Plans for M&S Food Hall
A brand-new 24,000 sq. . Marks and Spencer food hall is planned for Fox Valley in north She eld, designed to bring the very best of M&S Food to the local community.
Fox Valley owners Drans eld Properties Ltd have submitted a planning application this month for the new food hall, which would complete the run of stores at the eastern end of the award-winning centre, alongside Home Bargains, Iceland, Aldi and Costa Co ee.
e new foodhall would o er the best possible shopping experience for customers with an array of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from M&S’ Select Farm partners, an in-store bakery serving bread and pastries, as well as takeaway hot drinks, and dedicated Flower and Wine shops.
A Click & Collect point would mean customers can easily collect their fashion, home and beauty favourites ordered via the M&S website. e store would stock the full range of M&S Food products, meaning more price benchmarked Remarkable Value essentials, Eat Well options and of course, the latest innovative new product launches.
An estimated 60 new jobs would be created if planning permission is granted, joining the
more than 4,000 colleagues M&S employs in Yorkshire.
e foodhall will be housed in a new building on the land next to Costa Co ee, o ering more choice for shoppers at this particular part of the centre. e new building will cover 24,000 sq. . with a 16,000 sq. . sales area.
If the proposals are given the go-ahead the new store will open in autumn 2026 – just as the centre celebrates its 10th birthday – with work estimated to start later this year.
e multi-million-pound plans are the latest in a number of positive developments and new investment at the centre so far this year. is Spring, Fox Valley saw the launch of the UK’s rst new format Gallery furniture and homewares store, opened by the family-owned company Shackletons. e Doctor led medi-spa e Wellness Space also opened in May.
Managing Director of Drans eld Properties, James Shepherd, said: “Marks and Spencer is the retail name that consistently comes up with our shoppers whenever there is a discussion about new retailers coming to Fox Valley. e new food hall is going to be really well received, and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to share this news with our shoppers and tenants.
HOSEPIPE BAN
FROM THIS FRIDAY
A hosepipe ban affecting more than five million people will come into effect from Friday - the first to be declared in the UK this year.
Yorkshire Water said the region had experienced its driest and warmest spring on record
with only 15cm of rainfall between February and June, less than half of what would be expected in an average year.
Yorkshire is the first part of the UK to face restrictions on water usage amid an extended spell of dry weather nationwide.
Dave Kaye, director of water at Yorkshire Water, said the restrictions “are intended to make sure we have enough supply for the essential needs of people across the region this year and next as well as making sure we are able to protect our local environment”.
The ban applies to customers across much of Yorkshire, parts of North Lincolnshire and parts of Derbyshire.
It prohibits the use of a hosepipe for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool. Anyone flouting the restriction could be fined up to £3,000.
The ban comes after the Environment Agency declared a drought across the region last month.
Nationally, England recorded its warmest June on record after the driest spring for 132 years.
According to Yorkshire Water, reservoir levels currently stand at just over 50% - a record low for the time of the year and “significantly below” the average for early July, which is nearer 80%.
Police Appeal After Serious Collision in Stocksbridge
South Yorkshire Police are appealing for information, witnesses and footage following a serious road traffic collision in Stocksbridge, Sheffield, during the early hours of Wednesday 2 July.
Emergency services were called to Manchester Road, near the junction with Ashfield Road, at around 12.20am after reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a silver Kia Ceed.
It is understood the vehicle collided with a wall. A 16-year-old boy, who was a passenger in the car, sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.
The driver, a 31-year-old woman, and three other 16-year-old boys, who were also passengers, are reported to have suffered minor injuries.
A road closure remained in place well into Wednesday.
Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant information, to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to hear from people who may have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the collision.
Footage can be submitted directly through the police portal here: https://orlo.uk/5xNDe Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 17 of 2 July 2025. Alternatively, information can be submitted online via the police portal: https://orlo.uk/ l7p72
DEEPCAR
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Contact The Experts in Double Glazing. 46 Years of Quality Service
are a small local family business and have been fitting top quality Windows, Doors & Conservatories since 1978.
Windows Doors
• uPVC
• Aluminium
• Timber
• Casement
• Sliding Sash
• Tilt & Turn
• Any Size
• Any Colour
• Light-weight tiled roof
• Extensions
• Orangeries
• Free Quotes
• Composite • Aluminium
• uPVC
• Bi-folds
• High Security Locks
• Any Size
• Any Colour
• Driveways
• Patios
• Ballastrades
• Garage/Loft Conversions
Archaeological Dig Set to Unearth Ancient Past
A local archaeology group is preparing to break new ground this summer in Oxspring, as part of a community-led excavation that could shed fresh light on Iron Age and Roman activity in the area.
The Roughbirchworth Community Excavation Group will begin a new dig at a site where a previous excavation uncovered a filled-in two-metre-deep ditch and large earth bank — features thought to be part of a much larger historic complex.
Building on last year’s success, which included a groundpenetrating radar survey, the group now plans to explore areas that may contain further archaeological remains. Their aim is to determine the age and purpose of the structures, with early findings suggesting the site may date as far back as the Iron Age or Roman period.
“This is an exciting opportunity to discover whether there was more Roman and Iron Age activity in our area than previously thought,” said group spokesperson Barry Tylee. “We are keen to involve as many people as possible from the local community — parents and children are welcome.”
The site already holds fascinating clues about the past. A carbon-dated post hole, dated to 770 AD, shows the land was in use well into the medieval period. Remarkably, archaeologists also recovered an inscribed stone bearing Viking runes near the bottom of the ditch.
In nearby fields, the group has previously discovered Iron Age and Roman artefacts, as well as signs of a possible road or trackway leading toward the main site. Situated on high ground near the ancient Saltway trade route from Cheshire, the area is believed to have held strategic importance, possibly guarded by the Romans.
The excavation will take place from 4th to 15th August, and the group is now inviting local residents of all ages to get involved.
Those interested in taking part are encouraged to visit the Roughbirchworth Community Excavation Group Facebook page to find out more and register their interest.
COUNCIL FINANCES FORECAST TO WORSEN
Sheffield City Council will provide an update on its financial position and reaffirm its commitment to ensure a stable and sustainable authority that delivers for the city and its residents, in a report being presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 10 July 2025.
The Council is setting out its refreshed Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and providing an update on its flagship transformation programme, Future Sheffield, as it works to modernise the way it delivers services, strengthen its financial sustainability, and ensure the Council continues to meet the needs of residents now and into the future.
The updated MTFS forecasts a budget gap of £7.7 million in 2026/27 and forecasts a gap of £69.6 million across the four-year period of 2026/27 to 2029/30. This increase reflects both a longer planning horizon and continued pressure on highdemand services such as social care. The strategy demonstrates
the Council’s commitment to prudent financial planning and long-term sustainability - avoiding short-term cuts in favour of measured, strategic change. The recently announced Fair Funding reform aims to reset government funding allocations for councils across England, to ensure resources are targeted where the need is greatest, and this will also inform future updates to the Council’s MTFS.
Alongside the MTFS, the Council is delivering its Future Sheffield programme - a bold and ambitious initiative to modernise services, improve outcomes for residents, and ensure the Council operates more effectively and efficiently.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “We are putting people at the heart of everything we do, supporting our communities, working hard to create jobs and grow our economy, and making sure our services work for residents.
GREENBELT CAMPAIGNERS ACCUSE
COUNCIL OF FLAWED PLAN PROCESS
A community group in North She eld has issued an open letter to She eld City Council’s Chief Executive, Kate Josephs, raising serious concerns about the city’s Local Plan and warning of potential legal action unless key issues are addressed.
e Chapeltown, Eccles eld and Grenoside (CEG) Community Group claims that the Council’s proposed Local Plan — which includes signi cant Green Belt land release in the S35 postcode area — su ers from “legal, procedural and ethical failings.”
e letter, sent on 2 July 2025, has also been copied to local MP Dr Marie Tidball, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, and Look Local Newspaper which the group hopes will help draw wider public attention to the issue.
Community Concerns Over Green Belt, Transparency and Infrastructure
CEG says more than 500 residents took part in a peaceful march last weekend, opposing the potential loss of protected countryside.
eir letter describes the Local Plan process as “deeply awed,” claiming that allocations of Green Belt land were approved just 20 days a er being made public — with some technical documents released only a er the Council’s vote.
“Councillors cannot claim to have made a sound decision when critical information
was not even in the public domain at the time,” the group writes.
ey further allege that residents have had just six weeks to review thousands of pages of technical documents, and that Freedom of Information requests submitted to clarify key facts are unlikely to be answered before the consultation closes on 11 July.
Allegations of Undeliverable Sites and Possible Con icts of Interest
One of the most serious claims in the letter is that some sites earmarked for development, such as Smithy Wood, are neither owned by the Council nor available for sale — which, the group argues, makes them “undeliverable” under planning rules.
CEG also raises concerns about potential con icts of interest, alleging that unnamed planning advisers involved in the Local Plan process may also hold commercial interests in developments related to allocated land.
e group says it is awaiting responses to FOI requests on this matter, and calls on the Council to investigate the issue and publish its ndings.
Complaints Over Consultation Events
A separate formal complaint has also been lodged with the Council over public consultation events held at Chapeltown Methodist Church and St Mark’s, Grenoside.
According to the group, several attendees — including elderly residents — felt intimidated by the presence of security guards, while some Council sta were described as poorly briefed and allegedly unable to answer questions about local sites or planning policies. One Council o cer, named in the complaint, is accused of unprofessional behaviour.
e complaint also claims that residents were given “patronising or dismissive” responses and that the venues and consultation format were unsuitable for genuine public engagement.
CEG is now calling for:
A formal public apology to residents and churches.
A new, fully independent consultation process
Written con rmation that all resident submissions will be passed unedited to the Planning Inspectorate
Infrastructure, Employment Land and Housing Demand Questioned
e letter further questions the Plan’s assumptions about housing demand, pointing to falling birth rates and existing vacant industrial land in and around She eld. e group claims that 70% of new employment land allocations are focused in the S35 area, despite substantial existing capacity nearby.
It also argues that infrastructure planning — including for roads, healthcare, and schools — is insu cient, and that modelling used by the Council is “deeply awed,” citing external academic analysis.
Legal Action reatened if Concerns Are Ignored
e group has given the Council until 5pm on 9 July to respond in full. Failing this, it says it will consider escalating its concerns to the:
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Secretary of State Planning Inspectorate
Or through judicial review
However, the group stresses that it remains open to working with the Council to identify what it calls “sustainable alternatives” to Green Belt development, prioritising browneld and community-backed sites instead.
“ e residents of North She eld deserve a ordable homes and jobs,” the letter concludes, “but not at the cost of their countryside, their trust and their voice.”
She eld City Council has been approached for comment.
New Memorial for Great Sheffield Flood Victim
Local historian Malcolm Nunn, while examining burial records at Zion United Reformed Church in Oughtibridge, has uncovered details of another victim of the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864. Robert Oliver, a paper maker, contracted typhoid from the polluted floodwaters and died some months later on 8th September 1864. He was buried alongside his wife, Sarah, who had passed away on 12th June 1856, and their son, William Oliver, aged 12, who died in December 1851.
Family historian Karen Lightowler, who has been researching for descendants of flood victims, established that Robert Oliver was the great-great-grandfather of Janet Hamilton, a Kent resident. Ms. Hamilton has now placed a memorial plaque next to the existing gravestones in the Zion churchyard.
Zion Church, located on Langsett Road South, was built in 1833 and holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the village. Its members are committed to supporting local historical records and welcome respectful visitors to view the graves and plaque in the churchyard.
Food Bank to Reopen with Volunteer Open Day
After two years of extensive development, the Food Bank at Cedar Road is preparing to fully reopen — and to mark the occasion, organisers are holding a special Volunteer Open Day on Tuesday 15th July, from 12.00pm to 2.00pm.
The major refurbishment, funded through a mix of national church-related contributions, National Lottery support, and other community grants, has transformed the site into a vibrant, seven-day-a-week community hub. The main hall at The Church at Cedar Road now plays host to a wide range of existing and new activities, aiming to serve and strengthen the local community.
The Food Bank itself now benefits from a brand-new space, while the Community Outlet, which opened just over a year ago, has also been redesigned to better serve users. Additional rooms across the building will be available for various community-led initiatives and events.
NOW OPEN
Looking ahead to the autumn, Food Matters — the organisation behind many of the community services at Cedar Road — is set to launch a new project: a community coffee shop. Far from being a traditional café, this will be a welcoming, informal space serving quality coffee and cake at affordable prices. The goal is to offer a relaxed setting where people can meet friends, make new connections, and find out more about the services on offer.
To help bring this new vision to life, Food Matters is now recruiting volunteers to help plan and run the coffee shop, which will open weekday mornings from the autumn. The upcoming Open Day on 15th July will give prospective volunteers a chance to find out more about the role and the wider plans for the space.
An advert for the event appears in this edition of Look Local, and organisers are encouraging anyone with a passion for people, community, or coffee to come along and get involved.
10-1pm 10% discount for Steelworkers, Blue Light Card Holders (Emergency Workers) & OAP’S
Mon-Fri 8.30 - 2.30pm
Bank
Volunteer Open Day
Could you be a volunteer one morning a week, please?
Food Ma ers needs a few more volunteers to work in its dedicated team of volunteers. Come and meet us to see what we do.
We are planning to open a new Coffee Shop, alongside the Food Bank and the Community Outlet.
It will be a nice place for local people to meet a friend, have a nice coffee, and find out about our services.
So as well as our normal services, which need a bit more help, we are looking for a few volunteers who would help us start this Coffee Shop in the Autumn. It will be a significant place the community, where local people can meet and have a good cup of coffee at an affordable price. And maybe discover what else is on offer in the community.
The Open Day is on Tuesday 15th July from 12.00pm to 2.00pm
At Cedar Road - The Food Bank
You’ll also see how the building works are coming to an end, and we are decorating and preparing for re-opening in full.
What’s On Scarecrow Trail Breaks Records
Now in its sixth year, urgoland’s ever-popular Scarecrow Trail has grown once again –with a record-breaking 40 entries delighting visitors over the weekend.
is year’s theme was ‘Films’, and villagers rose to the occasion with a dazzling array of creative and o en hilarious scarecrow displays dotted throughout the village. From animated favourites to cult classics, the trail drew in hundreds of families eager to take part.
e winners, as voted for by the public, were announced at the end of the weekend. Taking the top spot was a towering tribute to ** e BFG**, closely followed by a brilliantly detailed **Guardians of the Galaxy** display. ird place went to a comically cra ed version of **Dumb and Dumber**, much to the delight of passers-by.
e festivities concluded with the traditional **Fun Day in the park**, which this year boasted a Glastonbury-style mobile stage. e platform hosted a range of performances by local children and young artists, who entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Kicking o the event in cinematic style was **Darth Vader himself**, opening the trail as teams of local youngsters recreated iconic lm trailers – including **Star Wars**, **Ghostbusters**, and **Minions** – in a fun and lively showcase.
Organisers hailed the weekend as a resounding success, calling it “an excellent weekend of entertainment with fun for everyone.” Plans are already being discussed for next year’s event, which looks set to be even bigger.
JULY
WEDNESDAY
9 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 9th July at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Mike Higginbottom, entitled “The Windy City”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
THURSDAY
10 Chapeltown WI meet at 7.30 pm in the Methodist Church when Gill Ellis will demonstrate making glass plates. The competition is for a piece of coloured glass. New members and visitors will always be made welcome.
10 Stocksbridge & District History Society - ‘Grand Day Out’ - BYO Picnic and Tour at Wortley Top Forge’. Members and Guests 12 -12.30. Start.
FRIDAY
11 Relax with a Poem – 1.30 until 2.30pm poetry for pleasure – Stocksbridge Library – Manchester Road. Bring a favourite poem or just sit and listen and enjoy the chat over a cup of tea or co ee.
SATURDAY
12 Bullhouse Chapel is open on Saturday the 12th June for quiet re ection or to learn about the history of this Independent Chapel from 2pm - 4pm.
SUNDAY
13 Wortley Rotary Club 28th
Annual Vintage Vehicle Show at Wortley Hall on 13th July 2025
Wortley Rotary Club are holding the 28th annual Vintage Vehicle Show at Wortley Hall. Over 140 vehicles have prebooked as exhibits with more possibly booking in on the day the show opens to the public 12noon – 4pm prices £5 adults £2 children with family ticket £12 Inc. 3 children. Car parking is free. Attractions are plentiful, children’s rides, face painting, food, ices, licenced bar and live band. As with all Rotary events all proceeds go to local charities and good causes with She eld Children’s Hospital once again this year’s main bene ciary.
WEDNESDAY
16 “BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP
Members Evening: Wednesday 16th July at 7.30pm. Archaeologist Tim Cockrell’s talk is “The Hills have Eyes: Rock Art and The Pre-History of She eld’s Hinterland”, based on eld surveys of our surrounding moorlands. We meet in the hall at Christ Church on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge, and the talk is also available on Zoom (members only) - contact bahgmembership@gmail.com for the link. Refreshments available. There is a small entry charge: Members £2 Non-members £4. All welcome. There will be no meeting in August, and they begin again in September. “
MONDAY
28 Trip to Hathersage open-air swimming pool for TARA mem-
EVENT
bers. Leaving Red Grouse at 9.30 for the 11.00 session.Sponsored by TARA so individuals £2.50, families £5.00. Limited places! Book yours at tarastocksbridge. ud@gmail.com
TUESDAY
29 Free Co ee morning at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS sponsored by TARA. Drop in anytime 10.15 - 11.45 for co ee, cake and chat. More information 07957 206646 or tarastocksbridge.ud @ gmail.com
AUGUST
SATURDAY
2 Stocksbridge Christian Centre Cedar Road YORKSHIRE AFTERNOON TEA on Saturday 2nd August from 3 - 5 p.m. Price £8 - Please book your place - ring 07532425641 or 07415 277266
MONDAY
4 Trip to Ponderosa Zoo, Heckmondwike, for TARA members .Coach leaving Red Grouse at 10.00 am Sponsored by TARA so individuals £2.50, families £5.00. Limited places! Book yours at tarastocksbridge.ud@ gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
6 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 6th August at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Peter Drake, entitled “The Cleveland Way”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website
at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
6 Visit to Springvale Community Gardens for TARA members, followed by lunch at Cubley hall. Coach leaving Red Grouse at 10.30 am. £5.00 per person. Limited places so Book yours at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail. com.Sponsored by TARA.
THURSDAY
7 High Green WI will be meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday the 7th of August in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church, on Wortley Road. The event is “Life Under the Hammer” with Trevor Vennett-Smith. The competition is “A Vintage Item”. Members and visitors warmly welcome.
TUESDAY
12 Afternoon tea at the Golf Club for TARA members Places are limited. Book yours at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on
Monday 2023 to meet us and see if you like us. Bass voices are needed so have a go at singing in the Bath first! Contact 01226 764642 for more information
Baby and Toddler group at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS. Mondays during termtime 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.
TUESDAYS
Stocksbridge Bowls Club hold a weekly open session at 1.30pm every Tuesday at Linden Crescent. All ages welcome.
CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) Tea, coffee, cakes, dominoes and other games, and friendship. Every Tuesday 2-4 pm at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone. (Next to the library).For more details: 07903 628820
Deepcar Drop-In every Tuesday from 10am - midday at St John’s Church, Deepcar. All are welcome for drinks, cake and company.
Tuesday social bowling starting at 1.30pm Stocksbridge Bowls Club, Linden Crescent
WEDNESDAYS
Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435
Thurgoland Community Choir, every Wednesday 7pm - 9:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Thurgoland. Coffee mornings with home -
made cakes. Wednesdays from 10am to 12 noon at St Mary’s Church Bolsterstone. Friendly company, and delicious home made cakes are waiting for walkers, residents and anyone else wishing to drop in for a coffee and a chat. You can be assured of a warm welcome in Bolsterstone St Mary’s.
THURSDAYS
Open House Community Café
Everyone is welcome at Open House, our new community café - 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday at Holy Trinity Thurgoland Church. Pop in for coffee, cakes and a chat. Contact Hannah for more details: hannahosandoval@gmail.com
The South Yorkshire Bonsai Society, meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month at Deepcar Village Hall 8 to 10 p.m. High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 10am-12:30pm £4 per person. Call Margaret for more info 0114 284 7190
Volunteer Thursdays at Greave House Farm Trust. Enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, meeting new friends. Any time between 10am and 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. Also monthly work days on 2nd Saturday. For more info contact Barbara: 07724505911or email greavehouse@yahoo.co.uk
Are you looking for some unique furniture? Have some furniture in need of a makeover?
Know what you want but can’t quite visualise it?
Don’t know where to start? Get in touch I’m taking bookings to bring your reloved furniture back to life.
What’s On
FREE CYCLING
If you’ve been thinking about getting out your bike to enjoy the wonderful weather and get outdoors, or you’re new to cycling and not sure where to start, this is the perfect opportunity! Join the team at Steel Valley Project for a fun and relaxed cycling event on Saturday, 12th July and 16th August at 2pm, meeting outside Trek Bicycles at Fox Valley in Stocksbridge.
This free event is designed especially for people who want to enjoy cycling in a welcoming, low-pressure environment and will follow easy bike trails in our beautiful local countryside. Whether you haven’t been on a bike in years or are just looking for a gentle ride to boost your confidence, this is the ride for you. Everyone is welcome, anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult and be capable of riding for approximately 45 minutes each way.
Organised by the Steel Valley Project in collaboration with Cycling UK and the Big Bike Revival, the event is part of a series of guided rides and events aimed at encouraging people
to cycle more often – although the event is free you will need to reserve a space in advance details can be found on www.steelvalleyproject/events or by emailing info@steelvalleyproject.org
Mary HAGUE
Passed away peacefully in Alpine Lodge Nursing Home aged 89.
Devoted Wife of the late Arthur, much Loved Mum of Mark and John, loving Sister and Friend to many.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 17th July, 1.30 pm at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel. Family flowers only please.
Enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, S36 2RE 0114 2885555
Christine SIDDALL
Passed away peacefully in hospital after a long illness.
Wife to the late Alan Siddall. Dearly loved Mum to Stuart, John, Jackie and Jane.
The funeral service to be held at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel on 16th July at 2.30pm.
Refreshments will be at The Shoulder of Mutton, Worrall.
Deaths
Robert PORTEOUS (Jock/Rab)
Sadly passed away suddenly on Monday 16th June aged 75.
A much loved Dad, Grandad, Brother and Uncle.
The funeral will take place on Friday 18th July 12 noon at Grenoside Crematorium. Family flowers only. Donations will be gratefully accepted for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Heartfelt thanks from his family to all the staff at Buckingham Care home Penistone.
Brian BROOKE
Passed away at the Northern General Hospital, aged 90.
Husband of the late Margaret Anne. Much loved Father to Clare and the late Philip. Loving Grandad to all his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Belmont House Care Home.
The funeral service will be held at the South Chapel, Grenoside Crematorium on Wednesday 16th July at 12.30pm. Family flowers only but donations to Belmont House Residents Comfort Fund gratefully received.
Enquiries to Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar, S36 2RS
Hello, I’m Jane Ward-Drummond, your local Estate Planning Consultant of 13 years experience. I am an expert in helping people arrange their Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Pre-paid Funeral Plans.
Along with my colleague Haworth Ward-Drummond we specialise in helping all kinds of people gain peace of mind by providing professional advice, but with a personal touch.
We offer a FREE consultation without obligation for anybody who would like to know more about any of the following:
• Making a basic Will
• Setting up Lasting
• Protecting your home for future generations
• Pre-paid Funeral Plans
Robin PHILLIPS
It is with great sadness we announce the loss of a well loved Dentist and friend Dr Robin Phillips.
Recently retired has passed away peacefully in his sleep aged 59 years.
A Father, Son, Brother, Colleague and Friend.
Rest in Peace.
Local Opinion
Bolsterstone Bellringers
Hello Editor
As part of the victory celebrations concerning the Second Battle of El Alamein in November 1942, it seems that a national bell ringing event was enacted and from the poorquality photo I’ve recently come across, that Bolsterstone Bellringers took part in it.
I was therefore wondering if anyone can shed any further light concerning the aforesaid photograph. Such as who the people in the picture are, including the four partially obscured from view, date and time of event, peals rang etc; and pass on their info via Look Local and/or Stocksbridge Local History Society so such may be preserved for posterity.
Yours faithfully Michael Parker.
Calling everyone from within the Stocksbridge Town Council area
The Participatory Budgeting (PB) Scheme is up and running again.
In other words, STC has saved up £50,000, which they are inviting local groups to bid for. There are criteria.
Each eligible group is invited to present its bid at the PB evening to be held at The Venue on Wednesday, 15th October, early evening. After listening to the presentations, everyone may vote for the projects they prefer. The groups with the most votes take the money!
Come and find out more about the details on Thursday, 24th July, at 6 pm at The Venue. Our Mayor, Keith Davis, has offered to talk us through the scheme.
Also on the agenda is an update on the newly launched hopper bus, public transport concerns in the area and the other Townsboard Projects.
Come and tell us about your community group, too. Everyone is very welcome.
Barbara Horsman
GOVERNMENT FAILURE TO ADDRESS IMPENDING FINANCIAL IMPLOSION NOT GRASPED BY MARIE TIDBALL MP
The Government’s catastrophic failure even to begin addressing the country’s impending financial implosion evidently is in no way grasped by our MP, Marie Tidball. In the Commons, instead of pointing out that the Universal Credit and PIP (Personal
Independence Payment) Bill is hopelessly short of tackling the unaffordability of the benefits system, she complained that disabled folk were not consulted, and that there needs to be a new approach so that they “reach their full potential”. [See last week’s LL]
The issue, Marie, is that there are roughly four times as many PIP recipients re mental illness claims (40% of the four million PIP total) than there are working-age people in Britain considered to have severe mental illness (under 1% of the 37 million working age population = <400,000) -- and many of the latter diagnoses / assessments will be through either exaggeration as severe what actually is mild, or over-diagnosis as a condition what isn’t.
Marie no doubt agrees that paid work is the best therapy for most disabled people, though she doesn’t mention the help available here, nor that as well as the carrot there needs to be the stick. The benefits bill as a whole, though especially that for those claiming disability, is out of control through the abandonment of regular and face-toface assessment, and negligible onus placed on claimants to return to work.
A core problem is blanket allowance of claims for mild depression. This is an open door for abuse on a gigantic scale, because PIP pays considerably more than you get in Universal Credit from simply presenting as being unemployed. Even in respect of clinical, endogenous depression, unless it’s severe enough to warrant hospitalisation or outpatient ECT treatment it’s likely that the social milieu and active engagement entailed in paid work is the obvious way to start and maintain breaking out of the doom loop of thinking that is depression.
Steve Moxon, Deepcar
Stocksbridge Towns Fund: Urgent Need for Investigation
Dear Editor,
I am writing as a concerned Stocksbridge resident to draw attention to serious issues with the £24.1 million Stocksbridge Towns Fund, intended to regenerate our town. Instead of progress, we face dysfunction, poor leadership, lack of transparency and self serving financial mismanagement, leaving our community totally disillusioned.
Transparency has been a persistent problem. After a Sheffield City Council governance review, the Town Fund Board pledged to publish meeting agendas five days in advance and meeting minutes within ten days. Yet, for the June 6th meeting, agendas were not provided, and minutes remain unavailable (still) well beyond this deadline. This further erodes public trust and accountability after such high profile criticism of the Towns Fund by Marie Tidball MP - who is now actually responsible for it! No wonder Reform won Julie Grocutt’s seat (she resigned from Labour and sat as in Independent, before she resigned fully which brought about this recent election- interesting in itself as Julie has been a great servant
of both Stocksbridge and Labour).
Financial concerns are equally alarming. Well over £1 million has reportedly been wasted on abandoned projects—like the hydrotherapy pool at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre and the Town Square revamp and precinct facelift, all due to poor decision-making and a lack of ambition. Consultants and Council fees has gobbled over £2 million I also hear. Meanwhile, the high street deteriorates, and key projects, such as the new library and community hub, face delays until 2026 or 2027. Questions also linger about property purchases, with local claims of overpayments benefiting certain high profile local Labour Party sources (is it a coincidence that the Towns Fund and Council have paid double to buy the property used by the Labour Party as their local campaign office - I think not!). While evidence is unclear, the opacity and lack of engagement, the constant changes to the story, and the general lack of progress on the Towns Fund Deal just fuels suspicions and it warrants scrutiny.
Our community is generally suffering as we can all see. The closure of St Luke’s Hospital shop, a vital service, reflects a failure to prioritise local needs as they weren’t accommodated in any plans made by the Towns Fund and Council. Four years on and the promised bus service is apparently just about to start with Tidball’s claiming her “laser-focus” is delivering such change - this is all spin! Updates via Facebook, the website, or Look Local haven’t happened for over six months, leaving residents in the dark after promise after promise from Marie Tidball MP (who seems to be on every page of Look Local every week making promises, but saying nothing on the Towns Fund’s £24million and our high street).
Her leadership just adds to the frustration. Marie Tidball MP, once critical of the Towns Fund’s priorities and management, now cochairs the Town Fund Board and now manages and defends it —a blatant shift from her election promises. So it is yet another Labour U-turn. They’ll say anything to get in then don’t do what they say when they do. This, for me, raises doubts about her commitment to Stocksbridge over her personal ambition and self-promotion.
The people of Stocksbridge deserve regeneration, not regression. I urge your newspaper to investigate these governance failures, wasted funds, questionable deals, and the erosion of ambition. Please hold the Town Fund Board, Sheffield City Council, and our elected representative to account. We need transparency, competence, and a plan that truly serves our town and not the political gravy train. Tidball has been our MP for a year now and it gets worse as there is now no town’s square, no revamp to the precinct, no extra parking and no progress. Just a plan for a new library building for the Council and the money spent on who knows what - we certainly don’t! I have copied the new local Councillor and other key people in to this letter, like Mark Dransfield, in the hope they can shed some light. I hope people will think about whether we are being shortchanged, at best, or conned, at worse, and push for a change before all the Towns Fund money is squandered.
Yours sincerely, Mr. A. Bohem, Cedar Road, Stocksbridge.
MP INVITES THE LEADER OF SHEFFIELD COUNCIL TO LOCAL PLAN MEETING
Over 60 constituents attended a meeting about the Sheffield Local Plan held by Marie Tidball MP, the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, with Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council. The meeting, which took place at St Mark’s Church, Grenoside, was introduced by Dr Tidball, who said she knew there had been “real heartache” caused by additional site allocations had caused. She shared some of the actions that she has already taken following correspondence and conversations with people affected in her constituency, including writing to the Sheffield Hallam University to allocate some of their sites for housing, alongside other Sheffield MPs. Cllr Hunt then gave a short talk about why the Council is currently consulting on site proposals as part of the draft Local Plan. He emphasised that no decisions have been taken yet, and he encouraged residents to submit their views to the public consultation, which closes on July 11th.
After the opening remarks, smaller groups of attendees drilled into the issues around specific sites. They discussed their concerns
about the process by which the sites were allocated, including the lack of notice to those living on the sites; the suitability of the sites for the purposes of housing or employment; and the issues surrounding public services and infrastructure. Throughout the evening, Cllr Hunt sat with each group to listen to their concerns and questions. Dr Tidball also listened to constituents and worked with the groups to arrange visits across the proposed sites in the Local Plan.
At the end of the session, a constituent representative from each group shared the priority issues that had been raised over the course of the evening, which included concerns about the unfair distribution of released green belt, the size of the sites relative to the existing villages, and the lack of clarity from the Council in the process of proposing the sites.
Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:
“Although I don’t have a vote on the local plan, it’s my role as the Member of Parliament to convey our communities’ concerns and asks to the Council. That’s why I invited
Cllr Tom Hunt to hear directly from those living in the affected areas about their concerns. I am grateful to all those who attended.
“I agree with the concerns raised by constituents that there is an unequal distribution of green belt land in our constituency, namely S35, that is being released under the local plan. The Council is taking a brownfield-first approach, which is right, with green belt release being a last resort but there are more opportunities to identify additional brownfield sites and spread green belt sites more fairly across the authority. There are opportunities to push this further, by seeking smaller sites distributed more widely across the authority.
“I am extremely disappointed in the process the Planning Team at the Council has followed in allocating some sites, with some freehold owners and leaseholders living and working on the land not being notified before the six-week consultation opened.
“Constituents have also raised concerns about the accessibility of materials, of the planning portal and council communications
on the proposals for those who are not on the internet.
“I would strongly encourage all residents to continue feeding into the consultation whilst it is open until the 11th July via the Sheffield City Council website.
“This isn’t the end of the conversation on the Local Plan: using the feedback collated at the meeting, I will be submitting a response to Sheffield City Council’s consultation on the additional site allocations and writing to the Planning Inspectorate. I’ll also be following up with the Council about the problems with the processes, and working with local residents who have been impacted. I’ll make sure that there are clear channels for constituents to feed back to the Council after the consultation closes too.”
Constituents can book an advice surgery with Dr Marie Tidball MP by emailing Marie. Tidball.casework@parliament.uk.
Residents can also submit their response to the public consultation until 11th July via the Sheffield City Council website: www.sheffield.gov.uk
Silverstone Podium for Sheffield F4 Star
By Andrew McMath
After a weekend of celebration at Silverstone, I sat down with Sheffield’s Rowan Campbell-Pilling to discuss his podium finish, career so far and unravelling the love he has for his home city.
Last weekend was a time of celebration in the world of F1. With the motorsport celebrating its 75th anniversary at Silverstone.
As part of the celebration, F1, F2, F3, and F4 were all part of the same event schedule for the first time in history.
As you can imagine, this was a great opportunity for drivers looking to one day enter the F1. An opportunity Sheffield’s F4 driver Rowan Campbell-Pilling, 18, took with full aplomb as he finished the weekend in third, sealing a place on the podium.
Rowan had raced at Silverstone before, but the special occasion of racing on the anniversary weekend was hard to describe.
He said: “I still can’t put the feeling into words. What an incredible feeling and experience. The whole weekend was amazing.
“From driving out the pit lane for the first time in free practice and it’s like am I in real life or the F1 game.”
Across the weekend, Rowan’s experience on the track was slightly turbulent despite the impressive end result.
He told Look Local: “Starting third in race one, we knew we had a good shot at it. We got a good start, and then I took the lead going into Brookland’s outside the BDRC led for about six corners and then unfortunately, suspension failure put us out of the race.
“It’s something you can’t control. It’s not on me or the team. It’s just a part’s failure. It’s difficult, but something that you have to put behind you.”
Despite the setback, Rowan went into the next race with optimism.
“I knew that if I did the same thing the following day, got a good start, made some positions, hit my points, we’d have a solid result.
“We got that good start. We got a couple places and just hit our apexes. It’s a shame we couldn’t have a go at p2 at the end. I think a couple more laps and I could have got there. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.
“We came third on the track and that’s something to be immensely proud of, in front of such an incredible crowd at Silverstone.”
Rowan expressed further the incredible atmosphere he experienced over the weekend.
“The attitude and the vibes were just incredible. I think it was sold out. What an incredible experience and opportunity.”
Many drivers like Rowan in the F4 will dream of some day being among the likes of Lando Norris who himself rose from F4 to F1. An event like the one at Silverstone last weekend is one that can help boost their chances.
Rowan said: “Incredibly important, but it’s the same every weekend, you never want to start on a bad trajectory. You want to stay on an upward one. If you have a bad result and lose your head a bit, that could affect things later.
“It’s a case of keeping a clear mind all the time and going in with the same approach thinking; what can I achieve here? What can I realistically do? What do I want to achieve? Then, going out and doing it.”
On his podium finish, Rowan was proud, but as you can tell from above wanted more.
“It’s an incredible experience, but at the same time, you come away wanting to be on that top step. You want to be pushing for the wins. You have to keep the mindset of what you want to achieve.
“But a Silverstone podium in front of such a big crowd, it’s lovely.”
At just 18, Rowan is only on his second season of F4 racing. His career is at an important point where he can begin to be reflective on what’s been and what could be.
After starting out on two wheels on trial bikes when he was three or four years old, Rowan caught the bug for racing and, more importantly, winning. By six or seven, he was gokarting, developing a love for going around corners quickly and accelerating down straights.
From there, he gained success in the junior and senior categories of karting. Becoming the Daniel Ricciardo Series UK Junior Karting Champion in 2021. Then gaining multiple senior titles in 2022 and 2023.
He currently races in the F4 for local Dronfield-based team JHR developments.
On his relationship with the team, Rowan said: “JHR have done a stellar job so far this year and we’ve had a couple of mistakes this year on both mine and the team’s parts.
“That’s what true teamwork is: holding your hand up and saying that’s on me. Both parties
do that. We’ve had some very strong results, including this weekend, it’s blown all expectations out of the water.
“As it’s only down the road in Dronfield, it allows me to spend a lot of time with the team. You get to know them really well. You become closer with them, and therefore you can trust them, and ultimately, when driving 140 miles per hour around a corner, you want to have faith in your mechanics.”
His relationship with his local team in Dronfield is a factor in Rowan’s success in F4. As such Rowan has a lot of pride for his local area and wants to give back to his home city of Sheffield.
This has led him to become an ambassador for the Children’s Hospital Charity and to raise £25,000. With the Sheffield Children’s Hospital close to him, where he has received treatment.
Rowan said: “When I was very young, I had a serious chest infection. So I can probably say I owe my life to them.
“I wanted to work with a charity, and Children’s Hospital felt like the right fit. They mean so much to me and the people of Sheffield; they’ve saved countless lives and continue to. It’s an incredible asset to all of us in South Yorkshire.”
Rowan also wants to give more back to his home city than just charity work, hoping to inspire the next generation at a young age himself.
“I want to inspire people to do the right thing, whatever that right thing is for them. Motorsport isn’t for everyone. But anyone can achieve their dreams and do what they want to do with their life.
“It’s important that when you’re doing what you love that you give back.”
Sheffield has clearly left a mark on Rowan and how he approaches racing and life.
He said: “I say I’m from Sheffield with such pride, because we’re a city with so much heritage, as the Steel City. There’s so much heritage around Sheffield as a whole. This has and always will be my home.
“Sheffield means the world to me, the people of Sheffield are amazing, it’s an incredible place, and I want to keep making my city and county proud.”
If his current momentum, confidence, and drive are anything to go by. Rowan has all he needs to continue to make the city of Sheffield proud. Time will also tell whether he achieves his dream of becoming the Steel City’s firstever F1 Champion.
Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey
Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey
Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey
TOP PLACINGS FOR PENISTONE AT THURLSTONE CHASE
Thursday evening saw a fantastic showing from Penistone Footpath Runners at the everpopular Thurlstone Chase, a 4.2-mile fell race with over 500 feet of climbing and a fast finish. The club turned out in strength with 49 runners and came away with an impressive haul of podium finishes and category wins.
The women led the charge, with Suzanne McGill storming to second female overall in 3026, while Rachael Mayston followed closely to claim third female overall in 30-58. Adding to the club’s honours, Susie Braddock won the ladies over60 category in 36-46, and Barbara Haigh was first over70 in 48-04.
The men were also impressive. James Mumford led the club home with a fifth-place overall finish and took first in the men’s over40 age category in 27-06. Ian Neville claimed top honours in the men’s over60 category with 29-59, and Stuart Woodhead continued his consistent form to win the over70 category in 38-46.
Excellent performances also from George Parr (6th, 27-09), Dan Rushforth (11th, 2730) and Lee Storey (29-00). On Friday evening, Gareth Irvine produced a season’s best performance at the fast and flat DonFaster 5K. Representing Penistone Footpath Runners, Irvine clocked 19-19 (chip time) to finish 55th overall and continue his strong summer form. His result also placed him among the top finishers in the MV40 category, underlining steady improvement through the season.
Two Penistone runners took on the latest edition of the fast and competitive Loxley Lash 5K on Tuesday night. Rob Lees delivered an excellent run to place 27th overall in a time of 18-39, earning him 3rd place in the men’s over45 age category. Gareth Irvine ran a solid 19-51, finishing 49th overall and 8th over45 man.
Two Penistone runners took part in the Coal Aston Gala Race on Saturday, hosted by Dronfield Running Club as part of the village’s annual festivities. Peter Beever ran strongly over the undulating multi-terrain course to clock 42-13, while Kelvin Bowskill followed in 44-
21, earning a superb 2nd place in the men’s over70 category.
Six intrepid Penistone runners took on the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon this past weekend—an iconic two-day event held in the Lake District, where competitors must carry all their gear, including tents and cooking equipment, as they navigate mountainous terrain between overnight camps. Despite wet and challenging conditions, spirits remained high as club members tackled different courses.
On the Fairfield course, Tom Fryers and James Fryers finished an impressive 8th overall, while Steve Sanders and Damian Kilpin placed 25th on the same route.
On the Carrick Fell course, Jon Hallam turned in a strong performance to finish 30th, and Sarah Jones-Morris completed the Harter Fell course, placing 76th overall.
It was another standout weekend for the Penistone ladies across parkrun venues near and far. Dawn Broom was the top gender finisher at Mansfield, clocking 22-54 and also achieving the run of the weekend with an agegraded score of 84.72%.
Jade Crosby also claimed a first-place female finish at Penistone in a PB time of 20-33. Second gender finishes came from Suzanne McGill (20-45) and Andrew Heppenstall (18-31), both at Penistone.
Third gender places went to Lois Lopez at Thornes (24-56 PB) and Julia Johnson at Dewsbury (23-28).
It was a milestone weekend for several club members. Gareth Irvine completed his 200th parkrun at Hillsborough, finishing in 20-42.
At Penistone, Kate Rushforth ran her 100th, while Dan Rushforth and Jen Holley each notched up their 50th parkruns.
Other notable performances included Richard Cottam’s PB of 18-01 at Barnsley and a PB for Lee Storey (19-21) at North Yorks Water Park. Jill Scrivens, Nick Pepper, and Gemma Nutton also recorded PBs. On the age-grade front, five runners broke the 75% mark: Dawn Broom (84.72%), Julia Johnson (83.88%), Suzanne McGill (79.84%), Ian Neville (77.46%) and Richard Cottam (76.87%).
Results
Thurlstone Chase
5, James Mumford 27-06; 6, George Parr 2709; 11, Dan Rushforth 27-30; 20, Lee Storey 29-00; 24, Damian Kilpin 29-47; 26, Ian Neville 29-59; 27, Jon Hallam 30-02; 29, Suzanne McGill 30-26; 30, Oliver Pike 30-41; 33, Rachael Mayston 30-58; 34, Phil Hinchliffe 31-01; 36, James Pierce 31-05; 38, Richard Williams 31-48; 39, Hannah Shaw 31-53; 41, Chris Hodgson 32-14; 48, Andrew Sheil 3333; 49, Ian Moody 33-47; 50, Shaun Walker 33-54; 57, Michael Nicholson 34-32; 61, Chris Baldwin 35-00; 62, Gemma Nutton 3514; 64, Loida Lopez 35-33; 65, Paul Fryers 3548; 66, Ben Williamson 35-50; 67, John Howsham 35-52; 68, Jill Scrivens 35-53; 74, Sue Braddock 36-46; 78, Rebecca Timms 37-53; 80, Robin Clough 37-59; 81, Lisa Hinchliffe 38-24; 82, Stuart Woodhead 38-46; 84, Shelley Gill 39-24; 86, Heather Graham 39-44; 88, Mark Graham 39-49; 92, Amelia Cottam 4011; 93, Shaun Braddock 40-31; 99, Luke McGuinness 41-40; 104, Stu Smith 42-43; 105, Jen Holley 42-57; 108, Lorraine Mackie 4324; 109, Mandy Mallinder 44-05; 112, Nick Whittingham 44-20; 116, Becky Parr 45-14; 117, Sue Hall 45-24; 118, Andrea Lee 47-31; 119, Sarah Clough 47-47; 121, Barbara Haigh 48-04; 122, Steve Dommett 50-03; 126, Kim Rogers 51-39.
Donfaster 5k
55, Gareth Irvine 19-19.
Coal Aston Gala Race 49, Peter Beever 42-13; 57, Kelvin Bowskill 44-21.
Loxley Lash 5k
27, Rob Lees 18-39; 49, Gareth Irvine 19-51. Barnsley Parkrun
2, Richard Cottam 18-01; 8, Ian Neville 2042; 42, Mark Graham 26-08; 59, Stu Smith 27-37; 85, Sue Hall 29-53.
Penistone Parkrun
2, Andrew Heppenstall 18-31; 3, George Parr 19-08; 7, Martin Ball 19-49; 15, Jade Crosby 20-33; 16, Suzanne McGill 20-45; 20, Dan Rushforth 21-13; 24, Phil Hinchliffe 21-50; 29, Simon Pike 22-15; 43, Dan Cooper 2320; 52, Jill Scrivens 23-35; 60, Shaun Swallow 24-07; 68, Chris Hodgson 24-27; 84, Lisa Hinchliffe 25-52; 87, Emma Stead 26-17; 89, Michael Nicholson 26-18; 98, Stefan ButlerGillen 26-53; 102, Keith Gordon 27-03; 109, Gemma Nutton 27-18; 132, Heather Lindley 28-57; 138, Kate Rushforth 29-19; 139, Jen Holley 29-19; 155, Becky Parr 30-24; 156, Angela Rollinson 30-25; 174, Sarah Clough 31-08; 181, Shaun Braddock 31-55; 193, Danny Batty 33-18; 194, Sara Wolstenholme 33-22; 226, Rory O’Sullivan 37-55; 230, Martyn Cartwright 39-36; 243, Ray Brown 52-34.
TIGERS BACK ON TOP
e team showcased exceptional depth and skill. Anders Rowe delivered a strong performance, contributing crucial points. A notable moment was William Cairns securing his rst topight race win, highlighting his growing prowess on the track.
e Tigers sealed their victory with a decisive 5-1 maximum in Heat 14, executed brilliantly by the pairing of Kerr and Sedgmen, leaving Birmingham with no chance of a comeback.
Looking ahead, She eld’s next xture is a home clash against Oxford on Monday, July 14, with an earlier start time of 7:30 pm. is follows the postponement
of their King’s Lynn match due to adverse weather conditions.
Fans also have the opportunity to attend a free STAARS event this ursday, July 10, at the New Barrack Tavern, also starting at 7:30 pm, o ering a chance to engage with the club o the track.
SHEFFIELD 50: Chris Holder 16, Josh Pickering 14+1, Anders Rowe 9+1, Lewis Kerr 6+1, William Cairns 3, Justin Sedgmen 2+1, Jack Holder R/R
BIRMINGHAM 40: Tobiasz Musielak 14+1, Sam Hagon 8+1, Matej Zagar 7+1, Jonas Jeppesen 7+1, Ben Barker 2+2, Paco Castagna 2, Keynan Rew R/R.
WHEELY STRONG TIME TRIAL FOR PEASEGOOD
Last Saturday saw Wheeler Trevor Mayne riding a standard road bike in the VTTA Yorkshire 25 mile Open Time Trial near irsk.
On a very warm day his time of 1h 3m 40s placed him 41st overall and 29th on age handicap.
On Tuesday in the 8th of Birdwell’s 5 mile time trials at urgoland fastest on the night was Wheeler Marc Peasegood in 12m 58s.
2nd was Dean Bowmer of Barnsley RC in 13m 16s and 3rd was Sam Hiley of Chapeltown CC in 13m 33s.
Results
1. Marc Peasegood Birdwell Whs 12:58 2. Dean Bowmer Barnsley RC 13:16 3. Sam Hiley Chapeltown CC 13:33 4. James Shaw Birdwell Whs 13:53 5. Trevor Mayne Birdwell Whs 14:16 6. Russ Senior Barnsley RC 14:42 7. Paul Heggie Birdwell Whs 17:29
CELEBRATIONS FOR VHR
It’s been another action-packed week for the Valley Hill Runners (VHR), with members out in force across the region – on the roads, trails, and even in the cathedral.
Wednesday saw Wendy Richardson travel to Maltby for the h race in the Memorial Series.
Under blazing sunshine and battling a sti headwind, Wendy put in a strong performance and was narrowly edged out of rst place in her age category.
On Saturday, the VHR presence was spread far and wide across the parkrun scene.
Jenni and Gordon continued their parkrun tourism streak, this time heading to the Humber Bridge parkrun – clearly making the most of their Saturday mornings and ticking o yet another scenic course.
Back in She eld, Dave Moorwood marked a major milestone by completing his 50th parkrun at Hillsborough.
A relatively new member of both VHR and the parkrun community, Dave has shown impressive consistency, rarely missing a week and reaching his half-century in quick time.
Over at Concord, Kathryn Ward – another VHR newcomer – smashed her previous personal best, nishing in a brilliant 24:36.
Also at Concord, John Weatherall continues to chip away at his times, improving again to a new PB of 28:41.
Saturday a ernoon saw a di erent kind of celebration for the club, as Katharine Longsborough was ordained into the Church of England during a moving service at Shefeld Cathedral.
Many of her fellow VHR members swapped their Lycra for smarter attire to attend the two-hour service, o ering their support with a loud cheer as Katharine accepted her Bible from the bishop. A proud and memorable moment for Katharine – and for the club.
On Sunday, the action moved to Derbyshire for the Hundall Hobble Trail Race – a tough ve-mile event with no shortage of steep hills and a punishing climb to the nish. Wendy, John, Luke, and Todd all took part, conquering the course before heading to the pub for a well-earned post-race drink.
A week packed with running, milestones, and meaningful moments – as always, VHR proving that it’s about far more than just the miles.
Pre-season additions, extensions and new training kits
By Andrew McMath
e summer is heating up at Bracken Moor as players begin to commit their futures and new options come through the door.
Ian Richards’ Steels had a solid defence last season and on Monday positive steps to con-
tinue the defensive prowess next season were taken.
e Steels announced that last season’s NPL East Team of the Season member Tom Charlesworth has re-signed for the upcoming campaign.
Further good news on the defensive front saw Connor Smythe transfer from Cleethorpes Town to join the Steels’ backline. e NPL East Division winning le -back is another strong addition heading into the 2025-2026 NPL Premier Division season.
Additionally, Jack Tinker, another member of the Steels’ defence last season has signed up for the challenge of the step three.
At the top of the pitch, Steels have also secured the future of James Morris who initially returned to the club from Matlock Town in October 2024. He had previously spent a period on loan from Doncaster Rovers in 20182019. His nine goals in 35 appearances last season contributed to the promotion e ort. Additionally, it was announced on Monday, that his fellow forwards Luke Rawson and Tom Poole would be staying on to bag goals in the seventh division.
ese players and the rest of next season’s squad will be sharpening their skills in the new training kit. e new kit is proudly sponsored by Dave Barker at DB Sports and the club thanked him for his continued support. As Ian Richards and his team tackle a busy few weeks of preparation for the season ahead.
If you’d like to see the returning Steels and new signing Connor Smythe in action the Steels’ rst pre-season friendly is away against Golcar United. Fans fancying the 43 minute drive to Golcar’s Sky Direct Stadium can pay just £3 for adults and £1 for U16s/Over 65s for some pre-season action.
BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Wombwell 1st XI 129 all out
(Josh Stevens 4-27, Jake Vickers 2-15, Andy Hibbert 2-19)
Stocksbridge 1st XI 130-3
(Andy Hirst 56, Rob Taylor 51)
The 1st XI made the short trip to Wombwell where the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first.
Despite losing the toss Stocksbridge came out of the blocks firing. Opening bowler Jake
Vickers struck in his first over. Fellow opener Josh Stevens didn’t want to be outdone removing the dangerous Scaife to put the visitors in a strong position. Vickers claimed his second victim taking out Goldsby-West who caused problems in the reverse fixture and the hosts were now 18-3. Stevens wasn’t finished ripping through the middle order in devastating fashion to claim 3 more wickets leaving the hosts in real trouble at 50-6 at drinks. Stevens went on to finish with tremendous figures of 4-27 from his 13 overs. Youngster Tom Perry came into the attack and he quickly grabbed a wicket too to keep Stocksbridge on top. Wombwell though weren’t going to go down without a fight, Harper and Linney shared a 50 run partnership before Joe Goddard came into the attack to break the crucial partnership. Andy Hibbert quickly removed the final two batsmen Wombwell were bowled out for 129.
The Stocksbridge innings didn’t get off to a good start when opening batter Matt Price was dismissed without scoring. This brought together skipper Andy Hirst to join opener Rob Taylor at the crease. Thankfully for Stocksbridge the pair very quickly settled. Both Taylor and Hirst rotated well to take the game away from the hosts. They quickly managed an 100 run partnership. Taylor was the first to reach his half century. The following over Hirst reached the same milestone.With just 3 runs to win skipper Hirst fell LBW for 56 ending the 126 partnership between himself and Taylor. One run later Taylor also fell LBW for 51. Murfin and Goddard added the finishing touches, to complete a comfortable 7 wicket victory to secure the points.
Stocksbridge 2nd XI 229-6 (J Hague 82, M Hague 37, D Goodson 34, L Grayson 32*)
Bradfield Village Fellowship 2nd XI 109 all out (D Goodson 4-20, J Musgrove 2-4, J Taylor 2-32)
The 2nd XI hosted Bradfield this weekend, looking for a third consecutive win. Stocksbridge won the toss, batting first. Openers Hague and Dowde put together a 68 run opening stand to form a fantastic base. Perry was then dismissed for 10, leaving the 2nds 85-2. Hague in fine form was now joined by Goodson and soon reached his half-century. The pair put together a 50 run partnership. Unfortunately, after attempting a quick single, Hague was dismissed due to a direct hit bringing an end to a sensational innings.
However, Stocksbridge didn’t slow down. Darren Goodson added a quick-fire 34, including 2 4s and 2 6s and formed another useful partnership with Matt Hague. Hague kicked on with an excellent 37. Grayson smashed his way to 32* from just 22 balls, including 2 huge maximums that narrowly missed the away side’s parked cars! The 2nds posted a commanding 229 from 40 overs!
Thwaites and Taylor opened looking to take early scalps and restrict the visitors in their chase. Taylor led the way, taking 2 important early scalps, reducing Bradfield to 23-2. Following a 40 run 3rd wicket partnership, it was the Darren Goodson show through the middle overs. Daz took out Swart, before claiming 3 more scalps reducing the visitors to 796. James Hague followed his batting exploits by bowling Shepherd for 41. John Musgrove
came into take 2 wickets with his spin and bounce. A special mention to Liam Grayson for taking a stunner at slip for Musgrove’s second wicket. Parag Tawade then wrapped up the innings.
Coal Aston 2nd XI 94 all out (A Hibbert 3-18, J Goddard 2-3, C Lowe 2-31)
Stocksbridge 1st XI 96-2 (J Murfin 71*)
The 1st XI tackled Coal Aston on Sunday, looking to make the President’s Trophy semifinal. The dubious forecast led to the tie being reduced to 25 overs each. Hirst won the toss and elected to field.
Chris Lowe and Tom Perry opened the bowling. The pair combined to remove Trower. Lowe then followed Perry’s exploits, removing captain Pickford to leave the visitors 282. Will Ross looked to be the key wicket to get. Lowe struck again, before Andy Hibbert came into swing the tie in Stocksbridge’s favour. 67-3 became 94 all out. Hibbert claimed 3 wickets and Joe Goddard managed to pick up the final 2 wickets.
After a few more short rain delays and a stop-start beginning to their innings, the 1sts made easy work of their chase. Price fell early thanks to a sharp piece of fielding and a direct hit, which brought Jack Murfin to the crease. Murfin smashed the ball to all parts to see ‘Bridge easily into the semi finals.
He took just 33 balls to belt his way to 71*. The 1sts are now into the President’s Trophy semi-finals and look forward to seeing who they will face!
EAGLES FALL TO HOME DEFEAT
Sheffield Eagles fell to a 10-36 defeat at home to second-place York Knights on Sunday afternoon in Round 16 of the Betfred Championship.
After suffering defeat last time out at Batley Bulldogs, Head Coach Craig Lingard was hoping his side could find a valuable win to start off July as we returned to the Steel City Stadium.
For the visit of York, Lingard handed a debut to winger Billy Walkley, who recently joined the club this week from Keighley Cougars. Fellow winger Ryan Millar also returned to the side, as both Matty Dawson-Jones and Jayden Billy dropped out.
There was also a return for forward Oliver Roberts, who featured off the interchange bench after he served a one-match ban last weekend.
Looking to extend their winning run to ten league games, it was the Knights who opened the scoring after only nine minutes as Connor Bailey spotted a gap from close-range to dance through and race under the sticks to score the game’s opening try.
York had opportunities to extend their lead further and Jordan Thompson went close from close-range after twenty minutes, but he came up with a knock-on in the attempt of trying to ground the ball.
Blake Broadbent had an attempt himself for the Eagles as he looked to get them back into the game. From close-range, he went for the line but was held up to the left of the sticks as he attempted to ground the ball.
The Eagles did manage to get themselves back into the game minutes short of the half-hour mark as Reiss Butterworth’s smart thinking from dummy half saw him ground the ball to the right of the sticks, following good build-up play by Jenson Windley.
The North Yorkshire side managed to get back on top as they ended the half strong as a quick-fire brace from Ata Hingano saw them edge 6-18 ahead heading into half time.
York extended their lead even further in the opening twenty minutes of the second half as former Eagles man Ben Jones-Bishop crossed in the corner with two tries within a seven minute period.
Centre Joe Law thought he’d grounded the ball to the left of the sticks shortly after to put them further ahead, but the ball was deemed to be lost as he attempted to ground the ball.
Liam Harris added a penalty from ten metres out to keep the scoreboard going with eight minutes to go, but debutant Walkley crossed for a try out wide in the corner with moments to go to get the Eagles back into the game.
As the hooter sounded, Toa Mata’afa crossed out wide for York’s seventh try of the game to wrap up a tenth league win a row, whilst the Eagles fall to a third defeat in a row.
Sheffield are back in action next Sunday when we travel to Boundary Park to face Oldham RLFC in Round 17 of the Betfred Championship (3pm KO).
Sheffield Eagles: Walker, Millar, Welham, Hodson, Walkley, Windley, Johnson, Bat-
tye, Butterworth, Broadbent, Farrell, Foster, Gwaze
Interchanges (all used): Roberts, Peachey, Billington, Reilly
18th Man: Bower
Tries: Butterworth (28’), Walkley (76’) Goals: Hodson (1/1) Bower (0/1)
