Mercury Newspaper Issue 1495

Plans on track to reoPen region’s ghost railways

Plans to bring back lost rail services and restore closed stations in South Yorkshire are gaining momentum, as the region moves forward with bids to level up and reconnect left behind com munities.

Cases for funding have been put to Government to reopen the Don Valley Line, between Sheffield and Stocksbridge, and the Askern Line, be tween Doncaster and Knot tingley, for local passenger services. If given the green light, proposals will go to the next stage of the national ‘Restoring Your Railways’ programme to provide better access to jobs, homes and education.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

“There is huge support for our plans to reopen the Askern and Don Valley railway lines, because of the chance it gives us to level-up communities currently left behind because of poor public transport links.

“Fixing South Yorkshire’s public transport system has to include reopening our railways and better joining up our train, tram and bus networks. Because our com munities rely on these links to access the work, educa tion and social opportunities that everyone deserves.

“The government have set a timeframe for levelling up transport connectivity across our region by 2030, but in order to achieve that goal we need them to deliver the

full Northern Powerhouse Rail and match our energy and ambition for upgrading services. Projects such as ‘Re storing Your Railways’ offer a good starting point.”

South Yorkshire’s Askern and Don Valley Lines are two of 13 schemes shortlisted in October 2021 to progress to the next stage of the Government’s £500 million Restoring Your Railway fund, designed to reinstate local rail services and restore closed stations.

Councillor Julie Grocutt, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Commit tee, and Local Member for Stocksbridge said: “There is no doubt that restoring passenger rail ser-

vices between Stocksbridge and Sheffield on the Don Valley Line would provide significant economic and so cial benefits to Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Oughtibridge, Wad sley Bridge and Neepsend, as well as neighbouring communities.

“Existing transport con nectivity in this area is poor.

Stocksbridge is less than 10 miles from Sheffield City Centre but on current bus services, journey times are taking as long as around one hour.

“The key to enabling our communities to grow and prosper is to connect people to opportunities, in a sustainable and inclusive way. That can only be done with an efficient and reliable public

transport system that people trust. Whilst buses are a criti cal part of our transport net work, and we will continue to fight for better services, a rail link is essential for long-term growth that helps to meet our net zero targets.”

Further plans to restore services on the Barrow Hill Line between Sheffield and Chesterfield are being de veloped by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Network Rail. It could see stations reinstated at Sheffield Victoria, Beighton, Killamarsh, Eckington/Ren ishaw, Barrow Hill/Staveley and Whittington, and the return of a regular service, linking Sheffield, Northeast Derbyshire and Chesterfield.

Sheffield family’s star-studded concert in memory of beloved mum raises

more than £60,000

A Sheffield family raised £62,204.46 towards cancer support services, research and treatment advances by organising a star-studded concert at Sheffield City Hall in memory of their beloved mum and wife, Bev Croke.

BB With Love’s Simply The Best 2022, organised by the Croke family – Michael, Sean, Rachel and Matthew –helped continue the legacy of ‘truly special’ Bev, also known as BB, who sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2021 aged just 61.

On an extremely moving evening, host Gok Wan was joined on stage by a number of West End, TV and film stars including Hayley Tamaddon, Daniel Brocklebank, Ella Vaday, Melissa Jacques, George Ure, Matt Henry MBE, Ben Nickless and producers Rachel and Matthew Croke.

Sheffield Cancer Choir, of which Bev was a much-loved member before she passed away, also provided a spellbinding performance – as did Sheffield-based Shine Choir, and RMC Academy of Theatre Performance, which is run by Matthew and Rachel Croke.

In addition to the stunning entertainment on the stage, there was also entertainment elsewhere – with a VIP three-course meal and meet and greet session taking place before the main event, in Sheffield City Hall’s Ballroom.

The Croke family set up BB With Love in 2021 to continue Bev Croke’s legacy and help provide physical, emotional, practical and financial support for people and families affected by cancer after the love, support and care the Croke family received from Weston Park after Bev’s diagnosis in 2019.

Money was raised at the event by ticket sales, generous donations from concert-goers and bids in an auction held during the VIP three-course meal.

Simply The Best 2022 brings the total raised by BB With Love to almost £100,000 in just 18 months – a remarkable impact in a relatively short space of time.

Immediately after the show, producers Matthew and Rachel Croke said: “We can’t get over what’s just happened – all we do know is that the audience were amazing and we reached – or rather beat – our target of £50,000!

“When the total was announced on stage, I couldn’t believe it – we were just so grateful to everybody. We got to that £50,000 mark on the night and went past it. We’re very happy – and we’re so thankful to everybody that was involved. It was Simply The Best – again!”

Michael Croke, husband to Bev and father to Rachel, Sean and Matthew, said: “We’re just over the moon to know the impact which BB With Love is having for people facing cancer in our region.

“When we started on this journey, I said that even if we get one more person to reach out for Weston Park Cancer Charity’s support, or if we can help researchers right here in Sheffield get one step closer to a cure, then that is payment enough.

“The support we received, and continue to receive, has been priceless to us. We want to help Weston Park Cancer Charity and to continue what Bev wanted to do in helping people.”

Events and activities will continue throughout the year, organised by BB With Love, details can be found at wpcc-in-memory.raisely.com/bb-with-love

Cat Rhone, Deputy CEO at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “What the Croke family have achieved again this year, through BB With Love, is remarkable. I thought last year’s event would be extremely difficult to top, but they’ve achieved that and then some!

“What this Sheffield family are doing, and continue to do for other people and families who face a cancer diagnosis, is incredible. We just want to say a huge thank you to them, and to everybody who contributed to making Simply The Best such a huge success again.

“Fundraising like this makes a huge impact to us, particularly at a time when our income is still reduced massively compared to what we’d expect pre-pandemic. Mick, Rachel, Sean and Matt should be so proud of the legacy they are continuing for wonderful Bev.”

For more information on Weston Park Cancer Charity, call 0114 553 3330.

south Yorkshire safer roads Partnership (sYsrP) and south Yorkshire Police are reminding party goers that no amount of alcohol or drugs are safe when driving and even one drink could put you over the limit.

Research shows that you are THREE times more likely to die on the road if you drive after even the smallest amount of alcohol as well as risking prison, a driving ban and an unlimited fine.

The Partnership is urging people to plan ahead and think before they drink or take drugs this Christmas to prevent the pain, grief

and suffering caused by collisions.

A spokeswoman for the Partnership said: “It’s completely unacceptable that every year families face Christmas without loved ones because someone decided to drink or drug drive.

“Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can affect your ability to drive safely –don’t let your friends and family pay the price.

“Make a plan before you leave the house – if you’re having a drink you need to book a taxi, use public transport or walk home if you can.

“If you want to drive, stick

to soft drinks and look out for your mates. As designated driver, let them buy your drinks as a thank you for getting everyone home safely.”

From last Monday (28 November), South Yorkshire Police officers will be increasing enforcement across the four districts, with dedicated activity at all times of day.

Where a driver tests positive for drink or drugs, they will be taken into custody and could be charged and in court within 24 hours of a positive sample.

Roads Policing Temporary Inspector Brandon Brown

SAFE THIS XMAS

explains more about officers’ efforts: “As roads policing officers we see, first-hand, the devastation and pain caused to families when their loved ones are killed or seriously injured in a collision.

“Delivering that tragic news never gets any easier. We are asking everyone to think is it worth it?

“You could lose your job, your family or seriously injure or kill someone.”

Police enforcement will be supported by a four-week awareness campaign that will feature on social media and roadside screens. A digital advan will tour high footfall areas across the county

reminding people of the dangers of even one drink when driving.

There is no failsafe way to tell how much alcohol will put you over the limit, or to convert the limit into how many units you can have. It varies on your weight, age, gender, or how much you have eaten before drinking.

That’s why the only safe amount to drink if you’re driving is nothing at all –not even a drop. Only then will you be sure you are not breaking the law or putting lives at risk. And as the countdown to Christmas gets into full swing next week, Temp’ Inspector Brown shared

a message of thanks to those who do follow the rules and support police enforcement.

He added: “We know that the majority of drivers do not drink or take drugs and drive and we are thankful for your help in creating safer roads.

“We wish everyone in South Yorkshire a safe and merry Christmas.”

You can follow the campaign on the Partnership’s social media channels @sYsafer roads or for more information visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/ campaign/drinkdriving

Crossword Clues

across 7) Labour (4) 8) Mirage (8) 9) The point (5, 3) 10) One mouthful (4) 11) Insect weapon (5) 13) Sleeping compartment (7) 15) Ballerinas (7) 17) Aids (5) 20) Utiliser (4) 21) Alibi (5, 3) 23) Energetic person (4, 4) 24) Dinky (4)

DoWN 1) Very swish (4) 2) The piste (3, 3) 3) Pulsations (5) 4) Steady walker (7) 5) Weather line (6) 6) Smooth persuasion (4, 4) 12) Send (8) 14) Gain ascendancy (7) 16) Profession (6) 18) Morals (6) 19) Quilt (5) 22) Swear word (4)

Last Week’s Solution across: 6) Automobiles, 8) Ado, 9) Ace, 10) Fatigue, 12) Sugar, 13) Parry, 14) Divan, 15) Plump, 16) Cabin, 19) Hound, 20) Calcium, 21) Rob, 23) Fen, 24) Rectangular DoWN: 1) Duo, 2) Polar, 3) Tonic, 4) Mix up, 5) Tea,

I built an electric fence around my property yesterday.

My neighbour is dead against it.

My wife always yells at me for not knowing how to properly season my food, but I don’t mind.

I take it with a pinch of sugar.

My father saved up his whole life so he could be cremated. He urned it.

For Christmas, I bought my wife new beads for her abacus.

It’s the little things that count.

Some of my friends have been making very hurtful remarks about my choosing to wear mittens rather than gloves... ...but I don’t like to point fingers.

I told my daughter, “Its always been my dream to walk you down the aisle.”

She said: “Dad, we’re grocery shopping.”

I can always tell when someone is lying just by looking at them.

I can tell when they’re standing too.

My obese parrot died.

It was a weight off my shoulder.

Why does the Dalai Lama go to Vegas so often?

He loves Tibet.

The first rule of Passive Aggressive Club is... ...you know what? Never mind. It’s FINE.

Weekly Quiz

30/11/2005 - John Sentamu (Archbishop of York) becomes the first black archbishop in the Church of England.

1/12/1981 - The AIDS virus is officially recognized.

2/12/1961 - In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that he is a MarxistLeninist and that Cuba is going to adopt Communism.

3/12/1999 - NASA loses radio contact with the Mars Polar Lander moments before the spacecraft enters

the Martian atmosphere.

4/12/1791 - The first edition of The Observer, the world’s first Sunday newspaper, is published.

5/12/2005 - The Civil Partnership Act comes into effect in the United Kingdom, and the first civil partnership is registered there.

6/12/1768 - The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica is published.

is Marsala? a) a curry b) a fortified wine c) a type of antelope 10. Actor Wagner Moura played which crime figure in the Netflix series Narcos?

Born this week

2/12/1968 Lucy Liu 3/12/1948 Ozzy Osbourne 4/12/1969 Jay-Z 5/12/1960 Jack Russell 6/12/1908 Baby Face Nelson

CRIMEsTOppERs REwaRd sTOp YOUR pIpEs fREEzING

Charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information about the murder of Carlo Giannini, who was stabbed to death in a Sheffield park in May this year.

Carlo was a pizza chef who was originally from Italy and had moved to Sheffield. He was found dead in Manor Fields Park at around 5am on Thursday 12 May. A post-mortem concluded that Carlo had died of a stab wound.

New CCTV evidence suggests he walked into the park around 1.18am, although what happened afterwards continues to be a mystery. South Yorkshire Police has told the charity Crimestoppers that, following arrests, an 18-year-old man remains on bail and a 17-yearold boy faces no further action.

To support the investigation and encourage people who need to stay anonymous, Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police - is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information the charity exclusively receives that leads to the conviction of those responsible.

Gemma Gibbs, Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humberside at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Carlo’s family and friends both here in the UK and in Italy, and with the wider community in Sheffield that have been affected by this tragedy. Our charity exists to help make all our communities safer by offering people a way to speak up about crime completely anonymously. You can talk to us with no

comeback. That means we never ask for or store any of your personal details. We believe that associates or friends of those involved may have talked to them about what happened. Maybe you know something and it’s been playing on your mind. Even if you think it’s insignificant, what you know could make a positive difference. With Crimestoppers, you can stay anonymous whilst helping to secure justice for Carlo’s loved ones and ensuring those responsible are unable to cause any more harm. Please call our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or use our website’s simple and secure anonymous online form at www. crimestoppers-uk.org. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information. No one will ever know you contacted us.”

Anonymity: Please note: With Crimestoppers, when you visit our website, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. The charity is completely independent of the police and guarantees that your personal identity will always be protected. Claiming a reward: Whilst the overwhelming majority of people who contact Crimestoppers do so without asking for a reward, the £20,000 offer is available to encourage someone with vital information to come forward, anonymously.

With homeowners up and down the country looking to control heating bills, NFU Mutual is warning people to take steps to prevent pipes from freezing and avoid repair bills which can run to £8,000 and beyond.

A YouGov survey shows 61% of people will use their heating less this winter. Unfortunately, when warm water circulates around pipes and warm air circulates around homes less frequently, the risk of pipes freezing and becoming damaged increases. When the water in pipes freezes, it expands, causing the pressure inside the pipe to build up. This can often cause the pipe to split when it thaws, resulting in significant damage to the home.

From 2019 to 2021, the average cost of a home insurance claim to NFU Mutual relating to frozen pipes was over £8,000.

Andrew Chalk, Home Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “While damage from frozen pipes is thankfully quite rare, when it does happen it can result in severe inconvenience to the owner and can cause tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Britain is generally a mild country, but cold snaps can see cases of frozen pipes rocket. The ‘Beast from the East’ in 2018 saw claims to NFU Mutual that year top 1660 for leaks following frozen pipes, over ten times the average in the milder years since, so it really is better to be safe than sorry. People will understandably think twice about putting the heating on this winter, but homeowners should be aware that houses without hot water circulating through their pipes, or left empty for days with no heating on, can be particularly vulnerable to freezing. There are also other, cheaper methods which can help prevent a costly repair bill, such as fitting inexpensive lagging to pipes – paying particular attention to outdoor plumbing and

pipes in colder areas like lofts and basements – and allowing air to circulate in unused rooms and spaces when you do have the heating on.”

To prevent frozen pipes

The chances of pipes freezing and splitting depends on the weather, the age and construction of the plumbing, and other factors like the level of insulation in your home. However, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of damage.

• Insulate pipes and water tanks with inexpensive lagging and tank jackets, paying particular attention to areas exposed to the cold – for example, outdoor pipes and those in attics, basements and lesser-used rooms

• Set your thermostat to kick in above freezing temperature, or set the heating to regularly come on, even if you are not home

• If leaving the house for a number of days, turn the water off at the mains and run the taps to avoid water building up in pipes

• Insulate your home with draught excluders and other methods

• When the heating is on, consider opening doors to little-used rooms and cupboards where pipes are

• Fix leaky taps, which can increase the chance of freezing If pipes do freeze If taps or toilets stop working or refilling, or your boiler stops working, your taps may be frozen. If this happens:

• Know where your stopcock is and turn off the water

• Open the taps and then attempt to thaw the area using hot cloths or towels or a similar item like a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame and do not apply strong heat directly to the area. Consider placing a container beneath the area to catch any leaks if the pipe is burst

• If there is a leak, ensure the mains water supply remains off and the water system is drained and contact your insurer

CHaRITY sHOEbOx appEal

Businesses and schools across Sheffield have come together to run a massive shoebox appeal in aid of various charities in South Yorkshire. Tesco Extra in Rotherham Wath-upon-Dearne has coordinated the charity drive for good causes across the Rotherham and Sheffield area. Customers at the store are being encouraged to take a box and fill it with donated items they think a child in hospital, a hospice patient or a homeless person would need over the Christmas period. The box is then wrapped and returned to colleagues at Tesco, who will donate the boxes to the chosen charities. Suzanne Nettleton, organiser of the appeal, said: “We first did the shoebox appeal in 2019 with great success, but we had to pause the initiative in 2020 due to the pandemic. Now that things are getting back on track, we decided to give the appeal a massive push, so I started looking at local charities. I chose Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Rotherham Hospice, because they’re essential services in the community that all of us may need to rely on one day. I also wanted to make sure we donated to a charity that helps the homeless, so I contacted Sheffield Shoebox Appeal as well. Members of the community, as well as work colleagues have been wrapping the boxes, which has taken a while because everyone has been so generous. On top of that, my amazing colleague Caroline White did a collection in the Click and Collect department and made up seven amazing boxes.” The appeal has continued to grow since then, as

Suzanne and Sheffield Children’s Hospital have also been giving assemblies at local primary schools. The students will be donating their own shoeboxes to the appeal in early December. Shoppers at the Rotherham Wathupon-Dearne store will also have the chance to donate to the appeal through various raffles and prize draws during the lead-up to Christmas.

Chloë Brunton-Dunn, Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the team at Tesco WathUpon-Dearne store for their longstanding support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital. As well as raising money all year round with a ToyPodz machine in their store, they have raised thousands of pounds towards our snowflake appeal at Sheffield Children’s, changing children’s lives for generations to come. It is therefore no surprise that they’ve chosen to make a difference once again this Christmas with their Shoebox Appeal. Thank you, Tesco, for everything you do.”

Stephen King, Director of Income Generation at Rotherham Hospice, said “Thank you to Tesco at Wath-upon-Dearne for supporting Rotherham Hospice. It really makes a huge difference to the number of people we can help. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on our amazing community to fundraise £3million each year so we can keep providing vital end-of-life care to the people of Rotherham.”

CaRbON MONOxIdE daNGERs

Homes across the North East will now enjoy life saving protection, thanks to new laws for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The new legislation means that in England all landlords now have to provide a Carbon Monoxide alarm in their properties.

The legal changes follow years of campaigning from the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, which includes fourteen MPs and two members of the House of Lords, together representing five political parties. But Carbon Monoxide campaigners say they’re still very concerned about safety, as following the energy price hike, people are desperate to keep household costs down and may be tempted to cut corners when trying to keep warm.

Fatalities can be caused by using outdoor heaters or cooking equipment indoors, trying to selfservice appliances, or using cookers for heat.

Campaigners are also concerned that people will put off having their gas and fuel burning appliances serviced as they simply can’t afford it.

This makes it even more important for homes to have carbon monoxide alarms this winter.

The warnings came during the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week campaign to raise awareness of the risks of

carbon monoxide and what can be done about it. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week enjoys support from MPs, peers, charities, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and many healthcare providers.

Although most homes already have smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms are far less common. The English Housing Survey reported that more than half the dwellings in England do not have any carbon monoxide alarms at all. Experts say indoors there is limited air flow, and carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels very quickly. Lots of people are still not sure what carbon monoxide is and may be putting themselves in danger without knowing it. With the winter months approaching along with spiralling energy prices, the group are concerned that cash strapped families are at increasing risk of putting themselves and their loved ones in danger. Barry Sheerman MP, the co-chair of the All-Party Group welcomes the new laws: “By making carbon monoxide alarms a legal requirement, governments are sending a strong message – carbon monoxide is seriously harmful. If you don’t have an alarm, you need to get one for your home as soon as possible. “

The National videogame Museum Seeks Secret Santas for their Christmas Appeal

to afford it to visit.

By ‘paying it forwards’, and donating the cost of admis sion for others in the community, The NVM is looking to raise vital funds to allow museum entry for those communities they engage with, breaking down the barriers of museum entry for those from any back ground. The campaign will aim to fund outreach work, collaborations with local charity partners, or school children accessing their award-winning educational and vocational programme.

The museum’s ethos ensures that everyone who wants to, should be able to make and play videogames and that they can have a pivotal role in society. In 2022, The NVM ran multiple innovative programmes, including Next Level, which enabled women of colour aged be tween 18-25 to get into creating videogames; Games Careers Week, a public education campaign which en courages diverse candidates to consider games careers; and the recently launched Level Up, that asks people in the South Yorkshire region their experience of engaging with the museum.

“Our museum receives no core funding and we rely on admissions to keep our doors open. I hope that

someday we will have sufficient funding to provide ad mission to everyone wishing to visit. Until then, this pay it forward campaign will allow the generosity of our community to provide everyone with this opportunity to explore our fabulous museum and allow us to meet our ambition to transform lives through videogames.” Cat Powell, Director of Visitor Experience.

Their plans for 2023 are equally ambitious and ev erything raised through their Secret Santa appeal will make sure their doors are open to anyone who wants to come through them.

How Donations Will Help:

• £9 would fund entry for one child

£36 would fund entry for one family

£270 would fund entry for one school group

£850 would support one week of school holiday activity for families

£8,000 would fund Games Careers Week for 1,500 from across the region

Donations can be made on The National Videogame Museum’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ campaign/nvmsecretsanta

The National Videogame Museum’s Secret Santa campaign asks supporters to gift the cost of entry to enable someone who may not otherwise be able

“heLP uS to SaFeGuard the Future oF our union”

The CIU’s General Secretary Kenneth D Green CMD ACM has this month published an article in the Union’s monthly Journal stating “... the stark choice facing the CIU - to change fundamentally the way we operate as an organisation or face potential financial oblivion”...

Our great Union, founded 160 years ago, is in the grip of a crisis. If our current economic trajectory continues its slide downward, we will potentially cease to exist as an organisation in a matter of a few short years.

As an illustration of my point, our most recent Financial Statement, presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting in Blackpool, reported that the Union’s income had declined by 21.5% over the reported year, leading to an overall annual operating loss of £681,805. This loss took place despite massive efforts

being taken at both branch and Head Office to markedly reduce expenditure, that drop in income proving an insurmountable obstacle on the road to profitability.

Coming on the back of several years of previous operating losses, it’s clear that radical steps are required to safeguard the future of the Union, an organisation which has been such a positive force in British society since 1862.

We remain the largest non—profit making social, entertainment and leisure organisation in the UK, providing a full range of services to our member clubs who are able to draw on the Union’s resources, either through their local branch or through Head Office, whenever a problem arises or support is needed when dealing with regulatory, licensing or HR issues.

This support extends to educating club officials in the basics of club administration through the Award in Club Management (ACM), a three part

course which covers thefundamentals of running a club efficiently in the 21st century. Further support also comes from our dedicated Rules Department which deals with all matters related to rules on behalf of clubs, from preparing rule changes to registering with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and arranging the printing — all undertaken free of charge.

In addition, the Union’s arbitration service enables member clubs to fulfil their obligations required under their rule book at a cost far below paying an independent firm to carry out such a service.

At a national level, the CIU continues to make its members’ voices heard in Parliament, representing clubs on the All—Party Parliamentary Group for Members’ Clubs and the Committee of Registered Clubs’ Association (CORCA) and helping to shape legislation in a number of crucial areas.

We are also one of the biggest organisers of sporting competitions in the countries with a number of branch and National Championships running annually in darts, snooker, pool, cribbage

and other traditional games and sports.

It’s clear then that the Union fulfils many vital functions for its member clubs. That is why, as we build up towards the 2023 Conference Weekend, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will be canvassing our member clubs for their opinions on how, together, we can all work together to build a sustainable organisation which will continue to serve the needs of our clubs and ensure that we have a collective voice and purpose.

As an NBC, we have come to the conclusion that carrying on as normal is not an option and major changes are required in the way we fund the Union.

We are confident that, with the backing of our members, together we can effect a financial turnaround and ensure a strong future for the CIU and its clubs.

More details about the work and resources the CIU offers for clubs can be found at www. wmciu.org.uk

Coronation Street: Stephen desperately begs for his job back, but is mugged! As he spots Elaine, he attempts to race away but suffers a horror crash - will he survive? An angry Sean accosts Todd & Laurence & accuses them of copping off - only to learn the truth from Daisy. Has he blown his chances? Griff confronts Maria with the online petition. Summer & Aaron feel guilty as Mike & Esther tell them they’ve redecorated the spare room for her. Steve finds a scratch card in Tim’s old jacket & discovers he’s won £250 - but how will Tim react?

Emmerdale: Matty visits Cain in prison, determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding his mum’s disappearance with Amy. There’s a farewell party at the Woolpack for Vanessa - but will Suzie go with her? Bear has some words of advice for David after his emotional breakup with Victoria - and he suddenly has a lightbulb moment! Kim plans to open a stud farm and has a job offer for Gabby. Bernice is worried and makes an appointment with Liam - but he has other ideas about her possible illness.

Eastenders: Sonia tries to convince Janine there is nothing to worry about Mick & Kinda - but she is less than convinced when they go to a restaurant and find her there with a date. It’s the Christmas party at the Vic & Sonia misses an important call - but discovers later that her grandma Dot has sadly died. jack is overwhelmed when Amy makes the first tentative steps to reconciling with him, after Denise quietly intervenes.

(TV Soaps are subject to World Cup schedules for the next few weeks)

Darren Moore hailed the impact of substitute Michael Smith after the striker fired Wednesday into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Smith came off the bench to net a late brace and end the cup interest of Mansfield, who gave the Owls a scare at Hillsborough.

George Lapslie sent his side into an early lead before Smith took centre stage and guide Wednesday into round three.

Moore said: “Michael Smith is a game changer today.

The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality

strikers do.

“Credit as well to Marvin because those deliveries were pinpoint and that’s the kind of service strikers thrive on.

“I didn’t really want to put some of the substitutes on today but I felt I had to because of the way the game was going.

“The first goal in particular was first class, the highest quality, and it’s that quality that got us through.”

In the bigger picture, Moore was pleased with the minutes into players who were in need of gametime.

The manager shuffled his pack for the cup contest and added:

“Some players needed those minutes and they will benefit from that immensely when we go again in the league.

“It’s not easy to come straight into the team and make an immediate impression, the important thing is the time on the pitch.

“This was never going to be an easy game, Mansfield came here to play their football and scored an early goal to give them that platform.

“But we forced them further and further back and in the end that quality told and we got the job done.”

REDFEARN RESIGNS FROM BLADES WOMEN

He had been in charge for over two years and his final game was the Barclay’s Women’s Championship fixture against London City Lionesses in front of record league crowd at Bramall Lane last Sunday.

United’s chairman, Yusuf Giansiracusa, commented: “On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Neil for his hard work in his time as a Blade. The efforts and progress of the women’s team in the last two years hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Neil has played a major role in developing the women’s team and is a respected coach and figure within football. We wish Neil best wishes for his future endeavours.”

Zoe Johnson, head of women’s football at United, added: “We

were hoping for an upturn in form and confidence as we kick off our Continental Cup this weekend and are disappointed that Neil has decided to step down. He has been a fantastic leader at both Bramall Lane and Shirecliffe, the club has made progress in his time as head coach and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him.”

Redfearn commented: “I would like to thank everyone connected with Sheffield United for their support during my time as manager of the women’s team. I am proud of the players and staff, who have performed exceptionally well in an increasingly full-time league with a win percentage of 44% across all competitions, and I wish them all the very best in their future careers. It has been a real pleasure to witness and support the development

of everyone we have worked with over the past couple of years and I am proud of those who continue to make progress as players and as individuals.

“I would like to thank Carl Shieber and Zoe Johnson for their continued support of the team, as well as the fans who

have bought into what we have been aiming to achieve. Whilst I have really enjoyed managing Sheffield United, I feel it is the right time to step aside. I hope the club continues to challenge the best teams in the league and I look forward to seeing their progress in the coming seasons.”

OLLIE YOUNGER TALKS RECOVERY PROCESS

It’s been a long few months for Rovers defender Ollie Younger after the injury he suffered just four days before the start of the Sky Bet League Two season.

The 23-year-old overstretched during a training session and knew straight away he had done some serious damage. He said: “It was four days before the first game of the season and we were starting to really step it up before the Bradford game. “We were in a box and I’ve stretched for a ball. As I’ve gone for it my heel slipped and unfortunately in that I ruptured my hamstring

and tore one of my adductor muscles.

“It was so frustrating especially with the timing of it, but that’s sometimes the way football goes after barely missing a minute of pre-season.”

The following days and weeks were testing both physically and mentally, but Younger had the support of the club and his family as he recovered at home initially.

“I had a few weeks back at home with my family which was a positive outcome, but it still took me a while to get my head around it,” says Younger.

“I was in pain for a few weeks after so it was

BLOW THE WHISTLE SAYS CHARITY THANK YOU TO OWLS!

‘Blow the Whistle’ campaign have sent a message of thanks to generous fans attending Hillsborough. Blow the Whistle is part of ‘White Ribbon UK’ which is the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Volunteers held a bucket collection ahead of our recent home game against Shrewsbury and raised an impressive £400 for the charity.

High profile political figures and sports personalities

AIDAN BARLOW UPDATE

Rovers winger Aidan Barlow has been ruled out until the New Year with a knee injury picked up in the defeat to Colchester United last weekend. The 22-year-old went down awkwardly in the secondhalf of the game at the JobServe Community Stadium, and was taken off the field on a stretcher.

Scans have revealed that Barlow avoided major damage but is set for a spell on sidelines over the next few weeks.

Rovers are awaiting scan results on winger Luke Molyneux after he was also forced off with a knee problem in the same game.

Defender Ollie Younger is continuing his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury suffered before the start of the campaign.

Younger has been straight-line running in recent weeks as he continues to follow the plan set for him by the club’s medical staff.

FA CUP ROUND 3 DETAILS

United have been drawn against Championship rivals Millwall in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Blades will travel to The Den following Monday’s draw that took place live on BBC Two from Anfield. The Owls will host Newcastle United in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The draw was made live from Anfield on Monday night, where Premier League and Championship clubs entered the competition. Wednesday reached round three after victories over Morecambe and Mansfield at Hillsborough. Third round ties will be played between 6-9 January. Match date and tickets details will be confirmed in due course.

difficult, so my family were great in keeping my head up and focusing on the end goal.

“I’m really close to my mum, dad, brother and nana so to have them around me was really important in taking care of what I needed.”

In recent weeks, the No.12 has stepped up his recovery with straight-line running on the grass, and has enjoyed being back around the rest of the group.

He added: “When I came back in with the lads it made me feel like a footballer again, although I was only in the gym it was good to be in the

building again.

“I’ve been out for a long time now and I’m at the phase where I’m starting to go out on the grass and do a bit of running.

“It’s still very boring and tedious as I can’t push myself that much yet, it’s more about getting the movement back into my legs.

I’ve got to work towards ticking different things off like changing direction and increasing the speed of my running, but that is all part of the recovery process and will come with time.”

have backed the campaign as the Blow the Whistle team continue to spread the message that ‘no scoreline justifies abuse’.

Supporting Blow the Whistle, the Mayor Of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, said: “It’s incredibly important and not just right now. It’s something we need to maintain a focus on going forwards until that problem is challenged and tackled at its root cause and that’s going to be generational.”

The Blow the Whistle team also appeared on BBC Radio Sheffield to talk about the campaign, as well as taking their fundraising efforts to Hillsborough, before issuing a vote of thanks to supporters.

You can keep up to date with the Blow the Whistle campaign by following the progress on Instagram @ blowthewhistle_sy

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic Sponsor Olympic Crookes FC

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Ltd, Sheffield's leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Olympic Crookes Football Club. Andy Taylor, Manager of Olympic Crookes said, "We are very pleased to be sponsored by Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic and for their support this season as we aim to win promotion to the top division in the Sheffield & District Fair Play League."

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic have a history of supporting local community organisations, but this is the first support of a local football club at grass roots level. Sports injury, rehabilitation and massage is a growing treatment area for the clinic with specialist therapists.

For more information about Hallamshire Physiotherapy, please visit: www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com

Sheffield United Women’s head coach, Neil Redfearn, has tended his resignation with immediate effect.

The

Licensing Act 2003 (Premises and Club Premises

Regulations 2005

Certificates)

Notice is hereby given that We: elioS loUNge ltd

Have made an application under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 732 ATTERCLIffE ROAD, SHEffIELD S9 3Rq

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Provision of late night refreshment: Sun - Sat 23:00 - 02:00 the following day Sale by retail of alcohol Sun - Thurs 11:00 - 02:00 the following day: Fri - Sat 11:00 - 03:00 the following day:

Provision of regulated entertainment namely: playing of live music, performance of dance, & anything similar Sun - Thurs 11:00 - 00:30 the following day: Fri - Sat 11:00 - 01:30 the following day:

Playing of recorded music: Sun - Thurs 11:00 - 01:30 the following day: Fri - Sat 11:00 - 02:30 the following day:

New Year’s Eve: 11:00 - 00:00

New Year’s Day: 00:00 to standard terminal hour

Additional hour when British Summertime begins

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 22nd December 2022.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service.

Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises and Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005 Regulation 25 Advertisement

TO: WHOM IT MAY CONCERN We Live Tour Promotions Ltd do hereby give notice that it is our intention to apply to Sheffield City Council in the county of South Yorkshire for the grant of a premises licence certificate to use or permit the use of premises known as Norfolk Park Field, Sheffield, S2 2UA for the following licensable activities which it is proposed will be carried on, on or from the premises:

The supply of alcohol, live and recorded music, performances of dance and activities of a similar description.

Friday 28 July 2023 14:00 – 22:30 hrs

Saturday 29 July 2023 14:00 – 22:30 hrs

Any person who desires to make a representation to the grant should contact The Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application or by sending an email to: licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk by 23 Dec 2022 with a brief written statement of the grounds of his/her objection.

The register and records of applications may be viewed at the above council office during normal office hours; summaries are available via https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/business/ licences-permits-registrations/about-licences

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and unlimited fine is liable on summary conviction for the offence.

Dated this: 25th day of November 2022

Signed: Martin Barker

person wishing to make representations on this matter shall give notice, in writing, stating the nature and grounds for making such representations to The Licensing Officer at the above address* within 28 days of the date of this notice –by the 16th December 2022. Further information is available on the web site www.sheffield.gov.uk following the links. It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, and the maximum fine on summary conviction of such an offence is not limited.

Licensing Solutions – duly authorised agents 18/11/22