The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper
ISSUE 1685
South Yorkshire’s visitor economy has reached a significant milestone, generating £4.0 billion for the local economy in 2025 and supporting 32,800 jobs across the region.
The latest figures show continued growth in visitor numbers, visitor spending and employment, underlining the strength and resilience of South Yorkshire’s tourism sector.
An estimated 38.3 million visits were made to South Yorkshire during the year, including 34.4-millionday visits. Day visitors accounted for 80% of the region’s total visitor economy impact, an increase of 6.4% compared with the previous year.
The accommodation sector continues to evolve, with growth in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering properties and short-term lets. While overnight stays fell slightly by 0.7%, this reflects wider
national trends as visitors increasingly seek flexible and affordable travel options amid ongoing costof-living pressures.
The figures, commissioned by the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (SYLVEP) and produced using Global Tourism Solutions’ STEAM model, also show that visitor spending supports 32,788 full-time equivalent jobs, highlighting tourism’s importance as a key economic sector for the region.
The announcement comes as South Yorkshire prepares to welcome visitors for a packed programme of major events in the months ahead. Hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions and local businesses across the region are expected to benefit from increased visitor spending, with many visitors discovering South Yorkshire’s cities, towns and attractions for the first time.
LOCAL FOOTBALL & SPORT
Key highlights that have already taken place this month include major cultural festivals such as the Children’s Media Conference and Crossed Wires, alongside the 250th anniversary of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse in September. Together, these events play a vital role in highlighting the region’s creativity and strengthening its visitor economy offer.
This sits alongside a strong pipeline of world-class sporting and major events, including the long-term extension of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield through to 2045. Looking ahead, the region is also preparing to welcome the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on 31 July next year, further reinforcing South Yorkshire’s position as a destination for internationally significant events.
The region has also
seen significant recent investment in its tourism infrastructure. Elsecar Heritage Centre reopened following major capital and building works, with a refreshed events programme getting underway from August. At Rother Valley Country Park, the new £8m Waterfront development has recently opened, delivering a lakeside café, event space, improved public realm, enhanced play facilities and upgraded parking provision. Improved sustainable access has also been delivered through the opening of the new £10m tram stop at Magna Science Adventure Centre, a key addition to the Sheffield–Rotherham tram-train corridor. The development includes Park & Ride facilities and stepfree access, significantly improving connectivity to Magna and the wider Lower Don Valley.
Looking ahead, Yorkshire Wildlife Park will introduce a brand-new species to Doncaster as it welcomes a colony of penguins to an exciting new habitat opening in summer 2026. Featuring underwater and above-water glass viewing areas, the development will provide a spectacular new visitor experience while reinforcing the park’s reputation for conservation and adding to its yearround appeal.
The South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (SYLVEP) brings together Barnsley Council, City of Doncaster Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and private sector partners to drive growth in the region’s visitor economy through shared priorities and collaborative action.
TAkE A WALk ON THE WILD SIDE WITH CRYSTAL PEAkS
Visitors to Crystal Peaks shopping centre can take a walk on the wild side throughout the summer holidays with a range of free family activities all based around the year’s biggest and most popular charity event.
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity Pride of Yorkshire Sculpture Trail, featuring 150 large lion and lioness sculptures and 150 smaller lion cubs is now live across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster,
celebrating 150 years of medical care for the region’s children.
As a longtime supporter of the charity, Crystal Peaks is hosting four of the main lions as well as 12 of the smaller cubs, which are located throughout the mall. And to add to the fun for young visitors on the popular lion trail, the centre’s holiday time activities - taking place every Friday for six weeks - will have a lion theme. Things get under way on Friday July
24 with a day inspired by Mindful Mane, the mindfulness lion created by artist Sanna Florence - look out for activities including chalk board art, giant bubbles and family yoga and meditation sessions. On Friday July 31, the centre will host a Roaring Workshop, with the chance to have a go at the special Lion Doodle Wall, create lions and headbands using air dry clay and also take part in a Lion Hunt. Other Friday activities later in the summer will
feature events based around the Crystal Peaks lions designed by artists Liah Edwardes, Lydia Monks and Jina Gelder - look out for further details coming soon.
“We are delighted to be supporting this incredible celebration of the great work being carried out by Sheffield Children’s Hospital,” said Crystal Peaks centre manager lee Greenwood.
“The lion trail is going to be the summer’s most popular family fun day out and we hope that
22/7/2005 Jean Charles de Menezes is killed by police hunting for the bombers responsible for the 7 July and the 21 July London bombings.
23/7/1986 Prince Andrew, Duke of York marries Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey.
24/7/2005 Lance Armstrong wins his seventh consecutive Tour de France.
visitors who make their way to Crystal Peaks will take a break and join in some of the activities we have planned.” All events are free and are subject to last minute changes of schedule.
about the War in Afghanistan, one of the largest leaks in U.S. military history.
26/7/1944 The first German V-2 rocket hits the UK.
27/7/1890 Vincent van Gogh shoots himself and dies two days later.
28/7/1540 Thomas Cromwell is executed on charges of treason. Henry VIII marries his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, on the same day.
I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.
So many people these days are too judgmental I can tell just by looking at them.
To the person in the wheelchair that stole my camo jacket.
You can hide, but you can’t run.
Today, I got kicked out of my “Flat Earth” Facebook group... I just wanted to know if the ‘6 feet apart’ social distancing guideline was pushing anyone over the edge.
My son asked, “Dad, every time I talk to girls, I get butterflies in my stomach! What should I do?!” I gently put my arm around him and replied, “That’s easy son...”
“Stop eating caterpillars!”
Did you know that 97% of the world is stupid? Luckily I’m in the other 5%.
So, I read a study the other day claiming that “humans eat more bananas than monkeys”. Which - to me - sounded a bit obvious. I can’t remember the last time I ate a monkey.
David Hasselhoff walked into a bar and ordered a drink.
“It’s a pleasure to serve you, Mr. Hasselhoff”, said the bartender.
“Just call me Hoff”, he replied. “Sure”, said the bartender, “no hassle”.
The Invisible Man and The Invisible Woman got married. Their kids aren’t anything to look at.
1) Four and twenty of which common UK bird were baked in a pie, according to the children’s nursery rhyme?
2) ‘’The Conquest of Gaul’ by Julius Caesar was originally written in which language?
3) Felicity Montagu played hardworking PA Lynn for which British comedy character?
4) The DB6, the Atom and the Vantage are all models from which car manufacturer?
5) The upper body bone called the Clavicle has which common name?
6) Peter Perfect and Penelope Pitstop are characters from which children’s animated series?
7) Which former West Ham Utd footballer became the first England footballer to be sent off in 1968?
8) ‘Imploding the Mirage’ is the sixth studio album from which US indie rock band?
9) Which US actor played ‘Elwood Blues’ in the Blues Brothers?
10) Plinths carrying statues of Henry Havelock and Charles James Napier sit in which London square?
News, Information and Advice
hike for hope - 3 peaks challenge
This September, Child Bereavement UK is challenging intrepid hikers in the local area to take part in the mighty Hike for Hope: Yorkshire Three Peaks event for bereaved families throughout the UK. Last year’s participant, Dawn is sharing why she took on the challenge for the charity and what it meant to hike in memory of her mum.
She comments “My mum died when I was 12, she was my only parent, and she was only 30 years old herself. As a young person, I didn’t get any support and as such suffered with mental health issues. If we’d had help from a charity like Child Bereavement UK, there wouldn’t have been that much confusion, and I would have been able to grieve properly. When it was approaching what would have been my mum’s 50th birthday, I wanted to do something to celebrate her. So, I did a charity sky dive. This then developed into a year of activities which involved my daughter. It was a really great way to celebrate my mum and talk about my mum to my own daughter. It also meant that I was helping to raise awareness and funds for bereaved young people like me so that they didn’t have to go through what I went through.”
Child Bereavement UK is the largest provider of bereavement support to grieving young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child, supporting families throughout the UK when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity is hosting its Yorkshire Three Peaks event on Saturday the 12th of September, which will see a team of intrepid hikers take on the 24-mile circular walk including treks up Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, an ascent of more than 1,580 meters in one day. Starting from the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, hikers will be guided by experienced Mountain Leaders through the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Registration fees cost a nominal £25 with a minimum fundraising target of £250. Many participants will be undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of their important person and to help support bereaved families throughout the UK who are coping with
s yorks mayor to visit india
portrait highlights kaye
Blitz
childhood bereavement or the death of a baby or child. Dawn looks back on her own Yorkshire Three Peaks challenges, sharing, “My mum passed a long time ago, 22 years ago, so I believe it’s important to keep her memory alive. Also, grief doesn’t go; it changes. I grieve for her in many different ways. I’m older than the age she was when she died, so I grieve for the life she missed as a young woman, but also as a mum, she missed out on so many things. Things like seeing us graduate, have children, own a house. I also think it’s important for my daughter to know who her grandma is. The whole experience was incredible. The last peak was the biggest challenge as the weather turned, but it was enjoyable, especially as we had a goal which was to raise money for a deserving charity. To be able to do this alongside my daughter in memory of her grandmother was something I will always remember. My advice to anyone considering a challenge is just do it. There’s no better feeling than challenging yourself while raising money for an incredible cause.”
There are spaces available to join the Hike for Hope: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Individuals can register and take part themselves or with a team of family and friends with dedicated training and fundraising support available from Child Bereavement UK. For further information, please visit the Hike for Hope: Yorkshire Three Peaks page on the website.
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We offer free, UKwide, accessible online grief support to children and young people (up to 25) and parents bereaved of a baby or child.
Our trained bereavement specialists are available to speak with Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (excluding bank holidays) by phone, email, text and WhatsApp, or via our websitechildbereavementuk.org
Senior leaders from across the North of England will travel together to India this October for the first time under The Great North banner to strengthen ties on trade, investment, innovation, culture and the visitor economy.
The delegation will take place from 12 to 16 October 2026 and bring together civic and business leaders, academics and civic partners from Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the North East, and Cheshire and Warrington. Announced as the historic UK-India Free Trade Agreement comes into effect, the mission is the UK’s first joint mayoral-led mission to India and the first major regional response to the agreement, which is projected to increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5bn by 2040. The mission will be delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and comes as DBT reports total UK-India trade reached £47.9bn in 2025, up 10% on the previous year.
Northern Mayors will be joined by businesses, SMEs and universities from across the region to help bolster links, showcase the North’s economic assets and create new opportunities for trade, investment and academic collaboration.
Activity will include an opening event under The Great North banner to showcase the collective North, with the British High Commission, New Delhi, sector-focused engagement and cultural and sporting activity showcasing the breadth of what the North has to offer. Events are also planned with Indian travel trade partners to strengthen visitor economy links between India and the North of England. Working with Visit Britain, LVEPs and tourism industry partners from across the North will attend to showcase destinations, attract new visitors and build relationships with one of the world’s fastestgrowing outbound travel markets.
India is an increasingly important visitor market for the UK, with more than 600,000 visits made each year. Visitor numbers are forecast to reach 1 million by
2030, with visitor spend reaching £1 billion, creating significant opportunities for destinations across the North of England.
The Great North represents a combined economy worth over £340 billion, home to 16 million people and 1.1 million businesses, with shared strengths across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, clean energy, financial and professional services, and creative industries.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with growth forecast at 6.5% for 2026 and beyond. The North of England and India already have deep and growing ties, with nearly 540,000 people of Indian origin living across the region. Indian companies have invested over £1bn in the North alone, supporting more than 6,700 jobs according to the Confederation of Indian Industry.
The mission builds on the inaugural India North England Opportunity Summit, held in Manchester in March 2026, which brought together more than 300 delegates from business, government and civic life.
The event marked one year since the opening of the Consulate General of India in Manchester, which has played a key role in strengthening economic, business and diplomatic ties between India and the North of England. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The Great North trade mission to India is a chance to bring investment into our communities and turn it into decent, well-paid jobs for people here. By going to India together as the North of England, we’re showing the sheer scale of what we’ve got to offer and making a clear case for why investors should back our regions. The UK’s Free Trade Agreement with India is a significant breakthrough and it’s right that South Yorkshire grabs these opportunities with both hands. If we get this mission right, it will mean better links with the world’s fastest growing economy so we can create stronger local economies, and a better deal for our communities across South Yorkshire and the wider North.”
A stunning portrait of one of Dogs Trust’s longest-waiting residents is helping shine a light on an affectionate dog who has spent more than two-and-a-half years searching for a family to call his own.
Yorkshire-based portrait artist Rachel Inhester was inspired to paint threeyear-old Cane Corso cross Kaye after seeing his story. After sharing the finished artwork in a reel on social media, Rachel was invited to Dogs Trust to meet Kaye in person for the very first time. Despite capturing hearts with both his portrait and his gentle personality, Kaye is still waiting for the home he has dreamed of since arriving at Dogs Trust in January 2024. Kaye was just eight months old when he was handed into Dogs Trust after his owners were no longer able to care for him due to ill health. Having lived a very sheltered life, he found the outside world overwhelming and was extremely nervous when he first arrived. Over the past two and a half years, Kaye’s dedicated carers have worked patiently to build his confidence. Those who know him best have seen him blossom into an affectionate, playful and deeply loyal companion. His circle of trusted friends has grown enormously during his time at Dogs Trust’s Rehoming Centre, adored by his handlers Despite all his wonderful qualities, Kaye has
received very little interest from potential adopters.
Kelly Walker, Centre Manager of Dogs Trust Leeds Rehoming Centre, said: “Kaye has become a much-loved member of our centre, and everyone who spends time with him falls in love with his playful, affectionate nature. He’s come such a long way since arriving with us as a frightened young dog, and we’re incredibly proud of the progress he’s made. We hope it encourages people to look beyond first impressions and see the wonderful dog waiting underneath. Kaye doesn’t need a perfect home, he just needs the right one. He’s looking for patient adopters who can offer him a quiet, predictable environment where he can continue to build his confidence at his own pace. We know that family is out there somewhere, and we’d love nothing more than to see Kaye finally head home.”
While Kaye enjoys life at the centre surrounded by familiar faces and canine friends, Dogs Trust is hopeful the extra attention generated by Rachel’s portrait will help him find the family he has been waiting so patiently for.
Anyone interested in offering Kaye the calm, understanding home he deserves can find out more by visiting his Dogs Trust adoption profile or contacting Dogs Trust Leeds Rehoming Centre.
Neighbourhood officers policing the centre of Doncaster are continuing to crackdown on retail crime with nearly 50 shoplifters convicted and over 14 years of prison sentences handed out to offenders since the start of May.
Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has its own dedicated retail crime unit, which combines high-visibility patrols in the city centre and surrounding area with important behind the scenes work.
This work has seen officers gather crucial knowledge on prolific offenders and their patterns of offending, with this information shared among retailers and partners.
The continued efforts of the unit and supporting officers has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in the number of shoplifting offences in the centre of Doncaster over the past three months, with prolific offenders arrested and brought before the courts.
In total, 46 people have been convicted for shoplifting in the Doncaster Central NPT area since the start of May.
As well as helping to secure prison sentences, officers have sought to obtain additional punishments for repeat offenders in the form of criminal behaviour orders (CBOs).
These prohibit prolific shoplifters from entering stores they have repeatedly targeted as part of their offending and give further protection to retail stores, their employees and
First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham since 1955.
Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top we offer a bespoke funeral service upholding traditional values whilst progressing to cater for modern, personalised customer requirements.
A selection of the services we provide: • Professional and sympathetic funeral arrangements in our office or in the comfort of your own home
shoppers.
As it stands, there are currently 21 shoplifters who are subject to CBOs and banned from certain stores within the Doncaster Central NPT area.
Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Lisa Bird said: “We understand and recognise businesses’ frustration when it comes to shoplifters and we’re keen to continue working alongside them and other key partners to clamp down on retail crime.
“The connections we’ve forged with local and national retailers and the systems we’ve developed to tackle retail crime continue to get stronger and offenders being brought before the courts has correlated with a reduction in the number of recorded theft offences.
“Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime - it affects the local economy and local businesses, puts shop workers and shoppers at risk of harm and creates uneasiness in the community.
“It won’t be tolerated and I continue to urge any business who has been a victim of theft to please report it to us.
“We will investigate every single shoplifting offence reported to us, regardless of the value of what has been stolen, and the sooner we know, the sooner we can act.” If a shoplifter has targeted your business, please report it to the Police immediately. If a crime is in progress, always call 999. Otherwise, please call us on the nonemergency 101 number or make a report via the Police website.
Sheffield launcheS ‘Sip feSt’, a new citywide celebration of coffee and café culture
Sip Fest, taking place in Sheffield from Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, will bring a full week of free citywide events alongside a major weekend at Trafalgar Warehouse.
The festival will feature free events across coffee shops, cafés, roasteries and creative spaces throughout the city, building towards a weekend at Trafalgar Warehouse with a free industry party on Friday 2 October and a ticketed public festival day on Saturday 3 October.
Early bird tickets for the Saturday public event are available now for £5 at sipcoffeefestival.com.
The festival will bring together independent cafés, roasters,
coffee brands, makers, baristas, street food traders, DJs and coffee lovers for a full week of activity across Sheffield. The programme is built around three parts.
From Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October, Sip Fest will host a free citywide fringe, with events taking place across more than 40 coffee shops, cafés, bars, brunch spots, roasteries and spaces in Sheffield. The fringe will encourage people to visit local independents, discover new places and support the businesses that make Sheffield’s coffee scene what it is.
On Friday 2 October, Trafalgar Warehouse will host a free industry party for people working across coffee,
hospitality, food, drink, events and the wider independent business community.
On Saturday 3 October, Trafalgar Warehouse will become the main Sip Fest hub for a ticketed public event, split across morning and afternoon sessions. The Saturday programme will feature more than 30 stalls, talks, tasters, freebies, Sheffield’s biggest latte art competition, Coffee School sessions, street food, DJs and the UK’s biggest coffee run. The festival has been created to celebrate Sheffield’s independent coffee scene and the people behind it. While the city is already known for music, beer, food, makers and independent culture, its cafés have become an increasingly
important part of Sheffield’s social life. They are places where people meet, work, create, plan, recover, organise and connect.
Created by a team from Sheffield’s coffee, hospitality and events scene, Sip Fest has been founded by Matt Cottrill of Steam Yard and Corner Store, and Neil Midgley of Motore Cafe, with illustration and creative direction from Molly Kirk of Steam Yard.
Sheffield’s coffee scene has been building wider recognition for years, with local cafés and roasters appearing in speciality coffee guides and earning attention far beyond the city.
Sip Fest will bring that energy together for the first time, giving Sheffield’s cafés, roasters and baristas a shared platform while
inviting people to explore the places that make the city’s coffee culture distinctive.
The festival is designed for a broad audience, from serious coffee drinkers and home brewers to casual flat white fans, young professionals, students, freelancers, families and people looking for a social event that is not centred around alcohol.
Matt Cottrill said:
“Sheffield has one of the most exciting independent coffee scenes in the country and we want to showcase this to the city and beyond.
“Sip Fest is about celebrating the places, people and energy that make Sheffield’s coffee culture what it is. We want it to feel like something people genuinely look forward to every
year, with a sense of fun but also something meaningful behind it.”
Sip Fest will feature local Sheffield independents alongside national coffee brands, creating a platform for the city’s cafés and roasters while also bringing a wider industry audience into Sheffield. Organisers are now inviting cafés, roasteries, makers, brands, venues and traders to get involved in both the Trafalgar Warehouse event and the wider fringe programme. To take part, email hello@ sipcoffeefestival.com.
Early bird tickets for the Saturday public event are available now for £5 at sipcoffeefestival.com.
If your a fan of Martha , The Temptations, Supremes, The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye & many more Motown
MERCURYSP RT LOCAL FOOTBALL FIXTURES 2026/27
BALL INN
Every Sat - Bingo is Back! Jackpot on First House!
lyNETTE
HITz BlITz
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
PENNY BlACk
dJ dEano’S karaokE & play your cards right! from 5pm WEDNESDAY 23rd July ///DJ JoNNY ’S WoRDl CUP WARM-UP!
FRIDAY
Peak District National Park Authority, has received applications for Planning Permission / Listed Building Consent / Conservation Area Consent listed in the schedule below.
Copies of the application(s) can be viewed on the planning pages of the website at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning and if you wish to comment please write to the Chief Executive, Peak District National Park Authority, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AE within 21 days of this notice.
Application Number: NP/S/0726/0661
Proposal: S.73 application for the variation of conditions 2, 17 and 20 on NP/S/1022/1300
- Thornseat Lodge, Mortimer Road, Sheffield, (M)
Applications with the suffix (M) is Major Development
LICENSING ACT 2003
Application has been made by Megan Packham, to the Licensing Authority of Sheffield City Council for a Premises Licence for the Cricket View Cafe & Shop at Woodfall House, Wood Fall Ln, Sheffield, S6 6LA.
The application includes the following terms: 1. To permit the sale of alcohol (on and off) between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday-Sunday.
Full details of the Application can be viewed at the offices of the Licensing Authority at Sheffield City Council, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3HD A responsible authority or any other person can make written representations to the Licensing Authority at any time up to and including 7th August 2026. (www.sheffield.gov.uk) It is an offence for anyone knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with a Licence Application. The maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.
Dated this:10th July 2026 John Gaunt & Partners, Licensing Solicitors
LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE
Name of Applicant: MORTEZA GHORBANI Address Of Premises: FOOD AND WINE ONE, 365 ECCLESALL ROAD, SHEFFIELD S11 8PF Proposed Licensable Activity: Retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 06:00 to 01:00, Monday to Sunday. Licensing authority: Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD. Email: licensingservice@ sheffield.gov.uk (The full application may be viewed at the above offices during normal office hours or on the website). Any person or responsible authority may make representations in writing to the above address no later than 04th August 2026. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for this offence is unlimited.
MOtOrHOMe Hire
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street: The Platt family gather to record a video message for Audrey’s birthday but are interrupted by the arrival of the police, who arrest Sarah for Theo’s murder. Lisa warns Kit to stop protecting Sarah if he values his career. Todd reveals to Summer that he already knew Sarah killed Theo. Nick, Toyah and Leanne are informed that Sam is ready to be discharged but Nick fears that Sarah’s arrest could negatively impact Sam’s recovery. Todd confides in Summer about Christina’s overspending, but Summer fears it’ll all end in disaster. Dylan visits Betsy to accept responsibility for her condition. When a police officer arrives to take a statement from Betsy, Dylan makes a hasty exit. Ollie is delighted when Leanne offers him a job as chef at Speed Daal.
Emmerdale:
When Kim realises there’s been an intruder at Home Farm, she employs Ross to investigate and hands him a list of suspects. Believing they might be able to uncover complaints that have been buried at the hospital, Mack and Vanessa put their plan into action. When a defeated Charity hears about Mack and Vanessa’s plan, she heads to confront her but ends up face to face with Helen, another of Dr Todd’s victims. Kev becomes stressed when his old mate Steve arrives - will he jeopardise his fresh start? As darkness approaches, Cain falls down a hill and traps his leg. Despite her wedding dress excitement, Dawn’s mood is ruined by Billy and Gabby dating.
Eastenders:
Ian starts to make peace with himself after his decision to plead guilty to the hit-and-run that gravely injured Jordan. Following Joel’s surprise return to Walford after his early release from the young offenders institute, Vicki is struggling knowing that her abusive stepson is back in their home. With a tense atmosphere at home, Joel reaches the decision that nobody wants him around in Walford. He decides to book a train ticket - but where will he go if he leaves Albert Square? Denise and Jack find themselves in a difficult place emotionally following her leukaemia treatment setback. Linda decides to host a sober dance class at the community centre. Unfortunately, the event doesn’t go as well as she’d hoped.
Departing local airports with coach transfer to port from arrival airport return All based on Cabin availablity and based on 2 passengers sharing
Departing on the 11th November 2026 - 19 nights Mediterranean holiday Balcony Cabin from £1599 per person aboard the Arcadia
Prices are correct at the time of publishing are subject to change and based on 2 passengers sharing a Cabin.
We also have lots of Free Child places throughout the Summer and some great destinations, please contact us at travel & more or why not pop down to see us at 620 Attercliffe Road (Banners Buildings) S9 3QS open Midweek
@travel-and-more.co.uk
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
doherty’s a blade
United have added a vastly experienced operator, who boasts significant Premier League and international experience, to the defensive ranks. Matt Doherty has joined the club on a one-year deal, with an option of an extra year, after he departed Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, having amassed close to 400 appearances across two spells at Molineux.
With Chris Wilder stipulating his desire to add some experienced heads for the upcoming season, the Blades boss believes Doherty is the ideal figurehead for his youthful squad to look up to. Wilder said: “There’s no doubting we are getting a player here who knows what it takes to be successful. You’ve got to be a seriously good player to have played as many times as he has for the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Atletico Madrid. Matt is a top pro on and off the pitch; he still has a real desire to achieve things in his career, and he wants to do that here. He’ll drive those standards we are looking for and bring the best out of others in the squad. I’ve talked about culture carriers a lot over the years, and that’s what I see in Matt.”
Doherty added: “I spoke
to the manager and had a walk round the stadium, obviously I’ve played there (Bramall Lane) many times before so I know what the atmosphere can be and the manager convinced me with his vision of the team and the club. I’m backing the manager to get the club back into the Premier League and I’m guessing that is the goal for everyone at the end of the day. I believe in him and what he’s saying to me, and I know he’ll believe in his players. I’ve got friends who have played hereEnda Stevens, John Egan, Conor Coady - they’ve all told me how good a place this is to play and I know that too, I know the atmosphere can be incredible.”
Doherty’s association with Wolves first began in July 2010, when he was invited for a trial and subsequently signed a two-year contract for a reported £75,000 fee after he impressed whilst playing against them for Bohemians in a preseason friendly. He made his debut in the FA Cup against Doncaster Rovers in January 2011 before making his Premier League debut against Liverpool around eight months later. Stints in the SPL with Hibernian and EFL at Bury followed as he gained experience,
him a place in the division’s Team of the Season.
Despite being a soughtafter player, the club were able to complete a deal to further bolster Grant McCann’s squad.
Rovers have completed their eighth signing of the summer window with the arrival of Isaac Hutchinson, who joins the club from League
Two side Bristol Rovers on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, with the option of a further 12 months.
The midfielder spent the majority of the 2025/26 season on loan to Cheltenham Town, scoring 18 times across all competitions in two separate stints, which helped the Robins pull away from the threat of relegation and earned
Born in Eastbourne, Hutchinson’s youth career began on the south coast at Ratton Rangers, before he was picked up by Brighton and Hove Albion.
After a lengthy spell with the Seagulls, he spent two seasons with Southend United, before moving to Midlands with Derby County. Hutchinson gained valuable experience across various competitions, enjoying loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and Crawley, while his first goal for the Rams came against Salford City in the Carabao Cup.
In the summer of 2022,
prior to cementing his place as the first choice right-back at Wolves when Dean Saunders was appointed manager in January 2013.
Despite relegation to the third tier, Doherty continued to further his career, helping Wolves make an instant return to the Championship under Kenny Jackett, before making 45 league appearances in the 2017/18 campaign as Wanderers regained their top-flight status. The accolades and new contracts followed with Doherty scoring against Cardiff City on his 200th appearance for Wolves, with his 302nd and final outing across a 10-year spell coming in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal against Sevilla. Three seasons at Tottenham followed after Spurs reportedly paid over £13 million for Doherty’s services, prior to a brief stint in La Liga with Atletico Madrid in 2023.
Upon returning to the UK, he rejoined Wolves on a three-year contract and amassed a further 87 appearances in all competitions, including 15 last term.
Internationally, Doherty has over 50 Republic of Ireland caps to his name having debuted in 2018 and he also captained his country as recently as 2023 against Latvia.
the Englishman made a permanent switch to Walsall. This move saw him gain regular first-team football and become a key member of the squad.
During the 2023/24 season, Hutchinson played in all 46 of the Saddlers’ League
Two matches, netting a hat-trick against Gillingham in October. His performances attracted the attention of Bristol Rovers, who then welcomed him to the Memorial Stadium on a three-year deal. He joined Cheltenham on loan in September 2025 and really thrived at his new club, with his performances resulting in him being recalled by Gas manager Steve Evans in January. However, the Robins were able to bring Hutchinson back a month later to see the season out.
bIlly mItChell joINs owls
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are delighted to announce the permanent transfer of Billy Mitchell, who joins the Owls having departed Championship side Millwall.
Mitchell has signed a three-year contract at Hillsborough. The 25-year-old holding midfielder has spent his career with the Lions to date, graduating from the club’s academy to become a mainstay in the first-team engine room. He made 30 league appearances for Millwall last season as the Londoners reached
the Championship playoffs.
With 184 second-tier games in total under the belt, Mitchell has a wealth of EFL experience and can’t wait to begin his S6 journey. He said: “I’m very excited, this is a massive club, massive opportunity. We all know Sheffield Wednesday doesn’t belong in League One and I, along with the rest of the boys, am going to make it our sole mission to get promoted. It’s the history of the club, the size of the club, the fans, and I’ve heard great things about the dressing room. I think the thing
that sticks out to me the most is how everyone’s stuck together, how the fans have stuck by the team through thick and thin. That’s something that you can’t buy. Having spoken to the owner and hearing how he envisaged the club moving forward and doing it with a smile on our faces as well, that was something that really enticed me.”
Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, added: “Billy is a player that we believe will thrive at Sheffield Wednesday because of the way he plays the game. He brings a full-
blooded commitment and a relentless desire to compete that reflects the identity we are building and will resonate immediately with our supporters. He has consistently performed at Championship level in recent years and that experience, combined with his leadership qualities and mentality, will be invaluable for our squad. Billy had opportunities elsewhere, but he chose Sheffield Wednesday because he believes in what we are building - he also wants to improve every day and we believe he will under
Henrik and our coaching team. We are delighted to welcome him to Sheffield Wednesday.” Joining Millwall’s academy in 2015, Mitchell took significant strides at youth level before making his senior debut on the final day of the 2018/19 Championship season. He went on to post 196 appearances for the Lions across all competitions. Mitchell is now in situ at Middlewood Road and will be in the squad that travels to Hungary and Austria on Sunday.
trIo oF yoUNG mIllers sIGN FIrst Pro deals
Rotherham United are delighted to announce that Cohen Lee, Dean Gardner and Harrison Duncan have all signed their first professional deals at AESSEAL New York Stadium, subject to EFL and FA ratification. The three youngsters have penned contracts that will see them ply their trade with the Millers for at least the next two years, with the club holding the option to extend those agreements by a further year beyond the stated two.
Millers fans had the opportunity to see the young trio in first team action last season as Lee, Gardner and Duncan all featured throughout the course of the 2025/26 campaign to good effect.
Making his first-team debut towards the back end of the season, Lee impressed both coaching staff and supporters
alike as he turned in a tenacious display in midfield at The Brick Community Stadium against Wigan Athletic. His efforts did not go unnoticed by thenboss Lee Clark, who would hand him further opportunities against Leyton Orient, Luton Town and Reading before the end of the season.
Gardner enjoyed his first taste of senior football in the Millers’ Emirates FA Cup clash with Swindon Town when he entered the action in the second half and he would sample life alongside professional colleagues again soon after as he turned in an assured performance in the 7-2 dismantling of Salford City in the Vertu Trophy Round of 32.
The youngster capped a mature display with a well-taken goal as he applied a smart finish to a through ball having
made an intelligent run in behind the defence. Duncan’s journey so far with the Millers has not followed the ‘conventional’ route of progression through the club’s youth age groups, instead, joining from Doncaster City as a Scholar having had his talents identified by then-boss Steve Evans. The central defender has a commanding physique and plays to those strengths too, operating
with a no-nonsense approach to his trade as he also made his senior debut against the Robins in the Emirates FA Cup last term. Duncan would feature again from the bench under Clark in the 2-0 win over Leyton Orient back in April during which he once again impressed both coaches and supporters alike.
All three players were among the U18s’ regular shining lights in Youth
Alliance League action throughout 2025/26 and have impressed sufficiently to earn their chance to do the same under Head Coach Alex Bruce moving forwards. Everyone at Rotherham United would like to congratulate the young trio on signing their first professional contracts and for the hard work that has gone into their fledgling careers to date to see them rewarded with this opportunity.
