GREENBELT PLANS MEET RESISTANCE
Chapeltown
More than 2,500 furious residents from Chapeltown, She eld, have signed a petition to prevent the council’s ‘devastating’ plans to build 1500 new homes and industrial buildings on green belt land in S35. ree sites for industrial / warehousing have been earmarked on land between Warren Lane and the M1, Hesley Wood and Jumble Lane, totalling over 47 hectares. With land opposite
Group
Eccles eld School, locally known as the ‘Strawberry Fields’ earmarked for 549 houses by She eld City Council. Jo Tunstall, 54, has lived in Chapeltown since 1997. Yet, with the announcements of the new buildings, she is ‘deeply concerned’ at the impact it will have on the community, and has setup Save Chapeltown Greenbelt Group.
Strawberry Fields: 549 new homes earmarked on greenbelt land east of Chapeltown Rd
HILLSBOROUGH FEATURES IN BBC SPRINGWATCH 20TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES
Hillsborough, a suburb of Shefeld, is taking centre stage in the BBC’s Springwatch as the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary. is year, for the rst time, the popular nature series has chosen to feature an ordinary suburban street, placing hidden cameras in residents’ gardens to capture the wildlife ourishing within.
e neighbourhood was selected due to its proximity to the Longshaw Estate in the Peak District National Park, the main broadcast location for this series, and because She eld is one of the UK’s greenest cities. It is also notable for residents installing “swi bricks” to attract the birds.
Filming in Hillsborough has captured a diverse range of wildlife, including badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, and the nesting swi s. is unique approach o ers viewers a close-up look at the everyday nature thriving in a typical British street. Presented by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan, this series of Springwatch began on 26 May, and continues until the middle of June.
Farmer took own life over inheritance tax
A farmer took his own life the day before the government’s Budget after weeks of worrying about looming changes to inheritance tax, an inquest has heard.
John Charlesworth’s son said he believed his father wanted to “beat” the government’s proposals and “save the farm for future generations”.
Mr Charlesworth, 78, who went by his middle name Philip, was found dead by his son Jonathan Charlesworth, 47, in a barn on their farm in Silkstone, Barnsley, on October 29 last year.
At Sheffield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, coroner Tanyka Rawden recorded a verdict of suicide.
The inquest heard Mr Charlesworth had been struggling to care for his wife, who had severe dementia and cancer.
The hearing was told that in the months before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget he had been “growing more and more anxious about inheritance tax and the implications for the farm”.
The inquest heard that John Charlesworth had retired from the farm, which had been bought by his own father.
His son was responsible for the day-to-day running while he
cared for his wife, who died in February this year.
The coroner was told he had no reported mental health issues but had been seen by a mental health team about support for his wife several days before he died.
His daughter Verity Charlesworth, 45, said farming was a part of Mr Charlesworth’s “life and identity”, and that he was also a grandfather of six and a keen bell-ringer.
Giving her conclusion, Mrs Rawden said: “He was worried about implications of new regulations around inheritance tax that would see the family lose 50% of the farm, taking his life the day before the changes were due to be announced.”
After the inquest, Jonathan Charlesworth said his father was a “typical Yorkshireman, typical farmer - tight with money but generous with time”, adding: “He’d do anything for anybody.”
Lunch Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Oughtibridge Lunch Club has marked its 25th anniversary with a special gourmet lunch, celebrating a quarter-century of bringing the local community together.
Formed in 2000 by Zion United Reformed Church, the club has been a vital hub for residents of Worrall, Wharncliffe Side, and Oughtibridge, fostering friendships and social connections.
Community Support and Recognition
Over the years, the Oughtibridge Lunch Club has received support from various local bodies including Sheffield City Council, Bradfield Parish Council, and Oughtibridge Gala.
For this significant anniversary event, the club was supported by Ecclesfield Feoffees.
Moira Vickers, a founding volunteer and current member, had the honour of cutting the celebratory cake.
Additionally, Sara Millard received a Parish Council Citizens Award in recognition of her dedicated service to the Lunch Club.
Long-Standing Impact
The Oughtibridge Lunch Club has played a pivotal role in the local area, providing a space for residents to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
The anniversary celebration highlights the club’s enduring impact and the importance of community initiatives.
Photo: Jonathan Charlesworth on his family farm near Barnsley said his father was a typical Yorkshireman.
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Hospice budgeting for £537,000 deficit
A hospice which o ers end-of-life care is budgeting for a de cit in the current nancial year of over half a million pounds on its running costs of more than £14 million, a report has said.
St Luke’s Hospice in She eld faced a nancial de cit of about £537,000 for 2025-26 despite fundraising e orts, according to its most recent Quality Account report, writes Julia Armstrong - Local Democracy Reporting Service
ere remained “a lot of uncertainty around funding and support” for the 20-bed in-patient hospice in Whirlow, the report stated.
However, the document added that “thanks to careful nancial planning, diverse income streams, and strong cost controls, we remain con dent in our ability to keep St Luke’s sustainable for the future”.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report said rising sta costs continued to be “a big challenge, especially as NHS pay rises impact the wider job market”.
“ e National Living Wage, rising National Insurance costs and the general increased costs of running our services all impact our nances,” it said.
“Our NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board funding for 24-25 was 23%, with the
remaining 77% being raised through our own activity, such as fundraising and retail.”
‘New strategy’
St Luke’s, which in 2024 won a Care Quality Commission overall rating of “outstanding”, provides end-of-life and palliative care to almost 1,800 people a year and supports their families and carers.
As well as its in-patient centre, the hospice provides care to people in their own homes or care homes, accounting for 88% of its patients.
In the Quality Account report, Jo Lenton, the hospice’s new chief executive and chief nurse, said: “ is year, we launched our new strategy for 2025-29, which will help us address some of the challenges our communities will face in the coming years, while also strengthening St Luke’s sustainability in light of increasing pressures on multiple fronts.
“Our new strategy centres around a new vision of a world where patients and families facing terminal illness don’t feel alone, and receive the care and support they need to make the most of precious time, and experience a good death.”
e report is expected to be discussed by She eld City Council’s health scrutiny subcommittee on 5 June.
Three Arrested After Police Raid
On ursday, 29 May, o cers from the Shefeld North West Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted a raid on a property in Hope Street, Stocksbridge, uncovering a signi cant quantity of cannabis that had been cropped and prepared for distribution.
e drugs were seized by authorities.
ree men, aged 26, 28, and 34, were apprehended on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.
ey have subsequently been charged and held in custody.
is incident follows a month-long initiative by the same neighbourhood policing team aimed at tackling drug-related crime within the local community, which resulted in the arrest of ve additional individuals.
During this earlier crackdown, o cers executed a raid on a di erent house in Hope Street, Stocksbridge, on 1 April. is operation led to the seizure of cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, and the arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
MP Celebrates Funding Boost for Three Schools
Local MP Marie Tidball has expressed her delight following the announcement of Government funding for three schools in her constituency.
Oughtibridge Primary School, Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School, and Wharncli e Side Primary School will receive a share of the £470 million Condition Improvement Fund, which aims to improve school buildings and facilities across the country.
e funding will enable the schools to undertake essential upgrades, ensuring they are safe and warm environments for pupils. Projects will focus on addressing issues such as deteriorating roofs and the removal of asbestos.
Government’s recognition of the need to support local education and would provide children with upgraded classrooms and facilities. Echoing this sentiment, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP emphasised the importance of providing a safe and warm learning environment for all children. She stated that the funding was a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to children’s education and their futures.
e Condition Improvement Fund has allocated a total of £1.2 billion to schools and hospitals. is latest round of funding forms part of a record £2.1 billion government investment in the school estate this year, an increase of £300 million from the previous year.
Ms Tidball, the Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said she was “absolutely thrilled” that the schools had been prioritised. She stated that the investment demonstrated the
Work on the projects is expected to commence this summer and will be delivered throughout the 2025 to 2026 nancial year.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has announced a strategic partnership between South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Schroders Capital.
e Mayor welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), announced during an event at UKREiiF, which will drive collaboration and support the delivery of economic, housing and infrastructure growth across South Yorkshire.
is new partnership will enable SYMCA and Schroders Capital to explore opportunities to collaborate on key areas to deliver projects and develop appropriate investment strategies across the South Yorkshire region.
Working together SYMCA and Schroders Capital will initially focus on three areas:
Infrastructure – exploring options to deliver projects in areas such as wind, solar and biomass, hydrogen generation and storage and renewable heat
Housing – support the delivery of aspirational and a ordable housing, regeneration, social infrastructure and decarbonisation
Venture Capital – consider potential investment models that could shape how public and private partners with a common interest could work in a more structured way
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “South Yorkshire needs a bigger and better economy.
Cinema’s plea for support after projector breaks
An independent cinema where the projector broke down moments before a lm was set to start has asked the community for support a er it had to refund hundreds of tickets, writes Chloe Aslett for BBC News.
Sta at Penistone Paramount, in Penistone, were expecting a busy bank holiday weekend but business was derailed when a power supply component malfunctioned at Saturday evening’s Mission: Impossible screening.
Manager Brian Barnsley said: “ e audience was in, ready to enjoy Tom Cruise running and hanging o aircra , but unfortunately, we had to cancel the show.”
Although the 35mm projector was xed on Tuesday, the lost earnings from the tickets and bar, plus the cost of the repair, had been “very signi cant”.
In a statement, the cinema said the weekend had been “an absolute nightmare”.
Mr Barnsley said takings had been down by 50% of the expected income.
Luckily, through a recommendation from a friend at Parkway Cinema in Barnsley, he tracked down the part he needed.
It was delivered from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, more than 150 miles away (241km).
“It was lovely, people working together. at is what community cinema is all about,” Mr Barnsley said.
e council-run, single-screen cinema was built in 1914 as an assembly hall and started showing lms the following year.
“Now, more than ever, we really need the support of our local community in booking tickets to see lms, live events and event cinema with us,” a spokesperson for the venue said.
“All of you have been very understanding and supportive, and we are very grateful.”
Customers a ected by the breakdown of the projector should have been contacted, with their booking moved to another screening or tickets refunded, the spokesperson said.
Mr Barnsley said despite a few days of “bad luck”, it had been a great year for the venue so far.
“Cinema has really picked up. ere have been a lot of things to see – A Complete Unknown, Bridget Jones, and now Lilo and Stitch,” he said.
DATE: 13TH JUNE
By-Election Candidates
She eld City Council has released the list of candidates standing for election in the upcoming Stocksbridge and Upper Don By-Election. e by-election is scheduled to take place on ursday 26th June.
Seven candidates have been o cially nominated for the election. Further information regarding the Stocksbridge and Upper Don By-Election can be found on the She eld City Council website.
e candidates and their respective a liations are as follows:
• Adam ALLCROFT, Yorkshire Party.
• John BOOKER, Reform UK.
• Andy DAVIES, Green Party.
• Matt DIXON, Conservative Party.
• Josiah Tomasz LENTON, Labour Party.
• Stuart Andrew SHEPHERD, Liberal Democrats.
• Claire Suzanne WRAITH, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
We
JUNE
WEDNESDAY
4 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We are having a talk about the work done by Burton Street Foundation to support people with learning disabilities to enable them to reach their personal goals. Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268
THURSDAY
5 High Green WI will be meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday the 5th of June in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church, on Wortley Road. The event is “A History of Newton Chambers” with Josh Daniels. The competition is “An Industrial Item”. Members and visitors warmly welcome.
FRIDAY
6 High Green Methodist Church 3C’c Co ee, cake and companionship. 10am-12 noon. Come on your own, with friends and make new friends. All welcome.
SATURDAY
7 Join Stocksbridge Library 2, The Ikon Church for Chatterbooks, a children reading group for 8-11 years held on the 1st of each month.
WEDNESDAY
11 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 16th April at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road,
Stocksbridge, with a presentation by John Lyte, entitled “History of The Post O ce”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you at our next meeting.
THURSDAY
12 Chapeltown WI will meet at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church. Eric Jackson will talk about ‘Votes for women’. The competition is a Su ragette item. New members and visitors will always be made welcome.
12 Stocksbridge & District History Society. Meeting . Christ Church Hall 7PM. Talk ‘100 Years of Graysons’ - She eld History - Speaker - Laura Cowan. All welcome.
FRIDAY
13 Relax with a Poem – poetry for pleasure - Stocksbridge Library – now in Ikon Church, Manchester Rd. Listen to some poetry or bring a favourite poem to share over a cup of tea or co ee.
13 & Saturday 14 Steel Valley Beacon Summer program kicks o with the Little Sing, 35 beautiful voices sing and perform some of our favourite pieces from stage and screen. A wonderful fun evening for all music lovers. 715pm.Tickets £12 from Samuel’s Kitchen and ticketsource. Matinee 2.30pm
Saturday 14 June.
SUNDAY
15 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - regular conservation morning, probably clearing saplings but check on the website - www. walc.epizy.com, 10am-12pm, bring gloves, tools provided, families very welcome
FRIDAY
20 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Proms Concert To be held at the Newton Hall Chapeltown on Friday 20th June 2025 at 7.30 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or Julie and Paul 07876472246 or 07926377410
SUNDAY
22 Summer Fayre - Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Sunday 22nd June, 11.00 am through until 3.00 pm, craft stalls, fun fair, live music, BBQ and lots of fun for the family.
JULY
THURSDAY
3 Why not come along to the TARA Co ee Morning at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS ? 10.15 - 11.45 am Everyone welcome to drop in any time for a chat and some cake. tarastocksbridge.ud @gmail. com 07957 206646
3,4 & 5 Classic comedy, “Allo! Allo!” 7.15pm A wonderful cast of talented actors bring this much loved comedy to the stage at Christ Church, Stocksbridge. Tickets are going fast -
On
we shall only say this once! Tickets £12 from Samuel’s Kitchen and ticketsource. A matinee at 2.30pm on Saturdy 5th
FRIDAY
4, 10am onwards to Sunday 6th July Bolsterstone Flower Festival. St Mary’s Church Bolsterstone. Free entry with raffle and programme available. The flower festival is an integral part of Bolsterstone/St Mary’s Village Festival.
SATURDAY
5 from Noon to 5pm. Bolsterstone/St Mary’s Village Festival in the square and on the village field. Music from Deepcar Brass Band and Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir. Lots of fabulous Craft Stalls. Classic Cars Display. History Tours. Cafe with Hot and Cold Food, Drinks and Cakes. Farm Shop. Bouncy Castle, Inflatable Slide. Face Painting. Ice cream, Popcorn, Candy Floss. Flower Festival. Art Show and more. A Family Afternoon of Activities catering for all ages, with various interests and tastes. Free entry and parking.
WEDNESDAY
9 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 9th July at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Mike Higginbottom, entitled “The Windy City”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalley-
probus.co.uk
AUGUST
WEDNESDAY
6 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 6th August at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Peter Drake, entitled “The Cleveland Way”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk
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 2023 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.
TUESDAYS
Stocksbridge Bowls Club hold a weekly open session at 1.30pm every Tuesday at Linden Crescent. All ages welcome.
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.
Tuesday social bowling starting at 1.30pm Stocksbridge Bowls Club, Linden Crescent
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.
TAKE KEVIN’S LEAD BY TACKLING THE GREAT NORTH RUN FOR SUPPORT DOGS
Kevin Strauther is such a staunch Support Dogs supporter, he’s had a super-pooch named after him.
Not only that - Kevin is taking on his second Great North Run in honour of the Sheffield-based good cause, which trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to support people with a range of challenging medical conditions.
He hopes others will follow his lead by signing up for a Support Dogs charity place in the event.
Kevin, of Aston, Rotherham, raised £964 for Support Dogs in last year’s event, and he hopes to top this in this year’s iconic half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, on Sunday, September 7.
The 43-year-old is an audit director whose employers, PwC, raised enough funds for the charity to enable the professional services firm to name a support dog after Kevin around eight years ago after an office-wide vote.
Canine Kevin went on to become a disability assistance dog for client Wendy Martin in Birmingham, who has limited mobility due to disc degeneration in her spine and neck, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia and uses a wheelchair.
The pooch has recently retired and is now enjoying some well-deserved paws-up time while successor support dog Penny helps Wendy.
Kevin, who has met Wendy at a London event, said: “I’ve always had a huge affinity for Support Dogs – it’s a national charity based in Sheffield, not far from where I live.
“I’ve been lucky to attend a number of events to hear stories from the clients having benefitted from the dogs and I think the stories are amazing and touch the heartstrings.”
Kevin, who has a Labradoodle called Amber, added that his mother-in-law, who has Multiple Sclerosis, is in the early stages of having her pet dog assessed as a support dog.
In a call to fellow runners, Kevin, whose wife Nicola and daughters Niamh, 14, and 12-yearold Erin will be supporting him from the Tyneside sidelines, said: “I’d encourage anyone to do it.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever had at any run.
“It’s fantastic to see charities supported at the Great North Run. Wearing the Support Dogs vest last year and having people shout my name and support for Support Dogs, it was amazing.”
Danny Anderson, Support Dogs’ head of fundraising, said: “Every year, we have many runners taking on the Great North Run for our charity, and afterwards they all say how much of a thrill it was.
“We’re honoured beyond belief that they are lacing up their trainers to not only achieve their own personal fitness goals but to also help people affected by challenging medical conditions, via our amazing dogs.”
Anyone wishing to run for Support Dogs needs to raise a minimum fundraising target of £325, £600 for a team of two, or £1,500 for a group of five.
To sponsor Kevin, please visit https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/kevin-strauther
To register your interest to run for Support Dogs in this year’s Great North Run, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk/great-northrun-2025
Peter William SMITH
Passed away peacefully at home on 13th May aged 63
Devoted Husband of Judy, loving Brother, Brother in Law, Uncle and Cousin. Caring friend to many. Son of the late Joan and Fred Smith
The funeral and celebration of Peter’s life will take place on Wednesday 18th June at 14.00, Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel S35 8RZ
No formal dress code
Family flowers only please but donations can be made to the Northern General Renal Unit Comfort Fund
All enquiries to TW Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, S36 2RE 0114 2885555
Bikers very welcome by arrangement, with TW Birks .
Wife of Keith. Mother to Zoey, Mia and the late Libby. Grandma to Mollie, Joel, Alex, Owen, Cameron and Annie. Great Grandma to Freya, Luca and Elena.
Passed away peacefully at home by Keith’s side.
You are out of your pain now my brave Wife. We love you, goodnight, God bless, sweet dreams.
Funeral service to take place at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel on Thursday 12th June at 4:00pm.
T.W.BIRKS & SON
Your caring local funeral director Tel: 0114 288 55 55
DYSON FUNERAL SERVICE 24 Hours • Day or
at Barnsley Road, Bridgend, Penistone, S36 7AH 01226 762 481
New Road, Deepcar S36 2RS 0114 288 3169
info@dysonfunerals.co.uk www.dysonfunerals.co.uk
CELEBRATING UNPAID CARERS
She eld Carers Centre has arranged a program of free events for unpaid carers in support of the national campaign for Carers Week from 9-15 June 2025. One of the key aims is to raise awareness of the number of unpaid carers in the city (estimated at over 50,000) providing help and support to relatives and friends.
Assistance for the cared-for person can range from emotional and physical support to practical help with personal care, medication, shopping or managing nances. Becoming a carer can be a gradual process with some people not realising the relationship with the person they help is changing. e campaign encourages more people to recognise they are carers and access support for themselves.
She eld Carers Centre (SCC) has arranged a series of free events for carers during the week. ese include a ‘Carers Drop-in’ sessions at Crystal Peaks (Monday 9 June) repeated at their city centre o ces next to e Showroom Cinema (Wednesday 11 June).
Some of the SCC team will be at all the week’s events to provide unpaid carers with useful information and practical advice.
South Yorkshire Oddfellows urges retirees to adopt a “To Be” mentality over a “To Do” one, promoting a more enriching post-work life centered on self-development rather than merely completing tasks, a concept advocated by Dr. Andy Cope.
With a membership exceeding 700, the group o ers a dynamic community throughout South Yorkshire, hosting regular events organized by Julie Davis in Rotherham, She eld, Doncaster, and Barnsley.
DIRECTORS
K. DYSON M.B.I.E.
TEL: (0114) 288 3169
TEL: (01226) 762 481
Top qualiT y memorials
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Upcoming excursions include a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park on June 12th for £25, a visit to Cleethorpes on June 19th with options at £17 or £23, and Alpaca Trekking on June 27th for £25. ese activities are designed to foster social interaction and enjoyment.
e Oddfellows warmly welcome retirees who are looking for a connected and engaging community.
local family
CHAPELS OF REST at Barnsley Road, Bridgend, Penistone, S36 7AH 01226 762 481
e program also includes a Book Group meeting (Monday) a Games session (Tuesday) then a Bake Sale (Wednesday) a Cra session ( ursday) rounding o with a Super Carers Café (Friday).
New Road, Deepcar, S36 2RS 0114 288 3169 info@dysonfunerals.co.uk www.dysonfunerals.co.uk
Details of these and a couple of additional events organised in conjunction with the She eld Teaching Hospitals are on the SCC website: www.she eldcarers.org.uk/carersweek-2025
Sylvia Smith is the Chief Operating O cer at SCC and commented: “Caring can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be very challenging.
We want the contribution unpaid carers make to local communities to be recognised. In addition, we want carers to have easy access to advice that supports them in their caring role. Last, but not least, we want to help carers with their own health and wellbeing.”.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and highlight some of the challenges carers face. It also aims to help people who don’t think they have caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access support. For more about the national campaign visit: www.carersweek.org
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is shi from a task-oriented approach to a focus on personal growth and being is seen as crucial for a ful lling retirement.
e various activities planned provide opportunities for members to socialize, explore new places, and try new experiences, all while being part of a supportive community.
e Oddfellows aim to combat potential isolation in retirement by o ering a structured program of events and a chance to form new friendships.
e emphasis on wellbeing and enjoyment is central to their mission, providing a valuable resource for those transitioning to retirement. To nd out more about the events you can contact Julie.Davis@oddfellows.co.uk or 01709 838673, serves as the main contact for inquiries and membership information.
GAZA
Dear Look Local
The Coop is refusing to do business with Israeli companies whilst that country is run by a regime who according to the UN and international courts are carrying out acts of genocide. I’ll be doing my shopping there.
Will Liberty Steel be following the example of the Coop?
They too might encourage customers by taking a stand like that because people and governments all over the world are today fighting against war crimes and persecution just as we celebrated doing 80 years ago on VE day. Government and businesses in this country must decide by their actions which side they want history to see them on. They must do something to save tens of thousands more innocent lives in Gaza.
Thank you
‘Time to Reform’
Having read the letter from Steve Moxon of Deepcar in the Look Local issue 1376, I agree with everything he has to say. I have watched Nigel Farage’s conference speech and would recommend to any doubters that have the opportunity to watch it (YouTube) to do so. He speaks from the heart with sensible facts and its very refreshing to hear someone so patriotic have our country’s best interests at heart. We have the opportunity to make this happen in the future and secure a brighter future for our children’s sake. I have no faith in any of the other parties who have all let us down over the recent years and this is why, just like Steve Moxon, I have joined them.
Signed off - P. M. - Bolsterstone
To be Young
When you are young it’s hard to understand the feeling of being old.
Young people in their prime sometimes take it all for granted.
It’s not until they reach that age and find out what life’s about.
The pain and sadness of old age can bring quite a lot of unhappiness.
Your aching bones, your loved ones you’ve lost, happiness is touch and go.
You don’t know what’s around the corner, life is what you make it,
But it sometimes takes you over.
Margaret Eggenton
Local Opinion
GREENBELT PLANS MEET RESISTANCE
...continued from page 1
“We are desperately fighting the battle with Government Planners now that Sheffield Council have sold us down the river," Jo said. “Our green space will be pillaged unfairly, and it's absolutely devastating.
“We live out here because we like green space. If we wanted to live in a big urban city, we wouldn't live where we live.
"It's not about ‘not in my backyard’ - This will also have a massive impact on wildlife. Green belt space can never be restored after it is damaged. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Sheffield has a green belt policy that protects areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding urban areas, intending to prevent urban sprawl and maintain a buffer between towns and the countryside.
As well as the impact on wildlife, Jo said she was concerned the plans did not include any other facilities that would support an extra 549 families in the area. Jo said, “We are barely a small town. There seems to be no mention of additional facilities to support the increase in residents aside from a couple of schools.
“From a resources and services perspective, doctors have got massive waiting lists here, and the roads are incredibly narrow. We're not set up to take on board that amount of additional people.”
Other Greenbelt land in S35 earmarked for housing developments includes;
• Land between Creswick Avenue and Yew Lane, 609 Homes.
• Land at Wheel Lane and Middleton Lane (Housing) : 148 Homes.
our views have been far from represented in this vote!"
(Housing): 188 Homes.
• Land at Forge Lane, Oughtibridge (Housing): 69 Homes.
• Land between Storth Lane and School Lane , Wharncliffe Side (Housing): 103 Homes
The distribution of around 1,500 new homes across the S35 area of North Sheffield appears to concentrate heavily towards Chapeltown, which currently has a small population of just 30,000 people.
Deborah Coleman has helped to set up Warren Lane Action Group, which meets every Tuesday at 7pm in the Miner’s Arms on Warren Lane. Deborah told Look Local “I’m devastated by the news of the plans, i’m also concerned that a lot of people are unaware of what is happening and what the plans are.”
In response to the community backlash, Sheffield City Council said a significant proportion of the new housing on the green belt sites will be affordable housing, so will be aimed at people who are unable to buy or rent on the open market. They have also assured that all proposed housing allocations are required to go through the usual planning processes and will not be treated differently.
Jo said "I'm disgusted at the Green Party, I think it's fairly safe to say that voting against your whole party ethos makes them a laughing stock. As for the other councillors who voted for it, it's very clear that politics and not the right outcome for Sheffield were at play. Why did councillors in S13 and S35 abstain from voting? Because they were unwilling to go against their Labour Party mandate to get this plan pushed through at any cost. The council were elected by us to represent us and
An online petition can be accessed: www.change. org/p/protect-green-belt-land-in-chapeltownfrom-development
Consultation Process
If you want to take part in the consultation, you can:
Have Your Say, an online consultation platform: www.haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/
Send your response by email to sheffieldplan@ sheffield.gov.uk
Send your response by post to Sheffield Plan Team, Strategic Planning Service, 5th Floor, Howden House, Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH
Attend an in-person event, taking place: North Sheffield
Wednesday 4th June – drop-in 4.30-8.30pm at Chapeltown Methodist Church, Chapeltown
Wednesday 11th June – drop-in 4.30-8.30pm at St Marks Church, Grenoside City Centre
Thursday 26th June – drop-in 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Winter Gardens
Photos: Bottom left: Wharncliffe Side residents on greenbelt land where 103 homes are planned. Right: A map (www.cprepdsy.org.uk) of Chapeltown/Grenoside/Ecclesfield with areas in red earmarked to be developed.
Peter Morton
• Land at Holme Lane Farm and land to the west of Grenoside Grange, Fox Hill Road
NEW CANCER TREATMENT MACHINES FOR SHEFFIELD HOSPITALS
Local MP, Marie Tidball, has welcomed the announcement that the Government has funded cutting-edge radiotherapy machines, rolled out across the country to help 4,500 more patients get cancer treatment faster. She eld Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been chosen as one of the rst 28 NHS trusts to receive upgraded scanner machines.
e Government has paid £70 million for the new machines, meaning thousands of patients using She eld NHS Trust will bene t from faster and safer cancer treatment. By March 2027, up to 27,500 additional treatments per year will be delivered, including up to 4,500 receiving their rst treatment for cancer within 62 days of referral.
e upgraded “LINAC” machines help to cut waiting lists and reduce delays to treatment; by cutting the rounds of radiotherapy needed and reaching cancers in harder to treat areas like the chest, abdomen and pelvis. As a result, in some cases, the number of hospital visits a patient needs to make will be reduced by half.
e tech is being prioritised in hospitals which are currently using outdated treatment machines older than 10 years, including She eld Hospitals NHS Trust. is will save as many as 13,000 appointments from being lost to equipment breakdown across the country.
Alongside turbocharging treatment for patients, signi cant work is being carried out to get cancers diagnosed more quickly than ever before. Patients are getting easier access to vital tests, checks and scans, with community diagnostic centres delivering almost 2.5 million tests within the community and on local high streets in March 2025.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “I am absolutely delighted the Government has funded cutting-edge cancer treatment machines for our hospitals in the
Lunchfest returns
e Fox Valley food festival Lunchfest is back this month with a great line up of food and drink stalls as well as music, entertainment and family friendly fun, all planned for the weekend of June 21st and 22nd.
Around 40 food and drink traders will be taking part in this year’s event, cooking up everything from spicy curries, juicy burgers and delicious kebabs to mouthwatering sweet treats, drinks and ice cream. Bubble wa es and bubble tea will also be making a return.
Popular traders taking part this year include Cookie Smith, Yorkshire Crepe Co, e Greedy Greek and Devons Kitchen as well as Brad eld Brewery. House of Chester will also have a full range of treats for Fox Valley’s four-legged friends and the whole event has been organised to be dog friendly.
Music in the Piazza is planned in conjunction with the Valley Music Festival on the Saturday as part of the two-day programme of entertainment.
Dozens of stalls will be set up in the market area at Fox Valley with a bar, event seating and a children’s activity area organised by Little Einsteins planned for the event. Young
visitors can also enjoy children’s rides and free face painting.
As well as music in the Fox Valley bandstand there will also be entertainment in the market area, including performances by local dance groups Branching Out and Dance Dynamique. e annual event also celebrates Fox Valley’s 9th anniversary.
Centre manager at Fox Valley Claire Biltcli e said: “We have a really lovely event planned for Lunchfest this year and some fantastic street food traders who are joining us with food from around the world. We also have some great cheeses, sauces, curry pastes, gin and beer for our visitors to enjoy at home.
“We’re pleased to be working with the team from Valley Music Festival again to bring some fabulous local performers as part as well we other local entertainers who will be joining us. Put the date in your diary and we’re look forward to a great weekend!”
Further details of the entertainment programme will be shared on the Fox Valley website closer to the event www.foxvalleyshe eld.co.uk
She eld NHS Trust, and that they have recognised the need to target our local waiting lists for cancer patients.
“My constituents across Penistone and Stocksbridge regularly have to travel into She eld for hospital visits. It will be welcome news to them with new machines, those patients receiving treatment will be able to make fewer trips to get the treatment they need.
“When I speak with people on the doorstep across our communities, NHS waiting lists are an issue that I hear time and time again. Over 3 million appointments have already been delivered by the Government since the end of June 2024. is is another fantastic step by the government to cut waiting lists, by securing faster and safer cancer treatment for our local communities.”
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, said:
“As a cancer survivor, I know just how important timely treatment is. ese machines are part of the investment and modernisation that will cut waiting times for patients, through our Plan for Change.
“ ere is a revolution taking place in medical technology which can transform treatment for cancer patients. But NHS hospitals are forced to use outdated, malfunctioning equipment thanks to 14 years of underinvestment under the previous government.
“ anks to the investment this government is making in our NHS, we will provide more cancer patients with world-class, cutting-edge care.
“By reducing the number of hospital visits required and preventing cancelled appointments, these state of the art radiotherapy machines free up capacity so that thousands more patients are treated on time.”
LOCAL WALKER COMPLETES GRUELLING DEVON CHALLENGE
A determined walker has completed an arduous trek across Devon to raise vital funds for a Stocksbridge-based care farm. Pete Camp embarked on his challenge on April 23rd from Minehead, North Devon, and nished his journey on June 2nd in Poole Harbour.
Over the course of his walk, Pete covered a distance equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times, all in aid of the Greave House Farm Trust. e Stocksbridge care farm provides crucial support for adults on the autistic spectrum and those with learning disabilities. e farm relies signi cantly on the kindness of donors to continue its important work. Pete’s fundraising e orts are well on track to meet his £5,000 target, which will provide a signicant boost to the care farm’s resources.
Many residents of Stocksbridge have already shown their support with generous donations. However, there is still an opportunity for others to contribute to this worthy cause. Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the following link: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Pete-on-the-path
Local Classifieds
Foot Care at Home
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS FOR PENISTONE PAIR
It was a proud week for Penistone Footpath Runners as two club members earned international honours.
Graihagh Turner has been selected to represent England at the Under 18 Mountain Running Cup, taking place in Slovakia on 13th and 14th June.
Graihagh joins an elite team of eight athletes competing against Europe’s best in the mountainous terrain—a superb achievement that reflects her dedication.
Also flying the flag, Dawn Broom will don the England vest once again next weekend at the England vs Wales International Half Marathon. This will mark Dawn’s sixth appearance for the England Masters, but her first over the half marathon distance.
Simon Pike completed the latest challenge in his fundraising efforts by finishing the Edinburgh Marathon in 3-41-58.
James Mumford placed fifth overall and first over40 man at the Northowrun 5 Mile race, clocking 29-42 on a hilly, windswept course.
Three Penistone runners tackled the Bamford Sheepdog Trials Fell Race, with Hannah Shaw leading the trio home in 42-55, followed by Ash Howlett (43-37) and Oliver Found (47-08).
At Scholes Coppice, part of the KMR Series, five club runners took part. Pete Beever was first back in 30-17, Kelvin Bowskill was first over65 man in 31-22. Jill Scrivens was first lady back for Penistone in 31-14.
Further afield in France, Richard Cottam claimed third place overall and first over40 man at the La Foulée Octavellaise 11km race in Le Havre, Normandy.
Closer to home, Pete Beever also ran the Gerald Story Memorial Fun Run clocking 44-29.
John Broom placed second over55 man at the Framlingham Flyer 5 Mile, finishing in 32-26.
Also in action, Keith Gordon took part in the Ørsted 10K at Grimsby, finishing in 54-49 and claiming 1st place in the men’s over75 age category.
A busy weekend of parkrun saw first gender finishes for Andrew Heppenstall and Suzanne McGill at Penistone and Lois Lopez at Blackpool. Second gender placings went to Julia Johnson at Thornes and Gemma Nutton at Mansfield, with third places for Dawn Broom at Alton Water and Rob Lees at Muncaster Castle. Dawn also shattered the ladies over60 course record at Alton Water, lowering it by more than two minutes.
Top age-graded performances came from Julia Johnson (85.27%), Dawn Broom (82.79%), Suzanne McGill (79.19%), Ian Neville (78.15%), and Andrew Heppenstall (75.49%).
Results
Northowrun 5 Mile 5, James Mumford 29-42.
Bamford Sheepdog Trials Fell Race 66, Hannah Shaw 42-55; 72, Ash Howlett 43-37; 98, Oliver Found 4708.
KMR Series – Scholes Coppice
36, Pete Beever 30-17; 44, Jill Scrivens 31-14; 46, Kelvin Bowskill 31-22; 81, Keith Gordon 35-37; 88, Mandy Mallinder 36-40.
Gerald Story Memorial Fun Run 29, Pete Beever 44-29.
Framlingham Flyer 5 Mile 69, John Broom 32-26.
Ørsted Grimsby 10K 1165, Keith Gordon 54-49.
Edinburgh Marathon 2105, Simon Pike 3-41-58.
Penistone Parkrun
1, Andrew Heppenstall 18-38; 6, Damian Kilpin 19-37; 10, Ryan Duckett 20-05; 13, Suzanne McGill 20-40; 17, Richard Cottam 21-24; 18, Dan Rushforth 21-24; 30, Simon Pike 22-21; 39, Shaun Swallow 23-09; 47, Hannah Shaw 23-09; 48, Chris Baldwin 23-27; 49, Nick Pepper 2329; 58, Rhianna Banford 24-00; 59, Dan Cooper 24-01; 102, Emma Stead 26-10; 130, Lee Hopkins 27-54; 142, Kate Rushforth 28-37; 159, Andrea Lee 29-55; 167, Sarah Clough 30-44; 174, Rebecca Parr 31-22; 175, Heath Ramsden 31-23; 178, Sara Wolstenholme 31-23; 188, Paul Sammon 32-07; 196, Danny Batty 32-25; 210, Steve Dommett 34-06; 231, Dianne McGuinness 35-37; 264, Ellen Chlebicka 58-16.
Barnsley Parkrun
5, Ian Neville 20-31; 58, Stu Smith 27-12; 68, Sue Hall 28-18; 136, Ray Brown 35-27.
TIGERS LEFT WITH A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
SHEFFIELD skipper Josh Pickering is refusing to accept that his side have left themselves too much to do in their Premiership Knockout Cup semi-final with Leicester.
The holders were beaten 54-36 at the Hydroscand Arena on Monday leaving them seeking another special home display on Thursday (June 5, 7.30pm) to turn the tie around.
Pickering is backing his Tru7 Group Tigers after scoring the required total in four of their five Steel City outings so far this campaign.
Speaking after Monday’s first leg defeat, Pickering said: “We all started off on the back foot and they got off to a pretty handy lead.
“Throughout the middle I felt it was relatively close and they finished strong.
“But they’ve still to come to us on Thursday and we’ve been quite dominant at home this year. So hopefully we can turn things around, and I do feel collectively 1-7 we can do enough to do the job.”
Sheffield supporters are reminded that season tickets are NOT valid for Thursday night’s tie - but holders will receive a £5 discount off the standard racenight admission charge at the turnstiles.
LEICESTER 54: Ryan Douglas 14+1, Max Fricke 10+1, Luke Becker 8+2, Kyle Howarth 8+2, Drew Kemp 8+1, Sam Masters 5+1, Joe Thompson 1+1.
SHEFFIELD 36: Jack Holder 9, Chris Holder 7, Josh Pickering 7, Leon Flint 4, Justin Sedgmen 3+1, Anders Rowe 3, Lewi Kerr 3.
CRICKET: THRILLING VICTORY FOR 1ST XI
Stocksbridge 1st XI 218-7 (Jack Murfin 60, James Tevendale 56)
Doncaster Town 3rd XI 202 all out (Callum Haywood 3-44, Andy Hibbert 3-45)
Stocksbridge Cricket 1st XI secured a thrilling victory by 16 runs over Doncaster Town 3rd XI.
Batting first, Stocksbridge compiled a formidable total of 218 for 7 wickets, demonstrating a blend of patience and aggression.
The innings was anchored by splendid halfcenturies from Jack Murfin and James Tevendale, who provided the backbone and impetus to the scoreline. Their crucial contributions were instrumental in establishing a challenging target for the visiting Doncaster side.
In response, Doncaster Town started their chase with commendable intent and a strong showing at the top of the order. However, the Stocksbridge bowling attack proved too formidable. Led by the exceptional spells from Callum Haywood and Andy Hibbert, the hosts wrestled back the momentum, chipping away at the Doncaster batting lineup. Key breakthroughs occurred at regular intervals, applying increasing pressure on the visitors. The climax of the match arrived when Jake Vickers delivered the decisive blow, dismissing the dangerous Truman who was threatening to turn the tide with a score of 47. This final wicket sealed a hard-fought victory for the Stocksbridge 1st XI by a margin of 16 runs, highlighting their resilience under pressure.
The success extended to the 2nd XI as well, who replicated the senior team’s triumph against Doncaster Town 4th XI. Batting first, Stocksbridge 2nd XI managed to post a total of 135 all out, with Dom Gentlesmith leading the way with a vital half-century. In their bowling effort, Rowan Cogger and Parag
MANAGER DEPARTS AFTER SUCCESSFUL ERA
Local football club Chapeltown RBL are seeking a new manager following the departure of Adam Todd, who has stepped down after four trophy-laden years at the helm. After joining the Sheffield Sunday League in 2010 the club endured a long wait for silverware until a haul of four trophies in as many years.
Taking the reigns with the club languishing in Division Two, Todd secured a hattrick of league titles in 2022, 2023 and 2024, earning backto-back promotions before reaching the Premier Division summit. The club capped their historic rise by lifting the League Cup in May 2025.
Off the pitch, Chapeltown RBL have also become known for their community spirit, raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes including Weston Park Cancer Charity and The Alzheimer’s Society.
Tawade proved to be the heroes, both claiming three wickets each to dismantle the Doncaster batting order. Their disciplined bowling restricted Doncaster to a mere 97 runs, ensuring a comfortable victory for Stocksbridge. The weekend sweep across all four matches serves as a testament to the depth and strength of Stocksbridge Cricket Club, reinforcing their position as a dominant force in local cricket.
As the club begins its search for a new manager, they will look to build on the foundations laid and continue bringing success to the area.
SCHOLES COPPICE RACE
Wednesday saw the Scholes Coppice race, a local event around the Kimberworth area, offering scenic views near Keppel’s Column. Valley Hill was represented by Wendy Richardson and Steve Sansom, who enjoyed perfect conditions for the evening run hosted by Rotherham Harriers.
Saturday was parkrun day, with a strong turnout from VHR at Concord, where John Weatherall achieved another personal best. Jenni and Gordon Fiander continued their Welsh trip with a run at Ross on Wye parkrun, while Steve Sansom visited North Yorkshire Water Park. Numerous other runners were spread across South Yorkshire, making the most of their Saturday morning parkruns.
On Sunday, Wendy Richardson and Luke Evans travelled to the coast for the Grimsby 10k. The running conditions were excellent, and both runners secured new 10k personal bests.
Photo: Jack Murfin on his way to 60, by Ian Revitt
