COUNCIL AGREE TO BUY BUILDING
Sheffield councillors have agreed to buy a building (THE OLD FACTORY SHOP), which has been empty for years to help regenerate a town centre. Members of the finance committee said they were cautious about paying more than £636,000 for a building in the centre of Stocksbridge as part of a £24.1m regeneration scheme writes Lucy Ashton BBC South Yorkshire political reporter. The property, at 517 Manchester Road, has been empty for about eight years and the owner said unless the council bought it by the end of June, it would be withdrawn from sale.
STEEL WORKS DEAL OFF FOR NOW: Stocksbridge Workers Hold Onto Hope as Blastr Talks Stall
The future of hundreds of local steelworkers has been thrown back into uncertainty after exclusive negotiations to rescue Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) collapsed. However, at the Stocksbridge plant, the mood remains resilient as workers hold onto hope that a deal can still be struck to secure their jobs and fire up production once again.
Talks between Government officials and Norwegian company Blastr over the acquisition of SSUK ended this week after the firm's preferred bidder status expired without an agreement.
While the breakdown means ministers and official receivers must resume looking at alternative buyers for Britain's third-largest steel business, sources close to the situation emphasise that the door is far from closed.
The View from Stocksbridge
For the local workforce at the Stocksbridge site, this latest twist is another chapter in a long period of uncertainty, but morale remains focused on a restart. The plant, which spe-
cialises in high-value aerospace and industrial steel, is seen by many as a viable, vital asset that just needs the right backing.
Local workers remain hopeful that the unique capabilities of the Stocksbridge plant will ensure its survival. The overarching sentiment on the ground is clear: the skills are here, the infrastructure is here, and the workforce is ready to get back to full production the moment a deal is finalised.
An Insolvency Service spokesman sought to reassure the workforce, stating:
"A period of exclusivity was entered into with a preferred bidder, and we now continue to pursue the sales process."
How We Got Here
The Government assumed control of SSUK in August last year after metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta faced a winding-up order from creditors who were owed hundreds of millions of pounds. Responsibility for finding a new owner subsequently passed to the official receiver.
Blastr, a Norwegian start-up that has yet to begin production at its first facility in Finland, was granted preferred bidder status in April. This gave the company an initial five-week exclusivity period to finalise a transaction. That window was later extended, but discussions ultimately failed to result in a definitive deal before the deadline passed.
Talks Continuing Behind the Scenes
Despite losing its exclusive position, Blastr has not walked away from the South Yorkshire sites. The company is understood to remain actively involved in the sales process.
Sources close to the firm report that negotiations with the official receiver are continuing on a non-exclusive basis, and there is still a strong possibility that contracts could be exchanged within weeks - offering a glimmer of light for Stocksbridge families anxiously watching the news.
New M&S Foodhall will be ready for autumn opening
The new Marks & Spencer Foodhall at Fox Valley in North Sheffield has reached a major construction milestone this month, with the steelwork for the building now rising on site ahead of a scheduled autumn opening.
The striking steel frame marks the next phase in delivering the multi‑million‑pound invest ment, which will complete the run of stores at the eastern end of the award‑winning shop ping centre, alongside Home Bargains, Ice land, Aldi and Costa Coffee.
Once complete, the new M&S Foodhall will offer customers the very best of M&S Food including fresh produce from the retailer’s Select Farm partners, an in‑store bakery, ded icated Flower and Wine shops, and a conve nient Click & Collect point for fashion, home and beauty orders placed online.
The store will feature a 16,000 sq. ft. sales area, stocking the full range of M&S Food favour ites, from Remarksable Value essentials to Eat Well options and the latest innovative product launches.
The project is expected to create around 60 new jobs, adding to the more than 4,000 colleagues M&S already employs across Yorkshire.
The new building is being constructed on the land next to Costa Coffee, bringing addition al choice and convenience for shoppers at the centre. With the steel frame now taking shape, the development is firmly on track for its planned opening later this year.
James Shepherd, Managing Director of Drans field Properties, said: “Seeing the steelwork going up is a real milestone for the team and for the community. This is a project our shop pers have been excited about since the plan ning stage, and it’s wonderful to see the store taking shape. The new M&S Foodhall will be a major addition to Fox Valley as we continue to invest in the centre. We’re looking forward to welcoming the team from M&S and opening the doors this autumn.”
The Fox Valley M&S Foodhall is one of sev eral positive developments at the centre over the last 12 months, following the launch of the UK’s first new‑format Gallery furniture and homewares store by Shackleton’s and the opening of The Wellness Space medi‑spa.
This month also marks the tenth anniversary of Fox Valley, a milestone that celebrates a de cade of investment, regeneration and commu nity growth in north Sheffield. The opening of the new M&S Foodhall later this year will be a fitting addition to the centre’s continued evo lution as it enters its second decade.
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.
Historic Steam Roller Set For Grand Homecoming
LOCAL heritage is set to make a triumphant return this July as a historic piece of the valley’s industrial past goes on public display for the first time in generations.
On Sunday, 19th July, local enthusiast John Ward will be showcasing the former Stocksbridge Urban District Council steam roller at the upcoming Wortley Top Forge open day.
The event marks a monumental milestone, representing the very first time the iconic roller has been exhibited in the Stocksbridge area since its original working days on the local roads.
Built by the renowned John Fowler & Co. of Leeds back in 1927, the steam roller has undergone a massive labour of love over the last quarter of a century. Since 2000, it has been completely stripped down to its bare bones and painstakingly rebuilt, with many brand-new parts specially fabricated to bring it back to its former glory.
In its heyday, the roller was a vital tool for navigating the area's notoriously steep terrain. It features a specialized winch which was historically used for tethering to loaded lorries, helping them safely navigate and work on formidable local inclines such as Stocksbridge's Victoria Street.
The Fringe at Tramlines returns
The Fringe at Tramlines returns with three days of free music as Devonshire Green programme is revealed
The Fringe at Tramlines will return to Sheffield city centre from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, bringing hundreds of live performances to venues across the city as part of one of UK's biggest free music celebrations.
Supported by Sheffield BID and Sheffield City Council, The Fringe at Tramlines once again transforms Sheffield into a city-wide stage, with pubs, bars, clubs, independent venues and outdoor spaces hosting live music throughout the weekend. Organisers are expecting tens of thousands of people to attend as the city comes alive alongside Tramlines Festival in Hillsborough Park.
Today, organisers have revealed the first part of this year's programme with the announcement of the Devonshire Green Main Stage line up.
New for 2026, the Devonshire Green Main Stage will open on Friday evening for the first time in many years,
extending the celebrations into a full festival weekend in the city centre.
Curated by Open Decks FC, the Friday night programme will bring together some of Sheffield's best-loved DJs and presenters for an evening of feel-good music spanning the decades.
The lineup includes award-winning broadcaster Dixie, who will host and headline the evening, alongside international DJ Kavita Varu and Sheffield favourites Jesus Hairdo, bringing a soundtrack of pop classics, dancefloor favourites and festival anthems to kick start the weekend.
The weekend programme has been curated by legendary Sheffield promoter Papa Al of The JuJu Club and brings together artists spanning brass, soul, folk, ska, reggae, dance, world music and community performance.
Saturday's programme culminates with Sheffield favourites Kiziah and the Kings, whose blend of reggae, soul and Caribbean rhythms has made them one of the city's most loved live acts. They are joined by rising Shef-
field artists Malachite, genre-bending collective Solar Love Society, folk-influenced duo Tavira, the soaring sounds of Blue Street Brass and community performers including Disco Choir and Chekere Dance.
Sunday belongs to some of The Fringe's most celebrated names. Closing the weekend are Jungle Lion, regarded by many as Fringe at Tramlines royalty after years of crowd-pleasing appearances across the event. They are joined by folk punk favourites Shanghai Treason, soul collective Soul Division, community performers Sparkle Sistaz and a special presentation of Jamaican Carifolk Dance from Ripton Lindsey.
The Devonshire Green Main Stage has received additional support from the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, helping a number of artists take part in this year's programme and continuing the Foundation's commitment to supporting grassroots music in Sheffield.
In addition to the historic council roller, John will also be exhibiting a rare 1905 Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. 2-ton wagon. Like the steam roller, this spectacular vintage wagon has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, featuring numerous newly made parts to ensure it remains in pristine, working condition.
A Packed Day of Family Fun
The exhibition is part of a wider open day at Wortley Top Forge, which will be welcoming visitors from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, 19th July.
It promises to be a fantastic day out for families and engineering enthusiasts alike. Alongside John’s impressive vehicles, the venue's popular miniature railway will be running throughout the day. Visitors can also look forward to a display of miniature steam traction engines, and the forge’s impressive twin mill engines will be fired up and running for all to see.
Be sure to head down to support a brilliant local exhibition and witness a true piece of Stocksbridge history back under steam!
Cllrs slam Green Belt plans
Tensions in Sheffield’s long-running planning saga have boiled over once more, as the city’s controversial proposals to open up Green Belt land for development face renewed scrutiny. With the latest report from the Planning Inspectorate offering little comfort to local campaigners, residents across affected areas are bracing for further uncertainty in what remains a deeply divisive issue for the city.
The outcome was a further round of consultation involving the Planning Inspectorate, Sept-November 2025. The PI’s response to this consultation has now been published. It offers no concessions of any substance to the Green Belt campaigners says Reform UK in Sheffield.
Cllr John Booker of Stocksbridge ward who has been a stalwart opponent of reducing the city’s Green Belt slammed the PI’s latest offering saying “Horse Field between Don Ave and Storth Lane, Wharncliffe Side, is one of the 14 Green Field sites across the city under threat following a decision last year by the City Council’s controlling Labour and Green Party councillors. Residents in Wharncliffe Side have their hopes built up that the extra round of consultation by the PI would mean their own
beauty spot would be saved. Alas, the PI has produced no reprieve”.
Former Chairman of the Upper Don Action Group and also Stockbridge Councillor, Cllr John Hesketh, who is now Leader of Sheffield Reform Cllrs Group added “Save the Green Belt groups have spring up over the city since the Council announced last year that it planned to take 14 sites out of Green Belt protection, meaning these lovely sites would be built upon. The most active of these action groups, Sheffield Green Belt Alliance, has produced a thoroughly researched response to the PI consultation. The PI’s recent report is a kick in the teeth for all who took the consultation seriously. It feels like a whitewash.”
Cllr Booker who is Deputy Leader of Sheffield Reform Cllrs Group repeated that his party “will vote against moves to remove any site from Sheffield’s Green Belt and called for other parties to support Reform’s opposition when the matter is finally decided at a key meeting of the full Sheffield City Council this autumn.”
Cllrs call for a guarantee for higher standards in neighbourhoods
Sheffield Labour councillors are calling for a Sheffield Neighbourhood Guarantee to tackle potholes, graffiti, fly-tipping, litter, dangerous parking, empty shops and anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods across the city.
At a Full Council meeting of all councillors on 24 June, Labour will call for Sheffield City Council to develop minimum standards for neighbourhoods, including cleaner and safer streets, visible neighbourhood policing, better parks and play spaces, welcoming shopping areas and tougher action against premises used as fronts for organised crime.
The motion will direct the Council to take advantage of Government’s new Neighbourhood Guarantee – setting a minimum standard that residents can expect to see in their neighbourhoods, including a measurable reduction in potholes, fly-tipping, graffiti and litter, and holding council contractors like Amey to account for their performance.
The Sheffield guarantee will complement new measures from government around more visible neighbourhood policing, better enforcement to take on premises which are front for organised crime and blighting our local high
streets, and stronger powers to tackle obstructive pavement parking.
Councillor Mark Rusling (Shiregreen and Brightside), who is proposing the motion said:
“Too many neighbourhoods are being let down by the basics – potholes, graffiti, fly-tipping, litter, empty shops, dangerous parking and anti-social behaviour.
“This motion is about saying clearly that every part of Sheffield deserves better.
“A Sheffield Neighbourhood Guarantee is more than words – it will deliver proper action and set out the minimum standard residents should expect, with local residents shaping what needs to happen.
“That means cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, real action on problem premises, better parks and play spaces, and stronger links between residents, councillors, community groups and the police.
“We know the neighbourhoods facing the greatest need are often the ones that have had to fight hardest to get things fixed. That has to change.”
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:
“We’re committed to making visible improvements people can see and feel.
“City centre regeneration shows what long-term investment and ambition can achieve, but pride in Sheffield cannot stop there – it must reach every neighbourhood.
“Labour councillors are determined to focus on the things that matter in people’s daily lives – cleaner streets, safer communities, better parks, welcoming shopping areas and a particular focus on neighbourhoods that need it most.
“Citizens know their neighbourhoods best and their voice must be at the heart of a new Neighbourhood Guarantee that will make residents proud of where they live”. If passed, the motion will direct the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee to develop proposals for a Sheffield Neighbourhood Guarantee by December 2026, working with residents from a sample of neighbourhoods, focused on areas of greatest need.
This will involve South Yorkshire Police and other agencies to identify the resources needed to bring all neighbourhoods up to the minimum standard.
Cllr Booker Deputy Leader of Sheffield Reform Cllrs Group says he will vote against any moves to remove any green belt.
Local News
Teen jailed for encouraging self-harm
A complex and thorough investigation has resulted in a teenager being jailed for sending horrific, threatening, and abusive messages to a vulnerable victim, encouraging her to self-harm.
The investigation was launched after officers in the Internet Sexual Offences Team, received intelligence from another force that a teenager
based in Sheffield was using online platforms to control a young girl.
The offender, Elijah Palmer, who was 17 at the time of offending, was identified as being behind the username 'slitted'. Palmer used this username when communicating with the girl online, asking her for intimate images and then using these to blackmail her into harming herself, recording it and sending it to him.
STEP to lead ten-year jobs and skills plan for Stocksbridge and the north
Stocksbridge charity STEP has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to lead the development of a ten-year employment, enterprise and skills plan for the area, covering Stocksbridge, Chapeltown and High Green. The work is funded through Gainshare via Opportunity Sheffield, the city’s employment and skills service, and marks a long-term commitment to the community.
Rather than a plan handed down from the city, STEP will build it from the ground up — talking to residents, employers, schools, training providers and community groups to map what already exists, find the gaps, and set out a clear vision for work and opportunity over the next decade.
To lead the work, STEP is recruiting a full-time Employment, Enterprise and Skills Partnership Manager, based at STEP Works in Deepcar. The role will:
Run resident workshops, employer events and partner roundtables from this autumn.
Map every skills, employment, health and enterprise service in the area and identify what is missing.
Bring local partners together and strengthen voluntary and community organisations.
Share a draft plan for local challenge in early 2027, then agree it with the Council by March.
From 2027, deliver hyperlocal employment support on the ground, backed by a development fund for local projects.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Harrison, who leads the force's Internet Sexual Offences Team, said:
"This is a deeply disturbing incident, which has placed a vulnerable girl in serious harm, all because Palmer was seeking a form of gratification following his control.
"This sentence will not undo the lasting and detrimental harm that Palmer has caused, harm like this
can have a lifelong impact on victims. She has shown commendable bravery throughout this investigation, as it would have been extremely difficult for her to relay the detail.
During his sentencing remarks, his Honour Judge Peter Hampton commented on Palmers offending, stating it 'took planning, was considered and well executed', also commenting 'anyone who encouraging chil-
dren to abuse or harm themselves should expect severe punishment and this sentence should serve as a warning.'
Judge Hampton also commented on the victims bravery, stating 'her bravery was the reason [Palmer's] offending came to and end.'
STEP Chief Executive Sam Tarff said: “This is about planning the future of work and opportunity here properly, for the long term rather than the next funding round. The plan builds directly on what we already do — one-to-one employment support through the Pathways to Work project, and the dedicated workspaces at STEP Works where small businesses can start, grow and stay local. We know this place, and now we have the chance to bring it all together into a single plan shaped by the people who live and work here.”
Mr Tarff added: “If you want to help shape the plan — as a resident, an employer or a community group — we want to hear from you. This is a plan for the area, and we want to write it together.”
Graham Silverwood, Chair of STEP, said the work went to the heart of why the charity exists: “This is, fundamentally, why STEP was formed in 1997 — to help this community rebuild work, skills and opportunity after the decline of the steel industry. Nearly thirty years on, that mission has not changed. Being asked to lead this plan is a recognition of everything the charity and this community have built together, and a chance to carry it forward for the next generation.”
Get involved or register your interest
STEP Works, Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RL stepcharity.co.uk
COUNCIL AGREE TO BUY EMPTY BUILDING FOR £636K
ply believe that this is not value for money for taxpayers.”
JUNE
WEDNESDAY
Officers said if the building was left empty it could “blight” the rest of the regeneration scheme.
Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board, which is responsible for the scheme, had wanted to buy the building outright but it cannot legally purchase it until it has charitable status.
The committee heard the Charity Commission had lengthy delays approving new charities and it was taking up to 23 weeks, as opposed to the usual 10 days.
The council has agreed to buy the building in the meantime and hold it for six months until the board is able to purchase it from the authority.
Jack Byrom told fellow councillors he opposed the purchase and said they needed to look at the issue with a “degree of realism”.
“The owner has had eight years to explore redevelopment options and if it were commercially viable, it would have been done by now.
“While we should not be seeking to change decisions made by the town board, this is ultimately public money, and we do have a duty of care to be sure that’s spent correctly. I sim-
Douglas Johnson added: “There are some major liabilities. Will the towns fund board agree to underwrite the full costs and make sure the costs don’t fall back on other council services?”
After pausing the meeting for a private discussion, the committee voted in favour of buying the building, which will be used commercially to help subsidise an education space.
Council officer Alex Parker said: “The best case scenario is we have a charity that’s working for the benefit of the community, the space is well used and it is financially solvent.
“If it’s not successful, the building can be sold commercially, possibly at auction to make sure it gets the best value on the day.”
The towns fund will pay the council £20,000 to cover its costs for holding on to the building until it transfers. Officers said there had not been enough time to compulsory purchase it.
At the same meeting, councillors agreed to release a £705,000 grant, which had previously been delayed, to the towns fund board to spend on a new artificial all-weather football pitch at the Stocksbridge Park Steels FC ground on Bracken Moor Lane.
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
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 presen-
tation from South Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Hospital. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
FRIDAY
3-5 Hoylandswaine’s annual festival - live music, scarecrow trail, art & crafts, children’s activities etc. Details - Fb Hoylandswaine Events Group.
SATURDAY
4-7 - Brushstrokes & Colour - Art Exhibition by villagers 12.003.00. Therapeutic Art Workshop Tues 12.00 - 2.00. Refreshments. Hoylandswaine Church S36 7JQ. 07974 969319 workshop bookings.
4 Bolsterstone Festival. Noon to 5pm. “All the Fun of the Fair” In the village field, pub, hall, and Church. Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir, Outdoor Cafe, Deepcar Brass Band, Classic Cars exhibition, Piglets, Owl man, Arts and Crafts, Bouncy Castle, Big Slide, Face Painting, Games, with lots of Stalls and more…
4 Cream Teas in Bolsterstone Village Hall 12-5pm
THURSDAY
9 Chapeltown WI will be holding their meeting at 7.30 pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church. Sarah Lewis will explain Mindful Paint- along with anonymous craft. The competition is for A Mouse in any medium. New members and visitors will always be made welcome.
9 Stocksbridge & District history Society Meeting- Christ Church Hall 7 PM. - Speaker - George S.
. South Yorkshire Asylum - Its history and Valley Patients.. All are welcome to this well researched and interesting insight.
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.
…Continued from front page
On LISTINGS
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 £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.
Second Thursday of every month, Penistone WI meet at St Mary’s Church, Talbot Road, Penistone S36 9ED at 7pm. An opportunity to meet and socialise with other women in your local area, listen to guest speakers, watch demonstrations, and the option to join additional craft and games groups. Refreshments and raffle are also available. Come and try it out for £5 and if you like it - join us!
FRIDAYS
Stocksbridge Community Care Group’s Friday Drop In Service for elderly residents is once again being held weekly at The Venue, between 10am and 3pm. For a small charge visitors can enjoy a hot drink, company, games, talks and a light lunch. For further information contact Dave Owen on 0114 2864426.
Start up of Hatha Yoga Class at Stocksbridge Christian Centre, Cedar Road.Fridays, 10.00 am11.15am. All abilities welcome. Just come along to meet Holly - 07462 568 723 - Bring a mat please.
COMMUNITY INVITED TO HELP SPRUCE UP OXSPRING
Residents are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help make Oxspring an even better place to live as the Oxspring Green Champions host a special community cleanup day next month.
The volunteer group, formerly known as the Titivators, will be organising a range of projects around the village on Saturday, July 4, including weeding, litter-picking, cleaning and other environmental improvements.
Volunteers can join in from either 10.30am or 1.30pm and are welcome to help for as much or as little time as they can spare. Information
about the various projects will be available at the monthly Munch and Mingle event at St Aidan’s Church, where volunteers will also be on hand to direct people to work locations.
Participants are asked to bring gloves and any basic gardening or cleaning equipment they may have.
The Munch and Mingle and Oxspring Green Champions Open Day runs from 10am to 2pm and is open to everyone. Further updates will be posted on the Oxspring Green Champions Facebook page.
DOG OWNERS WARNED AS UK FACES EXTREME HEAT
Experts share how to keep dogs safe as temperatures soar above 35°C before thunderstorms threaten parts of the UK
Dog owners are being urged to take extra precautions this week as the UK experiences one of the hottest spells of the year, with temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C in some areas and thunderstorms expected to develop as conditions become increasingly humid.
vulnerable. When temperatures rise above 30°C, even everyday activities like walks, car journeys or spending time in the garden can quickly become dangerous. Later in the week, thunderstorms may create a completely different challenge, with many dogs experiencing fear, stress and anxiety as the weather changes.”
Why This Week’s Heatwave Is Different
themselves down,” explains Beale. “When humidity is high, that process becomes less effective, meaning dogs can struggle to regulate their body temperature.”
He warns that certain dogs may face a higher risk, including: Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, Older dogs, Puppies, Overweight dogs, Dogs with heart or respiratory conditions
ing dogs during the hottest part of the day
Check pavements before walks as surfaces can become hot enough to burn paws.
The Met Office has issued extreme heat warnings across large parts of England and Wales, with forecasters warning of potentially record-breaking June temperatures, uncomfortable overnight conditions and the possibility of thunderstorms as the weather pattern begins to break down later in the week.
Experts at fresh dog food brand Years say the combination of extreme heat, high humidity and stormy weather can create serious welfare concerns for dogs.
Darren Beale, CEO of Years, says many owners underestimate how dangerous these weather conditions can be.
“Most people think about keeping themselves cool during a heatwave, but dogs are often far more
Unlike typical summer weather, this week’s conditions are expected to combine extreme daytime temperatures with unusually warm nights and high humidity.
“Dogs rely primarily on panting to cool
How To Keep Dogs
Safe During The Heatwave
Beale recommends several simple precautions: Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid exercis-
Suddenly on 31st May, Garth, aged 68 years.
Much loved Partner of Karen, loving Dad to Tom, Brad and Grant, Father in law to Lucie.
Funeral service at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel on Thursday 2nd July at 1.00pm.
Family flowers only please but donations if desired for Dog’s Trust. c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar. Tel 01142883169.
FAMILY
SHEFFIELD MEMORIALS
Hundreds of family members, friends, former players, colleagues and rugby league supporters gathered in Penistone on Friday to pay their respects to one of the sport’s most admired figures, John Kear.
Many local residents may not have realised that the rugby league legend had made his home in the area, but St John’s Church was filled with people whose lives had been touched by the former player, coach and devoted family man.
On a warm summer afternoon, the church became the setting for a moving celebration of a life lived with passion, humour and generosity. So many people attended that a large screen was set up outside to allow mourners to share in the service.
John's achievements in rugby league were remarkable. Among his many successes, he will always be remembered in Sheffield sporting
history for leading Sheffield Eagles to one of the greatest upsets the game has ever seen, defeating the mighty Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup Final.
Yet throughout the service, it was not trophies or victories that defined him. He was remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, a devoted dog lover, and a man who always found time for others. Friends spoke of someone who celebrated the success of those around him and encouraged people to achieve their best.
There were tears, laughter and countless fond memories as stories of John's life were shared. Above all, mourners remembered a man who lived fully, loved deeply and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
As family and friends said their final farewell, the overwhelming feeling was one of gratitude
Rugby League Legend Remembered in Penistone Farewell
for a life that had touched so many people, both within rugby league and far beyond it.
John Kear's legacy will live on not only through his achievements in sport, but through the
kindness, friendship and inspiration he gave to others throughout his life.
Clank Town
Dear Editor
The number 35 Stocksbridge Bus might as well stop running altogether, then we will know where we stand with them. I’m sick to the back teeth of waiting, and they don’t turn up.
Penistone Feast (& Galas) LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
By Steve Moxon
This weekend would be Penistone Feast, which was the longest surviving, biggest feast locally, attracting large numbers from a wide area in the heyday of train travel. Latterly, as for others (eg, Chapeltown’s, Deepcar’s), it became mainly a fixture for Marshall’s travelling funfair, until multiple issues made that way of life less viable, and in 1986 Marshall’s abandoned that side of their operation.
The origin of feasts supposedly (usual Christianisation?) was a prayer vigil on the day of the patron saint of the local church: here St John, June 24. The feast was the following weekend. Penistone’s Feast Saturday traditionally was the start of hay-cutting, continuing to be observed by most Penistone farmers in the early to mid-20th century, according to Oxspring/Hunshelf writer Phyllis Crossland
(in her 1985 book of farming family bygones, Years of Grace).
The hugely labour-intensive, time-sensitive business of manual hay-making necessarily was a whole-community job. To reward people’s efforts, keep them engaged, and to get started in the first place, you can see it needed marking as a proper grand gathering. Gaelic fèis, ‘a convention, a convocation (summons)’, seems the obvious etymology.
It’s too early in the year for Penistone Feast to be a harvest festival. One writer claims that in the Middle Ages it was coupled with midsummer celebration, but this seems to be mixing up with the St John’s Eve bonfire of elsewhere; assuming the same at Penistone despite no record or vestige. It’s notable that the nearby local Feasts of Deepcar, Bolsterstone and Bradfield all were at the beginning of June, so, as Castleton Garland, attach to May end.
Scotland Feast (of Scotland Street, Sheffield) was on May 29 and the ensuing week, described in detail in 1827 in correspondence to folklorist William Hone, as a drinking binge amidst a riot of greenery – birch: the common tree earliest into leaf. Entire trees, hefty branches and finer foliage were brought in overnight from the surrounding countryside to transform street and buildings into a magnificent grove, complete with arches. This is very similar to Whit-equivalent rites in Germany. It’s celebration of the surge of plant growth in late spring (and if you recall, Whit derives from a Gaelic word for ‘life’).
There is a Whitsun feel to Penistone Feast of old. Feast Sunday was the big sing, on which day, Crossland wrote, everyone donned brandnew smart clobber, and invited visitors came for a posh tea. Feast Saturday notably included athletics – a modern rendering of the contest to decide who’d be the May King?
So where did Penistone Gala fit in? Galas appear to have Scottish ancestry, and like Scotland Feast featured arboreal street arches. They entailed the crowning of a queen and sometimes also a king, and, again, sports. Clearly spring custom. The Penistone one as it is today, in mid-June, merely grew out of the 1977 Queen’s Jubilee year bash, but there’s a 1909 photo of Penistone Church Gala: a procession with Sunday School banners. Was this a then recent Church initiative to rival the godless Feast? [But didn’t the Whit parade (from 1867, not ending until 1987)?] Or was it old, even traceable to something ancient?
Gala possibly is from guaillich, ‘walk arm in arm, or hand in hand’, presumably akin to gaolach, ‘a beloved person’ ... referring to the May King & Queen? Or is it rooted in Proto-Celtic galā, ‘ability’, reflecting the contests to choose the May King? The derivation alternatively may be gal, ‘lamentation, weepings’ (from galor, ‘weeping’) -- for the dead; a wake, in another word. In respect of the mythological Old King of winter, ritualistically killed to make way for the new one? Does this also or instead take us back to the prayer vigil? The Church could have piggy-backed the former understanding to turn it into veneration of St John.
The prayer vigil, by the way, is where wake comes from – becoming the wakes weeks holiday-festivals, as at Tideswell and Winster (not only over the Pennines). Rather than the surface read of staying awake (!), it looks to be from Gaelic umhlachd (the mh pronounced “w”), ‘homage, salutation, obeisance’. To a pre-Christian deity, formerly; if later to a saint. Anyway, as thankfully one less complication, wake doesn’t crop up at Penistone!
Clank Town
Public and Legal Notices
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE
BP Tree Care LTD trading as BP Tree Care LTD of 213 Derbyshire Lane, Norton Lees, Sheffield S8 8SA is applying for a licence to use Bromley Farm Cottage Peafield Lane Bromley Wortey S35 7EW as an operating centre for 4 goods vehicles and 2 trailers.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) 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. 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/ object-hgv-operator-licence.
Village Christmas Carols Tradition Saved After Pub Closure
A much-loved Oughtibridge Christmas tradition dating back more than 140 years has been given a new lease of life thanks to the determination of local residents and the support of a village pub.
Barry Munks, together with fellow villagers Pete Crofts, Steve Biggins and Sue Heritage, has been working to ensure the continuation of Oughtibridge’s unique Christmas carol singing tradition following the closure of the Travellers Rest.
The local carols, accompanied by the traditional “Big Set” of musicians, are believed to have been sung in village pubs since around 1880. Over the years, the festive gatherings have been held in venues including the White Hart, the Cock Inn, the Hare & Hounds and, most recently, the Travellers Rest.
For the past three decades, the Travellers Rest had been the main home of the Saturday night carol sings, making its closure a significant blow to the tradition.
Determined not to see the custom disappear, local volunteers have secured a new venue at the Cock Inn, thanks to the support of new owners Les and Tracy. The carol sessions will now take place on Friday evenings, beginning on the first Friday after Armistice Day. There was a further challenge when the piano previously used for the sings was lost when the Travellers Rest was emptied by its brewery
owners. However, Steve and Sue Biggins have stepped in to provide a digital piano, ensuring the music can continue uninterrupted.
Barry is also hopeful of receiving a small grant from the Oughtibridge Gala to support the venture.
Speaking about the effort to preserve the tradition, Barry said: “I was determined to con-
tinue the tradition in Oughtibridge, and it seems everything is in place now to continue this 140-plus-year tradition.”
The move means generations of villagers and visitors alike will once again be able to gather and enjoy one of South Yorkshire’s most cherished festive customs, helping to keep a unique piece of local heritage alive for years to come.
Man jailed over violent rampage
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A Sheffield man who carried out a terrifying carjacking spree at gunpoint after crashing a stolen BMW has been jailed for 25 years.
Gavin Bennett, 45, of Carwood Close, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of a series of serious offences following the incident on Penistone Road in September 2022.
The court heard Bennett ran a red light before crashing a stolen BMW into a Vauxhall Corsa.
The occupants of the Corsa feared for their lives as the vehicle sped towards them.
After the collision, Bennett fled on foot and attempted to steal several vehicles, threatening motorists with what was later found to be an imitation firearm.
He successfully carjacked two vehicles, including one containing a mother and her teenage daughter, before driving dangerously through the area.
During the incident, Bennett twice used vehicles as weapons against police officers.
One special constable was dragged beneath a vehicle after Bennett drove directly at him, leaving the officer fearing for his life. Bennett later abandoned and burned one of the stolen vehicles before being arrested following forensic investigations.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said Bennett had shown a: “Complete disregard for human life”, adding that his actions placed both members of the public and police officers in extreme danger.
As well as his prison sentence, Bennett was banned from driving for 18 years.
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Christmas Carol Singing: Travellers Rest, Oughtibridge
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Penistone claim team double at home 10K
Penistone Footpath Runners enjoyed a superb showing at their own Norman Cole Penistone 10K, claiming both the men’s and ladies’ team prizes on a hot and testing morning.
Ashley Firth led the club home with an excellent fourth-place finish in 37-10, followed by Flynn Rogers, who was 11th overall and second under18 in 40-15, and Alex Harris, who was 12th in 40-26. The trio secured the men’s team prize, while Jade Crosby produced a superb run to finish second female overall in 42-15.
Suzanne McGill was third female and first lady over50 in 43-47, and Nichola McNally was fifth female and first lady over55 in 4507, with the three combining to win the ladies’ team prize.
There were further strong performances throughout the field, with Marc Robertson, Oliver France, Alex Crosby and Ryan Duckett all inside the top 30. France also claimed first place in the under20 category in 41-28, while Edward Holley was first under16 in 48-37 and Sue Hall first lady over65 in 59-02.
Julian Williams was second man over55, Emily Duckett second lady over40, Heather Simpson second lady over50, Stuart Woodhead second man over70 and Bill Phillips second man over75. Several runners also recorded notable course improvements, including Firth, Jade Crosby, Alex Crosby, Alex Harris, Rory O’Sullivan and Sara Wolstenholme.
There was further midweek success for Penistone at the Higham Hurtle, held in hot conditions over the hilly course around Higham. Richard Cottam took a superb overall victory in 30-12, with Sean Pitt making it two Peni-
stone runners on the podium by finishing third in 31-38.
John Halstead completed a strong top-five showing in 33-29, while Martin Ball, Ian Neville, Suzanne McGill, Julian Williams and Alex Crosby all finished inside the top 30. McGill continued her fine form by finishing fourth lady overall and claiming her first lady over50 prize in 38-25.
Penistone were also strongly represented at the Damflask Relays, the popular road relay around Damflask Reservoir at Low Bradfield.
The senior men’s team of Flynn Rogers, Sean Pitt, Ashley Firth and Oliver France finished eighth overall in 1-22-31, while the men’s over40 team of Alan Nutton, Robert Lees, Damian Kilpin and James Mumford placed 19th overall and fifth in their category in 1-26-26. Penistone also placed fifth in the men’s over50 category, where Jonathan Bentley, Martin Ball, Matthew Robinson and Robin Clough finished 33rd overall in 1-33-57.
In the three-leg race, Rachael Mayston, Heather Simpson and Josie Smith produced Penistone’s leading women’s performance, finishing 14th overall and fifth in the ladies over35 category in 1-15-49.
The senior women’s team of Gemma Nutton, Jemma Williams and Jade Crosby also ran well, placing 18th overall in 1-17-57, with Crosby producing the fastest Penistone women’s leg of the night in 23-16. A second senior women’s team of Olivia Clough, Heather Graham and Fay Nicholls finished 51st in 1-3200. Penistone also fielded a male over60 team, with Stuart Woodhead, Mark Graham and
Steve Dommett placing ninth in their category in 1-39-19.
Graihagh Turner continued her outstanding season with victory in the women’s under20 race at the Clougha Pike FRA Junior Championships.
Representing Penistone Footpath Runners, Turner finished fifth overall in the under20 race in 49-49 and was first female, taking the under20 women’s win against a strong national junior field.
There was more fell-running action at the Tom Holmes Oughtibridge Chase, where Flynn Rogers produced an excellent run to win the junior race in 12-33, around a minute quicker than last year.
Jack Howden also made his race debut in Penistone colours, while further club success may yet be confirmed once the official results are published.
Martyn Goodwin was also in fell-racing action at the James Blakely Harden Moss Fell Race, a historic summer event first held in 1937, finishing 21st overall and second man over60 in 31-41.
At the DCRO Dash Fell Race in the Hope Valley, Damian Kilpin led Penistone home with a strong run to finish 20th overall and fourth in the men’s over40 category in 45-43.
Rebecca Timms also impressed, placing fourth female overall and second in the ladies over40 category in 57-50, while Harriet Drouin completed the tough fell route in 1-09-39 to finish fourth senior female.
Jill Scrivens claimed third place in the ladies over50 category at the Newmillerdam Quacky Trail Race 5K, finishing 91st overall in 26-08. Dawn Godley also produced an excellent run at the Haigh Hall 4 Mile Trail Race near Wigan, finishing in 32-13. She placed 139th overall, 36th female and third in the ladies over65 category, improving her time from last year by around two minutes and earning an impressive 83.7% age grading.
At Saturday’s parkruns, 76 Penistone seniors represented the club across 18 venues. Penistone was the main focus, where Richard Cottam led the field home in 17-42, with Richard Heppenstall second in 17-58.
Suzanne McGill marked her first parkrun in the ladies over50 category in style, finishing first female in 20-40, while Hannah Shaw was third female in 21-52. There were also category wins at Penistone for Ash Howlett, Oliver France, Barbara Haigh and Danny Batty, while Amanda Field and Kim Rogers both recorded personal bests.
Away from Penistone, Dawn Broom was third female at Market Rasen in 22-47 and produced the run of the weekend with an outstanding 86.39% age grading. Rachael Mayston was second female at Black Rocks in 21-17, while Dawn Godley, Keith Gordon, Jane Lawcock and Ray Brown also claimed age-category wins. Andrew Taylor completed his 50th Penistone parkrun.
The weekend’s leading age-graded performances came from Dawn Broom (86.39%), Richard Heppenstall (84.14%), Barbara Haigh (82.91%), Rachael Mayston (82.85%) and Suzanne McGill (81.13%).
Runners brave heat and humidity
Tiger suffers broken arm
Whilst usually confined to the weekend, Stocksbridge Running Club saw members take part in events throughout this week in a flurry of activity. On Friday night, Narni Fulford made the trip over to Halifax for a pointto-point 10k between Batings Reservoir and Sowerby Bridge. With the first portion of the race being downhill, Fulford capitalised and came in silver medal position with 2nd lady, shaving over 2 minutes off her previous personal best to finish in 43:51, despite the humid conditions.
Sunday saw a big day for the club as newer recruit Steve May tackled the Freckleton half-marathon; widely recognised as the oldest such race in the UK, having been run since 1965. Despite racing in Lancashire (for which the club has forgiven him), Steve came in in an impressive 2:06:00; a brilliant result considering the heat and conditions.
Closer to home we had club stalwart Amy Hutchinson flying the SRC flag closer to home, this time at the notorious Normal Cole Penistone 10k. A challenging route and a very warm day saw Amy speed do the finishing straight on the trans-pennine-trail to come in at 51:23. Stocksbridge would like to thank Penistone Footpath Runners & AC for their continued organisation of a wonderful local event.
Further afield and not content with only one race in the week, Narni Fulford travelled to Harewood House for a trail half-marathon on Father’s Day; a course that boasted beautiful views of the estate and surrounding area. 2nd claim member James Shirtliff was also in attendance for the 8k race as he returns to form from injury. With Fulford in 9th and Shirtliff in 2nd, the club considers this a very successful trail day out.
Harriers Hurtle
On a glorious Thursday evening, High Green
over
Setting off from the cricket club, the 5-mile race certainly is a bit challenging as it’s a lot of uphill on very rocky paths, and if that’s not enough of a challenge, the evening sun was beating down.
It was a double celebration as Gordon and Jenni both won the vet 70 categories, adding more wine to the ever-expanding wine cellar.
SHEFFIELD No.1 Jack Holder is facing a spell on the sidelines following a heavy crash in Saturday’s FIM Speedway GP of Poland.
The Aussie ace was the innocent party in a domino effect, first turn incident in Heat Sev-
en - and is now set to undergo surgery on a broken arm.
Everyone at the club would like to send Jack our best wishes and wish him a speedy recovery.
TIGERS STAGE COMEBACK
SHEFFIELD snatched their first away win of the season with a simply stunning turnaround at Northampton on Thursday.
The odds looked stacked against the Tigers when they trailed by eight points after 11 races.
But four straight heat advantages after the final track grading break saw them complete the comeback as they ran out 48-42 winners.
With skipper Josh Pickering forced to miss the trip due to Polish league commitments, Sheffield knew they would need the remaining six to step up to the plate.
Vice-captain Chris Holder led the way as he stormed his way to five wins from six outings, combining with younger brother Jack for huge 5-1s in Heats 13 and 15 as he also hit double figures.
Anders Rowe chipped away to finish with eight points whilst Leon Flint was also solid in the middle order overall, starting and ending his night with a paid win.
The last of those saw him follow Jye Etheridge home in Heat 14 - the man brought in as a reserve switch who found an electric start out of nowhere from gate four to grab a vital result.
Rising Star Luke Killeen endured a tough first night back in the top flight since injury, but
team manager Simon Stead was thrilled to taste victory on the road.
“I’m so pleased with the boys,” he said.
“It was a topsy-turvy meeting; we were always there-or-thereabouts and then we let it slip again in that mid-part which was disappointing.
“But we regrouped after Heat 11 in the interval, got our heads together and knew what we needed to do in the final few heats.
“They executed it perfectly so I can’t ask any more from them and hats off to the lads.
“A massive shoutout as well, the Sheffield supporters turned out in massive numbers and it was awesome to share that win with them at the end.”
Sheffield are back in action next Thursday (June 25, 7.30pm) when they host Leicester at Owlerton.
ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP R1 NORTHAMPTON 42: Nicolai Klindt 9+1, Kye Thomson 9+1, Jaimon Lidsey
7+1, Luke Harrison 6+2, Troy Batchelor 6, Jonas Jeppesen 3, Lewis Kerr 2.
SHEFFIELD 48: Chris Holder 16, Jack Holder 12+4, Anders Rowe 8+1, Leon Flint 7+2, Jye Etheridge 4, Luke Killeen 1, Josh Pickering R/R.
Harriers social running group headed
to take part in the Higham Hurtle.
Chris Grayson was first home for HGH, followed by David Tracey, Jayne Grayson, John Weatherall, Gordon Fiander, and last but not least, Jenni Fiander.
BLADERUNNERS EDGED OUT IN CLOSE CONTEST
Game 1
Sheffield Bladerunners III 9-11
Long Eaton Storm Chasers
Game 2
Sheffield Bladerunners III 18- 18
Long Eaton Storm Chasers
The only Bladerunners Team in action this past weekend was Team III as they welcomed the Long Eaton Storm Chasers to Forge Valley Field in Stannington.
In the first game of the day, the pitching team of Chris Dixon and Jamie Fowler held strong and kept the Storm Chasers at bay for the majority of the game along with some strong fielding, especially from Xander Struggles, who in his debut game, successfully caught a fly ball to centre field, extremely close to the boundary fence.
In the final inning, 4 runs would secure the third victory of the 2026 season for the third team, unfortunately, the Bladerunners were only able to pick up a single run as a result of strong baserunning from Seb Barton, the game ending 11-9 in favour of the visiting team.
Not to be deterred, the Baderunners entered the second game still in search of the third victory. In a very strong back and forth contest, neither side giving in, the final inning drew to a dramatic finish. With the score tied at 18-18, 2 outs and the bases loaded, the
Bladerunners needed one runner over home plate, and the Storm Chasers needed one last out. At the plate, Meg Green hit a hard line drive towards 1st which brought the winning run home in the form of Chris Dixon, the celebrations began until they were silenced, the Storm Chasers had successfully fielded the ball and returned it to First base before Meg had reached it, meaning the run did not count. Ordinarily this would lead to further innings, however due to the nature of the Development Division and the mutual agreement of the team coaches, the decision was made to call a draw game. A Dramatic end to a fantastic day of Baseball.
Next Games
Sunday 28th June will be the 2026 Bladerunner Derby day at Forge Vally Field in Stannington. All 3 teams will be slit and rearranged into evenly matched teams and will play each other in a series of friendly encounters. All are welcome to come watch what will be a fun day.
The League game resume on the 5th July as both Team I and Team II play home games, Team I will face the Bootle Trojans, and Team II will face Division 4 league leaders, the Durham Spartans in their first meeting of this Season.
Church start new season at home
By Andrew McMath
Penistone Church are just a month away from the start of another new football season. Church’s 2026-2027
NCEL Premier Division league campaign starts on Saturday 25 July 2026.
A 3pm Saturday afternoon clash at the Memorial Ground against Campion is up first for Church.
The sides last faced off at the Memorial Ground in March and Church will be hoping for a better result after Campion defeated Church 3-1.
Whilst Church finished mid-table last season, their opponents Campion narrowly missed out on the playoffs in sixth just one place from a potential promotion.
Church start their preseason schedule on Wednesday 8 July away at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic at 7.30pm.
TAYLOR MADE WEEKEND
Kexborough 1st XI 172 all out
(Liam Grayson 3-34, Rob Taylor 2-9, Andy Hibbert 2-22, Tom Perry 2-27)
Stocksbridge 1st XI 175-7
(Jack Murfin 40, Joe Goddard 27, Joe Hibbert 25, Rob Taylor 25*)
Stocksbridge 1st XI secured their third consecutive league win after chasing down Kexborough’s 172. Despite the hosts recovering from 64-8 thanks to a gritty 77-run stand, Rob Taylor broke the partnership and claimed the final wicket. In response, Joe Goddard (27) and Jack Murfin (40) started well, but a middle-order collapse left the game in the balance at 120-6. Rob Taylor (25*) and Liam Grayson (19) steadied the ship, with Taylor fittingly hitting the winning runs to seal the victory.Stocksbridge 2nd XI 197-8 (H Hurst 41, S Perry 38, J Musgrove 37*)
Wombwell Main 2nd XI 136 all out (R Cogger 4-27, J Musgrove 3-45, J Hague 2-30)
The 2nd XI extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games with a 61-run win over Wombwell Main. Stocksbridge posted 197, driven by Steve Perry (38), Harry Hurst (41), and an unbeaten 37 from John Musgrove. Wombwell’s chase never gained momentum against a clinical bowling attack led by Rowan Cogger, who took 4-27 with his legspin. Solid supporting spells from Musgrove, Hague, and Lowe ensured Wombwell were dismissed for 136.
Stocksbridge 1st XI 186-7 (R Taylor 72, L Grayson 46) Penistone 2nd XI 160 all out (J Hibbert 4-25, R Taylor 2-23)
In Sunday’s cup clash, the 1st XI overcame local rivals Penistone. After a shaky start left them at 38-4, a vital recovery from Rob Taylor (72) and Liam Grayson (46) allowed Stocksbridge to post a competitive 186-7. Penistone’s reply fell 26 runs short as Joe Hibbert dominated with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4-25 to secure the win.
Stocksbridge Cricket. Rob Taylor, who starred for the 1st XI on both Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Pete Revitt