Specially trained police deployed to Tramlines Festival
Specially trained police officers are being deployed around Hillsborough Park as Sheffield prepares to welcome thousands of music fans to this year’s Tramlines Festival.
South Yorkshire Police says officers from its Project Servator teams will be carrying out deployments around the festival site as preparations continue ahead of the event.
Project Servator is a policing tactic designed to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including potential terrorist activity.
Officers were most recently in the Hillsborough Park area on Sunday, July 19, and members of the public may see further deployments throughout the coming days.
Police say the deployments will be highly visible, but not all of the resources being used will be immediately obvious to the public.
As well as uniformed officers, specially trained plain-clothes officers and operators
monitoring live CCTV cameras may also be involved in the operation.
Project Servator officers are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be planning or preparing to commit a criminal act.
South Yorkshire Police said officers could be seen at any time of day around the festival area, adding that members of the public “won’t necessarily see everything at our disposal”.
Police are urging festivalgoers and members of the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious to officers.
The force also stressed that while Project Servator officers “could be anywhere”, they cannot be everywhere.
Tramlines Festival takes place Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July at Hillsborough Park, with thousands of people expected to attend the popular Sheffield music festival.
Sheffield to London
Train services cut
Rail passengers travelling between Sheffield and London have been warned to expect disruption after East Midlands Railway introduced a temporary reduction in services.
The changes came into effect immediately and could remain in place for weeks, with fewer trains running and some services operating with reduced numbers of carriages.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has criticised the short notice given to passengers and said the lack of information had left people having to rearrange their travel plans at short notice.
He has also called for clearer communication from East Midlands Railway, saying the scale and duration of the changes remain unclear.
In a statement, Mayor Coppard said: “While we still have very little detail, from what they’ve sent through it looks like we could be losing up to half our services, and they will also be reducing the number of carriages.
“My officers met with the EMR stakeholder team last week and nothing was mentioned.
“Apparently this is a ‘temporary measure’ but we have no idea for how long.”
He added: “We’re now facing a summer of chaos on the railways. To say this isn’t acceptable couldn’t be more of an understatement and I’ll be taking it up with the Managing Director of the company as a matter of urgency.”
East Midlands Railway says the changes are necessary because of ongoing reliability and maintenance issues affecting both its new and existing train fleets.
The operator has described the revised timetable as temporary and says it will remain under regular review while work continues to improve the reliability of its services.
However, passengers have been urged to check their journey before setting off.
The changes could affect commuters, holiday-goers and other passengers travelling between Sheffield and the capital during the busy summer travel period.
Passengers are advised to check the latest journey information before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
Town Mayor appointed to the House of Lords
Former NHS Physio appointed to the House of Lords
Penistone's current Mayor, Councillor Hannah Kitching, has been appointed to the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat Peer.
The announcement has been warmly welcomed by Barnsley and Penistone Liberal Democrats, who described the honour as "richly deserved" following years of dedicated public service and political leadership.
Baroness Kitching, a former NHS physiotherapist, joined the Liberal Democrats shortly after the 2016 Brexit referendum. She was first elected to Barnsley Council in 2018, becoming the party's only councillor at the time.
Since then, she has played a leading role in growing the Liberal Democrat presence on Barnsley Council through campaigning and leadership, serving as leader of the party's council group with what
colleagues described as determination, integrity and tenacity.
As well as representing residents locally and serving as Mayor of Penistone, Baroness Kitching has been active across the country, supporting Liberal Democrat parliamentary by-election campaigns and helping strengthen the party nationally.
She currently serves as Chair of the Yorkshire Liberal Democrats, Vice Chair of the English Party and is a member of both the Federal Board and the Federal Conference Committee, where she has worked on organisational development and electoral strategy.
In a statement, Barnsley and Penistone Liberal Democrats said: "We are delighted to share the fantastic news that our current Penistone Mayor, Hannah Kitch-
ing, has been appointed to the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat Peer.
"This is a richly deserved honour. Baroness Kitching has been a hardworking and dedicated stalwart of our local Liberal Democrat team for many years.
"On behalf of everyone in Barnsley and Penistone Liberal Democrats, we offer our warmest congratulations to Baroness Hannah Kitching on this well-earned appointment.
"We know she will be an outstanding advocate for Liberal Democrat values in the House of Lords, and we wish her every success in this important new role."
Baroness Kitching will now take her seat in the House of Lords, where she will contribute to debates and scrutiny of legislation as one of the Liberal Democrat peers.
Parish Council Launches Safer Parking Campaign
Popular Beauty spot braces for busy summer period
Bradfield Parish Council, in partnership with South Yorkshire Police, has launched a new Safer Parking Campaign aimed at promoting considerate parking and improving road safety across the parish’s rural villages and beauty spots.
Bradfield Parish is home to some of Sheffield’s most picturesque countryside, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its stunning landscapes, walking routes and welcoming villages. While this growing popularity is something the Parish Council warmly welcomes, it has also led to an increasing number of incidents involving inconsiderate and dangerous parking on the area’s narrow rural roads.
In recent years, poorly parked vehicles have caused significant issues, including blocking access for emergency service vehicles and preventing public transport buses from safely travelling through local communities. In rural locations, where roads are often narrow with few passing places, even a single incorrectly parked vehicle can have serious consequences.
The new campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of parking responsibly, encouraging visitors to think carefully about where they leave their vehicles and to ensure roads remain accessible for residents, emergency services, public transport and agricultural vehicles.
Councillors hope the campaign will help protect both local communities and the many people who visit the parish to enjoy its countryside, ensuring everyone can do so safely and responsibly.
This marks the first phase of the Safer Parking Campaign, with Bradfield Parish Council working closely alongside South Yorkshire Police and exploring further community engagement opportunities to reinforce the message throughout the coming months.
The Council encourages everyone visiting the area to park with care, follow local signage and always consider whether emergency vehicles, buses and other road users can pass safely before leaving their vehicle.
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Young Bowlers Inaugural Schools Competition
More than 60 primary school pupils rolled into action as the first-ever Stocksbridge Schools Bowls Competition proved a huge success at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre.
After several months of coaching and practice in school, 65 youngsters from Deepcar St John's Junior School, St Ann's Catholic Primary School and Stocksbridge Junior School competed in the inaugural event on July 7.
The competition saw 17 teams of four players take on three different target bowling challenges, scoring points for their schools in a morning of friendly rivalry and impressive teamwork.
Deepcar St John's Junior School claimed the Years 3 and 4 title, with another Deepcar team finishing runners-up and Stocksbridge Junior School taking third place.
In the Years 5 and 6 competition, St Ann's Catholic Primary School dominated the podium, securing first, second and third places in a clean sweep.
Deputy Stocksbridge Town Mayor, Councillor Julie Grocutt, presented trophies along with gold,
silver and bronze medals to the winning teams. Every child who took part also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and commitment.
Steve Hawksworth, South Yorkshire Bowls Coaching and Development Officer, praised the youngsters' enthusiasm.
He said: "It's marvellous to see so many youngsters taking part and enjoying our sport. For too long bowling has been seen as an older person's game. Today demonstrated it can be for any age. Well done to the Friendship Bowling Club for organising the event and the coaching leading up to it, and a special well done to the children who took part."
Councillor Julie Grocutt said Stocksbridge Town Council was delighted to support the inaugural competition.
She said: "The children had a great time competing, learning new skills, making friends and keeping fit. I was delighted to present the awards and even more pleased to learn they can continue playing at the bowling green over the summer."
The event was made possible thanks to the support of Stocksbridge Town Council, whose grant funded the equipment, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre for providing the indoor bowls hall free of charge, and Stocksbridge Friendship Bowls Club, which organised the coaching and has made its bowling green available for future sessions.
Independent Review Reveals £65M Historic Police Budgeting Error
An independent review has uncovered historic accounting and budgeting errors worth around £65 million within the former South Yorkshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), prompting the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to overhaul its financial governance.
The review, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), was commissioned in September 2024 after finance officers working for SYMCA identified concerns during financial checks following the transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) responsibilities to South Yorkshire's Mayor in May 2024.
The investigation found that the issues stemmed from a long-standing misinterpretation of statutory accounting rules relating
to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) – the way public bodies account for repaying borrowing used to fund major capital projects.
According to the report, an incorrect accounting assumption became routine practice over several years and was never challenged through financial governance or scrutiny processes. As a result, approximately £65 million of capital expenditure, financed through borrowing, was not properly reflected in accounting records or long-term budget planning.
The expenditure itself was legitimate and funded essential policing needs, including vehicles, IT infrastructure, police buildings and frontline equipment. However, the review found that no accounting provision had been made to repay the borrowing over time, creating a sig-
nificant financial oversight.
Importantly, the review found no evidence of any misappropriation or misuse of public money, with investigators concluding the issue was one of accounting practice and financial governance rather than fraud or inappropriate spending.
Following the discovery, SYMCA has corrected the accounting treatment, incorporated the costs into its financial planning and introduced strengthened governance, assurance and audit arrangements.
South Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, welcomed the findings, saying the review provides clarity on the historic issues while confirming there had been no misuse of police funds. She said stronger financial controls are now in place and that
The initiative has also welcomed pupils from the Lotus Hub and worked with the Wellfield Project, supporting adults with learning disabilities and vulnerable members of the community through The Meeting Place.
Following the success of the competition, free bowling sessions for young people will be held every Tuesday
the focus is on ensuring South Yorkshire Police remains financially sustainable while continuing to protect communities.
SYMCA says clearer responsibilities, improved technical oversight and stronger audit and risk management procedures have all been introduced since policing responsibilities transferred to the Combined Authority.
Despite the historic accounting errors, South Yorkshire Police has successfully set balanced budgets for both 2025/26 and 2026/27, with financial plans also in place for the medium term.
The full independent CIPFA report has now been published on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's website.
throughout the school summer holidays from 10am to 12 noon at the Stocksbridge Friendship Bowling Club green, behind the Friendship Pub on Manchester Road.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Graham on 07583608062 or 07979812015
Sheffield Grand Prix 2026
Bringing competitive cycling back to the streets of Sheffield's city centre, Sheffield Grand Prix returns on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
The Sheffield Grand Prix circuit will open to the public before racing starts to give everyone the chance to cycle round, traffic-free. Rock up & ride, scoot or wheel your way round the pro-circuit
with Olympic champion and South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE. To ride, participants should register their details at the British Cycling gazebo outside the Town Hall on race day from 4:00 pm.
Springvale Community Gardens and the Millhouse Institute have joined forces to launch an exciting new project, “Grow Millhouse Green,” offering free summer holiday activities for local children.
Aimed at youngsters aged 8 to 12, the initiative provides a fun and educational environment where children can discover the vital connections between food, flowers, insects, and the community.
The sessions are scheduled to run every Thursday for six weeks, from 23rd July to 27th
REGENERATION STARTS WITH PEOPLE NOT PROJECTS LOOKING FOR A FREE HOLIDAY ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILDREN?
What does regeneration really mean?
For some it’s new buildings or major investment. For others it’s funding announcements or infrastructure. At STEP, we believe it’s something more fundamental: creating opportunities for people and helping communities thrive.
It’s about young people finding good local jobs. It’s about someone gaining new skills or rebuilding their confidence after time out of work. It’s about giving local businesses the support they need to grow, helping entrepreneurs take their first steps, and ensuring communities have places where people can meet, celebrate and belong.
In short, regeneration is about improving everyday life.
That belief sits at the heart of what STEP will be doing over the coming months, as we begin an exciting new chapter for Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Chapeltown, High Green and the surrounding communities.
Working alongside residents, businesses and community organisations, we’re helping shape a long-term plan for employment, skills and enterprise — creating more local opportunities while ensuring the people who live and work here help shape their communities’ future.
Communities like ours don’t need others arriving with all the answers. They already have talent, ideas and determination. Regeneration is strongest when it builds on those strengths and brings people together around shared ambitions.
To support that work, we’re recruiting a new Partnership Manager to connect organisations, businesses and residents and turn ideas into practical action. STEP is investing in this role for the long term because we believe it matters.
Graham Silverwood, Chair of STEP, said: “Lasting change comes from within a community, not from the top down. This is about
August. Each workshop takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., ensuring a packed morning of outdoor discovery.
Parents looking to secure a spot for their children are encouraged to act quickly. To book, please contact Jon directly on 07882 209137.
This community project is proudly funded by Great Childhood Ambitions through Barnsley Council.
backing the talent and determination that are already here, and giving local people a real say in their future.”
You’ll also see continued investment across STEP’s own services.
STEP Business Centre will keep supporting businesses at every stage, from ambitious start-ups to established firms looking to expand. Our employment and skills programmes will keep helping local people learn new skills, gain qualifications and move into work.
At The Venue, we’re making improvements to create an even more welcoming, flexible space for weddings, celebrations and community events — an affordable local option that also generates income for STEP’s charitable work. Later this summer we’ll introduce STEP Together, a simple loyalty scheme that rewards people for using STEP services. No cards, no apps — just use your mobile number when you book or visit, and you’ll build rewards that benefit you and the wider community. We’re also investing in renewable technologies and energy-saving improvements across our sites, because every pound saved on energy is another pound for services and opportunities for local people.
None of this can be achieved by STEP alone. Successful regeneration depends on businesses, residents, schools, community organisations and public services working together. Collaboration has always been one of this area’s greatest strengths, and it will be the key to lasting change.
STEP has proudly served this community for more than a quarter of a century. Our commitment remains the same: working alongside local people to create opportunities, strengthen our economy and build communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Because the best regeneration doesn’t happen to a community. It happens when a community works together.
Volunteers Needed to Help Young Readers in Schools
A national children's literacy charity is appealing for volunteers in the Stocksbridge area to help local children discover the joy of reading and build the confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Coram Beanstalk, which has been supporting children to become confident and independent readers for more than 50 years, is looking to recruit volunteer reading helpers to work in local primary schools.
The charity trains volunteers to spend time each week reading one-to-one with children who need extra support. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, helping children develop a love of books while improving their reading skills and confidence.
Each volunteer receives full training and ongoing support from the charity before working with an average of three children for 20 to 30 minutes at least once a week. Schools also receive a collection of specially selected books to help engage young readers with stories that reflect a wide range of interests and experiences.
Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk, said: "Reading is such a fundamental skill for children to develop during their early years, but children who find it a struggle and don't have an adult to read with on a regular basis can start to fall behind their peers, which can lead to a loss of confidence and reading enjoyment.
"Evidence shows that when children not only can read but choose to read, they achieve more academically across the curriculum, enjoy better wellbeing and go on to experience greater success in life.
"We need to fill vacancies in settings locally, especially in the Stocksbridge area, and we can only reach more children by recruiting new reading helpers. It really is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives."
One volunteer described the experience as "the best thing I have ever done", adding: "I had no idea how much it would come to mean to me. I look forward to seeing the children each week and it's always such a joy to watch them grow in confidence and discover that books can be fun."
Coram Beanstalk believes that many children simply need dedicated time with a supportive adult to unlock their potential. By sharing stories, building relationships and encouraging children to read at their own pace, volunteers can make a lasting difference to a child's future.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer reading helper in a local school can find out more by visiting [www.corambeanstalk.org. uk](http://www.corambeanstalk.org.uk) or by calling 020 7729 4087.
Sheffield historian thought he'd told the city's Blitz story. Then the phone started ringing...
When Neil Anderson published his best-selling book ‘Sheffield's Date With Hitler’ 16 years ago, he believed his mission was complete.
Over a year of painstaking research had produced what many regarded as the definitive account of Sheffield's darkest nights – it even formed the basis of BBC documentary ‘Sheffield The Forgotten Blitz’.
But history wasn't finished with him.
Over the months and years that followed, survivors who had never previously spoken about their experiences began getting in touch.
Families unearthed photographs and documents that had lain forgotten in drawers for decades. Previously unseen archive film emerged. Original German military intelligence maps revealing how the Luftwaffe studied Sheffield before the raids came to light.
Instead of drawing a line under one of the city's defining moments, Neil found himself embarking on another sixteen years of research.
Today, that journey has culminated in ‘Sheffield's Date With Hitler – 85th Anniversary Collector's Edition’, a project that brings together everything he has discovered since the original book was published.
The new edition goes far beyond simply updating the original text.
It includes newly uncovered research, more than four hours of archive film documenting Sheffield before, during and after the Blitz, interviews with Sheffield's surviving 'Blitz Kids', reproductions of original German military intelligence maps used to plan the raids, a companion guide explaining how to interpret those maps, companion notes to the Sheffield Blitz walking experience, allowing readers to explore the locations where history unfolded.
One of the most personal aspects of the project was the opportunity to record the memories of Neil's own father, now 89, who lived through the Sheffield Blitz as a young boy.
Those conversations reinforced something Neil had come to realise over the years - that the city's wartime story was becoming a race against time.
JULY
SATURDAY
25 Bullhouse Chapel is open every Saturday for quiet reflection or to learn about the history of this 334-year-old Independent Chapel from 2pm until 4pm. We put the Sunday School banner on display for Pentecost Sunday and have decided to leave it out until the end of September. We will be holding our usual Christian Sunday service at 2.30pm
AUGUST
SATURDAY
1 Summer Coffee Morning 10— 11.30 am Zion Church Hall Langsett Road South Oughtibridge Raffle Gifts Refreshments Everyone Welcome
1 Coffee morning St.Mary’s Church Ecclesfield (10am - 12pm) Celebrate 150 years of Mother’s Union.
Neil Anderson said: "When I published the original book, I honestly believed I'd finished. I'd spent over a year researching the Blitz and thought I'd told Sheffield's story as completely as I possibly could.
"Then the phone started ringing. Every few months another survivor would share a memory. Another family would discover photographs they'd never shown anyone before. Another piece of archive material would emerge. I reached the point where I realised this wasn't about producing another edition. It was about continuing the story."
Neil believes one of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been encouraging people to explore Sheffield's wartime history for themselves.
"I've never wanted people simply to read my conclusions," he said.
"I wanted them to study the original evidence, compare the German military maps with where the bombs actually fell, watch the archive film, walk the streets where these events happened and perhaps even discover something about their own family's story that they never knew before."
Limited to just 250 individually numbered copies, you can find out more about the ‘Sheffield’s Date With Hitler 85th Anniversary Collector's Edition’ here: https://dirtystopouts.com/products/sheffields-date-with-hitler-85th-anniversary-definitive-edition
social contacts. We will be meeting next on Wednesday the 12th of August when our guest speaker Mr Paul Addy will give a presentation on “ Engineering Oddities “. Paul always gives a good and interesting talk. After the meeting some members continue the fun at Wortley Hall for lunch. For more information please contact our secretary Trevor Winslow 07966317258 or look at our website for meetings and social events.
SATURDAY
15 Stocksbridge Christian Centre on Cedar Road are holding an Afternoon Tea on Saturday 15th August from 3-5 p.m. £10 each. Please phone 07532425641 to book your place.
SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY
5 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We are having a presentation on helpful advice in a medical emergency by Mike, an A&E practitioner. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
WEDNESDAY
12 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Centre on Main Street for a 10 am start. We have a friendly informal club environment for retired men to build and maintain companionship and
2 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. This is our AGM so the event is for existing members and invited guests only.
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
High Street: Utter devastation on High Street in the aftermath of the blitz.
Above: Historian Neil Anderson (left) is interviewed about the attacks.
On LISTINGS
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. 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
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)
VAT cut on electricity bills to save families around £45 a year
Households across Sheffield and South Yorkshire are set to benefit from a cut in VAT on domestic electricity bills, with the Government announcing the tax will be reduced from five per cent to zero from October 1.
The move, announced as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to tackle the costof-living crisis, is expected to save a typical household around £45 a year.
Ministers say the reduction will be funded through savings made by cancelling the Government’s digital ID programme, which had been expected to cost £1.8 billion over the next three years. The Government estimates that cancelling the scheme will save £850 million during the current financial year.
The announcement has been welcomed by local Labour politicians, who say the measure could also provide a boost to Sheffield’s struggling high streets and local economy.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Deputy Leader of Sheffield Labour and Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee, said rising energy costs had placed “real pressure” on households across the city.
“Our economy in Sheffield hasn’t been growing as quickly as it should. One of the biggest reasons is that too many people simply haven’t had enough money left in their pockets after paying the bills,” he said.
“Years of rising energy costs have put real pressure on households across our city.
“That’s why it’s so encouraging that one of the first actions of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government is to cut electricity bills by removing VAT.
“Putting more money back into people’s pockets will help ease the cost of living and give families the confidence to spend more in our local economy, whether that’s shopping on Fargate or The Moor, supporting the independent shops and businesses in our district centres, enjoying a pint or a meal in one of Shef-
field’s fantastic pubs and cafés, visiting one of our brilliant attractions, or taking the kids out for a day this summer.”
Councillor Miskell said the impact of the change could extend beyond household finances, arguing that money saved on energy bills could be spent in local businesses.
“When local people have more money to spend, our city centre, district centres, neighbourhood high streets, hospitality businesses and visitor economy all benefit,” he added.
“That’s good news for residents, good news for local businesses, and good news for Sheffield’s economy as a whole.”
The VAT reduction is due to come into force on October 1 and will apply to household electricity bills.
Kevin Michael TURNER
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, aged 66. Much loved Husband to Danita, devoted Dad of Siani, loving Grandad to Scarlett and Emmie, Brother to Janice.
Much loved friend to many.
Funeral Service to be held on Monday 10th August, 1pm at Grenoside Creamtorium, North Chapel
All enquiries to T.W.Birks & Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, S36 2RE. Tel 0114 288 5555
GRIBBINS
Michael Anthony, passed away in hospital on 22nd June aged 82 years.
Funeral service to take place on Thursday 23rd July at 12pm in Grenoside Crematorium’s North Chapel.
Family flowers only please with donations if desired for Cancer Research and MND.
All enquiries to Dyson Funeral Service, New Rd, Deepcar. Tel: 0114 2883169.
LONGFORD Neville
Passed away suddenly, at home, on 16th July, aged 93.
A loving Husband to the late Sheila, Father to Steven and Diane, Father in Law to Anne and Andrew, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He was also a Brother and Uncle who will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be arranged in due course.
Family, friends and any former colleagues wishing to attend, please contact Steven for details.
Pat SMITH
Aged 84
Sadly passed away on 4th July. Loving Wife of Derek. Devoted Mum of Wendy and Pam. Much loved Nannan & Great Nannan. Friend to many.
Funeral service will take place on Monday 3rd August at Grenoside North chapel at 11am.
All enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RE. Tel 0114 288 5555
Corrinda Nella GREY 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 Flowers
GRAYSON Sandra Rebecca
Passed away 7th July 2026.
Beloved Wife of David, Mother to Carmen, Mark and Vicky, Nanan to Ben, Connor and Millie, Great Grandma to Harrison David and Francesca Maeve.
Service to be held at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel on Thursday 30th July at 1pm then afterwards at Stocksbridge Golf Club.
SHEFFIELD MEMORIALS
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In response to the announcement that East Midlands Railway (EMR) is reducing services between London and Sheffield from Monday (20th July), South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:
“This afternoon at around 14:45, we were told by East Midlands Railway (EMR) that they would be reducing the intercity services between Sheffield and London from Monday morning.
“While we still have very little detail, from what they’ve sent through, it looks like we could be losing up to half our services, and they will also be reducing the number of carriages. My officers met with EMR stakeholder team last week and nothing was mentioned.
“Apparently this is a ‘temporary measure’ but we have no idea for how long.
“I have just got off the phone with the Rail Minister - Lord Peter Hendy - who told me it’s likely a response to the disruption caused by the recent
Please could those attending wear a touch of purple/lilac, Sandra’s favourite colour. All welcome xxx
Reduced train service for Sheffield to London
crash in Bedford, when EMR lost two trains from their fleet. But it also seems likely the problems they were having are also to do with the problems on the new trains they have brought into services, which themselves were three years late.
“No matter the cause, there is never a good reason to treat passengers with so much contempt as to communicate that information so late and so poorly.
“Most people turning up on Monday will not know about those changes and are now likely to be crammed onto overly full trains, that will get them to London late.
“We’re now facing a summer of chaos on the railways. To say this isn’t acceptable couldn’t be more of an understatement and I’ll be taking it up with the Managing Director of the company as a matter of urgency.”
SHEFFIELD MEMORIALS Unit 1 Meadowhall Industrial Estate Amos
CASWELL
Ann & family would like to thank everyone for attending George’s funeral on 29th June 2026.
They would also like to thank T.W. Birks & Son Funeral Directors for their impeccable service, Celebrant Anna Bushell for her wonderful service and great words, the district nurses for their utmost care over many years and also much appreciation for all the donations for Dementia UK - £210.
Best things in life are FREE
Dear Look Local
Last week, on page 11, you carried three interesting and contrasting points of view that were well written and argued with feeling and knowledge. Like your paper, the best things in life are free, it costs £4.20 to buy a Guardian now! Research shows that areas served by a local paper are less susceptible to misinformation and division. Keep up the good work.
The letter from the anonymous parent about Stocksbridge High School sounded like a valid complaint. I would add to that the question of what happens now to the children in every cohort at Stockbridge High School who, for various reasons, are simply not able to benefit from conventional classroom-to-classroom sitting down for an hour of the subject type of schooling? They used to depend on the special unit at the youth club, another support service in the school and the use of a local allotment. Surely children who would benefit from those services that have now been cut can’t just be sitting at home in their rooms with screens... can they?
To Michael Parker’s well-considered views on which way Andy Burnham will go, I would just add that I hope he will align with the many people around the UK. And yes, not just lefties like me who know right from wrong and want to improve their own lives, their families’ lives and the lives of fellow humans in this country and all around the world. Or will the Labour Party carry on the path of depending on funding from big money and big tech, powered by bigger and bigger misinformation? We will know which way he is going if the membership of the Labour Party starts to grow again after crashing under Starmer.
Steve Moxon gave us a fascinating glimpse into the inventive history of Steel Making. Can we make the steel we need today in a way that aligns with the urgent need to reduce our carbon emissions? You can see the need from incidents like the strangely under-reported massive wildfire that has been visible from Stockbridge and has closed the Arterial Road to Manchester for long periods of time.
Thanks
Looking forward to next Wednesday. Peter Morton
I am in full agreement with Mr. Smith from S35 on the council funding events and other vanity projects in Neepsend, falsely named “Kelham Island” in council press releases. The central ward Green councillors and Labour council in close collaboration continue to throw money at meaningless, pointless projects in this area such as expensive new pocket parks, poor quality street art, expensive shiny new street signage and so on. This is all well and good but should be privately funded, not done using precious council funds. This is money which could and should be spent on improving the roads and transport infrastructure into and out of Stocksbridge. The Greens and Labour in Sheffield seem to think Sheffield ends at Neepsend just outside the city centre whereas in the real world we need to get the rail link to Stocksbridge reinstated to do something about the congestion in and out during rush hour, and a generation of youngsters need improved education, training and job outcomes. In S35 the Labour / Green machine having already closed down branch libraries in the poorest areas now propose the destruction of vital greenbelt land including working farms which grow our food. It just goes to show what they think of us.
Yours faithfully, Mr Smith
MIDDLEWOOD LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
Library woes
Dear editor,
Greenbelt campaigners have highlighted several important issues regarding the lack of infrastructure planning in the proposed new local plan. The lack of any new public transport is one. The other is that the library provision in Sheffield which has been cut to the extent that much smaller towns like Barnsley and Rotherham now have more libraries open more hours than Sheffield despite having around half the population Sheffield has. How are the remaining twelve branch libraries supposed to cope with this huge influx of new residents when it happens has not been considered or catered for. Presumably anyone who wishes to retrain or who needs to access libraries for any other reason would need to travel to another town or just do without. The proposed increase in new homes is the best reason to reinstate a staffed council library service at all Sheffield branch libraries yet. Do the Labour, Green and LibDem groups have anyone in them with the backbo...
by Steve Moxon
It’s 30 years now since the final closure of Middlewood. Locally tantamount to ‘insanity’, you don’t need to add Hospital to know what’s meant. Opening in 1872 as the South Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum, it was reckoned possibly the finest in the country. Ahead of the name changing to Wadsley, lunatic already had been dropped; likewise, in similarly accruing stigma, asylum, and, later, mental, after it came to be denoted such a hospital. If it had stayed open you’d bet they’d have replaced Middlewood
What’s left today, following a gradual rundown until closing altogether in 1996, are conversions into flats of the grandest of the clutch of Gothic styled buildings: Kingswood (formerly Kingsway Ward), and the Clock Tower admin block. All of the earlier structures were imposing and attractive, having distinctive ventilation towers and big bay windows, though the others presumably as apartments would have overlooked each other too much to be desirable. Together with the vast impressive landscaping (lots of trees and huge flower / shrub gardens), all was intended to make the residents feel good, even valued; honoured to be there.
Middlewood was one of the nationwide county institutions required by the fabulously job-titled Commissioners in Lunacy. The inspiration was the late 18th century Quaker-led York Retreat, pioneering a regime that, while insisting on solid order and work – notably on its own farm, as mirrored at Middlewood – removed restraints and regarded patients as rational, to be treated with kindness in a family-like environment. This could be provided in the 30-bed York venture, but hardly in scaling up to Middlewood’s initial 725 beds, near immediately doubling to 1,450.
Still, for most inmates this was almost grand living compared to where they had come from, and – thought key to recovery – a contrasting milieu to that which gave rise to their illnesses. Akin to a boarding school, all wore uniform: coarse cloth suits for men, blue print gowns and check aprons for women. Just as board schools were designed to shape children to enter the world, so were asylums for the mentally ill.
Asylums shared the male-female divide, all the more strict for women being half as many again as the men (reflecting that females are
twice as likely to suffer depression). Separate wings for the sexes were on either side of Clock Tower, dwarfing it. Although there was a single central dining area, meals were at different times. A mere six years on (1878) was built Kingsway, to profoundly isolate males; another block for females. All to avoid ‘moral problems’ and stress, considered an obstacle to recuperation, potentially recapitulating what had triggered or driven illness. A further segregation was in confining those severely ill or infirm to the ground floors, leaving the rest in first-floor day rooms and top-floor dormitories.
In the faith that the brain soon would be understood and cures found, an optimism underpinned staff morale, but in the wake of decades of nothing materialising, despondency set in, and generally asylums arguably became little more than warehousing.
In the first twelve months of operation, folk were admitted for mania, melancholia, general paralysis of the insane (syphilis, but this wasn’t sussed back then), dementia (from alcohol or old age), imbecility or idiocy (respectively, a mental age of between three and seven and under two). The usual given cause was “unknown”, otherwise variously: accidents/blows on the head (probably as rationalised by kin), heredity, overwork, death of relative, drinking, grief, over-sensitiveness, childbirth, family affairs, change of life, fright, dog bite, sunstroke, religious excitement, religious doubt, “unjustly charged with carelessness”, “disappointments in marriage”, “trouble”, and “women”.
As for treatment, there was only “moral or psychological management”, diversional occupation, drug therapy (mainly sedatives, some stimulants), hygiene(?), and harmless, useless faradic electricity (very mild alternating current). Drugs were chiefly opium, as well as cannabis, antimony, bromide, chloral hydrate, ergot, amyl nitrite, and several that few will have heard of.
Albeit high relapse rates, half of recent and acute cases were discharged, having sufficiently recovered – or were not so much a burden as to offset the inducement of payment of the equivalent of the cost of hospitalisation to any friend of the patient who would take him/her in.
What’s not widely appreciated is Middlewood’s major role later in introducing or developing new treatments, that I’ll outline next week.
South Yorkshire Asylum sign Kingsway Ward
Middlewood Hospital
Vanity Projects
Forgemasters’ New Machine Shop Tops out
Sheffield Forgemasters has marked an important milestone in the development of its vast new machine shop with a Topping Out ceremony for the final steel roof-beam being installed.
To celebrate the milestone, the company’s machine shop teams and development contractors, McLaughlin & Harvey, came together for the ceremony on the site of the new 30,000 m2 machine shop, where the framework is almost complete.
Attendees were invited to sign their names on the final roof-beam before Sheffield Forgemasters’ longest serving machinist, Paul Haxton with almost 50 years' service, and first year apprentice, Joe Garrett, were invited to tighten the golden bolt that will hold the last steel beam in place.
Gareth Barker, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “This event marks a significant milestone in the development of our new machine shop, and it is fantastic so many people were able to join us to mark the occasion.
“Our new facility enables us to bring together our years of expertise and investment in state-of-the-art machines, to deliver incredible accuracies and dramatically improve our ability to innovate, making Sheffield Forgemasters more competitive on the world stage.
“Attending the topping out ceremony were a number of our long serving employees, some with almost fifty-years of service with the company alongside our first-year apprentices, who’ll transfer this inherited skill and knowledge into future engineering practices.
“For many of our machinists, this was the first time they had visited the new site and what will eventually be their new workplace.”
The company’s new machine shop is being built alongside a new 13,000 tonne Forging Line, both of which underpin a £1.3 billion recapitalisation programme being driven by its MOD owners.
Gareth added: “It’s less than two years until the site is due to become operational and will provide a working environment that is cleaner, faster and better in every way. This really is an exciting time for Sheffield Forgemasters.”
Fast becoming an iconic landmark for the city, the new machine shop is due to be operational by the end of 2028.
Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “The completion of the structural steelwork at Sheffield Forgemasters is more than a construction milestone. It reflects the journey we have taken together to reach this point. A journey that would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment, collaboration and professionalism from all involved. We look forward to continuing the journey together as we head towards a successful completion and handover.”
The machine shop project team consists of Arup, which handled the ecological and travel assessments, Bond Bryan Architects, and JLL, which acted on behalf of Sheffield Forgemasters for the site acquisition and planning submissions, and delivery support partner, Turner & Townsend.
Sheffield sets out ambitious vision for the future of sport and leisure facilities
A new long-term strategy is set to help ensure Sheffield’s sport and leisure facilities are fit for the future, supporting healthier communities, reducing inequalities and strengthening Sheffield’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading sporting cities.
The Built Sport and Leisure Facilities Strategy 2025–2039 provides the first ever comprehensive citywide framework for planning, protecting, and investing in sport and leisure facilities across Sheffield over the next 15 years when the population of the city is estimated to increase by almost 75,000 people.
The strategy highlights both Sheffield’s strengths and the challenges ahead. While the city has a broad range of sport and leisure facilities, many are ageing and face
Evidence shows that having facilities is only part of the picture. Access, affordability, quality, and location all play a crucial role in helping residents become more active and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that sport, leisure, and physical activity can provide.
The strategy identifies major investment priorities, including the future of Springs Leisure Centre, Concord Sports Centre, Goodwin Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Ponds Forge, Sheffield Hallam University City Athletics Stadium (Woodbourn Road). It also focuses on the need to protect and improve strategically important swimming pools, sports halls and affordable community fitness opportunities.
It also highlights the importance of local facilities such as community halls, parks, outdoor courts, multi-use games areas and wheeled sports facilities, which provide low-cost and accessible ways for people to stay active. It considers whether venues are located in the right place, are affordable, accessible by public transport and active travel routes, and available to the communities when they need them.
Cllr Brian Holmshaw, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "Sheffield has a proud sporting heritage, producing world-class athletes and inspiring generations of residents to get active. To maintain that legacy, we must invest in ageing facilities and ensure people across the city have access to modern, affordable and inclusive places to be active. This strategy provides a clear framework for improving and renewing our sports facilities, particularly in communities where activity levels are lower and health inequalities are greater. By investing in the right facilities in the right places, we can help more people improve their health and wellbeing, support local clubs and community activity, and create opportunities for the sporting stars of tomorrow."
The strategy places a strong emphasis on reducing inequalities and improving opportunities in communities where activity levels are lower and health challenges are greater.
The evidence base will help shape future funding bids, guide planning decisions, support developer contributions, and strengthen collaboration between Sheffield City Council, Sport England, leisure operators, schools, universities, clubs, community organisations and private providers.
Sheffield is rightly incredibly proud of the sporting superstars to come out of the city over decades, it has some elite venues that continue to produce Olympic and World Champions. This strategy continues that tradition alongside helping to produce the future superstars of their local area, the vitally important community groups and the facilities residents can reply on to help them lead a fun, healthy and vibrant lifestyle.
Local Classifieds
Pitt seals series crown as Mackie wins Cawthorne Canter
Sean Pitt secured overall victory in Howesy’s Harriers’ HatTrick series as Penistone Footpath Runners dominated the concluding Cawthorne Canter. The series combined performances from the Silkstone Shuffle, Higham Hurtle and Cawthorne Canter, with Pitt completing the three races in 1-31-53 to finish more than a minute clear of Barnsley Harriers’ Paul Johnson.
Martin Ball placed fifth overall and won the men’s over50 category in 1-42-41, while Ian Neville was eighth overall and first over60 in 1-45-42. Rachael Winterbottom led the Penistone women, finishing third overall in 2-02-17. Alex Crosby, Robin Clough, Rory O’Sullivan, Steve Dommett, Jill Scrivens, Sara Wolstenholme, Jen Holley and Tracy Woodward also completed all three races. Hugh Mackie won the Cawthorne Canter itself in 29-41 as Penistone placed seven runners inside the first eleven. Tom Fryers finished fourth in 30-52, Pitt was fifth in 30-59 and George Parr sixth in 31-38. Oliver France, Flynn Rogers and John Halstead completed the club’s leading group. Hannah Shaw finished
third female overall in 38-49, while Neville won the men’s over60 category, Alan Knox was first over70 and Barbara Haigh topped the ladies over70 category. In total, 41 Penistone runners completed the race. Richard Heppenstall set a new Penistone men’s over50 mile record at The Josh Kerr Mile Presented by Brooks. Racing on a chip-timed road course at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, Heppenstall clocked 5-18, improving the previous club record of 5-37 by nineteen seconds. Steve Owen represented Great Britain at the 2026 Europe Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Banyoles, Spain. Competing in temperatures which had reached 36°C by the start, Owen completed the standard-distance event in 2-41-19 to finish 17th in the men’s 60–64 age group. He recorded 50-29 for the opening 10K run, 1-18-21 for the 40K bike section and 28-55 for the concluding 5K.
There was a silver medal for Penistone at the Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association Road Relay Championships at Wyke Community Sports Village. Dawn Broom, Julia Johnson and Nichola McNally finished second in the ladies 55–64 category in a combined time of 55-28. Broom completed the opening leg in 19-12, Johnson recorded 19-19 and McNally brought the team home with the fastest Penistone split of 17-57.
Richard Cottam led Penistone at the sixth Trunce of the season, finishing fourth overall and first veteran in 27-46 despite twisting his ankle during the final two miles. George Parr followed just eight seconds later in fifth, while Ashley Firth placed 13th.
Hannah Shaw won the women’s race in 33-58, with Josie Smith second female overall and first female veteran in 34-04. Steve Sanders was second over50 in 32-38, Dawn Godley won the ladies over60 category in 44-09 and Barbara Haigh was first lady over70 in 52-39.
John and Dawn Broom both collected category podiums at the Laxton 10K. John finished 37th overall in a chip time of 42-45 to take second place in the men’s over55 category, while Dawn was 73rd in 47-32 and second lady over60. Jill Scrivens also claimed a category
podium at the Nostell Priory 10K, finishing 93rd overall in 52-24 and second lady over55. Damian Kilpin and Steve Sanders produced strong performances at the Cock Howe and Be-
yond Fell Race. Kilpin finished fifth overall in 49-06 and was second over45, while Sanders placed ninth in 52-22 and won the men’s over50 category. Shaun Swallow completed the Bamford Carnival Fell Race in 43-29, while Chris Hodgson tackled the 12.3-mile Pete Bland Kentmere Horseshoe, which included 3,300ft of ascent, finishing 108th overall and 20th over50 in 2-26-09. Kilpin also completed the Rougemont Chase at Weeton Show in 3121, with official placings unavailable at the time of writing. At Saturday’s parkruns, 78 Penistone seniors competed across 26 venues. James Fryers claimed overall victory at Jesmond Dene in 18-49, while Jemma Williams was first female at Barnsley in 22-57. Sean Pitt ran a personal best of 17-35 to finish second at Penistone, where Suzanne McGill was second female in 20-58 and Emily Duckett third female with a personal best of 22-08. Ian McNulty and Claire Watts also recorded personal bests, while Nell Law completed her 150th parkrun. Elsewhere, Alan Nutton finished fourth at Selby in 17-54, Rob Lees was sixth and first over45 at Herrington Country and Damian Kilpin placed fourth and first over45 at Rotherham. Category victories were also achieved by Dawn Broom at Pontefract, Keith Gordon at Brunswick Park, Mandy Mallinder at Armley, John Lawcock at Fulwell Quarry and Ray Brown and Danny Batty at Penistone. The weekend’s leading age-graded performances came from Suzanne McGill with 79.97%, Dawn Godley with 79.47%, Alan Nutton with 79.24%, Sue Hall with 76.83% and Rob Lees with 76.55%.
Results
Cawthorne Canter
1, Hugh Mackie 29-41; 4, Tom Fryers 30-52; 5, Sean Pitt 30-59; 6, George Parr 31-38; 9, Oliver France 32-30; 10, Flynn Rogers 32-47; 11, John Halstead 32-52; 16, Martin Ball 34-59; 18, James Mumford 35-03; 21, Ian Neville 36-05; 24, Alex Crosby 36-46; 25, Phil Hinchliffe 37-15; 31, Hannah Shaw 38-49; 34, Shaun Swallow 39-19; 37, Robin Clough 39-59; 40, Julian Williams 40-23; 47, Daniel Limb 41-20; 55, Rachael Winterbottom 42-33; 67, Dan Cooper 43-59; 69, Martyn Goodwin 44-06; 75, Paul Fryers 44-33; 82, Alan Knox 45-40; 85, Rory O’Sullivan 46-34; 88, Jill Scrivens 46-50; 95, Gemma Nutton 48-27; 96, Sarah Bradley 48-28; 98, Matthew Coldwell 4846; 100, Amelia Cottam 49-07; 110, Heather Graham 50-34; 111, Mark Graham 50-35; 120, Keith Gordon 51-40; 126, Sara Wolstenholme 52-32; 129, Callum Page 53-12; 136, Jen Holley 57-03; 141, Becky Parr 57-27; 147, Barbara Haigh 58-12; 151, Tracy Woodward 58-57; 160, Lorraine Mackie 1-01-24; 167, Sarah Clough 1-02-11; 171, Raymond Brown 1-03-20; 172, Steve Dommett 1-04-05.
Howesy’s Harriers’ Hat-Trick Series
Men
1, Sean Pitt 1-31-53; 5, Martin Ball 1-42-41; 8, Ian Neville 1-45-42; 11, Alex Crosby 1-51-42; 16, Robin Clough 1-59-15; 28, Rory O’Sullivan 2-08-39; 47, Steve Dommett 3-12-00.
Women
3, Rachael Winterbottom 2-02-17; 6, Jill Scrivens 2-16-10; 14, Sara Wolstenholme 2-33-15; 15, Jen Holley 2-38-23; 17, Tracy Woodward 2-46-33.
The Josh Kerr Mile Presented by Brooks Richard Heppenstall 5-18.
Europe Triathlon Duathlon Championships, Banyoles Men 60–64
17, Steve Owen 2-41-19.
Yorkshire Veterans Road Relays
Ladies 55–64
2, Penistone Footpath Runners 55-28 – Dawn Broom 19-12; Julia Johnson 19-19; Nichola McNally 17-57.
Laxton 10K
37, John Broom 42-45; 73, Dawn Broom 47-32. Nostell Priory 10K
93, Jill Scrivens 52-24.
The Trunce
4, Richard Cottam 27-46; 5, George Parr 27-54; 13, Ashley Firth 30-23; 27, Steve Sanders 32-38; 37, Ash Howlett 33-27; 38, Phil Hinchliffe 33-33; 42, Hannah Shaw 33-58; 43, Jon Hallam 34-03; 44, Josie Smith 34-04; 46, Oliver France 34-12; 53, Shaun Swallow 35-57; 85, Matthew Coldwell 38-32; 91, Chloe Hinchliffe 39-30; 94, Paul Fryers 40-14; 103, Martyn Goodwin 41-09; 109, Jill Scrivens 41-53; 122, Amelia Cottam 4359; 124, Dawn Godley 44-09; 128, Mark Graham 44-26; 155, Steve Dickinson 46-58; 160, Mark Crossley 47-12; 173, Harriet Drouin 49-10; 184, Barbara Haigh 52-39; 206, Angie Rollinson 56-09; 212, Hannah Sammon 58-16; 213, Jo Sammon 58-17.
Cock Howe and Beyond Fell Race
5, Damian Kilpin 49-06; 9, Steve Sanders 52-22.
Bamford Carnival Fell Race
81, Shaun Swallow 43-29.
Pete Bland Kentmere Horseshoe
108, Chris Hodgson 2-26-09.
Penistone Parkrun
2, Sean Pitt 17-35; 4, George Parr 18-15; 8, Ryan Duckett 1935; 10, Dan Rushforth 19-50; 14, Oliver France 20-11; 18, Jon Hallam 20-36; 20, Suzanne McGill 20-58; 24, Richard Williams 21-16; 27, Emily Duckett 22-08; 45, Nick Pepper 22-56; 47, Ian McNulty 23-06;
61, Shaun Braddock 24-20; 62, Rory O’Sullivan 24-20; 64, Chris Hodgson 24-34; 79, Joanne Shelbourne 24-58; 90, John Howsham 25-22; 111, Lisa Hinchliffe 26-34; 136, Sara Wolstenholme 27-49; 156, Paul Sammon 28-34; 161, Joanne Sammon 29-00; 163, Gordon Watts 29-10; 170, Laura Bartholomew 29-31; 177, Nell Law 29-53; 181, Claire Watts 30-08; 198, Rebecca Parr 31-20; 201, Hannah Sammon 31-33; 213, Steve Dommett 32-40; 217, Kate Rushforth 32-55; 218, Angela Rollinson 32-56; 237, Jackie Howsham 34-36; 239, Ray Brown 34-54; 241, Danny Batty 35-35; 255, Pate Stanley 38-05. Barnsley Parkrun
3, Tom Fryers 18-26; 18, Ian Neville 21-29; 40, Jemma Williams 22-57; 67, Dawn Godley 25-54; 73, Alan Knox 26-11; 97, Sue Hall 27-37; 132, Luke McGuinness 30-20; 183, Rianna Armitage 36-19.
SHEFFIELD RACING STAR SECURES MAIDEN GB3 PODIUM AT HUNGARORING
Sheffield teenage motorsport star, Rowan Campbell-Pilling, claimed his first GB3 Championship podium at the Hungaroring last weekend, where he was promoted to third in race three. His first time racing at the F1 circuit, Rowan averaged speeds of over 120mph and managed 14 technical corners, where speeds of up to 150mph were reached. During testing, the teenager made good headway qualifying in P6 and P9 within the 20-strong international field. Following a challenging weekend, where the 19-year-old placed across the results table, Rowan secured his first GB3 podium in race three, after post-race penalties amended the final classification.
Rowan said: “I’m over the moon to celebrate my first GB3 podium. To take third place in round three highlights the amount of hard work we’re putting in as a team – both during preparations and out on the course - to achieve a good result.
“Experiencing these tracks in a car this powerful has kept me on my toes, but I’m absorbing all these new challenges and to be running inside
the top ten consistently this season, within such tight margins, is an unmatched feeling.
“From watching F1 at Hungaroring as a youngster to now enduring the track in the racing seat is so surreal and such an honour.”
For the last two years, Rowan has collected over 30 trophies and awards making his way into the top 10 standings in British Formula 4. His international debut last year with Xcel Motorsport also led him to achieve three further trophies, and he was crowned third place, overall, in the F4 UAE Trophy Series.
This success resulted in his signing to Xcel Motorsport, for his GB3 debut, the proven step to FIA Formula 3 and beyond.
Rowan is currently ninth in the overall standings of the championship. This weekend marked the midpoint of the season as Rowan raced at Red Bull Ring in Austria. The next race will take place back in the UK at Silverstone on 1-2 August.
Keep up to date here: https://www.rowancampbellpilling.co.uk/
TIGERS GRAB DRAMATIC POINT
SHEFFIELD grabbed a dramatic 45-45 draw at Northampton on Monday to add another league point to their tally.
Skipper Josh Pickering was the Heat 15 hero for the Tigers as he produced a sensational ride to go from last to third and deny the hosts what would’ve been just a second home victory of the season.
Upon arrival at the Northampton International Shaleway, tonnes of new shale had been distributed onto the racing surface causing some concern amongst riders.
A few of their requests were carried out and racing got underway with a 4-2 to the Tigers as guest Ryan Douglas swooped across his rivals from the outside whilst Anders Rowe was gifted third place following a spill for home No.1 Jaimon Lidsey.
Luke Killeen made a flyer from gate three to earn his first away league race victory of the season for Sheffield in a shared heat two.
But with further concerns raised about the loose material on the circuit, racing was held for 20 minutes whilst essential remedial work was carried out.
And it was certainly worth the wait as the rest of the night saw some spectacular speedway served up - regardless of some misfortunes for both sides.
A mistake on bend two by Leon Flint contributed to the hosts getting their first advantage in Heat Three as they drew back level before Pickering led a shared Heat Four.
The Foxes took the lead for the first time in Heat Five with Douglas first experiencing mechanical issues of his own before borrowed machinery then failed him as home pairing Niels-Kristian Iversen and Matej Zagar combined for their second 4-2 of the contest.
Pickering was passed smartly by fellow Aussie Kye Thomson in Heat Six, but with Jye Etheridge getting the better of Lidsey, another 3-3 was recorded.
That was quickly followed by another after some initial drama when movement by Troy Batchelor from the outside drew Leon Flint into touching the tapes; the re-run saw Chris Holder take the chequered flag.
The hosts doubled their lead with another 4-2 in Heat Eight; Thomson made it back-to-back wins whilst youngster Luke Harrison kept it wound on around the outside to pass fellow Rising Star Killeen on the line for third.
Pickering came out on top after a gripping early battle with the previously unbeaten Iversen in Heat Nine before
Holder made it consecutive race wins after riding an experienced opening lap.
Home captain Nicolai Klindt made the gate in Heat 11, but as he looked over his shoulder for his team-mate out of bend two, he was passed by both Sheffield representatives as Douglas and Rowe struck a 5-1 to level up the scores. Reserve switch Batchelor led a 4-2 for the Foxes in Heat 12 before the Tigers hit back instantly in Heat 13. Pickering produced a sublime last lap pass on Lidsey to win it whilst Douglas held a solid third place ahead of Klindt.
There was frustration for Killeen who came down in the initial staging of Heat 14 - and that extra man advantage further boosted the hosts’ hopes as their pairing of Iversen and Batchelor fancied their chances against a pointless Leon Flint.
But the Brit showed true grit and determination to work his way from third to first and claim a pivotal race win to set up yet another last heat decider at the Shaleway.
It looked like the Tigers were going to suffer a third straight defeat when the Foxes gated and sat on a 5-1 - but Pickering came up with yet another breathtaking ride to go from third to first to earn a share of the spoils on a thoroughly entertaining evening.
Tigers team boss Simon Stead said: “They gave me everything - we just came up a little bit short didn’t we?
“We probably did enough for the win but sometimes it’s just not your night.
“We were in points scoring positions on a couple of occasions where we slipped up - but those sorts of things, you just have to roll with the punches a little bit.
“It’s a step in the right direction though and I think anybody who was here, or watched on the stream, will see that we didn’t down tools, we got together and we gave it our best shot and we raced to the chequered flag in every single heat.”
The Tigers are back on home shale this Thursday (July 23, 7.30pm) when they host reigning league Champions Ipswich.
NORTHAMPTON 45: Troy Batchelor 11+1, Niels-Kristian Iversen 11+1, Kye Thomson 9+1, Matej Zagar 4+1, Jaimon Lidsey
4, Luke Harrison 3+2, Nicolai Klindt 3+1.
SHEFFIELD 45: Josh Pickering 14, Chris Holder 10, Anders Rowe 7+1, Ryan Douglas 7, Leon Flint 3, Luke Killeen 3, Jye Etheridge 1+1.
STEELS GET READY FOR NEW SEASON
Stocksbridge Park Steels host Chesterfield FC this week in their first home friendly of the season, as they prepare for a season in NPL Premier East that begins in early August.
The fixture follows the Steels 1-1 draw with Dronfield Town on Monday night. The Steels
were initally behind before Jack Dolman brought them level. Four trialists were in the Steels starting XI for the friendly.
Steels have retained most of the squad from last season, with striker Luke Rawson and defender Paul Iggulden being two of the first team players to move on. First Team Manager Jordan Lemon will continue at the helm after taking over mid-season in the NPL Premier League, and although Steels eventually got relegated from a very competitive league the team showed resolve and fight down to the final weeks of the season.
This coming season, Lemon has added a few new faces who will hopefully be on show against league 2 opposition at Bracken Moor on Friday 24 July. Kick-off is 7.30pm.
This season sees Steels celebrate their 40th Anniversary.
Steels competitive games begin on Saturday 8 August with an away fixture in the FA Cup extra preliminary round against Heaton Stannington. Their first league game is a few days later, again away against Consett, before their first home game of the season on Wednesday 19 August against Bradford PA.
Other notable dates include a Halloween trip to Guisborough Town, a Boxing Day trip to Sandygate to face Hallam FC, and a home tie to start 2027 against Silsden on 2 January.
The season ends with a trip to Ossett United on 17 April.
GORDON CROWNED SERIES WINNER
Murfin on form for Stocksbridge
Stocksbridge 1st XI 119 all out
(Jack Murfin 33, Steve Perry 16)
Caribbean 1st XI 121-8
(Jake Vickers 3-27, Joe Hibbert 2-25, Josh Stevens 2-27)
The 1st XI made the short trip to Ecclesfield to take on Caribbean looking to keep the good form going. Captain Andy Hirst won the toss and without any doubt was quick to bat first on what looked to be good batting conditions. Stocksbridge got off to a good start, but could only muster 119 with Jack Murfin top scoring with 33. The low target was never seemingly going to be enough but good bowling from Vickers 3-27 , Hibbert 2-25 and Josh Stevens 2-27 put the Green Army into contention with 8 wickets down. Unfortunately, the bowlers couldn’t pull off a brilliant win as Caribbean just snuck the victory with two wickets to spare.
Thursday saw the very first Cawthorne Canter, a race put on by the Barnsley Harriers.
On a very hot evening, David Tracey, John Weatherall, Jayne Grayson, Gordon and Jenni Fiander and David Steer tackled the beast.
It was the final run in the series, and it was certainly a very challenging one.
There was plenty of uphill and plenty of stiles to climb; luckily, there was some welcome downhill.
David was first home for HGH, followed by Jayne, John, Gordon, David, and then Jenni.
At the prize-giving, Gordon was crowned the vet 70 male winner for the whole series. He’s already looking forward to the start of the next challenges.
Next weeks league action sees the Green Army travel to Pledwick for the first time ever hoping to get back to winning ways in the league after slipping from 1st to 3rd
Stocksbridge 1st XI 202-7
(Jack Murfin 84*, Joe Goddard 37)
Ackworth 2nd XI 140 all out
(Joe Hibbert 4-19, Rob Taylor 3-33)
After slipping to defeat in the league, Stocksbridge had no time to lick their wounds as they were back on the road the following day. This time though was in cup action as they faced off against Ackworth in the quarter final knowing a spot in the semis was up for grabs. Again Captain Andy Hirst won the toss and again had no hesitation in deciding to bat first on another lovely day for cricket.
The Green Army got off to a quick start with a few early boundaries from opener Joe Goddard. Goddard looked in tremendous form as he was finding the boundary well and despite losing his opening partner ensured the run rate was looking strong early. Jack Murfin had now joined Goddard and just as the partnership was looking to be building nicely Goddard was bowled for a really well made 37. Murfin though was now into his work and was putting the home bowlers on the back foot as the boundaries will coming regularly. With a good total coming along nicely, Murfin raised his bat for a half century and had his side well set to try up the run rate in the last 10 overs. Hirst struck a beautiful straight 6 and
as he tried to accelerate unfortunately fell for 21. Murfin continued to go about his work but partners were coming and going at the other end as the Green Army looked to increase the scoring rate to post a 200 plus total. Steve Perry added a nice 17 in quick time but it was Murfin who was the star of the show who finished unbeaten on 84 and had played a really mature knock which held the innings together hitting boundaries when needed and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Stocksbridge finished their allotted over on 202-7. Ackworth still fancied this game despite 200 being posted as they had been strong batting second this season and knocked off similar scores numerous times so it was set up to be a good battle. Ackworth started strongest with openers Booth and Mitchell adding 50 for the first wicket before Jake Vickers sent Booth’s middle stump cartwheeling. Captain Hirst now turned to his spinners in the middle overs looking to build on the hard work by the seamers. The spinning duo of Rob Taylor and Joe Hibbert again had Ackworth in a spin and turned the game strongly in the favour of the Green Army. Taylor removed the dangerous looking Mitchell before Hibbert soon after claimed the wicket of inform Clemo and Stocksbridge spirits were lifted. Taylor and Hibbert know began to turn the screw and no batter managed to settle as the run rate slowly started to rise. Wickets continued to fall as Hibbert struck again as Buxton smashed one behind to Hirst. Taylor didn’t like to be outdone and claimed two more quick wickets to take his tally for the day to three and finished his 8 over spell with figures of 3-33. Joe Goddard was introduced and when he removed the dangerous looking Charles victory was now in sight for the Green Army with the hosts 131-7. Hibbert would grab two more wickets as he ended the pick of the bowlers with brilliant figures of 4-19 and had been a real threat all day as well as keeping it tight throughout. Goddard claimed his second of the day and Stocksbridge completed a fantastic 62-run victory as Ackworth were bowled out for 140. One final mention to Liam Grayson who took three excellent catches including a really good diving one on the boundary.
An excellent result for Stocksbridge sees them set up a semi-final fixture with Sheffield Centralians in a few weeks, as they will hope to take one step closer towards gaining some silverware as they still have aspirations of winning both league and cup.
Photo by Ian Revitt