Marie Tidball MP, has written to thousands of companies registered in the constituency to ask them to share their priorities with her.
e letters, which arrived in letterboxes across the constituency at the end of April, share Marie’s views on national and local policy that a ect businesses, and encourage local companies to get in touch with Marie via survey to share the issues that matter the most to them.
Marie is also inviting local business leaders to work with her so she can champion the work they do and local innovation.
e Labour government has already demonstrated their support for the business sector. Extra funding has been announced for the British Business Bank to enhance access to nance for smaller businesses through Start Up Loans, ENABLE Programs, the Growth Guarantee Scheme, and the Life Science Investment Programme. ey have also introduced a new Business Growth Service, making it easier and quicker for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to nd advice and support in one place, streamlining the government’s o er of support.
Marie Tidball MP said:
“Last year, I was elected on a pledge to help revitalise our high streets and local businesses.
“We have thousands of businesses registered in our constituency that are fundamental for our economy, supporting the creation of jobs and growth in our communities. Independent businesses also serve to make our high streets thrive locally.
“I’m looking forward to working with businesses across our communities, so I can best represent your priorities in Parliament.”
Businesses operating in the constituency can access the survey at marietidball. com/campaigns/business. Any other constituent who would like to get in touch with Marie can email her at marie. tidball.casework@parliament.uk.
Photo:Le to right, Marie Tidball MP, Karen, owner of All is Good Penistone, and Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary – taken during a visit to All is Good in Penistone.
Bike Theft Gangs Threaten Woods:
TEENS ARRESTED
A popular woodland area in North She eld, known as a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, has been plagued by a recent spate of incidents, prompting concerns amongst the local community.
Numerous reports from Grenoside and Wharncli e Woods suggest the area is being increasingly targeted by criminals and gangs with an interest in stealing mountain bikes from young riders, turning the oncepeaceful trails into a source of worry.
In response to the growing concerns, South Yorkshire Police have increased patrols in the area. eir e orts have led to the arrest of two boys in connection with a reported robbery that took place in Grenoside Woods on Sunday, April 27th.
At approximately 2:10 pm, o cers received reports that two boys had approached a 14-year-old within the woods, threatening him before steal-
ing his bicycle. An immediate investigation was launched, culminating in the arrest of two boys, aged 15 and 17, on Wednesday, April 30th. Both have been released on bail as police continue their enquiries.
Sergeant Matt Cook, of the She eld North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, addressed the situation, stating, "We understand this incident has caused concern among the local community and, as part of our response, we're conducting extra patrols in Grenoside Woods and the surrounding area. ese will continue over the coming days."
He urged the public to engage with the patrolling o cers, adding, "If you have any concerns you are yet to report to police, please speak to our o cers when you see them out and about. We are here to help."
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the
reported robbery on Sunday to come forward. ey can be contacted online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 483 of April 27th, 2025.
ARRESTS MADE FOLLOWING
STABBING
ree arrests were made a er a stabbing on Coal Pit Lane on Sunday, April 6th.
A 21-year-old man was arrested for assault (GBH and common) and Class A drug o ences, a 42-year-old man for assault (GBH and common) and cannabis offences, and a 16-year-old for assault (GBH and common). All three have been bailed as enquiries continue.
witnesses
O cers were called to reports of a collision between Junction 36 and 37 on the M1 southbound at 9:23 am yesterday ( ursday, 1 May). e incident involved a grey Volvo XC40 which is understood to have hit the central barrier and le the carriageway.
Despite the e orts of emergency services who attended the scene, a 71-year-old woman sadly died. A 71-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious but not lifethreatening injuries.
e family of the man and woman have been informed and are being supported by o cers.
e M1 was closed in both directions between Junctions 36 and 37 following the collision but has since reopened.
O cers are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are urging anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage or any relevant information, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to share it online, via live chat, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 234 of 1 May 2025.
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fake police scam
Family and friends of the elderly and vulnerable have been urged to be aware of fraud risks a er a 90-year-old woman was targeted by scammers posing as police o cers, writes Tom MacDougall for BBC News.
e pensioner, from She eld, was told by a caller on 17 April a thief had been trying to steal from her bank account and she needed to withdraw £12,500 "for evidential purposes".
A courier then visited her home and took the money, South Yorkshire Police said. Fraud protect o cer Charlotte Platts said: " e victims o en targeted in courier fraud are elderly so please check in with your loved ones who may be vulnerable to this form of fraud."
'Cunningly manipulated'
During the scam call, the woman was told she should dial 999 for further advice.
However, she was in fact connected back to the fraudulent caller.
Ms Platts said: "In this incident, the fraudsters cunningly manipulated the victim by urging her to call 999 - making it sound like they had the victim's best interests in mind.
"However, scammers have been known to stay on the line a er you hang up so when you ring another number you are connected back to the scammers.
"If you do get a call, and need to call your bank or the police to check, make sure you use a di erent phone or wait 20 to 30 minutes."
O cers said the police or a bank would "never call" asking for nancial details to be veried over the phone, urging people to "hang up".
New store comes to Stocksbridge
Family-owned Shackletons, an award-winning home and lifestyle retailer, is launching its first new concept store, Shackletons, at Fox Valley in Sheffield this spring.
Taking over the former Sandersons Department store, the move creates a new home retail destination and secures jobs for ex-Sandersons staff.
Founded 26 years ago by brothers David and Paul Shackleton in Chatburn, the company has expanded to include an outlet at Redbrick Mill and is now introducing its new store layout to Fox Valley.
Opening in May, the 14,726 sq. ft. store will feature a full range of furniture, home décor, accessories, soft furnishings, gifting, and kitchenware.
The ground floor will showcase outdoor furniture, dining suites, sofas, and accessories, while the first floor will house bedroom furniture and a café.
Co-founder David Shackleton expressed excitement about expanding to Fox Valley, highlighting its perfect location in Yorkshire.
The Chase is on
The Chase’s Shaun Wallace is taking on Sheffield – can you beat The Dark Destroyer?
Join him at Sheffield Steinhaus on 20th May 2025 for a fiercely competitive quiz night that puts your knowledge to the test against one of TV’s toughest minds.
Sheffield is the final stop on a three-city UK tour – and the competition is expected to be fierce.
Quizzing icon Shaun Wallace has said:“For me, pub quizzes are a way of life, and it’s a great way to interact with people, test your knowledge, a bit of showing off.”
Tickets for the Sheffield event are available now via Ticketsellers.
STEEL SCULPTURES FOR THE STEEL CITY
David Mayne, an acclaimed steel sculptor, made a grand return to Sheffield with his solo exhibition, “Journey,” at the Cupola Gallery.
The exhibition ran from 26 April to 31 May 2025, marking Mayne’s first solo show at the gallery since 2016.
Mayne, who moved to Sheffield in 1983 to study Fine Art (Sculpture), had deep roots in the city’s steel industry, which heavily influenced his early work. He was best known for creating the iconic Steel Bear sculpture, which resides in the Sheffield Botanical Gardens. This piece, celebrating its 20th anniversary, remained a personal favourite of the artist.
The “Journey” exhibition showcased Mayne’s exploration of landscapes, particularly mountains and woodlands that provided him with inspiration and sanctuary. His work reflected a profound connection to the natural world and the Yorkshire landscape.
Karen Sherwood, Director of the Cupola Gallery, said that David’s work was extremely distinctive and very popular. She highlighted Mayne’s ability to convey “our physical and emotional connection to the natural world” through his labour-intensive steel sculptures. These pieces featured single animals, figures
interacting with the landscape, or multiple elements creating intricate shadows.
The opening evening for “Journey” was held on Friday, 25 April. The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm during the exhibition period.
Works are available for sale during the exhibition.
On
LISTINGS
our Graveyard Recording Project and we will explain how we are progressing with this.
Refreshments will be available afterwards in the church - donation appreciated. Toilets are available on site. There are good paths around the graveyard, but other areas are very uneven and covered by vegetation, We recommend you stay on the paths.”
SATURDAY
17 Please see below Christian Aid Coffee Morning, Saturday 17th of May
17 Wisewood Methodist Church, Ben Lane, Sheffield. S6 4SB are holding a May Fayre on Saturday, 17th May, 2025 from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Stalls include plants, books, toys, cards, crafts, jewellery and raffle prizes. Tea, coffee and cake will also be available.
17 Crane Moor Methodist church invite you to join us at our SPRING FAYRE ON SATURDAY 17TH MAY 10.00 AM UNTIL 12.00PM. We shall be having our usual stalls including the very popular plant and cake stalls together with the raffle and not forgetting the Bacon Baps and much more. All are welcome.
17-18 May The Grenoside and District Local History Society are holding their exhibition in the lower hall of the Grenoside community centre, Main Street, Grenoside. Free admission, re -
freshments available with good parking available.
SUNDAY
18 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - regular conservation morning, probably clearing saplings but check on the website - www. walc.epizy.com, 10am-12pm, bring gloves, tools provided, families very welcome
18 Table Top Sale - Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre, Open To Buyers 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.
MONDAY
19 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Air Ambulance and Helipads’. A detailed overview of the Air Ambulance Service in the region and how ‘Helipads for Hospitals’ works. Wadsley Church, 7.30pm, free refreshments, £3.50 for members, £4 for non members. www.walc. epizy.com or find us on facebook
WEDNESDAY
21 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 21st May at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Brian Hull, entitled “Parlington Hall & Estate”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
FRIDAY
23 Come to Chapeltown Library for a Special Spring Storytime for Under 5s which includes gar-
dening all are welcome.
WEDNESDAY
28 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 28th May at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Jane Ashby, entitled “For The Love of China”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you at our next meeting.
JUNE
WEDNESDAY
4 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We are having a talk about the work done by Burton Street Foundation to support people with learning disabilities to enable them to reach their personal goals. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
THURSDAY
5 High Green WI will be meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday the 5th of June in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church, on Wortley Road. The event is “A History of Newton Chambers” with Josh Daniels. The competition is “An Industrial Item”. Members and visitors warmly welcome.
ST LUKE’S HOSPICE CONSTRUCTION BALL
The Sheffield Charity Construction Ball, the longest-running construction industry event in the north, returns on Friday 6 June at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel.
Organised by Arup, HLM Architects and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), the ball aims to unite the region’s construction and property sector while raising funds for a worthy cause. This year, the event will support St Luke’s Hospice, a leading provider of specialist palliative care for adults with terminal illnesses in Sheffield.
Over 26 years, the ball has raised £401,300 for various local causes, including Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Matt Sheridan, Senior Fundraising Manager from St Luke’s Hospice, expressed gratitude for the partnership, highlighting the importance of the support amidst growing financial challenges faced by hospices nationwide. Funds raised will contribute to purchasing cuddle beds, allowing patients and their loved ones to share precious moments.
Matt Summerhill of Rider Levett Bucknall emphasised the significance of the cuddle beds, drawing from his personal experience. The black-tie event will feature a three-course meal, live entertainment from magician Ben Hanlin, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. A new addition this year is the Future Professionals Table, fostering connections among younger professionals. Tickets are available at https://constructionball.com/.
Shirley ATKIN
Sadly passed away on Sunday 27th April 2025. She died peacefully at home with her family around her bedside.
Aged 82, she was a loving Mum to Keith, Michael and Clare.
A doting Grandma and also a very proud Great Grandma. XXX
Reunited now with her late Husband Peter. R.I.P. Forever in our hearts.
The funeral details will be given at a later date.
Martin KELLY
Passed away peacefully on 14th April 2025 in the Northern General Hospital, aged 91.
Beloved Husband of Bernadette, much loved Father of Dominic, Kevin and Nicholas, Father in Law to Heather and Sarah, Grandad to Caitlin.
Funeral service to be held in Ireland.
Rest in Peace.
SHOOTING ARREST
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder a er a gun was red towards a property in She eld.
Police received reports of a weapon being red on Cowper Crescent on Tuesday at about 18:24 BST.
Armed o cers responded and found evidence a rearm had been used, but no one was found to have been injured.
South Yorkshire Police said the 34-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday and remained in custody.
Det Insp Claire Moss said gun crime had “no place in our communities”.
“ is type of senseless criminality endangers lives, thankfully nobody was injured in this incident but people in South Yorkshire deserve to live without the threat of violence on their street.
“I understand that residents will be concerned by this incident, and I would like to reassure them that my team are working at pace to understand the circumstances of the discharge.” e man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a rearm with intent to endanger life.
A force spokesperson said patrols would be visible in the area and urged anyone with any information to contact police.
BETHANY’S SPECIAL CHILDHOOD MEMORY INSPIRES HER VOLUNTEERING
A cherished memory of a special childhood gi is Bethany Hardy’s inspiration for volunteering with St Luke’s Hospice.
Bethany was only 12 when her grandmother Valerie, who was facing the nal stage of her ght against cancer, became a St Luke’s patient.
“I remember me and my sister were only young – she would have been eight – and the St Luke’s chaplain gave us a bear each for us to bring with us when we visited,” Bethany remembers.
“I still have the bear, it’s very special to me because it reminds me of how welcoming everybody was.”
And it was that very special memory that inspired Bethany, who lives in Wadsley Bridge, to apply to volunteer when St Luke’s opened its new Kilner Way Retail Park store last autumn.
“I’ve volunteered for a few charities but St Luke’s was top of my list because I wanted to give something back,” she says.
“I live locally so when I saw they were opening at Kilner Way I took the chance and applied to volunteer.”
Bethany completes two four-hour sessions every week at the shop, taking on a variety of tasks, including everything sorting stock to being on the till and talking to customers.
“I like meeting new people and keeping myself busy so this is perfect for me,” she says.
“I enjoy seeing new faces coming through and having the chance to talk to them, it’s a good way to give back to the community and raise money for a really good cause – and it’s a lot of fun!”
Bethany is one of the 800 St Luke’s volunteers being celebrated as part of the hospice’s Be Part of Something Big campaign, which runs throughout May and reaches its climax at the beginning of June, which is national Volunteers’ Week.
e aim is to highlight all the St Luke’s volunteer opportunities and encourage people to book a taster session available at the St Luke’s shops and at the charity’s busy Donation Centre.
For further information contact the St Luke’s Volunteer Team at www.stlukeshospice.org. uk/volunteer/about-volunteering
SCHOOL RECEIVES FUNDING FOR EXTENSION TO SCHOOL-BASED NURSERY
Royd Nursery Infant School in Deepcar is one of the first 300 schools to receive funding to expand and refurbish their school-based nursery, giving children the best start in life.
Local MP Marie Tidball visited the school to talk with Executive Headteacher, Louise Jones, and discuss the plans for the nursery. The school will be using the funding received to refurbish and increase their nursery provision by 24 places this September, providing local parents with more places, to enable them to take advantage of the rollout of 30 hours of government-funded childcare.
Reflecting the priority the government and Education Secretary are placing on highquality early education through its Plan for Change, funding for the programme has been more than doubled to £37 million — marking an important milestone in the rollout of 30 government-funded hours and the journey to ensure more children start school ready to learn.
This is the first step to delivering the 3,000 school-based nurseries Labour promised in its election manifesto, giving parents choice, and helping every child get the best start in life.
The announcement comes alongside the rollout of breakfast clubs in primary schools, with the first 750 schools set to launch later this month, including High Green Primary School, also in the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency – saving families up to £450 a year.
Marie Tidball MP said:
“Every child growing up in Penistone and Stocksbridge deserves the best start to life.
“That’s why I’m proud that Royd Nursery Infant School in Deepcar is one of the first schools to receive funding for their schoolbased nursery. Their existing spaces are already so vibrant and lively, and serve as a testament to the staff’s dedication, and the creativity of the pupils.
“Through this announcement, Labour is demonstrating their commitment to delivering for families and getting children schoolready, as part of their Plan for Change.
“It was a pleasure to be shown around by the incredibly hard-working Executive Headteacher, and her nursery staff, to see the space in its current form and I’m looking forward to seeing the nursery extension complete and in action in September.”
SIMON COMPLETES BELFAST MARATHON IN NEXT CHALLENGE
One week on from completing the Three Peaks Fell Race and the London Marathon one day after the next, Simon Pike took on the next challenge in his fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Now - travelling to Northern Ireland to complete the Belfast Marathon.
Simon got round in 3:25:14, placing him in 708th position, a great time considering his efforts a week earlier.
RunGreno
Closer to home, six runners took part in the RunGreno Trail Race, a 7.3-mile route based in Grenoside.
First home for the club was Richard Cottam in third with a time of 46:18. Jemma Williams was first Penistone lady to cross the finish line, finishing 56th overall in 59:07, quick enough to claim first in the ladies v40 category.
South Yorkshire Road League Race 3 - Worsbrough
Worsbrough was the venue for the third South Yorkshire Road League meet of 2025, a hilly course looping up to Birdwell before dropping back down.
James Mumford was first back for the club in 14th position with a time of 29:36. Suzanne McGill was first Penistone lady to cross the finish line, coming home in 75th in 33:37, just a few days after completing the London Marathon.
Cake Race
On the fells, Joanne Boreham travelled to Saddleworth to compete in the 10-mile Cake
Race around the Marsden and Diggle area, getting round in one hour and 53 minutes.
Parkrun
On the parkrun scene, George Parr and Suzanne McGill took first gender places at Penistone. Dawn Broom was second female at South Woodham Ferrers and Hannah Shaw was third female at Penistone and Ashley Firth was Third at North Yorkshire Water Park.
Topping the age-graded charts were Dawn Broom with 83.62%, Suzanne McGill with 80.43%, Ian Neville with 77.81%, Flynn Rogers with 77.46% and Sue Hall with 73.90%.
Ruth Albaya Melhuish did her 300th parkrun at Beverley and Lucy Clough did her 50th at Hull. Steve Dickinson did his 150th different event at Jesmond Dene.
SYRL
14, James Mumford 29:36, 29, Jonathan Bentley 30:58, 32, Sean Pitt 31:08, 44, George Parr 32:07, 54, Oliver France 32:49, 75, Suzanne McGill 33:37, 84, Dan Rushforth 34:06, 100, Jade Crosby 34:59, 109, Hannah Shaw 35:20, 117, Shaun Swallow 35:40, 132, Ash Howlett 36:32, 149, Julia Johnson 37:40, 190, Mark Crossley 40:00, 194, Lois Lopez 40:07, 220, Ian McNulty 41:46, 223, Lucy Clough 41:53, 249, Stuart Woodhead 44:30, 256, Stuart Smith 45:03, 268, Olivia Clough 46:11, 291, Nick Whittingham 48:02, 304, Mandy Mallinder 48:04, 329, Barbara Haigh 52:03, 330, Jane Cockerton 52:09, 338, Sarah Clough 54:18, 351, Ray Brown 56:30, 355, Steve Dommett 58:23, 359, Kim Rogers 61:15.
Barnsley Parkrun
4, Ian Neville 20:26, 26, Martyn Goodwin 24:54, 40, Lisa Hinchliffe 26:42, 44, Stu Smith 27:02, 57, Sue Hall 28:17, 110, Raymond Brown 34:26.
Penistone Parkrun
1, George Parr 18:13, 8, Damian Kilpin 19:51,11, Suzanne McGill 20:21, 15, Jonathan Anthony Hallam 20:52, 22, Oliver France 21:15, 32, Hannah Shaw 21:54, 35, Steve Stead 22:08, 45, Mark Crossley 23:12, 51, Nick
Pepper 23:32, 82, Peter Claydon 25:46, 97, Seuranie Johnstone 26:22, 106, Olivia Clough 27:01, 115, Emma Stead 27:22, 146 Andrew Taylor 28:43, 173, Rebecca Parr 30:28, 180, Andrea Lee 31:28, 199, Daniel Batty 33:04, 220, Dianne McGuinness 35:21, 224, Martyn Cartwright 35:52, 260, Rory O’Sullivan 51:53. RunGreno
3, Richard Cottam 48:18, 17, Dan Rushforth 51:17, 56, Jemma Williams 59:07, 81, Dan Canetti 1:02:40, 108, Jill Scrivens 1:05:34, 225, Emma Canetti 1:20:16.
HILL RUNNERS ROUND-UP
Saturday Parkrun Highlights
Many Valley Hill Runners (VHR) participated in Saturday’s Parkrun, primarily at Concord. A dedicated core team of VHR volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly.
Joanna Myers celebrated her 25th Parkrun with a personal best (PB). Luke Evans, the club chairman, also achieved a PB.
Jenni and Gordon Fiander travelled to Manchester for tourism Parkruns, participating in Wythenshawe Parkrun.
Newark Duckeries 30 Ultra Emma Raine, Emma Harpue, and Kim Drake competed in the Duckeries 30 at Newark. All finished in under 7 hours, supporting each other throughout the challenge. This marked the
first ultra marathon for both Kim Drake and Emma Harpue.
Run Greno Sunday
The Run Greno, a 7-mile mixed terrain event in Grenoside, saw a strong VHR turnout.
Shaun Wright, a new club member, was the first VHR male finisher and the first Vet 50 male. Wendy Richardson was the first VHR female finisher. Richard Borysiewicz was the first Vet 70 male finisher.
The weather conditions were ideal for running. Participants enjoyed post-race refreshments with a beer and burger, fostering a great sense of community among the VHR running family.
Runners at Duckeries 30 : Emma Raine, Emma Harpue, Kim Drake.
RunGreno Trail Race
The Stocksbridge Running Club embraced the cooler conditions for the third annual RunGreno trail race in Grenoside. Preparations began with Narni assisting in erecting the club’s feather flag. The initial race briefing was followed by a congested start as runners navigated the uneven terrain, making overtaking challenging for the first 1.5km.
The first significant climb came around the 3km mark, although the expected photographer was absent this year. Runners then transitioned to an open field section with grazing sheep before entering Wharncliffe Woods. Despite the tricky underfoot conditions, no falls were reported. Water was provided by Woodhead Mountain Rescue at the 8.5km point. The final stretch involved a challenging push parallel to Rough Lane, leading back to the race headquarters.
Notably, Narni, Nick, and Kirsty ran together, offering mutual encouragement throughout. Jenny and Rachel were among the first Stocksbridge runners to finish, with Jenny securing 3rd place female overall and Rachel achiev-
TIGERS BEAT CHAMPIONS
SHEFFIELD added three more league points to their tally after getting the better of defending ROWE Motor Oil Premiership champions Belle Vue on May Day Bank Holiday.
After being narrowly edged out 4644 in Manchester in the afternoon, the Tru7 Group Tigers turned on the style on home shale once more to secure a 57-33 victory for the third meeting on the trot at Owlerton to collect the aggregate point 101-79.
In the away fixture, Sheffield raced into an early eight-point lead after just four races and still led by a couple of points with just two races to go.
But the hosts managed two 4-2s at the end and edged a last heat decider to snatch the two match points and take a narrow advantage to Owlerton.
The Tigers came out fighting in front of their home faithful though and opened with back-to-back maximums.
They managed another in Heat Five courtesy of Josh Pickering and Justin Sedgmen, but the visitors replied instantly with a 5-1 of their own.
However, Sheffield made the most of gates two and four in the next two races to add two more to their own tally and open up a 16 point lead - a margin that they extended to 22 points by the conclusion of Heat Ten.
Belle Vue offered some resistance over the next four races before a breathtaking Heat 15 saw both Jack Holder and then Pickering storm their way past Aces’ skipper Brady
ing 2nd in the F40 category. Kate completed the course despite a knee issue. Post-race, participants enjoyed refreshments from the race sponsors.
Stocksbridge Runners finishing times: Jennifer Elsegood: 58:13 (3rd Female) Rachel Howard 1:00:08 (2nd F40) Narni Fulford & Nick Wright 1:11:43 Kate Fewkes 1:14:03 Heather Lindley 1:21:29
Kurtz to round the night off in perfect fashion.
The Tru7 Group Tigers are back in action next Thursday (May 15, 7.30pm) when they host league leaders Ipswich at Owlerton.
The Tru7 Group Tigers are back in action next Thursday (May 15, 7.30pm) when they host league leaders Ipswich at Owlerton.
There was also a second meeting at Owlerton which saw the Steelers beat Belle Vue Colts 45-39 in the WSRA National Development League. There were ten shared races between the sides out of the 14 that were completed before the curfew was reached.
STEELERS 45: Nathan Ablitt 10, Mickie Simpson 9, James Etherington 8+4, Luke Harris 8+2, Luke Harrison 8, Vinnie Foord 4+2, Harrison Rogers 0.
BELLE VUE 39: Will Cairns 11, Cooper Rushen 11, Freddy Hodder 10+1, Billy Budd 4, Jack Shimelt 3+1, Harry Fletcher 0, Jack Kingston r/r.
Abandoned after Heat 14 (Curfew) –Result stands
TIGERS PAIR QUALIFY FOR BRITISH FINAL
SHEFFIELD pair Leon Flint and Lewi Kerr were amongst the six successful qualifiers for the 2025 Attis Insurance Sports Division British Final on Thursday night.
The Tru7 Group Tigers’ duo made it through from the Semi-Final at Leicester’s Hydroscand Arena on a night of competitive racing in the Midlands.
Rising Star Flint started off with a race win before showing some solid consistency to reel off four straight second places whilst Kerr took the chequered flag on two occasions in his first four programmed rides.
It meant he needed just a single point from his final outing in Heat 20 to guarantee his place in the top six - but he finished at the back.
It left him in a three man run-off with former Sheffield riders Craig Cook and Connor Mountain who were all tied on nine points apiece.
And with maximum man Joe Thompson, Flint and home Leicester reserve pair Drew Kemp and Dan Gilkes all safely through, the top two would progress.
Kerr made a beautiful start from the gate two position whilst Mountain re-passed Cook at the end of the first lap.
Said Kerr: “I made hard work of it but we got there in the end. “I made a good start in the run-off and just kept it going. “I’ve done a few British Finals now and I think I made the semis once, that’s my best, so we’ll try and aim for that again and you never know in speedway, we’ll be giving it a good go.”
Meanwhile Flint said: “I kind of knew ten points would be enough but it was a really difficult night, nothing came easy. “Every race we were changing something because it was very slick so you had to be dialled out of the starts.
“But anyways, we’re through to the Final so we can start planning for that. “Hopefully I can upset a few people, go out there and do what I can. “I love riding at Belle Vue and it’s obviously a big meeting that I’ve missed out on the last couple of years so I’m really excited.”
Kerr and Flint will be joined by Anders Rowe who had already been previously seeded straight through to the 2025 Attis Insurance Sports Division British Final which takes place at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on Monday, May 12.
RESULT: Dan Thompson 15, Drew Kemp 14, Leon Flint 11, Dan Gilkes 10, Lewis Kerr 9 (after run-off), Connor Mountain 9. (Top 6 qualify for British Final at Belle Vue – Monday May 12).
