MP Welcomes Energy Overhaul
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP
Marie Tidball has hailed new government reforms aimed at protecting households from rising costs and securing the nation's energy future, including a major overhaul of regulator Ofgem.
Dr Tidball welcomed the plans, which focus on driving down energy bills and boosting energy security. The core of the reforms involves giving energy regulator Ofgem new powers to ensure customers are treated fairly.
Key changes for Ofgem include:
• Banning bonuses for energy company bosses who break the rules.
• Stronger powers to directly enforce customer law, bypassing lengthy court processes.
• New measures to regulate sectors such as heating oil.
To shield household bills from future energy shocks, the government is also breaking the link between the high cost of gas and the cheaper price of renewables like solar, wind, and nuclear.
Dr Tidball also supported further government action, including an increase in tax on the excess profits of energy generators whose revenues have soared. This is intended to support businesses and households dealing with the impact of instability in the Middle East on the cost of living.
These updates follow other announcements, such as major planning reforms to speed up the deployment of clean power and an additional £100 million for the £1.2 billion Social Housing Fund, designed to reduce energy bills for social housing residents.
Speaking about the reforms, Marie Tidball MP said she understood the impact the current crisis is having on local residents.
“With the UK facing the second fossil fuel price spike in less than five years, I know the impact this is having on the cost of living for our communities,” Dr Tidball stated. “At the same time, I listen to residents tell me too often about how they have been let down by their energy supplier and a broken system.”
She added that the new powers for Ofgem would “finally clamp down on bad practice, put customers first and tackle the cost of living”.
“Working towards a long-term solution through our homegrown clean energy is also crucial for our economic security, energy security and national security,” she concluded, noting that bills have already come down by 7% this month.
New World Championship rebirth
Photo: Marie Tidball MP and Ed Miliband MP, Energy Secretary
New World Championships
The Snooker World Championship in Sheffield has just finished so now it’s time for the Knurr and Spell World Championship.
‘What is Knurr and Spell?’ you may ask. It is a game that has been played for centuries, mainly in Yorkshire and Lancashire, and became popular from the 1800s to the 1970s. Sometimes known as ‘poor man’s golf’ the main aim of the game is to hit a projectile (knurr / potty) with a stick, as far as possible. The knurr / potty is flicked into the by hitting a spring (spell).
Over 100 years ago games would attract crowds of over 4000, and some of the biggest games were played at Queen’s Ground, Barnsley (now the Metrodome). Spectators paid to watch the game, bookmakers took thousands of pounds in bets, and the top players could win anything from £30 to £300 per game. Joe Machin, one of the top players from Grenoside, won over £4000 in total over his career from the 1880s to the 1920s. At a game played at High Green in 1940, Henry Mollart from Grenoside set a new distance record of 353 yards.
The game has recently been restarted by Wortley Men’s Club, with support from Wortley Rugby Club and Dodworth Miner’s Welfare. The 5th game (the 2nd in Wortley) will take place on Saturday, 9th May, starting at 2pm. Last year’s distance champion was Jordan Lee with a hit of 79 yards which was beaten in December by Dean Warden with a hit of 100 yards. The sticks used in this new version of the game are much shorter than the originals so it would be almost
impossible to get a distance anywhere near Mollart’s 353 yards record.
This year’s Wortley Knurr and Spell Championship will take place at Wortley Rugby Club (S35 7DH). The competition will start at 2pm but there will be opportunity to have a practice from 1pm. People will be competing for six trophies: Longest Knock (hit), Men’s, Women’s, Over 65s, Under 12s and Under 16s. It’s free to play and all equipment is provided. Come and have a go or just come and watch.
More details at: www.facebook.com/knurr.and. spell.2025
DEEPCAR
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Windows Doors
Aluminium
• uPVC
• Bi-folds • High Security Locks • Any Size • Any Colour
Patios • Ballastrades • Garage/Loft Conversions • Composite
Sheffield’s Quirky and Strange History
Local historian Robert Nicholls is offering a fresh look at the Steel City with his new book, Quirky Sheffield. Nicholls draws on his extensive local knowledge and archive material to delve into lesser-known but fascinating tales, celebrating the unusual and often strange history of Sheffield and its characters over the years. The book champions an exceptional array of unique episodes and figures from the city’s storied past. While Sheffield is renowned for its rapid growth during the Industrial Revolution, its cutlery industry, and its vital role in the Second World War (including producing stainless steel locally), the city also holds surprising distinctions. Despite its industrial roots, Sheffield boasts more green spaces than most cities in Britain, and more trees per head of population than any other city in Europe. Its unique position on the edge of the Peak District also means many of its streets climb into the hills, providing views beyond the city boundaries.
Quirky Sheffield provides a fascinating insight for all those keen to know more about the city’s eccentric history. It is part of an exciting new local history series from Amberley.
Swifts Are Back! Earliest Sightings Confirmed as ‘Sheffield Swift Watch’ Begins
The arrival of the beloved common swift has been officially confirmed in Sheffield, marking the start of the annual "Sheffield Swift Watch".
The Sheffield Swift Network announced the first confirmed sightings on 25th April 2026. The network received two separate reports, with arrivals noted in both Totley and Heeley. Crucially, the Totley sighting has been recorded as the earliest ever for that area.
Residents across the city are now being urged to report their own observations to assist with conservation efforts.
Adding sightings to the Swift Mapper tool is vital, as these records help to protect swifts and their essential nesting places across Sheffield.
The public can log their records and find more information on the RSPB's Swift Conservation page: www.rspb. org.uk
ARTIST’S NEW EXHIBITION FOLLOWS THE RIVER DON FROM DEEPCAR TO THE HUMBER
A new exhibition tracing the route and history of the River Don is set to open in North Sheffield this month, with part of the proceeds supporting a local charity.
Cupola Gallery will welcome back Sheffieldbased artist Stephen Todd for his latest solo show, And Quiet Flows the Don, running from 2 May until 30 May.
The exhibition features around 35 to 40 framed paintings inspired by the River Don as it travels from the Southern Pennines through Sheffield and South Yorkshire before reaching the Humber Estuary and the North Sea.
Locations featured in the collection include Deepcar, Beeley Wood, Neepsend, Lady’s Bridge, Burton Weir and Humber Bridge.
Stephen said the show had given him the chance to connect his home city with the estuary landscapes that have inspired much of his work over the years.
He added that he had spent many hours walking, sketching and recording scenes along the river before developing the final paintings.
The exhibition title also nods to the famous novel And Quiet Flows the Don by Mikhail Sholokhov, drawing attention to the different rivers that share the Don name and the wider histories linked to them.
Cupola
field’s industrial development, providing power, transport and resources that helped shape the city.
She said the paintings capture both the strength and movement of the river as it winds through urban and rural landscapes.
A percentage of sales from the exhibition will be donated to Samaritans, including support for Sheffield Samaritans.
Works will be available to buy, priced from £200 to £900.
Gallery Director Karen Sherwood said the River Don had been central to Shef-
FLY TIPPING NUISANCE
A Deepcar resident has raised concerns over persistent fly-tipping at the entrance to flats on The Greenway, saying those living there are being unfairly left to deal with rubbish dumped by outsiders.
The reader contacted Look Local to highlight what they described as an ongoing problem, with waste regularly being left on communal land near the flats. They stressed the rubbish does not belong to residents, but is allegedly being brought in and dumped by people from elsewhere.
According to the resident, those living at the flats then have to contact leaseholders to arrange for the waste to be removed, with costs ultimately falling on flat owners despite them having no connection to the dumped rubbish. They also warned the situation could pose a health risk, claiming piles of waste may attract rats and other vermin. Concerns were also raised over the potential fire risk, with the resident saying an open storage area nearby had previously been targeted in a separate incident and later had to be boarded up.
As well as safety concerns, the reader said the build-up of rubbish was an eyesore and an embarrassment for people living in the area.
They hope publicity around the issue may discourage those responsible from continuing to dump waste there.
Fly-tipping remains a problem in many areas, with councils and private landowners often facing difficulties over responsibility when rubbish is left on land not maintained by the local authority.
Have you experienced similar issues in your neighbourhood? Let us know your thoughts.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROUNDABOUT QUIZMAY
Test the brain cells and support a great cause as youth homelessness charity Roundabout’s Quizmay returns for spring 2026.
Inspired by the charity’s much-loved Quizmas, the evening - open for teams of up to eight people - will start promptly at 6.30pm at Crookes Social Club in Mulehouse Rd on May 28, following on from the success of a similar event last May.
“Your team can include your friends, family or colleagues - anybody who wants to put their knowledge to the test across a range of
trivia rounds,” said Roundabout Events Fundraising Manager Mhairi Jamieson.
“Alongside the quiz, guests will also be able to enjoy a pie and pea supper and there will be an exciting ra e with fantastic prizes to be won.”
Tickets cost £15 each, including pie and peas - with vegetarian and vegan options available - or £10 for the quiz alone.
To book or for further information visit www. roundabouthomeless.org/event/quizmay/
What we do di erently?
• Complimentary Chapel visits Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
• Loved one dressed in their own clothes at no extra cost.
• Private Dignified Transport to the Crematorium, which is local
• Families can book visits to our Chapel of Rest for a Personal and Peaceful Farewell.
• N.A.F.D. Members, Professional, Qualified Funeral Directors providing Peace of Mind.
She eld Direct Cremations 99 Cross Hill, Ecclesfield, She eld, S35 9WR Tel: 0114 245 7913
A BLACKPOOL BONANZA
Blackpool Tower’s star organist - Phil Kelsall makes a welcome return to the Compton Organ at the Penistone Paramount. Having performed at the iconic Blackpool Tower (as seen on BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’) for 50 years, Phil knows how to wow an audience with great music and superb showmanship, which clearly shows why he’s such a major part of the entertainment scene in Blackpool. For over 40 years, Phil has starred in the magni cent ursford Christmas Spectacular, entertaining audiences with his musical dexterity.
Joining Phil is musical comedy instrumentalist - Pete Lindup. Pete has entertained mil-
lions of Blackpool holiday makers over the past 50 years or so, with his highly-acclaimed performances at Blackpool’s leading theatres and entertainment venues.
So get your bucket & space ready, for an a ernoon of music from ‘beside the seaside’ at the Penistone Paramount.
A Blackpool Bonanza, featuring Phil Kelsall MBE & Pete Lindup.
Saturday 9th May at 2.30pm. Penistone Paramount Tickets available via the Penistone Paramount website or Telephone the Box Ofce on 01226 767532.
CHURCH GRANTED £20K
St Aidans Church and Community Hall serves the village of Oxspring, as well as the wider area of Penistone and surrounding villages. It has been granted £20,000 to go towards brand-new toilet facilities and an improved entrance to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to access the hall.
Opened in the early 1960’s, St Aidans Church and Community Hall is currently the only community facility in the Parish of Oxspring and is used by around twelve community groups each week, with church services being held once a month and many individuals using the hall for parties, fund raising events and other community projects.
e current toilets require upgrading to meet the needs of 21st century life, and this funding will achieve this aim. In order to welcome more families with young children, the new facility will include baby changing facilities. e current facilities, because of their age, are very di cult to keep clean and newer facilities will be easier to clean, providing a health-
MAY
WEDNESDAY
6 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We will be enjoying a talk from one of our members who has been on a trip to Uganda to see the work carried out by the Mityana charity to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable development. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
THURSDAY
7 Stocksbridge & District History Society meeting - Christ Church Hall 7PM. Speaker John Austin - ‘Stocksbridge & She eld’s Heavy Spring production, All are welcome and please note the change of normal date..
FRIDAY
8 2.15 to 3.15pm Relax with a poem – poetry for pleasure. Stocksbridge Library, Manchester Road. Bring a favourite poem to read or just sit and listen to a really varied selection of poetry.
SATURDAY
9 Bullhouse Chapel is open every Saturday from Easter until the end of September for quiet re ection or to learn about the history of this 334 year old Independent Chapel from 1pm until 4pm. Our usual Christian worship on Sunday 10th will be at 2.30pm
MONDAY
11 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – ‘Arabella Stuart’ a talk.
Chris Gri ths will tell us the tragic story of Bess of Hardwick’s granddaughter. Air-brushed from history, could she have succeeded Elizabeth I? Wadsley Church, Worrall Road, 7.30pm. members - £3.50, non members - £4. Free homemade refreshments. www.walc.epizy.com
WEDNESDAY
13 District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Hall. The next meeting is on the 13th of May, and we will be entertained by Mike Ogden enthralling us about Skyscrapers. Afterwards, some members attend Wortley Hall for lunch and drinks. For more information, please contact our secretary, Trevor Winslow 07966317258 or visit our website to look at our social calendar and visits.
THURSDAY
14 Chapeltown WI will meet at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church when Catherine Taggart will speak about Yorkshires unsung Heroes and Heroines. The competition is for memorabilia from a Yorkshire town. New members and visitors will be made welcome.
SATURDAY
16 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Dawn Chorus Walk with John and Anne Robinson. It’s John Robinson’s legendary early morning bird walk. Their singing will greet a brand new day and we will welcome numerous migrant species to our neighbourhood. No dogs
please, meet at 5am (a very early start) at Rural Lane Car Park, o Worrall Road. FREE. www. walc.epizy.com
16 She eld Model Railex by Neepsend Model Railway Society.Grenoside Community Centre, S35 8PR Entry Fees: Adults £8, Children £2 14 layouts plus trade and demos and on-site ‘Messroom cafe’
16 Crane Moor Methodist Church, together with Crane Moor Community Group, would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, 16th May, from 10.00 am until 12 Noon at our Spring Fayre. Come and mingle with friends old and new and enjoy the usual bacon sandwich and maybe a cake or two. There will be the ever-popular plant stall, tombola, ra e, cakes and mystery gift stall and others.
SUNDAY
17 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - This is our regular 4-weekly day of active conservation work. During the summer it is mostly bracken that keeps us occupied because it threatens to shade out the young shoots of heather and bilberry. We also have an area newly-cleared of brambles last winter which will continue to need attention, so it stays away. Check www.walc.epizy. com
17 Table Top Sale - Stocksbridge Community Leisure CentreSunday 17th May, Open To Buyers 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. 17 She eld Model Railex by
ier environment for all who use them. Access to the building is currently via a double door to the rear of the building, adjacent to the car park, which is adequate, but has been identi ed as being potentially too small, given that many people use wheelchairs and other motorised equipment that is becoming larger. e access requires the user to do quite a sharp turn upon entering the building and a larger, more accessible entrance will ensure that all users of the building can do so safely.
Revd David Hopkin, Rector of St Johns said:
I am very pleased, on behalf of the church, to have received £20,000 towards the work required to upgrade the current toilets and entrance at St Aidan’s, Penistone. is certainly helps us make these improvements and to welcome more people to this valuable community asset.
If you wish to enquire about hiring St Aidans, please contact Ruth Pearson on 07709 068884 or atkinsonruth@hotmail.co.uk
On LISTINGS
Neepsend Model Railway Society.Grenoside Community Centre, S35 8PR Entry Fees: Adults £8, Children £2 14 layouts plus trade and demos and on-site ‘Messroom cafe’
SATURDAY
23 Follow the trail round Oughtibridge to visit artists and makers in 7 locations. From 10 until 4 with the plant sale on the Millennium Green at 11. Maps and quiz sheets available online or from venues. Free to take part and prizes to be won.
JUNE
SUNDAY
14 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - This is our regular 4-weekly day of active conservation work. During the summer it is mostly bracken that keeps us occupied because it threatens to shade out the young shoots of heather and bilberry. We also have an area newly-cleared of brambles last winter which will continue to need attention, so it stays away. Check on www. walc.epizy.com
SATURDAY
23 Follow the trail round Oughtibridge to visit artists and makers in 7 locations. From 10 until 4 with the plant sale on the Millennium Green at 11. Maps and quiz sheets available online or from venues. Free to take part and prizes to be won.
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 termtime 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.
Every Monday Indoor Bowling 1.30 to 3.30 at At Aidans Church Hall Sheffield Road Oxspring No experience needed, equipment supplied. Everyone welcome. Gentle fun exercise.
MONDAY ART GROUP at STEPS, The VENUE, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge.
Every Mon 10.00 - 12 noon. £8 per session. Excellent tutor - watercolour, acrylics, pastels etc. Beginners upwards. Just come along and try a free taster session!
TUESDAYS
CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) Tea, coffee, cakes, dominoes and other games, and
friendship. Every Tuesday 2-4 pm at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone. (Next to the library).For more details: 07903 628820
Deepcar Drop-In every Tuesday from 10am - midday at St John’s Church, Deepcar. All are welcome for drinks, cake and company.
From 14 April - Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to their Over 50s afternoons on their greens at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ at 1:45 pm. Coaching can be given if you have never played before. The cost is £3 with a cup of tea or coffee
Stocksbridge Bowling Club, on Linden Crescent, will be holding crown green bowling sessions for non members (followed by refreshments) twice weekly. Tuesdays starting at 1.30 pm and Thursdays starting at 5.30pm. Your first session will be free. All equipment and training will be provided. Please come along and enjoy.” This starts on 14th April.
WEDNESDAYS
Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435
Thurgoland Community Choir, every Wednesday 7pm - 9:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Thurgoland.
CHURCHES THROW OPEN DOORS FOR EXPLORER WEEK
Churches across South Yorkshire and the East Riding are preparing to welcome visitors once again as Church Explorers Week returns for its third consecutive year.
Running from 23 to 31 May, the initiative invites people to step inside and discover the rich history, architecture and community life of local places of worship. A wide range of churches, representing different traditions, will be taking part by hosting open days, guided tours, heritage displays and family-friendly activities.
Visitors can also expect outdoor events, nature trails and simple drop-in opportunities, with many venues offering refreshments alongside a warm welcome.
Last year’s event saw 24 churches and a museum take part, with activities organised into five key themes: Open Days, History and Heritage, Family Fun, Outdoors and Nature, and Music. Organisers say the week helped place local parish churches firmly on the visitor map.
This year’s programme once again aims to encourage people to explore these often-over-
looked buildings during the half-term break, offering a chance to enjoy both cultural heritage and a day out with family.
Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, said churches across the diocese each have their own story to tell.
“Our churches and their churchyards have lots to offer. Each one is unique and invariably has a story to tell,” he said.
“Whether it be ancient architecture, stunning stained glass, works of art, historic monuments, or nature-filled outdoor spaces, we believe our cherished places of worship have something for everyone to enjoy.
“We have so much to appreciate within our diocese, including rich history and heritage, stunning architecture and diverse and beautiful churchyards. Church Explorers Week is the perfect time to visit and uncover all this and more. I’m sure you will find the warmest of welcomes, too.”
A full list of participating churches and events is available via the official Church Explorers Week website.
AIM FOR THE TOP WITH ROUNDABOUT’S SUNRISE ON SNOWDON CHALLENGE
It’s one of the UK’s most spectacular views… and it looks its best as the sun rises!
Sunrise on Snowdon is the latest challenge event from South Yorkshire youth homelessness charity Roundabout.
The September 12 event will offer participants the chance to take part in an overnight trek to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales.
It’s a nine-mile hike beneath the stars, led by experienced mountain guides, that reaches the summit in time to witness an unforgettable sunrise.
Snowdon - or Yr Wyddfa as it is known in Welsh - is the highest mountain in Wales and the British Isles outside Scotland, standing at 3,560 feet in the Snowdonia National Park.
“You’ll be fully supported throughout this inspiring journey, making it both safe and memorable,” said Roundabout Events Fundraising Manager Mhairi Jamieson.
“By signing up, you’re not only ticking off a popular bucket-list challenge but you’ll also be helping provide life-changing support to young people facing homelessness across South Yorkshire.”
Registration for the challenge costs just £15, with participants then asked to raise a minimum of £200 each through sponsorship.
To register or for further information visit www.roundabouthomeless.org/event/sunrise-on-snowdon/
Deaths In Memory
Tricia HANSELL
Aged 68
Passed away peacefully on 29th April 2026
Loving Wife to David, Mother to Stephen and Christopher, Sister to Megan. Much loved by family and friends
Methodist Service to be held on Thursday 14th May at Stocksbridge Christian Centre, Cedar Road at 1:15pm, followed by Committal at Grenoside Crematorium at 2:30pm. Refreshments afterwards at The Christian Centre.
Donations can be made in memory of Tricia to St Lukes Hospice, Stocksbridge Christian Centre and Target Ovarian Cancer Charity’s.
All enquires to Coop Funeral Care, Herries Road, Sheffield.
Judith May CROOKES
(LILES) née BISATT
10.9.1937 - 22.4.2026
Passed away peacefully in her sleep after a short illness.
JAGLA
John of Thurgoland
A beloved Twin Brother of Joe, Dad to Sarah, Jason and Daniel, Grandad to Justin and Ellie, Great Grandad and a friend to many, who will be missed by all who knew him.
Passed away on 9th April 2026, aged 74 years.
Funeral service to take place on Thursday 14th May, 11am at Grenoside Crematorium in the North Chapel.
Donations in lieu of flowers to St Luke’s Hospice and The Barnsley Hospital Trust.
All funeral enquiries to John Fairest Funeralcare, Wadsley Bridge 0114 234 3129.
In Memoriam Suzanne WHITHAM
Passed away on 4th May 2024. A beautiful person in every way. Sadly missed by many.
Heartfelt thanks to all the angels for their help and sympathy including Macmillan Nurses.
Love Edley, friends and family.
£32.50
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
Local Opinion
Starmer Drama
Another insult from our local MP.
What a surprise that our local MP Marie Tidball voted AGAINST having an inquiry into the Prime Minister misleading the commons. Yet again Ms Tidball saving her own skin instead of doing what the majority of her constituents would want.
Continuing her quite frankly disgusting voting record since becoming our MP - Check for yourselves people.
Vote wisely on 7th May.
POSITIVE CHANGE
S35 Resident.
It is important that citizens recognise that Sheffield’s tree campaign was a campaign for positive change in policy and practice, to secure sustainable stewardship of Sheffield’s tree populations – Sheffield’s ‘urban forest’ (see Look Local issues 1397 & 1398, online). The campaign was not just a ‘street tree’ campaign. It was a campaign for Sheffield City Council (SCC) to honour its five-year-old policy commitment to have a city-wide tree strategy that recognises street trees as part of Sheffield’s urban forest and commits to manage all Sheffield’s tree populations sustainably, including its street tree population. At the time, the SCC ‘Sheffield City Strategy 2010-2020’ listed sustainability as one of its ‘Five Key Ambitions’ and SCC had, in their ‘Green and Open Space Strategy 2010-2030’, committed to have a ‘Trees & Woodlands Strategy’.
National Tree Safety Group guidance, produced by the Forestry Commission (published in 2011), stated “The NTSG position statement argues that it is reasonable to include societal value and benefit in the calculation of what is reasonable where a landowner or manager is acting in the public interest.
…A reasonable strategy, articulating the benefits of trees, should, in the view of the NTSG, carry as much weight in protecting the tree owner against litigation following an incident as any factory’s reasonable risk management policy.”
The SCC minutes of a meeting of the SCC Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee, held on 15/11/2012 state “Councillor Jack Scott, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Streetscene, gave a presentation which provided an overview of the key issues and priorities within his portfolio. He made particular reference to climate change and SUSTAINABILITY, the Streets Ahead contract…
It was anticipated that approximately half of the city’s 35,000 trees would be replaced over the life of the Streets Ahead contract…”
On 5/4/2014 (the sixth day after felling of the Melbourne Rd veteran oak – believed, by Professor Ian Rotherham, to have been 450 years old), I asked Cllr Jack Scott (Labour. SCC Cabinet member for Environment, Waste/Recycling and Streetscene: May 2012 to November 2014) “Will you be urging the Council to formally adopt a city-wide Tree Strategy, as defined and recommended by the Trees in Towns 2 report, commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government, published in 2008?”
Cllr Scott responded “We do not presently have a strategy solely for trees. my view is that this wouldn’t be very helpful given they are an intrinsic part of the broader environment and ecology. However, I am confident that we have adopted very good practice in this area. …In my view, current documents are sufficient.”
At the SCC meeting at which the Save Our Rustlings Trees (SORT) petition was considered, on 1/7/2015, SORT reminded SCC that it already had a draft tree strategy that could be adopted immediately and amended at later dates to accommodate change in legislation, policies and good/best practice. On 4/7/2015, The Star reported: “Campaigners fighting tree felling in Sheffield have been calling for a city-wide tree strategy - but documents reveal one was drafted 14 years ago.
A consultation document for Sheffield’s Tree and Woodland Strategy seen by The Star, which was printed in 2001, said ‘Sheffield is blessed with one of the finest urban forests in the country’ and ‘trees affect everyone’s lives.’”
The consultation document also states:
“Urban forestry, with its various elements, is considered to the most appropriate way to deliver SUSTAINABILITY.
…This treats all the trees and woodlands in and around an urban area (both public and private) as one overall, unified, multi-purpose resource (as opposed to a collection of small groups and individuals) which has an impact across the entire city. The objective then becomes to manage this resource sustainably…
…Generally speaking, the Council should encourage, demonstrate good management practice and promote greater awareness of the
value of trees.”
SCC’s neglect to act on the advice of its tree specialists, honour existing policy commitments, stated contractual commitments, and accord with current best practice guidance, as well as STAG’s perceived ‘failure’ of Mr Dillner’s legal case, led STAG to focus their efforts almost entirely on non-violent direct action (NVDA) to prevent felling (see Look Local issues 1298; 1299 & 1295, online).
On 3/9/2018, The Star reported that SCC had spent £413,000 on legal action against NVDA tree activists, according to an SCC response to an enquiry submitted under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by Radio Sheffield. The piece informed “The BBC reported that the council says it is due to get about £70,000 of the money back through reclaiming court costs from campaigners.”
On 25/4/2023, The Yorkshire Post reported that SCC had paid out a total of £31,918.16 to reimburse four NVDA tree activists that it had taken legal action against. The Town Hall trees plaque serves as a reminder that such wrongs “must never happen again” (Look Local issues 1405 & 1418).
Tree campaigners secured a range of positive outcomes, for Sheffield and for England. See Look Local issues 1234, 1273, 1323 & 1415, online. Tree campaigners also secured government appointment of the nation’s first ‘Tree Champion’, change to the Highways Act (insertion of 96A), the Forestry Commission’s first publication of guidance on highway tree management (Operations Note 51), and Sheffield Street Tree Inquiry. Tree campaigners inspired a successful campaign to change the model of government used in Sheffield (see Look Local issue 1381), and changes to the national Planning Policy Framework - including first mention of “tree officers” in a national policy document and a requirement that all new streets be tree-lined. In addition, ‘Supplementary Technical Guidance for Highway Tree Management’ is to be included in a revised edition of the Department for Transport’s Manual for Streets.
On 9/5/2023, during a Trees & Design Action Group (TDAG) webinar, discussing how to secure better outcomes for trees on development sites, Sue James (Chartered Architect & TDAG Convenor) said “I think that if all local authorities had adopted tree strategies that would provide that level playing field that would tell developers exactly what you expected of them, and so a lot of the arguments about viability, and so on, would go. They would know what to do before they did any of their costing, any of their land purchasing, and all those things, so that a lot of that discussion would go. But… planning is the key, then we actually have to invest in planning, so how do we actually make that change so that there’s a proper investment in local authority planning, so that it can actually deliver what planning should deliver, and then a lot of our problems would actually go.”
Jim Smith (Forestry Commission National Urban Forestry Adviser) responded “…the tools are there for local authorities to do that, through the Local Plans, currently through Supplementary Planning Documents; but when the Planning Policy Framework (PPF) is revised they will be called Supplementary Plans and they will have equal status with the Local Plan. They will be a ‘material consideration’. So, WHAT LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEED TO DO IS HAVE THEIR TREE STRATEGY, as Sue just mentioned, AND ADOPT IT AS A SUPPLEMENTARY PLAN. Then, all developers that develop within their geographical boundaries will have to follow that as a material consideration. It doesn’t mean that they must do it but they will have to have a material consideration of those plans in terms of foundation depths and things like that.
I was at a Design Conference; one of the Developers, head of their design team, came up to me and he quite openly said: ‘We don’t look at any policies that the Council have; we only look at what they’ve adopted as part of their Local Plan or the Supplementary Planning Documents, because those are the things that we can get challenged on and appeal, and the appeal inspector has to consider them as considerations.’”
Note: references to accompany this letter, as well as my previous ones, can be found on Professor Ian Rotherham’s online blog (25/3/2026 section): www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com
* Cllr Scott was also Cabinet Member for Transport & Sustainability (May 2017 to May 2018) & Cabinet Member for Transport & Development (May 2018 to May 2019).
David Long (Arboriculturist & Urban Forester) S35
LOVE RESOUNDING FOR ALL
God
Allah
Yahweh
Passed on the yard arm
Stretched out to the muggles This May Day, to hear what they have to say.
A hearing less than old
A lesson more than gold
All stood in the dock
Awaiting the ship foretold
To a achieve a promised land
Where no distinction highlighted
Anyone to be blighted
As rowers to the oars delighted
Merrily, merrily down the stream
Reflecting a someone’s dream!
Andrew Dancer
Eclipse
When the void in my chest first felt a rhythmic strike, What was this rising? This predatory silhouette
Circling the throat of the sky,
Suffocating the moon’s silver elegance within its own ink. Does the shadow truly believe
That by drowning this face in its lightless depths, It can hoard the beloved’s beauty from the world?
The moon was only ever meant to fade against the sun—
So tell me, what is this lethal ghost that swallows the stars?
From what hidden pyre does this smoke ascend?
A frost-bitten fire is devouring the bone, As if a corpse of night has been dragged into the center of noon. This light is a carcass—grey, bloodless, and cold. Is this a crowning agony?
Or a remedy that exists only on the other side of death?
Now, the eclipse crawls toward its own fleeting execution. Like a frantic lover crushing his beloved against his chest, A jealous shroud, shielding her from the universe’s gaze. What a blasphemous union—a darkness that still manages to sear the eyes.
I have rotted through centuries waiting for this collision, And today, the sheer fever of it has turned my wings to ash. Is this a ghost among ghosts?
Or an hallucination of the soul?
No matter. It is exquisite.
Come, let me entomb you within the chambers of my heart, Exactly as the shadow has cannibalised the moon today.
Hina Gondal
STEELWORK ASSEMBLY STARTS ON UK’S LARGEST OPEN DIE FORGE
Historic steel giant, Sheffield Forgemasters, has begun steelwork assembly on the UK’s largest open die forging line.
The Ministry of Defence-owned business which is celebrating its 250-year anniversary, is building a new 13,000-tonne forging line at its Brightside site, with steelwork for the building projecting to 45 metres high, more than ten metres taller than surrounding structures.
With steelwork for the company’s 30,000 m2 New Machine Shop on nearby Weedon Street at an advanced stage, the construction works are transforming the traditional manufacturing heartland of the city, dwarfing the adjacent Meadowhall shopping centre and Ikea superstore.
Gareth Barker, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are now at an exciting phase of our £1.3 billion recapitalisation programme, where the physical reality of what we are delivering for the city starts to manifest.
“With the New Machine Shop and Forge programmes on schedule, we can expect to see framework for both buildings completed by the end of the year, with external cladding underway ahead of the Winter.
“The new Forge will bring a dramatic increase in capacity and capability for the manufacture of highly complex, large-scale forged components required for UK defence programmes and for civil nuclear developments.
“With a secure future, we are in a position to deliver new levels of nuclear-grade manufacturing
as we train our employees and apprentices to adopt the latest technologies and expand the parameters of what can be achieved with state-of-the-art equipment.”
Sheffield Forgemasters was formed in 1983 with the merger of Johnson, Firth Brown Ltd and British Steel’s River Don Works on Brightside Lane in Sheffield, where the Naylor, Hutchinson Vickers & Co enterprise located in 1863, having previously operated at Millsands in the city centre.
The company has traced its heritage back to 1776, the year of American independence, when George Naylor helped his cutlery manufacturing partnership to move into steelmaking through the construction of a crucible steel furnace in the city.
Sheffield Forgemasters still operates from the River Don Works site and is expanding onto the former William Jessop & Sons’ Brightside Steel Works at Weedon Street, where the new Machine Shop will be located, housing 24 new machines including some of the world’s largest vertical turning lathes.
The 13,000-tonne press building is under construction on the North side of Brightside Lane, adjacent to the Midland Mainline railway, with both projects forming the backbone of a £1.3 billion recapitalisation programme to underpin UK defence programmes.
Key partners on Sheffield Forgemasters’ recapitalisation programme include McLaughlin & Harvey, Arup, Bond Bryan, Turner and Townsend, JLL, Ipsum and JBA Bentley.
LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED
OUR LOCAL CIVIL WAR BATTLE
by Steve Moxon
Tankersley Moor in 1643 may be the least known and least understood battle of the English Civil War. Yet it was significant enough for King Charles I to give as a reason to raise the Earl of Newcastle to Marquis.
The Earl was William Cavendish of Bolsover Castle, grandson of Bess of Hardwick, and the King’s commander in the North. A sizeable contingent of his infantry regiment (distinctive in their white coats and blue bonnets) arrived at Tankersley. Joining hundreds of Wortley-garrisoned dragoons under Sir Francis Wortley, they defeated a force of local Parliamentarians.
The clash remains historically murky in that Parliamentarian accounts of the war make no mention of it, presumably because it was an embarrassing setback. It led directly to the falls of Rotherham on May 4, and, on May 9, Sheffield, when the town’s defenders abandoned the castle without a shot fired. Still, as but a temporary reverse on the way to winning the war, it was all something to forget.
The background was the decisive Royalist trouncing of Parliamentarians on March 30 at Seacroft, north-east of Leeds. Newcastle’s wife wrote:
“Immediately after, in pursuit of that victory, my Lord sent a considerable party into the west [meaning the West Riding] of Yorkshire, where they met with about 2,000 of the enemy’s forces, taken out of their several garrisons in those parts, to execute some design upon a moor called Tankersley Moor, and there fought them, and routed them; many were slain, and some taken prisoners.”
Though showing a little discrepancy as to just when in April, the Royalists’ newspaper Mercurius Aulicus reported:
“The Earle of Newcastle’s forces in the North encountered with a body of the Rebels, consisting of 3,000 men (which were going, as it is conceived, to the relief of Leeds) & had so fortunate successe therein, that they totally routed the whole body of them, 150 of them being killed in the place, 240 prisoners taken.”
The close similarities and only slight difference in the date indicate the reports are of the same event. Together with its citing by the King, questions of whether the battle even happened are seen off.
By a rout is meant turning and running, every
man for himself, in the face of a high percentage of casualties. Note those dead “in the place” may exclude those despatched a bit further afield trying to escape, and many died (given ill-controlled infection) of their wounds days or weeks later. Large numbers of surviving wounded would be out of action, a good proportion indefinitely.
It appears that Royalists, based at Wakefield with an advanced guard at Barnsley, had got wind of a rendezvous of Parliamentarians from across South Yorkshire, at what had long been a muster ground (an assembly point for troops). Simon Wright, local civil war historian, discovered listed in Ecclesfield Constables’ Accounts musters of “trayned bands” of the county militia. Other records show its repeated use by them for training. Through or alongside was the Sheffield to Wakefield road they could take to move north – to relieve Leeds, where Sir Thomas Fairfax (Newcastle’s opposite number), post-Seacroft, was stuck struggling to hold.
Local Parliamentarians possibly had provoked the encounter, by 500 or 1,000 of them from Bradfield, Penistone and Kirkburton parishes pillaging Emley and imprisoning the constable.
The battlefield would be a considerably wider area than Tankersley Common, as moor described any uncultivated land, that here would encompass Tankersley Park. Much became road/roadside (the M1, etc), plantation, or bell-pits (ironworking); but finds confirm a battle occurred.
Iron cannon-balls would have been retrieved for re-use; any missed picked up afterwards as valuable scrap. Actually, rather than cannon proper they mostly used small cannon akin to scaled-up shotguns in firing big cartridges of musket balls. Nevertheless, cannon balls have been found: a few in a field by Tankersley Lane (in 1917); another embedded in a house (Woodman’s Cottage) in the village. A musket ball turned up in 1876 when a tree was cut down.
Also testament are recorded or inferred associated soldier burials, again unearthed by Simon Wright, whose research (see the Newcastlesfoote website), insights and informed interpretation is this article’s basis (along with a shared main source, Richard Newman’s thesis, The Royalist Army of Northern England)
* Newcastle’s Foote, a regimental section of the Sealed Knot Society, in July 2013, at nearby Wentworth Castle, re-enacted the battle.
Musketeer, Newcastle’s Foote re-enactor
Newcastle’s Foote re-enactors, with pikes and muskets
PRIVATE - FOR SALE
• Grey electric recliner, lifts off floor, ideal for a disabled person. Very good condition. Was £850 new, now £150 07898 815674
• Claud Butler bicycle, unisex, air pump, saddle, mud guard, new tyres 26”, lightweight aluminium, very good condition £150 07898 815674
• Fold up treadmill with handles and safety pull string, very good condition £80 07898 815674
• Reebok professional xtrainer, like new, multiple settings, instruction booklet, was £460, will take £180 - no time wasters 07898 815674
• Blue/grey Rise & Recliner Chair, bought from Atkinsons 5 years ago. no marks, excellent condition £200 ono, collect from Chapeltown area 07962 041775
• 3 door Oak Wardrobe Still boxed Cost £280 Accept: £70 Call: 07359786494
• Original Bowie albums ‘Aladdin Sane’, ‘Stage’ - Offers - 0114 2578754
• Original vintage Rolls Razor in metal case £20 - 0114 2578754
• 4 hardback Harry Potter books, mint condition, first editions. -Offers- 0114 2578754
Retro style music box with turnable, cd, tape & radio, good working order, mint condition £20 0114 2578754
• Air Guns and Pistols wanted, Good prices paid, Please phone 07518938321
• Gold Pocket & Wrist watches for personal use - cash paid 07518 938321 House Clearances Wanted. Single Items also Wanted. Call: 07518938321
LOST AND FOUND
• Key found at High Bradfield near Edgemount. Heart shaped fob. Tel. 07748 187027
SHEFFIELD TO HOST INSPIRING TRANSPLANT GAMES
Sheffield is set to host this year’s Westfield Health British Transplant Games, with two leading charities throwing their support behind the event.
The British Liver Trust and Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have confirmed their backing for the 2026 Games, which will take place across the city from August 6 to 9.
Organised by Transplant Active, the British Transplant Games is the country’s largest multi-sport event for transplant recipients, living donors and donor families. Now in its 48th year, it brings together thousands of people to celebrate life after transplantation.
Around 2,500 people are expected to attend, including more than 1,000 transplant recipients, competing in a wide range of sports at venues across Sheffield.
Organisers say the support of the two charities will help strengthen the event’s message – that transplantation is not just about survival, but about living well, with physical activity playing a key role in long-term health.
Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at the British Liver Trust, said the Games are “a wonderful example of what organ donation really means”, adding it is inspiring to see so many people thriving after receiving a transplant.
Dr Paul Harden, Chair of Transplant Active, said every competitor highlights the life-changing impact of organ donation, while also recognising the generosity of donors and their families.
The event also aims to raise awareness of organ donation, which can save up to nine lives. More than 8,000 people are currently on the UK transplant waiting list, including around 150 in South Yorkshire.
Photo: Suzie Dent opening last year’s event.
100 MILE RACE FOR RACHEL
A big week for the Stocksbridge Running Club contingent, with team and solo efforts both near and far. With Manchester Marathon firmly under her belt, resident ultra-specialist Rachel Vernon took on the brutal 100mile Centurion Thames Path 100; a point-to-point race that stretches from South West London to the centre of Oxford. Finishing in 25:27:04, this mammoth undertaking saw Vernon running overnight with minimal breaks, ticking off a serious distance that most of the rest of the SRC contingent can only dream of.
Closer to home, Jonathan Page took on the Pennine Barrier 50-mile ultramarathon, a race marked by its significant elevation and brutal climbs. Dominating in a brilliant 11:16:12, Page took home a coveted GB Ultras medal, an accolade that only the top 200 finishers achieve. With his upcoming repeat entry to the infamous Spine race next month, it’s not every day that you see someone treating a 50-mile ultra as a training warmup.
Success on the doorstep as many members of the club took part in RunGreno, a 12k undulating trail race or-
ganised by Grenoside Scouts group in aid of the fine folk at Woodhead Mountain Rescue. Spirits were high despite the abysmal weather: Jennifer Elsegood came in first for SRC in 1:01:51, closely followed by Nick Wright in 1:02:12. Tim Daniell powered over the line in 1:04:04, with Narni Fulford hot on his heels in 1:04:22. Cathy Steel brought joy despite the rain in 1:17:25, and there was a daring sprint finish from club treasurer Nicola Heaton in 1:19:36.
Earlier in the week we had another outing for the SRC clan at the 3rd South Yorkshire Road League, this time in Worsborough Mill. Nicholas Boxall led the way in 35:53, Nick Wright storming through in 38:53, James Oldham always consistent in 39:19, new face Adam Daktera in 39:39, Nicola Spencer wonderfully in 47:57, and bringing the team home was Nicola Heaton in 48:06.
SRC is incredibly proud of all of its athletes this week for their hard work and determination. They continue to meet weekly for social fun runs on Monday evenings.
Home Defeat against local rivals
Pomona suffered their first home defeat of the season, conceding a last minute goal in a closely contested encounter against rivals Oughtibridge War Memorial.
The hosts made a strong start and took an early lead when Simon Bonnett reacted quickest inside the penalty area, finishing via the crossbar. However, the advantage was short-lived, as Oughtibridge responded within five minutes, breaking through Pomona’s defence and levelling the score with a composed finish.
Pomona struggled to create clear opportunities thereafter, particularly lacking precision in the final third. Oughtibridge began to assert control in midfield, generating several chances through welltimed through balls for their forwards, though both sides went into the interval level at 1–1.
The second half saw Pomona dominate possession and territory, but their attacking play continued to be undermined by poor delivery in key moments. They were made to pay when Oughtibridge took the lead, converting a well-struck free kick awarded
following a contentious foul on the edge of the area.
There was further frustration for the home side as an Oughtibridge player, already booked, avoided additional punishment for subsequent fouls and a handball incident.
Pomona pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, with Jason Allsebrook coming close on two occasions, striking the crossbar with long-range efforts. Their persistence was rewarded seven minutes from time when Andy Thompson met an Allsebrook cross with a glancing header to bring the scores level.
Despite their second-half dominance, Pomona were ultimately undone in the final minute. Pushing forward in search of a winner, they were caught on the counterattack. A cross-field pass found the previously cautioned midfielder, who calmly finished one-on-one with the goalkeeper to secure victory for the visitors. Pomona will look to respond next Saturday when they travel to face Sheffield FC.
Local Sport
STRONG PENISTONE TURNOUT AT IAN CHARLESWORTH HARTCLIFF HILL RACE
Penistone Footpath Runners were out in force across another busy week of racing, with the Ian Charlesworth Memorial Hartcliff Hill Race providing the highlight.
The race was held in memory of Ian Charlesworth, a long-standing member and coach at the club who sadly passed away last year and is greatly missed.
George Parr led the club home with an excellent fourth place finish in 29-53, while Ashley Firth was seventh in 31-13 and James Mumford tenth in 32-10. There was impressive strength in depth throughout the field, with John Halstead, Flynn Rogers and Matt Robinson all finishing well inside the top 30.
The women’s team produced a particularly strong showing, led by Hannah Shaw, who was first Penistone female, second female overall and first senior female in 35-34. Josie Smith and Emily Duckett also ran well, with Smith taking first place in the over40 category. In the veteran categories, Ian Neville was first over60, Julia Johnson was first over60 female and Barbara Haigh first over75, while Matt Robinson added to the club’s success with first place in the over55 category.
Penistone were also well represented at the third fixture of the South Yorkshire Road League at Worsborough. Rob Lees led the club home in 67th place in 32-47, followed by Jonathan Bentley in 74th and Lee Storey in 79th. Ian Neville continued his strong week to finish 98th overall and first over60 in 3406.
Further strong runs came from Shaun Swallow, Daniel Limb and Julian Williams, while Jill Scrivens, Olivia Clough, Kim Rogers, Barbara Haigh and Sarah Clough added to a solid club turnout. Barbara Haigh also topped the over75 category.
Penistone were also in action at the Furty Furlong, a short but tough off-road race at Mapplewell. Ian Neville led the club home in 14th place in 26-51, closely followed by Andrew Pearson in 15th in 27-13 and Phil Hinchliffe in 18th in 27-52. Shaun Swallow, Chris Baldwin and Robin Clough also ran
strongly on the testing course, with Alan Knox, Callum Page and Steve Dommett completing the Penistone line-up.
Graihagh Turner represented the club at the European U20 Mountain Running Trials, held as selection races for the 2026 European Off-Road Running Championships in Slovenia.
She finished eighth in the uphill-only race at Keswick before producing an excellent run to finish fifth in the up-and-down trial at Sedbergh, narrowly missing out on third place by just five seconds. Her descending was particularly impressive, with the fastest downhill split of the race.
There was further success on the trails at the Cake Race in Oldham, where Jemma Williams impressed with a strong run to finish 106th overall in 1-38-48 and third in the over40 category. Jill Scrivens also ran well, finishing 142nd in 1-48-30 and sixth over55, while Harriet Drouin completed the challenging fell course in 1-57-22.
At the RunGreno Trail Race, Richard Cottam produced one of the standout performances of the weekend, finishing second overall in 45-35 and first in the men’s over40 category.
Daniel Rushforth also ran strongly to place eighth overall and third over40 in 52-02. Ian Neville added another category win, taking first over60 in 55-31.
Sara Wolstenholme and Angie Rollinson completed the Penistone contingent on a wet and challenging course.
Saturday’s parkruns saw 74 Penistone runners compete across 25 venues. At Penistone, Richard Heppenstall produced the standout performance, finishing second overall in a personal best 17-26 and recording the weekend’s highest age grade of 86.71%. Martin Ball was seventh in 18-52, while Richard Cottam placed eighth and second over40 in 19-01. Ryan Duckett, Greg Slack and Alex Best all recorded personal bests, and Edward Holley was first junior. At Barnsley, Jade Crosby ran strongly to finish first female in 20-30, while
Alex Crosby was 15th in 21-20 and third in his category. Ian Neville, Lisa Hinchliffe and Sue Hall all secured age category wins. The top five age-graded performances were Richard Heppenstall (86.71%), Martin Ball (80.74%), Dawn Godley (78.07%), Ryan Duckett (77.36%) and Damian Kilpin (75.24%).
Results
Ian Charlesworth Hartcliff Hill Race 4, George Parr 29-53; 7, Ashley Firth 31-13; 10, James Mumford 32-10; 16, John Halstead 32-45; 24, Flynn Rogers 34-04; 25, Matt Robinson 34-04; 29, Ian Neville 34-35; 32, Oliver Pike 34-49; 33, Phil Hinchliffe 34-55; 34, Daniel Limb 35-03; 36, Richard Williams 35-22; 37, Greg Slack 35-24; 38, Hannah Shaw 35-34; 40, Ash Howlett 35-39; 49, Josie Smith 36-14; 50, Alex Crosby 36-19; 52, Emily Duckett 36-56; 55, Shaun Swallow 37-26; 67, Julia Johnson 38-59; 72, Oliver Found 3926; 73, Michael Nicholson 39-27; 75, Chris Baldwin 39-33; 77, Robin Clough 39-46; 88, Martyn Goodwin 40-38; 92, Rebecca Timms 40-58; 94, Rory O’Sullivan 41-07; 101, Jill Scrivens 41-44; 103, Peter Claydon 42-02; 105, John Howsham 42-08; 106, Fay Nicholls 42-13; 107, Alan Knox 42-44; 112, Dean Allcroft 43-20; 113, Tomas Harris 43-23; 118, Lisa Hinchliffe 44-14; 120, Shaun Braddock 44-53; 122, Amelia Cottam 45-14; 123, Steve Storey 45-27; 133, Harriet Drouin 4712; 135, Charles Halstead 47-43; 141, Mandy Mallinder 48-15; 144, Tracy Woodward 4848; 145, Jen Holley 49-03; 148, Bernice Nixon 49-54; 149, Sue Charlesworth 50-07; 151, Becky Parr 50-19; 152, Olivia Clough 50-33; 157, Barbara Haigh 52-37; 162, Myfanwy Cross 54-18; 163, Jane Cockerton 55-19; 168, Raymond Brown 60-54; 169, Claire Watts 6056.
South Yorkshire Road League, Worsborough
67, Rob Lees 32-47; 74, Jonathan Bentley 3302; 79, Lee Storey 33-16; 98, Ian Neville 3406; 120, Shaun Swallow 35-06; 122, Daniel Limb 35-14; 135, Julian Williams 36-04; 183,
Robin Clough 38-25; 230, Jill Scrivens 40-51; 310, Stuart Woodhead 46-08; 317, Ben Thorogood 47-12; 333, Olivia Clough 48-37; 339, Kim Rogers 49-41; 361, Barbara Haigh 53-24; 367, Sarah Clough 55-01.
Furty Furlong
14, Ian Neville 26-51; 15, Andrew Pearson 27-13; 18, Phil Hinchliffe 27-52; 36, Shaun Swallow 29-47; 45, Chris Baldwin 30-35; 58, Robin Clough 31-46; 71, Alan Knox 33-37; 91, Callum Page 36-14; 144, Steve Dommett 49-48.
Cake Race
106, Jemma Williams 1-38-48; 142, Jill Scrivens 1-48-30; 179, Harriet Drouin 1-57-22.
RunGreno Trail Race
2, Richard Cottam 45-35; 8, Daniel Rushforth 52-02; 21, Ian Neville 55-31; 207, Sara Wolstenholme 1-19-44; 261, Angie Rollinson 1-27-40.
Penistone parkrun
2, Richard Heppenstall 17-26; 7, Martin Ball 18-52; 8, Richard Cottam 19-01; 10, Ryan Duckett 19-04; 14, Greg Slack 19-48; 16, Alex Best 20-02; 22, Edward Holley 20-58; 35, Oliver Found 21-56; 47, Simon Pike 22-33; 49, Hannah Shaw 22-35; 60, Shaun Swallow 2315; 71, Michael Nicholson 23-55; 88, Mark Graham 24-48; 94, Nick Pepper 25-21; 125, Ben Wilkinson 26-52; 135, Amy Schofield 27-28; 137, Jen Holley 27-29; 144, Joanne Sammon 27-51; 147, Paul Sammon 28-00; 156, Heather Graham 28-12; 173, Rebecca Parr 28-45; 186, Gordon Watts 29-14; 192, Andrea Lee 29-30; 217, Jon Hallam 30-47; 233, Kate Rushforth 31-35; 234, Sara Wolstenholme 31-35; 235, Angela Rollinson 3136; 236, Gemma Nutton 31-41; 264, Karen Schofield 34-02; 273, Danny Batty 34-27. Barnsley parkrun
10, Jade Crosby 20-30; 15, Alex Crosby 2120; 27, Ian Neville 23-34; 63, Lisa Hinchliffe 26-30; 79, Sue Hall 28-42; 101, Heath Ramsden 30-23.
HIBBERT CENTURY SEES ‘BRIDGE GO TOP
Stocksbridge 1st XI 308-5 (Joe Hibbert 119, Dave Sedgwick 69*) Caribbean 1st XI 95 all out (Jake Vickers 5-21, Joe Hibbert 2-3)
The 1st XI welcomed Caribbean to HQ hoping to keep the good times rolling by making it 3 wins from the first 3. Stand in Captain Jake Vickers won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat first.
Caribbean got off to a good start managing to pick up an early wicket, the in form Jack Murfin just started to look set before he was removed by a brilliant diving catch which left the Green Army 46-2 and needing a partnership if they wanted to repeat last weekends heroics of setting a big total of over 250. Thankfully for Stocksbridge they got just that, Joe Hibbert strode out to the middle to join opener Matt Price and the pair went about their work. The visitors weren’t making it easy but the pair managed to dig deep and do the hard yards to try put themselves into a position to kick on. After drinks Hibbert decided it was time to press the accelerator and did so in devastating fashion. Hibbert went into attacking mode and smashed the ball to all parts clearing the ropes with ease, this onslaught knocked the bowlers off their line and lengths and turned the game on its head. Hibbert soon raised his bat for his first 50 since returning to the club and this only spurred him on to continue putting the bowlers to the sword. Just 19 balls later Hibbert was raising his bat again for truly remarkable century off just 64 balls, his first ever century and one made even sweeter by the severe injury he had overcome over the last few seasons.
HIGH GREEN HARRIERS
It was a very miserable wet misty Sunday for the 2026 Run Greno race.
The weather didn’t determine the hardy runners as a sellout crowd took to the muddy hills of S35 for the 7-mile mixed terrain race.
New social running club High Green Harriers had 2 run-
His innings would finally come to an end when he fell for an unbelievable 119 ending a wonderful stand of 142 runs for the 3rd wicket. Price had played an understudy role but still a very important innings managing to keep ticking the runs along and finding the boundaries where needed before he was caught trying to push the score on for 36. The base was once again set for James Tevendale and Dave Sedgwick to come in and play explosive knocks from the start. Tevendale in particular got going quickly as he sent the ball flying over the ropes repeatedly, he added 34 runs in the blink of an eye as he only faced 12 balls. Sedgwick picked up where Tevendale left off and powered the Green Army towards the unheard of 300 mark. Sedgwick was now partnered by Ant Siddall and the pair were now motoring and smashing the ball to all parts to compile the pain on to the visiting side. Sedgwick looked in the mood, hitting the ball out of the ground on numerous occasions and completed his half century from just 27 balls. Sedgwick wasn’t done there either, he powered the Green Army over the unbelievable 300 run mark and would go on to finish unbeaten on 69 from just 35 balls. Siddall finished on 14* as the pair had shared an unbeaten 67 run partnership to help Stocksbridge finish on a truly remarkable 308-5 from 46 overs.
With the target 309, the Green Army were firmly in the ascendancy as it would take a monumental effort from Caribbean to win the game. Opening bowler Josh Stevens only needed till his second over to claim the first wicket and get the Green Army on their way. Caribbean were showing some resilience before opener Jake Vickers removed
Jackson thanks to a sharp catch from Siddall at slip. This opened up a door for the Green Army and Vickers took full advantage as he managed to take 3 wickets in just 4 balls to quickly reduce the visitors to 29-4. Vickers soon after grabbed his 4th of the day and Stocksbridge’s 5th. Andy Hibbert was introduced into the attack and proved very difficult to get away as he kept it very tight and was rewarded for his miserly bowling as he removed Abbas LBW. Among all the chaos, Jackson was standing strong with a gritty innings but he was removed by Tom Perry as he feathered one behind to Rob Taylor for a well made 38. The end was now on sight for the Green Army with just three wickets required and only the lower order remaining. After his heroics in the first innings, it only ever seemed like that Joe Hibbert would continue his wonderful day when chucked the ball and needed just 4 balls to pick up a wicket. Vickers returned into the attack and needed just one over to pick up a wicket to complete his first 5 wicket haul of the season and leave the Green Army needing one wicket to win. This would be the end of Vickers work as he finished with brilliant figures of 5-21 from 11 overs. Fittingly it was Joe Hibbert who took the final wicket to complete victory as Caribbean were bowled out for 95 to see Stocksbridge complete a fantastic win by remarkable margin of 213 runs.
Despite it being extremely early in the season, the 1st XI will be delighted to be sitting top of the table and will look to extending this winning start next week as they welcome league new comers Pledwick to Bracken Moor.
STEEL CITY STAR SHINES AT SILVERSTONE!
Sheffield teenager Rowan Campbell-Pilling enjoyed an impressive debut weekend in the GB3 Championship at Silverstone, securing three top ten finishes and ending the round fifth in the championship standings.
Competing against a 23car international field and reaching speeds of up to 160mph, Rowan delivered two fifth-place finishes and a seventh to make an immediate impact in one of the UK’s top junior singleseater series.
ners John Wetherall and Wendy Richardson who were representing The Kimberworth Striders for the run.
Wendy was first followed by her husband John.
They were both drenched but were in great spirits even after tackling that brutal run.
Rowan said he was thrilled with the results and is now looking ahead to the next round in Belgium later this month.
Proudly representing Sheffield and Yorkshire on the national stage, Rowan continues to fly the flag for the Steel City in motorsport.
Next stop: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – 28-31 May.
Joe Hibbert. Photo by Ian Revitt.