Significant Progress at 519
LEFT: Stocksbridge Library is all but gone. Soon to be replaced by BELOW: 519 Community Hub
Residents of Stocksbridge have been given an update on the 519 Community Hub project on Manchester Road, with the demolition of the old Stocksbridge Library now almost complete.
Construction company Carter, overseeing the development, reported that “significant progress has been made, with demolition of the old library almost complete. We’ll also be undertaking further enabling works to prepare for the installation of a new retaining structure, a key element in the next stage of development.”
The update comes as locals watch the transformation of the site, which will eventually host a modern, multi-use community hub designed to provide new facilities for residents of all ages. Carter’s team say the next phase of work will focus on preparing the site for structural development, including the installation of the retaining structure that is vital to the project’s overall design.
The community hub is expected to become a focal point for local events, learning, and social activities, building on the history of the library as a centre for knowledge and connection in Stocksbridge. Carter say they are committed to keeping residents informed throughout the construction process, with regular updates and site notices planned over the coming months.
Lunch Club marks 40 years of serving the community
urgoland Lunch Club has reached a remarkable milestone this week, celebrating 40 years of bringing food, friendship and fellowship to the local community.
e club was rst set up in 1985 by a small group of residents who wanted to provide hot meals and company for older people living in the village. At the time, urgoland was considered too remote for the Meals on Wheels service to reach, so the community decided to take matters into their own hands and establish their own lunch club at the village hall.
Four decades later, the club continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, many of whom have given countless hours over the years to keep the service running.
Glenda Tue, one of the club’s founding members, said:
“Friendships remain as important as the food. Originally, because
urgoland was so isolated, there was no possibility of having Meals on Wheels sent out for the elderly, so we decided to set up our own lunch club in the village hall. ere are many happy memories of members who are no longer with us, and today’s celebrations have enabled us to remember friends who have been part of our journey.”
Glenda added that the club’s success is down to the kindness and commitment of its volunteers:
“ is would not be possible without the kind support of the many volunteers who give time and a listening ear.”
Back in 2010, the local press covered the club’s 25th anniversary, when members gathered to celebrate a quarter-century of service. Fi een years on, the group’s spirit and sense of community remain just as strong — proof that the simple combination of good food and good company never goes out of date.
Ends Sunday 2nd Nov
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Fox Valley Leads the Charge
Visitors to Fox Valley Shopping Centre in Stocksbridge, north She eld, can now enjoy faster, more convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging, thanks to a partnership with InstaVolt—the UK’s largest ultra-rapid charging provider.
e upgrade brings six brand-new 160kW chargers to the main car park, including a wider bay to improve accessibility for all drivers. ese new chargers allow motorists to power up and get back on the road in as little as twenty minutes.
e newly installed units deliver faster charging speeds, greater reliability, and improved energy e ciency—enabling drivers to add signi cant range to their vehicles in the time it takes to enjoy a co ee, browse the shops, or grab a bite to eat at Fox Valley’s cafés and restaurants.
STEP Trustees: From Survival to Renewal
STEP Charity, serving Stocksbridge and the Steel Valley for over 25 years, is transitioning from a grant-funded model to a sustainable social enterprise. Under the leadership of Chair Graham Silverwood, the charity, known for providing a ordable childcare, business space, and community venues, has moved from nancial uncertainty to stability.
Silverwood emphasises a shi to practical action, stating, "We’re moving from being mainly a grant-funded charity to a stronger social enterprise model. Our goal is to create community assets that can stand on their own feet nancially, while keeping people and purpose at the centre of everything we do."
e charity’s three key assets—the Venue, Business Centre, and Nursery—now operate in harmony to deliver social value and nancial resilience. e Business Centre maintains near full occupancy, generating steady income, while the Nursery operates at capacity. e Venue, serving diverse community groups, requires some subsidy to remain affordable.
Graham and the trustees have fostered a cultural shi , embracing new ideas but insisting on evidence-based decisions. "Our approach is simple," Graham notes. "Pilot, measure, then scale. It’s about making lasting change based on real results." e Board’s governance has also matured, balancing ambition with accountability through a mix of younger trustees providing local insight and experienced nance leaders o ering rigour.
Every decision prioritises community bene t, from dementia-friendly sing-alongs to affordable family events. "Whether it’s dementia-friendly sing-alongs or a ordable family
events, we ask who bene ts, what evidence supports it, and how costs align with outcomes," Graham explains.
Looking ahead, STEP plans to research changing community demographics to engage new audiences while maintaining its local identity.
"Stocksbridge is changing," Graham re ects. "We want to understand what people need and how they want to engage, without losing sight of those who’ve been with us since the beginning."
STEP’s leadership transition signi es a broader renewal, grounded in evidence, collaboration, and long-term community value. As Graham concludes, "With realism, compassion, and sound judgement, we’ll keep building on our foundations—forward together."
On his message to the community: STEP has weathered tough years and emerged stable and forward-looking. e future is about building on that success—together.
Photo: The new Instavolt chargers at Fox Valley.
Protecting children from abusive parents
• Government announces plan to repeal presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989
• New evidence shows that always prioritising contact can perpetuate child abuse in the worst cases
• Part of Plan for Change to protect children, standing up for victims and restoring faith in the justice system
Children exposed to the family courts will be protected from domestic abuse and harm under plans announced by the Government today to repeal the presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989.
e repeal is founded on the clear principle that every child deserves to be safe – yet new evidence published today shows that assuming it’s always in the best interest of a child to have the involvement of both parents can perpetuate abuse.
Although the current law includes safeguards to restrict involvement where it’s detrimental to a child’s welfare, removing this law sends a clear signal that the Government is placing the wellbeing and safety of children at the forefront of decision making.
“Claire rossell is simply remarkable. Her courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy, her determination to prevent other families from su ering as she has, and her relentless advocacy for children's safety has been instrumental in bringing about this vital change. As we mark this important step forward in the law, I pay tribute to her sons, Jack and Paul, whose memory drives our commitment to ensuring no other child su ers a similar fate.
“ is reform is part of our broader Plan for Change - our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life. We are rebuilding trust in our justice system by putting victims rst and ensuring that the protection of children is never compromised.”
e change follows the tireless campaigning of Claire rossell, whose children Jack and Paul were tragically killed by their abusive father 11 years ago this week.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “Every decision I make in the justice system will prioritise children's safety, their wellbeing, and their right to grow up free from harm.
If parents are thought to be a threat to their child’s safety, involvement in their lives can be restricted, for example through courts ordering supervised contact, involvement limited to written communication, or by ordering that there should be no involvement at all.
Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said
“When I was elected as your MP, I told Claire I would help her ful l her promise to Jack ...
Flag to Fly Permanently
A Stocksbridge resident’s heartfelt letter to local Reform councillor John Booker has led to a patriotic addition to the town’s skyline — the permanent installation of the Union Flag atop the Stocksbridge Clock Tower.
After receiving the resident’s request earlier this year, Councillor Booker raised the issue with Sheffield City Council, asking for the national flag to be flown as a lasting symbol of community pride and remembrance.
The council has now confirmed that from November 11th, coinciding with Remembrance Day, the Union Flag will be flown permanently on the tower.
Councillor Booker welcomed the decision, saying it was “a fitting tribute to the town’s
...and Paul, that she would change the law and repeal the presumption of contact. Today is a historic day, finally enabling Claire to fulfil her promise to her boys. This monumental change will protect the lives of generations of children, giving them brighter, safer futures.
“This change has only been possible because of the absolutely formidable Claire Throssell. She has been campaigning relentlessly with Women’s Aid , through five previous governments, to put children first in our family courts. This Government is the first to take action – Keir Starmer and Ministers Jess Phillips MP, Alex Davies Jones MP and Sarah Sackman MP have sent a clear message that the safety and best interests of children must be at the centre of our justice system. Every child must be heard, believed, and protected.
“Our communities have stood behind Claire every step of the way, and I am honoured to have campaigned alongside Claire in Parliament in my first year as your MP. No more towns like ours will be left to grieve, like we have grieved for Jack and Paul.”
Claire Throssell, MBE, survivor ambassador of Women’s Aid, comments:
history, values, and those who have served.”
He added:
“The Union Flag represents unity and respect — qualities that run deep here in Stocksbridge. I’m delighted the council has listened to residents and agreed to this lasting gesture.”
The resident, Mr Butcher who originally wrote the letter said he was “over the moon” with the outcome, describing it as “a proud moment for Stocksbridge.”
The Stocksbridge Clock Tower, a familiar landmark in the heart of the town, will now serve as a constant reminder of national pride and remembrance for years to come.
“For almost a decade, Women’s Aid and I have worked together, campaigning to change the family courts and improve laws, to ensure that children at risk of further harm from abusive parents have a brighter, safer future, free from fear and oppression. Every child deserves to be heard, seen, supported, and believed; to have a childhood and to live.
"Successive governments have failed to protect children, standing by an outdated presumption that it is in a child’s best interests to have contact with both their parents, even when there have been allegations of domestic abuse. We have campaigned tirelessly to have this presumption removed from the family law and practice, because until this narrative changes, more children, like Jack and Paul, will continue to die.
"Although today's announcement can never bring back Jack and Paul it will give children further protection against preventable harm in their lives. No child should have to hold out a hand for help in darkness to a stranger and say that they have been hurt by someone who should love and protect them most. No parents should have to hold their children as they die, from the abuse of a perpetrator, as I did a decade ago.”
Sheffield’s Forgo en Food Heritage
A free community event at the city’s Stannington Library will celebrate the launch of a new book that li s the lid on She eld’s rich but o en overlooked food industry stretching back to the Victorian period.
‘ e Unsung Flavours of She eld’ launch takes place this Wednesday, October 29th, from 1pm-4pm. e event marks the successful conclusion of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project that has uncovered the story of the city’s rich, but o en hidden, food industry.
e project, led by Dungworth Brad eld Heritage Group, was made possible by a £46,920 grant from e National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Over the past two years, volunteers have researched, recorded and shared stories from across the city, shining a light on the people behind some of She eld’s best-loved brands, including Bassett’s, Batchelor’s, orntons and Henderson’s Relish. Activities have included writing workshops, school sessions, community events and the creation of a heritage food trail, all designed to bring people together through shared memories.
e nal part of the project is the launch of ‘ e Unsung Flavours of She eld’ — a book
compiled by local author Neil Anderson and the Heritage Group — which explores how She eld’s innovators helped shape Britain’s eating habits for over a century. From sweets and soups to sauces and steel tins, it reveals a culinary heritage as inventive, resilient and as full of character as the city itself.
Richard Godley, project manager, said:
“We’re delighted to share this nal chapter of the project with the community that made it possible. anks to National Lottery players, we’ve been able to capture the memories and stories relating to the growth of food brands that started and thrived in the city. is book is a celebration of their contribution and a record for future generations.”
Copies of the book will be available to buy on the day for a £4.50 donation.
Event Details:
Stannington Library, Uppergate Road, Stannington, She eld S6 6BX.
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.
1pm–4pm.
Free entry – all welcome. Free refreshments provided.
OCTOBER
FRIDAY
31 - 2 - “Wonderfully Made”weekend Craft Fair - Silkstone Parish Church S75 4JH. Around 40 stalls selling handmade gifts. Supporting church funds. Friday 10.00 - 7.00, Sat & Sun 10.004.00
NOVEMBER
SATURDAY
1 High Green Methodist Church Autumn Fayre. Starting at 11 am. Stalls include cakes, bric-abrac, gifts, books, tombola etc. Sandwiches, cakes and drinks available. All welcome.
1 COFFEE MORNING AT ST AIDANS CHURCH AND COMMUNITY HALL, OXSPRING - Help us raise funds for the Roof Appeal at St Johns Church....There will be a FREE Co ee Morning on Saturday 1st November from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon at St Aidans Church, Oxspring. All are welcome to join us for tea/coffee/biscuits and to meet friends old and new, have a chat and, if you can, donate to the Roof Over Our Community Appeal for St Johns Church, Penistone.There will be stalls to browse, good company, and a ra e - what are you waiting for?We look forward to welcoming you.
1 There will be another morning of free entertainment at EPPiC Theatre, High Street, Eccles eld S35 9TP on SATURDAY 1st NO-
VEMBER , with “ Welsh John” and guests. Come and join us for our regular COFFEE & CHORDS. This month our guest singers are all old ( sorry, regular ) friends, Lou Marriott,Lynne Edmonson, and “Domino E ect” ( all subject to late changes) Please join us and bring a friend. The entertainment is FREE, but the sale of refreshments helps theatre’s funds. Doors open at 10am , with entertainment starting at approx 10.45 We look forward to seeing you ,so make a note in your diary !!
MONDAY
3 @ 2.30pm. Stocksbridge and Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meeting @ Christ Church, Manchester Road, S36 1DY. Speaker will be Eric Jackson “When the Saints go marching in” Visitors welcome £3 per meeting to include refreshments.
TUESDAY
4 Ploughman’s Lunches Tuesday, 4th November, and Wednesday 5th November 12 noon - 2pm in Brad eld Village Hall £8.00 in aid of St.Nicholas’ ChurchYour help will be much appreciated.
WEDNESDAY
5 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We will be making Christmas wreaths from recy-
EVENT
cled materials. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
SATURDAY
8 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Guided Walk, led by John and Anne Robinson, Birds in Autumn, meet at 9am at Rural Lane Car Park, Wadsley, circular route, return to car park at any time, FREE but donations welcome, NO DOGS please. www. walc.epizy.com
8 SPECIAL EVENT BY BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP at Bolsterstone Village Hall, from 1-4pm. “FROM THE ARCHIVES”: Sally Rodgers will explain how to access historic information at She eld City Archives, and about rediscovered documents of Samuel Fox. Anthea Helliwell talks of her discovery of old documents in the city archives for her book on the hamlet of Brightholmlee. George Scogings highlights some of the archives held by Stockbridge Museum and Heritage Centre and will bring items to look at. If you have any interesting archives of your own family, do bring them along as there will be a chance to display them. All welcome and refreshments provided. Members £2 Visitors £4 Annual membership £7
8 Crane Moor Methodist Church together with Crane Moor Community Group would like to invite you to join us at our AUTUMN FAYRE on Saturday 8th November from 10.00am until 12.00. We shall be having our
usual tombola, ra e and cake stall, not forgetting the ever popular bacon baps. All are welcome
LISTINGS Bike Barns a massive hit
WEDNESDAY
12 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Hall for a 10 am start. We will be next meeting on the 12th of November when Alan Hancock will present an illustrated talk on ‘Jack the Ripper part 1 ‘We have a friendly informal club environment for retired men to build and maintain companionship and social contacts . After the club meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for lunch. Please contact our secretary Trevor Winslow on 07966317258 for more information or look at our website.
THURSDAY
13 Chapeltown WI will hold their next meeting in Chapeltown Methodist Church at 7.30pm. The speaker is Joey Howard who will speak about Showbiz and Comedy. The competition is for a funny joke.
SUNDAY
16 Magic Show at the Inman Pavilion, Moorland Avenue 2.00- 3.30pm. Book your places at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail. com 07957 206646 Sponsored by TARA
MONDAY
17 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - AGM and talk by Malcolm Nunn about Loxley Photographs and how war affected Loxley and Brad eld areas. www.walc.epizy.com, FREE, Wadsley Church, Worrall Road, 7.30, home made refreshments
SUNDAY
23 Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Christmas Fayre - 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Seasonal Fun And Festive Treats For All The Family, Santa’s Grotto, Festive Music, Craft Stalls, Children’s Activities & Much More...
WEDNESDAY
26 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 26th November at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Geo Stevens, entitled “Rolling Stones”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
26 Everyone is welcome to attend the Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre AGM and Public Meeting. There will be updates on the Trust’s activities over the past 12 months, our nancial performance, an Election of Directors (for Trust Members only), and a chance to ask any questions. If you are interested in becoming a Trust
Member, would like to Volunteer, or would simply like more information please contact us on 0114 2883792
DECEMBER
SATURDAY
6 Chapeltown forum annual Christmas Fayre 11.00-4.00pm Newton Hall Cowley Lane Chapeltown Christmas stalls,Activities on stage Pickering Academy of Dance Refreshments by Station Cafe Free entry
ONGOING
FRIDAYS
Stocksbridge Community Care Group’s Friday Drop In Service for elderly residents is once again being held weekly at The Venue, between 10am and 3pm. For a small charge visitors can enjoy a hot drink, company, games, talks and a light lunch. For further information contact Dave Owen on 0114 2864426.
SATURDAYS
Councillors Janet Ridler and Mark Whittaker hold a monthly drop-in on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11.00 – 12.00 at the temporary Stocksbridge Library inside Ikon Church, Manchester Road (opposite the old library). We can help with council services, advice, or if you need a listening ear. No appointment
e installation of several brand-new Bike Barns at schools across She eld have proved to be a massive hit both with pupils and the local communities, encouraging more and more students to cycle or scoot to and from school every day and help the city to tackle congestion.
e facilities have been placed within the school grounds and o er storage for children’s bikes and scooters allowing them to adopt a more active lifestyle in the way they get to and from the classroom, but the barns do more than that.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at She eld City Council, said: “I’m delighted to see that our new Bike Barns have become so popular both with pupils and parents at the schools they’ve been installed in so far.”
Sarah Bins, headteacher of Stannington Infants School, said: “We had our Bike Barn installed in July 2025, and it was an immediate hit with the children. Our previous bike storage was rather old and tired and certainly didn’t draw the children’s attention anymore.
As part of the design of the units, they’ve been built using sustainably source timber and feature innovative green roofs helping to clean up the air and promote biodiversity.
GREEN of Oughtibridge
A beloved Mum, Nan, Sister, Aunty and Friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
Passed away on 15th October 2025, aged 88 years.
Funeral service to take place on Monday 10th November, 12:30pm at Grenoside Crematorium.
Donations in lieu of flowers to The Stroke Association.
All funeral enquiries to John Fairest Funeralcare, Wadsley Bridge 0114 234 3129.
Jose Pindar
The family are sad to announce that Jose passed away at home on Friday 24 October
Notice of cremation at Grenoside to be given when known Nancy
WHITEHOUSE (née Dyson) Sheila
Passed away peacefully on 7th October aged 94.
Loving Wife of the late Dennis. Dear Mum to Neil and Mark. Respected Mother in law to Diane and Judith.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday 5th November at 1:30pm at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel.
Enquiries c/o Coop Funeralcare, Bevan Way, Chapeltown, S351RN Telephone 0114 2467971
FAMILY NOTICES PRICES FROM JUST
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 Powers of Attorney
• Protecting your home for future generations
• Pre-paid Funeral Plans
She eld has become the only UK centre taking part in a pioneering international trial that could transform care for people living with di use cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a rare and degenerative form of scleroderma.
e Upside trial is exploring whether autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be o ered as a rst-line treatment for patients. e study is running across 11 European sites, with She eld the sole UK location. Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition causing the hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissues, alongside blood vessel and immune system problems. Patients o en experience pain, restricted movement, and debilitating symptoms.
One patient, Cheryl Smith, who underwent stem cell transplantation outside the trial, described dramatic improvements. “I couldn’t get out of the bath or down the stairs,” she said. “Now I can move about with much less pain, my skin has improved dramatically, and I’m almost back to where I should be. Without it, I might not be alive.”
She eld’s team, led by Professor Snowden, has previously contributed to major breakthroughs, including the 2018 MIST trial showing stem cell transplantation can halt or reverse multiple sclerosis. e Upside trial aims to replicate this success for scleroderma,
on She eld’s
expertise in
Two-tier justice system
Dear Sir
You reported last week about a drug dealer who was given a 20-year sentence three years ago in his absence. He was on bail but failed to appear in court and still remains at large. Lucy Connolly was refused bail. Two Tier justice in action!
Paul Homewood Stocksbridge
Not so Supertram
I was astonished to read what I presume is a press release from Supertram regarding the network disruption w/c 26 October and not a mention of what most of your readers would consider important the alternative travel arrangements
Now it is no secret that Supertram have no concept of customer service but surely one of your journalists might have taken it upon themselves to seek more information from supertram as to what replacement buses services would be running and where to get more information
Alistair Nicoll S6
Apology
Sincere apologies for the misinformation in my letter last week. I have discovered the Boots in Fox Valley, since the Pharmacy at that branch was closed, are no longer able to accept Pharmaceutical packaging. To use the recycling facility at Spring Vale you have to be a Barnsley Resident.
I’m very sorry for misleading readers as I think we need to do all we can to slow down the changes in our climate.
Sincerely
Doris Stubbs
Local Opinion
TREES - DEADLINE EXTENDED
My previous letter, originally submitted on 13/10/2025 (Look Local issue 1397), highlighted an opportunity for people to have their say on She eld Trees and Woodlands Strategy 2018-2033. e strategy is a document that will a ect She eld City Council’s acts and omissions for years to come when dealing with its own trees, or others in private ownership that may be a ected by legislation (planning or highways, for example). On the eenth of October, the deadline for responses to She eld City Council’s invitation to have your say was extended from 24/10/2025 to 31/10/2025. Links to the city tree strategy and SCC questionnaire are still online, at: https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov. uk/trees-and-woodlands
e nal line of my previous letter was supposed to read:
“ e sub-strategy for street trees was rst accepted by SCC in March 2020 but was not published in nal form until May 2021; it has yet to have its rst review and revision.”
e editor had agreed to the above change but unfortunately forgot to amend the letter. Sorry for any confusion. References to support the assertions contained within my previous letter can be found in the 12/10/2025 section of Professor Ian Rotherham’s online blog: ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress. com
Links to some of my other letters about She eld’s trees can be found in the 8/2/2024 section of the same blog. Currently SCC does not have a sub-strategy for trees a ected by planning legislation – there is no Supplementary Planning Guidance document for trees. e result is in-
consistency, confusion, con ict and unnecessary, avoidable tree mutilation, decline in tree condition and tree losses.
Back in January 2016, in an e-mail to Save Our Roadside Trees (SORT – the group that campaigned for She eld’s rst tree strategy), David Aspinall (one of the two SCC Woodland Managers tasked with dra ing She eld’s rst tree strategy) informed: “We have already scoped through many local authority strategies and are using the Mayor of London Planning Guidance for preparing tree and woodland strategies (2011) as a guide to good practise.”
Since then, on 1/12/2022, the Tree Council (treecouncil.org.uk) – a London based charity – has published a ‘Trees and Woodland Strategy Toolkit’ (online), as “a step-bystep guide for local authorities and their stakeholders to develop and deliver a local tree strategy” and “to empower Local Authorities to create their own strategies and action plans for trees”. e press release states: “Funded by Defra [Department for Environment, Food & Rural A airs], the Toolkit has been co-created by e Tree Council, Forestry Commission, Fera Science and Forest Research in collaboration with ten Local Authority partners, ful lling commitments set out in Defra’s England Trees Action Plan.”
e Trees and Design Action Group - another charity (tdag.org. uk) - has also produced a range of useful publications.
In May 2023, SCC committed to provide a bronze plaque to be mounted on the wall at the main entrance to She eld Town Hall, “ in recognition of those who fought for our environmental heritage and were vindicated, and to serve as a reminder to all elected members that this failure of leadership will never happen again” (see Look Local issues 1272 & 1273, online). e
commitment followed numerous critical reports (from independent assessors, including regulators) that detailed SCC’s persistent neglect to accord with current good practice over a ten-year period (See Look Local Issues 1293, 1299, 1300 & 1381, online). at negligence, caused by SCC’s persistent maladministration and wrongful acts and omissions, resulted in years of con ict between SCC and those that cared about sustainable urban forestry, fairness, openness, transparency and honesty. e plaque is to be paid for from a portion of the SCC reparations budget that was set aside for those negatively affected during the decade-long SCC street-tree debacle. e plaque task is being overseen by Richard Eyre - SCC Director of Street Scene & Regulations Services. e plaque is set to be unveiled at some point in 2026.
David Long (Arboriculturist & Urban Forester)
THE PRICE OF A HEART
He said, “With wealth, one gets it all, Gold can make the proudest fall. With money’s power, all hearts obey, Nothing resists what riches say.”
I smiled and whispered, “Not quite so, A broken heart has more to show. For even shattered into a hundred parts, No coin can buy what bleeds in hearts.”
He laughed, “In beauty’s grand bazaar, We buy each face, no dream too far. With wealth, a thousand hearts I gain, Desire obeys my golden chain.”
I said, “ en search where ruins lie, Where broken hearts in silence cry. Among those shards, in pain’s deep sea, Lie tales no gold could ever see. Each broken piece — a gem, a ame, Pure, untamed, beyond all name. Not even greed’s erce stormy art, Can shake the worth of a faithful heart.”
He sco ed, “A ruin? Who would pay
For dust and grief along the way? Who’d buy a wreck, a broken dream, When beauty’s cheap and hearts all gleam?”
I said, “ ose ruins hide their worth, e rarest souls dig through the earth. From shattered stones, the seekers start, And nd a diamond born of heart. So tell me now, what holds more grace Your wealth’s deceit or my heart’s face? For gold may fade, and treasures fall, But love once pure outshines them all.”
Hina Gondal
SINGING IN THE RAIN
...for the love which was once poor, a child, a bairn. Born to a ruin. To bring about fermenting, casting, feeding, healing; etc, etc, etc! Would he have today a Webinar! Candid AI? Monitors on Sale At Kismet’s Bazaar! Painting rainbows bright! Shovelling with light! Sun likes when sun kisses where raindrops fall! To the merriment of someone other’s ball!
Andrew Dancer
THE SWALLOW
How swi ly does the swallow y Ever higher in the sky
Now all lined up along the wire
To leave the country their desire To leave behind the ice and snow For a place where summer breezes blow I wsh i was a swallow
Pete Swi (Pete the Poet)
Local Communities to Benefit from Major Flood Protection Investment
Residents and businesses are set to receive enhanced protection from ooding, thanks to a signi cant investment from the Labour Government. In its rst year, the government has completed 151 ood protection schemes nationwide, including 15 projects in Yorkshire and the Humber that have safeguarded 2,690 homes and businesses.
e government's commitment includes a record £10.5 billion investment until 2036, the largest ood programme in history. is ambitious plan aims to protect over 800,000 properties across the country by constructing new ood schemes and repairing existing defences, helping communities combat the increasing impacts of climate change.
Locally, Penistone and Stocksbridge will bene t directly from this nancial boost, with over £2 million committed for 2025/26 towards four key ood alleviation projects. ese projects are currently underway in the Upper Don, at Clough Dike, Blackburn Brook, and Whitley Brook.
Marie Tidball MP expressed her enthusiasm for the government's e orts, stating, "It’s fantastic that, in Labour’s rst year in Government, we’ve demonstrated a real commitment to improving ood resilience. I’m delighted that the Government has committed more than £2 million for ood reduction schemes that will have direct impacts for our communities, including at Blackburn Brook, Clough Dike, Whitley Brook, and throughout the Upper Don."
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, and over 6 million properties in England at risk of ooding, this investment is crucial. It will not only protect homes and businesses but also contribute to economic growth by safeguarding town centres and agricultural land, while also unlocking land for new housing developments. Floods Minister Emma Hardy reiterated the government's dedication, stating, "We inherited crumbling ood defences in their worst condition on record – but in just a year, we have turned the tide and ramped up protection for the public."
LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED
An editorial contribution by…
In this new regular feature, local writer and researcher Steve Moxon delves into the lesser-known corners of our area’s history. In this week’s piece, he looks into...
Kay-Kay Night (Cakin/Kakin Neet)
The night of November 1, ‘Celtic’ new year’s day – the first day of the ‘Celtic’ dark year – used to be extra special in the villages north-west of Sheffield. It marked the end of harvest: and, from the original name of the whole festival, samhuin, ‘summer’s end’. Exactly mid-way between autumn equinox and winter solstice (a ‘cross-quarter’ day), it’s when the waning of the sun became all too apparent. Traditionally, sympathetic magic was invoked to make the sun wax again, to ensure continued fertility. Our remote area is where the attached custom, Kay-Kay or Kakin/Cakin Neet, survived the longest, dying out only a few decades ago.
Kids (including the maybe 7-to-10-yearold me & younger brother in the 1960s) after dusk went door-to-door among near neighbours in Deepcar, wearing full face masks with eye slits. I vaguely recall mine was a dull-red-painted papier mâché job purpose-made in school. In the Stubbin Estate I’m told they donned a white sheet to frame their faces, that apart from rouged cheeks were blackened with chimney soot – later replaced by a bit of white-ish face paint, judging by a 1976 photo. In other places disguise, bizarre or clown-like, was head-to-toe. We sang (to not much of a tune, starting like Three Blind Mice but then pretty well a chant) a begging or taxing song:
“Kay Kay Kay, Kay Kay Kay Hole in mi stocking, hole in mi shoe Please can you spare me a copper or two If you ‘aven’t got a penny an a’pny will do If you ‘avn’t got an ap’ny ... God bless you!”
[A ‘farthing’ line has been lost.]
Invariably we were given silver coin, supposedly only if they couldn’t twig who you were; otherwise, in former times, a piece of a cake peculiar to the occasion: parkin (from Gaelic bairghin, ‘cake’). [More associated now with bonfire night, it was heavy, rich and sticky, akin to a flapjack; not the fluffy cake passing for it today.] We’d no idea what we were doing except it really seemed to be something.
So how come the name Kay-Kay or Kakin
Neet? As has been surveyed, nobody thought it referred to ‘cake’, albeit in other places the ditty might begin Cake cake copper copper rather than Kay kay kay They’re different takes on a lost word or phrase in which the “k” sound strongly predominates. It’s from Gaelic càin-càch, pronounced “ka-in ka-hk”, meaning literally ‘each/everyone tribute‘ (pay a tribute or tax). Caingean, “kyan-gan”, ‘plea, petition, prayer’, is surely a co-root.
Paying tribute? To the ancestors and spirits. This evening anciently was regarded as a liminal time; when the divide between the mortal world and the spirit ‘otherworld’ was considered thin to non-existent, allowing souls of the dead and the spirits to be at large. [So another contributory derivation of Kay-Kay is likely corra-chagailt, (or corrachagan-cagailt), “KOR-a-cha-KELjeh”, ‘evil spirits’.]
In every house a table was laid for them, hence the name dumb supper of the strangest survival still going strong in the 1990s in Stannington (and not long previously in Oughtibridge, Dungworth and Loxley), and this for men, not children. In a couple of the pubs blokes arrived in a variety of weird masks & costumes, completely silent so as not to give ‘emselves away; until the landlord awarded a prize of ‘spirits & spice’ for the best get-up.
That you had to keep spirits/souls sweet was made crystal clear the prior Mischief Night! Demanding money with menaces, us kids in effect were surrogates of evil spirits and grumpy old souls of the departed in need of placating. Presumably, to symbolically join (be) ‘em, prompting the adults to engage ‘em. Perhaps to fool ‘evil spirits’ we were some of their lot, so they’d leave us be or let us sort our own patch?
Nowadays we’re left a lame mangling of these customs, importing back from the USA a prising of the two successive nights into ‘trick or treat’.
A connection with fire, representing the sun, is where bonfire night comes in, as I’ll unpack next week.
Forgemasters launches state-of-theart training facility
Sheffield Forgemasters has formally opened a 6,700 sq ft training and development facility to upskill its apprentices for the next generation of nuclear-grade engineering.
The facility was formally opened by company chair, Admiral Sir Tim Fraser, who unveiled 18 high-tech engineering machines, including a state-of-the-art five-axis milling and turning machine and incorporation of cutting-edge digital operating systems.
As part of the initiative, Sheffield Forgemasters has partnered with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre to deliver a four-year engineering training contract, which will see the placement of a permanent engineering skills coach at the facility.
Jay Shaw, Head of Machine Shops at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The launch of our new training and development facility marks a significant step-change in the skills that we can deliver for our apprentices.
“We are now able to prepare trainees for the next generation of machines and operating systems that will be housed in our new 30,000 m2 machining hall, creating a highly focused engineering facility for the world’s
most complex nuclear grade forgings and castings.
“Partnering with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, we will build a workforce which is fully conversant in Industry 4.0 manufacture to deliver one of the world’s most advanced defence manufacturing facilities.”
Sheffield Forgemasters’ new training and development facility is located within its ¼ mile-long South Machine Shop at Brightside Lane and incorporates 800 sq ft of office and teaching space.
Louise Cowling, Head of Apprenticeship Programmes Delivery at the AMRC Training Centre, said: “The new facility at Sheffield Forgemasters will allow us to support Sheffield Forgemasters’ delivery of a highly advanced workforce.
“The combination of such excellent facilities, combined with a clearly defined training programme, will offer apprentices the opportunity to develop engineering techniques which are far in advance of contemporary practices.”
Stocksbridge kay-kayers 1976. Photo credit: Ruairidh Greig. Cakin mask, Dungworth area.
COMEBACK CHURCH
Northern Counties East Premier Division
Campion 3-3 Penistone Church FC
Sam Scrivens 38, Nathan Keightley 57, Lennon O’Grady 77
Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior Premier Division
Church Reserves 3-1 Oughtibridge WM
Will Heath (2), Reece High
It took sixty-six minutes and a Harry Ogden own goal for Church to break the deadlock against a resilient County Senior Premier side Silkstone United in the She eld Senior Cup last Wednesday. en a Sam Scrivens brace and well placed shot from Kieran Ryan took the Church tally to four. Late on in the game Church keeper was adjudged to have collected a back pass and Ben Donoghue scored a consolation for United from the resulting play from the free kick. Final score four-one to Church.
minutes to go substitute, on for Sam Scrivens, Lennon O’Grady levelled the score. As the game drew towards its end both teams pushed on for the winner and there were chances at both ends but it ended three-three and the points were shared
Co-manager John Whitehead
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On Saturday Church Reserves faced Oughtibridge WM at home in the reverse of last week’s xture. A er an indi erent rst half and going a goal behind from David Shepherd an unusually robust half time team talk from manager Tom Wright did the trick when second half goals from Will Heath (2) and Recce High ensured a three-one victory.
For Saturday’s main event. Church rst team were in NCEL action when they travelled to play Bradford based side Campion. Church started well but found themselves a goal down early on when Pat Sykes was on target for Campion, Ewan Gregson doubled the home side’s lead but this was cancelled out by Sam Scrivens who assisted by Nathan Keightley pulled a goal back just before half time.
Any hope of a comeback could have been thwarted when Pat Sykes took advantage of a defensive slip up to extend Campion’s lead to three-one just a er the restart but Church reacted well.
Nathan Keightley pulled one back on the hour and with een
We started the game like a house on re and could have scored inside the rst minute but we took our foot o the throttle and the game became really stretched. We were quite naïve in the rst half especially defensively and found ourselves two-one down. We regrouped at half time, we knew that there was something in the game for us but we had to produce the goods for larger spells of the game. en ve minutes into the second half there was an error and we found ourselves three-one down. We made some changes and the lads have absolutely rallied round each other and got us back into the game because at three-one you probably think the game is gone but they didn’t down tools and they worked hard, they got into good areas, had good bits of play and good crosses into the box. We got our goals and we deserved it. We were disheartened with the rst half and how we defended as a team but we put that right in the second. Campion may feel hard done by as they were three-one up but we really did deserve a point out of the game today
We have another big game at home next Saturday when Pickering return to play. We owe them one for our cup exit
HALLOWEEN HALF
It was another action-packed weekend for Valley Hill Runners, with members taking part in events both near and far. Saturday was parkrun day, with runners representing the club across the country and closer to home. At Hillsborough, Steve Sansom and Katie Elsey both celebrated impressive new parkrun personal bests. Over the Pennines, Ash Molloy was in ne form once again, clocking another PB just over the 23-minute mark in Manchester — a result that shows his hard work and determination are clearly paying o .
Sunday proved just as busy, with several VHR members taking on the Worksop Half Marathon (Halloween Half). Daniel, Andrew, Kay, Helen, and Paula all tackled the challenging course in ne spirits. Damian Hawkshaw made the trip to Bakewell for the Monsal 10K, while Judith Kippax and Tina Pass headed overseas to take part in the Venice 10K. ough the course turned out to be slightly longer than expected, Tina described it as a “lovely, scenic run” and a fantastic experience.
Closer to home, Sunday also saw the second cross-country xture
It was a bitterly cold day and a tough, testing course — certainly one for the hardy runners among the club!
of the season, hosted by Valley Hill at Longley Park. Club marshals were out in force, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Shaun Wright was rst male home for VHR, with Rachel Goacher leading the women’s team.
Roads, Country and Fells
Gareth Irvine and Alex Crosby led Penistone Footpath Runners at the Worksop Half Marathon, held through the autumn colours of Clumber Park.
Irvine ran 1-29-00 to finish 70th overall and 10th MV45, while Crosby continued his fine form with 1-35-48 for 146th. Bill Phillips made a welcome return after a year’s break from racing, finishing in 2-00-02, just two seconds outside his target.
Thursday evening saw the third round of the club’s Philip Senior Winter Handicap, with twenty-seven runners tackling the hilly 4.5mile course from Penistone Leisure Centre via Rockside Hill and the Windmills.
Chris Hodgson claimed victory, finishing first on handicap in 33-41 – six minutes and nineteen seconds faster than predicted – ahead of Steve Dommett (52-08) and Gareth Irvine (31-31). Ben Wilkinson (39-39), Claire Watts (50-51), Daniel Limb (32-18) and Mandy Mallinder (42-20) also beat their predicted times, while Fay Nicholls (38-55) and Jemma Williams (35-53) maintained their consistent form. Kim Rogers (51-20) finished exactly on her handicap.
Ian Neville now leads the WMA League on 75 points from Julian Williams (63) and George Parr (59).
There was further success on the fells where Damian Kilpin represented Penistone at the Lockton Limping Fell Race in the North York Moors.
The event formed the final round of the Esk Valley Fell Club Summer Series, a long-running championship of classic North Yorkshire fell races. Kilpin’s strong and consistent performances across the series earned him fifth place overall in the standings.
Further north, Mark Crossley and Jon Hallam completed the demanding two-day Original Mountain Marathon in the Lake District, placing 30th of 138 teams in the Linear B class over a rugged mountain route.
A large Penistone contingent also competed in the second fixture of the South Yorkshire
Cross Country League, held at Longley Park. Conditions were mild but testing on the undulating course, and the club was well represented across all age categories.
Full results were not yet available at the time of writing.
Saturday’s parkruns saw 69 Penistone seniors compete across 25 venues. Richard Heppenstall was first at Concord in 17-53 (83.78%), while Suzanne McGill took second female at Penistone (21-11). Dawn Broom featured among the leaders at Nostell, Rob Lees took third overall at Yarborough, and Stephen Lavender celebrated his 150th parkrun with a strong run and first place at Wanneroo in Australia. The week’s top age-graded performers were Julia Johnson (84.54%), Richard Heppenstall (83.78%), Ian Neville (79.31%), Rob Lees (79.25%) and Suzanne McGill (78.21%).
Worksop Half Marathon
70, Gareth Irvine 1-29-00; 146, Alex Crosby 1-35-48; 645, Bill Phillips 2-00-02. Winter Handicap Race 3
1, Chris Hodgson 33-41; 2, Steve Dommett 52-08; 3, Gareth Irvine 31-31; 4, Ben Wilkinson 39-39; 5, Claire Watts 50-51; 6, Daniel Limb 32-18; 7, Mandy Mallinder 42-20; 8, Jemma Williams 35-53; 9, Fay Nicholls 3855; 10, Kim Rogers 51-20; 11, George Parr 3432; 12, Ian Neville 34-48; 13, Martin Hughes 34-59; 14, Heather Lindley 49-26; 15, Emily Duckett 44-14; 16, Heather Simpson 37-53; 17, Shaun Braddock 35-31; 18, Paul Fryers 34-33; 19, Lesley Parker 45-40; 20, Emma Stead 46-00; 21, Helen Turner 43-40; 22, Sue Hall 54-50; 23, Martyn Goodwin 38-17; 24, Keith Gordon 39-07; 25, Sarah Fairclough 47-15; 26, Stuart Smith 47-48; 27, Ray Brown 1-06-15.
Original Mountain Marathon
30, Mark Crossley / Jon Hallam Linear B Class (30th of 138 teams).
Storm hits Stocksbridge
Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby were left without a fixture at the weekend, as they were forced to concede their cup tie with Maltby RUFC due to injuries, player unavailability & late withdrawals.
Head Coach Aaron Kaye gave the rest of the squad the weekend off, to prepare for this weekend's coming fixture away in West Yorkshire at basement club Knottingley RUFC. Stocksbridge will travel in good heart having won their last 2 games, gaining some momentum, & a victory in this Round 7 clash is well within their grasp.
No league fixtures in the Counties 4 Yorkshire South means it's as you were in the league ladder, with Stocksbridge remaining in 3rd position.
The JPG Group Man of Steel award for October has been won by Harrison 'the storm' Norman, kindly sponsored by Mr/s Dave + Jacqueline Lambert. Norman beat skipper Beal, young flier Staley-Howson & promising young half back Archie Taylor along with the versatile Jack Spencer in a closely contested decision. Norman has been consistent on both sides of the ball in recent games, aswell as producing a number of tries during the process.
The next home fixture at the Coal Pit Lane Arena will be the derby clash with closest neighbours Wortley RUFC on 8th November, with a 2.30pm kick off. Entrance is free.
4, Andrew Heppenstall 18-37; 13, Martin Ball 20-52; 17, Nick Pepper 21-09; 19, Suzanne McGill 21-11; 22, Simon Pike 21-39; 23, Oliver Found 22-11; 27, Ryan Duckett 22-50; 31, Emily Duckett 23-20; 35, Chris Hodgson 23-46; 49, Ben Wilkinson 24-37; 65, Michael Nicholson 25-22; 105, Sara Wolstenholme 2748; 118, Paul Sammon 29-24; 119, Hannah Sammon 29-25; 132, Becky Parr 30-15; 135, Joanne Sammon 30-38; 138, Andrew Taylor 30-47; 182, Martyn Cartwright 36-41; 183, Dianne McGuinness 36-41.
Barnsley Parkrun
6, Ian Neville 20-13; 17, Shaun Swallow 22-25; 22, Julia Johnson 23-17; 30, Martyn Goodwin 24-33; 35, Martin Hughes 23-44; 61, Stu Smith 28-17; 74, Sue Hall 29-01; 107, Danny Batty 32-40; 139, Ray Brown 36-21.
Good start continues
Pomona FC 3–1 Sheffield FC
Pomona FC continued their excellent start to the season with a confident 3–1 victory over Sheffield FC at the Jubilee.
From the first whistle, Pomona looked sharp and determined to build on their recent strong performances.
The home-side made the perfect start, taking the lead in just the 4th minute. A well-worked corner routine from Stephen Logan and Simon Hawley found Jason Allsebrook, whose looping header sailed into the top corner to make it 1–0.
Pomona’s high press caused constant problems for the visitors, and their persistence was rewarded on the half-hour mark. Winger Stephen Logan pounced on a loose pass from the Sheffield defence, raced through on
goal, rounded the keeper, and calmly slotted home to double Pomona’s advantage.
Despite Pomona’s dominance, Sheffield had their moments. Goalkeeper Brad Swift produced several excellent saves — including a superb fingertip stop to push a shot around the post — ensuring Pomona went into the break with a deserved 2–0 lead. Swift’s commanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
In the second half, Pomona continued to create chances to seal the result. Substitute Simon Bonnett threaded a fine through ball to Simon Yeadon, who fired narrowly across the face of goal. Moments later, Bonnett thought he had scored his first goal of the season when he turned in
Yeadon’s cross, only for it to be controversially ruled out for offside. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute. Yeadon again did superbly down the right before cutting the ball back for Bonnett, who took a touch and fired home emphatically for his first goal of the campaign — and Pomona’s third of the match.
Sheffield pushed late on and were denied by the crossbar from a free kick, but moments later were awarded a penalty, which they converted to make it 3–1. Despite the late setback, Pomona secured another impressive win and extended their fine run of form, 5 wins out of 6 which sees them sitting 3rd in the division one table.
Steve Storey (South Yorkshire Cross Country, Longley Park)
Penistone Parkrun
Steels progress in FA Trophy
Hyde United 0-3 Stocksbridge PS
Stocksbridge Park Steels secured their place in the second round of the FA Trophy with a commanding 3-0 victory over Hyde. After absorbing early pressure and a crucial goal-line clearance, Jordan Lemon opened the scoring with a powerful strike. Steels extended their lead in the second half through Alex O’Connor and sealed the win with an audacious long-range effort from captain Kurtis Turner.
Written by Alfie Broomhead
Both Park Steels and Hyde created early chances to score, with Steels striker James Morris forcing a fine save from Yusuf Mersin, who dived low to his left to keep out a curling effort. Moments later, Hyde had two excellent opportunities to take the lead, but Stocksbridge Park Steels goalkeeper Ben Townsend came to the rescue. He first denied Charlie Frost with a sharp close-range save before getting a crucial hand to the striker’s attempted chip.
The momentum soon shifted firmly in Hyde’s favour as they piled on the pressure around the 15-minute mark. Another effort from Frost was again stopped by the impressive Townsend, as Stocksbridge were forced to absorb sustained early pressure.
Jordan Lemon came to the visitors’ rescue midway through the first half after Ben Townsend’s punched clearance fell kindly for Hyde’s Jordan Scanlon. Scanlon’s rebound looked destined for the
back of the net, but Lemon reacted brilliantly to hook the ball off the line and keep the scores level.
It would be the right-back who unexpectedly opened the proceedings for Park Steels against the run of play, as Lemon unleashed a thunderous 25-yard right-footed strike across goal, leaving Mersin with no chance of getting a hand to it.
A couple of half-chances followed for the Steels; however, they wouldn't be able to double their lead just before half-time
A superb counter-attack from Stocksbridge Park Steels early in the second half nearly doubled the away side’s advantage. James Morris burst through Hyde’s midfield before finding Alfie Wilkinson darting down the right, but the winger’s first-time ball into the box just couldn’t find a Steels attacker.
Stocksbridge, who have looked a threat from set pieces all season, doubled their lead 55 minutes in thanks to a drilled effort from Alex O’Connor. Hyde failed to clear their lines from a corner, allowing the Steels to find O’Connor unmarked at the back post. His driven shot went under the keeper’s legs and was bundled over the line by a Hyde defender.
Just minutes after the Steels extended their advantage, Hyde had a golden opportunity to halve the deficit. Shakeel JonesGriffiths’ close-range strike could
only be parried by Ben Townsend into the path of substitute Nyal Bell, who somehow blazed his effort over the open goal.
Steels sealed the victory with 15 minutes remaining, capping off another superb counter-attack that found captain Kurtis Turner. He unleashed an audacious strike from outside the box, sending the ball curling into the top corner.
Stocksbridge had a great chance to make it four late on, but James Mor-
ris could only skew his one-on-one effort wide.
That proved to be the final action of the match as Stocksbridge Park Steels confirmed their place in the second round of the FA Trophy.
Manager Ian Richards said after the game “Excellent win and the boys have made history for the club, reaching the second round for the first time. Its good for the profile of the club and helps the finances”
Reward for Steels is a tricky away tie at Marine, of the Enterprise National League North, another ‘step’ above Steels in the non-league pyramid.
Scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 15 November with winning clubs receiving £3,750 from the competition prize fund, while losing teams will get £1,000.
Next Home game: Saturday 1st November vs WORKINGTON TOWN, 3pm KO
CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUES
Sunday saw the second cross-country fixture of the season, hosted by Valley Hill at Longley Park.
Club marshals were out in force, ensuring the event ran smoothly. For this and more running reports turn to pages 14 & 15
SEVEN UNBEATEN: Steels stretched their unbeaten run to seven games with an impressive 3-0 away win in the FA Trophy. Photo Myra Little