FATAL ACCIDENT - LORRY DRIVER ARRESTED
58-year-old Cyclist pronounced dead at the
Police are appealing for witnesses, information, and dashcam footage following a fatal collision.
O cers were called to the A616 near Langsett Reservoir at 10.26 am on Monday (7 April) where it was reported a HGV had been in collision with a cyclist. Emergency services attended, but, despite their best efforts, the cyclist, a 58-year-old man, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by o cers.
e driver of the HGV, a 47-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention and driving while un t through drink
or drugs. He has been bailed as our investigation continues.
Police are now appealing for witnesses and people with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
It is thought the cyclist was travelling along the A616 away from Flouch roundabout when the collision occurred near to the water treatment works and a high number of vehicles are understood to have driven past the collision.
Police are particularly keen to hear from these drivers or anyone who has relevant dashcam footage. Footage can be submitted online
Information by reporting online: www.orlo. uk/7Ps6F, or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 217 of 7 April 2025 when you get in touch.
Scene
Police also understand not everyone feels comfortable talking directly to police. You can report information completely anonymously to Crimestoppers online at www. orlo.uk/bNKvR or by calling 0800 555 111.
Man stabbed whilst out walking
On Sunday 6 April at 9.45 pm Police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed in She eld.
It is reported that a man had been walking on Coal Pit Lane, in Stocksbridge, when three men wearing balaclavas exited a vehicle and assaulted the man.
During the assault, the man sustained stab wounds which are not thought to be lifethreatening or life-changing. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
MP urges Govt to secure Stocksbridge Steel
In Parliament, Marie Tidball, Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, urged the Government to secure the future of Stocksbridge Speciality Steels as part of the Government’s Plan for Steel.
e MP spoke in a debate on President Trump’s announcement that 10% tari s will be imposed on UK goods being imported into the US. e local MP told the Secretary of State for Business and Trade how this demonstrates the importance of the Government’s investment in our domestic steel industry.
e Labour Government is committed to £2.5 billion for the steel industry, alongside a commitment to ‘Buy British’ and new Steel Strategy which will be published later in the Spring.
In Parliament, the local MP told the Government,
“Stocksbridge Speciality Steels...is a strategically signi cant site with world-class, unique capability for creating specialist parts that will be essential in increasing our defence capability and [producing] net zero infrastructure.
“Last week, I held a community listening event on the Government’s excellent steel strategy. e message was clear: let us ensure that Britishmade steel is best.
“Does the Secretary of State agree that today’s news further demonstrates why it is so important that this Government is committed to a £2.5 billion plan for steel?”
In response, Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said,
“I greatly appreciate [Marie’s] advocacy for steel. She puts the case extremely well, which is that the kind of products that we make in the UK steel sector and which...-where we export them to the US-are niche, high value and in critical sectors such as defence and the manufacturing supply chain, are complementary to the US.
Following the exchange, Marie Tidball MP said, “I have been ghting for steel since day one. Steel has been the beating heart of our communities for nearly 200 years.
e Government’s consultation on the Steel Strategy closed on Monday 31st March. Dr Tidball held a community listening event on ursday 27th March in Stocksbridge, for constituents to feed their ideas into the Government’s plans. e MP made a submission on behalf of the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency to the consultation.
Hillsborough Voices:
Final Book Launch Celebrates Community Stories and Project Finale
A celebration of Hillsborough’s living history takes place later this month as the Hillsborough and Owlerton Local History Group launch their third and nal book.
e publication of Hillsborough Voices marks the end of their National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project dedicated to preserving the social history of the S6 area.
e drop-in event will be held from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Bradbury Makers Shed in Hillsborough Park – a welcoming space next to the Walled Garden, best accessed via the Middlewood Road entrance opposite the Brass Monkey pub.
Hillsborough Voices is a collection of memories and re ections gathered from across the community. e book features contributions from members
of the Me & ee Group at St John’s, the Friday Lunch Club at Hillsborough Trinity, and the Age UK Wellbeing Project at Hillsborough Pavilion. e project also partnered with pupils and sta at Hillsborough Primary School, bringing together voices from every generation.
anks to funding from National Lottery Awards for All, the group has spent the last year collecting and curating real-life stories that shine a light on Hillsborough’s social heritage – from everyday moments to long-forgotten local traditions.
Val Linnett, who led the story-gathering, said: “It’s been a real privilege to hear people’s memories and help bring them together in Hillsborough Voices. ese stories are warm, funny, moving – and o en surprising. You realise just how much local history lives in everyday conversa-
tions. We hope this book does justice to the people who shared their lives with us.”
All contributors, supporters, and members of the public with an interest in Hillsborough’s past are invited to attend the free event which o ers:
A chance to meet the people behind the project
Free refreshments
e opportunity to collect a copy of Hillsborough Voices (suggested donation £2)
No booking is required –simply drop in any time between 1pm and 5pm. More information: www.
hillsboroughhistory.co.uk
Pic caption: She eld Lord Mayor (le ) helps launch the second book published by the project a few weeks’ ago.
Market to return
e Fox Valley monthly market returns this Saturday (April 12th) with a spring-themed Easter Market.
e Easter Market will take place between 10 am and 3 pm in the centre’s market areanear Home Bargains and Iceland.
e return marks an ‘egg-citing’ opportunity for shoppers to discover a range of unique gi s and other items produced by talented makers from around the area.
To celebrate Easter, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. e Easter return of the market kicks o the rst of the regular monthly events - scheduled on weekends through the year on May 17th & 18th, July 12th & 13th, and September 13th & 14th.
e Fox Valley Lunch Fest is also due to take place on the 21st and 22nd of June with a packed weekend of foodie traders and live
entertainment. ere will also be a bar and family seating area.
e Fox Valley car park o ers four hours of free parking with all-day parking available for just £5.
Any trader interested in a stall at Fox Valley should contact Claire Biltcli e at claire.biltcli e@foxvalleyshe eld.co.uk
Centre Manager, Claire Biltcli e, said: “We are really pleased to see the return of the monthly market as the weather starts to improve. We’re really keen to build this up and would love to hear from other local traders who would like to join us.”
For more information about the monthly market and other events at Fox Valley, please visit www.foxvalleyshe eld.co.uk
Hotel plans for picturesque Village
RADICAL plans have been revealed which could see a major new hotel, spa and restaurant development emerge in the heart of Wentworth, writes Paul Whitehouse for the Rotherham Advertiser.
e complex would emerge around Home Farm and Gun Park, close to the entrance to Wentworth Woodhouse, and would see three modern barns demolished.
Two semi-detached homes would also go, along with the partial demolition of some other buildings, to be replaced by a new pool and spa building, to be connected to a new
hotel and restaurant in the old ‘threshing barn’ by a glazed walkway.
Holiday cottages would also appear in converted buildings, with post-war student accommodation blocks also going to make way for car parking.
Hotel suites would also be introduced.
e ‘footprint’ of the new complex would be hugely reduced, to less than a third of its current size, due partly to the removal of large agricultural buildings.
XL Bully search after police shots
Police O cers hunting for an XL Bully which escaped when police marksmen opened re on the animal say they have contacted all veterinary practices in She eld in a bid to trace it, writes Grace Wood for BBC News.
Armed police tried to shoot the dog a er it became "aggressive" while o cers were investigating reports of a gun being red at a property in Daniel Hill Street, in Hillfoot, on ursday.
A police spokesperson said it was believed the animal had been injured before eeing the scene.
e force has urged people not to approach the dog but to call 999 immediately, saying it has "the ability to show aggression and cause harm".
A police spokesperson said: "Shooting a dog is never a decision taken lightly by our armed o cers.
"During what was already a challenging incident, and the risk posed, the decision was made to shoot the dog to
progress nding a suspect and weapon and protecting our communities.
"We now believe the dog to have su ered injuries and are urging the public to be vigilant for a loose XL Bully, but also one that may have succumbed to its injuries or been taken somewhere for treatment.
"We have contacted all veterinary practices as part of our enquiries but continue to ask anyone who has received a dog into their care [which] they believe could be this dog to come forward.
"If you see the dog, we continue to urge you not to approach it, as we believe it has the ability to show aggression and cause harm."
South Yorkshire Police were called to Daniel Hill Street on ursday night a er shots were red at a house and the windows of a car were smashed.
About us
A few hours later, in the early hours of Friday, o cers attended a crash involving a motorbike and a silver VW Golf in
Liberty Drive, Stannington, after receiving reports shots had been red at a man.
e force said 39-year-old Marcus Ned, from She eld, had since been charged in connection with the incidents and was due to appear at the city's magistrates' court on Monday.
He faces two counts of possession of a rearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a rearm, possession of ammunition without a certicate and attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
A 39-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of possession of a rearm and a 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the of a motor vehicle have been released on bail.
Meanwhile, police said a 35-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of a ray and released on police bail.
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Shoplifter jailed for repeat offences
A She eld shopli er has been jailed for a series of o ences committed in the city over a nine-month period.
Karl Stevens, of no xed abode, stole goods worth more than £1,800 from businesses in She eld city centre and along Ecclesall Road.
e 46-year-old also exposed himself on High Street before assaulting a 28-year-old man who intervened during this incident.
Stevens was arrested and charged with assault and indecent exposure. He was found
guilty in his absence at She eld Magistrates’ Court, with a warrant issued for his arrest a er he failed to appear before the courts.
Stevens was then re-arrested on suspicion of the , leading to a second appearance before She eld Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (2 April).
During this hearing, he was sentenced to a total of 32 weeks in prison a er pleading guilty to nine counts of shopli ing, with his sentence also taking into account the charges of assault and indecent exposure.
PC Antony Nicholls, from the She eld Retail Crime Team, said: “Stevens is a repeat o ender who has made a nuisance of himself in She eld for months.
“He sought to avoid justice for a disgusting act in which he exposed himself and attacked another man, but continued to o end while he was wanted and was soon caught by our o cers.
“I hope his time in prison serves as the wake up call he needs to prevent further o ending, and I hope the public can feel safe in the knowledge that he is now o the city’s streets and serving a custodial sentence.”
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STRUGGLING HIGH STREETS
£2M PROJECT ESTIMATES £13M OF SOCIAL VALUE BENEFIT
A £2 million economic recovery project aimed at local high streets is about to draw to a close. But an independent evaluation of the project has estimated it has returned multimillion pounds worth of social value back to local communities.
In 2021, a high street investment fund was launched across localised She eld districts to support economic recovery in these areas.
e Economic Recovery Fund (ERF) supported local business by investing in communities and high streets, helping to build resilience to the cost-of-living crisis and future economic challenges.
Since its launch, funding has been used to put on events, marketing, promotion, physical improvements, creating new business and trader forums – as well as other interventions that applicants felt would bene t their high street.
e fund was developed as part of the city’s Covid Business Recovery Plan. e rst round of funding was launched in March 2021 and supported 26 projects, with grants of up to £200,000 awarded.
A second round was launched, with a further 23 projects receiving funding in September 2024.
At an Economic Development and Skills Committee meeting on ursday, 3 April,
councillors heard how the fund has bene ted local communities and businesses.
It has been estimated that the fund has had a total social value impact of over £13 million.
Social value relates to the positive impact an investment has on society beyond just itsnancial value, and while the pro t is still measured numerically, it also takes into account the actions of an organisation or individual.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at She eld City Council, said: “It is fantastic news that the Economic Recovery Fund has been such a success and made a di erence to he lives of individuals and businesses in the city.
“By giving more autonomy to local areas to make decisions about how funding in spent, we have ensured that we meet the needs of those communities.
“ e success of this project belongs to the community champions and business leaders who have put so much into delivering a wide range of projects. It has taken dedication, commitment, time and they deserve huge recognition.”
e independent evaluation of the ERF project not only highlighted the signi cant social value impact for businesses, community organisations and for residents, but also the fact that both rounds will leave a legacy of im-
proved physical and community infrastructure and renewed con dence in the value of local high streets.
Round two of the project delivered almost 500 interventions and improvements across the city with more to come before the project closes at the end of this month.
Over the course of both round one and two, over 150 art installations have been implemented, 95 events have been held, over 100 shop fronts were improved and around 580 pieces of street furniture and green spaces improvements have been made.
ERF has created a large appetite for continued community, business activity and partnership work. But ongoing Council support with expertise and experience is required to ensure the city continues to have resilient and welcoming local high streets.
She eld City Council has committed to increasing Local Area Committee involvement through ‘ERF champions’ to continue the momentum and drive brought by the project.
ERF phase 2 highlights:
Some of the highlights of ERF 2 have included a range of events across local areas in the city.
Christmas events were hosted in Hillsborough, West eld, Walkley and Firth Park, plus festivals, markets and family events every-
where from, Chapeltown to Crookes, Woodhouse to Walkley.
Many areas have been improved through greening, with new trees being planted in Banner Cross and planters and ower beds being installed in Crookes and Greenhill.
Community tree planting has also been taking place across the city, including West eld, Stannington, Crookes and Darnall, helping to improve green spaces in the areas.
Murals have been painted in Harborough and Northern Avenues, Hillsborough, Firth Park, Abbeydale and new shutter fronts were installed in Middlewood and In rmary to make high streets more vibrant and inviting.
Various areas across the city have also bene tted from new street furniture, noticeboards, shop front improvements and a range of marketing upgrades including branding and maps.
In Darnall, they hosted an anti-litter campaign and Chapeltown have created an orienteering trail in the area.
A Paramount Performance
e volunteers at the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust are ‘pulling out all the stops’ to make the 25th Anniversary of the Compton Cinema Organ at the Penistone Paramount an extra special one.
A substantial part of the Compton organ, which dates back to 1937 has recently been refurbished and is in ne voice for this coming Saturday a ernoon’s 25th Anniversary celebration show.
e show features not one but two of the World’s nest cinema organists - Simon Gledhill and Richard Hills. Both organists have travelled the World performing concerts at many prestigious venues and iconic organs.
“It’s a real coup”, says Kevin Grunill - Chairman and Founder of the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust. “ is event is only the third time that anyone has been able to arrange for these two superb artistes to appear on the same bill and we’re very lucky to have been able to do so for this special 25th Anniversary celebration”.
Both organists will be presenting a wide selection of popular music, ranging from hit
WHEELIE BIN FIRE
ree wheelie bins were deliberately set on re on High Street, Eccles eld, She eld at 6:40am.
Fire ghters from Elm Lane station attended the incident. ey le at 7:35am.
What’s On
tunes of the 1960s to Broadway & West End show-stoppers, not forgetting famous music from the movies.
A Paramount Performance
Simon Gledhill & Richard Hills at the Compton Cinema Organ
Saturday 12th April at 2.30pm.
Admission £15 on the door or advance tickets available from the box o ce - 01226 767532
APRIL
THURSDAY
10 Stocksbridge & District History Society Meeting, Christ Church Hall 7pm. Talk ‘Life of a Coal Miner and POW.’ SpeakerGeorge Scogings.
FRIDAY
11 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Patrons’ Concert To be held at the Newton Hall Chapeltown on Friday 11th April 2025 at 7.30 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or Julie and Paul 07876472246 or 07926377410
Church Hall Oughtibridge Cakes and Ra e Everyone Welcome
12 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners Foraging Walk on the Common, meet at 10am at Rural Lane Car Park, FREE, ‘Come and pick some seasonal food and learn about some wild recipes!’, bring a bag/basket if you wish to collect things and gloves if you want to collect nettles. www.walc.epizy.com or nd us on facebook
terpower and the Archaeology of the Rivelin’ - ‘The beautiful Rivelin Valley contains much evidence of it’s working past, during the era of waterpowered industry. A virtual look at what we can still nd and what it tells us.’
TUESDAY
11 Relax with a Poem – poetry for pleasure - Stocksbridge Library – now in Ikon Church, Manchester Rd. Listen to some poetry or bring a favourite poem to share in a warm hub with a hot drink.
SATURDAY
12 Yorkshire’s largest cinema pipe organ and the only one installed in a working cinema is set to celebrate its’ 25th anniversary at the Penistone Paramount. To mark the occasion two of the worlds nest cinema organist, Richard Hills and Simon Gledhill, will perform a spectacular celebration concert at the Paramount on Saturday April 12th at 2-30 pm. Advanced tickets can be booked online on the Paramount website, in person at the box o ce or by phone on 01226 767532. Pay on the door is also possible.
12 Co ee Morning Saturday 12th April 10 to 11.30 am Zion
12 Councillors monthly drop-in surgery 11.00-12.00. Cllrs Janet Ridler and Mark Whittaker will be at Stocksbridge Library inside Ikon Church, Manchester Road (opposite the old Library) on Saturday 12 April, 11.0012.00. If you have problems with council services or need help or advice, we can help you. Drop in for a co ee and a chat, no appointment needed.
SUNDAY
13 Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Easter Fayre11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Fun For All The Family. Craft Stalls, SCLC Easter Bunny, Easter Bonnet Competition, Music, Children’s Activities & Much More...
13 Palm Sunday Service at Deepcar St. John’s 9.30am
MONDAY
14 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Water Power and the Archaeology of the Rivelin by Calvin Payne’. Wadsley Church, 7.30pm, free refreshments, £3.50 for members, £4 for non members. www.walc.epizy. com or nd us on facebook ‘Wa-
15 Friends of Wortley Hall Gardens April meeting will be on Tuesday 15th at Wortley Hall and will be a talk by Chris Atkinson titled “Woodland Archaeology” New members welcome, admission is £2.50, free for friends of Wortley Hall Gardens. If you are interested contact Barry on 0114 2830056
WEDNESDAY
16 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 16th April at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Janet Niepokojczycka, entitled “Bonnie Price Charlie”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
16 Come and join TARA for soup and a roll and a chance to socialise and learn about TARA at the Christian Centre 11.30 - 2.30pm. It’s a free event. tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com 07957 206646
THURSDAY
17 Deepcar Village Communtiy Association is holding their AGM at 8.30pm at the Village Hall on
Arnold ROBINSON
Passed away peacefully aged 89 years. Loving Husband to the late Doreen. Much loved Father of Kevin, Gillian, Nigel and the late Byron. Devoted Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
Thank you to the staff at Alpine Lodge for their loving care of Arnold.
Funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone on Wednesday 23rd April at 13.15 followed by burial at Stocksbridge Cemetery.
Donations in Arnold’s memory for the benefit of Parkinson’s Disease Research will be gratefully received in lieu of flowers.
Enquiries to TW Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Rd, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RE. Tel 0114 2885555
SAMPSON
Peacefully at home on March 20th, Gerald, aged 81 years.
Dearly loved Husband of Gloria, a much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone on Monday 14th April at 11.30 am. Refreshments will be served in Bolsterstone Village Hall after the service.
All enquiries C/O Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar. Tel 01142 883169.
Robert MORFITT (Bob)
Peacefully on 31st March 2025 in The Firs Care Home, Robert aged 84 years. Beloved Husband of Pat, Much loved Dad to Lee and Deborah, Father in Law to Jane & Mark.
A loving Grandad and Great Grandad.
Service at Grenoside Crematorium on Wednesday 16th April at 1pm.
Donations if desired for Parkinson’s c/o Dyson Funeral Service, Barnsley Road, Penistone. Tel 01226 762481.
to Holdworth Hut. My
and
This is my rst business set up at my farm in Brad eld. I sell small animal hay and straw and nets of logs. I have an honesty box. You are welcome to come along and get them from early morning till late evening.
ST LUKE’S FUTURE STRATEGY
St Luke’s Hospice has launched a new strategy for 2025-2029. e strategy focuses on expanding community-based patient support, including out-of-hours care and exible support models.
It also prioritizes innovation, research, and collaboration to improve end-of-life care locally and globally.
e hospice aims to be a leader in providing high-quality, personalized care that respects patients’ wishes and choices. Core values include caring, pioneering, respect, consideration, inclusivity, and dignity.
e strategy also outlines plans for nancial sustainability, workforce development, and community engagement.
For more information about St Luke’s care and services and for information on the many ways to support St Luke’s visit: www.stlukeshospice.org.uk
GARDENING: TACKLING THE DRY SPRING
As spring settles in, many gardeners are nding themselves facing an increasingly familiar challenge – a dry spell. With rainfall well below average, the soil is already dusty, plants are thirsty, and water butts are running low. But there’s still plenty you can do to keep your garden thriving, even in these parched conditions.
Mulch
First and foremost, mulch is your best friend. Spread a generous layer of bark, compost or well-rotted manure around your plants to lock in moisture and sup-
press weeds. Focus on newly planted shrubs and perennials – they’ll struggle most without regular watering.
Watering
Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to water. is gives plants time to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it. Prioritise pots, young plants, and anything newly sown. Use a watering can with a rose head for precision and to avoid overwatering.
Wait for the rain
Hold o on sowing anything too ne, such as lettuce or
carrots, until we’ve had some decent rain or you can ensure regular watering. Alternatively, start seeds in trays or modules under cover, where conditions can be better controlled.
Pests
Keep an eye on pests – aphids in particular love a dry spring. Check the tips of shoots and deal with any infestations early, either by squishing by hand or using a gentle soap solution.
Lawns
Lawns can be le to their own devices. A yellowing lawn is not dead – it’s
dormant, and will bounce back with the rain. Avoid mowing too short, and leave clippings to act as a mulch. Finally, resist the urge to overfeed. Too much fertiliser can stress plants in dry conditions. A balanced slowrelease feed is all they’ll need.
A dry spring doesn’t have to mean a dull garden. With a few mindful adjustments, your plot can still be a vibrant, blooming space.
Resin Bound
Decorative Surface Dressing Systems
We are a family run business with over 25 years’ experience that always provide a personal and bespoke service to breathe new life into tired paths, driveways and hard areas.
With a smoother profile texture appearance than a resin bonded surface, this coating is also available in many different sizes and colours to suit your decorative requirements. The aggregate material is mixed with a suitable compound and laid on the prepared surface min 15mm in depth to provide a smooth and aesthetically pleasing bound surface.
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CHAPELTOWN MAKE FINAL
CHAPELTOWN RBL 5
SOUTHEY SOCIAL 2
Chapeltown RBL travelled to the neutral ground Warminster Road for their League Cup semi-final against Southey Social.
It was the first time the club have reached the semis, and after coming away with an emphatic 5-2 win they will travel to Bramall Lane to face Royal Earl in May.
A quick start saw Luis Afonso-Ferreira clip the ball past Southey’s keeper.
The lead only lasted 3 minutes when Southey levelled, and it stayed level for half an hour before man of the match Josh Nodder beat 3 players and squared for Owen Cooke, who made no mistake in the box.
Soon after, Nodder was the creator again, holding the ball up and releasing Afonso-Ferreir, who ran on to finish well.
The second half started with Southey winning a penalty and converting to make it 3-2. Afonso-Ferreira was a threat all game and when he crossed, Nodder volleyed hard and low into the bottom corner. The scoring was complete when Booths out swinging corner was met at the back post to emphatically by Matt Jacobs.
STUDENTS LEARN THEIR LESSONS
STOCKSBRIDGE ....... 13
SHEFFIELD MEDICS 29
Stocksbridge Rugby suffered a 13-29 home loss to Sheffield Medics, despite a spirited second-half comeback. Sheffield led 14-0 at halftime, with Stocksbridge hampered by injuries to key players Callum Green, Marley Teeling, and Jake Bevan.
Stocksbridge rallied in the second half with a penalty try and two penalty kicks from Scotty Bowskill, but Sheffield sealed the victory with three late tries. Tim Burton was named Stocksbridge’s player of the match.
Club Captain Andy Beal acknowledged the team’s progress but stressed the need for further improvement. Stocksbridge will now shift their focus to the Uniplex Mid-Week cup competition, facing Wath RUFC in the semi-final first leg on Thursday evening, kick off time at the Coal Pit Lane Arena is 6.15pm.
The TRUNCE Returns
The TRUNCE returned on Monday, and VHR members were out in force to take on the demanding route. Caroline White, participating for the first time, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and cited the river crossing as her favorite part. Steve Sansom was the first VHR member to finish, followed by Jess Lishman, who is aiming to defend her 2024 title as the first female finisher.
Wednesday marked the start of the South Yorkshire Road League series with a 5-mile race in Elsecar. The VHR team included 30 runners, many of whom were new to the team event. Alison Baker, one such newcomer, praised the team atmosphere and expressed her enjoyment of the event. Jonny Briggs and Jess Lishman were the first male and female VHR finishers, respectively. The event saw record participation and, despite a minor route deviation, was a success. The evening concluded with birthday celebrations for Dan Emsley, including singing, chocolates, brownies, and drinks at the pub.
In other news, Katie Elsey achieved a personal best at Hillsborough park run, shaving 38 seconds off her previous time. Emma Raine participated in the Donaupark park run in Austria as a warm-up for the Vienna Marathon, marking her 100th run. She completed the marathon in just over 4 hours and is now preparing for the London Marathon in 3 weeks. Jess Lishman competed in the Lincoln 10k on Sunday, finishing just one second outside her personal best, a result she was pleased with given her busy schedule.
MARK CONQUERS 50K LAKES CHALLENGE
Penistone runner Mark Crossley completed the gruelling Runthrough Trails Lake District 50k which includes 9,100 feet of climbing. He got round in thirteen hours and the route included famous summits such as Scafell Pike and Great Gable.
Monday evening saw the return of the Trunce race which will form part of a nine race series, all on the same course, over the course of Spring and Summer.
It’s a trail race starting and finishing on the Trans Pennine Trail in Oxspring. Its famous for its three river crossings which can often be challenging for the runners. 370 runners took part in sunny Spring like conditions. There were 43 runners from Penistone.
First back was Simon Pike in a time of 3053. First lady back for Penistone was Hannah Shaw in 35-36. There were age category podiums for Barbara Haigh (first over70 lady) and Lesley Parker (second over50 lady). In the junior race Flynn Rogers was second in a time of 14-49.
On Wednesday the first of the four five mile South Yorkshire Road League races kicked off in Elsecar. There was a good turnout from Penistone with over thirty runners taking part. First back was James Mumford in a time of 29-38. First lady back was Suzanne McGill in 34-11. There were age group top three finishes for Ray Brown (first over80 man), Barbara Haigh (first over75 lady), Keith Gordon (first over70 man), Julia Johnson (first over60 lady), Suzanne McGill (first over45 lady), Jonathan Bentley (first over55 man), James Mumford (third over40 man), Martin Ball (third over50 man) and Lois Lopez (third over50 lady).
Two Penistone runners made the trip to Baildon to compete in the Baildon Boundary Way half marathon. Peter Beever finished in a time of 2-15-52 followed by Kelvin Bowskill in 2-22-05.
On the fells Tom Fryers had an excellent run to come home in fifth place in the Alan Kirk Memorial Lad’s Leap which take places at Crowden just off the Woodhead Pass. Tom’s time was 53-40, others competing from Penistone were Andrew Shiel (72-29) and Paul Fryers (74-22).
Results
Barnsley Parkrun
5, Ian Neville 20-16; 6, Dan Rushforth 20-56; 23, Edward Holley 23-44; 31, Alan Knox 2505; 46, Lisa Hinchliffe 26-52; 57, Stu Smith 27-38; 61, Jen Holley 27-57; 64, Sue Hall 28-06; 71, Luke McGuinness 28-59; 73, Kate Rushforth 29-15; 92, Sara Wolstenholme 3259; 108, Dianne McGuinness 35-37.
Penistone Parkrun
3, Simon Pike 19-47; 6, Martin Ball 20-33; 8, Suzanne McGill 20-39; 28, Dan Cooper 2240; 31, Gareth Irvine 22-47; 52, Nick Pepper 24-31; 110, Michael Nicholson 27-37; 115, Ian McNulty 28-02; 126, Ashley Firth 28-42; 146, Heather Simpson 30-19; 164, Andrea Lee 31-22; 165, Danny Batty 31-27; 174, Steve Dommett 32-32; 180, Oliver Found 33-05; 218, Martyn Cartwright 40-56.
Alan Kirk Memorial Lad’s Leap
5, Tom Fryers 53-40; 33, Andrew Shiel 72-29; 36, Paul Fryers 74-22.
Baildon Boundary Way
200, Pete Beever 2-15-52; 232, Kelvin Bowskill 2-22-05.
LADIES LEAVE IT LATE
Oughtibridge were made to work hard by the young development team from Barnsley FC with the game still at 0-0 after 65 minutes. Bridge were riled on the hour when the visiting keeper escaped the usual punishment for saving with her hands out of the area, with the ref deeming it not to be a goal-scoring opportunity, the resulting free kick hitting the bar.
But Lucy Ridley found the breakthrough in spectacular fashion on the half volley to finally break the resistance and then Dawn Underwood finished well from a strong individual run. Roxanne Reid then intercepted a poor clearance before smashing home to put a gloss on the score.
Kathryn Mudge and keeper Bex Evans made a remarkable last-ditch tackle and save late on to prevent what looked like a certain goal and that more or less summed up the recent never-say-die attitude installed by manager Corey Doman and Assistant Shaun Pask.
HAWKS COMEBACK FALLS SHORT
The Hawks started strong defensively but Featherstone took an early lead, scoring three converted tries and another unconverted try. The Hawks responded with a converted try just before halftime.
In the second half, both teams displayed great passion and intensity. The Hawks mounted a comeback, scoring four tries, three of which were converted, to tie the game.
However, Featherstone scored a decisive try in the final moments to win the match.
Photo by Myra Little
CHURCH LEGENDS BID FAREWELL IN STYLE
It was a disappointing night at Knaresborough Town in last Tuesday’s semifinal when Church narrowly missed out on a place in the NCEL League Cup Final. After ninety minutes and extra
time with the score at nil-nil Church lost the game by five penalties to four. Good luck to Knaresborough in the final against either Beverley or Silsden.
PENISTONE CHURCH 7-2 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC
Saturday was not only the last day of the football season for the Church First Team but the end of an era for Penistone Church at home to Frickley Athletic.
pearance before retiring from the game. Defender James Stafford has also retired due to a recurring injury.
Ever present since 2016 defensive stalwart Ryan Johnson made his final ap-
Last but not least Comanager and Penistone Church legend Steve Lenthall over-
saw his final game after many years involved at the club, the last three as first team co-manager.
Steve Lenthall
“It was my last game but it was about Johnno today and
making sure that the day went right for him, he’s an absolute legend, he’s a top bloke, he’s been there since I took over and he’s a good mate. We said that we’d go out and put a performance in for the
fans, We knew that it would be a decent crowd, we wanted to make sure we did it right for them and finish the season on a high.
“It’s been a great day, a great win, a great crowd, as always we had first class support and we finished this season with a seven-two win and I’m really chuffed.
It’s the end of the season now and I’m sure Jubby and Brett will rebuild and make sure the lads are right for pre-season
“On a personal note it was my final game. It’s been an emotional day for myself and my family so to see so many people here today giving the support that they have means the world to me and it means the world to my family. Also there are too many individual thanks to give so I just wasn’t to thank everybody but more
importantly I just want to thank Jubby and Brett they’ve brought me on as a person, as a manager, as a coach and I hope they succeed and do really well. Lastly I just want to thank every one of the lads, I class them as good mates but when we needed to do business on the pitch they did it. Their attitudes are spot on and I want to say thank you to them. They’re a credit to themselves, their families and Penistone Church Football Club.
Fixtures
Church first team completed their league programme but Penistone Church reserves have three more fixtures
Saturday 12 April 2025
EV2 County Senior Premier Division
STEELS PLAYOFF BLOW TIGERS EMOTIONAL OPENER
BELPER TOWN 3-0 STOCKSBRIDGE PS
Report by Adam Allcroft
Stocksbridge Park Steels suffered a blow in their push for promotion after losing 3-0 to Belper Town.
It all went wrong after just two minutes. Stocksbridge had looked shaky at the back and the Nailers were able to take advantage. Kevin Bastos broke free and played the ball to Jaanai Gordon, who then went one-on-one with Ben Townsend. Gordon won the duel, and Belper were ahead.
After a few minutes, Steels were able to settle into the game and were able to make chances themselves. These came from set pieces where Stocksbridge conspired to miss from close range. Luke Rawson’s connection from a corner was not clean enough and it went wide, while Paul Iggulden got underneath a header which then went over.
However, right as the half ended, Belper hit with another hammer blow. Bastos was causing more problems and got into the box on the right and whipped the ball in. It fell to Andrew Buah whose powerful shot left Townsend with no chance.
Stocksbridge came out of the gates hot in the second half, really pushing to quickly get back into the game. However the chances ending up falling to full-backs. Tom Charlesworth headed over a brilliant cross from Tinker, while the left-back blared over from a pullback pass.
However, Belper were able to kill the game off. With the Steels committing many men forward, they caught out at the back and the
Nailers took advantage. They broke free and this time Bastos, who had often been the creator, was able to get on the score sheet himself.
Stocksbridge did try and get forward in order to reduce the goal difference, but this left them more open. Bastos could have doubled his tally when he got round Townsend but he conspired to hit the shot wide. In the end, it was a disappointing defeat for Stocksbridge.
Next Home game: Saturday 12 April vs Sherwood Coll 3pm K.O.
AN emotional Josh Pickering spoke of his pride of his Sheffield team-mates following his first meeting as club captain in a teary post-match interview.
Despite being reduced to a six-man team before a wheel was turned, with triple World Champion Tai Woffinden remaining in hospital following a crash in Poland on Sunday, the Tru7 Group Tigers opened the 2025 campaign with a 61-29 home win over Birmingham - their joint highest victory ever in the Premiership.
Inspirational skipper Pickering and No.1 Jack Holder dropped just a single point apiece whilst Anders Rowe bagged a brilliant paid maximum on his Tigers’ debut.
Chris Holder’s only beaten outing came in his final ride of the evening after getting shut out on the opening bends of Heat 13 whilst Rising Star Leon Flint still achieved paid double figures despite bike issues in his first ride of the night.
It was a tougher fixture for reserve Danyon Hume who will be able to take plenty away from the first night of action into next Thursday’s (April 10, 7.30pm) second home clash with King’s Lynn.
But Pickering was full of praise for everyone involved after one of the most challenging weeks at the club in recent times.
“It was an awesome team performance,” Pickering said.
“Our backs were against the wall and it goes to show a great team can get going when the times are tough. I’m so proud of all of the boys here tonight - obviously we’ve got something sat at the back of our minds and we’re
going to continue to have that for a number of weeks.
“I didn’t want to talk about it leading up to the meeting but things hit close to home when it’s one of your best mates.
“It’s a tough sport that we do man, there’s many highs and many lows. Tai has had every single high in the sport and now he’s experiencing a very tough low. I just can’t stop thinking about him and the kids and the family.”
SHEFFIELD 61: Josh Pickering 16+1, Jack Holder 14, Anders Rowe 11+4, Chris Holder 11+1, Leon Flint 7+4, Danyon Hume 2, Tai Woffinden R/R.
BIRMINGHAM 29: Matej Zagar 7, Keynan Rew 5+1, Michael Jepsen Jensen 5, Jason Edwards 4+1, Jonas Jeppesen 4, Tobiasz Musielak 3+1, Antti Vuolas 1.
Speedway promoter steps down
Julie Reading has stood down from her role as co-promoter of Sheffield Speedway with immediate effect.
Julie joined the club in 2008 and stepped up as co-promoter in 2015.
She has been a massive part of the club behind the scenes ever since and a pivotal part of our racenight operation.
Julie leaves with our best wishes and we hope to see her back at Owlerton enjoying the racing from the restaurant very soon!
