all promotional and marketing materials and websites; acknowledgement during the show; a special gift from the artistes; tickets and a table for ten at the pre-show supper and post show party. Or you could one or more VIP tables for ten for £1,000, which gets you tickets for the show; the pre-show supper and the after-show party in the City Hall Ballroom. If you're a good or aspiring musician, you can even be part of the show - in return for an appropriate donation! However you support us, you'll know your great night out also let shows how much you value the contribution to your city of these remarkable women, some of whom will be there. The Sheffield Star; Sheffield Hallam University; the City Council; The Chamber of Commerce, The Master Cutler and all the City's MP's are all backing this plan to produce a memorable tribute to our wonderful women giving the appeal a rousing boost with a night the city will never forget. This can only happen in Sheffield. You're part of what makes the city vibrant today, so please honour some of the city's characters whose achievements should not die with them. Please contact us for more information or to make your contribution Graham Walker (Sheffield Newspapers)  walker.graham@btinternet.com  07928 341566 John Palmer (Show co-ordinator) john.palmer595@btinternet.com 07881 738029