Retiring: Mrs Jackson, Stocksbridge High School. Photo SHS
Two Decades of Community Action: Burncross Celebrates 20th Anniversary
What began as a simple conversation between a small group of residents in 2006 has blossomed into a cornerstone of local life. This year, the Burncross Action Team (BAT) proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedication to making the village a cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming place to call home.
Initially formed with a commitment to regular litter picks, the group’s impact has grown significantly over the years. Through successful committee work and funding bids, BAT has transformed the local landscape, providing vibrant flower boxes, modern playground equipment at MacKenzie playground and new seating areas that provide vital communal spaces for residents to enjoy.
However, BAT is about much more than just physical improvements; it is a testament to the power of camaraderie and mutual support. For many members, the group has provided a lifeline during difficult times. One local resident, Tracey Binks, who joined five years ago, shared how the group helped them through a period of bereavement.
"I was struck by the village charm when I moved here, but it was the support of my neighbours that truly made me want to give something back," she explained. "I was nervous attending my first litter pick, wondering if I’d be able to keep up, but the group was so welcoming that my nerves disappeared instantly. After an hour of fresh air and good conversation, I went home with a real sense of achievement."
This sentiment is echoed across the team, which brings together a diverse mix of long-term residents, newcomers, and families. Beyond the environmental benefits of keeping streets safe and clean, the group fosters a deep sense of pride. From social events to the monthly "good mornings" shared during picks, the spirit of "paying it forward" is alive and well in Burncross.
As the team looks toward the next twenty years, they remain as vital as ever. With financial constraints on local councils increasing, the work of volunteers and sponsors is essential to maintaining the wellbeing of the neighbourhood and the value of local homes.
If you are looking to get involved, meet new friends, and make a tangible difference, there is always room for more. As one member puts it: "Give it a try — you never know until you try."
Join the Team
Burncross Action Team litter pickers meet at 10am on the first Sunday of every month in the Acorn car park. Equipment, guidance, and a huge welcome are guaranteed.
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.
YORKSHIRE WATER DUMPED RAW SEWAGE 51,000 TIMES IN 2025
Yorkshire Water dumped sewage into the UK’s waterway almost 51,000 times in 2025 – as GMB calls for workers to have a seat on the new super regulator.
The spills – which are recorded by the Environment Agency –pumped out raw, untreated sewage for a total of 285,931 hours.
Earlier this year, the Government announced Ofwat would be scrapped and a new ‘super regulator’ would take its place.
GMB’s annual congress in Blackpool discussed the figures and moved to a motion calling for ‘a permanent worker seat on the board to safeguard from future failures.’
Feargal Sharkey – Undertones frontman and water campaigner – addressed the conference floor to help move the motion.
Feargal Sharkey told GMB Conference:
“The brutal reality is as employees, bill payers, as customers, we have been lied to, we’ve been misled, we’re being extorted, we’ve been cheated.
“For 37 years, we’ve been subjected to nothing more than the greatest act of organised criminality perpetrated against the British people.
“We’ve had little in return apart from corporate greed, profiteering, financial engineering, political failure and regulatory incompetence.
“In short, we’ve been had.
“In reality, this Thatcherite theme park has delivered nothing but pain, sorrow and anger."
Beloved Teacher Retires
...Continued from front page
The end of the current academic year will mark the conclusion of a significant chapter in the history of Stocksbridge High School as Mrs Jackson, the school's Director of Belonging, officially retires.
A familiar and respected face in the corridors of the school and the wider Stocksbridge and Deepcar community, Mrs Jackson first joined the staff on 1st September 1994. Arriving as a newly qualified teacher of mathematics, she has spent over thirty years shaping the lives of thousands of local young people.
Throughout her tenure, Mrs Jackson has held a variety of pivotal leadership roles that reflected her commitment to student welfare and future prospects. These included serving as Assistant Headteacher, Head of Student Opportunities and Initiatives, Subject Leader of Work-Related Learning, Head of Careers Education, Guidance and Work Experience, and Excellence Challenge Coordinator.
AS GMB CONGRESS CALLS FOR WORKER SEAT ON NEW SUPER REGULATOR
Her impact on the student body is perhaps best illustrated by the story of a former pupil who was so inspired by Mrs Jackson's mentorship and passion for education that they chose to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher themselves.
In a letter to parents and the community, Head Teacher Mr. Williams praised her unwavering dedication to the area. To ensure her legacy continues, the school has announced the creation of the ‘Claire Jackson Award for Service to School and the Community’. This inaugural award will be presented for the first time this year in her honour, recognising students who embody the same spirit of service that Mrs Jackson has demonstrated since 1994.
As she prepares for her well-earned retirement, the staff, students, and families of Stocksbridge and Deepcar join together in thanking her for three decades of service to the community.
CHURCH WANTS YOUR PINTS OF VIEW
It’s not every day your local Vicar tells his flock to get down to the pub, but that’s what’s happening in Chapeltown this June!
On Mondays 15th and 22nd June at 7.30pm St John’s church in Chapeltown is hosting an evening called Pints of View. It’s at the Wagon & Horses Wetherspoons on Market Street Chapeltown.
Pints of View will give a chance for locals to bring their questions about life, faith, God and beer.
Each evening there’s a special guest - the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox and former anti-terrorist officer, Paul Gask – and they along with a panel of local Christians will tackle any questions people bring: everything from a perspective on current events to life’s big issues.
Vicar of St. John’s, Rick Stordy, said “In our busy lives, we don’t get time for the big questions, like: why are we here and what’s life all about? What values do we need to live by? Does the Bible have any answers? Lots of folks ask those things, not just churchgoers. We’re offering a relaxed way to bring your questions, share your views, and enjoy a decent pint. Everyone is warmly welcome”.
Peter Bryan, manager of the Wagon & Horses, has been very supportive from the beginning. He commented “The Wagon & Horses is a local pub for the people of Chapeltown. We’re excited at this opportunity to provide food for the soul, as well as food and drink for the body.”
Council Questioning
Made Easier
There is a new process for asking questions at Council meetings. This will make it simpler and more accessible for residents of the city to ask questions of their elected representatives.
Questions must be submitted six clear working days before the full Council or Committee meeting.
Statements can be submitted until four clear working days before a meeting. There will also be the chance to offer one follow-up question at the meeting. This will come directly from the answer to the written question.
Find out more of the details on the Sheffield City Council website: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk
Woodland Purchased Thanks to Generous Support
The Steel Valley Project is delighted to announce the purchase of Stone Dyke Wood, a beautiful 2.73-acre woodland near Grenoside in South Yorkshire.
Made possible through the generous support of the Craik family, long-standing supporters of the charity, the acquisition marks a major milestone as the first site ever purchased by the Steel Valley Project in its 38-year history.
This first land purchase represents an exciting new chapter for the charity, creating opportunities to protect, enhance and manage an important natural space for the ben-
efit of wildlife and local communities for generations to come.
Stone Dyke Wood is a secluded woodland haven, featuring tranquil oak glades, a small stream and rich wildlife habitats. The woodland includes mature oak trees alongside beech, birch and hazel, with a diverse ground flora characteristic of ancient woodland, including species such as wood anemone and wood sorrel. It also provides a refuge for woodland birds and wildlife, with evidence of a wide range of species already present on the site.
Importantly, Stone Dyke Wood forms part of a much larger wood-
land landscape on the northern edge of Sheffield, sitting within a vast woodland complex that includes Wharncliffe Woods and Greno Woods. This wider network of woodland habitats provides valuable ecological connectivity, supporting wildlife movement and strengthening biodiversity across the area.
For the Steel Valley Project, ownership of Stone Dyke Wood will help secure the long-term future of an important local habitat and provide opportunities to demonstrate practical conservation management, habitat restoration and community engagement.
MP CELEBRATES LOCAL SCHOOLS’ SPORTING SUCCESS
Marie Tidball MP, the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has recently written to 22 schools in her constituency to celebrate their success in achieving the School Games Mark Platinum and Gold Awards during the 2024/25 academic year.
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme, launched in 2012 and facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, to reward schools for their commitment to developing competition across their school and into the wider community.
Across the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency, eight schools received the School Games Platinum Mark Award, with a further fourteen receiving the Gold level. Schools have been recognised for their success in many areas, including supporting participation in local inter-school
competitions and creating active plans for the ongoing improvement of PE and school sport. The Platinum Award celebrates schools that have consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to sport, evidenced by their achievement of a Gold Award for four years in a row.
Marie Tidball MP said:
“I’m so proud of the 22 schools in our constituency, who have been awarded either a Gold or Platinum School Games Mark – that’s more than half of our schools!
“Sport has the unique power to break down barriers, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging. It’s fantastic that so many of our local schools are doing such excellent work to deliver high-quality PE and school sport that every child deserves.”
Plans for abandoned factory
A housing estate could be built on an old factory site in Sheffield abandoned decades ago.
Hepworth's brick-making factory closed in the 1990s and the industrial buildings were left to rot by the Loxley Valley green belt, writes Lucy Ashton BBC South Yorkshire political reporter
Sheffield developer Sky-House has now submitted plans to build 73 houses and community facilities by the River Loxley, which weaves in between the derelict and vandalised factory units.
Sky-House says it is committed to preserving the woodland and wildlife with the eco-homes, but the plans have prompted more than 60 objections from local residents and conservation groups.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, South Yorkshire Bat Group and the Friends of Loxley Valley are among those who have submitted an objection.
In 2020, a previous application by Patrick Properties to build 300 homes on the site received 1,000 objections and was rejected by Sheffield City Council.
Friends group chair Joanne Lee described the woodland as "the
green lung" for residents in north Sheffield.
She said their members have a range of views about the site and said they had lodged an objection as there were "too many unanswered questions".
"We are not against development on the site but it's about the detail of this scheme," she said.
Lee said there were hundreds of documents with the application and the group had examined them, but said the details were "really vague".
"For instance, each property would have a leasehold area running down to the river like a wild woodland garden. The developer has talked about various protections and some sort of legal status but how would that actually be enforced?
"What is there to prevent people domesticating the land right down to the river? We don't know how the river would be protected."
She said there were also concerns about the "commercialisation" of the valley with shops, a padel court and café which "would bring a lot of additional traffic to
a very quiet, rewilded area and there are issues around light pollution".
Sky-House said the development would create a "unique once in a lifetime neighbourhood" with a mix of one to five-bedroomed properties.
Chief executive David Cross said: "It will offer a combination of riverside residential, commercial and leisure spaces, including the potential for
self-build plots, all set within 40 acres of rewilded landscapes.
"Sky-House is committed to restoring nature, creating biodiverse landscapes, extensive footpaths and establishing an attractive village centre to serve the community.
"There will also be two new vehicle bridges and a dedicated pedestrian crossing to connect the valley with the wider area."
Sheffield City Council will make a decision on the application at a future date.
Photo: Sky House
Friendship Lunch
derful opportunity to meet old/make new friends, to dine and have a dance in a warm and safe environment. To book please contact the venue on 0114 321 6318. For queries, please contact Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant, 0772 9528844 kathymarkwick@ gmail.com
JUNE
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.
11 High Green WI will be meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday the 11th of June in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church, on Wortley Road. The event is “Line Dancing” with Lynn Housley. The competition is “A Country Music Item”. Members and Visitors warmly welcome.
11 Stocksbridge & District History Society meeting -Christ Church Hall 7 PM. Speaker Eric Jackson‘Women in Munitions - The Barnbow Lasses.’. All are welcome. Also notice of Grand Day Out. - Wentworth..
FRIDAY
12 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Proms Concert To be held at the Newton Hall Chapeltown on Friday 12th June 2026 at 7.30 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or 07812425387 or Julie and Paul on 07876472246 or 07926377410
12 Relax with a poem – poetry for pleasure. Stocksbridge Library, Manchester Road. Bring a favourite poem to read of just sit and listen over a warm drink. 2.15 to 3.15
SATURDAY
13 Yorkshire’s largest cinema pipe organ will be put through its’ paces when international broadcasting and recording organist Simon Gledhill returns to his Yorkshire roots to present a concert of popular and light music. The concert is on Saturday June 13th at 2-30pm at the Astoria Centre, Barnsley, S755 1JT. Onsite free parking and refreshments available. Advanced tickets can be booked online at info@astoriacentre.co.uk by telephone on 07944 566972 or can be purchased on the door on concert day.
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
14 Bullhouse Chapel is open every Saturday for quiet reflection or to learn about the history of this 334 year old Independent Chapel from 2pm until 4pm. We put the Sunday School banner on display for Pentecost Sunday and have decided to leave it out until the end of September. We will be holding our usual Christian Sunday service at 2.30pm on the 14th of June. On the 21st of June the service will be followed by the Annual General Meeting where anyone who is interested in the continuation of worship at Bullhouse Chapel is
invited to attend.
FRIDAY
19 Making Music in Bradfield” - a celebration of local music Friday, 19th June, 7pm - 9.30pm in Bradfield Church Free entry.
SATURDAY
20 Green Moor Methodist Church Summer Fair Bacon Butties,Raffle, bric-a-brac, Gifts, Crafts, Cakes, Teas & Coffee 10am - 12:30pm Donations for stalls please contact Ann Taylor: 07743926359
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.
MONDAY
22 Come and join ‘Singing Buddies’. Sing-a-long type singing afternoon for anyone. Refreshments served £1.50. Can’t sing, doesn’t matter! A mixture of songs. All welcome. The Salvation Army, Stocksbridge Monday 2-4pm
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
SATURDAY
On LISTINGS
27 St Ann’s Catholic Primary School’s Summer Gala has returned! 12 - 4pm FREE ENTRY!
Come along and join our amazing school for fun, games, a licenced bar, children’s rides, stacks of entertainment and hopefully some sun! Our Reception/Year 1 classroom will also be open for a meet the teacher for any children wishing to join us and wanting to have a look around. We look forward to seeing you for what is always a fantastic day!
27 Summer Fair at Stocksbridge Christian Centre, Cedar Road on Saturday 27th June from 11a.m to 3 p.m. Lots of stalls, games and food. Come and join us.
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 Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on Monday 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 Bowl-
ing 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 £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.
MALE VOICE CHOIR COLLABORATION
Three male voice choirs join together at Penistone Paramount on Saturday the 11th July 2026
Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir have been entertaining both the local area and further afield for almost 60 years.
In 2024 they had a successful tour of Coventry, singing in both the new and old Cathedrals.
They also joined Coventry and Rugby Male Voice Choirs for an evening of songs to the delight of a packed house.
On Saturday the 11th July 2026 both Midlands Choirs will be travelling to Yorkshire to join Millhouse to entertain the public at a special concert at the Paramount where a variety of songs will be performed ranging from the traditional Male Voice Choir numbers to more modern pieces.
Since the beginning of 2026, Millhouse Male Voice Choir have un-
dertaken a singing course to promote the benefits of singing from a both a social aspect and health benefits of singing in a group.
Following the success of the course 14 new members have been recruited, some of the new members will be joining us at this concert.
If you would like to enjoy The Three
Choirs, you can do so on Saturday 11th July 2026 at Penistone Paramount at 7.15 p.m.
If you would like to join this award-winning choir, they rehearse every Monday evening at Millhouse Institute, Millhouse Green, S36 9NP at 7.30 p.m.
New members are always very welcome and if you wish to
speak to anyone about joining please contact choir member Paul Pearson on 07743 440208 or by e-mail on paulpearson56@hotmail. co.uk
Dawn Patricia CROSSLAND (née Thawley)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dawn Patricia Crossland (née Thawley), who passed away on 26th May 2026, aged 62.
Dawn was a devoted Wife to Stephen, a loving Mum to Peter and Ben, a much-loved Auntie, and a cherished Grandma to Fraser.
She was the heart of our family, kind, selfless, and endlessly caring, always putting others before herself and bringing warmth and comfort to those around her.
Dawn touched the lives of many, and her love, strength, and kindness will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and all who knew her.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 17th June at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel, at 12:00pm, followed by a wake at The Castle Inn, Bolsterstone. All are welcome to attend.
Family flowers only please. Donations in Dawn’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. Deaths
Witness appeal after rider dies following Stocksbridge collision
Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision in Stocksbridge that has sadly claimed the life of a 68-year-old man.
The incident happened at around 12 noon on Friday, 22 May, on Manchester Road near the junction with Nanny Hill.
South Yorkshire Police said the collision involved a black Suzuki tricycle and was reported to be a single-vehicle incident.
The rider, a 68-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment following the collision. He sadly died from his injuries on Sunday, 31 May.
His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have seen the rider prior to the incident, to come forward.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police.
Information can be passed to police by calling 101 or through the force’s online reporting system, quoting incident number 140 of 5 June 2026.
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DYSON’S Funeral
MP priorities for Penistone and Stocksbridge Constituency
I note that Dr Marie Tidball MP has written to the Leader and Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council outlining her priorities in her constituency and looking for where she believes “the Council can play an important role alongside my work as their MP.”
The priorities include the Local Plan for Green Belt development where she states “I ask that the Council works with me to ensure that the views of my constituents are properly heard and reflected in the final version of the Local Plan before it goes before Full Council. My residents have a significant stake in planning decisions that affect their communities, and I want to make sure their voices carry real weight in that process.”
I’m afraid that residents’ views have been heard loud and clear throughout 2025 and will continue to be heard in the Council Chamber yet have been ignored. The consultation process has finished as have the Government Inspectors hearings. The final report will be presented to Sheffield City Council this year and Full Council will vote on it. Both the Labour Group and the Green Group have made it abundantly clear they intend to vote this report through even before it is even published; a major reason why the Liberal Democrat Group have left the administration and gone into opposition. We believe that the Government test that every Green Belt site must demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” has not been met. An example of this is the identification of 35Ha of land in existing employment zones that could be developed, but the council determined that Green Belt sites offer “other opportunities.” That isn’t exceptional circumstances.
It is not in the gift of the Council to reflect constituents’ views in the final report; it is the Government Inspectors report. Perhaps Dr Tidball could suggest that amendments could be put forward at Full Council, which were denied in May 2025 when the Green Belt proposals were laid before Full Council. The Liberal Democrats over the years have consistently been opposed to development in the Green Belt and that remains our position. We have supported community groups and made detailed submissions both in the consultation periods and at Government Inspector hearings. No other political party has made that commitment.
Councillor Mike Levery West Ecclesfield Ward
NEETS
Dear Editor
I suspect that Michael Parker who wrote about NEETS in Look Local last week and I are both in our twilight years or is it ‘snipers alley’ ?
Looking back I like to think of the things I have done that were about making stuff and growing stuff. Helping Mum in the garden before school age, feeding pigs and hay making on a farm up the road, getting firewood ready with my brother-in-law for the Canadian winter, trying to keep up with commercial beekeepers and getting a bit of my own bee’s honey into jars. Making stuff and growing stuff helped my younger self feel ok. Looking at my kitchen and the people sitting in it I can understand we have to get coffee, bananas and cotton from somewhere else but there is so much more that we could, should and I believe soon must grow and make in this country. In this town.
That will be the end of the unemployment Michael Parker writes about.
Young people will be needed, no more NEET.
Yours Peter Morton
Oughtibridge makers trail
Many thanks to everyone who came out in the lovely sunshine to take part in the Oughtibridge Makers Trail on Saturday 23rd May. There were over 130 visitors (we lost count a few times) to 7 venues around the village and the plant sale on the Millennium Green. The draw for the prize gifts from the makers has been made and 18 names selected at random - winners have been contacted and are able to collect their prizes. It was a great day all round and we are looking for even more makers to join us next year.
Thank you, Liz Hewett
Local Opinion
LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
Prehistoric Stone Carving: Protection From Spirits?
By Steve Moxon
Neolithic or early Bronze Age so-called rock art is to be found locally, in Wilkin Wood down Ewden – on the bank of the Beck roughly opposite More Hall. ‘Cup marks’ (seventeen of them) on a large boulder. Concave depressions made by pecking away with a hand-held hammer stone. It’s the simplest, commoner sort of rock art across the world (on every continent) and the earliest. Dubbed art, as no-one knows what it’s for.
It can’t be for route marking as rock art rarely occurs on any kind of road or path; and anyway it’s small and at or close to ground level, so, until you happen upon it, it’s invisible (at least from most directions). Hence no use either to indicate boundaries.
A conjecture that stands out from papers on this topic from different countries is that it was meant to deal with evil spirits. A pronounced dish shape may be a warning of their presence, possibly in representing them as ‘the evil eye’, or (as a counterpart on our side, as it were), staring back to ward them off. It might even have been imagined that a hemispherical recess attracts spirits to investigate, only to become trapped in the circular form – obliged to travel endlessly, unable to find a corner to hide in.
This is the odd but time-immemorial very widespread notion of the demon trap, as in the demon or devil-trap bowls of ancient civilisation. Similar protective magic is apparent from the late Middle Ages up to WW1 in the daisy wheels (hexafoils) – interlocking petals encased in an outer circle, making a never-ending continuous line – that turn up in buildings. The ‘cup mark’ in rock art looks like it was such a containment symbol, and continued to be as it evolved to ‘cup & ring’ (surrounding by one, or two or more circles, each inside the other), or a spiral.
Why would a symbol to trap, warn of or ward off a demon appear on a remote rock? If the rock was adjacent – and the nearest durable surface – to a liminal place: a spot that anciently was supposed to be where there was only a thin veil between this and the otherworld
An otherworld portal, through which it was feared a hostile spirit could emerge to do you mischief. Springs, water pools and waterfalls especially were seen in this regard.
Looking at older 25” OS maps prior to More Hall Reservoir and the alterations to Ewden Beck this entailed, right next to Wilkin Wood the river is labelled with a hefty arrow, denoting a steep drop. A waterfall. This presumably is to what the ‘cup marks’ alluded.
Likewise beside water (springs) are possible (poorly defined) ‘cup marked’ stones not far distant on Whitwell Moor, and seeming weather-eroded features atop the southern edge of Ewden, at Spout House Hill plateau, that recently have been deemed man-made ‘cup marks’ (Cockrell, 2020): usually a pair or several per big mostly-buried natural slab, of which there are twenty-two.
It’s suggested that this rock art signifies or commemorates either the site itself or vistas from it (notably, from some of the stones, the River Don / Ewden confluence); but how, and why? And what’s with its high concentration at this locale? Probably because separate fairly huge natural stones lying in situ themselves were (as we know) considered liminal sites. As prominent hills also were thus envisaged, then you’d expect ‘cup marking’ here – to combat the ghoul thought to reside in the hill, in or below the ground or bedrock on the flipside of individual rocks.
A problem is that as a range of landscape features were reckoned liminal, it’s rather too easy to see any dish shapes in rocks as rock art, leaving the theory difficult to test. Actually, there’s a decent chance it’d win by default against the alternative explanations: ancestral doodling, or practice working with stone; use for grinding, or to hold offerings (to symbolically catch rain?). Dozens of theories, none compelling – though could a few be complementary? With much uncertainty in designation, some instances of ostensible rock art are surely natural. Wind can swirl water containing rock grains to scour round solution hollows, no matter the hardness of the sandstone. Sifting these from the genuine article cannot but help interpretation.
'ROCK ART': Wilkin Wood, first recognised in the 1960s, photographed here in independent discovery by local detectorist Ian Steel, and recently listed (Cockrell & Kynaston-Richards, 2020).
LOCAL ROADS
‘UNACCEPTABLE’
...Continued from front page
Amey are responsible for upgrading and maintaining the condition of the roads in Sheffield, including filling and repairing potholes and resurfacing roads, under a contract with Sheffield City Council.
During the meeting, Marie raised issues with the following roads which constituents had raised with her:
• Station Road (A6135), in Chapeltown;
• Hollow Gate, Wortley Road and Thompson Hill in High Green;
• The section of Manchester Road (B6088) from Stocksbridge to Deepcar;
• Carr Road in Deepcar;
• the junction of Monteney Crescent and Wordsworth Avenue in Ecclesfield;
• Woodhead Road between Wortley and Grenoside;
• as well as the junctions of Langsett Road North and Main Road;
• and Glen Howe Park and Storth Lane (A6102), in Wharncliffe Side.
Andy Milner agreed with Marie that the current state of the roads are unacceptable, and said this was due to adverse weather.
Thanks to pressure from Labour councillors and MPs, Amey have increased the number of potholes repair gangs from 4 to 10 and are prioritising the most dangerous potholes and the most heavily used roads.
The Amey CEO agreed to send Marie updates about progress on the roads she highlighted, and Marie said she will continue holding Amey to account to ensure the repairs and condition of these roads are addressed as soon as possible.
Following the meeting Marie Tidball MP said:
“Since I was elected, I have received a large volume of correspondence and listened to constituents time and time again tell me about potholes and surface dam-
How well does your council fix potholes?
£7.3bn
to fix the pothole plague
New government rules will require councils to reveal exactly how well they repair their roads – letting public hold them to account
Long-term preventative repairs to be prioritised over costly ‘patch up’ fixes, saving motorists hundreds of pounds a year on pothole related repairs
Councils that fail to publish their reports will have nearly a third of this year’s highways maintenance funding withheld.
Councils must prove they are doing more to fix potholes and future-proof roads under tough new reporting requirements issued by the government this week.
For the first time councils will need to demonstrate publicly how well they repair their roads and what they are doing to avoid repeat visits to the same stretch of asphalt – encouraging full road resurfacing, preventing potholes and an end to short term patch fixes.
Once these transparency reports are published in September, everyone in England will be able to see just how well their council is tackling the pothole plague and exactly how many of their roads are due for resurfacing.
The government has given local authorities a record £7.3bn in long-term road funding to turn the tide on the pothole plague.
Walkers Blaze an £11,000 Trail
age across our constituency. Constituents have reported that the condition of some roads has now become extremely poor, to the point where it is causing damage to vehicles and creating genuine frustration for residents, as well as serious road safety issues.
“There are also concerns about the long waits for some repair work to be done. Constituents frequently report repairs that appear to be quick temporary fixes, only to deteriorate again after a short period of bad weather or increased traffic. Despite raising these matters with Amey on several occasions, many of the same issues remain unresolved.
“When I met with Andy Milner, the CEO of Amey, I made it clear that the condition of our roads is simply unacceptable, and requires a more sustainable and strategic approach. There's much more that needs to be delivered to a higher quality, and I will be doing everything I can to make sure our roads are repaired efficiently and to a high standard. My constituents deserve a safe and reliable road network. I will continue holding Amey to account to ensure they make meaningful progress in resolving these longstanding issues.
“If you live in our Sheffield communities, please take pictures of potholes and report them via the Sheffield City Council website.”
An incredible £11,146 has been raised to protect our beloved Peak District from the devastating threat of wildfires, thanks to the massive efforts of local fundraisers and the BMC Access & Conservation Trust.
Dressed in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow to mimic a "human wildfire," thirty walkers set off on an 18km trek from Hathersage on Saturday, 30th May. The group made quite an impression as they moved along the edges of the Peak District, raising vital awareness about moorland conservation while hiking through the stunning landscape.
The community spirit was on full display throughout the day. One walker donned a bright yellow superhero cape, while others attached colourful ribbons to their packs. Danny Udall from the Eastern Moors Partnership even completed the walk in full wildfire-fighting gear, carrying a 20-litre water pack to highlight the reality of the task at hand. Our dedicated tail walkers even helped tidy up the trails, collecting litter as they followed the group.
Local businesses also stepped up to support the cause. Alpkit in Hathersage fuelled the walkers with pastries and coffee at the start, the National Trust provided refreshing homemade lemonade and cookies at Longshaw Estate, and Outside in Hathersage welcomed everyone back with tea and flapjacks. Five lucky top fundraisers were also awarded £10 vouchers generously donated by the shops.
The money raised will go directly towards protecting and rehabilitating high-risk areas like Stanage, Burbage, Curbar, and Froggatt. These funds add to a growing pot that includes a £50,000 grant for a dedicated Wildfire Engagement Officer and £20,000 from the National Lottery to restore over 80 hectares of peat bog damaged by fires since 2018.
The campaign is now in its final stretch, with just £19,000 left to reach the ultimate £100,000 target. If you’re inspired to help, there are plenty of ways to get involved, from setting up a JustGiving page to leaving a legacy gift.
Photo: Marie Tidball MP and Andy Milner, CEO of Amey, in Parliament.
PROTESTS PLANNED IN SHEFFIELD
Legal conditions have been put in place ahead of planned protest and counter-protest events due to take place in Sheffield city centre on Saturday, 13 June.
South Yorkshire Police say a policing operation is being prepared to maintain public safety and provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors during the demonstrations.
The group Raise the Colours is planning to gather in the Peace Gardens from 12pm before holding a procession through the city centre to Blonk Street.
Police also expect a counter-protest group to assemble in Tudor Square from 11am on the same day.
Officers say they are working with organisers, partners and local communities ahead of the events and have imposed conditions under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.
The restrictions mean supporters of the Raise the Colours protest must not assemble at the Peace Gardens before midday and must leave by 2.30pm.
Their procession must begin between 1.30pm and 2pm and follow a prescribed route via Fargate, High Street, Angel Street, Castle Street, Waingate, Lady's Bridge and Blonk Street.
Participants must not arrive at Blonk Street before 2.30pm and must leave the area by 4pm.
Conditions imposed on the counter-protest group require those attending not to arrive at Tudor Square before 11am and to leave by 4pm.
Police said the restrictions have been introduced to help maintain public safety while balancing the rights of those wishing to protest with those who may be affected by the demonstrations.
A spokesperson said officers would aim to prevent crime and disorder and would take a lawful and proportionate approach if any offences occur.
The force has also confirmed it is in contact with representatives of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, which is planning a separate assembly at Barkers Pool followed by a procession towards Devonshire Green on the same day.
Police stressed that this event is unrelated to the planned protest and counter-protest and is not covered by the conditions that have been imposed.
Anyone with concerns during the day is encouraged to speak to officers on duty in the city centre. Those experiencing threatening behaviour or concerned for their safety should contact police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.
BISHOP TO HOST GARDEN PARTY IN AID OF LOCAL CHARITIES
Legal conditions imposed ahead of Sheffield city centre protest and counter-protest AT LEAST 105,000 PEOPLE TAKEN TO COURT OVER COUNCIL TAX DEBT IN YORKSHIRE LAST YEAR, GMB INVESTIGATION SHOWS
The Bishop of Sheffield, The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, and his wife, Dr Cathy Wilcox, are hosting a Garden Party this month to raise money for three local charities.
Taking place on Saturday 13 June from 2-5pm at Bishopscroft, the event will support the following charities: The Archer Project (supporting people experiencing homelessness, based at Sheffield Cathedral), ASSIST (an asylum seeker and refugee charity in Sheffield, of which Bishop Pete is a Patron), and Refurnish in Doncaster (providing community benefit in South Yorkshire). All funds raised will be divided equally between the three charities. Alongside craft stalls, refreshments and a wonderful community atmosphere, this year we’re celebrating the creativity of 12 local schools taking part in our recycling and upcycling competition, with entries judged by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield. Two of our schools will also be performing on the day, joined by the Choir with No Name and the Dinnington Colliery Brass Band, bringing music to the garden throughout the day. There’s plenty for families and children to enjoy, including hook a duck, coconut shy, splat a rat, face painting
and more. Entry is free and there is no need to book in advance.
An amazing collection of prizes is available to win and bid on in the Garden Party’s raffle and silent auction. Raffle tickets are already on sale online - please take a look at the stellar list of prizes on offer. Our silent auction is open for early bidding, with some fantastic prizes and family days out to be won, including a midweek glamping stay in York, a Yorkshire Wildlife Park family pass and vouchers for a group game of paintballing.
Bishop Pete said:
“It is always a great joy to host people here in the house and garden at Bishopscroft, offering hospitality to others as Jesus encourages in his followers. Cathy and I are greatly looking forward to welcoming you to the Garden Party. The Archer Project, ASSIST and Refurnish are causes that are deeply close to our hearts. The important work they carry out, and the differences they make to people’s lives, is immeasurable. We hope that alongside an atmosphere of fun and friendship, we can raise some awareness and contribute towards these vital organisations”.
At least 105,000 people were taken to court over unpaid council tax debt in Yorkshire and the Humber last year, an investigation by GMB has found.
The union sent a freedom of information to all local authorities in the region with responsibility for collecting council tax.
The results of those who responded showed 105,839 people had been summoned to court in the financial year 2024/25.
The findings will be discussed as part of a Local Government special report, which will be delivered to GMB’s annual congress in Blackpool this week.
Other results from the investigation include: 262,314 accounts are in council tax arrears
150,888 accounts have had debt management proceedings launched against them
More than £250 million is owed to Yorkshire and the Humber councils in unpaid council tax
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:
“These horrifying figures show our council tax system is completely broken
“Not only is the banding system woefully out of date, but forcing cash-strapped councils to pursue 100,000 people through the courts just to make ends meet can’t be the right way to do business.
“Austerity left deep scars on all our public services, which will last a generation or more.
“Meanwhile the lack of authority funding often means low pay for the people we rely on to look after our loved ones, to take our rubbish, to keep our towns and cities running.
“To fix all this, we need more guaranteed central government funding, progress on council tax reform so the richest pay their share and changes to business rates so that authorities get more regenerate our high streets.”
Above: Raise The Colours, A grassroots movement for unity and patriotism. Below: some 20,000 anti-racists marched against Robinson last year (Picture: Guy Smallman)
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EUROPEAN HONOUR FOR TURNER AS PENISTONE SHINE AT TRUNCE
Graihagh Turner led the headlines for Penistone Footpath Runners after representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the European Athletics Off-Road Running Championships in Slovenia. The championships were held in Ljubljana-Kamnik, with the racing taking place at Velika Planina.
Turner lined up in the Under-20 Women’s Up & Down Mountain Race against some of Europe’s leading young mountain runners, finishing 36th in 33-39 after passing the checkpoints in 14-02 and 25-04.
Although the result was not quite what she had hoped for, competing on the European stage was an amazing experience and another significant step in her running career. Turner also thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.
There was also a big Penistone turnout at Trunce Race 4, where Hannah Shaw led the club’s success by taking the ladies’ victory in 33-50.
Richard Cottam produced another standout performance, finishing second overall in 2559, taking first place in the veteran men’s category and recording a personal best. Ashley Firth was also well placed, finishing 14th in 30-06 with another personal best, while Philip Shaw won the men’s over60 category in 32-12, also recording a personal best.
Josie Smith added another category win by finishing first veteran lady in 34-00, and Chloe Hinchliffe also impressed with a personal best of 36-16.
On the roads, Rachael Mayston produced an excellent run at the Grimsby 10K, finishing in a chip time of 42-26. Mayston placed 362nd overall, 46th female and eighth in the women’s over50 category, continuing her strong season over the distance. There was also success at the Marsden 10, where Nichola McNally ran strongly to finish third female overall on the challenging Pennine course.
Jill Scrivens also impressed, placing fourth in the women’s over-50 category as the pair represented Penistone at the popular event. Midweek racing saw Damian Kilpin and Steve Sanders travel to North Yorkshire for the Whorlton Run.
Kilpin produced another fine performance, finishing tenth overall and second in the men’s over45 category in 51-08. Sanders was 27th overall in 56-21 and narrowly missed out on an age-category prize with fourth place in the men’s over50 category.
On the fells, James Pierce tackled the demanding Duddon Valley Fell Race in the Lake District, finishing 56th overall and completing the classic long fell race in 4-23-46 while running in the men’s over50 category.
Martyn Goodwin also completed the tough Pen-y-ghent Fell Race in the Yorkshire Dales, finishing 142nd in 1-33 on a hard course with claggy conditions near the summit. Away from racing, a large Penistone group took part in the club’s Bamford Bimble social fell run.
Runners tackled around 14 to 15 miles across the tops in wet and testing conditions, taking in the likes of Margery Hill, Back Tor, Dovestone Tor and White Tor before finishing with a well-earned pub stop.
The group included Robin Clough, Shaun Swallow, Steve Sanders, Josie Smith, Daniel Limb, Alex Crosby, Jade Crosby, Fay Nicholls, Martin Ball, Daniel Rushforth and Alex Best.
At parkrun, 78 Penistone seniors represented the club across 22 venues, with three overall victories. Richard Cottam led the way at Penistone, taking first place in 17-46, with clubmate Richard Heppenstall second in 18-48. Suzanne McGill was third female at the same event in 21-37.
James Mumford won at Vermuyden Way in 18-50, while Ashley Firth was first at Vicar Water in 18-29.
Dawn Godley produced the run of the weekend with an outstanding 86.12 per cent age grading at York Community Woodland, where she was also first in the women’s over65 category.
Linda Keelan marked a notable milestone at the same venue by completing her 100th different parkrun. Other category successes included Ian Neville and Sue Hall at Barnsley, Jon Hallam at Tonbridge, Kelvin Bowskill at Huddersfield, Flynn Rogers at Hillsborough, Ray Brown at Woolacombe Dunes and Jemma Williams, who recorded a personal best and took first place in the women’s over40 category at Cannock Chase.
The weekend’s highest age-graded performances came from Dawn Godley (86.12%), Richard Heppenstall (80.41%), Richard Cottam (78.61%), Suzanne McGill (76.64%) and Ian Neville (76.52%).
Results
European Athletics Off-Road Running Championships, Ljubljana-Kamnik, Slovenia
Under-20 Women’s Up & Down Mountain Race
36, Graihagh Turner 33-39. Grimsby 10K
362, Rachael Mayston 42-26.
The Trunce Race 4
2, Richard Cottam 25-59; 14, Ashley Firth 30-06; 15, John Halstead 30-09; 32, Oliver France 31-47; 35, Philip Shaw 32-12; 45, Ash Howlett 33-19; 49, Hannah Shaw 33-50; 50, Josie Smith 34-00; 52, Daniel Limb 34-11; 68, Shaun Swallow 35-29; 75, Chloe Hinchliffe 36-16; 91, Oliver Found 37-28; 101, Andrew Shiel 38-20; 120, Matthew Coldwell 40-14; 122, Rebecca Timms 40-35; 135, Jill Scrivens 41-53; 143, Fay Nicholls 42-52; 149, Ben Wilkinson 44-03; 150, Mark Graham 44-18; 152, Stan Halstead 44-33; 170, Dawn Godley 45-51; 171, Lauren Sanger 45-57; 185, Mandy Mallinder 46-55; 186, Stuart Woodhead 4704; 192, Harriet Drouin 47-30; 206, Jen Holley 48-38; 215, Heath Ramsden 50-16; 219, Olivia Clough 50-39; 220, Robin Clough 50-40; 224, Jo Sammon 51-25; 225, Carl Matthewman 5134; 227, Becky Parr 51-55; 229, Heather Lindley 52-11; 230, Luke McGuinness 52-14; 233, Hannah Sammon 53-26; 235, Paul Sammon 53-31; 242, Barbara Haigh 54-12; 262, Steve Dommett 1-00-31.
Marsden 10
28, Nichola McNally 1-22-35; 74, Jill Scrivens 1-41-36.
Whorlton Run
10, Damian Kilpin 51-08; 27, Steve Sanders 56-21.
Pen-y-ghent Fell Race 142, Martyn Goodwin 1-33.
Duddon Valley Fell Race
56, James Pierce 4-23-46.
Penistone Parkrun
1, Richard Cottam 17-46; 2, Richard Heppenstall 18-48; 4, Alex Harris 19-35; 6, Damian Kilpin 19-55; 19, Suzanne McGill 21-37; 24, Emily Duckett 22-26; 33, Chris Hodgson 2255; 36, Dan Cooper 23-07; 41, Russ Lynam 2332; 47, Nick Pepper 23-49; 59, Gemma Nutton 24-39; 79, Oliver Found 25-20; 83, Alex Melhuish 25-33; 117, Sara Wolstenholme 2748; 135, Jen Holley 28-50; 136, Gordon Watts 28-54; 140, Paul Sammon 29-09; 150, Andrew Taylor 29-34; 153, Tracy Hodgson 29-48; 157, Joanne Sammon 29-54; 165, Shaun Braddock 30-25; 168, Katie Fleming 30-39; 170, Rebecca Parr 30-52; 178, Kate Rushforth 31-13; 179, Angela Rollinson 31-14; 185, Hannah Sammon 31-32; 190, Nell Law 31-58; 202, Sarah Clough 32-39; 203, Ruth Albaya Melhuish 3241; 213, Danny Batty 33-29; 238, Teresa Wall 36-13; 256, Martyn Cartwright 40-20.
Barnsley Parkrun
15, Ian Neville 21-09; 84, Charlotte Metcalfe 28-11; 89, Sue Hall 28-24; 122, Luke McGuinness 30-34; 128, Stu Smith 30-45.
TIGERS READY FOR HOSTING NEWCOMERS
SHEFFIELD are set to finally welcome British Speedway newcomers Northampton Foxes to Owlerton this Thursday (June 11, 7.30pm).
The Tigers will be looking to make it three home wins in a row after determined late displays saw them eventually earn impressive wins over Ipswich and then Belle Vue. Racenight+ tickets are now on sale and include admission, 1x Official Racenight Programme, Centre Green viewing of Heats 8-11, plus a signed photograph selected at random upon entry.
They will remain on sale until 12 noon on the day of the fixture via http://www.sheffield-speedway.com/ticketoffice.
Supporters should note that standard admission tickets can be purchased by cash or card at the turnstiles on racenight only.
TRUNCE RACE
High Green Harriers social members John Weatherall and his better half Wendy Richardson headed over to Oxspring on Monday night to take part in another Trunce.
It was race 5, and both of them were really liking the run.
Wendy has been creeping up the rankings of the series and is aiming high this year.
It was the usual chilly evening with the river crossings to look forward to a good soaking.
John was a proper Knight in shining armour as he helped a lady who had cracked a bone,rather than run off he lent a hand making sure she was ok.
They are both loving the Monday night run and John has already decided on his fancy dress outfit for the final run of the series.
A LANDMARK VICTORY FOR BLADERUNNERS
Sunday proved a home debut to forget for Sheffield Bladerunners I, who lost both games to Newcastle Nighthawks. The first game was a close-run affair, with costly errors at the start proving the difference. The Nighthawks scored six of their eight runs in their first two appearances at the plate, and although the Bladerunners did well to score consistently through the middle innings, they were made to pay for their slow start. The loss seemed to damage the Sheffield side’s confidence, and Newcastle took full advantage in game two. Bladerunners I were shut out for only the second time this season suffering a bruising 15-0 defeat.
It was a far happier day for Bladerunners II, who secured two wins on derby day against the Sheffield Kodiaks. Both games saw the Bladerunners overwhelm their cross-city neighbors and secure the sweep they were looking for. A blow-out in game one was followed by a more competitive contest after the break, with the Bladerunners waiting until the top of the final inning to break out and secure a second dominant victory.
Finally, in Division 5, Bladerunners III celebrated their first win of the season - a fantastic milestone for the club’s development side. The team sharpened their claws in game one against a strong and disciplined Nighthawks
II side, with Lewis Taylor scoring his first home run for the club. Although they were ultimately defeated in this game, the Bladerunners had generated momentum. They kept things tight in their second fixture against the Manchester Donuts before unleashing havoc in the final inning, scoring 9 runs on their way to a debut victory.
All three teams are back in action this Sunday with everything to play for. After slipping back to 4-6, Bladerunners I will look to even up their record at Wragby Warhammers. Meanwhile, Bladerunners II are aiming for the top two in Division 4 North as they host
Halton Trojans. Bladerunners III face Newark Nationals, looking to build on that first win. Scores
Newcastle Nighthawks – 8 Sheffield Bladerunners I – 4. Newcastle Nighthawks – 15 Sheffield Bladerunners I – 0
Sheffield Bladerunners II – 19 Sheffield Kodiaks - 1 . Sheffield Bladerunners II – 29 Sheffield Kodiaks – 10
Newcastle Nighthawks II – 14 Sheffield Bladerunners III – 4. Manchester Donuts – 7
Sheffield Bladerunners III – 17
