The Mercury - Issue 1498

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

CHARITY snowfl Akes RAIse oVeR £350k

Hundreds of sparkling snowflakes have lit up Sheffield Children’s, with a record-breaking total pledged to the fundraising for a new on-site helipad at the hospital.

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s much-loved display, established in 2004, brings people together with a shared goal to build a better future for the staff, patients and the families at Sheffield Children’s.

In return for pledging to raise funds, each sponsor sees their snowflake

sparkle on one of our sites, with an attached name tag recognising their contribution for all to see.

The money raised will support the fundraising for a new on-site helipad at Sheffield Children’s.

The Children’s Hospital Charity have now raised more than two thirds of the projected £6m cost of the helipad.

As well as the Western Bank site, snowflakes supporting Sheffield Children’s can also be found on the Becton Centre for Children

and Young People and the Ryegate Children’s Centre. Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre and the Alhambra Shopping Centre in Barnsley have also supported the effort this year.

Turning on the snowflakes this year on behalf of One Stop Stores Ltd was three-year-old Margo Taylor. Margo is the daughter of One Stop Community and Partnerships Manager, Jack Taylor, who has overseen an effort to raise more than £7,500 for The Children’s

Hospital Charity, with the total set to raise even further.

Jack said: “One Stop stores have been supporting the hospital for five or six years, and the snowflake appeal is one we always love to get behind. Last year, we came to the switch-on and set ourselves a target to raise the most so we could turn on the lights.

“The stores have been doing raffles, tombola’s, collection tins on the tillsimple things that have made a big difference. There’s so much passion

for this cause in the community, so in many ways it makes it an easy ask of our customers.

“Margo was very excited all afternoon, it was great to bring her along. She was mesmerised by all the lights and couldn’t believe she had turned them on. She’s passionate about the mascot Theo, sleeping with her bear every night and the cause already resonates with her. She’s certainly a young fundraiser in the making, she’s just as passionate as we are.

Story continues on Page 8

celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary West coast country rock band The Eagles in 1971, The Illegal Eagles have announced that they will make a welcome return to Sheffield City Hall with a brand new production, promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship on Friday, 14 July 2023.

Tickets for the show are on sale now via www. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk.

This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of

classics including ’Hotel California’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘New Kid In Town’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and many more…

The latest all-star line-up of the show, produced as ever by Phil Aldridge, features Tony Kiley (formerly from 80’s sensation The Blow Monkeys) on drums, Trevor Newnham (Dr Hook) vocals and bass, Greg Webb vocals and guitars, Mike Baker vocals, guitars and keys and Garreth Hicklin vocals, guitars and keys.

Garreth, Greg, Trevor and Mike effortlessly capture the vocal style and delivery of Henley, Walsh, Fry, Schmidt and Meisner

and are all masters of their respective instruments.

Extremely tight harmonies & an acute attention to detail are synonymous with The Illegal Eagles, now in their 24th year on the road. Following a number of critically acclaimed UK & European Tours, The Illegal Eagles have established themselves not only as the ultimate celebration of The Eagles, but as one of the foremost authentic and talented shows in the world.

Tickets for the show are on sale now via www. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

Crossword Clues

across

Opposing (7)

Ravenous (6)

Fall apart (7)

Cricket sticks (6)

Lengthen (6)

Obvious representative (5, 3)

Commentator (8)

Meal (6)

Drink (6)

Convict (7)

Standing formation (4-2)

Significance (7)

DoWN

Swank (4, 3)

Strike (5, 2)

Turn eastward (6)

Plot cultivator (8)

Institutional occupant (6)

Completely quiet (6)

Candidly (3-2-3)

Glass bung (7)

Forestall (3-4) 16) Isolated (6) 17) Forgive (6) 19) Dried grape (6)

Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Vanish, 8) Eraser, 9) Cell, 10) Syllabus, 11) Single, 13) Drop, 14) Roe, 16) Mess, 17) Button, 19) Vacation, 21) Sole, 22) Reveal, 23) Invent DoWN: 1) Javelin, 2) Will, 3) Whiskers, 4) Zeal, 5) Gad about, 6) Venue,

21/12/1910 - An underground explosion at the Hulton Bank Colliery No. 3 Pit in Over Hulton, Westhoughton, England, kills 344 miners. 22/12/1965 - A 70 mph speed limit is applied to all rural roads including motorways for the first time. Previously, there had been no speed limit. 23/12/1823 - A Visit from St. Nicholas, also known as The Night Before Christmas, is

published anonymously.

24/12/1865 - The Ku Klux Klan is formed. 25/12/1990 - The first successful trial run of the system which would become the World Wide Web.

26/12/1933 - FM radio is patented. 27/12/2007 - Spain becomes a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship.

Never get in a fight with a T-rex. You’ll get jurasskicked.

I was asked to go out by 4 girls today! Turns out I was in the ladies bathroom.

This morning, I accidentally ran into the man who once sold me an antique globe. It’s a small world.

Someone threw a giant bottle of omega-3 pills at me.

I’m fine - I only suffered super fish oil injuries.

Ever have amnesia and deja vu at the same time?

I think I’ve forgotten this before.

What do you call a knight who is afraid to fight? Sir Render.

How much space do fungi need to grow? As mushroom as possible.

I asked the toy store clerk where the Arnold Schwarzenegger action figures were. She replied: “Aisle B, back.”

My friend has designed an invisible aeroplane. I can’t see it taking off.

What has 4 wheels and flies? A garbage truck.

A guy shows up late for work. The boss yells, ‘You should’ve been here at 8.30!’

He replies. ‘Why? What happened at 8.30?’

My wife is threatening to kick me out of the house because of my obsession with acting like a news anchor.

More on this after the break.

Weekly Quiz

Goodwood Festival’ which takes place in July or August better known?

9. How old was Neil Armstrong when he first walked on the moon? a) 24 b) 31 c) 39

10. Which ‘G’ is a fast ride on a horse?

Born this week

21/12/1948 Samuel L. Jackson

22/12/1984 Basshunter

23/12/1978 Jodie Marsh

24/12/1971 Ricky Martin

25/12/1971 Dido

26/12/1972 Shane Meadows

27/12/1988 Hayley Williams

fEEl THE bENEfITs Of dRY jaNUaRY

New research published by Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January®, shows that almost 9 million people in the UK are planning to have a month off drinking in January 2023 - up from an estimated 8 million UK adults last year. Of those, one in three said they would prefer to take part in Dry January with Alcohol Change UK, rather than trying to go alcohol-free in January on their own.

The survey, commissioned by Alcohol Change UK, shows that the cost of living crisis has impacted on drinking habits over the last six months. One in six people who drink alcohol said this had led to them drinking more to cope with worries around the crisis, and one in seven have prioritised purchasing alcohol over essential items, such as groceries.

For one in three young adults who drink, anxiety after drinking has also been a factor in them deciding to reduce their alcohol consumption.

Hangxiety - a term used to describe the experience of feeling anxious the day after drinking - appears more prevalent amongst drinkers aged 34 and under, with two in five experiencing it regularly, compared to a tenth of those aged 35 and over.

For those aged 18-34, over a third said it was a contributing factor in their decision to reduce their drinking. Over the course of a typical week, British drinkers, on average, drink 13.7 units of alcohol. However, one in three drinkers typically drink more than the 14 units a week maximum recommended by the UK’s Chief Medical

Officers, with twice as many men doing so compared to women. Three in 10 drinkers said they would like to reduce how much they drink in 2023 (compared to 25% a year ago). Across all drinkers, half claim to already have taken measures to manage their drinking. The most common being having alcohol-free days, drinking less on occasions where they are drinking alcohol, having alcoholfree weeks or months, or an alcohol-free night out. January 2023 marks the 10th anniversary since the launch of Dry January. Dry January offers the perfect opportunity to manage your drinking for the longer term and a chance to get some amazing benefits along the way. Research shows that those who do Dry January with Alcohol Change UK double their chances of success, and have more energy, improved concentration, boosted mood, save money and so much more. A month off alcohol also leads to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood.

Over the past 10 years, Dry January has continued to grow in popularity with record numbers of drinkers signing up to take part both in the UK and elsewhere.

First launched in 2013, Dry January was the brainchild of Emily Robinson from Alcohol Change UK (formerly known as Alcohol Concern). Speaking about its launch, Emily said: “The idea of the Dry January® campaign first came to me after I decided to sign up for

my first half-marathon. I wanted to be fitter and healthier, and I knew that alcohol makes it harder to get up every day and train. So I decided, just for one month, to give up alcohol in January. The mental and physical results were amazing. I slept better, had more energy, lost weight, and saved money. I also found that friends and colleagues were completely fascinated by my experiment, and more and more people wanted to speak to me about it.

So, when I joined Alcohol Change UK (formerly Alcohol Concern) in 2012, I shared the idea with colleagues asking everyone to join in with taking a month off booze in January. Ten years on, it’s wonderful to see how Dry January® has become the huge phenomenon it is today. I’m incredibly proud of the campaign and would encourage anyone who’s interested in feeling happier and healthier to give it a try.”

Dry January officially launched in January 2013. For that first year, 4,000 people signed up to take part. Since then, Dry January has grown in popularity with over 130,000 people signing up to take part with Alcohol Change UK in 2022. Evidence shows that Dry January® is an effective and lasting way to cut down. Research by the University of Sussex2 published in 2020 found that those signing up to take part in Dry January using Alcohol Change UK’s free Try Dry app and/or coaching emails are twice as likely to have a completely alcoholfree month, compared to those who try to avoid alcohol on their own in January, and have significantly improved wellbeing and healthier drinking six months later.

CabORN a fREEMaN

Richard Caborn has been recognised for dedicating his life to Sheffield and its people, being awarded the city’s highest honour, Freedom of the City.

Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Sioned Mair Richards bestowed Mr Caborn, Former Sheffield MP and Minister, with the honour during a special meeting of Council members on Wednesday 14 December in gratitude for his contribution to the advancement of sport in Sheffield, nationwide and internationally, and, in doing so, rendering eminent services to the City. She said: “I cannot think of a more worthy and deserving candidate than Richard Caborn to receive the highest honour we can bestow, Freedom of the City. He is undoubtedly one of Sheffield’s finest and his dedication is clear to see from his life’s work.

Most people retire from Parliament and live a quiet life, Richard retired and immediately put his efforts into improving Sheffield and the lives of our citizens. Thanks to him we have the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and within it the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which are making such a difference to people’s lives now and for our future, perfectly reflecting his Ministerial career and his passion and love of Sheffield.

Richard’s heart and soul goes into everything he does, always putting this city first, and it is my absolute privilege to name him an Honorary Freeman. We will look forward to celebrating his achievements and this honour during an official ceremony in the New Year.

” Mr Caborn will follow in his father, George Caborn’s footsteps who was given Freedom of the City in 1981, with them being the only father and son to be bestowed this high honour.

plaN fOR a pOwER CUT

Northern Powergrid is encouraging people to be prepared with a personal power cut plan this winter.

While local electricity networks are 99% reliable, power cuts can occasionally happen due to a range of reasons, including national energy shortages. It has been widely publicised that the Ukrainian conflict does increase the possibility of energy shortages. Even though it does increase the likelihood, the people who run the national systems continue to confirm that it is very unlikely that there will be energy shortages across the UK this winter. The energy industry has well-established procedures in place if there is ever a national energy shortage. These include arrangements in which network operators such as Northern Powergrid would be instructed to disconnect power supplies by National Grid ESO in order to avoid a more serious and widespread blackout. This is achieved by running a series of planned emergency power cuts and ‘power sharing’ rotas, as a last resort once National Grid ESO has exhausted all other measures. Even though the possibility of there being problems is remote, as a precaution, Northern Powergrid is contacting its customers to share with them information and advice that will help them prepare. In particular, it is urging those who are medically dependent on electricity to make a personal plan through their healthcare or medical equipment provider so that they have back-up provisions in place if ever impacted by a power cut.

Here are some important precautions customers can take:

Prepare:

• Find your block letter now and note it down in a safe place if you ever need it (it’s an alphabetical letter that indicates where you are connected to the electricity network). It can be found at the top of your energy bill or by visiting com/findoperator.

• Ensure you have a back-up plan in place for any electrically powered medically equipment.

If you, or someone you know does not have a plan, speak to your local healthcare provider (GP/ NHS) for clinical advice – or the equipment provider/ manufacturer. Network operators, like Northern Powergrid, cannot do this for customers and are unable to provide individual generators in an Emergency Power Cut situation.

• Make sure you know how long any medical equipment’s back-up supply will work. (Remember an Emergency Power Cut can last at least three hours each time, once or twice per day).

• Keep a mobile phone fully charged so you can use it to go online for updates or make calls if you have a power cut. Remember that your gas boiler, heat pump, broadband and home phone will not work without electricity.

•Keep a torch handy in case you are without power during the night. Have accessible warm clothes, blankets and food which doesn’t need heating.

COvId MEMORIal TREE

An artist has been chosen out of 14 entries to design and construct a permanent city centre Covid memorial sculpture, which will be located in Balm Green Gardens by Spring 2023.

George King, an architect and sculptor, of George King Architects, submitted a positive and confident application. He will use stainless steel to create a design based on a willow tree, and has already begun work on creating the sculpture. The unique memorial, located in Balm Green Gardens, will be a meaningful, long-lasting, and creative tribute to those who have lost their lives, those who have worked above and beyond to keep people as safe as possible and those who have been affected by Covid. It is seen as significant artwork that will become a part of the physical and social fabric of the city. George said: “When we thought about Covid and how the pandemic affected so many people, the willow tree idea was powerful to us. A willow has a strong trunk which symbolises how people worked together to create the strength that was needed at such a difficult time. It is also a flexible and resilient tree, whilst also being delicate. When you stand underneath a willow tree you feel embraced and protected. It’s an honour

to have been selected to create this sculpture and it’s a big responsibility.

Covid affected everyone and we will take this project seriously to reflect people’s experiences. We look forward to working with local steel fabricators in Sheffield and hope that people will be proud of the final piece, made in Sheffield for the people of Sheffield.”

The memorial will be constructed using cast or fabricated metal to reflect the city’s heritage and will include other durable materials. Its design will allow people to connect with it either by reading the stories and messages it holds or by attaching temporary messages or ribbons. Work will begin in the new year across Sheffield’s communities focusing on how people can build a meaningful connection with the memorial. Sitting within the planted garden, the sculpture will provide a focal point to the space for people to pay their respects and place tributes and memories and be a symbol that people from all cultures can understand and relate to and be accessible to everyone.

The existing Balm Green Gardens will be upgraded alongside this project, including creating better accessibility for anyone with a disability.

CHARITY SNOwFLAkES RAISE OvER

£350k

The Children’s Hospital Charity would also like to place on record our thanks to platform company Elev8, Cinderella Support Services, the Estates Management Team at Sheffield Children’s, Christmas supply company Fizzco and Wentworth Pewter for their invaluable support in ensuring the project’s success.

The snowflake appeal has now raised more than £1.5m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital since its inception.

The top fundraisers from the community strand of the project were the friends and family of Philippa Hartley. Philippa from Wath-upon-Dearne, was referred to Sheffield Children’s in September 2015, after noticing a 2cm lump in her neck just above the collar bone.

The teenager underwent a series of tests, including MRI and CT scans and a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of a fast-growing form of cancer, known as Burkitt lymphoma (BL).

BL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system that affects around 85 children each year in the UK. Philippa quickly began the first of five courses of chemotherapy, administered by IV and twice directly to her spine. She also underwent lumbar punctures and a blood transfusion.

Her stay on the ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital lasted around three months before she entered remission.

Philippa’s mum Victoria explains: “When Philippa left hospital for the final time after completing her treatment just before Christmas in 2015, we saw

all the snowflakes were lit up and it just looked amazing.

“It was the first time Philippa had seen them and I promised her that we’d fundraise for one after she completed her five years of remission. COVID has delayed us slightly, but it will mean so much to see her snowflake up this Christmas, shining bright by the bedroom where she received her treatment.

“Today, Philippa is a picture of health. She’s just celebrated her 21st birthday, graduated from university and is currently taking a postgraduate course in beauty therapy to follow in my footsteps and take over the family business. We’ll always be grateful to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for making this possible.”

Tchad Western, Chief Fun Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are thrilled to have a record-breaking amount pledged for our snowflake appeal this year.

“It really has become a highlight of the festive season for the city and the money raised will help Sheffield Children’s where it is needed most, including by building a new helipad.

“We are so grateful to every individual, family, business, community group, school, street and suburb that has united behind our fundraising this Christmas. Your support will help change the lives of young patients at Sheffield Children’s for generations to come.”

Local Plan: Proposed new vision for Sheffield will benefit all communities

The proposed Sheffield Local Plan, an ambitious vision for the city, was approved at Full Council this week, paving the way for investment and development across the city’s communities. Along with the proposed Plan, the consultation strategy was also agreed, setting out how the Council will engage with local people to get their views on important aspects of the city’s future and to agree the final content.

The Local Plan brings together proposals around housing, environment, development, economic growth and transport, looking at these as one big picture, addressing the challenges of how they each impact the other, and how they will bring benefits for everyone in Sheffield.

Cllr Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This Plan is for the people of Sheffield, setting out an exciting and ambitious, yet realistic vision for the city and all our communities.

“It will have implications for how all of us live our lives, setting how and where the city will develop over the next 15-20 years.

“Local people have told us what’s important to them – quality neighbourhoods, protecting green space, a revived city centre, better connectivityand it’s been a huge challenge incorporating all of these priorities along with meeting Government housing targets and our environmental commitments. But I’m confident that what we’ve developed meets these needs and requirements, and working together with our communities we can deliver this for our city and our future.

“Our plans will enable more than 35,000 homes to be built, in the right places, with sustainability and affordability at the heart of development. 43,000 new jobs will be created, feeding directly back into our economy and our residents livelihoods.

“We need this up-to-date Local Plan to ensure we are not conflicted between short term economic goals and longer term environmental and social outcomes. It will provide an important tool to honestly, properly, fairly and publicly, make the right

decisions for this city.

“I’m proud and honoured to champion this Plan, because it encompasses all the things that Sheffield, its people and environment need and deserve, and together we are building a brighter, stronger, fairer and better-connected future for us all.”

Before being taken to Full Council, reports have been presented to the relevant committees - Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, and the Strategy & Resources Policy Committee –for consideration and approval, which included both the proposed plan and the consultation strategy.

Councillor Fox added: “It’s taken us a while to get to this point, but this decision is a significant milestone and although we know there will be challenges along the way, it’s a very positive step towards this ambitious vision for the city.

“Our aim is to adopt the Local Plan by 2024 and we are now in a position to carry out further public consultation early in the new year, with local people and stakeholders, around the proposed final content.

“This is a hugely important part of developing Sheffield’s future, and we want to do this with every one of our communities because this impacts all of our lives. We will share details about how people can get involved as soon as this is available. I look forward to hearing your comments and creating the a Sheffield we’re all proud of, together.”

Consultation is planned to take place throughout January and February 2023. A range of feedback options will be available to ensure everyone can have their say.

Details of how people can get involved will be shared once available.

Story continued from the front page...

“The helipad will make a massive difference, and it’s great to have been a small part of that.”

The snowflakes were switched on by three-year-old Margo Taylor.

NEWLY CROWNED STRICTLY CHAMPION CONFIRMED FOR SHEFFIELD SHOWS

Last week two more celebrities were announced to join the scintillating line-up for next year’s hotly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour: singer, actor and presenter Molly Rainford and wildlife cameraman, Countryfile presenter and this years series champion Hamza Yassin. They will join previously announced Will Mellor, Ellie Simmonds and Tyler West for 32 sparkle-filled shows at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Tuesday 31st January.

Freshly crowned champion Hamza Yassin said: “Strictly has changed my life in ways I never imagined, so to be doing the tour on top of it all is a dream come true! I’ve heard the tour audiences are unparalleled, so I’ll be relishing the atmosphere every night, and I’m so excited to share that experience

with my fellow dancers – not to mention the judges.”

Molly Rainford said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Strictly Live Tour, performing for the huge arena crowds across the UK is going to be an incredible experience. I’m really looking forward to continuing my amazing Strictly journey and getting out on the road to meet all the fans.”

The celebrities and professionals will be joined on the road by Strictly TV judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke – who is part of the tour for the first time – with the sensational Janette Manrara as host.

Opening at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 20 January, the tour will then waltz around the UK to some of the biggest entertainment venues with two

shows on Tuesday 31st January 2023 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

The Strictly Live Tour showcases all the breathtaking choreography, stunningly sparkly costumes and fantastic live music synonymous with BBC One’s longrunning and hugely loved Strictly Come Dancing TV show –which is currently on our screens, with the final due to take place on 17 December.

The 2023 tour will be directed once again by the A-MAZ-ING Strictly TV Judge Craig Revel Horwood. The show will feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series of the multi-awardwinning BBC One show, together with the Strictly Live Band - a great way to celebrate the 20th series of this entertainment phenomenon.

Audiences around the UK can experience everything they love about the TV show live on stage, getting the chance to not only watch the spectacular stars in action as they perform roof-raising routines, but also the power to decide who wins the Gliderball Trophy at the end of each show. The tour judges will provide their invaluable wisdom, advice and scores at each performance, but the audience vote via text for their favourite couple, and it is ultimately their votes which decide who wins! Each performance of the tour will host a British Sign Language interpreter, who will be displayed on two very large screens either side of the stage so that attendees can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.

Tickets are available at www. utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk

ALCOHOL

DuTY FREEzE WELCOME RESPITE FOR PubS, bREWERS AND CONSuMERS: CAMRA

Commenting on the UK Government’s announcement that alcohol duty will be frozen in the new year, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “Bringing back the freeze in alcohol duty until August will avoid an additional inflationary new year price rise at the bar that drinkers and licensees could ill afford.

CAMRA now looks forward to the new, lower rate of duty on draught beer and cider served in pubs and clubs coming into force in August 2023 to really help our

locals compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol.

“With costs rocketing and customers tightening their belts, pubs, social clubs and taprooms are still in for a tough time – which is why it’s still essential that help with energy bills will continue until 2024, giving businesses certainty, the ability to plan and hope that they can survive this tough winter.

“Much-loved pubs and social clubs still need support more than ever, which is why CAMRA is urging everyone who is able to visit their local this Christmas and new year.”

Coronation Street:

Nick is forced to introduce Damon to Leanne - but how will he react when Damon insists he offer Jacob a job in the bistro? Max has an unexpected end to his camping trip with Griff. Daisy urges Daniel to take up teaching again. Meanwhile he secretly asks for Jenny’s blessing as he buys an engagement ring. Fiz puts a spoke in Tyrone’s secret wedding plans as she suggests booking a cottage in the Lakes for Xmas. There is shock at Number 1 as burglars steal all the presents - including Daisy’s ring. Mary asks Brian to join her for the carol singing, and is delighted when he agrees. George bans Eileen from returning home, as he is awaiting delivery of her Xmas present.

Emmerdale:

Nate puts 2 and 2 together and is suspicious that Mack is the father of Chloe’s baby. Meanwhile Chloe lies to a guilty Amy that she has found a place to live. Ethan & Marcus consider making an offer for Harriet’s house. Kyle gives his mum the slip and talks to PC Swirling in his role as Santa Claus. But does he confess all? Charles’ charity choir do turns out to be a lot of fun. Nate is upset as Tracy informs him he can’t see Frankie. Sam & Lydia are devastated when Rhona tells them their pig must be put down. Moira is puzzled as presents arrive for Kyle with no name. Liam is touched as he receives multiple invites for Xmas - but Leyla is devastated at the prospect of spending the season alone.

Eastenders: Phil is back - and discovers some devastating news. Shirley realises she only has a day to put a stop to Mick’s wedding. Meanwhile Mick is on his stag do - and tells Callum to mind his own business when he suggests Mick still has a thing for Linda. Lola & Lexi have some mum & daughter time - but Lola starts losing her hair. Meanwhile the day of the wedding dawns - and Linda has a suggestion for Mick. Will Janine get her dream wedding or will she be jilted at the altar? Denzel is chuffed when Amy is delighted with her mix-tape present. Alfie stands up to Phil. Zack reveals who will be coming for Xmas.

United saw off a spirited Wigan Athletic side, to register a fourth consecutive away maximum and in the process open up a five-point gap between themselves and thirdplaced Blackburn.

John Egan’s first goal since September 2021 got the Blades rolling against Kolo Toure’s Latics, before Billy Sharp bagged a second after the interval and despite a goal from Nathan Broadhead, United saw the game out professionally to secure the 13th win of the campaign.

Boss Heckingbottom made one change for the trip to the DW, with Berge returning to the starting XI in place of the injured Osborn who missed out with a slight hamstring problem. Manchester City loanee Doyle was named on the bench having shaken off a calf injury.

Wigan had the first sights of goal, as Keane fired over after a fortunate break, before Berge blocked Naylor’s goal bound effort.

But after Sharp had been denied by Jones, United took the lead on eight minutes from their first

ShipSton SignS maiden owlS contract

Rio Shipston has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday.

The talented midfielder, who turned 18 last month, joined the Owls at the tender age of seven.

After progressing through the age groups in the SWFC academy, Shipston has continued his impressive

corner of the contest.

EGAN got across his marker to powerful head home at the near post, with Norwood unsurprisingly claiming the assist with a pinpoint delivery. The hosts looked for a response, but despite spilling McClean’s initial volley, Foderingham made a good save on the rebound before the assistant referee raised his flag for offside. An off the ball disagreement then led to both Sharp and Tilt being carded by referee Whitestone. Berge the latched on to a loose touch by Bennett, his low ball found Ndiaye, who in turn found McAtee but his shot was blocked by Tilt.

United were firmly in the ascendancy as they looked to double their advantage and only a sharp save from Jones denied McAtee after a back heel from Sharp had created the chance. The skipper then headed over from Norwood’s free kick, but he had already been flagged offside. Ndiaye’s brilliance showed no boundaries as he held off EdmondsGreen and Darikwa before freeing McAtee, he beat

development both on and off the pitch this season.

The teenager has been a vital cog for our academy side and a key part of our current run to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The Wednesday youngster has also tasted life in the senior set-up.

Along with featuring on occasion for the Under21s, Shipston has trained alongside Darren Moore’s first team squad at Middlewood Road.

The midfielder also has a senior appearance to his name after featuring from the bench in our 2-0 win over Leicester Under-21s in

a retreating defending but Berge’s effort lacked power and was cleared by Bennett.

As half-time approached, Egan was cautioned for a foul on Power. Six minutes of added time were signalled and the Latics finished with a flurry of corners, but thankfully they all came to nothing.

The home side were lucky to finish the half with a full compliment of players after Tilt lunged into McAtee, with the defender appearing to get a final warning from the referee.

United seemingly struck a decisive blow in the 56th minute, with the first meaningful action of the second period, to double the lead. Darikwa’s pass was behind Power, Norwood seized control of the ball, passed to Ndiaye who teed up SHARP to fire a left-footed strike beyond Jones and into the far bottom corner in front of a jubilant away end. But in the 65th minute, after appeals for a penalty from the home side were waved away after Baldock had blocked Aasgaard’s shot, the home side pulled a goal back, although it was

the Papa Johns Trophy.

Shipston told swfc.co.uk:

“It’s a dream come true, it’s massive to sign professional but especially at Sheffield Wednesday. It’s a big day for me and my family.

“I was at Hillsborough Pumas then we had a training session and they thought I was did well, so I came back for a trial and I joined when I was seven.

“I’ve been here a while and loved every minute

clearly offside. Aasgaard freed McClean down the left and after Foderingham failed to gather cleanly, BROADHEAD tapped home.

The home crowd were now right behind their side as Clark saw yellow for a lunge to halt the progress of Lang. Ndiaye continued to put Wigan on the back foot, winning a free kick in a dangerous position, but Norwood’s effort was inches over, prior to a double change for the Blades which saw Doyle and McBurnie replace McAtee and Sharp.

As the clocked ticked in United’s favour, Ahmedhodžić produced a fantastic tackle to deny substitute Fletcher a certain goal at the near post from Power’s low cross, before Ndiaye was replaced by Khadra as United looked to hit Wigan on the break as they continued to soak up some heavy pressure.

But the Blades wouldn’t be breached again as they successful saw off five minutes of added time in the process to make it two wins from two since the resumption of second tier action.

of it. I’ve had good people around me, my family, friends and coaches at Wednesday have been unbelievable with me.

“The gaffer and the first team have been good and made me feel welcome in training and I’ve loved every minute. You don’t realise how good they are until you start training with them, learning from them is the best possible thing I could do right now.”

Cameron Dawson turned in a man of the match performance to earn the Owls a point against Oxford and Darren Moore was full of praise for the returning goalkeeper.

Dawson, making his first league appearance of the season, was impressive throughout and saved Josh Murphy’s lastgasp penalty to ensure Wednesday moved to 10 games unbeaten. Moore said: “I’m so pleased for Cameron. He’s waited patiently for

his chance and today, he’s not put a foot wrong.

“He was calm, assured, his angles were spot-on and to top all that of course he’s saved the penalty at the end.

“I made the decision early in the week because I felt the time was right. We looked at Oxford as a team and what they offer and I decided to make the change.

“I have to say David Stockdale has been different class. He was the first one on the pitch to congratulate Cameron

and that’s a sign of the model professional he is.”

On the game itself, Moore said he is conversant with any frustrations from the stands after Wednesday drew a blank against the U’s.

The unbeaten run continues, though, and the manager saw both sides of the story.

He added: “I completely understand and I take it as a positive because we have hope, the fans have hope. We were at home today and we wanted the win.

“This is a spell we are going though and the only way to come out of the other side is on the training ground and we have over a week on the training ground before we play next on Boxing Day.

“We have a lot of work to do and we will do that work. No one in there is happy because we all know we can be much better but the unbeaten run goes on and again we have shown we can dig deep and be resilient.”

They have hurt us at certain moments from a goal kick, a throw in and then another long ball from the goalkeeper. That’s a frustration from our point of view.

“I made a few changes today but it did not improve us. The ball was out of play (for second goal) and it was a throw in. We have got more bodies than them in our backline but it was a carbon copy of the goal against Bristol City. The centre half is not quite thinking the right thing at the right time. If we don’t defend properly we will get beaten.

moore poUrS praiSe on hero dawSon we need to rediScoVer oUr deFenSiVe rhythm - taylor

Boss Matt Taylor was disappointed with his side’s display at The Hawthorns as hosts West Bromwich Albion ran out easy victors thanks to goals

“I’m disappointed. I was disappointed last weekend because we defended certain moments of the game poorly, and that’s happened again, against a good team.

roVerS Spread FeStiVe cheer on annUal hoSpital ViSit

Players and staff from across the Club Doncaster family were able to raise a few smiles as they made the annual Christmas visit to the children’s ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Rovers head coach Danny Schofield and club captain Tommy Rowe were joined by Dons forward Alex Holdstock and Belles defender Freya Rattenbury to hand out gifts to young patients on the ward. They took time to chat to the youngsters and their parents and helped lift spirits.

Rowe said: “It was a great experience. To have that opportunity to meet people who are in hospital over Christmas was a privilege.

“We brought the presents for the kids and it was great to see their faces as we tried to cheer them up a little bit and have a chat with the parents to see what they’re going through as well.

“And it was great to speak to the nurses who do such a great job as well. My mum was a nurse on a children’s ward for 25 years and she told me about the visits from the two Manchester clubs and how much that meant to the staff and the kids. I wanted to be part of that here. “Because of the situation, we weren’t able to come in

BladeS clUB Statement - mcBUrnie

Sheffield

to note today’s (15th Dec)

“We have lost a little bit of defensive rhythm. Our attacking and possession players are under too much pressure. We have done it in the past, but we need to find it again but as a manager, I’m searching for answers. The structure of the team was not too bad but the execution of those certain moments defensively was.

“We moved the ball well at times without hurting the opposition goal. We did not have the killer instinct when we went into the attacking third. We have to believe we can hurt teams like West Brom, away from home.”

great numbers but all of the lads were here in spirit and wanted to contribute in any way they could.”

Club Doncaster Foundation donated gift bags for each of the youngsters which included teddy bears and toys.

Elite Pro Sports provided footballs, calendars and stationery while Rovers Academy players donated selection boxes to be included in the gift bags.

The Rovers squad contributed gifts for the ward as a whole, with Rowe delivering items for nursery and sensory rooms.

And he also handed over a cash donation from training ground sponsors Hoober Homes, which will go towards furnishing a communal area for teenage patients.

We would like thank all of those who contributed gifts towards the visit, which was carried out as part of our Charity 100 scheme, which is sponsored by Keepmoat. Charity 100 has supported more than 70 charities since its creation in April.

Sharp, was violently assaulted.

Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom has spoken openly about the dangers of supporters invading the pitch with the fixture at Nottingham just one of a number of similar high-profile incidents.

Additionally, he has written letters to the Football Association, the English Football League, the League Managers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association with regards to the safety of players in their place of work and is keen for further action in this area.

from Jed Wallace and subs Grady Diangana and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

United is pleased

verdict at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court with regards to Oliver McBurnie. Oliver, his legal representatives and officials at the club are disappointed that he was forced to stand trial after the traumatic scenes at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday 17th May 2022, when Oliver’s team-mate, Billy

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

Notice is hereby given that:

I, Lawk Mahmmod have made the above application to under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for a new Premises Licence for the Premises known as

Jordan Mini Market, 10 jordanthorpe centre, dyche Lane, Sheffield S8 8DX

For:- The sale of alcohol (off the premises) and hours open to the public from 08.00 to 22.00 Thursday to Sunday and 08.00 to 23.00 Friday & Saturday

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by no later than 09.01.23

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 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 unlimited. dated:- 12.12.22

Have

Premises Licence for the Premises known as hwNeT ResTAuRANT & bAR, 126 wIckeR, sheffIeLd s3 8jd

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities:

Provision of late night refreshment:

Mon - Thur 23:00 - 00:00

Fri - Sat 23:00 - 02:00 the following day

Sale by retail of alcohol: Mon - Thur 12:00 - 00:00

Fri - Sat 12:00 - 02:00 the following dayInterested 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 18th January 2023.

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 Notice is hereby given that I: ARAs ANwAR sLemAN

Have made an application under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 245 LoNdoN RoAd, sheffIeLd s2 4Nf I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 22:00 Sunday 11:00 - 21:00

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 16th January 2023.

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.