Look Local Issue 1402 Thursday 25 November 2025

NEW HOPPER CONNECTS COMMUNITY

Look Local Editor joined local politicians, bus operators and residents this week for a ride on the brand-new Hopper Bus service – a community-focused transport initiative designed to “reach the parts of Stocksbridge and Deepcar other buses can’t.”

e service, operating on routes 34 and 35, is one of the rst major transport improvements funded through a mix of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) support and the Stocksbridge Towns Fund, securing at least three to ve years of operation. Using smaller, more agile vehicles, the Hopper Bus is able to navigate tight residential roads that have long been underserved by public transport.

A Boost for Local Connectivity

Joining the journey was Marie Tidball MP, cochair of the Towns Fund since last September, who said the new service was already proving its worth.

“ is has such a positive impact on elderly and disabled residents,” she said. “ e Hopper bus model is a perfect t for our environment. If we can connect this further through the valley to services like Supertram, we would open up more of the city. We need to make sure people are not isolated in our rural communities.”

Tidball added she is actively campaigning for the return of the Supertram Link bus, alongside future ambitions to extend the Hopper to Grenoside, Oughtibridge and Wharncli e Side.

For the rst time in a decade, Bolsterstone is now back on the bus map, with the service

reaching areas long cut o from public transport.

Modern, Comfortable and CommunityFocused

e buses are kitted out with USB charging points, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and lowoor access for wheelchairs and prams. Fares are kept a ordable at £2.60 for adults and £1 for young people.

Operator South Pennine Community Transport is delivering the service. Transport manager Richard Clegg told Look Local:

“We’re starting a new network built for the people of Stocksbridge – reaching the parts of the community other bus services can’t

or won’t serve. at’s why we use smaller vehicles; they’re perfect for the roads around here.”

Services run every 20–40 minutes, linking key locations such as Fox Valley, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, the town centre, residential estates and neighbouring parts of Deepcar.

Local Passengers Full of Praise On board, the reaction from regular users was overwhelmingly positive.

Stocksbridge couple Kathleen Mary Gosling, 72, and Ian Trevor Gosling, 79, had just returned from a trip to Fox Valley and were full of appreciation.

“It’s marvellous – I love these buses,” Kathleen said. “We’ve just been down to the shops together… we’re on our way home now. It’s good for the community. It drops us o at the end of our street. It doesn’t take long to get home anymore – much better than what we had before.”

Others spoke about how the service helps them stay independent, especially through winter, when walking longer distances becomes di cult.

A Service Built on Local Need

Councillor Janet Ridler, Towns Fund board member, told Look Local:

“It’s really needed, and has been many years of hard work. It’s a lifeline for the vibrant communities we have here.”

ere is hope that, if the Hopper proves to be a long-term success, it could become self-sustaining and eventually expand to serve wider rural pockets across North She eld.

A Step Toward a Bigger Transport Vision

Longer-term discussions on the bus ride turned towards the future:

– A revived SL1 Tramlink

– Better integration with wider She eld routes

– And, in the distance, hopes for a tram-train or rapid transit solution to Stocksbridge. e Hopper Bus may be small, but its impact is already proving big.

FORMER CHAPELTOWN BANK RAIDED

Police have moved to quash online rumours a er dramatic scenes at the old Yorkshire Bank building on the Chapeltown roundabout sparked talk of a socalled “Great Bank Robbery of 2025”.

O cers from the Eccles eld and Shiregreen Neighbourhood Policing Team con rmed that no robbery had taken place. Instead, the disused bank was the focus of a planned warrant carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

When o cers entered the boarded-up premises, they uncovered what they describe as a large quantity of cannabis along with a signi cant number of cannabis plants hidden inside the former branch. Two men were arrested at the scene.

Police say both suspects have now been charged in connection with the discovery and remanded in custody. ey are expected to appear before magistrates on Tuesday 25 November.

A spokesperson for the neighbourhood team said information from local residents played a vital role in bringing the operation to fruition.

“Community intelligence is key to tackling this type of organised crime. If you’ve seen anything suspicious, or have information that might help us prevent further drug-related activity, please get in touch,” the spokesperson added.

Anyone with information is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 or submit details via the force’s online reporting portal. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers.

MP FIGHTS FOR HIGH GREEN RESIDENTS

Local MP Marie Tidball has raised concerns in Parliament over delays and substandard work a ecting residents in High Green’s Airey Homes scheme.

Speaking during Business Questions, Marie highlighted that two families in High Green have now been waiting two years for repairs originally scheduled to take just 12 weeks. She told MPs that the ongoing issues are “completely unacceptable,” describing the impact on residents’ lives.

Marie has previously visited homes on Brook Road, where she witnessed rst-hand the problems caused by the incomplete

works, including damp and mould that have damaged property and personal possessions. She warned that the delays and poor quality of work “have had a horri c impact on the mental health and well-being of both families.”

e MP pointed to the Renters’ Rights Act, which became law recently, and Awaab’s Law, which requires landlords to take timely action to make homes safe. Marie argued these new laws mean contractors must now be held accountable for nishing the work to a high standard.

In response, Sir Alan Campbell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, said:

“My hon. Friend is a doughty advocate for her constituents. is sounds like an untenable situation for some of her constituents… I will ensure that she gets a meeting with a Minister, so that she can make her case directly and nd out more about what the Government intend.”

Following the exchange, Marie Tidball said:

“ is situation is absolutely unacceptable – everyone has the right to a safe and decent home.

I’m calling for the repairs to be completed to a high standard as quickly as possible for every household involved in the Airey Homes scheme.

Since becoming aware of this, I have raised the issue with Shefeld City Council and now in Parliament twice, to make sure contractors are held accountable.

I look forward to meeting with the Minister soon to ensure my constituents nally receive the repairs they were promised.”

Marie is now reaching out to other residents a ected by the Airey Homes scheme in High Green and Grenoside. She encourages anyone impacted – particularly on Brook Road, Gri ths Road, School Road, and Worral Road – to contact her at marie.tidball. casework@parliament.uk

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COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR “COMPASSION CHARTER” IN LOCAL DECISION-MAKING

A North Sheffield councillor is calling for greater compassion in the way major decisions are made at Sheffield City Council, arguing that some recent political choices have caused unnecessary distress to local residents.

Cllr John Booker has raised concerns about the emotional impact of council decisions, particularly around the green belt proposals within the city’s Local Plan. He says the way the issue was handled left many people feeling traumatised and that the consultation process created an “us and them” atmosphere.

Cllr Booker said he believed the role of a councillor was to “help people and improve their communities,” but that compassion is sometimes missing when decisions have far-reaching consequences for residents.

“Politics is about people,” he said. “Elected representatives should strive to make positive changes to people’s lives, not negative ones. Sometimes there is a risk that those in power may forget the people who put them there in the first place.”

To help address this, Cllr Booker is proposing the creation of a “Compassion Charter” to be added to an enhanced version of the councillors’ Code of Conduct. This would encourage councillors to consider residents’ wellbeing, mental health, and quality of life when making decisions that affect communities.

He says the initiative is not about national party politics, but about building a stronger, more respectful relationship between local councillors and the people they serve. He believes guidelines should be introduced to ensure the emotional impact of decisions is properly considered.

“I know most councillors care deeply about their constituents,” he added, “but party pressures can sometimes create conflicts. Compassion should sit alongside honesty, integrity and accountability as a core principle of public life.”

The current Members’ Code of Conduct is based on the Seven Principles of Public Life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Cllr Booker wants to see “compassion” added as an eighth principle, forming part of a wider focus on more empathetic decision-making across Sheffield.

His proposal will now be discussed with fellow councillors and local community groups to explore whether a formal Compassion Charter could be adopted in future.

Chapeltown Schoolboy wins Young Volunteer of the Year Award

A 12-year-old from Chapeltown has won Young Volunteer of the Year at the North Sheffield Community & Volunteer Awards 2025 for dedication to a local greenspace.

Zak Weatherer of Ecclesfield Secondary School, received the award at High Green Development Trust on Thursday 20th November. The North Sheffield Local Area Committee sponsored event, was compered by former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Andy Kershaw.

Zak and his mum Jeanette have volunteered with the Friends of Charlton Brook for the past four years, turning up in all weathers.

The group’s Chair Michelle Dickinson, said: “Zak attends every ranger-assisted workday and our regular Sunday sessions. He’s

happiest donning his wellies and wading through the stream.”

Michelle added: “Zak shows a genuine desire to make a difference, and has learnt invaluable skills from communication, organisation and teamwork to understanding the biodiversity of the brook. He’s reliable, willing to learn and always hands-on.”

Zak has earned Scout badges and donated some toys to the Charlton Brook community garden.

Michelle said: “Zak is a positive role model for young people in the city. I can see him running the Friends of Charlton Brook group in the future. We’re thrilled to see him rewarded for the time he gives to our green-space.”

Other award winners included:

Adult Volunteer of the Year: Curtis Marshall

Make a Difference Award: Cheryl Drewry

Project of the Year: High Green Party in the Park Hall of Fame Award: Doris Denton

The Green Together Award: Friends of Charlton Brook

Tramlines 2026

LINE-UP REVEALED FOLLOWING BIGGEST DEMAND IN FESTIVAL’S HISTORY

Tramlines Festival has confirmed the first wave of artists set to perform at Hillsborough Park from 24 to 26 July 2026. Headliners Fatboy Slim (Friday), Courteeners (Saturday) and Wolf Alice (Sunday) are joined by Kaiser Chiefs (Friday) Blossoms (Saturday) and Wet Leg (Sunday), with additional performances from Gabrielle, Lottery Winners, Rick Astley, Reverend and the Makers, The K’s, The Vaccines, Vanessa Carlton, The Enemy, The Everly Pregnant Brothers and a disco hosted by Day Fever. This announcement follows record-breaking demand for tickets with over 20,000 fans signed up for early access to the pre-sale. More than two-thirds of all tickets have already been sold, marking the fastest sales in the festival’s history and putting Tramlines on track for an early sell-out. Presale tickets go live from 6pm on Thursday 27 November.

Friday sets the tone for a huge weekend, with Fatboy Slim bringing his legendary bigbeat energy to the Tramlines main stage for his first major outdoor festival performance in Sheffield. With era-defining tracks like “Praise You” and “Right Here, Right Now”, the Brighton-born icon promises a sensational start to the festival. Supporting on Friday are Kaiser Chiefs, back with a bag of indie anthems and festival-sized choruses. The rest of the day will feature The Vaccines, rising live favourites The K’s, and a Tramlines debut for Vanessa Carlton.

Saturday sees Courteeners headline, closing out the night with the kind of set that’s earned them a cult-like following across the UK. Their return is one of the most requested by Tramlines fans, promising big singalongs and even bigger crowds. Blossoms play in the supporting slot, bringing with them a Mercury Prize nomination and an ever-growing list of festival anthems. They’re joined by Rick Astley, still riding high from a critically acclaimed second act and viral collaborations with everyone from Foo Fighters to Blossoms themselves. Gabrielle and Everly Pregnant Brothers add extra depth to the day’s lineup. Meanwhile, Day Fever bring their wildly popular daytime disco experience to Hillsborough Park for the first time. Founded in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure, filmmaker Jonny Owen, and Reverend & the Makers’ frontman Jon McClure, the Day Fe-

ver takeover is all about fun and floor-fillers, reimagining the club scene for the daytime dance crowd.

Sunday closes with Wolf Alice, one of the UK’s most exciting live bands. Known for their Mercury Prize-winning mix of grunge, altrock and haunting ballads, their set is set to be a standout moment in Tramlines history. They’re joined by Wet Leg, whose rapid rise and off-kilter pop brilliance has made them a major festival draw. Sheffield favourites Reverend and the Makers return, alongside The Enemy and the ever-joyful Lottery Winners, rounding off the weekend with heart, swagger and plenty to sing about.

In the run-up to the announcement, Tramlines rolled out a tongue-in-cheek, ‘Spill the Beans’, teaser campaign. Hundreds across the UK received specially branded tins of beans in the post, each featuring the name of a 2026 artist ahead of the official reveal. Fans were also invited to donate food to the S6 Foodbank in Hillsborough on Friday 21 November, where anyone making a contribution received one of the limited-edition tins in return. The campaign continued Tramlines’ commitment to local causes, with further activity to be explored throughout the year.

As ever, Tramlines continues to invest in Sheffield’s cultural life beyond the weekend itself. Since launching in 2022, The Tramlines Trust has awarded over £120,000 in grants to local organisations, with more than half of that going directly to projects based in Hillsborough. The Trust is a dedicated micro-charity built to make the festival’s community impact more accessible, transparent and sustainable. It supports grassroots initiatives across culture, young people, education, skills, mental health and more. The Trust sits at the heart of Tramlines’ belief that festivals should give back to the people and places that make them possible.

Tramlines is also shortlisted in four categories at the upcoming UK Festival Awards, with nominations for Inner City Festival of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Headline Performance of the Year for Pulp, and the Sarah Nulty Community Impact Award. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 2 December at the ceremony in Manchester.

Timm Cleasby, Tramlines Operations Director, said:

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to our amazing Tramlines community who have helped make this a record breaking year. I’m chuffed we’ve been able to highlight the brilliant S6 Foodbank in our launch campaign, they do vital work in the community and we will continue to support them. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Hillsborough Park for another huge weekend of music, comedy and fun. See you in the summer!”

Tickets for Tramlines 2026 will go on pre-sale at 6pm on Thursday 27 November for those who have signed up via the website. Any remaining tickets will hit general sale at 6pm on Friday 28 November, subject to availability. The festival returns to Hillsborough Park from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026.

Confirmed Artists

Friday

Fatboy Slim (Headliner)

Kaiser Chiefs

The Vaccines (Special Guests) / The K’s / The Coral

Starsailor / Keo / Vanessa Carlton / Black Honey / The Clause

Millie Pye / Maximilian

Grace

Saturday Courteeners (Headliner) Blossoms

Rick Astley / Gabrielle / Freddie Halkon

Everly Pregnant Brothers (Special Guests) / Inspiral Carpets / Sleeper / Lucy Spraggan

Seb Lowe / The Guest List / Quayside / Girl in the Year Above / Creeping Jean / Geider

Day Fever (Disco set) / The Leadmill Orchestra

Sunday

Wolf Alice (Headliner) Wet Leg

Reverend and the Makers / The Royston Club / The Enemy (Special Guests) / Lottery Winners / Brooke Combe / Florence Road / The Rosadocs / The Lilacs

Femur / Bleach 9:3 / Brooki / Sam Scherdel / Junk

DADS GIVE LIFE-CHANGING GIFT TO CHILDREN

Three dads who have all donated a kidney to their children have spoken of why they gave such a special gift.

Dale Marshall, Liam Bridges and Jozef Pokuta have all donated kidneys at the Sheffield Kidney Institute at the Northern General Hospital this year. Their kidneys were then transported to the paediatric transplant centre at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and transplanted into their children, who had life-limiting kidney conditions which would otherwise have required lifelong dialysis.

Dale, who donated to his nineyear-old son Austin, said: “I wanted to make a real difference to my son’s life, and I am just glad that he’s got what he needed, which is a healthy kidney.”

Liam, who donated to his 14-year-old son Keeton, said: “I didn’t give it a second thought, your kids mean everything to you.”

Jozef, who donated to his eightyear-old daughter Shayana, said: “We wanted Shayana to be able to go back to school and live a normal life. That is why I put myself forward.”

The children have all seen significant improvement in their conditions and been able to go back to activities such as school and swimming. The dads are all recovering well.

Caroline Basarab-Horwath, Living Donor Coordinator who supported Dale, Liam ad Jozef through their donations, said: “The highlight for me was when they video-called their children the following day, and I got to witness the joy of seeing them smiling back at their dads looking so well.”

Sheffield Leads the Way in Groundbreaking Stem Cell Research

She eld has become the only UK centre taking part in a pioneering international trial that could transform care for people living with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a rare and degenerative form of scleroderma.

e Upside trial is exploring whether autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be o ered as a rst-line treatment for patients. e study is running across 11 European sites, with She eld the sole UK location.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition causing the hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissues, alongside blood vessel and immune system problems. Patients o en experience pain, restricted movement, and debilitating symptoms.

One patient, Cheryl Smith, who underwent stem cell transplantation outside the trial, described dramatic improvements. “I couldn’t get out of the bath or down the stairs,” she said. “Now I can move about with much less pain, my skin has improved dramatically, and I’m almost back to where I should be. Without it, I might not be alive.”

She eld’s team, led by Professor Snowden, has previously contributed to major breakthroughs, including the 2018 MIST trial showing stem cell transplantation can halt or reverse multiple sclerosis. e Upside trial aims to replicate this success for scleroderma, building on She eld’s world-leading expertise in stem cell therapy.

Bikepark developments progress

Plans for the long-awaited transformation of the Parkwood Springs area of the city continue to gather pace with a visit from Skyline Enterprises Ltd to She eld.

Skyline of New Zealand were in the city to discuss their plans for the old She eld Ski Village site, meet with stakeholders and tour the area.

Today they met with Council Leader Cllr Tom Hunt and MP for Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss MP to discuss plans for Parkwood Springs.

ey also met with a wide range of groups who are interested in the future of the development site. e visit continues discussions with Skyline for a major outdoor leisure facility on the old Ski Village site.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of She eld City Council said:

“Parkwood Springs is an important part of our regeneration work. Our plans to transform the whole area and the old Ski Village site continue to move forward. It was great to welcome Skyline back to the city and have positive discussions about their exciting plans for the site. We hope to be able to share more information in the Spring.”

Geo McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises Ltd, said:

“Skyline sees real potential in the Parkwood Springs opportunity and is keen to progress discussions with She eld City Council on how we can deliver this for the She eld community.”

SHEFFIELD WOMAN BALANCES VETERINARY TRAINING WITH LATE-NIGHT BAKING

A She eld woman has been juggling her veterinary nurse training with late-night baking sessions, turning a personal hobby into a small enterprise that has caught the attention of the local community.

Sophie Jenkinson, 25, of She eld, spends her days caring for animals and her evenings creating cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and seasonal treats from her home kitchen. What started as a way to relax a er long shi s has grown into a venture serving customers across South Yorkshire.

“Working with animals is incredibly rewarding, but it can be emotionally draining,” Sophie explained. “Baking gave me a way to switch o , focus on something creative, and bring a little happiness to others.”

Encouraged by friends and family, Sophie began sharing her creations, gradually building a following in the local area. Despite the long hours, she says seeing people enjoy her baking makes the work worthwhile.

Looking ahead, Sophie hopes to take her baking into the wider She eld community through local markets and events, while continuing her veterinary studies. Her story highlights the dedication of young people balancing demanding careers with personal passions.

CHARITY SHOP RE-OPENS

St Luke’s Hospice has opened a brand-new pop-up shop at Fox Valley shopping centre in Stocksbridge, following the closure of its long-established Manchester Road store.

e pop-up has now opened in the former Cardfactory unit — a space made available a er the popular retailer relocated elsewhere within Fox Valley. e temporary store will remain open through the run into Christmas and into early next year, ahead of the much-anticipated new M&S development which is planned for this part of the award winning shopping centre.

e former St Luke’s shop on Manchester Road closed in May to allow the building to

NOVEMBER

WEDNESDAY

26 Everyone is welcome to attend the Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre AGM and Public Meeting. There will be updates on the Trust’s activities over the past 12 months, our nancial performance, an Election of Directors (for Trust Members only), and a chance to ask any questions. If you are interested in becoming a Trust Member, would like to Volunteer, or would simply like more information please contact us on 0114 2883792

THURSDAY

27 You are invited to tell us about you and your family’s memories/ stories of the 1st and 2nd World Wars in this Valley. Also a presentation of Valley at War. Do come! -Stocksbridge Real Community Forum and History Society.-The Venue. 6-8pm

SATURDAY

29 70s, 80s 90s fundraising disco for Greave House Farm Trust at Stocksbridge Legionnaires Club, Edward Street 7.30-11pm Tickets: £10/£5 carers free Available from Samuel’s Kitchen, Voyager Art Space or contact 07724505911

29 Brad eld Church Christmas Fair 10.30am -1.30pm, Stalls, Wreaths, Family Crafts, Calanders, Cards Ra e and more, Meet friends and enjoy delicious refreshments,

SUNDAY

30 Wadsley and Loxley Com-

be redeveloped as part of the wider regeneration of Manchester Road in Stocksbridge.

“Our Stocksbridge shop has been part of the community for a very long time now but its closure is not the end of the story,” said Jenny Booth, Head of Retail at St Luke’s. “We are thrilled to be returning to the area with this fantastic pop-up space at Fox Valley and we’re delighted to already be welcoming customers back.”

e new pop-up o ers a curated selection of pre-loved fashion, books, homewares, gi s and festive favourites, giving customers the chance to shop sustainably while supporting vital hospice care in She eld.

moners - ‘Commoners Muck-In’ - regular conservation morning, probably clearing saplings but check on the website - www. walc.epizy.com, 10am-12pm, bring gloves, tools provided, families very welcome

30 Bullhouse Chapels Christian worship owill be at 2.30pm and will be led by Ann Hudson

DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY

3 St. Marys Church, Bolsterstone Christmas Co ee Morning 10am – 2pm Come And Join Us For A Festive Morning.There Will Also Be Space For Private Prayer And Re ection.

THURSDAY

4 A Victorian Christmas! Discover the ancient origins of Christmas and other midwinter festivals and how the Christmas we celebrate today has its origins in the Victorian era with an illustrated talk by Janet Ridler, followed by some traditional local carols, mince pies and refreshments.

Thursday 4 December, 6pm at Brightholmlee Church, Wharncli e Side, free entry, all welcome. A Wharncli e Side History Group event.

SATURDAY

6 Chapeltown forum annual Christmas Fayre 11.00-4.00pm Newton Hall Cowley Lane Chapeltown Christmas stalls,Activities on stage Pickering Academy of Dance.Refreshments by Station Cafe Free entry.

6 Christmas Fayre - Grenoside Scout and Guide HQ, Saltbox

Lane S35 8QS. 11am-3pm. Bring the kids to see Santa! Stalls, Tombolas, Ra e, BBQ, refreshments and more! Free Entry.

6 Christmas Fair The Christian Centre, Cedar Road Saturday, December 6th 10 AM - 1 PM Santa’s Grotto, crafts, ra e, cakes, various stalls, hot food

6 Chapeltown in Bloom will be holding their annual Santa’s Grotto outside the Memorial Garden from 11.00am - 2.00pm. £3.00 per child (cash only please). This will be followed by the Christmas Lights switch on at 4.00pm.

6 Christmas Fayre at Chapeltown Methodist Church on 6th December 10.30am to 1.30pm Ra e,cake stall,Christmas pyjamas etc,white elephant,tombola fancy goods etc Co ee ,tea and cake.Lunches from 11.30am ALL ARE WELCOME

SUNDAY

7 “St Mary’s RC Church at High Green are holding a Christmas fair in the church hall and parish rooms o Mortomley Lane, on Sunday 7th December at 11am. Various stalls including:- Chocolate and bottle tombola, Bric a brac, Cakes, Gifts, Children’s toys, books and games, as well as a ra e for a variety of great prizes.

Refreshments will also be on o er. Visit Fr. Christmas in his grotto! All are most welcome. “

MONDAY

8 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Christmas Social (entry by

On

donation), 7.30pm at Wadsley Church.

WEDNESDAY

10 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month for a 10am start at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street. We have a friendly informal club environment for retired men to build and maintain companionship and social contacts. We will be next meeting on Wednesday December the 10th when Alan Hancock will giving a presentation regarding’ Jack the Ripper ‘ . After the meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for lunch. For further information please contact our secretary Trevor Winslow 07966317258 or access our website.

THURSDAY

11 Chapeltown WI will hold their Christmas Party at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church, where they will enjoy a cooked meal followed by entertainment. The competition is for ‘An hand made Christmas Cracker’

FRIDAY

12 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Christmas Concert To Be Held At The Newton Hall, Chapeltown Friday 12th December 2025 At 7.30 Pm Tickets From Margaret And Peter On 0114 2460983 Or 07812425387 Or Julie On 07876472246 Or Paul On 07926377410

ONGOING

MONDAYS

Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.

Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on Monday to meet us and see if you like us. Bass voices are needed so have a go at singing in the Bath first! Contact 01226 764642 for more information Baby and Toddler group at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS. Mondays during termtime 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.

TUESDAYS

CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) Tea, coffee, cakes, dominoes and other games, and friendship. Every Tuesday 2-4 pm at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone. (Next to the library).For more details: 07903 628820

Deepcar Drop-In every Tuesday from 10am - midday at St John’s Church, Deepcar. All are welcome for drinks, cake and company.

WEDNESDAYS

Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm

every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435

Thurgoland Community Choir, every Wednesday 7pm - 9:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Thurgoland. Enjoy Scrabble? Why not come along to our friendly Scrabble Club We meet between 12noon and 3pm on Wednesdays at the British Legion Club, Chapeltown £1 per session Everyone welcome

St Mary’s Church BolsterstoneWednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Our popular Wednesday coffee mornings have been extended over the winter season so that we can serve hearty homemade soup as well as the usual delicious cakes, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Do join us, it is open to all.

THURSDAYS

Open House Community Café

Everyone is welcome at Open House, our new community café - 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday at Holy Trinity Thurgoland Church. Pop in for coffee, cakes and a chat. Contact Hannah for more details: hannahosandoval@gmail.com

LOTTERY GRANT LIGHTING GETS ITS FIRST MAJOR PRODUCTION

Earlier this year Christ Church Stocksbridge were delighted to receive a sizeable grant from the National Lottery to replace its theatre lighting system. The old system had been in place for over twenty years and was becoming increasingly expensive to run, as well as suffering from a shortage of spare parts as analogue systems are replaced by digital. The system over the years has supported countless productions by Christ Church and many other organizations, but principally in recent years Steel Valley Beacon Arts, who are based at Christ Church. The grant of just under £20000 has purchased a state of the art lighting system and with the expertees of Nick Bryan and David Robinson, both experienced theatre technicians, is now up and running and ready to wow the audience.

On December 12th and 13th Steel Valley Beacon Arts and Christ Church are staging their joint production, “Carry on Christmas”. So, with the new lighting and special effects it is set to be a spectacular, fun-filled family production. Come and see if Dame Vixen Clausa-lot manages to find a pantomime baddie to whisk her off her feet. Along the way will

be many Christmas song favourites for you to sing along to, Stocksbridge’s very own nativity story and find out what happens when Father Christmas goes on strike!

Tickets are available via the Box Office Booking Line on 07592 944810, via Samuel’s Kitchen at Fox Valley or from Christ Church Box Office Team. Tickets are price at £12 for adults and £6 for under 18’s.

But Steel Valley Beacon will not be sitting back once Christmas is over, In May 2026 they will be staging the Gary Barlow Musical “Calendar Girls”. Auditions will take place at Christ Church on Friday 9th January. So, if you fancy joining the fun and learning some great songs, why not give it a try? Calendar Girls has a close link to Stocksbridge. The central character of the story Annie Clarke, who in real life was XXXXX XXXXX, was a member of Christ Church’s congregation in the days when it was Stocksbridge Congregational Church and who’s family members still live in the town. It is therefore quite fitting that the story returns to its roots here in Stocksbridge.

Deaths

Janet HEATHCOTE

Passed away peacefully at home on Friday 21st November 2025. Aged 77 years.

Beloved Wife of Roland, much loved Mum of Jayne and Paul and Nan to Joshua, Daniel and Xander. Will be greatly missed by family and friends.

The funeral service will be held at Grenoside Crematorium North Chapel on Tuesday 9th December at 9:00am followed by a celebration of Janet’s life. Donations in lieu of flowers will be gratefully accepted for St Luke’s Hospice.

Casual and colourful clothing please.

Jean Shirley SYKES

3-12-2007

So much has changed since you’ve been gone Through ups and downs our lives move on But as time rolls by one thing remains true We’ll always have our memories of you

Forever gone - never forgotten John x Nicola x William x

Robert HOLMES

Aged 86 years.

Passed away peacefully at home with his Daughters by his side.

Devoted Husband to the late Joan.

Much loved Dad to Tracy, Wendy, Kathryn and the late Stephen.

Loving Grandad, Great Grandad and Father-in-law.

Funeral to be held at Grenoside South Chapel on Friday 5th December at 10.30 am.

Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Robert will be gratefully received by Blind Veterans UK

Acknowledgement

Jose PINDAR

Dennis and family would like to thank all for their cards and support at Jose’s service last Tuesday.

Our special thanks to Dyson Funeral Service for their unfailing assistance and also Owan and staff at the Venue, at the Tribute.

It all made this time bearable.

Thank you.

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MOORE Anthony ‘John’

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A Friendly Face

A friendly face at the Lidl checkout Or a chat in the queue, That’s a good thing to do.

Don’t be isolated at home Or in the self-checkout, Let’s keep a friendly face at the Lidl check out. Pete the Poet

THOUGHT? IT ONLY THOUGHT IT DID

Once upon a motion, society claimed promotion to a communal community devotion to the communistically free

as a Bee, a mechanised free. What detriment should be?

Set free - speech? - thought?

Latter not freely available, though it’s packaged as needs be...

“Must haves!” today’s glamour. Oil Masters under the hammer, set against kindergartens’ poverty clamour!

Mountain tops freezing cold in the snow Andrew Dancer

Poem

Become the one your own heart loves the most— it isn’t required that every soul become your host. Nor must you wait in silent prayer to be someone’s favourite, treasured, or rare. Why not offer yourself a chance, to live a life shaped by your own romance?

Laugh freely, let others share your light, steal back moments that are rightfully your right. Why stand waiting for someone’s grace? Why not let yourself be your favourite face?

Befriend the colours, dance with the air, find a place in nature, breathe softly there. Today, gift yourself something true— a treasure the world once stole from you. After years spent trying to please them all, pause for a moment, hear your own call. Just for today, let the world be slow— live a few moments for yourself, and let your inner garden glow.

Hina Gondal

A SLIP OF A TONGUE THROUGH BUTTER

Now I know I believe what I was led to believe; believing I wouldn’t believe it was not butter.

Local Opinion

But better, I believed, this creation wouldn’t succeed. Twere just a slip of a phrase for the tongue to utter!

Just a curdled mind clutter, a misleading butter washer, to believe it, not butter, but somehow, better!

All in all, now believing; a tasteless guttering, a shuttered dangler, a stick to carry a carroted belief, that somehow, life will be fettled, selecting this disbelieving butter, better! Such doppelganger!

Andrew Dancer

Trams suspended

Once again we see our tram service suspended just when the public require rapid mass transport. No consideration for locals as usual and it was a shame that the mayor could not have joined intending passengers on Sunday waiting in the cold for the first tram due at 15.06 which failed to appear and just disappeared off the dot matrix. No idea if the 15.26 ran.

We hear the trams are cancelled because of public safety but do these thugs behave any better on the buses and is it only trams they walk in front of on the road and get out of the way of buses and cars

The only people to gain are the council with extra parking fines as match days seem to be the only time they enforce local parking regulations

Alistair Nicoll S6

Village Hall

Congratulations to Bolsterstone village hall on being awarded a grant of £20,000 from Stocksbridge Town Council’s Participatory Budget. This, along with proceeds from the Harvest Auction, the Christmas Fair, Cream Teas and other grants and events, should ensure the hall’s financial stability for years to come.

From a Bolsterstone Resident

Court Jester

Dear Editor.

“Kudos to Look Local on its inspired choice of irony as the theme in the latest instalment of its new regular comedy section of the letters column (Issue 1401, 20th November) from Look Locals recently acquired Court Jester.

Engaging in the same identity politics approach of subjectively self-defining concepts to suit ones own narrative without the need for empirical evidence to test and fit the defining criteria of those concepts whilst simultaneously critiquing that same approach represents comedy gold in achieving peak cognitive dissonance.

Topping this off with the same pick and choose a la carte approach to suit rhetorical convenience by implicitly accepting the idea of identity politics self-definition as ‘progressive’ not only misses the point that rebranding and relabelling something as “left” or “progressive” through self-definition makes it possible to enforce and get away with any old reactionary policies and behaviours, it also represents a unique example of the Gell-Mann amnesia effect:

https://www.epsilontheory.com/gell-mannamnesia/

Once again pre-assuming what your correspondent

aims to deduce by failing miserably to objectively apply standard defining criteria assessment to his own subjectively constructed and self-defined concept.

Conveniently ignoring that an approach based on the primacy of subjective based sovereign individual narratives over testable evidence based objective social reality has more in common with the notion of there being “no such thing as society, only the individual and the family” than your correspondents increasingly strained and desperate attempts to fit a square peg into a round hole through his misuse and abuse of his Look Local relationship to hog the discussion and dictate his own self-defined narrative.

The very essence of the identity politics Mr Moxon claims to critique.

There will be many from within the reality based community anticipating your correspondents next comedic offering. Where, hopefully, he will attempt with a deadpan face the triple feat of explaining with evidence how:

(a) a sovereign individualist approach which “brings people together” by segregating them into smaller and smaller groups fits into the defining criteria of class politics and class solidarity he claims such an approach represents rather than undermining that class politics?

(b) the anti-materialist approach he critiques, which rejects external reality and empirical evidence in favour of self-defined narratives, fits into the materialist and empirical based Marxist philosophy criteria he claims, without evidence, it is a part of?

(c) subjectively self-defining his own terms which are at odds with the defining criteria of Marxist and class politics does not itself also represent the ‘woke” identity politics approach Look Locals resident harlequin pretends to critique?

Unfortunately for those who enjoy a good laugh, with material like this the odds are that sooner rather than later Look Local will be losing this comedic ‘asset’ to the Wheel-tappers and Shunters Social Club.”

Dave Hansell

Confusion

Steve Moxon seems to be confusing me with someone else, so I won’t take his comments about me in last week’s LL letter personally (probably just as well). I would like to point out though that I have never said that Steve was wrong about his very interesting researches published in LL and I would never disrespect them as “daft”. I have attempted to offer what I think might be additional or alternative explanations, with a few other facts, from verifiable sources, that I thought might be interesting to share with LL readers (none of which were anything to do with politics in any way - left or right), In so doing, I may occasionally have had my tongue in my cheek, but I hope I have never been intentionally “disingenuous” and if I have, or if it was taken as such, then I apologise.

However, there is one point Steve made last week that I will say is just plain wrong: he seems to think that we have met – well sorry Steve, but I have never had the pleasure, so that must have been someone else you’ve assumed was me. I’m sure that anyone who has met, or does know me will testify that, of the many adjectives they might use to describe me, Marxist wouldn’t be one of them, in fact they would probably find the thought extremely amusing !

I’m now left wondering who Steve is confusing me with – I’d love to know (…as would they maybe?).

Jim Croft

Distressing situation in Palestine

Dear Marie Tidball MP,

Thank you for your recent reply. Since then, I understand that the ICHR has issued further statements regarding the situation in Gaza, and

I remain deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and the humanitarian crisis, even during periods described as ceasefires. In my view, the UK Government should urgently reassess its position on the conflict and consider the moral implications of continuing to support Israel in any form.

Many people, myself included, are troubled by what we see as a deeply distressing situation for Palestinians. The reports of widespread suffering, including hunger and displacement, have left many feeling that the international community is not doing enough to prevent further tragedy. I believe that silence or inaction risks making us complicit, and I hope the Government will reflect on its role and responsibilities.

Author Arundhati Roy recently wrote about the resilience shown by Palestinians and the impact this has had on public opinion worldwide. Her comments about young people—particularly young Jewish people in the United States— questioning long-held narratives resonated with me. She also highlighted the millions who have taken to the streets across Europe and the US, which she suggests offers hope for a more peaceful and just future.

As a former long-standing Labour member, I feel that the party’s stance on the conflict has disappointed many supporters. In my opinion, this has contributed to a sense of disillusionment. Anyone who doubts the seriousness of the situation need only look at the ongoing reports emerging from Gaza and the West Bank. I also feel that media coverage can sometimes appear incomplete or inconsistent, which adds to the public’s frustration.

As we approach Christmas, I hope the message of a refugee family seeking shelter in Bethlehem encourages all of us—including our political leaders—to reflect on the importance of peace, compassion, and humanity.

Yours sincerely, C Bristow

Fox Valley Christmas Lights Switch On

Can I thank Fox Valley Shopping Centre for yet again failing to provide sufficient parking for the events they hold at the centre. They fail every time to consider and protect the surrounding residents from the inconsiderate parking that ensues from people trying to attend. Cars parked on pavements, double yellow lines, blind bends and on the surrounding housing estates. Residents are like prisoners unable to move their cars.

When built the Fox Valley Estate was protected during these events by staff provided by the centre to ensure people parked in the allocated car parks, this has gone out of the window.

Why as residents should we have to suck it up every time they have events to line their own pockets while we pay for the privlege of not being able to park on or access our estate safely.

I can only imagine the further chaos that is going to come when the new M&S unit is built on the current staff car park, taking away even more parking from the centre.

Please don’t forget about the little people, after all we live and shop here all year round!

Fox Valley Resident

Celebrate Christmas Locally: North Sheffield’s Festive Cheer

Christmas is a special time of year, and here in North She eld, the festive spirit is alive and well. As we approach December, there’s no better way to make the season memorable than by celebrating locally – supporting our community, enjoying the seasonal produce, and sharing quality time with family and friends.

Start your festive preparations by visiting local markets and shops. North She eld is fortunate to be home to an array of independent grocers, butchers, and bakers o ering everything from traditional mince pies and freshly baked bread to the nest seasonal produce. Picking up your Christmas food locally not only guarantees top quality, but also supports the hard work of local traders who are the heartbeat of our community.

For those looking to bring a little greenery into the home, there are several locally grown Christmas tree sellers around the area. From Brook Hill to Stocksbridge, families can select and even cut their own trees, enjoying a festive tradition while keeping the joy and trade in our neighbourhood. Nothing quite beats the smell of a freshly cut pine lling your home, and knowing your tree has been sourced right here in South Yorkshire adds an extra touch of local pride.

When it comes to festive gatherings, North She eld boasts a variety of restaurants, ca-

fés, and pubs o ering Christmas menus and seasonal treats. Whether it’s a relaxed brunch with friends, a hearty dinner with family, or simply a mince pie with a warming cup of co ee, choosing local eateries helps keep our community vibrant. From Chapeltown to High Green, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy good food, laughter, and Christmas cheer.

And of course, no Christmas would be complete without a trip to the panto. Local theatres and community halls across North Shefeld are brimming with festive productions, perfect for young children experiencing their rst pantomime or older family members looking for a bit of nostalgia. Catching a local performance is a wonderful way to make memories and celebrate the creativity and talent of our area.

is Christmas, let’s remember the simple joys – gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal, and enjoying what North She eld has to o er. By shopping, dining, and enjoying festive entertainment locally, we can make the season bright while supporting the people and businesses that make our community special.

A er all, Christmas is about community, kindness, and celebration, and there’s no better place to experience it than right here at home.

LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED

An editorial contribution by… In this new regular feature, local writer and researcher Steve Moxon delves into the lesser-known corners of our area’s history. In this week’s piece, he looks into...

WALTHEOF: THE NEAREST TO A REAL LIFE ROBIN HOOD

While the Loxley association with the myth of Robin Hood (RH) throws light on what he is (see the previous LL issue), a locally connected major historical figure in being confused with RH also tells us, by reflection, something of how people in medieval times imagined him.

In the absence of any even remotely credible real-person RH so named, long ago a search began for some truly significant outsider or dethroned individual from the past to fit the bill. Of course, it’s realised today the myth is ancient, pre-dating record of anybody. We know, then, it would be a case of appropriating the RH story to fit the life of the lauded wronged real hero – pre-existing RH lore taken to be an allegory of this. In harnessing the symbolic power of RH to commemorate and aggrandise this singular guy, at the same time folk duck the risk of punishment for sedition, that otherwise they might well cop if hailing him directly.

Apparently recruited to the role was Earl Waltheof: he whose aula (you may recall from several weeks back) now appears to have been at Bolsterstone, not Sheffield as hitherto thought. The very last of the English barons, he had kept his lands in return for no further revolt against William the Conqueror, who actually gave Waltheof his niece, Judith de Lens, in marriage. Nevertheless, he did again rebel, yet, remarkably, to be let off (when others suffered under the harrying of the north). He had to be coerced into joining a third effort, The Earls’ Uprising, that was so poorly planned and lacking support he cut his losses, confessing the plot, first to the Archbishop of Canterbury, then to William. However, it

seems Judith claimed Waltheof was fully complicit, and finally he lost his head, literally.

As a worthy emblem of resistance to the Norman yoke, Waltheof was a warrior and a holy man too – destined for a monastic existence until his elder brother got slain. Post Waltheof’s execution Crowland Abbey profoundly honoured him and heavily promoted his innocence and stitch-up by Judith. Linked with supposed miracles, Waltheof posthumously rose to be a popular saint, boosted through being mixed up with his grandson, St Waltheof of Melrose, known by that title though never officially canonised. Likewise regarded as a popular saint, St Waltheof’s famed generosity to the poor probably rubbed off to be the origin of RH’s renown for this (and the corollary of robbing the rich). [Influence can go the other way: from reality to myth.]

Our Waltheof really was the dispossessed Earl of Huntingdon, in keeping with RH’s portrayal since the Elizabethan era, following Munday & Grafton’s play The Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntingdon, in which the rightful earl is deposed by his wicked uncle and made an outlaw. Waltheof’s own end, no less dramatic and full of intrigue, has a strong parallel in The Ballad of the Death of RH, the oldest (or not far off) RH source: pretty well the most reliable text to help suss the framework of the legend.

Waltheof’s betrayal by Judith is mirrored in the ballad by the behaviour of the prioress – prioress almost describing Judith, when you consider her founding of, massive endowments to and her particular interest in a nunnery, Elstow Abbey. The agent the prioress uses is Red Roger (who, in trying to kill RH is himself killed by RH). Roger, note, is an old nickname for the Devil. Alternatively and curiously, he’s dubbed specifically Roger of Doncaster. Surely a pointed reference to Roger de Buisli, whose seat was at Doncaster (Tickhill), and the beneficiary of Waltheof’s vanquishing in gaining all his property? So was the ballad as much an allegory of Waltheof’s demise as it was a RH tale?

Albeit no substance to RH, the enormous resonance of the myth inevitably meant someone of key importance would be given a place in history akin to that of the fictional hero. One contender, in also attempting an anti-Norman insurgency, Hereward the Wake echoed RH in little else, in contrast to the Earl here, who clearly is the nearest we get to a real-person RH. In an area as independently minded as is ours, Waltheof has forever reverberated; the more so in the guise of or in tandem with the RH myth.

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PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICE

The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises & Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005

Notice is hereby given that:

I Gurdeep Singh Bolle

Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 109 High Street, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, S35 9XA I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol For Consumption off the premises Monday to Sunday 07:00am - 22:00pm

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 17/12/2025

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service. by e-mail to licensingservice@ sheffield.gov.uk.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence.

Local Sport

PODIUMS AND PBS LIGHT UP CLOWNE HALF

Penistone Footpath Runners were out in force across road, fell and parkrun events, with standout results at the Clowne Half Marathon and strong performances in Race 5 of the Philip Senior Winter Handicap. At Clowne, James Mumford led the club home in 1-20-56, while Suzanne McGill produced another excellent run to finish first in the ladies over45 category.

There were further age-group podiums for Ian Neville, who placed second in the men’s over60, and Robert Davies, who took third in the same category, with Jade Crosby third senior woman and Jill Scrivens third in the ladies over55. The race also brought major personal breakthroughs for several runners, including a huge improvement from Amelia Cottam, who cut around fifteen minutes from her previous best with 1-58, and further PB progress from Chris Baldwin and Rory O’Sullivan.

Rachael Mayston also managed to achieve a club record in the ladies over55 category in 1-34-55. Nichola McNally impressed at the Wilmslow Festive 10K, running 42-35 to take third in the ladies over55 category on a fast and competitive course.

At the Padfield Plum Fair Fell Race, George Parr continued his excellent autumn form by finishing second overall and first in the men’s under23 category, while Damian Kilpin claimed third place in the men’s over40 and Ray Brown topped the over80s.

Penistone were also represented at the Hathersage Night Race, with David Lovatt and Shaun Swallow tackling the challenging evening course and delivering strong performances throughout. Shaun Swallow also added a strong run at the Tadcaster 10, finishing in 1-11-14. Race 5 of the Philip Senior Winter Handicap produced fast running across the field, with Charlotte Metcalfe taking the handicap win in 45-41 and the quickest actual times coming from Parr (27-42), Kilpin (30-29) and Ian Neville (31-42). Jade Crosby was fastest female with 32-16, ahead of Josie Smith and Emily Freeman. Alongside the handicap standings there is also a WMA championship, which uses agegrading to produce an adjusted performance time based on age and gender. In the WMA rankings, Neville continued his strong season by taking maximum points with an adjusted time of 25-45, narrowly ahead of Dawn Godley in second and Barbara Haigh in third.

The top five were completed by Damian Kilpin and George Parr, both delivering excellent age-graded performances over the challenging course. Saturday’s parkruns saw 66 Penistone seniors run at 19 venues, with Richard Heppenstall and Suzanne McGill both taking second place at Penistone and Richard Cottam finishing third. There was also a strong third place for James Fryers at Prudhoe Riverside. The strongest parkrun performances came from Dawn Broom with an exceptional 87.16%, followed by Julia Johnson (84.06%), Richard Heppenstall (81.88%), Dawn Godley (79.22%) and Ian Neville (77.96%). Mandy Mallinder celebrated her 200th parkrun at Lincoln.

STOCKSBRIDGE OUT-SCRUM MEDICS

SHEFFIELD MEDICS 5 – 38 STOCKSBRIDGE

Globe Holidays–sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby Union claimed an impressive bonuspoint victory over Sheffield Medics at Norton Playing Fields.

Late unavailabilities forced changes, the returning Jake “Bev” Bevan and skipper Andrew “Clock Tower” Beal provided a welcome boost.

Adam “Rolesy” Roles-Middlehurst stepped into the starting XV before injury cut short his afternoon.

First Half

ADVERTISE YOUR PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICE HERE

Stocksbridge were ahead inside five minutes when Rooney powered over for the opener, sponsored by Wilson Construction. The conversion drifted wide, and Medics replied soon after with a charge-down try, though they too failed to add the extras.

A well-struck penalty from Scott Bowskill – this week sponsored by Stocksbridge Fire Station – nudged Bridge back in front, and from there the forwards took control of the contest.

A dominant scrum drove Medics backwards, allowing Wattsey to charge down a kick on the line, with Jake Bev, sponsored by Mackenzie Stock Joinery, pouncing for his first try for the squad. Bowskill converted.

The pressure kept coming as the front row steamrollered once more, this time Sam Porter – sponsored by Applebys Industrial Fasteners – grounding for a classic forwards’ score.

Half-time: Sheffield Medics 5 – 20 Stocksbridge

Second Half

Stocksbridge tightened their grip after the interval, with another pair of penalties from Bowskill stretching the lead. The only setback came when “Rolesy” took a nasty elbow and left the field sporting a heroic bandaged head, earning applause from both sets of players.

Unshaken, Stocksbridge’s pack continued to bully the home side, providing perfect platform ball for Harrison “The Storm” Norman to crash over.

The conversion slipped wide, but the scoreline was already tilting heavily in Bridge’s favour.

The final flourish came from quick thinking at a tap penalty, as Wattsey spotted space and fed Andy “Bealy” Beal, sponsored by Mick Gribbins, who somersaulted over in trademark style. Bowskill rounded off the day by nudging the conversion over the bar. Man of the Match

Sponsored by S & M Pipework Ltd Slamming Sam Whitaker – relentless work-rate and influence in every major moment.

Captain’s Comments – Andy Beal

“That’s the standard we want. Dominant up front, sharp in the backs, and everyone working for each other. We’re proud of the grit today and we delivered the game plan.”

Next Fixture

Stocksbridge hit the road again next weekend for a key Counties 4 Yorkshire South clash away at league leaders Maltby. Kick-off: 2.15pm. Supporters are encouraged to travel, get loud, and get behind the lads.

STEELS BACK AMONG WINNING ILK

ILKESTON TOWN 0 - 1 STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS

By Andrew McMath

An unchanged Stocksbridge Park Steels side travelled to Ilkeston Town looking for a rst win in November a er ve successive defeats so far.

Mid-table Ilkeston would provide a tough test to the Steels who beat Ilkeston last time they visited the home side in 2019.

e rst half ended goalless with both sides coming into the game o the back of defeats and looking to avoid another loss to their names.

e second half saw the Steels break the deadlock around the hour mark as Danny Deakin’s cross found defender Elliot Owen at the far post for a header.

A few chances from Stocksbridge to extend their lead and a few for Ilkeston to level the tie followed, but ultimately the three points were headed back to South Yorkshire with the Steels.

Interim Manager Jordan Lemon spoke a er the game: “ e rst 15 we started well and then they grew into it and probably dominated our mideld which is unlike us but we got a foot in the game and last ten into half time. Half time probably came at a good time for us. Just to regroup and go through some tactical things.

“In the second half we fully deserved the three points, a great header by Elliot and we had two massive opportunities to put the game to bed to win 2-0 but I can’t fault anyone against a strong physical Ilkeston team.

Additionally, goalkeeper Ben Townsend and captain Kurtis Turner added their thoughts on the match.

Turner said: “We can’t knock the lads to be honest in training. It’s not because of a lack of e ort. It’s a big transition and it was always going to be di cult but as you’ve seen we talk about processing every game making sure performances are better and that each game we improve and since Lemon has taken over as interim and hopefully permanent we can see every game we’ve improved. We have to carry on.”

Townsend said: “It’s us on the pitch. e previous managers didn’t pass the ball, they didn’t cross the ball, they didn’t go into that position or come and claim a cross it’s us. It’s still the same on the pitch. We’ve played well and everyone’s backing Lemon.”

Next game: Lancaster City (H). Saturday 29 November. 15:00. Bracken Moor.

CHURCH RUE MISSED CHANCES

PENISTONE CHURCH 1-1 BEVERLEY TOWN

It was the proverbial game of two halves on Saturday for Church Reserves, they conceded three penalties but gained a point in a threethree draw away at AFC Dron eld. On target were Al e Broughton and Matty Jacobs (2).

Player/Coach Callum Lee, “When you give three penalties away in a game you’re happy to take a point.”

In Saturday’s main event, second-placed Beverley Town visited the Parker Roo ng Memorial Ground. Making his rst team debut was reserve player Will Heath. A er several scoring opportunities for Church were missed Jordan Coduri (pictured) opened the scoring from distance. With ten minutes remaining Beverley equalised through a free-kick from outside the penalty area.

Co-manager John Whitehead

“When Beverley come to town you know it’s going to be tough but I thought we did more than enough to win the game, we had

ve really good chances in the rst half and we weren’t able to capitalise on them but we did get a good goal from Jordan Coduri (pictured). He was fantastic today and was justiably awarded Man of the Match. He was everywhere defensively, he got us on the front foot, and he took his goal really well. He managed to step in, take a touch, see the keeper o his line and chip him. It was probably the hardest chance that we had in the rst half.

“We sat pretty one-nil up at half time, everybody had played their part and every single player had performed well. It was going to take a worldy to equalise and that’s what it was. e referee gave a dubious free kick to Beverley, our players disagreed but the ref has seen otherwise. Credit where credit is due their lad Luka Sulubric has absolutely hammered the free kick home, we were stood right behind it, its not moved, it’s gone straight in, if we’d had two keepers in the net or more people in the wall it was always going to go in. It took that bit of brilliance for them to take a point from us today.

“From where we have been recently the performance today has been outstanding, everyone involved today has put a real shi in. We’ve put a benchmark down and we need to kick on. Finally debutant Will Heath was excellent. Its nice to have reserves who can push on and compete for a rst team spot.”

Fixtures

Saturday 29 November

Rebecca smashes PB

It was another busy weekend for the Valley Hill Runners, with members spreading far and wide for their Saturday morning x of running – and a big Sunday showdown in the Clowne Half Marathon.

Saturday saw Luke, John Gordon and Jenni head over to Bramley for a spot of alphabet tourism, ticking o another letter on their parkrun journeys. John described the course as “a toughie but a good one,” summing up the challenge that makes Bramley such a popular destination.

For many VHR runners, parkrun – whether volunteering or running – remains the only proper way to kick-start a weekend.

But plenty kept something in reserve, with eyes rmly xed on Sunday’s big event: the Clowne Half Marathon.

A strong contingent of Wendy, Luke, Rachel, Amanda, Lee, Helen, Andrew, Dean, Rebecca, Matt, Kathryn and Paula took on the undulating 13.1-mile route. e weather be-

haved for the most part, with the rain mercifully holding o until the nish.

First home for the club was Rachel Goacher, clocking just over 1 hour 40 minutes and proudly claiming the First Vet 55 Female prize. Close behind was Dean Ellis, also putting in a superb performance.

One of the standout stories of the day came from Rebecca Sanders, who smashed her previous half-marathon best by an astonishing 22 minutes. Her grin at the nish said everything about the hard work she’s been putting in.

As always, the true victory arrived at the end – the coveted Clowne Half hoodie, this year in a bold bright purple, worn with pride by every nisher.

VHR once again showed what they’re all about: turning up, giving everything, and supporting one another every step of the way.