New gate opens access to woodland and trails
A four-year campaign by the Upper Don Trail Trust and the Oughtibridge and Wharncliffe Side community, sometimes dubbed ‘Oughtigate’, has succeeded in opening safe and official access to beautiful public woodlands via Yorkshire Water land It will soon also form an important missing link in the Upper Don Trail from central Sheffield to Langsett and Penistone.
The opportunity arose from the redevelopment of the former Oughtibridge paper mill site on the River Don at Wharncliffe Side by Barrett/DWH and Sky-House to provide over 350 new homes.
Houses were marketed with the prospect of direct access to the adjoining public woodland mainly owned and managed by Forestry England. However, part of a historic path into the woods - recorded as far back as the early 1800s - also serves as access to the Wharncliffe Side water treatment works. It had been gated by Yorkshire Water as a temporary measure to stop unauthorised vehicles and fly-tipping whilst the paper mill site was unoccupied and derelict.
As a result, for over four years residents have had to resort to a hole in the fence down a steep and
hazardous riverbank to enjoy publicly owned woodland designated as Open Access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
In May 2022, the Upper Don Trail Trust - a local charity - took up the matter with Yorkshire Water and Forestry England, supported by local residents, the Ramblers, the Trans Pennine Trail and Barnsley Council.
Now, after four years almost to the day of patient lobbying, Yorkshire Water have granted a permissive right of way into the woods. They have also installed a new ‘kissing gate’ on Aspen Road. This bypasses the big locked gate, allowing access - although at this stage for walkers only. For local residents, this means no more perilous squeezing with through an unofficial hole in a fence to walk the dog or go for a run.
For the Trust and the wider community, it’s the first step to providing an important missing link in the ambitious long-distance off-road trail from central Sheffield to Langsett or Penistone, roughly two-thirds of which is in place.
..Continued on page 6
RETIRING: Robert Dungworth is hanging up his scissors after 61 years of doing the job he loved
Robert to Retire
After 61 Years Behind the Chair
A much-loved local hairdresser is preparing to cut his final client this June, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 61-year career spent helping generations of people look and feel their best.
Robert, 76, who fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a stylist, has announced his retirement after admitting the physical demands of the job had finally caught up with him.
Following a recent busy weekend packed with back-to-back appointments, the great-grandfather said both his body and mind felt “shattered”, convincing him the time was right to step away from the salon floor.
Over six decades in the trade, Robert has built not only a successful business, but also a fiercely loyal community of customers, many of whom have remained with him for decades.
The Sheffielder left school at just 15 knowing exactly what he wanted to do.
An apprenticeship on Pinstone Street led to opportunities in Leeds and, at the age of only 18, he was cutting hair aboard cruise ships travelling around the world. It was during his time in Leeds, under the guidance of an Italian stylist, that Robert learned techniques which would later help revolutionise Sheffield’s hairdressing scene. Joining Roger Sherwood’s salon in 1968, he became known for using haird-
ryers and scissors to create waves, movement and contours in longer hairstyles — something considered highly innovative at the time.
Robert later helped establish Unit 2 salon, where he began attracting local celebrities, including members of The Human League. Among them was lead singer Phil Oakey, whose distinctive hairstyle became one of the iconic looks of the 1980s.
His career took him across the country, training stylists, managing salons and cutting hair for clients from all walks of life. However, the pull of home — and the opportunity to open a salon in Hillsborough — eventually brought him back to Sheffield in the 1990s.
A newspaper advertisement announcing that “Robert was back in town” saw many former clients return to the newly opened Robert D Salons in Hillsborough, with some still visiting him to this day.
For Robert, hairdressing was always about far more than simply cutting hair.
Rather than passing clients between different members of staff, he preferred to personally greet them, carry out consultations, wash their hair and complete every appointment himself.
“You’ve got to like people and build trust,” he said. “Clients need to feel comfortable with you and know you care.”
That personal touch created extraordinary loyalty among customers, something Robert describes as the greatest achievement of his career. Some first sat in his chair in 1970 and are still booking appointments more than 50 years later, with many now in their 80s.
However, he admits one of the saddest realities of recent years has been quietly losing long-standing elderly customers when they move into care or pass away, often without anyone informing the salon.
“It’s upsetting when you’ve known someone for years and years and then they just disappear,” he said.
Reflecting on six decades in the industry, Robert believes hairdressing has changed dramatically. While there are now more salons than ever, he feels there are fewer staff, clients visit less frequently and the bold creativity that once defined generations of hairstyles has faded.
Retirement will allow Robert and his wife Diane to spend more time together, traveling and enjoying hobbies like fashion, music, dancing, and riding his Vespa. Although Robert is stepping away from cutting hair, Robert D Salons in Hillsborough will continue, with his daughter Sarah remaining part of the team.
WINDOWS Add value to your home
In 1976 school-leaver Ian Clancy learned his trade at a local doubleglazing company before making the leap two years later of going it alone.
A young enthusiastic worker Ian was described as ‘always first on site and last on site’. It wasn’t long before the hard-working Ian bought his first and current premises on Manchester Road in Deepcar, and set up his own window company Deepcar.
These premises are now home to a new showroom featuring the latest range of products, from tiled roof system conservatories to composite doors.
Early success was to follow when in 1983 Ian was named winner of Yorkshire Televisions ‘Young Enterprise - Businessman of the year’ Ian still has the very first door made by Deepcar back in 1978. Still in perfect working order, the door sits proudly at the back of the showroom, illustrating Deepcar’s pride in their humble beginnings.
Ian beams “ Our aim is the same today as it was back then - we will provide the best products and best customer service.”
He continues “ In todays busy world we pride ourselves in looking after you the customer and will offer the same level of service whether you are having a new conservatory or a lock fixed on your window.
Ian’s son Tom and daughter Alice show the same hard-working and conscientious qualities as their father. They are now helping the successful window company build on the nearly 50 years of trading.
After nearly half a century of providing unparalleled products and service, Deepcar invite you to view the latest in home improvements at their showroom.
If its experience, quality and reliability you are looking for look no further than Deepcar.
Growing up in the 1970s
Donna Lodge (née Beatson), who was born in Ecclesfield in 1962, has released her latest memoir celebrating life growing up in Sheffield during the 1970s.
Donna first published Sixties Child in 2023 as a heartfelt thank you to her parents. The book, which focused on childhood memories and family life, received warm praise from readers and inspired friends and supporters to encourage her to continue writing about her experiences growing up in Sheffield.
Her new book, Seventies Youth, widens the lens to explore teenage life in North Sheffield during a decade of enormous social change. Full of nostalgia, humour and honest reflection, the memoir captures the everyday realities of growing up in a working-class Yorkshire community during the seventies.
From chaotic comprehensive schools and smoky bus journeys to youth clubs, school discos and Saturday nights out, Donna paints a vivid and relatable picture of an era many readers will instantly recognise.
Donna told Look Local “ I remember having good parents, but it was a poor upbringing on a working class estate, the book looks at life in the 1970’s growing up and going to Ecclesfield Comprehensive School, who had Mr Jennings
Maker’s Trail
as the Headteacher. I remember him wearing a long black cape, We were all terrified..”
The book revisits:
• muddy walkways and noisy classrooms at Ecclesfield Comprehensive School
• the unwritten rules of teenage survival
• awkward first dances and youth club romances
• strikes, power cuts and the long hot summer of 1976
• the fashions, food, music and unforgettable personalities of the time
Alongside the humour and nostalgia runs a quieter story about identity, resilience and finding your place in a world that often felt uncertain.
Rich in warmth and detail, Seventies Youth is more than a personal memoir — it is a snapshot of a generation and a way of life that will feel deeply familiar to many Sheffield readers.
Perfect for fans of memoir, British social history and 1970s nostalgia, the book is available on Amazon.
Local makers across Oughtibridge are coming together once again for the Oughtibridge Makers Trail on Saturday 23rd May - a free community event celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and independent local businesses.
Visitors will be able to follow a trail around the village, stopping at seven different locations showcasing a wide variety of handmade work including ceramics, woodworking, basketry, textiles, painting, rugs, glass art, jewellery, floral art and more.
The trail offers people the chance to meet the makers behind the work, browse and purchase handmade pieces, and explore creative spaces throughout Oughtibridge in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
NEW ACCESS TO TRAILS
...continued from front page
The Trust has received dozens of offers from Oughtibridge residents to become volunteer stewards for the path. Volunteer stewardship could include path maintenance, litter picking, reporting issues such as fallen trees, and fundraising. The new group plans an initial clear-up day in the summer.
to raise funds to upgrade it for safe use by wheelchair users, cyclists and horse riders as soon as possible.This is a huge breakthrough for us, and we’d really like to thank Yorkshire Water for finally listening to reason.”
The really good news is that this will avoid the notoriously steep, heavily trafficked and dangerous Jawbone Hill route’’.
Toilets & Taps
Just east of the notorious gate, the developers have already built a new section of the riverside trail. This will soon connect to a new footbridge over the River Don and improvements to Forge Lane at Oughtibridge which are being progressed by Sheffield City Council with funding from the developers and South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority,” said Simon. With this in place, hopefully next year, the Trail will run largely ‘off-road’ from Beeley Woods to the Trans Pennine Trail along Plank Gate in Wharncliffe Woods.
The upshot is that the journey along the Upper Don valley will now be much safer and more pleasant for everyone who wants to enjoy it without taking to the car or doing a ludicrously long detour.
UDTT chairperson Simon Ogden said: “We are grateful to Yorkshire Water, Forestry England and Barnsley Council for listening to local voices and volunteers.
“We accept that parts of the new trail are at present suitable only for walking, but we plan
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Poor Man’s Golf
An unusual slice of Yorkshire sporting history returned to Wortley on Saturday 9 May as the revived Knurr and Spell World Championship brought competitors and spectators together for a day celebrating one of the region’s oldest traditional games.
Held with support from Wortley Men’s Club and Wortley Rugby Club, the championship attracted 25 players who competed to strike the “knurr” the furthest distance using the spring-loaded “spell”.
Despite fears of rain throughout the day, dry conditions allowed the competition to run smoothly, with organisers marking distances across the field as players each took five attempts.
The event was revived after organisers uncovered references to the historic game in local history records and old film footage dating back to 1933 and 1972, helping inspire efforts to restore the tradition to the village.
Organiser Boz Davison told Look Local “ I decided to revive the sport after reading an old article in a Thurgoland history book, and found a film from 1933 of Jim Crawshaw from Deepcar hitting a pottie from Green Moor.”
Competitors travelled from across the region to take part, with Neil Squires of West Yorkshire recording the longest hit of the day to claim the main distance prize.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Hoyle, also known as Becky, was named “best potty knocker” and received the award for most improved player after persevering throughout the competition and producing an impressive 30-yard strike.
Organisers say the long-term aim is to establish Wortley as the permanent home of the World Championship and continue introducing new audiences to the centuries-old pastime.
Historical photographs, archive material and a newly produced book about the game were also on display during the event, featuring past players and champions connected to the sport’s local heritage.
History books even show the late and great cricketer Freddie Trueman taking part.
The game is set to appear again at the Greenmoor Gala on June 28 and the Thurgoland Funday on July 5 as organisers continue efforts to keep the tradition alive for future generations.
MAY
WEDNESDAY
20 “BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP Wednesday 20th May at 7.30pm “JUST ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL” Jheri Bryant talks about bricks from antiquity to modern day.” 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.”
SATURDAY
23 Follow the trail round Oughtibridge to visit artists and makers in 7 locations. From 10 until 4 with the plant sale on the Millennium Green at 11. Maps and quiz sheets available online or from venues. Free to take part and prizes to be won.
23 Bullhouse Chapel is open every Saturday until the end of September for quiet reflection or to learn about the history of this 334-year-old Independent Chapel from 1pm until 4pm. This coming weekend is known in the church as Pentecost Sunday, which in the past was also called Whitsunday, and was traditionally a time when Sunday Schools would hold special events including Whit Walks behind their banners. To mark this we are unfurling the banner which was first used in 1905 and, because of its delicate state, has not been displayed for some time The banner will be on display on
the Saturday and also during our usual Christian worship at 2.30pm on Sunday the 24th to which all are invited.
SUNDAY
22 Christian worship at Bullhouse Chapel on Sunday afternoon will be at 2.30pm.
JUNE
WEDNESDAY
3 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We are having a presentation by South Yorkshire Street Cats about how they were formed and the work they are doing in the community. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
THURSDAY
4 St.Nicholas’ Church, Bradfield celebrates 100 years of Mothers’ Union on Thursday, 4th June at 11am. Service followed by buffet lunch in the Church. Contact Pauline on 07763189684 to book lunch. Everyone welcome.
THURSDAY
11 Chapeltown WI hold their next meeting at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church when a representative from Baby Basics Charity will come and speak to them. The competition is for a vintage toy. New members and visitors will always be made welcome.
SUNDAY
14 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - This is our regular 4-weekly day of active conservation work.
During the summer it is mostly bracken that keeps us occupied because it threatens to shade out the young shoots of heather and bilberry. We also have an area newly-cleared of brambles last winter which will continue to need attention, so it stays away. Check on www.walc.epizy.com
SUNDAY
21 On the 21st June we will hold our AGM after the service to which anyone interested in the future of worship in this chapel are invited.
WEDNESDAY
24 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, when our speaker will be Mike Ogden, presenting “the Slow Road. Please check our website for more details Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings, for more information about our group and activities, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
JULY
WEDNESDAY
1 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We will be having a presentation from South Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Hospital. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Men’s Activity and Games Ses-
sion Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on Monday 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 term-time 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.
Every Monday Indoor Bowling 1.30 to 3.30 at At Aidans Church Hall Sheffield Road Oxspring No experience needed, equipment supplied. Everyone welcome. Gentle fun exercise.
MONDAY ART GROUP at STEPS, The VENUE, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge.
Every Mon 10.00 - 12 noon. £8 per session. Excellent tutor - watercolour, acrylics, pastels etc. Beginners upwards. Just come along and try a free taster session!
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.
From 14 April - Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to their Over 50s afternoons on their greens at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ at 1:45 pm. Coaching can be given if you have never played before. The cost is £3 with a cup of tea or coffee
Stocksbridge Bowling Club, on Linden Crescent, will be holding crown green bowling sessions for non members (followed by refreshments) twice weekly. Tuesdays starting at 1.30 pm and Thursdays starting at 5.30pm. Your first session will be free. All equipment and training will be provided. Please come along and enjoy.” This starts on 14th April.
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
Summer Festival
£1 per session Everyone welcome St. Marys Church, Bolsterstone - Wednesdays from 10am to 12.30pm. Please come along for a chat to our popular Wednesday coffee morning for tea or coffee alongside our delicious homemade 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.
High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 10am12:30pm £4 per person. Call Margaret for more info 0114 284 7190
Volunteer Thursdays at Greave House Farm Trust. Enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, meeting new friends. Any time between 10am and 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. Also monthly work days on 2nd Saturday. For more info contact Barbara: 07724505911or email greavehouse@yahoo.co.uk
‘WARM WELCOME’ for everyone at The Christian Centre, Cedar Road every Thursday between 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. Meet & Chat - Enjoy a snack - games to play.
Only six weeks to go! GREEN FEST! returns to Green Moor for its second year!
After an amazingly successful event last year, GREEN FEST returns for a bigger, better summer festival.
GREEN FEST came about after Hunshelf parishioners were asked what organised activities they wanted to see within the Parish. Quite a lot it seemed.
A group; ‘Hunshelf Events and Activities Team’ (Team HEAT), made up of local residents, was set up to organise events and activities over the year for all ages; quiz nights, youth events, talks and presentations, competitions and
craft activities and from this grew the idea of an annual event for everyone…
…GREEN FEST was born.
The day festival is held at Green Moor Cricket Club grounds and is preceded the week before by a scarecrow trail competition, where this years’ theme is ‘ICONS’ - results of which will be judged at the fair.
There will be a variety of stalls to purchase gifts, treats and art at our Makers Market. And a fabulous choice of street food! Drinks - both soft and a little something for the adults will be available from the Cricket Club Bar and new for this year, an outside bar.
We’re also welcoming craft workshops and plenty of games, as well as circus skills, dog shows, a tug of war competition, birds of prey, vintage cars, tractors and the Fire Service.
There’s so much to see and do, and we’d like to see you there! So bring the family, friends, your pooch, a picnic blanket and join us for GREEN FEST!
GREEN FEST - Green Moor’s FREE Summer Festival Sunday 28 June, 12 noon – 5pm Event address: Green Moor Cricket Club, Hill Top Lane, Green Moor, Sheffield S35 7DW
Deaths
Gloria REVILL
Sadly passed away on 1st May 2026.
Beloved Wife of the late Martyn. Much loved Mum of Glyn, Carl and James. Devoted Mother in Law, Grandma, Sister, Aunty and a dear friend to many.
Funeral service to be held on Friday 5th June, 10.30am at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel followed by a celebration of her life at The Blue Ball, Wharncliffe Side.
A big thank you to all the staff at Belmont Care Home.
Donations welcome for Belmont Care Home c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar. Tel: 0114 2883169
RITA BRAMALL Née ALLOTT
Passed away peacefully at Alpine Lodge Nursing home on 29 April 2026, aged 90 years.
Dearly loved Sister to Brian, Sister in Law to Lorna, Aunty to David & Partner Debra & Jordan & Partner Paige. Lovely friend to many.
Funeral service to take place on Monday 1st June at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel at 2pm.
All enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RE. Tel 0114 288 5555
Taxi Drivers Suspended After Crackdown
Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been suspended from the roads after dangerous tyre defects were uncovered during a major enforcement operation in Sheffield.
The joint roadside crackdown took place on Penistone Road on Friday, May 8, involving South Yorkshire Police roads policing officers alongside enforcement teams from Sheffield City Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.
During the operation, 33 taxis and private hire vehicles were stopped and inspected as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure licensed vehicles meet legal standards. Officers examined vehicle condition, licensing documents and overall roadworthiness, with a particular focus on passenger safety.
Two drivers had their vehicle licences revoked and were banned from continuing their journeys after serious tyre defects were discovered. Police said the tyres had no legal tread remaining, while one tyre had exposed cords — defects which officers described as posing a significant danger to the public.
for their cooperation and said the inspections also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of maintaining safe and roadworthy vehicles.
Roads Policing Officer PC Sam Cooper said: “As roads policing officers we sadly see the devastating consequences of road traffic collisions.
“Telling a family their loved one has died is one of the worse parts of our job and reminds us why the work we do to create safer roads is so vitally important.”
Licence
Kitchen Trade Suppliers LTD of 95-97 Green Lane, Sheffield, S35 9WY is applying for a licence to use 95-97 Green Lane, Sheffield, S35 9WY as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 0 trailers
One of the drivers stopped during the operation was also found to be wanted in connection with separate driving offences, although no further details were released.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centres who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.
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
A further six drivers were issued traffic offence reports after defects were identified involving seatbelts and vehicle lighting systems. Faulty seatbelts and defective lights are regularly targeted during taxi enforcement operations because of the risks they pose to passengers and other motorists.
Despite the offences uncovered, police said 16 drivers passed all checks carried out during the operation. Officers thanked compliant drivers
Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at: www.gov. uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing
St ocksbri dge Tow n Coun cil
SPRING 2026
CLLR. KEITH DAVIS, TOWN MAYOR 2025/2026
As his year as Town Mayor came to a close, Cllr. Keith Davis looked back at all the fantastic events he had attended and the wonderful people he had met. Keith followed last year’s Town Mayor, Cllr. Alan Law, who this year turned 80, and has represented the Town as Mayor on 3 separate occasions whilst also holding the position of Lord Mayor of Sheffield in 2010. On behalf of Town Council, Cllr. Davis thanked Cllr. Law for all his efforts over the years.
Cllr. Davis’ full Chair’s Report will be featured in the Annual Report which will be available from next week on the Stocksbridge Town Council website, and copies will also be available to collect from the Town Hall and Stocksbridge Library.
EASTER ACTIVITIES
ANNUAL CITIZEN’S AWARDS
Cllr. Davis recently had the pleasure of attending St Ann’s Catholic Primary School to judge their Easter Bonnet Competition, where the children and their entries left a lasting impression on the Mayor. He is pictured here with the winners (above). He was also invited to judge the Easter Egg Competition at Little Einstein’s Nursery (below). He received a welcoming reception and was thoroughly impressed by the children’s creativity.
ELECTION OF TOWN MAYOR AND DEPUTY 2026/2027
At the Annual Meeting of the Town Council held on the 12th May, Cllr. Richard Crowther (left) was elected as Town Mayor and Chair of Council for the 2026/2027 municipal year. The outgoing Mayor, Cllr. Davis, wished Cllr. Crowther and his deputy all the very best in their year.
Cllr. Crowther thanked Cllr. Davis for his dedication to the community over the last year and throughout his many years of service to the Town Council.
Cllr. Julie Grocutt (right) was elected Deputy Town Mayor for the 2026/2027 municipal year.
TOWN COUNCILLORS
The Town Council pays special recognition to residents nominated for having made a meaningful impact on our community. This years winners were:
Margaret Derbyshire for her ongoing community work with local groups including Stocksbridge Community Care Group, Stocksbridge & Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild, VMC Patient Participation Group, The Bridge Community Shop, and Stocksbridge and Penistone Fairtrade Group.
Reverend Ian Lucraft in recognition of his services to the community over the years.
Bolsterstone Village Hall Community Trust for their dedication to the Bolsterstone community over the years.
Thank you from the Town Council for the incredible work you do for the benefit of our community.
COUNCIL MEETING WITH MARIE TIDBALL MP
The Town Council were delighted to welcome Marie Tidball MP to a Town Council meeting on 14th May, which provided an opportunity for discussions about ongoing developments across the area, shared ambitions for the future, and the importance of supporting our community.
It was wonderful to have her attend the meeting, and the Town Council hopes to continue these conversations in the months ahead as exciting opportunities and ideas for the Stocksbridge and Deepcar area continue to develop.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Stocksbridge Food Bank (Cedar Road) has become a vital community hub offering a breadth of support to local residents. Open Tuesday & Thursday 10am-12pm. Tel: 07912609791
The Venue (Stocksbridge) provide welcoming spaces and engaging activities for residents of all ages to enjoy, connect and get involved in the community. Tel: 0114 2838692
A final mention to Stocksbridge and Deepcar Litter Pickers. Through the many hours they volunteer, they help keep our valley clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone. We can all support their efforts by continuing to take pride in our area and helping to keep the valley tidy. Facebook: Stocksbridge and Deepcar Litter Pickers
EAST WARD Deepcar
NORTH WARD Stubbin & Manchester Road
Cllr. Keith Davis Cllr. Leanne Fox Cllr. Richard Crowther Cllr. James Wheeler
SOUTH WARD Bolsterstone & Whitwell Estate
WEST WARD Garden Village & Smithy Moor
Cllr. Alan Stanley Law Cllr. Julie Grocutt Cllr. Clare Wilson Cllr. Joseph Staniforth
MP CALLS FOR £20 MILLION
Continued from Page 1 ...
MP calls for £20 million for High Green in Parliament
Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has called on the government to provide £20 million funding for High Green as part of their Pride in Place Programme.
Marie held a constituency meeting in High Green, for local residents, at the end of April, at High Green Primary School, to hear about local people’s priorities. This included getting call times down for local GPs, improving connections to key public services through a hopper bus, and improving the quality of spaces and play equipment at Mortomley Park. Marie also listened to constituents tell her that they have felt overlooked for too long.
Following the meeting, Marie launched her campaign for £20 million Government Pride in Place Funding for High Green, to breathe new life into the area.
In Parliament, during Business Questions, Marie told the Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell MP, about the event she recently held in High Green. She highlighted that:
“Two of the areas in High Green have a bottom 3% and 7% score of deprivation in England...I want to change that by working to ensure High Green can receive £20 million of funding from the Government’s Pride in Place programme”.
She asked Alan Campbell MP, “Will the Leader of the House advise how I can work with Ministers to secure...funding...to breathe new life into our community and ensure that everyone locally can stay near but go far?!”.
In response to the local MP’s question, the Leader of the House commented that:
“[Marie Tidball] is a doughty champion for her communities, and I once again pay tribute to her for that.”
He set out how the Government:
“are committed to regenerating communities through our waste action plan and by investing in libraries, cultural venues and youth services; ensuring that communities across the country get the investment they need... Pride in Place...is not just about investing in local neighbourhoods; it is also about putting people in charge of decisions about their local communities, and the things they care about and that affect their lives.”
He confirmed that “[Marie] makes a strong case for further funding, and I will ensure that the Secretary of State hears that.”
The Government’s Pride in Place Programme is giving up to £5 billion to 250 areas across the UK, to support them over the next 10 years, to make long-term improvements that residents want. Each area receiving funding will form a “Neighbourhood Board”, bringing together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith leaders and community organisations, to put local people at the centre of defining their area’s future.
Marie Tidball MP said:
“I am so ambitious for High Green - the home of the Arctic Monkeys,l - and I know that this investment will fulfil the potential of the talent and community spirit in this place.
“High Green Primary School has already received a free breakfast club from Government, to ensure that every child gets the chance to start the day supported and ready to learn. I’m so glad children in High Green are already able to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I’ll be asking the Minister for this funding for our community, to ensure everyone in High Green can fulfil their potential. I’ll continue to keep constituents updated on my campaign.”
FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES
The Music Makes Memories’ Friendship Lunch at the Barrel in Chapeltown was another huge success with first class service as usual by Corey Palmer, the Manager, and his team, a delicious 2 course lunch and entertainment by the amazing Oliver Harris. Our special guest was Ericka Hill, Fundraising, Communications & Marketing Officer for the wonderful charity, SCCCC, which provides incredible support to older people across both Sheffield and Doncaster.
Ericka said “What a joyful event - so many smiling faces. The Friendship Lunches are so needed in our communities bringing social connection and happiness.”
Oliver will also be performing at the Friendship Lunch at the Wharncliffe Arms in Wharncliffe Side on Monday 15 June. Everyone is welcome to these ‘dementia friendly’ events which offer invaluable respite for families and carers of those living with this most debilitating disease. If anyone would like a list of the Friendship Lunches across South Yorkshire please contact Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant, 0772 9528844 kathymarkwick@ gmail.com
[T’]WHIT TO WHO? LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
By Steve Moxon
Pentecost, the church calls it. Whit (or Whitsuntide) it’s more usually dubbed. The Whit procession as recently as the 1960s was the most important community event of the year. It seemed as if pretty much everybody turned out, in brand new clobber specially for the occasion – smart blazers for lads. A mass declaration of religious faith – an obligation so to pretend, anyway -- on what was considered the church’s birthday.
Greek/Latin for ‘fiftieth’, Pentecost marks the number of days since Easter that the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, spurring them to start preaching the gospel. In effect the beginning of the Christian church. Its birthday indeed.
So why is it called Whit? Hardly from folk dressed in white: girls apart, female garb was of almost any shade, and men donned dark suits. Whit is surely not white but wight, ‘a living being’, formerly ‘a supernatural being’ -- as would describe the descending holy spirit ... or, arising from winter hibernation, the pan-’Celtic’ goddess Brigid.
Wight is from, or, rather, likely via Old English wiht, ultimately rooted in Gaelic bheatha, ‘life’ (a variant of beatha, where bh is pronounced “w”). The suffix of Whitsuntide then would be from toigheachd, ‘a coming’. With the central element presumably just conjunctives, Whitsuntide roughly means ‘coming life’ – its rekindling after winter (whether or not driven by a spirit being). Whit is the re-birth of life, reinterpreted by the church as commemorating its own birth.
Now, bheathail, ‘vital, pertaining to life’, looks very closely related to bheatlaine, alternatively bhealtaine, which is the same bh variation of the initial b of a word that simply spelt is beltane. Well, Beltane is the name of the outset of the ‘Celtic’ ‘light’ year: what Mayday was about. It seems, then, that Mayday and Whit are all of a piece, stemming from the same ancient name concerning re-booting nature.
Whit traditionally was a week’s holiday from agricultural work, in the natural lull between sowing and rapid growth as temperatures increase. Whit Week (Whitsuntide) and Martinmas (in November) were when hiring (or ‘statute’) fairs were held for farm workers to hawk themselves to secure contracts
for the coming year. Interestingly, bealtaine also means ‘an agreement, compact , bargain’ – the term for the hiring period came to be that for the hiring itself.
Mayday ritual – the May Queen’s parading retinue -- included in the early-year ‘statute’ fair appears to be the basis of the Whit walk. In a new urban setting of factory employment the recruitment fair was redundant, and Mayday customs probably had become semi-moribund and handed on from adults to kids. However, all was ripe for the church to usurp and renew. In industrial areas, Whit walks can only have reinvigorated the May Queen tradition, that churches could make the focal point of the parade to cement it as a whole-family, whole-community affair; hence the white clothing of many of the young girls.
The mass Whit walk is a recent thing, then. The very first was in Manchester in 1801, spreading through Lancashire, Cheshire and western Yorkshire. Reputed to be a celebration of the anniversary of the founding in 1784 of the Sunday School movement to keep factory children away from vices – drinking, gambling and entering crime. For parents it was a godsend: the kids on their day off were taken off your hands, and for free given some education (they had none otherwise) and moral uplift. Temperance really got going, reinforcing the ascent of Sunday Schools. It was from the formation of the Stocksbridge Sunday School Union in 1872 that the Little Don valley churches combined in one Whit walk.
The route passed every church, where each joined in a contingent headed by their huge Sunday School banner, requiring long thin support ropes – akin to maypole ribbons. The march ended up in an open space for a big sing, and often games: again showing May (here King/Lord) origins.
There is film on-line of the 1972 Stocksbridge Whit effort: the ‘west end’ churches together moving up Hole House Lane, led by a brass band, while the Bolsterstone lot come down Coal Pit Lane. They don’t converge before Bracken Moor Sports Ground, so gone was the gathering circuit for the valley. That the field dwarfs the size of the full assembly shows that by the 1970s Whit was a shadow of its former glory; on the way out.
The May Queen retinue, part of a Whit procession in Hillsborough, early 1900s.
Local Classifieds
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ROAD LEAGUE HONOURS CAP
BUSY WEEK FOR PENISTONE
Penistone Footpath Runners rounded off the South Yorkshire Road League season in excellent shape, with both the men’s and women’s teams finishing sixth in the top championship divisions.
In the final race of the series, Sean Pitt led the club home in 25th place in 30-20, followed by George Parr in 38th and Oliver France in 46th. The women’s team was led by Jade Crosby, who finished 74th overall and fourth senior female in 34-09, with Suzanne McGill first lady over45 in 35-28 and Josie Smith also running strongly.
There were several individual series podiums for Penistone, with McGill crowned first lady over45, Barbara Haigh first lady over75 and Ian Neville first man over60. Stuart Woodhead finished second man over70, while Jill Scrivens completed the club’s podium successes with third lady over55.
There was also a strong Penistone showing at the third Trunce race of the season, with Richard Cottam leading the club home in second place overall in 26-00. George Parr was close behind in fourth in 27-14, while Oliver Pike continued his good form with 24th place in 31-26. Philip Shaw was 30th and second man over60 in 32-29, with Ian Neville also running well in the same category, finishing 38th in 33-06.
Hannah Shaw was first Penistone woman in 40th place in 33-28, followed by Josie Smith in 42nd, Chloe Hinchliffe in 70th and Rachael Winterbottom in 73rd.
On the roads, Alan Nutton produced an excellent run at the Pontefract 10K, finishing 15th overall in 37-06 and second man over 40. Sara Wolstenholme also ran strongly, clocking 55-34.
Shaun Swallow tackled the White Peak Half Marathon, finishing 33rd in 1-32-42, while Adele Stenton completed the Dearne Valley 10K in 1-11-06.
There was further multi-sport success for James Fryers at Ponteland Triathlon, where he finished seventh overall in 1-07-15 and third senior male, also recording the fastest run split of the day with 18-04.
Penistone runners were busy on the fells, with Daniel Rushforth leading the club home at the Hathersage Hurtle. Rushforth finished
30th overall in 3-01-04 and sixth man over40. Philip Shaw followed in 37th place, taking second man over60 in 3-08-37, with Hannah Shaw close behind in 38th in 3-08-40 and sixth senior female. Ashley Howlett was 77th in 3-23-30, while Jill Scrivens finished 109th in 3-38-25 and fourth lady over50.
At the Mount Famine Fell Race, George Parr led Penistone home with a strong 17th place in 48-05. Damian Kilpin followed in 21st in 50-14, while Oliver Pike completed the tough High Peak course in 54-54 for 34th place.
Pike was also in action at the Hayfield May Queen Fell Race, finishing 15th in 26-00.
Rebecca Timms was 49th in 33-31, Mandy Mallinder 58th in 37-32 and Myfanwy Cross 62nd in 42-45.
At the Lantern Pike Dash, Martyn Goodwin led Penistone home, finishing 24th in 19-38 and third man over60.
Alfie Goodwin also enjoyed a memorable outing, completing his first fell race in 31st place in 21-35. Mandy Mallinder was 37th in 25-35, with Myfanwy Cross 39th in 27-30.
Further afield, Connor Smith took on the demanding UTS 50K at Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB, completing the 57.6km course with 3,294 metres of ascent in 10-25-29 to finish 375th overall.
Dawn Broom represented Welsh Masters at the Bideford 10K international fixture, running 50-27 despite carrying an injury.
At parkrun, 71 Penistone seniors ran across 22 venues.
Jade Crosby continued her excellent form by finishing first female at Barnsley in 20-20, while Suzanne McGill was first female at Penistone in 21-33. John Lawcock was second male at Inis Meáin in 23-44, with Jane Lawcock first lady over60 at the same event. There were third gender places for Richard Heppenstall and Jemma Williams at Penistone, and Damian Kilpin at Glossop. The weekend’s leading age-graded performance came from Julia Johnson, who recorded 89.87% at Woodhouse Moor, ahead of Richard Heppenstall (85.32%), Dawn Godley (82.11%), Martin Ball (79.97%) and Richard Cottam (79.51%).
Results
South Yorkshire Road League Race 4 - Lodge Moor, Sheffield
25, Sean Pitt 30-20; 38, George Parr 31-02; 46, Oliver France 31-41; 63, Rob Lees 33-11; 67, Jonathan Bentley 33-38; 74, Jade Crosby 3409; 75, Lee Storey 34-15; 97, Suzanne McGill 35-28; 104, Alex Crosby 35-55; 105, Ian Neville 35-56; 115, Josie Smith 36-40; 119, Daniel Limb 37-01; 123, Julian Williams 37-33; 156, Shaun Swallow 39-19; 213, Jill Scrivens 42-13; 289, Stuart Woodhead 48-40; 301, Kim Rogers 51-14; 308, Barbara Haigh 53-01; 324, Jane Cockerton 54-43.
South Yorkshire Road League final standings Men’s Championship: Penistone Footpath Runners sixth. Women’s Championship: Penistone Footpath Runners sixth. Individual standings: Suzanne McGill first lady over45; Barbara Haigh first lady over75; Ian Neville first man over60; Stuart Woodhead second man over70; Jill Scrivens third lady over55. Trunce Race 3
2, Richard Cottam 26-00; 4, George Parr 2714; 24, Oliver Pike 31-26; 30, Philip Shaw 3229; 37, Daniel Limb 33-06; 38, Ian Neville 3306; 39, Ash Howlett 33-14; 40, Hannah Shaw 33-28; 42, Josie Smith 33-58; 53, Shaun Swallow 35-15; 70, Chloe Hinchliffe 37-00; 73, Rachael Winterbottom 37-14; 74, Martyn Goodwin 37-34; 83, Pete Claydon 38-24; 91, Peter Knight 38-56; 93, Rebecca Timms 39-02; 109, Jill Scrivens 40-41; 111, Alan Knox 40-53; 121, Stan Halstead 42-16; 123, Steve Dickinson 42-18; 157, Mandy Mallinder 45-27; 171, Phil Hinchliffe 47-31; 183, Heath Ramsden 49-05; 187, Jo Sammon 49-19; 197, Paul Sammon 51-02; 198, Becky Parr 51-06; 201, Barbara Haigh 51-16; 208, Myfanwy Cross 52-34; 214, Heather Lindley 53-44; 245, Ray Brown 1-00-12; 246, Steve Dommett 1-06-27. Pontefract 10K
15, Alan Nutton 37-06; 716, Sara Wolstenholme 55-34.
White Peak Half Marathon
33, Shaun Swallow 1-32-42. Dearne Valley 10K
240, Adele Stenton 1-11-06. Ponteland Triathlon
7, James Fryers 1-07-15. Hathersage Hurtle
30, Daniel Rushforth 3-01-04; 37, Philip Shaw 3-08-37; 38, Hannah Shaw 3-08-40; 77, Ashley Howlett 3-23-30; 109, Jill Scrivens 3-3825.
UTS 50K
375, Connor Smith 10-25-29.
Mount Famine Fell Race
17, George Parr 48-05; 21, Damian Kilpin 5014; 34, Oliver Pike 54-54.
Hayfield May Queen Fell Race
15, Oliver Pike 26-00; 49, Rebecca Timms 3331; 58, Mandy Mallinder 37-32; 62, Myfanwy Cross 42-45.
Lantern Pike Dash
24, Martyn Goodwin 19-38; 31, Alfie Goodwin 21-35; 37, Mandy Mallinder 25-35; 39, Myfanwy Cross 27-30.
Bideford 10K
493, Dawn Broom 50-27.
Penistone Parkrun
1, Richard Cottam 17-34; 3, Richard Heppenstall 17-43; 4, Ashley Firth 17-45; 5, Martin Ball 19-03; 8, Alex Harris 19-25; 11, Rob Lees 19-33; 14, Ryan Duckett 20-00; 22, Ben Malcolm 21-12; 26, Suzanne McGill 21-33; 27, Alex Best 21-34; 34, Chris Hodgson 22-26; 39, Jemma Williams 22-47; 49, Russ Lynam 2324; 51, Dan Cooper 23-30; 60, Oliver Found 24-09; 62, Ian McNulty 24-14; 76, Alex Melhuish 25-22; 79, Fay Nicholls 25-32; 80, Dan Limb 25-32; 100, Sara Wolstenholme 26-37; 125, Jen Holley 27-51; 135, Angela Rollinson 28-20; 136, Paul Sammon 28-25; 153, Rebecca Parr 29-12; 154, Andrew Johnson 29-18; 159, Kate Rushforth 29-30; 161, Joanne Sammon 30-10; 167, Hannah Sammon 30-39; 183, Ruth Albaya Melhuish 32-23; 188, Danny Batty 32-58; 254, Martyn Cartwright 44-46; 265, Adele Stenton 52-38.
Barnsley Parkrun
8, Jade Crosby 20-20; 11, Ian Neville 21-22; 45, Dawn Godley 25-04; 60, Alan Knox 26-15; 84, Sue Hall 28-40; 108, Luke McGuinness 3026; 113, Stu Smith 30-51.
BLADERUNNERS MIXED FORTUNES
Sheffield Bladerunners II enjoyed a memorable home league debut as they swept aside Leeds Locos II to climb into second place in the BBF Division 4 North.
The Bladerunners’ second team were in impressive form at Forge Valley, claiming victories of 13-2 and 10-8 to continue their strong start to the season.
Leeds struck first in the opening game, but Sheffield quickly settled and took control thanks to a dominant display from pitcher Will Harris, who recorded 10 strikeouts in a superb performance on the mound. Supported by a composed and disciplined defence, the hosts restricted the Locos to just one further run for the remainder of the contest.
At the plate, the Bladerunners capitalised on their opportunities with a clinical offensive display, piling up 13 runs to secure a comfortable victory.
Game two proved far more dramatic as Leeds stormed into a 7-2 advantage by the middle of the second inning, threatening to spoil Sheffield’s home celebrations.
However, the Bladerunners responded brilliantly. After shutting out the visitors at the top of the third inning,
Sheffield produced a five-run rally in the bottom half to turn the game around and move three runs clear.
Relief pitcher Jack Power then helped steady the side as Sheffield held firm to complete the sweep with a hardfought 10-8 success.
The two victories lift Bladerunners II into second place in the standings ahead of a return fixture against Leeds in a fortnight.
Elsewhere, Sheffield Bladerunners I endured a difficult afternoon away to Hull Scorpions, slipping to 13-6 and 1110 defeats in BBF Division 3 North.
An 11-run third inning proved costly in the opening game before the Bladerunners narrowly missed out in a thrilling second contest despite a huge effort from debut pitcher Matt Boswell.
Bladerunners III also suffered two narrow losses against Newark Nationals, going down 10-9 and 6-4, though the development side continued to show encouraging signs in a competitive Division 5 North campaign.
All three Sheffield Bladerunners teams return to action on Sunday, May 31.
PARKRUN 500
If you know about parkrun, 500 is a very high number, taking several years to get to that amount of runs.
Angela Mappin, race director, said its great to see runners choose Concord to come celebrate their milestones and, of course, bring cakes for us all to enjoy.
SIDDALL’S KNOCK SECURES 100% RECORD
Stocksbridge’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end after a dramatic low-scoring defeat away at Whiston Forge, while the 2nd XI maintained their perfect record with another impressive victory over Doncaster Town.
Stocksbridge 1st XI 59 all out (Andy Hirst 32)
Whiston Forge 1st XI 60-7 (Jake Vickers 5-36, Josh Stevens 2-22)
The 1st XI were bowled out for just 59 after being asked to bat on a slow and difficult surface despite the pitch initially appearing ideal for batting.
After a steady opening, Stocksbridge quickly collapsed to 3-3 as Whiston’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding applied early pressure. Captain Andy Hirst attempted to rescue the innings with a counter-attacking 32 featuring a flurry of boundaries, while Matt Price added 9 and Sedgwick chipped in with 10.
However, once Hirst departed, wickets continued to tumble and Stocksbridge were eventually dismissed for 59, with Beevers starring for the hosts with outstanding figures of 6-19.
Despite the tiny target, Stocksbridge refused to surrender quietly and produced a spirited bowling display that almost pulled off an unlikely victory.
Jake Vickers struck in the opening over to give the visitors hope before Josh Stevens removed the dangerous Staley for 18 to leave Whiston at 27-2. Stevens struck again soon after, while Vickers continued to pile on the pressure as the home side slipped to 34-4.
The game swung dramatically as Vickers claimed further wickets to reduce Whiston to 46-6 before completing an excellent five-wicket haul by removing opener Waine for 25 with the score on 55.
However, Stocksbridge simply did not have enough runs on the board and Whiston eventually edged home by three wickets. Vickers finished with superb figures of 5-36, while Stevens supported well with 2-22.
Stocksbridge 2nd XI 154-4 (A Siddall 42, L Grayson 36, J Pickford 33*, S Perry 31)
Doncaster Town 150-8 (J Musgrove 3-29, A Siddall 2-20, L Grayson 2-29)
There was better news for the 2nd XI, who continued their excellent start with a six-wicket victory over Doncaster Town.
After captain Thwaites elected to field, Stocksbridge produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the visitors to 150-8 from their 40 overs. Joe Taylor set the tone with a miserly opening spell of 1-18 from 10 overs, while John Musgrove ripped through the middle order with 3-29. Liam Grayson claimed 2-29 and Ant Siddall added 2-20 late on.
In reply, Siddall led the chase with a classy 42 and shared a crucial 71-run partnership with Steve Perry, who made 31. Jon Pickford then struck an unbeaten 33, while Grayson blasted 36 from just 29 balls as Stocksbridge comfortably reached their target to remain top of the table.
High green Harriers headed over to Concord parkrun to volunteer at the free to run event and to celebrate a big number.
Helen Wilkinson brought cake for everyone to enjoy as she celebrated her 500th park run.
Anthony Siddall scored 42 runs and took 2 wickets in Stocksbridge 2nd 6 wicket win.
Photo by Ian Revitt
STOCKSBRIDGE RUGBY
Globe Holidays-sponsored celebrated the end of another successful campaign with their annual awards evening on Friday night, hosted by Andy Tyers.
Players, volunteers and supporters gathered to recognise achievements both on and off the pitch, with a wide range of awards handed out following another season of progress for the club.
Young Player of the Year, sponsored by Asphalt Grid Systems and AGS Storage, went to Jake Bevan, whose performances throughout the season marked him out as one of the club’s rising talents.
Finlay Dodsworth enjoyed a memorable evening after being named Most Improved Player, sponsored by Fox Catering, while also sharing the White Hart Champagne Moment award alongside Josh Kerr.
The Club Personality award, sponsored by John Crawshaws, was jointly awarded to Nicola Symons and Jessica Jackson in recognition of their contribution and spirit around the club.
Callum Green picked up the Man of Steel award, sponsored by Wilson Construction, with George Watts named Coaches Player of the Year.
Elliott Shaw received the Commitment Award for his dedication across the season, while Harrison “The Storm” Norman was recognised as Top Try Scorer after crossing for 12 touchdowns during the campaign.
supporter Nigel “Gez”
was named Club Supporter of the Year.
The club’s biggest individual honour, the Players Player of the Season award, sponsored by Globe Holidays, was presented to “Slammin” Sam Whitaker following an impressive year voted for by his team-mates.
There was also recognition for those working tirelessly behind the scenes, with flowers of appreciation presented to volunteers
Sam Porter collected the Best Newcomer to the Club award, while a new honour introduced this year — The Mick Gribbins Veteran Trophy for best veteran — was awarded to Ricky “Rooney” James.
During the evening, chairman thanked all volunteers, players and committee members for their efforts throughout the year.
WORTLEY RUGBY CLUB END SEASON
“LASER” FOCUSED ON THE YEAR AHEAD
As Spring turns into Summer, this time of year also marks the end of the rugby season at Wortley RUFC. It is a time of reflection for all sections of the club.
The men’s senior team have had a tough year in Yorkshire 4 South division, eventually finishing 6th after some very entertaining and competitive games and are looking forward to a break before coming back next season determined to take things forward.
The women’s senior team have, again had a great season with some good results against local Yorkshire rivals, but always in a respectful and sporting way.
Perhaps the most heartening performances have come from the junior section this season, with numbers on roll of over a hundred children and counting. It has been brilliant
to see huge numbers of children turning up on a Sunday morning to enjoy the fantastic sport of rugby.
Star performers were the boys U13’s who reached the final of the Yorkshire Shield at Leeds Roundegians and were narrowly pipped in a tightly fought contest, let’s hope they can go one better next year as U14’s.
Most of the Wortley teams had their final game of the season at the Dinnington May Day festival and by all accounts did themselves proud.
The dedicated coaching team at Wortley organised one last treat for the kids as the U7’S right through to the U12’S were all invited to join their pals in an outdoor laser tag event to round off the season.
The coaching teams are already working hard behind the scenes, preparing for the next season.
Summer training sessions for boys and girls of all ages will be every Sunday, meeting at 10am, at Finkle Street Lane starting July 12th. It is non-contact, so if you are a novice or a seasoned player you can all enjoy a good session.
So come along and try rugby with Wortley Rugby Club, our coaching team is always ready to welcome newcomers and will make you feel welcome.
It is not all about the children, though; parents and carers are welcome to join our T1 touch rugby sessions every Wednesday at 7.00pm. This is a great way to stay fit and enjoy great company, all the excitement of rugby without the physical contact.
See website for more details. wortleyrugby.rfu.club
Player-coach reflected on the season and highlighted the development shown across the squad, while club skipper Andy “Clock Tower” Beal praised the commitment and improvement demonstrated by the players. The squad will now take a short break before returning for pre-season training in early July.
POMONA PUNISHED
KIVETON PARK 3 - 1 POMONA FC
Pomona made a slow start to the match, showing Kiveton too much respect in the opening stages. They stood off their opponents, failed to compete strongly enough for first and second balls, and were punished by conceding two disappointing headers inside the box. The first came from a set-piece, where a player was left unmarked, while the second followed a handling error from the goalkeeper.
However, Pomona gradually grew into the game. Their challenges became stronger, their passing sharper, and the overall intensity of their play noticeably improved. Joe Hackworthy produced an excellent clipped pass over the Kiveton defence to find Andy Thompson, who finished confidently past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. From that moment, Pomona settled well and began to play some outstanding football.
For large periods of the second half, Pomona had last season’s champions pinned back and un-
der pressure. Frustratingly, as has been the case too often this season, they struggled to find the decisive final ball in key moments. Despite that, Pomona remained competitive throughout. Although Kiveton continued to look dangerous at times, Pomona’s defence handled their threat well while also carrying an attacking threat of their own. Andy Thompson worked tirelessly up front, while Simon Bonnett linked play effectively after coming on as a substitute. Pomona created enough opportunities to feel they could still find an equaliser right until the closing moments.
Unfortunately, with virtually the last kick of the game, a stray Pomona pass led to a Kiveton breakaway, and the home side added a third goal to seal the result.
It was a harsh outcome for Pomona, who deserved at least a share of the points, but they can take plenty of encouragement from a strong overall performance against quality opposition.
Long-time
Aspin
Bev Birch, Jessica Jackson, Nicola Symons, Jenny Watts and Charlotte Watts.