Remembering deadly missile attack on HMS Sheffield
Royal birthdays, war anniversaries and awards ceremonies take place in the week that voters go to the polls for council and mayoral elections. Laura Reid reports.
FORTY YEARS ago, on May 4, 1982, the HMS Sheffield was struck by an Argentine missile during the Falklands War. The warship finally sank six days later.
Of the 268 crew members on board, many were taken to safety but 20 British sailors lost their lives and more were injured.
It was the first British ship to be lost to enemy action since the Second World War and the first of four lost during the Falklands conflict.
The HMS Sheffield Association and Friends launched a campaign to raise £15,000 to provide a memorial to mark the anniversary, which will be placed at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Later in the week, Sunday, May 8, marks the anniversary of VE Day in 1945.
Victory In Europe Day marked the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany in the Second World War on the continent.
By the time Prime Minister Winston Churchill made his historic broadcast over the airwaves at 3pm that day, confirming the end of the war in Europe, millions of people had already poured onto the country’s streets in jubilation.
But VE Day was also a moment of sadness and reflection, remembering those who lost their lives in the war.
ROYAL BIRTHDAYS
IT’S A week for royal birthdays this week. Princess Charlotte, the second child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, turns seven on May 2.
And later in the week, on May 6, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the oldest child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, turns three.
POLITICS
VOTERS ACROSS England will be going to the polls on Thursday as local council elections take place around the country.
Voters will elect councillors, who make decisions on services in their local area. In North Yorkshire, residents can vote for candidates in the new county council.
Those living in South Yorkshire are also eligible to vote to elect a new mayor.
The individual is chosen by the four South Yorkshire districts – Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield to serve a four-year team.
Thanks to the devolution deal agreed with the Government, the mayor will have control over a £1.3bn budget, covering spending on issues such as economic development, transport, regeneration, adult education and net zero projects.
AWARDS
THE RADIO Academy’s Audio and Radio Industry Awards (Arias) will take place in London on Tuesday, celebrating talented individuals and teams in the industry.
Categories cover talent and output from public service radio, commercial radio, podcasters, community radio, student radio, independent production, audio books and more.
Later in the week, it’s the turn of television, with the Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards. The ceremony takes place on Sunday and will be shown on BBC One.
This year marks Richard Ayoade’s third consecutive time as host as the red carpet event returns to London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin leads the way with 11 nominations.
AUCTION
BIDDING CLOSES on Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt on May 4.
Online bidding for the famous bit of football kit has been open since April 20 via Sotheby’s.
Its estimated price is between £4million and £6million.
Footballer Maradona wore the shirt for the Argentina v England quarter final of the 1986 FIFA World Cup.