APPEAL: Images shared following public order offences ahead of Sheffield football match
Police are appealing for information following reports of public order offences prior to the football match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on Sunday 22 February.
Between 11.35am and 11.45am on 22 February it is reported that a group of people were throwing projectiles including pyrotechnic devices and traffic cones at another group at Bramall Lane.
The incident took place ahead of a match between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Police are sharing images of six men that they want to identify as police believe they can help with their investigation.
Do you recognise any of these men? If you do, please get in touch online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 167 of 22 February 2026.
Bigger Blue Bins
New bigger blue bins’ rollout paves way for increasing recycling rates
Deliveries of 240 litre blue bins for paper and card recycling began today.
By December, all households excluding flats will receive their bigger blue bin. With deliveries scheduled in line with bin collection rounds, the plans aim to make the changes as easy as possible for residents.
Larger blue bins will be delivered on the same day as blue bin collection day.
The new blue bin is the same size as existing black and brown bins, so it’s only a slight increase in footprint, but will provide more capacity for card and paper recycling.
After the large blue bin has been delivered, households will no longer be able to use their small blue bin for paper and card.
On the black bin collection date on the week before the bigger blue bin delivery, a tag will be attached to the black bin. The tag advises residents:
Continues on page 2 ...
BIGGER BLUE BINS
Continued from front page ...
Their large blue bin will be delivered the following week on their scheduled blue bin collection day
To put their small blue bin out as normal for its final collection
To tick the box on the tag and attach the tag to their small blue bin, if they wish to keep their existing bin for storage. This will inform the crew not to remove the bin.
The larger blue bin will be delivered on the same day as the final blue bin collection, and a separate crew will remove the small blue bin - again on the same day.
Residents will receive a leaflet at the same time as the larger blue bin, advising them of the delivery and providing information about what happens to the contents of the blue and brown recycling bins once collected.
Councillor Mark Rusling, Chair of Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This is our response to what residents asked for and its great news to see the rollout starting today.
“Thousands of residents told us in our 2024 consultation that their current bin simply just isn’t big enough for the level of paper and card they recycle. Not only is this new bigger blue bin about improving our services for residents, but it’s also good for our city and our net zero targets.
“We’re all helping the planet by recycling as much as possible so today feels like the start of
even better city recycling rates. Thank you to everyone who recycles - every bit of extra recycling we do makes a difference. Our figures show, based on tonnage recycled over the last year, that we save nearly £700K every year due to our residents recycling blue and brown bin materials rather than just putting that waste into their black bin. That’s money that can be invested of spent on other important services.”
Residents have been continuing to recycle their glass, tins and plastic bottles in their brown bin and from April this year were able to add plastic pots, tubs, trays, aerosols, foil and cartons.
Later in the year, households can request a second brown bin if they want one, and larger households can also ask for an additional blue bin, all options that pave the way for increased overall recycling.
Collection cycles will remain unchanged. Weekly collections will continue. Black bins are collected every two weeks and recycling bins every four weeks.
The changes follow the Council’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ consultation in September 2024, which received 10,000 responses supporting clearer, easier recycling and better environmental outcomes. Councils across England are required to introduce simpler recycling systems.
From 31 March 2027, plastic films will also be added to the list of items that can be recycled. Packaging producers now pay new UK-wide fees under the national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
FREE TRAVEL FOR SCHOOL KIDS
As schools shut for summer, free bus travel for all 5-to-15-year-olds in England will be available next month.
With child fares typically costing between £1 and £2, families will be able to save on the cost of travel on all participating buses in England from 1 August until 31 August. Families are already able to benefit from free travel for under 5s across the main bus operators.
This is part of this government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme which is helping people enjoy days out for less.
A Sheffield training provider is offering free Anaphylaxis Awareness sessions after one of its own team members suffered a severe and unexpected anaphylactic reaction.
Live and Learn Consultancy, based at Fox Valley, has launched the free sessions following a frightening incident involving its Events Manager, Sharon Marsh.
Sharon had never experienced anything like it before. Very quickly, her hands began to itch, her lips and face started to swell, and her tongue and airways were affected. The situation became life-threatening within minutes.
Thankfully, an ambulance was called immediately, and paramedics were able to administer adrenaline quickly. Sharon was taken to hos-
pital for monitoring and now carries adrenaline auto-injectors in case a similar emergency happens again.
The incident had a significant impact on the Live and Learn team, who decided to offer free awareness sessions to help others recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and understand how adrenaline auto-injectors, often known as EpiPens, are used.
The sessions will be delivered by Paul Kitchen, Head of Learning and Development at Live and Learn Consultancy. Paul is a certified First Aid Instructor and has worked as a first responder.
Paul Kitchen, Head of L&D at Live and Learn Consultancy, said:
“Seeing someone you care about go through something like this really brings home how quickly anaphylaxis can become life-threatening. Sharon had no previous history of anything like this, and the speed of the reaction was frightening.
As a people-first organisation, we felt we had to do something practical. We hope people never need to use this knowledge, but if they do, recognising the signs and acting quickly could make all the difference.”
The free sessions will cover how to recognise signs of anaphylaxis, what an adrenaline auto-injector is, how devices such as EpiPens are used, and what to do in an emergency situation.
The announcement comes as allergy safety is receiving increased attention across England, with new statutory requirements for schools expected from September 2026, including allergy awareness training and access to spare adrenaline auto-injectors.
Free webinar dates:
Friday 7 August, 10am to 11am
Monday 14 September, 10am to 11am
Friday 2 October, 2pm to 3pm
A free in-person session will also be held at Live and Learn’s HQ at Fox Valley, on Tuesday 22 September, 10am to 11am. Places for the in-person session are limited to 18.
To book a free place, email noah@liveandlearnconsultancy.co.uk
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.
BURTON STREET FOUNDATION DRAG SHOW 2026
Burton Street Foundation was transformed into a sea of glitter, glamour and applause as performers took to the stage for the social enterprise’s annual Drag Show.
The event brought the community together for an afternoon of larger-than-life performances, celebrating creativity, confidence and fearless self-expression. With dazzling costumes, show-stopping routines and plenty of personality, performers embraced the spotlight and entertained the audience with a spectacular display of individuality.
The show provided a platform for people with learning disabilities to express themselves, build confidence and enjoy the thrill of performing to a packed audience.
Rebecca Guy, an organiser of the Burton Street Drag Show, said:
‘Burton Street accepts everyone exactly as they are, and Drag Show gave us the opportunity to take that to the next level.
‘For us, Drag is about expressing ourselves in a fun and creative way, breaking down barriers, blurring lines, and celebrating individuality without judgement.
‘We worked together to create our own personas from scratch, designing costumes, developing personalites and uncovering hidden talents. Well done to our amazing clients!’
Based in Hillsborough, Burton Street Foundation is a Community Benefit Society with charitable objectives, supporting over 250 clients with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health conditions and autism. It also provides business spaces for rent, venue hire, and community facilities on its heritage site.
POLICE TO STEP UP PATROLS IN AFTER RISE IN ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Police say they’ll be increasing patrols in and around Hillsborough Park following a number of reported incidents involving groups of youths on bikes.
Recent reports have included alleged assaults, racist abuse, stone throwing, damage to trees and anti-social behaviour. Officers say they’ve already arrested three youths, seized two Surron bikes and issued behaviour contracts, with further action planned.
Local councillors say the park remains one of Sheffield’s most popular green spaces and are encouraging anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it to police.
Scarecrow Trail
The scarecrows were voted for by the public and the winners were 1st Henry VIII
The trail kicked off a weekend of celebrations for the Village as the Welfare was born 100 years ago. There were many entries to the Pet Show and on Sunday afternoon over 1,000 residents and visitors came together for our fabulous Fun Day, voted the best ever.
Visitors from far and wide flocked to Thurgoland for their annual Scarecrow Trail over 4 and 5 July. Started in lockdown the trail is now in it’s 6th year and standards continue to rise and the 39 entries were all wonderful.
(winning £50), 2nd The Dambusters £30 and 3rd Thurgoland Colliery (£20).
Plans for landmark Crucible Theatre investment progress
Plans to transform Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre are set to take a significant step forward later this month, with councillors due to consider the next phase of design and development work for the landmark £45 million project.
The report, due to be considered by Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on 16 July, provides an update on progress since plans for a major investment in the Grade II listed venue were announced earlier this year.
A feasibility study commissioned by the Council has now concluded that the Crucible’s capacity can be increased from its current 964 seats to around 1,500 seats when required through a significant, heritage-conscious and sympathetic redevelopment.
This is all while protecting the qualities that have made the theatre internationally renowned.
The study also identifies wider improvements that could modernise the visitor experience.
This will include new hospitality facilities, a public-facing café, improved circulation throughout the building and increased toilet provision.
Behind the scenes, improvements could also be made to support accessibility for performers, creatives staff and participants, as well as for the future operation of the venue.
The committee report seeks support for approximately £1.3 million of development funding to enable the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case.
The report also outlines further progress on the funding strategy for the project, with officers confirming there is now a credible route to securing the full £45 million investment required.
The proposed funding package includes contributions from public sector partners alongside private, philanthropic and strategic funding.
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:
“The Crucible is one of Sheffield’s most recognisable and important buildings.
“It is a world-class theatre, a major part of our cultural identity and an asset that attracts visitors from across the globe.
“Since announcing our ambitions earlier this year, a huge amount of work has taken place behind the scenes.
This report demonstrates that there is a viable and deliverable way to upgrade the
theatre, improve the audience experience and secure the longterm future of the venue.
“The next phase of work will enable us to develop the detailed designs, strengthen the business case and continue discussions with funding partners as we work towards making this once-in-a-generation investment a reality.”
Tom Bird, CEO of Sheffield Theatres, said:
“Sheffield Theatres are pleased that plans for the redevelopment of the Crucible continue to progress.
“Our exceptional theatre, where so many world-class productions have originated, will benefit hugely from this investment.
“It will allow for a more flexible auditorium while also increasing accessibility for our audiences, creatives, performers, participants and staff,
“It will also enable us to become significantly more environmentally sustainable.
“We continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council and other partners to ensure the Crucible is redeveloped in a way that is sympathetic to this much-loved building while also being innovative and future-facing.”
If approved, the next stage of work will include further design development, technical work and preparation for future planning and listed building consent applications, including appropriate consultation with stakeholders and the public.
The proposed redevelopment would support the Crucible’s future as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, strengthen Sheffield’s cultural offer and enhance the city’s ability to host major international events.
Trail receives £150k boost
The Trans Pennine Trail has secured almost £150,000 in National Lottery funding to help protect and promote its heritage across South Yorkshire.
A grant of £148,197 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will support a range of projects aimed at improving access to the popular multi-user trail, encouraging more volunteers, increasing community involvement and enhancing digital resources.
The funding will also be used to develop heritage-focused activities, helping more people discover the Trail’s rich natural, built and social history while ensuring it remains an attractive and welcoming destination for future generations.
Trail organisers said the investment marks an exciting new chapter, allowing them to strengthen the long-term future of the route and make it more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
They added: “We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded £148,197 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help protect, celebrate and share the heritage of the Trail across South Yorkshire. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help us strengthen the future of the Trail through improved accessibility, volunteer development, community engagement, digital improvements and heritage-focused activities.”
The project is being delivered in partnership with Barnsley Council, Sheffield City Council, Doncaster Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
The Trans Pennine Trail stretches for hundreds of miles across northern England, with its South Yorkshire sections providing popular routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while linking communities with the area’s industrial, natural and cultural heritage.
JULY
WEDNESDAY
15 BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP Wednesday 15th July at 7.30pmKate Faulkes talks about “Social Networking and the Growth of an Industrial Elite in 19th Century Sheffield” We meet in the hall at Christ Church on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge. Due to technical issues this talk is not available on Zoom. There is a small entry charge: Members £2 Non-members £4. Annual membership £7 All welcome.”
AUGUST
SATURDAY
1 Summer Coffee Morning 10— 11.30 am Zion Church Hall Langsett Road South Oughtibridge Raffle Gifts Refreshments Everyone Welcome
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
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. Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to their social bowling afternoons on their greens at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ at 1:45 pm. Coaching is available 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.
On LISTINGS
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.
SATURDAYS
Thorncliffe Bowling Club invite you to their afternoon Shuffles Bowling Session at 1:45 .The greens are at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ. Coaching can be given if you have never played before. The cost is £3 with a cup of tea or coffee.
SUNDAYS
Join us at 9.30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grenoside, S35 8RL Salt Box Lane crossroads (not 1st Sunday in April or October)
WHAT’S ON
SHEFFIELD SCOUTS TAKE THE TASTE OF HENDO’S TO SWEDEN
Nine young people from Hillsborough are taking the taste of Sheffield with them as they head to Scandinavia for a special scouting adventure.
The members of the Hillsborough Explorer Scout Unit based in Wadsley, are going to Sweden to take part in Jamboree26, the Swedish National Scout Jamboree, at Norra Åsum near Kristianstad.
More than 17,000 guides and scouts from 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia are expected at the event, which runs from July 25 to August 1.
The Hillsborough team - who have planned, fundraised and designed every element of their visit themselves - will join groups from Canada, Bangladesh and Uganda, making it one of the most diverse gatherings in the Jamboree’s history.
The Sheffield contingent will be running a lino printing station at the Jamboree’s big midweek celebration, the Tillsammansfest, where visitors to the Hillsborough camp will be able to print their own souvenir Scout or Sweden or Sheffield-themed postcard.
Designs have been prepared by the Hillsborough team themselves, with many celebrating different aspects of the city’s identity, from its steel heritage to its outdoor spaces - and the iconic Henderson’s Relish bottle!
The celebrated Sheffield brand has also got firmly behind the trip, donating a case of 48 miniature bottles of Hendo’s for the group to give away to scouts from around the world, along with a copy of the History of Henderson’s Relish.
Henderson’s has also given the group permission to use the iconic bottle silhouette and label in their trip artwork, making it an authen-
tic piece of Sheffield for international visitors to take home.
Jamboree26 follows the recent launch of a revamped Explorer Scouts programme, introducing 40 new and updated badges including Employability, Content Creation, Democracy and Life Skills, all designed to help young people aged 14 to 18 build confidence, resilience and skills for work and everyday life, alongside the outdoor adventure the section has always been known for.
Samuel Peters, one of the nine Explorers heading to Sweden, said: “We are being given the chance to build friendships across borders and this feels really important right now.
“I cannot wait to meet scouts from so many different countries. When someone from Uganda or Canada takes one of our postcards home, they are taking a little bit of Sheffield with them and that feels pretty special.”
Dorrien Peters, who leads the group, said: “We wanted to do something that felt genuinely Sheffield.
“When scouts from Sweden, Germany, Uganda, or anywhere else come to our spot and print one of these postcards, we want them to go away knowing exactly where we are from, and hopefully with a new appreciation for what makes this city and its people special.
“Henderson’s have been brilliant in getting behind the group and we are really grateful for their support.
“This trip is also a fantastic example of what the Explorer Scouts programme is about and these young people have taken on a real challenge, built real skills and created something they can be genuinely proud of.”
Dyson
Peacefully in hospital on 28th June, Elaine, aged 72 years.
Dearly loved wife of Keith, much loved Mum of Graham, Andrew and Andrea, loving Grandma and Great Grandma. Service to be held at Grenoside Crematorium North Chapel on Friday 17th July at 2.00pm. Family flowers only please but donations if desired for Macmillan Nurses.
c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar. Tel 0114 2883169.
Ann Hudson
Passed away suddenly aged 83. Loving Wife to Edward, Mother to Keith and Elaine and a much loved Grandma.
Service to take place at Grenoside Crematorium, Monday 20th July at 2.30pm
Geoff SIMPSON
Died peacefully at home aged 84 on 4th July with family around him.
Will friends and acquaintances please join the family on Friday 31st July at Rafters Bar, Waggon & Horses, Oxspring, S36 8YQ at 12pm to raise a glass to celebrate Geoff’s life. Casual wear please.
Corrinda Nella
Née Gregg
Sadly passed away on 21 June 2026
Aged 55 Years
Loving Mum to Ronni and Ruby, Daughter to the late Maureen and George, Sister to late Robin, Belinda, Amanda and Daniel Sister in law, auntie and friend
Funeral to take place at St Marys Church, Bolsterstone on Friday 31 July at 1:30pm
Donations for Weston Park Hospital No
Hello, I’m Jane Ward-Drummond, your local Estate Planning Consultant of 13 years experience. I am an expert in helping people arrange their Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Pre-paid Funeral Plans.
Along with my colleague Haworth Ward-Drummond we specialise in helping all kinds of people gain peace of mind by providing professional advice, but with a personal touch. We offer a FREE consultation without obligation for anybody who would like to know more about any of the following:
• Making a basic Will
• Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Protecting your home for future generations
• Pre-paid Funeral Plans
and consultation is completely
and
are under no obligation to do anything. If you decide to make any arrangements you can be
knowledge that all our professional services and work are fully insured and we are members of the Society of Will Writers, so all our clients are assured of the
highest standards of conduct at all times.
All our clients (and their families) that we have helped in the past have been very happy with our services and tell us they have gained great peace of mind knowing that they have sorted everything out.
Eric Eyre
School
disappointment
I have just received my child’s end of year report from Stocksbridge High School and it is lacklustre to say the least. The teachers have simply had a choice of one word answers to put next to the child’s subject, coasting, motivated or exemplary (there could be more)
This is an annual report that should tell parents what subjects their child are excelling or need help with to improve grades so that we can offer additional support out of school if needed to get them where they need to be ready for their GCSE’s… but also to know how they are getting along with teachers and their peers and if we need to add support around communication, manners and kindness the core values that we hold. It is no wonder that Ofsted have recognised them as “needing significant improvement” after their most recent assessment in May if this is the level of effort, by the school, going into such a vital document as this. It is beyond lazy!!
Anonymous parent
Burnham’s Revolution
Hello Editor
For decades the long-suffering public complained about the poor quality and levels of service they were getting from public sector organisations, especially local authorities for example, who seemed to be more concerned with playing politics than providing quality community service. Yet efforts to bring about change from within all fell on stony ground. Hence, the rise in interest concerning the creation of larger, separate, county councils, which would take over the running of many essential services in various areas (e.g. South Yorkshire) with a view to improving efficiency and effectiveness concerning service provision and hence provide value for money. Which after a relatively short period, were closed down in face of minimal public protest, due to being perceived as failures. That seemed at least in part due to the lack of cooperation between the local and county bodies (turf wars) and the county councils being just as inept and self-serving and hence wasteful as the local ones they were really out to replace. But local authorities survived and the county variety did not. A case of the more something changes, the more it remains the same.
It was the failure of such an initiative that gave impetus to the devotees of the free market theology, who saw such unpopularity as a means toward the end of creating a free market nirvana with minimal government; in a way that those in the magic circle would be able to make fortunes out of the public in general and the public purse in particular; with no discernible real improvements in service delivery. One transmogrification of which, was the Private Finance Initiative (PFI); started by the Major government but later on zealously adopted by Gordon Brown. The consequences of which, the public purse is still paying for today. Whilst over the years, a myriad of QANGOs also sprang up to wax and wane (and still do) seemingly like quantum particles coming into and going out of existence, with any public benefit being extremely
hard to detect.
Meanwhile, whilst Mr Burnham has thus far made fine speeches concerning what he intends to do after his coronation, one is nevertheless left wondering as to the finer detail regarding how he intends to achieve his stated goals, other than by devolving responsibility for delivery to the “local level”. So, does he intend to give such responsibility to established local authorities and/or regionally based government departments and/or new QUANGOs despite their previous track records? Or is there to be more power given to autonomous regional mayors, who will run newly constructed fiefdoms of their own making answerable only to the electorate every four or five years? Or maybe the regional Freeport model will be adopted as in Teesside, where a very small self-selecting band of people seem to have made (and continue to do so?) tens of millions of pounds from the public purse at no risk to themselves and seemingly little benefit to the wider economy despite the hype. A situation that Labour whilst in opposition stated they did not support and hence would correct, but since coming to power have done little if anything substantial to rectify.
Then at times, Mr Burnham seems to be supporting a return to PFI by other names.
It’s a fact of political life that Mr Burnham will not have got where he has without the support of other people, organisations, etc., thus begging the question as to what he has promised to do for such on getting into office in return for their support. Perhaps he should do those not in the loop the courtesy of explaining in detail what “Manchesterism” constitutes and how he intends to achieve it over what time scale?
However, despite all his best intentions, I very much doubt anything will happen without the Treasury’s say so. Hence, if new plans are not in line with the “sound money” stance of the “Treasury View”, then, nothing will happen. So perhaps Mr Burnham can also detail how he intends to overcome such a formidable bureaucratic obstacle?
Yours faithfully, Michael Parker.
LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
THE OLDEST STEEL FURNACE: TOP SIDE, GRENOSIDE
by Steve Moxon
A Grenoside cellar might seem an unlikely place for the earliest survival of the first design of furnace capable of making proper steel. It beats by 30 years one more complete, at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet. And allegedly it’s where Samuel Fox learned how to make the stuff.
Built in 1797, Top Side Furnace was of the type pioneered by Benjamin Huntsman in 1740, to produce iron-carbon alloy (steel) of improved quality sufficient for the springs of his clocks.
The problem was that steel was imperfectly made, in cementation furnaces (those brick cones that used to dot Sheffield, one of which – the sole intact one remaining in Britain –can still be seen from Hoyle Street). Iron bars packed in powdered charcoal were roasted for days. Unsurprisingly, this alloyed the iron with too much carbon towards the outside, and too little on the inside, leaving it externally brittle yet soft at the core. Worse, not only did nodules of slag remain in the iron bars (whether from bloomeries or blast furnaces), but freshly introduced were gas voids. Unsuitable for high-end use – especially the edge tools central to Sheffield’s reputation.
Huntsman’s answer was to chop up this blister steel into small pieces, to put in containers (preventing carbon escaping and to aid mixing): very heat-resistant clay pots, dubbed crucibles. A coke fire, a sophisticated flu arrangement and a tall chimney generated an unprecedented 1,600C; enough to fully melt the steel (carbon giving it a significantly higher melting point than iron) and homogenise the carbon, as well as removing remaining impurities.
into the melting shop. At the back of each are flues, that given the tall chimney pulled a strong draft to fast-feed oxygen to the hearths. Within the chambers are bars upon which the crucibles sat, two per chamber; so ten crucibles could be fired in tandem. What are presumed hearths are not visible: their recesses are all blocked with stone. These are beside every chamber, and also at both ends of the cellar, where they have lintels; one stone, the other a brick arch.
Why at Grenoside? It wasn’t the first there. Locally available was pot clay, containing gannister, the high-quartz-content mineral so refractory that it became the choice material for bricks lining steel furnaces. Ideal, then, for crucibles. And lots was needed, because the vessels were good for use just three times.
Top Side Furnace was constructed by Richard Bayley and Jonathan Tingle (Bayley and Tingle, est 1796), manufacturing two-and-a-half tons of crucible (then called cast) steel per week.
Not a lot, you may think, until you look at what hitherto was the alternative: ‘faggoting’ to turn blister into shear steel. Bars of blister steel were tied together with iron wire, heated sufficiently to weld, then hammered to squeeze out the slag inclusions. The whole roughly welded mass was split, the two sections again bound up and the crude effort repeated – severalfold. This redistributed the carbon to an extent, on top of getting rid of slag, though couldn’t match crucible steel on either count, plus was loads of extra bother and hard work.
The crucible furnace at Top Side, Grenoside, is below ground, accessed by external curved stone stairs. Its ceiling is the floor of what, before rebuilding as a garage, was the melting shop, featuring the lidded holes (now concreted over) holding the crucibles, that were lifted out by tongues, then tipped to cast the molten metal.
Beneath is a brick barrel vault (with a stone floor middled by a drainage channel), a tad over six feet high and pretty narrow. Along its fourteen-yard length are five furnace chambers, with their ash pits, under the openings
Crucible steel-making was expensive – notably the upper grades – yet worth it. It persisted long into the last century, as newer bulk processes (Bessemer, open hearth) could not compete for precise control of the carbon content to get the right steel for the job. Tingle & Co, however, in 1869 went bust. Earlier, supposedly, the Tingles hosted a fellow Independent (Congregationalist) down on his luck, to learn crucible steel-making: one Samuel Fox. It’s true Fox made steel at Stocksbridge initially using the crucible process, but a link with Top Side seems a tall story. Fox was never in difficulty: he finished his apprenticeship in wire-drawing and became a partner in another such business. Why lodge and work at a melting shop?
Crucible furnace cellar at Grenoside
Diagram of a crucible steel furnace cellar
STOCKSBRIDGE AND DEEPCAR
Stocksbridge and Deepcar situated in the Upper Don Valley showcase the contrast between industrial heritage and natural beauty.
Whether due to the late 1700s Cotton Mill or the early Steel production of the mid-1800s brought by Samuel Fox. Stocksbridge’s identity has long been melded with it’s industrial past. After initially supplying wire for textile pins and developing his own signature ‘Paragon’ umbrella, Fox set about producing his own Steel in the early 1860s. His decision later led to a rail line being constructed which linked the Stocksbridge works to Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire via Deepcar.
Whilst, Fox died in 1887, aged 71, his name continues to this day in the Fox Valley Shopping Centre and the continued operations of the town’s remaining steelworks. As well as
the town’s football team Stocksbridge Park Steels who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. With Jordan Lemon and his team looking to return to the seventh tier following last season’s relegation.
As for Deepcar, the village has more historical significance than just being the site of the Steelworks railway. The Deepcar archaeological site has revealed evidence of human activity in the area dating back to the Mesolithic period (thousands of years ago). Additionally, a potential Romano-British settlement was found along the riverbanks suggesting the area may have had inhabitants around the time of the Roman Empire.
Along with this rich industrial and historical past, both the town of Stocksbridge and the village of Deepcar continue to be pulled into
the present. From the new housing developments in Deepcar to the new 519 Building that continues to make it’s presence known on Stocksbridge High Street.
The local sports’ clubs are also getting a revamp with a new artificial pitch set to be placed near Stocksbridge Park Steels’ Bracken Moor Stadium and a new pavilion being implemented for the cricket club.
With all these exciting developments, previous and new visitors alike have a reason to visit this area of North Sheffield.
Monday 8:30am-6:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 7:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 7:30pm Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Alongside all the new developments many of the old staples remain from Crown Cars at the top end of Stocksbridge helping motorists keep their current cars running or to find a new one. For more specific support for those of you who prefer 4-wheel drive you could head to Land Rover Specialists for repairs. Or if two wheels is more your thing, Fox Valley Bikes will have you ‘on your bike’ in no time whether you want a new bike, or your old bike needs a repair, or they’ll even hire one out to you to scratch a brief cycling itch.
If you are feeling creative this summer why not head down to The Kiln on the high street for their Slime Lab sessions. Or for bigger projects, check out Trevor Bacon for building supplies.
There’s also the local must haves from Abbey Vets for when your pets need a helping hand, as well as Bridal Box and Dyson Funerals for life’s important moments.
In Stocksbridge and Deepcar, there’s something for everyone from local services to the historical industry and natural beauty.
Local Sport
Turner secures international selection after remarkable track and fell double
Graihagh Turner produced an outstanding weekend across track and fell, beginning with a place in the Senior Girls’ 1500m final at the English Schools’ Track and Field Championships.
Representing South Yorkshire, Turner finished tenth in a high-quality national final in 4-42.89.
The following day she travelled to Whinlatter for the Junior Home International trial, held as part of the FRA Junior Championships. Turner won the women’s race and under20 category in 37-41, placing ninth overall in the combined field and finishing just two seconds ahead of the second woman. The victory secured her selection for the Junior Home International.
Penistone Footpath Runners enjoyed extensive women’s success at their home Thurlstone Chase, where 38 club members completed the challenging 4.2-mile BS category fell race.
Suzanne McGill won the ladies over50 category in 32-27, Josie Smith took the ladies over40 prize in 32-47, Dawn Godley was first lady over65 in 41-28 and Barbara Haigh won the ladies over75 category in 49-06.
Jill Scrivens was second lady over55, Valentina Wright third lady over55 and Sue Hall second lady over65.
Oliver France led Penistone overall in 12th place in 30-45, followed by Steve Sanders in 16th, Ryan Duckett in 17th, George Parr in 19th and Jonathan Hallam in 20th. Ian Neville won the men’s over60 category in 32-08, Sanders was second over50, Duckett second over40 and Hallam third over45. Alan Knox was second over70 and Ray Brown won the men’s over80 category.
Nichola McNally produced one of the week’s standout road performances at the Buxton Carnival 4, finishing second female overall and first lady over55 in 27-54. Her time also established a new Penistone ladies over55 club record.
John Broom entered the record books at the Trafford Grand Prix, clocking 11-39.53 for 3,000 metres to set a new men’s over55 club record.
Dawn Broom represented Welsh Masters at the Wales v England, Northern Ireland and Armed Forces International 5K Championships in Shrewsbury.
Racing over five laps of a tarmac cycle track in temperatures reaching 33 degrees, Broom recorded a chip time of 23-52 to finish 11th in the ladies over60 category.
Hannah Shaw secured a category podium at the Crich Monument Race, finishing fifth female overall and third in the women’s 20–39 category. Shaw placed 29th overall in 59-35. Ashley Howlett led Penistone
PRE-SEASON FOR RUGBY TEAM
Another pre-season begins for Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby club, with sessions every Wednesday from 6.15pm.
Training has been well attended, with player/coach Aaron Kaye putting his charges through their paces, and he has been impressed with the early season enthusiasm.
Hoping to continue the improvements from last season, Kaye has added to his playing roster with exciting young prospect D’Angelo Daley-Green (back row) plus the returning Matt Taylor (front row) to give the squad some depth.
The signs are also good for the fit again Will Cuttell and Reece ‘diesel’ Aspin, with only poor Tom Kerr on the physio bench as he recovers from complicated knee surgery. With the ambitious club
finishing 2nd in the competition last year, Kaye has high hopes to go one better this time around.
A fuller fixture list for the Counties 4 Yorkshire C section begins with 2 home games, commencing on 12th September when Wheatley Hills 2nds will visit the Coal Pit Lane Arena, followed the week after by Sheffield 3rds. The date for the diary for the local ‘Fox Valley’ derby clash with near neighbours Wortley RUFC is set for 17th October.
The funeral for club stalwart & secretary Mick ‘Grov’ Gribbins will be held on Thursday 23rd July at midday in the North Chapel at Grenoside Crematorium, with a celebration of his life at the clubhouse afterwards.
across the line in 26th place overall, finishing 11th in the men’s 20–39 category in 58-52.
George Parr led Penistone at the Hathersage Gala Fell Race, finishing 26th overall in 36-49. Rebecca Timms completed the Peak District course in 50-34, with Jill Scrivens finishing in 53-12.
Steve Sanders produced another excellent fell-running performance at the Charlesworth and Chisworth Chase, taking fifth place overall and third in the men’s over50 category in 28-00 despite extremely hot afternoon conditions.
At the Peak Forest Fell Race, Damian Kilpin claimed first place in the men’s over40 category. Steve Sanders, Shaun Swallow, Jill Scrivens, Charlotte Metcalfe, Andrew Metcalfe and Keith Gordon also represented Penistone on the scenic course over Eldon Hill. Full results were not available at the time of writing.
Brent Carlin and David Lovatt tackled the 8 Stations Ultra, a 50km linear trail route from Whitby to Pickering which loosely follows the railway and visits eight stations. Carlin finished 13th overall and fourth in the men’s over40 category in 5-37-42, while Lovatt completed the demanding route in 8-08-04 to place 95th.
Greg Slack also completed an unofficial run over the cancelled Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri route, covering 37.8 miles with 8,337ft of ascent in 9-09-00.
Olivia Clough completed the Normanby Hall 10k in 1-02-54.
At Saturday’s parkruns, Jade Crosby led the women’s achievements by taking first female at Penistone in 21-04, with Emily Duckett second female in 22-08 and Heather Simpson first lady over50 in 22-56. Sarah Bradley placed second lady over35 and Olivia Clough second senior woman under20. Sean Pitt finished second overall in 17-52, while George Parr won the senior men’s category and Ryan Duckett was first over50. Alex Crosby recorded a personal best of 20-19, while Ray Brown and Danny Batty won the men’s over85 and over80 categories respectively.
Suzanne McGill took third female at Rother Valley in 21-34.
Elsewhere, Jane Lawcock was first lady over60 at Battlestead Croft and Ann Lindop first lady over65 at Middleton Woods. John Broom was first over55 at Haughmond Hill, Keith Gordon first over75 at Perry Hall and Flynn Rogers first junior under15 at Hillsborough. At Barnsley, Dawn Godley won the ladies over65 category, with Ian Neville first over60 and Alan Knox first over70. Godley produced the weekend’s highest age grading with 78.02%, followed by McGill on 77.74%, Ryan Duckett on 75.38%, Rob Lees on 75.30% and Damian Kilpin on 74.85%. In total, 77 Penistone seniors competed across 21 venues.
RUNNERS TACKLE THE HEAT Acorn Amble
The heat wasn’t stopping the athletes at Stocksbridge Running Club this week; despite the temperatures the club saw strong representation at a variety of local events and across a range of distances.
Mid-week we had the Thurlstone Chase; a category BS fell race hosted by the able folk at Penistone Footpath Runners. Nicolas Boxall, Adam Daktera and Nick Wright all strode out in operatives of 30 degrees plus to complete the 4.2 mile course. With Boxall in 33:29, Daktera in 37:27 and Wright hot on his heels in 37:57, the trio flew the flag for Stocksbridge with panache.
The weekend saw continued action as club stalwart Cathy Steel hopped over to North Lincolnshire for the Normandy Hall 10k;
a course of fully closed roads that takes in many bucolic villages as it meanders its way around the grounds of the hall itself. With a bee-themed medal and conservation-centric theme, Steel came home in 55:56.
Despite having a swim and a bike portion attached, running happened as part of the standard distance triathlon for club treasurer Nicola Heaton on Sunday, who took on the Ripon Standard Triathlon in the heat. Whilst Nicola runs for Sheffield Triathlon Club for her Tri-specific efforts, SRC are keen to foster inter-club camaraderie, and are firmly in favour of anything that gets our club members up and moving!
On Saturday it was The Acorn Amble 20 mile walk from Castleton back to Sheffield and the Acorn Pub.
2 coaches left the Burncross pub at 7 am with nearly 130 people on board including Jayne Grayson from High Green Harriers running club who swapped running trainers for walking boots.
The weather had dropped a few temperatures from the previous days so made it much more pleasant as Jayne and co made the 20 mile journey back home.
Refreshments and snacks were provided on the journey and a few pub stops for extra hydration were needed.
The annual walk is undertaken for charity with Lenny’s Legacy an organisation that helps bereaved families coping with baby and child loss who were the beneficiaries this year. Everyone went back to the pub in one piece. It was party time with food and drink to celebrate the walk. Everyone had completed what was a great walk with great people helping a very worthwhile cause.
TIGERS APPEAL FOR MORE SUPPORT
CO-OWNER Damien Bates has urged the Sheffield public to keep spreading the word about speedway in the Steel City - after last Thursday’s fixture at home to King’s Lynn was run at another significant loss.
Whilst there has been an encouraging number of new faces on the terraces at Owlerton so far in 2026, overall crowd levels are below the average figure.
It’s already proving to be a concern for the Bates family who opted to run as sole promoters once again in 2026 after potential new investors pulled out in January.
Writing in the latest issue of ‘Tiger Talk’, the official racenight programme of Sheffield Speedway, Damien Bates said: “Sometimes when I get asked to do these programme columns, I fear I may sound like a broken record.
“Firstly, however, I do want to say thank you to everyone who has backed us here at Sheffield Speedway so far in 2026.
“As I outlined in the first programme of the year, only fully committing to everything on our own in January, me and my family weren’t sure how this would all pan out.
“Whilst not as much as we would usually bring in, we’ve been very fortunate to be backed by some generous sponsors this season.
“With the packages we created, we’ve been very lucky to have so many people come on board and join us this season – and it was a pleasure to host them as ‘VIPs’ on Bank
DOUBLE JOY FOR STOCKSBRIDGE
Thorncliffe & Wentworth 1st XI 75 all out
(Rob Taylor 4-2, Andy Hibbert 3-38)
Stocksbridge 1st XI 76-2
(Joe Goddard 36, Jack Murfin 19*)
In an important 2nd vs 3rd clash at Lucas WheelsBracken Moor, Thorncliffe won the toss and batted. Joe Goddard’s outstanding fielding ran out openers Brunt (13) and his partner to reduce the visitors to 27-2. Andy Hibbert (3-38) removed Higgins and took two more wickets to leave Thorncliffe at 63-5. Rob Taylor then tore through the lower order, taking 4-2 to reduce them to 67-9, before Joe Hibbert claimed the final wicket to bowl the visitors out for 75. Goddard finished with two run-outs and two catches. In reply, Andy Hirst (8) and Goddard (36) hit early boundaries before Goddard fell at 50. Jack Murfin (19*) and Joe Hibbert (12*) safely completed the chase to seal an emphatic victory. The win moves Stocksbridge from 3rd to 1st
place ahead of next week’s trip to Ecclesfield to play Caribbean.
Stocksbridge 2nd XI 176 all out (S Perry 76, M Price 34)
Mexborough Athletic 1st XI 66 all out (J Hague 3-12, J Taylor 3-14)
The 2nd XI travelled to Mexborough looking to maintain their 100% record. Electing to bat, they recovered from James Hague’s early dismissal as Dave Smith made a quick 25 and Steve Perry (76) shared a vital 99-run partnership with Matt Price (34). A late collapse saw Stocksbridge slip from 1442 to 176 all out.
In response, Mexborough struggled against a patient opening spell. Rowan Cogger dismissed Linney for 7, while Joe Taylor (3-14) claimed the next three wickets. A run-out left the hosts reeling at 34-5, before James Hague (3-12) and John Musgrove wrapped up the innings for 66, completing a comprehensive 110-run victory.
Holiday Monday against Belle Vue in the OEC Executive Boxes.
“Even now, we’re still having enquiries about different things; we’ve got a new heat sponsor coming on board for the first time tonight and we’re still selling a couple of the Tyre Sponsorships taken per home meeting.
“There’s plenty of ways you can still get involved between now and the end of the season – so pop into the speedway office or e-mail sheffieldtigersspeedway@gmail.com for any other info or details you need.
“As I’ve always said since we took over the club over a decade ago, at Sheffield we are also very, very lucky to have a loyal band of supporters.
“We appreciate the lengths you go to to support the team and support the club and it was clear ‘spreading the word’, as we had asked you to, did the trick in those first few meetings.
“The crowd for the opener against Belle Vue was excellent, and the following cup meeting against Leicester was a similar figure as well.
“However, since our home league meetings got up and running, the numbers have been well below the required figure and each meeting has been run at a significant loss.
“We’ve sat scratching our heads; is it the price of fuel that is now putting people off coming on top of everything else? Last time against Leicester, was it the heat that kept people away?
“We’ve offered to give up to 10,000 free kids tickets away this season to try and encourage the next generation of supporters to come through the turnstiles and get hooked – we’ve reached out to places and asked people to apply and as of tonight, we have only given around 300 out.
“Now don’t get me wrong, our busy lives away from speedway means we are unable to be as active as some clubs are and yes we hope to do get several thousand of these distributed in different ways in the coming weeks.
“But when you’ve received good publicity that you’re giving out free tickets and people still don’t come forward, it does make you wonder doesn’t it…
“At the end of the day, whilst year after year we keep funding this club to keep speedway in Sheffield on track, it’s quite simple, we need more people through the turnstiles on a regular basis.”
In the meantime, Sheffield have two upcoming away fixtures at Ipswich (Thursday, July 16, 7.30pm) and then Northampton (Monday, July 20, 7.30pm) before hosting reigning champions Ipswich in the next action at Owlerton on Thursday, July 23 (7.30pm).
Mascot Packages and Tyre Sponsorships are available for this fixture - for more information, please e-mail: sheffieldtigersspeedway@gmail.com
FORMER TIGER RETIRES
FORMER Sheffield racer Tai Woffinden has officially announced his retirement from professional racing.
The three-time World Champion informed supporters of his decision via his social media channels on Saturday afternoon after another setback following a crash in Poland in May.
Woffinden first made an appearance for the Tigers on the night of his 16th birthday in 2006, before later signing for the club on a permanent basis in August 2023.
Whilst injuries restricted his time back in British Speedway, ‘Woffy’ instantly became a firm fans’ favourite at Owlerton with a whole host of top quality scores and performances.
Announcing his retirement, Woffinden said: After more hospital scans yesterday, I have been told I need surgery following my latest crash in Poland.
“After a lot of thought, I have come to the decision that it’s time to retire from professional racing.
“To be honest, this isn’t an easy thing to say. For many years, this hasn’t just been what I do, it has been a huge part of who I am as a person.
“What started as a dream became a life I could never have imagined, and I have been lucky enough to do something I truly loved, and I will never take that for granted.
“To everyone who followed my journey, who cheered me on or took the time to support me along the way, thank you. I will never forget the love and support you have shown.”
Everyone at Sheffield Speedway would like to thank him for his contributions during his time with the club and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
SHEFFIELD have moved their home date with King’s Lynn in August forward by 72-hours.
The ROWE Motor Oil Premiership R2 tie was due to take place on Thursday, August 20 - but with Sky Sports selecting Shef-
field Wednesday’s League One home opener against Bradford City on that same date, the Tigers will now host the Stars on Monday, August 17 (7.30pm).
Meanwhile, the Championship League Riders’ Championship, initially announced as Saturday, September 12, has been delayed.
This is due to second tier promoters requesting that the date is kept free as an option for any additional league requirements to be fitted in.
A new date for the CLRC will be confirmed in due course when all relevant parties have agreed when is best suitable.
In the meantime, Sheffield have two upcoming away fixtures at Ipswich (Thursday, July 16, 7.30pm) and then Northampton (Monday, July 20, 7.30pm) before hosting reigning champions Ipswich in the next action at Owlerton on Thursday, July 23 (7.30pm).
