Look Local Issue 1390 Thursday 4 September 2025

Mayor Slams First Bus Over Sheffield Fare Increases

Bus passengers across She eld are facing higher fares this autumn a er First Bus introduced a series of increases, most of which came into e ect on 31 August 2025. e changes hit students and young people hardest, with single tickets and weekly passes rising sharply, as much as 20% for a single fare. Mayors reaction page 3...

Among the key increases:

• Student and 18–21 single fares rose from £1.50 to £1.80.

• A She eld Student Week ticket jumped from £13.50 to £16.00.

• A Student 3-month pass increased from £140 to £168, and the 12-month ticket from £320 to £384.

• Child day tickets went up from £3.00 to £3.10, while some multi-trip options for under-16s were withdrawn.

Illegal vapes and cigare es seized

Police o cers from Eccles eld & Shiregreen Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with She eld Trading Standards earlier this week to carry out a visit at a shop in Chapeltown.

During the operation, o cers discovered around £5,000 worth of illegal and potentially dangerous vapes and cigarettes. e products were seized as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of unregulated tobacco and vaping items across the north of She eld.

Alongside the seizure, a 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing a bladed article. He has since been charged and will appear before court.

A spokesperson for Eccles eld & Shiregreen NPT – which covers Eccles eld, Chapeltown, High Green and Grenoside – said the operation was part of a wider crackdown designed to protect the public and support legitimate local businesses.

Sandra receives award

She eld care home charity She care volunteer Sandra Smyth has had her dedication and support recognised with a special national award.

Room to Reward is a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say thank you to the nation’s hidden heroes, the inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a di erence to those who need it most.

She care, the charity that has a group of nine care homes across She eld, put Sandra forward for the accolade and were delighted when her e orts as a volunteer at their Midhurst Road home in Foxhill were recognised.

“Sandra has been a dedicated volunteer at Midhurst Road for an incredible seven years, making her one of our longest-serving volunteers,” said Midhurst Road manager Joe Hughes.

“Over that time, she has become so much more than a helping hand — she’s a true friend to both sta and residents alike.

“Sandra’s warm, friendly nature and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on everyone around her.

“Her compassion, kindness and constant support are deeply appreciated by the whole Midhurst Road family.”

Mayor Slams First Bus

This follows wider fare restructuring that took effect on 1 January 2025, when adult singles were aligned to the new national £3 fare cap, and a number of ticket types were scrapped or repriced.

MAYOR’S REACTION

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard condemned the latest price rises, criticising First Bus for targeting younger passengers and failing to provide adequate notice:

“Let me be clear, I’m deeply disappointed to hear that First Bus has chosen to hike fares for young people, and with barely any notice.

At a time when I’m working hard to open up opportunity for our young people, through schemes like our Barnsley Micard pilot, First is heading in the opposite direction.

What’s worse, they gave us almost no warning, and even less to passengers. That’s simply not good enough.

South Yorkshire deserves a real public transport system – with the emphasis on public.

That’s why I’ve started the process of bus franchising, to bring our buses back under public control. It’s why I’ve been working to improve South Yorkshire’s Supertram now it’s back under public control.

And it’s why I’m working closely with Mayors across the North to make the best possible case for better rail connectivity.

Because our region deserves better. And I won’t stop until we get it.”

IMPACT ON PASSENGERS

The timing of the increases—the start of the new academic year—has raised concerns among parents and students preparing to return to school, college and university.

Commuters have also expressed frustration online, with some describing the new distance-based fares as “confusing” and highlighting the removal of popular multi-trip tickets.

Double Yellow Lines Planned to Tackle Parking Problems

Double yellow lines are set to be introduced on part of Clarel Street, Penistone, after longrunning complaints about buses and bin lorries being blocked by parked cars.

Barnsley Council will discuss the proposals this week, which would ban parking on the south side of the street. Officials said “perpetual obstruction” was forcing buses to divert and pedestrians into the road.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority highlighted issues after three bus services were delayed or cancelled. Traffic officers also observed “half-on, half-off” pavement parking creating hazards for people with prams and wheelchair users.

Despite this, several residents objected during consultation, warning the changes would simply push cars to the opposite side and cause “chaos”. Others argued parking had worked “since 1985” and accused the council of encouraging people to pave over gardens for driveways.

A council report stressed that most affected properties already have off-road parking and said the restrictions were essential to protect bus services, refuse collection and emergency access.

The £7,500 cost of implementing the traffic order will be met by Stagecoach, meaning there is no direct cost to the council.

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Fire crews staged training exercise

Residents in Stocksbridge may have been surprised to see several re engines and clouds of smoke on Manchester Road and Johnson Street this week – but there was no cause for alarm.

e sight was part of a planned training exercise involving crews from Stocksbridge, Central and Elm Lane re stations. Fire ghters carried out a realistic drill designed to test their response in an emergency, with multiple appliances and staged smoke used to recreate conditions they might face in a real incident. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said such exercises are an essential part of keeping crews fully prepared. “We run regular training scenarios so that our re ghters are ready for anything they may encounter,” a spokes-

person explained. “ ese exercises also give us the chance to work together across different stations, which is vital when tackling larger incidents.”

Local residents who witnessed the exercise said it was reassuring to see crews in action. One shopkeeper on Manchester Road said: “At rst I thought something serious was happening – but once I realised it was training, it was actually quite impressive to watch.” Another passer-by added: “ e smoke looked very realistic. If that’s the level of preparation they’re doing, then we’re in safe hands.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue con rmed that the drill passed safely and successfully, with no disruption to local people beyond some temporary road activity.

Garden Fire

Two re crews from Penistone and Stocksbridge stations attended a garden re at 10:15pm on Shrewsbury Close, Penistone, Barnsley. e accidental re involved garden furniture and spread to guttering. Crews le the scene at 11:10pm.

MP meets shopkeepers to discuss shopfront revamp

Shops along Manchester Road could soon be getting a fresh new look, as local traders met with Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball to discuss progress on the long-awaited shopfront improvement scheme.

e project, part of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund, aims to give businesses a uniform and modern façade designed to draw more visitors into the town and provide a boost to local trade.

At the meeting, held on ursday 21 August, shopkeepers were joined by senior She eld City Council o cers and Towns Fund Board members. ey were shown new designs for the scheme and had the chance to raise questions about the proposed timescales.

Marie, who co-chairs the Towns Fund, was supported by board members Ian Sanderson, John Crawshaw and Liz Sedgwick, who have now taken on the role of project champions. A er the discussion, council o cers visited individual shops to look at how businesses could apply for development work.

Contractors are expected to start on site as early as February 2026, with assurances that any closures will be kept to a minimum.

fronts project is delivered as quickly as possible.

“I have wanted shopkeepers to be updated directly by o cers on developments. At my meeting, it was reassuring to see how supportive local shopkeepers are of the project moving forward. ey are keen to see the transformation of the street, and I am sure that their businesses will go from strength to strength as a result. It was helpful to hear further feedback from them and I pushed for the council to resolve any outstanding issues as quickly as possible.

“Bringing everyone around the table in this way means that everyone can be on the same page. To me, that’s what the Stocksbridge Towns Fund deal is all about: delivering on the needs and wants of local people to improve the town and enable our communities to thrive.

“I am hopeful that, further to reassurances this month from She eld City Council, works will be underway by spring 2026. Although I have only been co-chair of the Board since last September, we have already seen the hopper bus restored. Better yet, construction work started this month on the new 519 Hub, which will include new community spaces and the library.

Marie has already helped to accelerate several Towns Fund projects, including the new number 35 hopper bus linking Stocksbridge and Deepcar, the extension of the 34 service to Bolsterstone, and the construction of the 519 Hub, which began earlier this month.

Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge and Co-Chair of the Towns Fund Board, said: “One of my top priorities as your MP is enabling our high streets and local businesses to thrive. at’s why I am so passionate about ensuring that the Manchester Road shop-

“If any Manchester Road Shopfront owners or tenants need to nd more information about the scheme and the process for their shopfront to be changed, please email the Council at stfshopfronts@she eld.gov.uk

‘Laughing Gas’ Trio jailed

Three men who helped import 91 million canisters of laughing gas into the UK through a series of bogus catering firms have been jailed, writes Oliver Wright for BBC News.

Carl Messen, 58, and twin brothers Thomas and Benjamin Richardson, both 38, brought lorry loads of nitrous oxide into the country between May 2016 and December 2018.

Leeds Crown Court heard the trio also used the fake companies to launder more than £16.7m made from the scheme.

Messen, from Doncaster, and the Richardson brothers, from Barlby, North Yorkshire, were jailed on Thursday after being convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance following a trial.

Nitrous oxide is used as an anaesthetic in dentistry and medicine. It is also used legitimately in the catering industry as a propellant in whipped cream dispensers. In 2016 it was made illegal to supply or import nitrous oxide if it was likely to be consumed for its psychoactive effect, and in 2023 it was made a class C drug.

The court heard the gang imported 91,350,000 canisters into the country in two years after the ban came into place.

Messen, of South Farm Drive, Skellow, was jailed for three years and six months after being convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance, money laundering and possessing criminal cash.

Primary school exclusions

The rising number of children permanently excluded from primary schools is placing a city's services under "unsustainable demand", according to a report, writes Julia Armstrong, Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to a report written for Sheffield City Council's children, education and families policy committee, "radical change" is needed.

Councillors will discuss the issue affecting the Sheffield Inclusion Centre at a meeting on Tuesday.

The report said: "There is a growing recognition that a radical change is needed in how we address school exclusions to ensure all children belong, thrive and attain."

Sheffield Inclusion Centre, based in Spring Lane, Manor, works with children who have been permanently excluded and has eight sites across the city.

Under the new plan, the centre will stop taking on primary school children, freeing up spaces for secondary students.

Five Rivers Multi Academy Trust, a group of schools across Sheffield, launched a site offering short-term alternative education provision for primary school children at Abbeyfield School last year.

The number of places at Abbeyfield will increase from 10 to 20 over the course of the new academic year.

The Five Rivers trust is also developing a hub for six to eight pupils at Tinsley School and is partnering with the council to develop another hub for up to 15 children in the south of the city.

The report said: "These expansions will mean a total of up to 43 places for children will be provided across the city.

"It is hoped in time not all of these places will be needed for children excluded from school and that the service can also be used as an intervention for exclusion prevention purposes."

Benjamin Richardson, of The Laurels, Barlby, was jailed for six years and two months after he was also found guilty of the same charges.

Thomas Richardson, of Rosegarth, Barlby, was jailed for five years and eight months after be-

ing convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering.

DATE: 20TH SEPTEMBER

TIME: 7PM - 11PM

PRICE: £6 PER PERSON

Community Warming Returns for Autumn

e Community Warming Project will continue this autumn for a third year. e project started in September 2023 and has helped over 60 households to stop draughts, improve insulation and cut energy bills through a range of simple measures:

• door curtains

• door sausages,

• draught excluding tape,

• radiator re ectors,

• pipe lagging,

• LED bulbs

ese are all tted by professional handy persons free of charge subject to eligibility criteria. Households spending more than 10% of their income on energy and /or are in receipt of bene ts can apply. Contact 07707 762995 or email cw.udce@gmail.com to nd our more.

Curtains and door sausages are made to size by a team of volunteers at community sew-

ing workshops held at St Ann’s Church Hall, Deepcar.

Households receiving in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of their income on gas and electricity), receiving bene ts and/or with a range of health conditions such as cardiovascular condition, respiratory disease, limited mobility and immunosuppression are eligible. e project covers postcode areas S36 and S35 including Chapeltown, High Green, Oughtibridge, Deepcar, Stocksbridge, Penistone and surrounding villages.

Commenting for Upper Don Community Energy, who run the project, Catherine Cotterill said,

“We are very aware that there are probably hundreds of households in the area that meet the eligibility criteria but may not have heard about Community Warming. We are appealing to friends, neighbours, colleagues and relatives to help spread the word about the project and help make dwellings warmer and cheaper to run”.

Search on for Unsung Heroes Community Awards

Residents across North She eld are being invited to shine a light on the everyday heroes who make a real di erence in their neighbourhoods, as nominations open for the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards.

Organised by High Green Development Trust (HGDT), the awards celebrate individuals and groups who go the extra mile to improve life in areas including High Green, Eccles eld, Chapeltown, Burncross, Grenoside, Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Wortley, Oughtibridge, Worrall, Wharncli e Side, Bolsterstone, Midhopestones, Upper Midhope, Eweden Village, Middlewood, Stannington, Loxley, Brad eld and Dungworth.

People are encouraged to nominate those who have sel essly volunteered their time or led positive projects over the last year. ere are six award categories:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Recognising outstanding volunteer service and community impact.

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

For exceptional volunteers under the age of 25.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Celebrating a successful local initiative that bene ts the community.

THE GREEN AWARD

For individuals, groups or projects that have enhanced local green spaces.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD

For someone—volunteer or paid—who has made a real change in their community.

HALL OF FAME AWARD

Honouring long-standing commitment to the voluntary or community sector.

A spokesperson for HGDT said: “ ese awards are a chance to recognise the people and projects that truly bring our communities together. If someone has made a positive di erence in your area, we want to hear about it.”

Nominations can be made online at: www. hgdt.org/community-volunteer-awards-2025

Paper forms are also available from e Campus in High Green for those preferring to nominate in person.

e deadline for nominations is Monday 22nd September 2025 at 4pm.

For more information, visit the HGDT website or contact e Campus reception.

SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY

1 Stocksbridge and Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meeting at Christ Church, Manchester Road. S36 1DY, @ 2.30pm. Speaker is Anne Flanders ‘The Bustle Lady’ Visitors welcome.

3 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. This is our AGM so unfortunately we are unable to accept visitors or new members at this meeting.

FRIDAY

5 Trip to Hampsons PlantWorld for TARA members. Coach leaving Red Grouse at 10.30 am. To book your place contact tastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com or call 07930 593987

5 High Green Methodist Church 10am-12 noon. 3C’s, Co ee, cake and companionship. Come on your own, with friends and make new friends. All welcome.

SATURDAY

6 Chapeltown WI will be holding a Craft Day in Chapeltown Methodist Church, morning session 10.00am, afternoon 1.30. pm. Teddybear felting, Christmas bunting, Cards and bread making. Further details contact 07913842020 or 07846292673.

6 Chapeltown Forum Annual Autumn Fayre Newton Hall Cowley Lane 11.00-3.00pm Light refreshments available Free Admission

6 On SATURDAY 6th September,

there will be free entertainment, COFFEE AND CHORDS, from “WELSH JOHN” and guests at EPPiC THEATRE, High Street , Eccles eld S35 9TP. For this “September Song”, John’s guests will be Andrew “accordian” Wild; Dave “easy listening”Mills and “argumentative couple”Ann and Chas (all subject to late changes) The entertainment is FREE, but the sale of refreshments helps theatre funds. Theatre open from 10am until noon, with entertainment starting at around 10.45 Make a note in your diary and come and join us !!

6 Bullhouse Chapel is open on Saturday the 6th September for quiet re ection or to learn about the history of this Independent Chapel from 11am - 1pm. Our usual Christian worship on Sunday afternoon the 7th will be at 2.30pm.

MONDAY

8 Chapeltown 50 Plus Club meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Newton Hall, Chapeltown, from 9.45am to 12.00 noon, for a Speaker and refreshments. (There are also interests and activities on other days.)

Your 1st visit is free. For further information please contact Doug Page on 07801283815

WEDNESDAY

10 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Centre on Main Street for a 10am start. We have a friendly informal club

environment for retired men to build and maintain companionship and social contacts . We will be meeting next on Wednesday the 10th of September where Mike Ogden will be giving a presentation entitled ‘ Zeppelins, Hotels in the Sky ‘. After the meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for a convivial lunch.For further information please look at our website or contact our secretary Trevor Winslow 07966317258

THURSDAY

11 Chapeltown WI will meet at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist church when Jane Manson will demonstrate ‘Flower Bashing’. The competition is for an Hand Made Poppy. New members and visitors are always welcome.

11 Stocksbridge & District History Society meeting, Christ Church Hall 7PM. Speaker Andrew Bower - ‘Manor Farm at Midhope’.

FRIDAY

12 Relax with a Poem – poetry for pleasure – Stocksbridge Library – Manchester Road. 1.30 until 2.30pm Bring a favourite poem or just sit and listen over a cup of tea or co ee

SATURDAY

13 ST Mary’s church Bolsterstone is holding a Macmillan co ee morning on Saturday 13th September at 11 0’ clock till 2’0 clock . There will be refreshments of drinks and cakes ,a ra e etc.

Come along and support this

On

worthwhile Charity in the surroundings of our peaceful church .

Enjoy a quiet chat with friends ,whilst partaking of our delicious cakes .

SUNDAY

14 Table Top Sale - Stocksbridge Community Leisure CentreSunday 14th September, Open To Buyers 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

THURSDAY

18 Stocksbridge Community Care Group AGM Thursday 18th September 2025 10am -11.30am Stocksbridge Town Hall All welcome

SATURDAY

20 Jumble Sale. 11.00-1.00pm. Great bargains at rock bottom prices. Grenoside Scout and Guide HQ, Saltbox Lane, S35 8QS. 50p. Donations accepted from 9am or contact grenosandg@gmail.com. No electricals thanks.

20 STOCKSBRIDGE CHRISTIAN

CENTRE‘ ALLO, ‘ALLO! IZ THIZ A Quiz Night with French themed supper Please let us know when booking of any special dietary requirements At 7 p.m. Price£10Please book your place -ring 07532425641 or 07415 277266

SATURDAY

27 Chapeltown WI will be hosting a Macmillan coffee morning at Chapeltown Methodist Chapel, 10.00am until 12.00noon. Coffee and cake, Tombola and raffle. Everyone welcome.

27 Chapeltown Silver Prize

Band Graham Oxley Memorial Concert To be held at St Mary’s Church Ecclesfield on Saturday 27 September 2025 at 2.00 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or 07812425387 or Julie and Paul 07876472246 or 07926377410 or St Mary’s Church Coffee Shop on Tuesdays or Fridays

OCTOBER

SATURDAY

4 Macmillan Coffee Morning, Saturday 4th October 10.00am - 1.00pm in St. Nicholas Church Bradfield,Everyone welcome to join us for coffee and cake supporting the Palliative Care Unit Northern General Hospital Sheffield.

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 termtime 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.

A deadly question for a classic autumn thriller

A creaking door, a creeping fog, a flickering light and a deadly question…who lies there?

Grenoside and Birley Carr Players will be adding a little extra chill to the darkening autumn nights with their revival of a classic Victorian thriller, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Newlyweds George and Francie are moving into their first home together but on what should be the happiest day of their new life, things are not going as planned.

A strangely creaking door hides a sinister secret in the cellar, the ghostly glow of gas light casts a strange pall over the happy home and then the neighbours arrive with stories of a previous tenant, a missing wife and possible murder most foul.

Who Lies There? - written by Philip Johnson - was clearly inspired by the real life story of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen, who murdered his music hall singer wife, dismembered her body and buried the remains in the cellar of their North London home.

Claiming his wife had left him and gone to America, he then moved in his secretary and

lover - but all too soon justice caught up with doctor and led to one of the most sensational Old Bailey trials of the early 20th century. Johnson took the basic outline of the notorious scandal and turned it into a classic costume drama thriller, with twists and turns that even fans of the original Crippen case will never see coming.

“Our audiences always enjoy a good whodunnit and this is a real gem of the genre,” said director Jonathan Hester.

“As the fog descends and unexpected callers add to the air of increasing uncertainty, there’s no guessing what might happen next.

“ There’s humour, shocks and a genuinely unexpected climax that should keep the audience on the edge of their seats as secrets and lies are gradually stripped away to reveal the awful and unexpected truth.”

Who Lies There? takes to the stage at Grenoside Community Centre from October 15 to 17 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee on October 18 at 2.30pm.

For tickets call the booking hotline on 01226 754462 or 07971 264322.

NEW LEADERSHIP ELECTED TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE

AND CRIME PANEL

Councillors Ruth Milsom and Ben Miskell have been elected as cochairs of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel, following a meeting of the Panel held in Barnsley in June. Councillor Lee Sammut from Doncaster was also appointed as Deputy Chair. The Panel plays a crucial role in ensuring the priorities of the Police and Crime Plan are delivered improving safety on our streets and transport networks.

JEFF HOLMES

25.7.43 - 4.9.18

We love you so much more than words can ever say. We cherish every memory and think of you each day Still missing you

Love Joan, Carolyn, Richard, Renàe, Aaron, Leah & Noah. XXXX

STEVE NOBLE

7/9/2020

Today is four years since we lost you. Your portrait is the first thing I see through the window when I pull up on the drive, I know I’m home. We all miss you so much, we talk about you all the time. I held your best mates Mike’s hands before he passed. So I hope you are both fishing together.

Love you loads,

Sue, Damian, Louise, Frank, Mika Stevie.

Hello, I’m Jane Ward-Drummond, your local Estate Planning Consultant of 13 years experience. I am an expert in helping people arrange their Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Pre-paid Funeral Plans.

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Passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Much loved Great Grandma of Ryley and Jaxon. XX

DECISION LOOMS ON £160M AIRPORT FUNDING

South Yorkshire’s leaders are set to make a crucial decision next week on whether to commit up to £160 million of public funding to reopen Doncaster She eld Airport (DSA).

e South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board, chaired by Mayor Oliver Coppard, will meet on Tuesday 9 September to consider the future of the site. e potential funding – £159.52m – would be in addition to the £16m already pledged to keep the site secure and prepare for its revival.

Board members – Mayor Coppard, Barnsley leader Sir Steve Houghton, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones, Rotherham leader Chris Read and She eld leader Tom Hunt – will have three options: approve the funding to City of Doncaster Council, defer a decision while negotiations continue, or withdraw public funding altogether.

e report acknowledges the project is not without risk to taxpayers, but recommends approval subject to conditions. Independent experts have tested the council’s business case, including passenger forecasts, nances, regulatory timelines, and climate impacts. While challenges remain, the work points to a “real opportunity” to make the airport viable once again.

DSA closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire as one of the largest city regions without an airport. Its loss hit residents’ travel choices and business con dence. Since then, Doncaster Council has secured a 125-year lease on the site, begun regulatory processes, and appointed Munich International Airports as operator.

If funding is agreed, charter and cargo ights could return by winter 2027, with scheduled passenger services expected in summer 2028. e airport would anchor the wider South Yorkshire Airport City project at Gateway East, part of the UK’s rst Investment Zone fo-

Water shortage

cused on advanced manufacturing. Global names such as McLaren, Boeing and Rolls-Royce are already present in the region.

Mayor Coppard said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to con rm that next Tuesday the Board will consider committing nearly £160m to support the reopening of Doncaster She eld Airport and the development of a sustainable aviation and manufacturing hub at Gateway East. A er weighing up the evidence, risks and opportunities, I am ready to vote in favour.”

e Board meeting takes place at 2.30pm on Tuesday 9 September, when South Yorkshire’s political leaders will decide whether to back the project and bring aviation back to the region.

I see from traveling over to Manchester from Sunny Stocksbridge that the reservoirs are down to a trickle and massive areas of what would normally be under the water are exposed. What iIdon’t see are all the bulldozers and diggers that are deepening the reservoirs that have slowly lled with the peat o the moors over the many years since they were originally built. Am I alone in thinking this would be an ideal time to deepen the reservoirs and increase the amount of water that can be stored?? inking outside the box it could also be an income source selling o the peat through garden centers.

Dave C

An editorial contribution by…

In this new regular feature, local writer and researcher Steve Moxon delves into the lesserknown corners of our area’s history. In this sixth piece, he again looks into speech.

What’s LOVE Got To Do With It? LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED

Why is it that in our local speech we so often call anyone and everyone love, regardless of sex? Can it really be the word love, or is it some other that just sounds similar?

Last week I outlined why we might expect English, and in particular our colloquial, local variety, to have Gaelic roots. Well luv – to distinguish from love – is a rendition into English of Gaelic leibh / libh, meaning ‘with you’ or ‘by you’.

Our sprinkling luv everywhere now makes sense. Ditto its West Country close cousin, (my) luvver. And that weird scoring in tennis – with duce also being from Gaelic: duitse, ‘to thee’ (emphatic); and the 15, 30, 40 from Gaelic for ‘one ahead’, ‘two/more ahead’ and ‘far ahead’.

When we say ta luv, in fact we’re using a mangled, shortened take on Gaelic tapadh leibh, pronounced (capitalising the stressed syllables) “TAH-puh LEH-eev”, ‘thanks to you’. Likewise bye luv is a contraction of beannachd leibh, “BAY-uh-nach LEH-eev”, ‘blessings to you’. And goodbye itself? It’s not ‘God be with you’ but from guidh beannachd, ‘wish a blessing’.

Our farewells generally seem to be from Gaelic. Cheerio is a rendering of tìoraidh-andrasta, “CHEE-ree-ahn-DRAH-stah”, ‘see you later’, compressed from ve syllables to three. Ta-ra is a simpler take on tìoraidh, from our hearing just an initial t. Toodle-oo is from turas math dhut, ‘have a good trip’, via an earlier shortening to tooraloo. Si thi later is from sàraidh layt, “SAER-é (layt)”,‘a blessing wishing happiness / health / success to you’.

As for greetings, the basis of eh up is likely éigheach, “AE-uch”, ‘a call, a proclamation’, rather than Norse se up, ‘watch out!’, which is hardly a greeting. Ar do – actually what we say? – is less plausibly a shrinking of ‘how do you do?’ (too formal ever to have been current) than from air do shlàinte, ‘on your health!’, missing the third, di cult element. en there’s nah then, derived from na daoine maithe, “nah dèen-eh my-heh”, ‘good people!’ (repetition in sound making the nal element seem redundant).

is is just the start of our conversational staples arising from Gaelic. It runs to all sorts of well-used words, such as smashin’, champion, grand, aye and chu ed, we think are straightforward but have nuanced meanings. Reight, for example, means ‘agreement or settlement’, not merely ‘correct’. And our swearing? All Gaelic.

As for duck, it’s tossed around as liberally as luv (especially in the Midlands). It comes from Gaelic diùc or diuchd, meaning ‘exclaim, approach or present yourself’. Not being deferential it hardly can be dialect duke as suggested!

Gaelic has a knack of turning up as the bedrock of the everyday speech we feel most at home with.

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STEELS LADIES TO TAKE ON NEXT HISTORIC WOMEN’S FA CUP CHALLENGE

By Andrew McMath

Stocksbridge Park Steels Ladies are set for an Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round qualifying match for the first time in the club’s history.

The Steels Ladies will face Cleethorpes Town Ladies on the 7th September. The fixture follows their 8-0 win in the Preliminary Round over Cherry Burton.

Four goals from Gemma Harte, two from Olivia Winstanley, and one each from Rebecca Hunt and Leah Kerr were enough to see Steels Ladies easily progress in the competition.

The game also saw a record-breaking attendance for the Steels Ladies of 72.

The next fixture takes place at Bracken Moor this Sunday kicking off at 2pm.

The Cleethorpes Town Ladies side they will face are from the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Division North having been promoted from the Quickline Lincolnshire Women & Girls County Football League.

This places them one level above the Steels Ladies.

All of this suggests that the Steel Ladies will be in for a tough task against a good Cleethorpes Town Ladies side.

As such they will be hoping for an old-fashion FA Cup set on Sunday afternoon in order to progress to the Second Qualifying round.

Wishing them luck in their attempt to do just that was local social media star Steve Bracknall. The side shared his well wishes on their socials. He said “I still believe, the question is do you? Steve.”

There will likely be plenty of belief that the team can get through following that previous 8-0 win in the last round. Additionally, with the added morale boost of a friendly win over Rotherham United U21’s women by three goals to two.

EAGLES DEFEATED FOND FAREWELL TO SPENCER’S DASH

Sheffield Eagles’ penultimate home game of the 2025 campaign ended in a 10-30 defeat at home to Featherstone Rovers on Sunday in the Betfred Championship.

Head Coach Craig Lingard made four changes, handing Will Oakes his first club start at centre, while Billy Walkley, Blake Broadbent, and Connor Bower also came in as the Eagles looked to end August on a high.

Wanting to bounce back from last time’s defeat to Widnes Vikings, their Head Coach Paul Cooke made three changes to his starting thirteen for the trip to South Yorkshire.

The Eagles started strong forcing pressure on the Featherstone line. Blake Broadbent thought he’d opened the scoring after six minutes making a great line break towards the try line, but it was ruled out following an obstruction.

The visitors went down the other end and after waved away appeals for another obstruction, Calum Turner gave his side the lead. Link-up play down the left edge between James Glover and Connor Jones, saw Derrell Olpherts get the visitor’s second try.

It didn’t take the Eagles long to respond after as Walkley went over for his second try for the club after twenty-five minutes, grounding the ball in the left corner after Craven’s kick through on the last tackle.

Following a series of penalties given the way of the Eagles, Sheffield thought they’d profited just after the half-hour mark as Matty Dawson-Jones dived over in the right corner

to score, but the pass out wide was deemed forward, with the Eagles being denied for the second time in the opening forty minutes.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Featherstone edged themselves further ahead as a kick through the Eagles defensive line bounced kindly for second-row forward Clay Webb to score in-goal, extending their lead to 4-18.

Down the other end, Sheffield looked to force an opening to get back into the contest shortly after with a number of attacks towards the Featherstone try line, but they were unable to capitalise on the chances created.

Some strong defence by the Eagles on the hour-mark saw former Sheffield man James Glover held up as Featherstone looked for a fourth score of the afternoon, but that soon came through forward King Vuniyayawa as he went over from close-range in the 62nd minute.

The visitors went further ahead with six minutes to go as Clay Webb went over for his second try of the afternoon after he supported a line-break down the left made by Caleb Aekins to secure the win, but the last say in the game went to the Eagles as Ryan Millar went over for his second try of the season in the last couple of minutes to score as the Eagles made advantage of the red card shown to Ben Reynolds.

The Eagles are back on the road in their final away game of the season next weekend when they travel to the South Leeds Stadium

to take on bottom-of-the-table Hunslet (3pm KO).

Sheffield Eagles: Marsh, Dawson-Jones, Welham, Oakes, Walkley, Johnson, Craven, Green, Bowes, Broadbent, Gwaze, Bower, Reilly

Interchanges (all used): Battye, Matongo, Butterworth, Millar

The curtain came down on the long-running Spencer’s Dash with its final ever staging, bringing to an end a fixture that has been part of the local running calendar for decades.

Penistone Footpath Runners were well represented on the night, collecting several agecategory podiums.

Suzanne McGill stormed to first place in the ladies over45 category with 24-26, while Ian Neville took second in the men’s over55 in 2413. Clubmate Shaun Swallow was third in the same category in 25-54. Loida Lopez claimed second in the ladies over50 with 28-23.

In the men’s over65, Stuart Woodhead was runner-up in 31-43. Susan Hall finished fourth in the ladies over60 with 34-58, while Andrew Taylor ran 34-18 in the men’s over55 and Tracy Woodward clocked 36-28.

There was further success across the series standings, with McGill crowned overall ladies over45 champion, Neville second in the men’s over55, Woodhead first in the men’s over65, Stu Smith second in the men’s over65, Lopez second in the ladies over50 and Hall second in the ladies over60.

John and Dawn Broom also took part in the Mid Cheshire 5K. John finished in 19-33 to place 18th in the men’s over55 category, while Dawn recorded 21-42 for 5th in the ladies over60.

Story continues on page 14 ...

Fond Farewell to Spencer’s Dash

Continued from Page 13...

The tough Crowden Horseshoe, a classic 8.5mile fell race in the Peak District with over 1,700 feet of climb, saw a strong Penistone turnout. Daniel Limb led the club home in 1-30-49, followed by Shaun Swallow in 1-3624.

Jill Scrivens impressed with victory in the FV55 category, finishing in 1-47-29. Harriet Drouin ran strongly to complete in 1-58-44, with Mandy Mallinder close behind in 1-5944 and Heather Lindley in 2-01-18.

Two of the club’s younger members also flew the flag at the Denby Dash Pirate Race, the junior counterpart to the senior event. Heidi and Harrison Morley both took part, with Harrison proudly completing his very first race in Penistone colours.

The Longshaw Sheepdog Trials Fell Race, saw a strong Penistone entry. Junior international Graihagh Turner impressed with 22nd place in 37-37, taking the prize for first under19, while Ian Neville also claimed victory in the men’s over60 with 38-03. There was good depth throughout, with 24 Penistone finishers completing the challenging course.

The club dominated the Penistone parkrun podium with Richard Heppenstall (18-04, PB), Sean Pitt (18-30) and Ashley Firth (1855) taking first, second and third respectively.

Jon Hallam was first at Bower Park in 20-19, while Richard Cottam claimed third at Millhouses in 17-10. James Mumford (17-19), Suzanne McGill (20-35), Shaun Swallow (20-52)

and Ian Neville (22-18) also impressed at the same venue with category wins.

Julia Johnson continued her sparkling form with 22-35 at Fountains Abbey, topping the women’s over60, while Oliver France (18-06) was first under18 at Riverside.

Flynn Rogers sped to 17-54 for first junior 15 at Victoria Dock, and veteran Danny Batty topped the over-80s at Penistone in 33-07.

Special mention for Julia Johnson, whose 87.16% age grading was the run of the weekend. Other high scores came from Richard Heppenstall (82.93%), James Mumford (81.49%), Richard Cottam (80.68%) and Suzanne McGill (80.49%).

Spencer’s Dash

16, Ian Neville 24-13; 18, Suzanne McGill 2426; 28, Shaun Swallow 25-54; 45, Loida Lopez 28-23; 74, Stuart Woodhead 31-43; 91, Andrew Taylor 34-18; 99, Susan Hall 34-58; 106, Tracy Woodward 36-28.

Mid Cheshire 5K

706, John Broom 19-33; 868, Dawn Broom 21-42.

Crowden Horseshoe

43, Daniel Limb 1-30-49; 56, Shaun Swallow 1-36-24; 86, Jill Scrivens 1-47-29; 97, Harriet Drouin 1-58-44; 101, Mandy Mallinder 1-5944; 106, Heather Lindley 2-01-18.

Longshaw Sheepdog Trials Fell Race

22, Graihagh Turner 37-37; 28, Ian Neville 38-03; 43, Steve Sanders 40-23; 47, Suzanne

McGill 41-52; 64, Gareth Irvine 44-04; 70, Shaun Walker 44-50; 71, Paul Fryers 44-51; 72, Mark Crossley 44-55; 81, Jill Scrivens 4548; 95, Steve Storey 47-38; 97, Shaun Swallow 47-43; 105, Loida Lopez 48-22; 123, Heather Graham 53-33; 124, Mark Graham 53-34; 131, Steve Dickinson 55-42; 135, Amelia Cottam 55-52; 137, Gemma Nutton 55-56; 141, Jen Holley 57-34; 144, Stu Smith 57-51; 147, Luke McGuinness 58-27; 150, Lorraine Mackie 59-31; 151, Barbara Haigh 59-33; 164, Steve Dommett 1-13-46; Myfanwy Cross. Barnsley Parkrun

TIGERS LEFT EMPTY HANDED

SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead says leaving King’s Lynn empty handed on Monday was a timely example of how vital dominant outings at Owlerton could prove to be in the most important weeks of the season.

The Tru7 Group Tigers were beaten 47-43 at the Adrian Flux Arena - the same scoreline they beat the Stars by back in June.

It meant the aggregate point went down to a Super Heat which saw them miss out 5-4 despite Jack Holder taking the chequered flag with Josh Pickering unable to find a way by Ben Cook or Jan Kvech.

There were four shared races in the opening six heats with just two points separating the two teams.

But the hosts then produced four advantages in the next five to open up a 12 point gap.

Successive 5-1s, both involving Jack Holder, brought them back to within four on the night and level on aggregate though.

But it was King’s Lynn who did enough to get the job done in the final stages with Sheffield now looking to get back to winning ways on home shale against leaders Ipswich on Wednesday (September 3, 7,30pm).

“Obviously we’re all disappointed but the effort from the boys was great,” Stead said.

“It takes a lot of determination and a lot of focus to come back the way that we did towards the end to bring us back into contention.

“We were always going to be settling into these new riding positions; Leon (Flint) had a baptism of fire at No.2 on a track that he admits himself he finds tough and it’s a bit of a new routine for the other lads as well.

“The Super Heat probably came down to the toss of a coin in my opinion and we missed out on that.

“Gate four was tough for most of the night, particularly in the second half of the meeting, and unfortunately Picko just couldn’t get the point we needed him to like he did from there in Heats 13 and 15.

“But it once again reiterates the importance of a good home display which we didn’t really have in our own leg of this one; I would say we lost this aggregate point at home more so than away here and we need to bear that in mind.”

KING’S LYNN 47: Ben Cook 12, Jan Kvech 9+1, NielsKristian Iversen 7+1, Chris Harris 7, Richard Lawson 6+1, Nicolai Klindt 5, Luke Harrison 1+1.

SHEFFIELD 43: Jack Holder 14+1, Josh Pickering 9+2, Chris Holder 6, Anders Rowe 5+1, Nick Morris 4, Jye Etheridge 3+1, Leon Flint 2.

Aggregate scores tied – King’s Lynn win the aggregate point after winning a Super Heat 5-4.

4, Ben Malcolm 20-07; 29, Michael Walsh 2414; 31, Martyn Goodwin 24-26; 90, Sue Hall 29-19; 118, Sarah Clough 32-27. Penistone Parkrun

1, Richard Heppenstall 18-04; 2, Sean Pitt 1830; 3, Ashley Firth 18-55; 4, George Parr 1923; 23, Alex Best 22-15; 37, Simon Pike 23-13; 42, Shaun Braddock 23-32; 54, Lee Hopkins 23-55; 59, Chris Baldwin 24-13; 67, Michael Nicholson 24-33; 74, Dawn Broom 24-57; 75, John Broom 24-58; 78, Heather Simpson 2513; 117, Peter Beever 27-00; 153, Paul Sammon 29-10; 171, Angela Rollinson 30-03; 174, Sara Wolstenholme 30-16; 186, Rebecca Parr

Good vibes from pre-season friendly

Stocksbridge Rugby enjoyed a positive outing in their preseason friendly against a strong Wath RUFC 2nd string at Coal Pit Lane Arena over the weekend.

Although the visitors eventually ran out 35-12 winners, the home side impressed with their structure in both attack and defence.

Player-coach Aaron Kaye expressed his satisfaction with the performance and attitude shown, highlighting encouraging signs for the season ahead.

Will Cuttell, signed from neighbours Wortley, earned a starting berth in the front row, while flyhalf Tim Burton and the fleetfooted Jack Leary returned to the side.

Youngsters Oliver O’Keefe on the wing and Elliot Shaw at full-back made their debuts, both turning in performances that suggested they could become regular starters.

Evergreen skipper Andy Beal, affectionately known as the ‘Clock Tower’ and sponsored by Club Secretary Mick Gribbins, led from the front, touching down for a brace of tries.

Jake Bevan, sponsored by Mackenzie Stocks Joinery, added a successful conversion. The Victoria Motors player of the match award went to Callum Green for an industrious display at both ends of the pitch; Green is kindly sponsored by Mrs Emily Green.

Looking ahead, Stocksbridge kick off their league campaign with a home derby against Hallamshire RUFC at 3pm this weekend.

Round 2 of the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition sees the side make the short trip to neighbours Wortley RUFC as part of their Fox Valley Trophy series.

Speaking after the game, Beal said:

“It was a good run out for the boys, a chance to dust the cobwebs off and get some valuable minutes on the park. It was pleasing to see some lads returning and to welcome a couple of debutants too.

“It felt good to be back out there, and we’re really looking forward to the league campaign and putting all our training into action.”

RAIN THWARTS GREEN ARMY

Sprotbrough 2nd XI 215-8

(Andy Hibbert 3-50, Josh Stevens 2-51)

Stocksbridge 1st XI 25-1 (Rob Taylor 11)

MATCH ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN

The 1st XI made the long trip to Sprotbrough knowing the odds of getting a full game in were slim with the impending weather forecast. It was the hosts Sprotbrough who won the toss and elected to bat first.

Sprotbrough looked to be digging deep to shade the opening exchanges before Jake Vickers removed opener Smith with the score on 37. Fellow opening bowler Josh Stevens didn’t want to be outdone and he soon after removed the dangerous looking Graves and the hosts were 51-2. Youngster Tom Perry was fetched into the attack and struck in just his second over to make it 65-3. Another bowling change from captain Andy Hirst led to Andy Hibbert taking a wicket just 4 balls into his spell. Once again it was a bowling change that brought about another wicket at James Tevendale came into the attack to remove the dangerous Cook. At 118-5 the game was fairly well balanced, a good partnership though from Langley and Ahmed put Sprotbrough into a strong position. A few late wickets helped to halt the run rate with Hibbert claiming two more to take his tally for the day to three and Josh Stevens re-

turning to the attack to claim a second. Sprotbrough would finish their allotted overs on 215-8 but Stocksbridge had bowled and fielded pretty well in batter friendly conditions.

The innings break saw the clouds set in and the sky darken as the covers had to placed on the wicket. After initially just a shower the Stocksbridge innings got underway with openers Matt Price and Rob Taylor. Taylor unfortunately feathered one behind for 11 after hitting a few nice shots. Price was now joined by Jack Murfin, the pair were both unbeaten on 4 runs each when the heavens opened and players from both sides were running to take cover. At 25-1 from 6 overs the match was unfortunately abandoned due to heavy rain as both captains shook hands and the points were shared.

Handsworth Junior Sporting 137 all out (J Musgrove 4-29, L Knowles 3-22, F Siddall 2-24)

Stocksbridge 2nd XI 48-1 (J Hague 31*)

Sadly the 2nd XI’s tie vs Handsworth was abandoned this weekend due to the rather damp weather!

The 2nds won the toss and elected to field first. They got off to the perfect start, when Thwaites removed opener Hussain with the very first ball of the match, thanks to a sharp catch by Ant Barnes. The visitors then rebuilt well, with a 41 run 2nd wicket partnership. Finlay Siddall continued his good form with 2 quick wickets to restrict Hand-

sworth to 48-3. The away side then had another decent rebuild, with another 40 run partnership.

Following a double bowling change, John Musgrove and Liam Knowles turned the tie on it’s head with 2 excellent spells. 87-3 became 105-8 with Knowles picking up 3 quick wickets and Musgrove claiming 2 early scalps with his spin and bounce. There was a late flurry of boundaries, before Musgrove wrapped up the innings with 2 more wickets, with Handsworth being bowled out for 137. Musgrove and Knowles led the way superbly with the ball, with ‘Bridge also catching well throughout, with Steve Perry in particular taking 2 excellent chances.

The 2nds’ response with the bat got off to a positive start, with a 23 run opening stand. James Hague looked in great touch and did the majority of the scoring as he raced into the 30s. Stocksbridge were very well poised, when sadly the heavens opened. The 2nds required just 90 runs from 29 overs but unfortunately the weather had other ideas and the game was abandoned.

On Sunday, young Archie Jowitt led the way for the Sunday XI as he took 4 wickets to bowl Higham out for just 139. Andy Hibbert then finished 47 not out to lead the chase, with good contributions also from Jack Murfin and John Dowde.

The Foxes sadly lost out to Hallam ladies, with Helen Warren top scoring for Stocksbridge!

CHURCH FALL FLAT

PENISTONE CHURCH 0 - 2 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC

Church started the week on Tuesday visiting newly promoted Horbury Town. After twenty minutes Church were three up with an own goal, a Sam Scrivens lob and a Jordan Coduri shot.

James Travis hit back for Horbury bundling the ball in from a corner and then before half time defensive confusion led striker Sam Kyeremeh to reduce the deficit to a single goal. Horbury came out with confidence but Church weathered the early storm allowing veteran striker Kieran Ryan to rifle the ball home to seal the victory for Church.

On Saturday, Church Reserves successfully commenced their league campaign at Kiveton

Park. Goals from Matty Jacobs and George Ellis secured the three points.

Church’s first team had a disappointing Saturday afternoon. After consecutive away wins at St Helens and against Horbury the chance of a hat trick of victories ended abruptly as Frickley Athletic won two-nil at the Parker Roofing Memorial Ground.

Co-manager Brett Lovell:

“It was a really disappointing day for us, an uncharacteristic, unacceptable performance. We were flat from start to finish with no real endeavour after Frickley deservedly took the lead.

“As poor as we were it shouldn’t detract from the efforts of Frickley. Their manager Tom Claisse, and his team deserved their victory, and Tom’s only gripe today is that they probably should have converted more of their chances. Hopefully we can get back on the ‘bike’ on Tuesday with at Knaresborough.”

Fixtures

Tuesday 2nd September 2025. Macron Northern Counties East Premier Division. Knaresborough Town v Penistone Church. Kick off 7-45 pm

Wednesday 3rd September 2025 County Senior Premier Division Penistone Church Reserves v Hepworth United Kick off 7-30 pm

Saturday 6th September 2025. SHCFA Saturday Cup Competition. Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves v Penistone Church Reserves. Kick off 2-00 pm

Volunteer milestone for Club Captain

It has been a packed few days for Valley Hill Runners, with success on the Trans Pennine Trail, milestones at parkrun, and races further afield.

Wednesday evening at Chapeltown saw the conclusion of Richard Borysiewicz’s popular time trial competition. After several weeks of racing, the winner was decided on the best average over three events. The presentation took place at The Commercial pub, where relative newcomer Johanna Palmer was crowned champion. Ash Molloy, in excellent form of late, finished second, with Rebecca Sanders close behind in third.

Elsewhere, Zoe Bradshaw headed to Blackpool for the annual night run in very wet conditions. The charity event, which supports a local hospice, is one of Zoe’s favourites, and this was her second year taking part alongside her friend Laura. Despite the downpour, both enjoyed the race and the atmosphere on the seafront.

Saturday meant parkrun, with VHR turning out in force at Concord. Ash Molloy continued his fine run of form, recording a personal best for the fourth week in a row. Club chairman Luke Evans marked his 200th parkrun, choosing to celebrate at Concord with familiar faces, while club captain Christopher Grayson notched up his 250th parkrun volunteer credit. Currently sidelined by injury, Chris has given back through volunteering in numerous roles over the years, and fittingly took the reins as run director for the day. To mark the

occasion, cakes and chocolates were shared at the finish line. Over at Sewerby Bridge, Steve Sansom also had cause to celebrate with another course PB.

Sunday brought the final race of the month, with Wendy Richardson and Andrew Pickard taking part in the Wickersley Chase at Rotherham. The scenic course combined woodland, fields and roads, with glorious sunshine adding to the occasion. Wendy said afterwards: “It’s been a lovely morning – the weather is turning autumnal and the woods looked beautiful as we ran round.” Runners were also treated to a generous buffet after the race.

It rounded off a busy and successful week for Valley Hill Runners, both at home and away.

STEELS CLAIM FA CUP AWAY WIN

FA CUP FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND

By Andrew McMath

Stocksbridge Park Steels made it through to the next round of the FA Cup beating Wombwell Town 3-1 away from home.

On the cusp of half time Steels took the lead through Connor Smythe who worked his way through the Wombwell defence and finished into the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Just before the hour mark, Steels had a second through Jaz Goundry. A great corner routine saw the ball crossed in by Jordan Barnett all the way to the back post finding the head of Elliot Owen. Owen headed the ball back across goal, and Goundry rose highest to nod home.

Not everything went the Steels way with Ollie Fearon getting a consolation for Wombwell Town from a long throw.

Steels got the last of the action despite a few chances for Wombwell. Jack Watson adding a third towards the end of the game with a calm finish past the oncoming Wombwell keeper.

Manager Ian Richards spoke after the game:

“Credit to Wombwell they made it difficult. They competed all over the pitch. They didn’t allow us to get control over the game and they put us under threat.

“We scored through perseverance from Connor and picking up second balls and his drive past the centre-back and a great finish into the bottom corner.

“It is a great feeling to get the win it breeds confidence. So hopefully, we can take that into the league form.

As a result of the victory, Steels entered the 2nd qualifying round draw on Monday. The Steels will travel to play Dalston UTC on Saturday the 13th of September 2025.

Next Away Game: Stockton Town (A) MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Rd W, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0QD. Saturday 6/9/2025.

Next Home Game: Gainsborough Trinity, Bracken Moor on Wednesday 10/9/2025.