Doctors to strike before Xmas
7
A VILLAGE MARRIED
Sixty- ve years ago, the North She eld village of Grenoside witnessed a landmark event: its rst-ever double wedding. Discover the cherished story of sisters Enid and Barbara Gibson, who married Ken Travis and Malcolm Foster in a ceremony timed around a local football match, followed by a brief Blackpool honeymoon just in time for Christmas.
Turn to page 7 for the full, historic tale of community, sport, and everlasting memories.
MEMORIES: Ken Travis holding a photograph of a cherished day back in 1958.
Men Encouraged to Take the Stage
Have you always wanted to sing but thought you couldn’t? A new course in Penistone could change that.
e Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir is o ering a specially designed, six-week course for men who would like to sing but lack condence. Running on Sunday evenings in early 2026, the “Ready, Steady, Sing!” course is free, fun, and led by professional voice coaches.
Participants will not only learn to sing but also gain the condence to join the choir and take part in the annual concert at Penistone Paramount in March. e course promises more than just learning the notes – members will enjoy friendly rivalry, personal support, and all the bene ts of being part of a lively, social group.
No previous singing experience is necessary. If you can manage a nursery rhyme or sing “Happy Birthday,” you’ve got what it takes!
Jon Johnson, course organiser, said:
“ is is a chance for any man who’s always wanted to sing to nd out about the mental, physical, and social bene ts of being part of a choir. All it takes is a deep breath and a bit of courage!”
To book a place, contact Jon Johnson on 07882 209137 or jonj23@icloud.com. For more information, visit www.mgmvc.co.uk.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a condence boost, this course could be your rst step towards nding your voice.
CHEER AT TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS PARTY
STEP LAUNCHES MAJOR EXPANSION TO BOOST SOCIAL IMPACT IN THE STEEL VALLEY
STEP Charity is preparing for one of its most ambitious years yet, with a strengthened focus on tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing and ensuring every resident feels part of a thriving community.
We sat down with Sam Tarff, Chief Executive of STEP Charity, to talk about the new Social Programme launching in January 2026.
Q: What’s driving this expansion?
Sam: “The cost-of-living crisis has hit people hard. We’re seeing more residents feeling isolated or struggling to access activities and opportunities. We want to create spaces where people feel valued, connected and able to take the next step in life — whatever that looks like for them.”
Q: What will be new from January?
Sam: “We’re doubling our free community space offer at The Venue — not just on Wednesdays but now every Tuesday too. That means more clubs, grassroots volunteers and local groups can run activities without worrying about cost.”
Q: STEP is also investing in technology — tell us about that.
Sam: “Yes — our Digital Futures & AI Project will give people confidence to engage with emerging technology. It’s about making digital tools accessible for everyone, not just those already familiar with them.”
Q: And support into work continues too?
Sam: “Our employment programme is helping residents build skills, gain confidence and find local jobs. That’s life-changing impact.”
Q: Finally, what’s coming up first?
Sam: “Straight after Christmas we’ll launch our Warm Places Project — offering bottomless hot drinks and discounted food. It’s a simple way to make sure everyone has somewhere warm and friendly to go this winter.”
Sam concludes:
“This is all about being part of our community, having a love for it, and ensuring that everyone in it feels supported, connected and hopeful about the future.”
DEEPCAR
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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Sheffield aims for E-bike hire from 2026
Almost 1,000 e-bikes are to be made available for hire in Shefeld in a move councillors hope will encourage more people to cycle in the city despite its many hills, writes Lucy Ashton, BBC South Yorkshire political reporter.
She eld City Council is looking for a private operator to deliver the scheme, with the aim of having around 950 e-bikes available from 320 locations by next Summer. In a report the authority said it had "learned lessons" from the failed Ofo yellow bike scheme in 2018, when many bikes were vandalised and dumped. e council said it planned to invest £2m to get the latest project started, including creating 240 bike parking bays, some of which will be in existing car parking spaces. A report by council o cers said: "She eld faces a number of transport challenges with high car use and congestion, particularly in the city centre, leading to
increased emissions. " ere is poor access to cycling, especially in underserved communities.
"Looking ahead, signi cant housing developments are planned for in and around the city centre, where cycling could be a realistic alternative for many journeys. "However, it is recognised that the city's hilly terrain can be a barrier to cycling to many, to which the availability of e-bikes can provide an e ective solution.
" e development of a successful e-bike hire scheme has the potential to reduce congestion and pollution and improve public transport connectivity."
In 2018 the council introduced 500 Ofo bikes around the city, but there was widespread vandalism and misuse on a far higher scale than in other cities with the same scheme. e company pulled out of She eld and other UK cities the same year amidst nancial problems. e council, however, said it believed the new
scheme would be di erent, saying the Ofo service was launched "too widely and too quickly". According to the report, external, the new system would have "more control over where bikes are parked, to help reduce street clutter and antisocial behaviour". It said this would mean the was an "incentive to leave the bike at the end of the hire period in in speci c physical locations otherwise the cost of the hire will continue to increase". e document also said the bikes would have multiple locking systems and GPS technology allowing the operator to manage bike numbers in any one area and recover any abandoned bikes quickly. It added that the provider would own the bikes and be responsible for all maintenance and upkeep. e council said it was hoped an initial "launch zone" would be operational in August 2026.
Photo: LI.ME
What’s on at your local churches this Christmas and New Year?
Sunday 14th December:
All-Age Carol Service - 2pm, Stocksbridge Salvation Army
Carol Service, followed by mulled wine/mulled apple juice & festive treats - 6pm, St John’s Church, Deepcar
Monday 15th December:
Carols in the Square - 6.30pm, Bolsterstone Village Square
Tuesday 16th December:
Drop-In Christmas Party - 10am - midday, St John’s Church Deepcar
Wednesday 17th December:
Activity Nativity - 5.30pm, Stocksbridge Christian Centre
Friday 19th December:
Christingle Service - 5pm, St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone
Sunday 21st December:
Nativity Service - 10.45am, Christ Church, Stocksbridge
Bereavement Carol Service with time to remember loved ones - 2pm, Stocksbridge Salvation Army
Carols by Candlelight - 5pm, Christ Church Stocksbridge
Carols by Candlelight - 6.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve):
Christmas Eve Service - 11am, Stocksbridge Salvation Army
Carols round the Crib, followed by refreshments and festive treats. Free book for children under 11 yrs - 4pm, St John’s Church, Deepcar
Carol Singing in the Churchyard with Mince Pies, Mulled Wine, Candles & Torchlight - 4pm, Christ Church, Stocksbridge
Midnight Mass - 11.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone
Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day):
Christmas Day Communion, children & toys welcome - 11am, Stocksbridge Christian Centre
Christmas Day Family Communion - 10.30am, St John’s Church, Deepcar
Christmas Day Holy Communion - 11am, St Mary’ s Church, Bolsterstone
Sunday 28th December:
Christingle (bring an orange!) - 10.45am, Christ Church, Stocksbridge
Wednesday 31st December:
Local Carols, mince pies & mulled wine - 6pm, Christ Church, Stocksbridge
Carols by Candlelight - 4pm, Stocksbridge Christian Centre
Sunday 4th January
Covenant Service and Communion - 10.45am, Christ Church, Stocksbridge
Big enough to cope, small enough to care
or almost 44 years, Deepcar Home Improvements have been providing their customers with top-quality products and customer service from their Manchester Road showroom
Owner Ian Clancy established the business in September 1978 and today continues to run the business with the help of his family and fantastic team
Ian is joined by son Tom, daughter Alice, sister-in-law
Diane and his two nephews, who both work as par t of the fitting team
Deepcar Home Improvements offer a long list of products and services, whether you ’ re in the market for new windows, doors, soffits and fascias, one of their bespoke conservator ies, or even a garage conversion Whatever you choose, they’ll make sure it’s perfectly fitted
Ian left school in 1976 and lear ned his trade at a local double glazing company before making the leap two years later in going it alone. He was descr ibed as ‘first on site, last to leave’, and this work ethic has continued throughout his working life
Exemplifying Ian’s pr ide in his humble beg inning, the ver y first door made by the company in 1978 still sits in perfect working order at the back of the showroom.
With 40-plus years ’ exper ience comes a level of knowledge, and the whole team at Deepcar Home Improvements take pr ide in the fact that not only do they provide the best products to their customers, but the best service too
“Our aim is the same today as it was back then. In today’s busy world we pr ide ourselves in looking after you the customer and will offer the same level of service whether you are having a new
conservator y or a lock fixed on your window,” said Ian
An immense amount of care is taken by the team before and after the job is done, and their customers are treated just like another member of the family Deepcar Home Improvements will do their best to help you find the perfect products for your home, and they’ll offer you a ten-year war ranty once you ’ ve found just what you need Why go to a big chain when you can suppor t a local family business who in tur n can suppor t you?
Deepcar Home Improvements have a
wide range of popular, high-quality brands in their fantastic showroom and they welcome you to come and pay them a visit and see for yourself just what they can do for you
“We’re big enough to cope, but small enough to care, ” said Ian
Deepcar Home Improvements 247 Manchester Road, Deepcar Sheffield, S36 2RA
Tel: 0114 288 5898
deepcarhomeimprovements.com Find them on Facebook: @deepcarhomeinfo
Opening hours:
Monday to Fr iday: 8am-5pm Saturday: 8am-1pm Sunday: 10am-12pm
Tiled conservatory roof
Composite door
Remembering Grenoside’s First
Double Wedding – December 1958
e North She eld village of Grenoside has plenty of stories to tell, but few are as memorable as its rst-ever double wedding, which took place on a crisp Saturday morning in December 1958.
On Saturday, December 20, 1958, sisters Enid Elizabeth Gibson and Barbara Ann Gibson, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. E. Gibson of Morton Place, stood side by side at Norfolk Hill Methodist Church to make history. Enid Elizabeth married Ken Travis, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Travis of Fox Hill, She eld, while Barbara Ann wed Malcolm Foster, son of Mrs. J. Foster of Parkwood Springs, She eld, and the late Mr. Foster.
e ceremony, which began at 10:30 AM, was timed to accommodate the bride's father’s role as founder and secretary of Morton Villa Football Club, where Ken Travis also played as right fullback. A potential clash with a league match was avoided when the opposing team withdrew, allowing the historic day to proceed without a hitch.
Following the service, Ken remembers the celebration moved to the schoolroom adjacent to the church on Main Street, directly across from e Arrow. Guests enjoyed a cheer-
ful reception, and the newlyweds then embarked on a brief honeymoon in Blackpool, returning midweek to be home for Christmas.
e weather was remembered as being bright and favourable, adding to the joyful occasion.
e local newspaper, at the time, e She eld Star, captured photographs of the brides and grooms on the day, preserving memories of the landmark event for future generations. Over the years, life brought both joy and sorrow for the families, with Enid and Malcolm now both passed. e Schoolroom itself has since been converted into a residential property, quietly marking the passage of time in the village.
Even more than six decades later, residents fondly recall this historic double wedding, a celebration that blended Grenoside’s strong sense of community with its love of local sport. It remains a cherished story, remembered and retold as a special moment in the village’s history.
A HISTORIC DAY IN GRENOSIDE: Barbara Ann Gibson and Enid Elizabeth Gibson pictured with their husbands, Mr. Harold Malcolm Foster and Mr. Kenneth Geo rey Travis, a er the village’s rst double wedding in 1958.
Doctors to strike
Resident doctors in England will strike again this month, with the BMA urging the Government to call o the action by resuming talks on jobs and pay.
e BMA resident doctors committee has today con rmed doctors will return to the picket lines in the run-up to Christmas, while urging the Government to ‘get a grip on the situation’ by returning to negotiations. Should it go ahead, the latest round of action will see resident doctors stage full walk-outs from 7am on 17 December until 7am 22 December.
Con rming the new strike dates, BMA resident doctors committee co-chair Jack Fletcher (pictured) said that, while doctors would rather be treating patients than be on picket lines, continuing inaction with addressing
the profession’s concerns meant there was no alternative.
He said: ‘With neither a credible plan to x the jobs’ crisis for resident doctors nor address their pay erosion coming from Government, we have no choice but to announce more strike dates.
‘However, these do not need to go ahead. Gradually raising pay over a few years and some common-sense xes to the job security of our doctors are well within the reach of this Government.
‘It would ensure both the long-term strength of our healthcare workforce and spare the country the indignity of seeing unemployed doctors at a time patients are queuing up to even see a GP.’
A Compton Christmas Cracker
Enjoy an entertaining a ernoon of music & merriment as the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust present ‘ A Compton Christmas Cracker”. at the Penistone Paramount this coming Saturday a ernoon at 2.30pm is year’s show features ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ nalist - Jean Martyn at the Paramount Compton Cinema Organ, as well as a few surprises along the way. Local favouritesurlstone Brass Band will complete the line up, with a musical celebration of all things Christmas.
Jean said “I’ve always enjoyed performing at the Penistone Paramount and just love how friendly and appreciative the audiences are there”. “I’ve been performing at the Penistone Paramount for over 25 years and it’s one of my favourite venues in which to entertain”,
she enthused. “Even when we were performing in 10,000 seat arenas with the BGT tour, I made sure that I still performed on the gorgeous Compton organ at Penistone, as it’s one of my all-time favourite instruments and such a lovely venue”.
Enjoy many of the popular seasonal favourites, along with a selection of traditional Christmas carols to get you into the festive spirit on the lead up to Christmas
A Compton Christmas Cracker Saturday 13th December at 2.30pm Penistone Paramount.
Tickets £15. Available in advance by telephoning 01226 767532 or on the door on the day.
HELPING HOMES STAY WARM THIS WINTER
As temperatures begin to drop across the Upper Don Valley, a local voluntary group is stepping up e orts to help households cut their energy bills and reduce heat loss. Upper Don Community Energy, a community-run organisation dedicated to all things energy, is encouraging residents to take advantage of its ermal Imaging Survey service this winter. e colder months provide the perfect conditions for spotting where heat is escaping from homes – and what can be done to x it.
e surveys use specialist cameras to identify common issues such as draughty doors, leaky window seals, blown double glazing and poorly insulated walls, lo s and oors. Once completed, households receive a clear, easy-to-understand report showing exactly how well their home is holding in the heat, along with practical suggestions to make it warmer and cheaper to run.
Simple improvements o en make a big di erence, and the survey highlights measures that many homeowners can tackle themselves. ese include adding secondary glazing lm, replacing tired window or door seals, using draught excluders, installing radiator foil, hanging thicker curtains or tting thermo-
DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY
10 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month for a 10am start at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street. We have a friendly informal club environment for retired men to build and maintain companionship and social contacts. We will be next meeting on Wednesday December the 10th when Alan Hancock will giving a presentation regarding’ Jack the Ripper ‘ . After the meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for lunch. For further information please contact our secretary Trevor Winslow 07966317258 or access our website.
10 Stocksbridge High Street Christmas event 4-6pm Manchester Road Shopping Precinct. Free hot drinks and festive treats. Christmas music and carol singing. Treasure hunt with prizes
THURSDAY
11 Chapeltown WI will hold their Christmas Party at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church, where they will enjoy a cooked meal followed by entertainment. The competition is for ‘An hand made Christmas Cracker’
11 Stocksbridge & District History Society - Special Christmas Carol Supper- ‘A Tribute to Jose’ - Christ Church Hall -7 PM - Dennis as MC. Members Only please.
FRIDAY
static valves to heat only the rooms you’re using. It can also point to larger insulation upgrades such as lo or under- oor insulation.
One recent resident who took part said the process was both straightforward and surprisingly helpful:
“We both found the thermal imaging survey informative and easy to understand.
Tim and Andrew suggested ways in which we could insulate the parts of our house that need improving, some of which are easy and a ordable. Tim sent us information regarding under- oor insulation which we are looking into, but there is no pressure put on you to buy particular products. We would de nitely recommend having thermal imaging undertaken.”
With energy costs still a concern for many households, the service o ers a practical way to understand your home’s heat e ciency and identify cost-e ective ways to stay warm this winter.
For more information or to book a survey, residents can get in touch with Upper Don Community Energy and start making their homes cosier for the colder months ahead.
Christmas Concert To Be Held At The Newton Hall, Chapeltown Friday 12th December 2025 At 7.30 Pm Tickets From Margaret And Peter On 0114 2460983 Or 07812425387 Or Julie On 07876472246 Or Paul On 07926377410
12 Relax with a poem – poetry for pleasure 2.15 to 3.15pm Stocksbridge Library, Manchester Road. Bring a favourite poem to read or just sit and listen over a warm drink.
12 Co ee Morning at St Saviours Church, Mortomley Lane, HiGH GREEN, Friday 12th December 10 30am to 12noon. Home made cakes and tea/co ee. All welcome
SATURDAY
13 Councillors monthly dropin surgery. Cllrs Janet Ridler and Mark Whittaker will be at Stocksbridge Library inside Ikon Church, Manchester Road (opposite the old Library) on Saturday 13 December, 11.00 - 12.00. If you have problems with council services or need help or advice, we can help you. Drop in for a co ee and a chat, no appointment needed.
SUNDAY
14 Bullhouse Chapel will be holding its Annual Christmas Carol Service at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come and join us. The service will be followed by tea/co ee and homemade mince pies.
MONDAY
12 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band
15 Bolsterstone Community Group’s rst Traditional Wreath
EVENT
Making Evening in ST MARY’’S CHURCH, Bolsterstone . Doors open 6.30 for prompt start at 7pm. £20 CASH ONLY on the door. For everyone with prebooked and reserved places only.
TUESDAY
16 Bolsterstone Community Group’s second Traditional Wreath Making Evening in ST MARY’’S CHURCH, Bolsterstone . Doors open 6.30 for prompt start at 7pm. £20 CASH ONLY on the door. For everyone with pre-booked and reserved places only.
WEDNESDAY
17 BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP Christmas meeting 7.30pm Janet Ridler will talking to us about ‘A Tudor Christmas’. Mince pies and mulled wine as well as tea and co ee. 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.. There is a small entry charge: Members £2 Non-members £4. Annual membership £7 All welcome.
JANUARY
SUNDAY
4 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - Wadsley Wassail - A couple of hours of song, music and folk tradition to bring in the New Year. Very weather-dependent, ideally, we will have some singing on the Common (2pm) and then retire to the Rose & Crown
(3pm) for a little more merriment. The plan is to meet on the common, but please check www.walc.epizy.com for final plans on the morning.
MONDAY
5 Stocksbridge and Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meeting @ 2.30pm, @ Christ Church, Manchester Road, S36 1DY. Speaker is Simon Utting “Acupuncture” Visitors welcome @ £3 per meeting to include refreshments.
LISTINGS CITY PREPARES FOR MAJOR ANNIVERSARY EVENTS HONOURING THE SHEFFIELD BLITZ
families very welcome 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.
SUNDAY
25 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - regular conservation morning, probably clearing saplings but check on the website - www. walc.epizy.com, 10am-12pm, bring gloves, tools provided, families very welcome
MONDAY
26 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Plant Behaviour, a talk by Gerry Firkins. Botanist Gerry Firkins will talk about the latest discoveries in plant behaviour research. Wadsley Church, Worrall Road, 7.30pm. members - £3.50, non members - £4. Free home made refreshments. www.walc.epizy.com
FEBRUARY
SUNDAY
22 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - regular conservation morning, probably clearing saplings but check on the website - www. walc.epizy.com, 10am-12pm, bring gloves, tools provided,
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 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
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.
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. Enjoy Scrabble? Why not come along to our friendly Scrabble Club We meet between 12noon and 3pm on Wednesdays at the British Legion Club, Chapeltown £1 per session Everyone welcome
St Mary’s Church BolsterstoneWednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Our popular Wednesday coffee mornings have been extended over the winter season so that we can serve hearty homemade soup as well as the usual delicious cakes, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Do join us, it is open to all.
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.
Sheffield will unite later this month for a major three-day programme marking the 85th anniversary of the Sheffield Blitz.
Three days of events will combine remembrance, newly uncovered personal testimonies, and innovative digital interpretation to remember one of the darkest moments in the city’s history.
The commemorations, taking place between 12th and 14th December, form the culmination of the two-year Blitz Kids project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has been documenting the memories of the last surviving children of the 1940 air raids.
The project has recorded stories from across Sheffield and the surrounding districts, preserving memories that, for many families, had never been shared publicly until now.
The anniversary events will begin on Friday, 12 December, at Pound’s Park with the unveiling of a new permanent memorial to the eight firefighters who lost their lives during the attacks. The ceremony will bring together representatives from the Fire Brigades Union, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and civic leaders, and will include a formal Act of Remembrance, wreath-laying, and music from the City of Sheffield Pipe Band.
Sheffield Cathedral will host an afternoon of Blitz film screenings from 2pm–6pm on the same day which will offer the chance to hear the testimonies of the ‘blitz kids’.
On Saturday 13 December, the National Emergency Services Museum will open its new permanent Sheffield Blitz exhibition as part of its 1940s Weekend celebrations. The expanded display includes newly recorded Blitz Kids testimonies, original artefacts and documents, immersive recreations of vanished streets, interactive digital features, and the newly restored 1932 fire engine that was on duty in the blitz. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to step closer to the world of December 1940 than ever before.
The weekend will also see the launch of a new Blitz Kids book that brings together many of the first-hand accounts gathered during the project. A new walking-tour app will be released alongside it, using modern mapping and AI-generated reconstructions of locations destroyed in the attacks.
Neil Anderson of the Sheffield Blitz Memorial Trust said: “This is the last major milestone where many of our remaining ‘blitz kids’ are still here to tell their stories. Their memories – some heartbreaking, some surprisingly uplifting – are now preserved for generations to come. This anniversary is not only about looking back; it’s about giving Sheffield a lasting record that feels alive, accessible and rooted in the real experiences of its people.”
The three-day programme invites the whole city to reflect on the legacy of the Sheffield Blitz, to honour those who lived through it, and to ensure that the impact of the events of December 1940 continues to be understood by future generations.
Bramall Lane was heavily bombed
Sheffield Children evacuated from Victoria Station
Deaths COOKE
Pamela Ann
Passed peacefully away in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital on 1st December 2025 aged 87.
A Loving Sister, Sister in Law, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt and Friend.
Pam is now at peace.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday 5th January 2026 at 12:30 Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu of flowers to Amy’s Retreat.
Lee David HARVEY
Happy 50th Birthday
12.12.75 - 20.6.20
Birthday memories for a wonderful Son & Father.
Miss you so much.
Love always Mum, Dad, Chloe & Amy
11th December 1965
David and Sandra Grayson Love Carmen, Mark and Vicky, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Homelessness charity Emmaus She eld’s second-hand superstore has launched a range of festive items for the home.
On sale at the charity’s Cadman Street store is a full range of decorations, including some items hand cra ed by the Emmaus companions and volunteers.
e charity’s Marketing and Development Manager Charley Fedorenko said: “You can go to the
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
high street but if you’re looking for something more quirky and unusual. You should call in and see what we have for sale.
“Back in stock are our specially cra ed Christmas trees and reindeer, all made in our workshops from recycled material.
“Come in and take a look - and while you’re down here you’re almost certain to pick up a last minute gi or two.”
Emmaus She eld is the drug and alcohol free project that provides a home, support and work for formerly homeless people.
rough its Social Enterprise programme it aims to provide meaningful work for the people it supports – known as companions - to eventually become selfsupporting once more.
e Emmaus shop sells a full range of items; furniture, elec-
trics, bric-a-brac, clothes, toys, books, vinyl and more, all donated by the public.
Stock changes on a daily basis, so visitors are guaranteed to see something new each visit. e shop is open 10am to 4pm daily.
To nd out more about Emmaus She eld visit www.emmausshe eld.org.uk
Local Opinion
A TRIBUTE TO HARRY
The Sheffield Wednesday community is coming together to honour Harry, a lifelong Wednesdayite who followed the club home and away with passion and pride. His love for the Owls ran deep, and his presence was felt wherever the team played.
Zorro Lounge Fundraising
Dear Look Local
Stocksbridge Community Care Group here wanting to reach out to more people who may not have seen or heard about this.
We are delighted that Zorro Lounge in Fox Valley have again chosen to support and fundraise for our charity this Christmas. Once more, we are having a Christmas Giving Tree, inviting you to drop off small gift donations for older people at Zorro Lounge. The gifts will be given to Stocksbridge Community Care Group, and volunteers will visit local older people to deliver a gift and enjoy a friendly chat. Last Christmas we managed to visit 43 older people. We received such lovely feedback from the people we visited about how much they had enjoyed this. This year we would like to try and visit 50 people if possible. All additional gifts will be distributed to residents at our local care homes.
Donations of small gifts for older people, (preferably in an unsealed gift bag), can be dropped off at Zorro Lounge, open daily from 9am. We have extended the date for receiving the gifts to Saturday 20th December. Raffle tickets will also be available at Zorro Lounge during the Christmas period with proceeds going to our charity.
If you need additional details about this or our services, please call 0114 2830141 and leave your name and phone number so we can return your call. We also have a Facebook page.
Our Friendly Visitor Service always needs new volunteers to visit local lonely and/or isolated older people, please contact us if you are interested in joining our team.
With very best wishes to all this Christmas Stocksbridge Community Care Group
Say no to Digital ID
In reply to a letter regarding Digital ID
Hi Marie (MP Tidball), With all due respect, if it were no different from having a passport or driving licence we wouldn’t be spending 100s of millions, probably billions given the layers of costs laboured on any government plan [900m consultant fees for a railway that
Family and friends are asking supporters to join in a minute’s applause in the 26th minute at the next home game against Derby, marking 26 years of Harry’s life and celebrating the joy and loyalty he brought to those around him.
didn’t get delivered properly springs to mind] delivering this. The people don’t accept it. I cannot find one, unbiased, legitimate survey that pegs support for this over 38%, interestingly Tony Blair has run survey suggesting 62% support which is complete tosh, he is someone with his hand in this. Unfinished business for him, and I am sure he will get some lovely bonus through his TBI slush fund in his global lobbying group. Who does this government represent? Its people or the self interest of people like Blair et al, who peddle their influence in global lobbying groups?
We, the people, see it. This is an intrusion into fundamental liberties of individual freedom, an Orwellian nightmare in real time with our individual freedom at stake here being traded away to the highest bidders. The only people this empowers are the information harvesting multi-national conglomerates. Information is worth more than oil now and the people of this nation are under no illusion this is a policy being sledgehammered through on their behalf. I do accept there may be some improvements with diagnosis of illness etc… and Big Pharma will no doubt love the opportunity to press on this.
Starmer will destroy Labour with this policy, it will be forever irrecoverable when running alongside the economy tanking. Do better, speak up and represent your electorate and not Large Corp lobbying groups.
Answer me this: once this is done, can you honestly say you know where our data and information will be farmed out to? Do you think it reasonable, for me, ie a human being you are turning into a data point should have a say if whether I want this or should I just hand over my individual sovereignty to a government who didn’t publish this in their manifesto and are frankly speaking abusing a parliamentary majority to sledgehammer fundamental changes to our identification and data? When you lot have been voted out, what guarantees can you offer that the maniac Farage won’t sell off this information harvest to US?
Cornwall get it.
Cornwall is first area of the UK to say no to mandatory digital ID cards - Cornwall Live
Harry is remembered as a true gentleman –kind, humble and one of the good ones. He leaves behind countless memories and a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever part of the Wednesday family.
THANK YOU
Regards, Dan Turner
We would like to thank Stocksbridge Town Council for the delightful Christmas Luncheon they provided for Stocksbridge Pensioners at The Venue yesterday (03/12/25). The food was lovely, the entertainment was excellent and we had much fun with the bingo & raffle gifts.
Thank you to the Management & Staff for creating a very enjoyable afternoon.
Merry Christmas from Maureen, Margaret, Glenys & Geoff.
Chicken
It is with deep regret that I must announce the sad demise of ‘the chicken on the fence’ by the buildings opposite Usker’s Farm on the road to the Flouch roundabout from Stocksbridge. My grandson has pointed it out for several years and immediately noticed its absence on a recent drive past!! As it has had such an effect on him [he is only young!!] I wish to start a ‘BRING BACK THE CHICKEN campaign, as a real townie I have no idea who owns or farms the land, but if they were to read this, my grandson would be overjoyed to see the chicken back [so would the wife but I’m not allowed to say so!!] So BRING BACK THE CHICKEN, pretty please, Mr farmer!!
A grateful Grandad
SINGING THE BLUES
Got no Whiskey ,Got no Wine, If folks ask me I say I’m doing fine.
Got no Money,got no dough
Got no Lover, got no Friends
No where to go.
I may be hungry but there’s nothing to eat I may be tired but no where to sleep.
Here I am with no shoes on my feet
Looking for better weather.
Ain’t got no sunshine, only got rain,
Ain’t got no pleasure, only got pain
Ain’t got no beer, ain’t got no booze
So here I go, Singing the Blues.
Pete the Poet
WOUNDS BETWEEN THE WORDS
My Life
Is a half-opened book,
Some paused to read,
Some barely looked.
Some only flipped a page or two,
Some felt the depth from where my sorrows grew.
Some traced the meanings between each line,
Some held on to a single sign.
Some saw the shadows I tried to hide,
Some kept the book then left it aside.
No one knew me, not then, not still,
Only the wounded knows the chill.
The weight I carried, the nights I bled,
Lies pressed between the words unsaid.
There were verses sewn with silent cries,
That never reached a reader’s eyes.
There were storms inside my every breath,
Soft pages trembling under death.
If someone had read the ache I wrote,
The hurt that lived in every note...
I’d pen a book of raw despair, With bleeding ink and truth laid bare.
Where every letter rose in pain,
And poetry wept like falling rain.
But life became a half-told tale, A fragile script that seemed to fail...
Not written the way my heart had lived, Not told the way my soul had grieved.
Yet still I hold this book of mine,
A story cracked but still divine.
A life endured, a tale survived, A wounded book yet still alive.
Hina Gondal
A COPSE BLOTS OUT A TREE
A piece of string is as long or as short
as anything you’d care to mention.
But they string you along with the memories of a song. From tops to turvs, dilapidating the throng. They see not of right for someone’s wrong.
A tree ignites the forest; blights the sight of a florist. Whose bouquet now doth flounder.
A travesty of tapestries of every hint and hue, expressing their virtues to spite your view.
Until tomorrow, a newness to return
Singing songs of joy and hope
A merriment, a dance along; whipping up a frenzy, a scope, atuned to a love of whimsy?
Andrew Dancer
NOT IN JAH! WHO?
No! It’s not about me!
Not everything is about me, you know, unfortunately. But I know, as Muhammad Ali versed, ME WE
Andrew Dancer
THE RUMOUR OF THE TUMOUR
With so many words, they’ve said it
So few words don’t mention it
So how could you know it
Of a miracled deception
Walking naked in Jesus’ clothes
Banded about in Biblical words
Representations of a cradled wake
Pieces in the mind to make
Nightmares, dreams, and all else in between
Colour the minds of strangers’ comforts
Kumquats to oranges
Community forum
Stocksbridge Community Forum here. Just to say a big THANK YOU to Dennis, Andrew, George and Barry for your “Valley at War” talk, presented last week, and also to Janet Ridley for “The Sheffield Blitz” talk.
Did you know that Wortley Station was the chief drop-off point in the area for American military and supplies; that Cranberry Crossroads, Hunshelf to Hartcliffe was closed off for the general public and was lined with stacks of 4,000 lb gas bombs, which, thank goodness were never needed possibly because “the enemy” was aware that we would retaliate if chemical weapons were used by them. The upper end of the Valley and Broomhead Hall was where American Troops were billeted. Many seem to have been living in small clusters of bell-shaped tents. Rails were built on the Midhope Moors side to provide moving target practice for tanks. Although our steel works avoided most enemy fire, target practice meant the whole Valley would have sounded as though it was under attack. The steelworks geared up to producing items, particularly machine bullet link belts, so many jobs were protected.
Reservoirs were protected by smoke pots which would hopefully make the water difficult to spot and metal meccano-type obstacles were constructed across the water to prevent dam wall breaching by bombers. The Victory Club (The Venue) saw some wild dancing. It was the first time most residents had ever seen a black person.
Enemy planes seem to have been diverted to attack the city centre and big Sheffield steelworks, including VickersBrown. Apparently there were more casualties than there might have been during the blitz because Sheffield folk were quite determined not to be intimidated! In some cases cinema and dance hall managers had to appeal to people to leave and seek shelter.
It would be interesting to visit some of these Valley locations with the maps (hint hint!), as well as other places of historical interest, of which we have many.
Barbara Horsman
Apples in pairs climbing!
Andrew Dancer
Police Appeal to Trace Van Driver
Police are appealing for help to trace the driver of a blue van who may have witnessed a fatal collision in Stocksbridge last month.
Emergency services were called to the junction of Manchester Road and Johnson Street at 12.11am on Saturday 8 November, following reports of a collision involving a white Iveco lorry and a pedestrian.
A 63-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The lorry driver remained at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries.
Detectives now want to identify the driver of a blue van, believed to be a Volkswagen Transporter, which was travelling along Man-
chester Road away from Sheffield around the time of the incident. Officers believe the driver may have witnessed what happened and could hold vital information.
A police spokesperson said the image of the vehicle is “a little blurry”, but hopes it will help jog people’s memories.
Anyone who is the owner or driver of the van is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 13 of 8 November 2025. Information can also be submitted online via the South Yorkshire Police website.
Dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the collision can be uploaded directly to the investigative team through the force’s online portal.
Town Hall Restoration
Sheffield’s Grade I listed Town Hall has stood at the heart of the city for over 125 years, hosting historic events and major moments in people’s lives. Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee is being asked to approve a multi-year restoration project to secure its future.
Building on previous regeneration work in the city centre, the project aims to restore and reopen more of the Victorian building for public use, transforming access, safety and community space, while protecting its heritage for future generations.
Cllr Janet Ridler, the Council’s Heritage Champion, said: “Sheffield Town Hall is of unique importance to the city. It has welcomed royalty, survived two world wars, and symbolises Sheffield’s history as the democratic centre of the city. This project will ensure it remains at the heart of Sheffield life for decades to come.”
The council currently spends around £700,000 a year on essential repairs. A full restoration is expected to be more cost-effective in the long term, improving public use and reducing maintenance costs. Early estimates suggest a cost of £340m–£450m, funded mainly through long-term borrowing, supported by income generation and heritage grants.
If approved, the next stage will develop concept designs and invite public feedback on the Town Hall’s future.
DOGS TRUST BRINGS
FESTIVE CHEER
Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness scheme is delivering Christmas parcels to homelessness services across Yorkshire, supporting dog owners affected by homelessness. Each year, the charity provides collars, leads, coats and treats to help bring a little joy to dogs spending Christmas without secure housing. Nationally, this year’s parcels also include more than 1,200 balls and 1,250 toys.
In total, over 2,400 parcels will be delivered to 305 homelessness services across the UK, including Target Housing in Rotherham, which supports people experiencing homelessness across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Jayden Askham, Housing Support Worker at Target Housing, said: “This generous initiative brings something truly special to the
clients we support, celebrating the bond they share with their dogs at a meaningful time of year. We are deeply grateful to Dogs Trust for providing such a thoughtful and uplifting service.”
Together Through Homelessness has supported people and their dogs for more than 30 years, helping them stay together by offering free veterinary treatment and supporting services to become dog-friendly. James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, said: “No one should be forced to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep.”
The charity is calling for donations to support its work this Christmas.
Local News
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...
Old Local Christmas Folk Plays LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED
Round your place or pub at Christmas 150 years ago were troupes putting on one of three sorts of folk play, as Penistone solicitor John Ness Dransfield, writing in 1906, recalled from childhood. A decent house helped (‘money!’ for the collection). Most elaborate were the mummers, acting out the Annual Play of St George, as likewise (until WW1) at Ecclesfield, Chapeltown, Malin Bridge, Hillsborough, Deepcar ... the text transcribed and in 1840 published in Sheffield.
The Fool MC’d St George despatching Hector, the Prince of Paradine, and -- the core of the performance – Slasher, in his revival from death by the Doctor, who has “crutches for lame ducks, spectacles for blind humble bees, pack-saddles and panniers for grasshoppers, and plaisters for broken-backed mice”. Plenty of silliness and wordplay for laughs you suspect had its beginnings in what became forgotten messaging.
Formerly, as intended, quite a scary spectacle – mummer is from maoimeach, ‘causing terror’ – but where’s t’dragon? A mere mention. Actually, St George appears dragonless, originally. Always combative though (from Gaelic garg, ‘fierce’; gairge, ‘fierceness’). What’s he to do with Christmas, anyway? In a few similar dramas he’s dubbed King George: might he be the red king of blood-letting in regeneration mythology? [See three weeks back]
The performers were a dozen “big lads” – older kids. The central meaning and power of the tradition gone, people nonetheless would feel it connected them to their forebears and community, and didn’t want to be the ones breaking the chain. So they’d encourage youngsters as proxies, with the carrot of cash (that audiences wouldn’t think vulgar as for grown-ups).
Dransfield goes on to (T’)Owd Oss, a simpler piece of theatre featuring (unlike elsewhere) the song Poor Old Horse in South Yorkshire and Northern Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire, unseen since WW2, bar (up to 1971) in Dore (dosh!). It’s centred on a crude mock-up of a horse, looking pretty deceased. The head was sometimes an actual skull, more
usually a non-realistic wooden affair; either way, mounted on a pole, and at key junctures – as at the finish of each verse – its lower jaw loudly clapped shut through a string pulled by an operator hidden under a cloak. Young women feigned fright at the cavorting beast, which often chased ‘em; suggesting everyone saw a fertility element, befitting the grand theme of renewal.
It’s about miraculous rebirth, afterwards vigour as never before, in the wake of and despite senescence and death. Note in ‘Celtic’ myth the God of fertility was a horse. Oss, rather than or as well as ‘horse’, may mean ‘vital force’, the root sense of aois, as in oss thissen! Was the Oss a sort of every-creature symbol of the continuity of living?
Addy in 1888 recorded a version, yet possibly missed the nub of it (as he later regretted) in ignoring instead of trying to decipher the mangled language at its heart:
“... the horse falls down apparently dead. Then follows a prose conversation ... not worth preserving ... so modernized as to have lost all its interest. The end of it is that the horse gets a new lease of life and attempts to worry a blacksmith”.
Perhaps less fertility per se than sympathetic magic to echo and spur the sun, that at this time of year wanes to a standstill ahead of waxing again?
Recall from last week this is what’s meant by Noel and Yule. Ditto re the mummers once the elaboration into a melodramatic farce is stripped away?
Also cited by JND is T’Owd Tup (a ram), a close parallel to T’Owd Oss, evidently not restricted to Derby and the Midlands. Oss ‘n Tup belong to wider ritual of ‘obby horses (from obainn, ‘rash, hasty, sudden, nimble, quick’). The idea seems to have been to cause mayhem, heralding and clearing a space for the show proper, whether the particular custom entails the demise of the pretend animal itself or another of the cast. They’re likely ancient, as the Church was scorning such equinal get-up in the sixth century.
As for the legacy of the Christmas folk play? A basis of pantomime, you’d imagine.
LEISURE CENTRE REOPENS AFTER A £500,000 UPGRADE
Work at Hillsborough Leisure Centre started at the facility last month and marked the last upgrade project of 2025 by leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs the centre in partnership with Sheffield City Council.
Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, chair of the communities, parks and leisure committee, said the work was about “investing in the health, well-being and future of our residents”.
The council said £1.3m had been invested in sports facilities across
the city this year, including a £750,000
at The English
of
and Concord
and a £110,000 makeover of the gym at Heeley Pool.
Crossthorn said the refurbished leisure centre was a “modern, inclusive space where everyone can get active, recover and connect”. The improvements “help ensure everyone has the opportunity to lead healthier, more active lives”, he explained.
VICTORIA HALL TO EXTEND ITS HOMELESS SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS 2025
Sheffield’s historic Victoria Hall will be extending its support for the region’s most vulnerable people this Christmas.
The Victoria Hall is managed by The Foundry Sheffield, the charitable organisation charged with the task of running the imposing building effectively, safely and in the interests of all tenants, users and visitors and with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of people throughout the city.
And for the fifth consecutive year, the iconic city centre hall in Norfolk Street will be providing some special Christmas cheer for some of the city’s most vulnerable people, running from Christmas Day to December 29.
Charity Homeless and Rootless at Christmas will once again be serving meals to homeless and vulnerable people throughout the Festive period, with all food prepared in the site’s refurbished Lower Hall.
“We are delighted that the Victoria Hall is able once again to host HARC and welcome people
at a time when nobody should be alone,” said Foundry Sheffield Chief Executive Rose Durant.
“Being right at the centre of the city means that the Victoria Hall is ideally placed to provide this sort of service and we know that our facilities will once again be extremely well used and appreciated.
“Altogether, we want to offer a package of services that should give some comfort to be people who might otherwise be lonely at what should be a time for people gathering together.
“In addition to food, there will also be some clothing available as well as some live entertainment to add a little extra Festive atmosphere and make people feel even more welcome.”
To find out more about the The Foundry Sheffield and the full range of activities being offered at the Victoria Hall throughout the Christmas period visit www. victoriahallsheffield.org
refurbishment
Institute
Sport Sheffield
Sports,
T’owd Oss, Dronfield 1908
GRAVY AND PERCY PUDS
Penistone Footpath Runners produced a strong set of performances across a busy early-December weekend encompassing road, fell and cross-country terrain, alongside the conclusion of the Winter Handicap series.
The largest turnout came at the popular Percy Pud 10K in Sheffield, where twenty-three Penistone runners took part among more than three thousand finishers.
Flynn Rogers led the club home with a rapid 34-52 for 52nd place, while Richard Heppenstall impressed with 36-01 to take second place in the men’s over50 category.
There were further fine performances from Alan Nutton, Jade Crosby, Rachel Mayston and Daniel Limb, with Penistone well represented throughout the field.
Abroad, Gareth Irvine travelled to Spain for the Valencia Marathon, tackling warm conditions that rose from 15°C at the start to
22°C by mid-morning. He delivered a strong and evenly paced run to finish in 3-19-56.
On the fells, Penistone were out in force at the Gravy Pud Fell Race in Tintwistle, a five-mile route featuring over 300 metres of climbing. Richard Cottam claimed an excellent fourth place overall and first over-40 man, with George Parr and Damian Kilpin also finishing inside the top ten, the latter taking the men’s over45 win.
Strong packing from Cottam, Parr and Kilpin secured first place in the men’s team competition, while there were further category victories for Ian Neville (over60 men), Jill Scrivens (over55 ladies) and Bernice Nixon (over70 ladies). Hannah Shaw also performed well, placing third senior women amongst more than one hundred finishers.
A small Penistone group also took part in the December No Walk in the Park 5K at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Ian Neville again led the
men with a convincing victory in the over55 category, while Dawn Broom and Jill Scrivens delivered a one–two in the over55 women with strong, consistent runs.
Thursday evening saw the sixth and final round of the Winter Handicap, which brought the club’s 2025 series to a close. David Arthur claimed victory on handicap in 48-18, just ahead of a close-packed field. The fastest scratch times were set by George Parr (28-29) and Emily Duckett (35-30).
In the WMA standings, Dawn Godley produced the best age-adjusted performance of the night, with Ian Neville and Barbara Haigh close behind. Across the series, Neville secured the overall WMA title on 149 points, ahead of Parr (124) and Haigh (118), with fifty-four athletes scoring points this season.
At Saturday’s parkruns, sixty Penistone runners attended eighteen venues. Graihagh Turner continued her superb form with an
outright win at Barnsley, while there were first-place finishes for Mandy Mallinder (Middleton Woods), James Fryers (Riverside) and Richard Cottam (Penistone). Runner-up gender places went to George Parr and Suzanne McGill at Penistone, while Hannah Shaw took third female. Rob Lees celebrated his 150th parkrun with third place at Rotherham. Simon Pike completed his 250th parkrun at Penistone, and Jon Hallam marked his 550th, both significant milestones for two long-serving club members. Strong category wins were recorded by Martyn Goodwin, Helen Turner, Lisa Hinchliffe, Sue Hall, Danny Batty, Keith Gordon, Edward Holley, John Howsham, Dan Cooper, Stephen Lavender and Kate Rushforth. The weekend’s leading age-graded mark came from Graihagh Turner at 77.46%, closely followed by James Fryers (76.78%), Suzanne McGill (76.53%), Rob Lees (75.74%) and Richard Cottam (74.96%).
SHEFFIELD ATHLETICS COACH
motivation – especially impactful for neurodivergent and disabled athletes.
making an early impact in their coaching careers.
Alex reflected on the reward: “I wasn’t expecting to win as there’s some amazing coaches here. I was very grateful I was nominated and I can’t believe it’s gone this far.
“It’s so important for coaches to be recognised, but I don’t tend to recognise myself. You just do it because you love it.
“I’m a big believer in helping others and getting as many coaches into sport as possible. By doing that, you can get kids and adults into sport as well.”
After starting his coaching in 2021, Alex’s passion has only grown. He now coaches children four days a week and has started mentoring aspiring coaches.
He creates inclusive, athlete-led environments where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. As an athletics coach, he supports development across all ability levels. His flexible coaching style adapts to individual needs, balancing fun and focus to build confidence and
Sessions are co-designed with children, embedding key skills into engaging games, whilst older athletes are given agency fostering autonomy and resilience.
Alex prioritises physical and mental well-being, tailoring intensity and communication to suit each child.
The UK Coaching Awards is regarded as the most prestigious event within the coaching community.
Previous award winners include Judy Murray and Aston Moore (Lifetime Achievement award), Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman (Great Coaching Moment of the Year), and the coaches behind Lucy Bronze and Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s path to success (Coaching Chain award).
UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon congratulated Alex on his award, and for the profound coaching efforts that saw him honoured as part of the annual celebration: “At UK Coaching, we are so proud to be able to honour coaches like Alex with UK Coaching Awards each year.
“Alex, and all of our winners, finalists and nominees should take extreme pride in what they have achieved and been recognised for by those in their communities.
“Great coaching and coaches make such an impact on individuals’ lives and within their communities, helping to keep a whole nation active.
“It is so important that we recognise and celebrate great coaching.”
Wilson, 24,
Coaching Young Coach of the Year Award, which recognises rising stars
Lemon earns first point as permanent Steels’ boss
Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 – 1 Stockton Town
By Andrew McMath
Last Friday saw interim manager Jordan Lemon take on permanent managerial responsibilities at Bracken Moor. With the club announcing that Joe Tomlinson would be supporting him as the Steels’ new assistant manager.
Saturday saw the pair face their first test as the Steels hosted Stockton Town.
Stockton thought they’d dealt an early blow to Lemon’s Steels in the first half as a clever through ball led to a close range shot only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The rest of the half saw a number of chances at both ends but neither side could break the deadlock. With the Steels even having an attempt blocked and cleared off the line.
The second half saw Stockton take the lead as darkness descended on Bracken Moor. Adam Nicholson
received the ball from a knock down header. Before twisting and turning to get free of the Steels’ defence and firing home to put Stockton ahead.
The Steels equaliser came from a move down the right hand side a few passes sent the ball to the by-line where it was crossed goalwards. Falling to Luke Rawson who finished clinically on the volley to get the Steels back in the contest.
Steels Manager Jordan Lemon: “It was exactly how we wanted the team to play.
“We wanted to start fast and have a better first half than we had last week and they did that. We wanted to run harder towards our own goal than we did last week we did that. We wanted better quality on the ball. We had that. Can’t fault anyone.”
Next Match: Gainsborough Trinity (A) Saturday 13 December 2025
Action-Packed Weekend on Road and Trail
It was another bumper weekend for Valley Hill Runners, the club based in High Green, with members out in force across a trio of popular winter fixtures.
Saturday began at Concord parkrun, where a strong turnout saw runners lacing up or volunteering on the course — proving there’s no better way to kick-start the weekend than with a friendly 5K.
Elsewhere, over at Hillsborough parkrun, Katie Elsey continued her impressive run of form by claiming yet another personal best. “It’s a bit off each time,” she said, “but for someone who hated all exercise, it’s a big deal to me.”
Sunday brought one of the most-anticipated local races of the year — the iconic Percy Pud 10K, a festive favourite winding around Dam Flask and through the scenic Loxley valley. Valley Hill Runners were well represented, with strong performances throughout the field.
Jonnie Briggs led the club home, crossing the line as first male for VHR and recording a course PB along the way. Not to be outdone, Wendy Richardson was first female for the club, knocking a remarkable two minutes off last year’s time.
Runners were delighted to collect the coveted Percy Pud woolly hat and Christmas pudding at the finish, with the weather proving relatively kind for December. Many were already promising a return next year with the words “same time next year” echoing across the finish area.
Meanwhile, club stalwart Richard Bowles once again took on the Gravy Pud in the High Peak — a 5.5-mile mud-soaked challenge of hills and good humour, rewarded in true Derbyshire fashion with a pie at the finish.
A busy weekend, as always, for Valley Hill Runners — showcasing great club spirit, personal achievements, and plenty of festive fun on the run.
PERCY PUD FOR STOCKSBRIDGE RUNNERS
Christmas doesn’t start properly until the Percy Pud 10k, a local race of immense prestige headed up by Steel City Striders, has taken place.
Conditions were extremely favourable despite the ominous forecast, and the motley crue that constitutes Stocksbridge Running Club congregated outside the Admiral Rodney for a group snap. Nearly everyone was flying club colours save for Narni Fulford, who this year had foregone the usual Santa beard and opted to don a Christmas tree outfit.
Drizzle rolling in at 10am wasn’t sufficient to deter the pacey crew, who rattled round the course to set yet more PBs and take down the club record in quick succession. The customary Christmas pudding and woolly hat (this year a minimalistic white offering) were gratefully received, and the club gave each other a collective pat on the back for a job well done, Results as follows: Jonathan Page 40:41 Helen Kellar 44:26 (F45 and Female club record) Jonathan Middleton 45:57
Photo by Myra Little