There was an interesting programme on the BBC World Service last night on the Yemeni community in Sheffield. I missed the beginning, but it was a documentary about how and why the community had developed here. As I said, I didn't hear all of it, so missed the explanation as to why the Yemenis first settled in Sheffield and how many of them there are (apart from Prince Naseem and his family). Does anyone know?

I missed the programme, but can offer my own views, taken after speaking to my parents and many of the Yemeni elders over the years.

Most of the Yemeni elders would have arrived during the 1950s to work in the steel works. I was told the UK government was so keen to have them in the UK and working, that it was actually providing the Yemenis with passorts over there.

Despite getting into the UK easily enough, many of them didn't find work in the steel industry right away; some of the elders told me it took them up to a year to find employment.

My father worked for many large firms in the 35 years he spent in the steel industry; Brown Baileys, Hadfields and others. He told me the work was dirty and dangerous, but it put food on the table and clothes on our backs :)

I expect the majority would have arrived, speaking no English at all, nor was learning english a priority either; I am unsure whether employers or educational establishments would have offered ESOL (English as a Second Language) courses, but many of the elders still speak Arabic as their first language 50 years on, as I believe that many would only have learnt enough English to perform their jobs effectively.

I have no idea how many Yemenis are in Sheffield; I expect that there will be far less Yemenis than, say, Asians such as Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. Yemeni numbers may have risen slightly, due to younger Yemenis fleeing the various civil wars over the past decade or two. However, this may be balanced slightly by the number of elder Yemenis finally retiring back to Yemen, or passing away.

Thank you Abdul, much appreciated. The programme focused on two sisters and their lives in Sheffield and also their links with the Yemen. Very interesting. I suppose it was the steelworks connection more than anything else which explains their initial links to Sheffield.

Here is an article from last year:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/3876307.stm

during the election a yemeni woman praised david blunkett for seeing her personally during a surgery about getting a passport.

he does the same for someone else and he has to resign!

:|

Originally posted by pete_fcs
during the election a yemeni woman praised david blunkett for seeing her personally during a surgery about getting a passport.

he does the same for someone else and he has to resign!

:|

Ah but (just to trivialise the thread :) ) she wasn't his nanny! (presumably) and thus he didn't have a personal interest in the case.

Have to say, out of all the things that politicians do wrong, I'm not convinced that DB's actions in this case were up there in the top league.

Originally posted by pete_fcs
during the election a yemeni woman praised david blunkett for seeing her personally during a surgery about getting a passport.


I am so tempted to make a bad taste joke about that, but I will rise above it.

Originally posted by pete_fcs
during the election a yemeni woman praised david blunkett for seeing her personally during a surgery about getting a passport.

he does the same for someone else and he has to resign!

:|

That's his job

I've got quite a few Yemeni friends (which will probably shock Abdul :thumbsup: ) - there is quite a community feel in Sheffield - I did them some IT work recently - fully recommended unlike some of their 'arabic' cousins who were like getting blood out of a stone when it came to payment. (Perhaps Yorkshire traditions are rubbing off on them too quickly:D )

Originally posted by Internetowl
I've got quite a few Yemeni friends (which will probably shock Abdul :thumbsup: )

After the posts we've exchanged over the last month, nothing you say shocks me anymore :D

Originally posted by Internetowl
there is quite a community feel in Sheffield

Yes, this does seem to be the case with the majority of the Yemeni community, especially with the elders, many of whom would have grown up in the same village or district back home, or may be related via blood or marriage.

Originally posted by Internetowl
- I did them some IT work recently - fully recommended unlike some of their 'arabic' cousins who were like getting blood out of a stone when it came to payment. (Perhaps Yorkshire traditions are rubbing off on them too quickly:D )

Eh? Yemenis are Arabs too :?

I know Yemini's are arabs - but the point I was making is some of the other arabic nationals I've had dealings with have been a bit less forthcoming with payment than the Yemini's I've had dealings with. In their defence the worst people are paying seem to be the rich types from Ranmoor / Whirlow. Air tight the lot of them....its no wonder they have big houses :)

it might be off topic, but i once lives at lodge moor, and found people very generous and friendly, big houses or not.:)

Im Arabic Hiiiii
And Trust Me There Are Alot Of Yemeni People, Im One. If U Want To Know Where To See The Most Area With Yemeni People Go To Burngreave In Pitsmoore. That Is The Yemeni Heart Of Sheffield. Visit The Shop You ;l See Interesting Culture Foods.

My next door neighbours of the last 15 years are Yemenis (and Muslims to boot)- and are damn good neighbours - hard working, polite, friendly.

Originally the men used to work all hours they could on the night shift in the old Stones brewery until they'd saved enough money to buy a shop.

I think Abdul is right in that many used to work in the steel works - usually on the anti - social shifts.

The eldest lad next door has just applied to join the Police and we've been more than happy to give him a reference.