Look Local Newspaper 1410 Thursday 29 January 2026

Campaigners to carry on ‘fighting’

Plans to build thousands of new homes on green belt land in Sheffield have been deemed “sound” by government planning inspectors, despite strong opposition from local campaigners.

Sheffield City Council’s Local Plan was examined by HM Planning Inspectorate after objections were raised to proposals for around 3,500 new homes, along with schools, industrial units and cemeteries, across 14 rural sites.

Following public hearings held in September 2025, inspectors concluded that the council was justified in releasing some green belt land for development. However, they recommended several modifications to the plan.

These include reducing the number of homes planned at Wheel Lane and Middleton Lane from 148 to 66, and a smaller reduction at Creswick Avenue and Yew Lane from 609 to 592 homes.

The Local Plan sets out where housing and industrial development will take place in the city up to 2039. The council has said most construction would not begin until the 2030s and

that the plan prioritises the redevelopment of brownfield land.

Council leader Tom Hunt said the inspectors’ findings showed the plan was “sound in principle”, subject to the proposed changes.

“This is an important opportunity for residents to comment on the proposed modifications before the inspectors issue their final report,” he said.

“The Plan has a clear focus on developing brownfield land that has already previously been built on.

“Continuing without a Local Plan leaves the city at risk of speculative, unplanned development without the necessary infrastructure or affordable housing.”

Campaign groups have reacted angrily to the decision. Jo Tunstall, from the Our Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside community group, said

residents were “incredibly disappointed” by the outcome.

She said: “Considering the thousands of objections lodged against the proposed green belt sites, we feel the strength of evidence presented has been largely ignored. The plan remains unfair, unfounded and unsound and will devastate our community.

“This is only the first hurdle in a very long process, and we will continue to fight to protect our green belt, wildlife and local area.”

The Local Plan will now be updated with the inspectors’ recommended changes and will return to public consultation at the start of March.

Responses will be sent back to the inspectors, who are expected to issue their final report by the end of May. Sheffield City Council will then have six weeks to formally approve the plan, with a final decision anticipated by mid-July.

“This is only the first hurdle in a very long process, and we will continue to fight to protect our green belt, wildlife and local area.” - Jo Tunstall, Campaigner

Elderly Couple Face Stress Over Disputed £2 Parking

£2 parking charge ‘balloons’ to £311 - despite claims parking ticket ‘WAS’ paid

A Stocksbridge couple are facing a spiralling debt over a £2 parking charge from more than three years ago, despite claiming to have proof of payment.

Stephen Ward, 75, a retired accountant and long-time church treasurer, received a County Court Judgment (CCJ) claiming he failed to pay for parking at a Greasborough car park in October 2022. e small fee has now reportedly ballooned to £311, a er interest and collection fees were added.

Mr Ward and his wife, who has battled bowel and secondary liver cancer, insist the charge is a mistake.

“We paid the £2,” Mr Ward told Look Local. “We have bank statements and photographs showing the payment on the date in question. We’ve sent this to the debt collectors, but they say they never received it.”

e couple have used the car park regularly—around six to eight times a year—when taking day

trips with a local coach operator, as Mrs Ward struggles with travel due to agoraphobia. What started as a minor parking dispute has caused signi cant stress for the pair, with Mrs Ward reporting panic attacks related to the situation.

e couple’s concern extends beyond the ne itself. e court order arrived by regular post rather than recorded delivery, and Mr Ward, who has maintained detailed nancial records throughout his career, found discrepancies in the documentation and the debt collection process. “It feels suspicious,” he said. “Either there’s been a serious administrative error, or this could be a scam.”

Mr Ward claims the rst time he had any correspondence about the parking ne was in November 2025, three years a er the alleged incident.

Determined to resolve the matter, the Wards have completed an application to have the CCJ removed

and contacted their local MP, Marie Tidball. ey have turned to the local press to highlight their plight publicly and seek advice for others who might face similar situations.

Despite the pressure, the couple remain active in their community. ey are involved with St Mary’s Church, the Eccles eld Priory Players theatre group, and regularly organise charity events including Macmillan fundraising days. Mr Ward said their extensive community involvement demonstrates their credibility.

Look Local contacted the Car Park operator several times, and at the time of going to print, we are still awaiting a reply.

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Wharncliffe Side

“Green Belt ‘relaxation’ a kick in the teeth”

Says Upper Don Green Belt campaigner, John Hesketh, who has worked since 2013 with the Upper Don Action Group (UDAG) to resist inappropriate development in and around Stocksbridge, Oughtibridge, Deepcar, Bolsterstone and Wharncliffe Side.

Earlier this month, the Government’s Planning Inspectorate delivered bad news for residents who live on or near Don Avenue in Wharncliffe Side. The unspoilt greenfield site at the end of Don Avenue is to be removed from the Council’s ‘no-build’ Green Belt designation.

Despite an active campaign by residents to have this site, one of 14 across rural parts of Sheffield, maintaining their Green Belt designation, the Council thinks otherwise. It has asked the Planning Inspectorate to ignore local pleas and take this site out of

the Green Belt, along with 13 others across Sheffield.

The Council leader, Cllr Tom Hunt suggests this appalling decision is simply that of the Planning Inspectorate and implies that the Council that he leads is a mere bystander.

John Hesketh who is a former Sheffield City Council cabinet member for Planning & Highways and formerly the chairman of Sheffield’s Planning Committee, disagrees with Cllr Hunt’s characterisation of the process that has resulted in builders being given the go-ahead to build on the current Green Belt site between Don Avenue and Storth Lane.

Mr Hesketh stated “the origins of this Green Belt relaxation lie with the Council Committee that Cllr Hunt chairs. A report of the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee in April 2025 set

out all the 14 sites that the Council wanted to be deleted from Green Belt planning protection. The Planning Inspectorate has largely rubber-stamped a Sheffield Council request: however, the Council wants to spin it. It is disingenuous for Sheffield City councillors, including Cllr Hunt, to pretend that they did not start the ball rolling to build on these 14 sites, including this one at Wharncliffe Side.”

John Hesketh added “I’ve been working with UDAG colleagues for over a decade to try to prevent the Upper Don Valley being spoilt by obtrusive developments. We are in grave danger of there being no break between Sheffield and communities such as Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar. The Council has a lot to answer for in urbanising the Upper Don Valley.”

MAN CHARGED WITH SPATE OF BURGLARIES

A Sheffield man has appeared in court charged in connection with a series of burglaries and attempted break-ins across the north of the city.

Liam Taffinder, aged 44, of Binsted Road, Sheffield, is accused of stealing a 50-inch television and a Hyundai car from a residential property, along with carrying out further offences at homes in the area.

Mr Taffinder appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 17 January, where he was remanded in custody. He is due to appear next at Sheffield Crown Court on 16 February.

He faces a total of eight charges, including three counts of burglary dwelling and theft,

four counts of attempted burglary, and one count of theft of a motor vehicle.

The charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Police say the offences occurred at addresses in the S4, S5 and S6 postcode areas of Sheffield.

South Yorkshire Police have reiterated advice to residents to remain vigilant, ensure doors and windows are securely locked, and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Anyone with information relating to the incidents is encouraged to contact South Yorkshire Police through the usual channels, quoting the relevant crime reference numbers.

Construction begins on 519

A signi cant milestone has been reached in the development of the Stocksbridge Hub 519 with a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction work on the building.

Representatives of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund board and She eld City Council were in attendance alongside sta from construction contractors R G Carter to formally break ground on the development following the demolition of the old Stocksbridge Library.

e Stocksbridge Hub 519 will be home to a modern library and state of the art o ce spaces for businesses, training and the community.

e town’s library service will also be in Hub 519 once it is completed, moving from the current temporary library in the IKON Church building across from the site.

Sitting between Manchester Road and Button Row, near to the junction

of Manchester Road and Johnson Street, the Hub 519 is one of the major projects being overseen by the Stocksbridge Towns Fund.

Ian Sanderson, Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board member with responsibility for the Stocksbridge Hub 519 project, said: “It’s great to see the progress that has already been made on site following the demolition of the old library and today’s ground breaking ceremony.

“ e Stocksbridge Hub 519 will be a vital addition to the town. It will provide a welcoming space where people from Stocksbridge and the surrounding areas will be able to come together to work, socialise, access services and connect with their community.

“Once complete, the hub will combine with our other schemes on Manchester Road, including the shop front improvement project, to generate a vibrant shopping and leisure area for residents and visitors alike.

“I look forward to seeing the building take shape as the project continues to move forward and being able to share further major milestones with our local community.”

Darren Chiumento, Project Manager for the Stocksbridge Hub 519 site at R G Carter, said: “R G Carter are delighted to mark this important milestone alongside She eld City Council and the Stocksbridge Town Board as we begin construction of the new Community Hub and Library, a key element of the Manchester Road transformation.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a fantastic way to celebrate the progress made to date and to thank everyone who has helped bring the project to this stage. We look forward to seeing the building take shape and playing our part in creating an inspiring new space for the residents of Stocksbridge and the wider community.”

MP welcomes cuts to water bills

Marie Tidball MP, has welcomed the Government’s once-in-a-generation plan to overhaul the water system. e Water White Paper has been unveiled, including landmark reforms to reduce water bills, protect households, and properly hold water companies to account.

e new plans include wider rollout of water smart meters and mandatory e ciency labels, on items like dishwashers and washing machines, which will help households monitor their water use and cut costs. Altogether, these measures deliver savings of over £125 million on water and energy bills over the next decade. is means an average of 17% lower water bills for households.

e reforms also include a new single regular, with tough powers to properly hold water companies to account. e new regulator will introduce an ‘MOT’ approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more. is forward-looking approach means no more waiting to act, spotting problems before they happen and preventing water shortages.

For the rst time in two decades, a Chief Engineer will sit inside the new single water regulator. eir job is to bring back the hands-on

checks of water infrastructure that Ofwat has failed to provide; ending the days of water rms marking their own homework, resulting in crumbling pipes and unreliable services. ese reforms put prevention rst, requiring companies and bosses to plan for the long-term.

e new measures also establish a new independent, and powerful Water Ombudsman to ensure customer complaints are taken seriously and resolved quickly. If a complaint is not resolved by the water company, the ombudsman will deliver a legally binding resolution.

is announcement follows action already taken by the Government to ban unfair bonusses for water bosses. Under the Tories, Yorkshire Water's top bosses were paid nearly £13 million in bonuses, despite almost 2,045 incidents of sewage spillagesamounting to 18,000 hours of sewage spilled into the beautiful River Don.

To further protect customers and clean up our waterways, the government has also secured a record £104 billion of private investmentthe largest ever since privatisation, to cut sewage discharges by nearly half over the next ve years. is money will now be ringfenced for

new pipes and treatment work, not shareholder payouts.

Marie Tidball MP said:

“ ese new plans set out the bold reforms our communities have been calling for.

“For too long, water companies have been allowed to mark their own homework while bills have increased, infrastructure has crumbled and pollution has blighted our local rivers and reservoirs.

“ ese reforms nally mean lower water bills, real accountability, and no more excuses for water companies.”

“ ese are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system - tough oversight and real accountability.

“Water companies will have nowhere to hide, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future.

“ is builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses.”

Burglar caught ‘napping’

A burglar who was found asleep in a car he had stolen just days earlier has been jailed for more than four years, writes David Spereall BBC Yorkshire.

Wayne Smith was spotted napping in a red Skoda Fabia with the engine still running, ve days a er he had taken the vehicle from a property in the Crookes area of She eld.

e 46-year-old, of Raisen Hall in She eld, was arrested on 24 September by o cers who also found a large knife within the vehicle.

Smith was jailed a er pleading guilty to burglary dwelling and the , the of a motor vehicle, attempt burglary, possessing a knife in a public place and going equipped for burglary.

He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison at She eld Crown Court on 15 January, although police have only just released details of the hearing.

CAUGHT: 46-year-old Wayne Smith

Det Sgt Tom Jordan said: "Wayne Smith posed an obvious risk to the community of She eld by choosing to carry a knife on top of his brazen o ending and I'm pleased he will now be spending a signi cant amount of time behind bars.

"Burglary has a long lasting impact on victims and we work hard every single day to identify o enders, link incidents together, and bring those responsible to justice."

Local Author’s Nursing Memoirs

A well-regarded book by local author Mike Bolger is continuing to attract interest, 10 years a er its rst release, with a small number of copies still available for sale.

Mike joined the nursing profession just a few years a er the launch of the National Health Service, at a time when nursing was an overwhelmingly female occupation and very di erent from the profession people recognise today. His book draws on those early experiences, o ering a candid and o en humorous account of life on the wards during a formative period for the NHS.

rough a series of short stories and re ections, Mike recalls the realities faced by male nurses at the time, experiences that are both sharply observed and told with warmth and wit. e book has been praised for its honesty and authenticity, particularly by those who have worked in nursing themselves.

Adding to its appeal, the book is illustrated with cartoons that closely mirror the situations Mike describes, bringing an extra layer of humour and visual storytelling to the pages. Readers have said the illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of the era and enhance what is already a vivid and engaging narrative.

ose familiar with nursing have spoken of how accurately the book re ects the pressures, camaraderie and challenges of

the job, while readers from outside the profession have also found plenty to enjoy, with stories that prompt both laughter and re ection.

With only a limited number of copies remaining, local readers are being encouraged to pick one up while they still can. e book remains a thoughtful and entertaining snapshot

of nursing life in the early days of the NHS, and a testament to a profession that continues to play a vital role in the community.

Copies are available on Amazon.

Police Appeal After Teenager Seriously Injured

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a collision in She eld that le a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.

e incident occurred at 8.44pm on Saturday 24 January on North eld Road, near its junction with Heavygate Road. e teenager was struck by a blue Ford Focus and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

e driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

O cers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have relevant doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time, to come forward. Footage can be submitted directly to police online.

Members of the public can contact South Yorkshire Police online through their website or by calling 101, quoting incident number 911 of 24 January 2026. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Police are urging anyone with information to help with the ongoing investigation into this serious incident.

JANUARY

SATURDAY

31 Winter Sale at Stocksbridge Christian Centre on Saturday 31st January from 10 am to 1 p.m. Bric a brac, books, jigsaws and more. Bacon butties

FEBRUARY

MONDAY

2 Stocksbridge and Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meeting at 2.30pm at Christ Church, Manchester Road. S36 1DY. Speaker is Jennifer Stephenson ‘ The History of Physicians and Pharmacies’ Visitors welcome @ £3 per meeting to include refreshments.

WEDNESDAY

4 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by John Clarke titled “Writing”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings, for more information about our group and activities, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk

TUESDAY

Co ee morning at Chapeltown Methodist Church on Tuesday 10th February 9.30am to 11.30 am Money for Cancer Research UK as it Cancer awareness month ALL are WELLCOME

THURSDAY

12 Stocksbridge & District History Society AGM. -7 PM Christ Church Hall - AGM plus talk ‘Old

Stocksbridge Postcards’. Voting at AGM by members only.

SUNDAY

15 Table Top Sale - Stocksbridge Community Leisure CentreSunday 15th February, Open To Buyers 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

MONDAY

16 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – a talk, ‘From Hag sh to Humans’ - University student and our very own Treasurer, Theo Hunter, will take us through the evolutionary history of the vertebrates and talk about some fascinating animals along the way. Wadsley Church, Worrall Road, 7.30pm. members - £3.50, non members - £4. Free home made refreshments. www.walc.epizy.com

WEDNESDAY

18 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 18th February 2026 at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Janet Dean titled “Family History, Fiction, Local History”. Our relaxed meetings take place on alternate Wednesday mornings, for more information about our group and activities, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk

SATURDAY

21 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Guided Birds in Winter walk by John and Anne Robinson, meet at 9am prompt at Rural Lane Car Park. No dogs please. FREE but donations very welcome. www.walc.epizy.

com. This will be a circular walk but you can return to the car park at any time.

SUNDAY

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

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 rst! Contact 01226 764642 for more information Baby and Toddler group at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS. Mondays during termtime 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A. Every Monday Indoor Bowling 1.30 to 3.30 at At Aidans Church

On

Hall Sheffield Road Oxspring No experience needed, equipment supplied. Everyone welcome. Gentle fun exercise.

MONDAY ART GROUP at STEPS, The VENUE, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge.

Every Mon 10.00 - 12 noon. £8 per session. Excellent tutorwatercolour, acrylics, pastels etc. Beginners upwards. Just come along and try a free taster session!

TUESDAYS

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

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

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

The South Yorkshire Bonsai Society, meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month at Deepcar Village Hall 8 to 10 p.m.

High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 10am-12:30pm £4 per person. Call Margaret for more info 0114 284 7190

Volunteer Thursdays at Greave House Farm Trust. Enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, meeting new friends. Any time between 10am and 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. Also monthly work days on 2nd Saturday. For more info contact Barbara: 07724505911or email greavehouse@yahoo.co.uk

Swashbuckling musical

A band of lusty buccaneers, a bevy of beautiful sisters, a troop of timid bobbies on the beat, the very model of a modern Major General, and a young pirate apprentice on the eve of his 21st birthday…or is he?

Grenoside and Birley Carr Players are weighing the anchor and splicing the mainbrace as they prepare to set sail with a vibrant new production of one of the most popular comic operettas of all time.

The swashbuckling story of The Pirates of Penzance - an exhilarating blend of comic misadventure and romantic confusion - comes to Grenoside Community Centre from March 24 to 27 at 7.30, with a Saturday matinee on March 28 at 2.30pm.

“We are well known for presenting classic Gilbert and Sullivan and The Pirates of Penzance is always an audience favourite so

it seems the perfect time to revisit what has always been one of their greatest and most enduring hits,” said Musical Director Jonathan Hester.

“Our audiences always enjoy our lively approach to the world of G&S and we know this new production will deliver a few surprises, lots of laughs and some great singing.

“The Pirates of Penzance is packed with beautiful music and wonderful comic characters, making it the perfect choice as we shake off winter and look forward to spring.”

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children and are available via the Grenoside ticket hotline on 01226 754462 or 07971 264322.

Jean STEEL

Passed away peacefully aged 94 years old.

Devoted Wife to Malcolm and loved by all of her family.

Funeral to take place on Wednesday 4th February at 12.30pm at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel.

Family flowers only please, but donations would be gratefully received to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

In Memory

Mick Jeffels

31/1/1948 - 31/1/2014

If I could write a story

It would be the best one ever told

Of a kind and loving husband Who had a heart of gold

I could write a thousand pages

But there’s one thing I would say

Just how much I love and miss you Every single day

Lots of Love Linda Happy Birthday too xxx

BACON Shirley

Passed away 15 January 2026 aged 94 years.

Much loved Wife of the late Gordon, Mother to Elayne, Mother-in-Law to Jim, Nan to Gareth, Great Nan to Arabella.

Service to be held at South Chapel, Grenoside Crematorium, on Friday 13th January 2026 at 12.30pm.

Family flowers only please, but donations if desired to Shirley’s chosen charity, RNLI at the service or c/o John Fairest Funeral Care, 10/56

Penistone Road North, Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield, S6 1LQ

David NEWBOULD

Passed away peacefully on 16th January 2026, aged 81.

A loving Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great-Grandad, and a dear friend to many.

The service will be held on 2nd February 2026 at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel at 11am.

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THE ENTYMOLOGY OF LANGUAGE

In the landscape of Free Speech, with creepy crawlies crashing on everyone’s freedom shore!

Beauty of an era encapsulated within!

Feel its grin! Rocks of Ages told on the pages of books!

Phrases; longer Syntactical cages show stages, paraded, oated by on sentence to paragraph.

Sometimes engrossing!

Sometimes a bore!

Who wants to read?

What a chore!

What is in a book?

Don’t ask me take a look

Andrew Dancer

MAKING LOVE

To wake in the morning, the other half snoring.

Wipe away the drool, stretch; greet the day yawning. Chip away sand from

eyes, still yawning! Deep breaths, not tired, outside dawning.

On the y, heard from memory the other half’s calling, of likes, dislikes; for the festive ritual of morning.

Croissant, butteredmelting!

Scramble eggs, stirring!

Tomatoes, mushrooms grilled!

Mop up co ee from tray, carrying!

Up the stairs to love still abed, not yet yawning.

A song to awaken a dream that’s been jaunting through the night; surreal landscapes, daunting!

Awake at last, woolly brain now yawning!

So, breaks a smile, ear to ear, remembering chef’s physog, so loving!

Chef: a grin for receiving.

So, they greet each other

“Good morning!”

Andrew Dancer

OUT AND ABOUT IN STOCKSBRIDGE AND DEEPCAR

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT THE HEART OF THE VALLEY

There’s something special about Stocksbridge and Deepcar. Whether you’ve lived in the valley all your life or you’re just popping in for the afternoon, it doesn’t take long to feel the strong sense of community that runs through the area.

A great place to start is Fox Valley. Over the past few years it has become a real hub for local life, offering not just shopping and services but a place to meet, chat and linger. The weekly markets are a particular highlight, bringing together independent traders, local produce and friendly faces. It’s a place where you go for one thing and end up staying longer than planned, catching up and discovering something new.

While you’re there, why not pop into the Kitchen Connections showroom? A fantastic example of the personal, friendly service that local businesses in the valley pride themselves on. Whether you’re browsing for ideas or planning a full project, the team are always happy to offer advice, inspiration and a warm welcome — no pressure, just genuine local expertise. But Fox Valley is only part of the story. Across Stocksbridge and Deepcar there are countless activities, groups and events. The community run Leisure Centre offers fitness classes and craft groups to community projects and social clubs, there’s something for all ages. These activities help turn a place into a

community. With Oxley’s Cafe within offering an ideal meeting point for many.

What stands out in Stocksbridge and Deepcar is the pride people take in their area. Local businesses support each other, residents show up for events, and there’s a genuine willingness to lend a hand or stop for a chat. In a busy world, that kind of personal, friendly service and community spirit feels more important than ever.

So next time you’re thinking about what to do, why not stay local? Get out and about in the valley and explore what’s on offer.

LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED

BRADFIELD’S MYSTERY MOUND

By Steve Moxon

A Norman motte is generally accepted to be what stands behind the church at High Bradfield. If that is what it is, two questions immediately arise: why is it there, and why is it so absent from the historical record? And, for that matter, what is a church doing in such an apparently remote spot?

Bailey Hill is an enormous structure: a sixtyfoot-tall, man-made, flat-topped cone. It is hard to imagine what else it could be, despite the summit platform being unusually small. Even allowing for serious erosion, it is difficult to believe that the top was once twelve yards across, as an antiquarian recorded in 1855. The adjacent level ground — which would have formed the bailey, enclosed by substantial wooden curtain walling — is also extremely limited. At under an acre, it is far smaller than expected. Nor does the site sit on a key transport route of the sort Norman castles were normally built to control. All of this makes the site something of an enigma.

Suggestions that it was merely a fire beacon or lookout post are unconvincing, as it lies well below the surrounding ridges. The idea that it was an over-sized burial mound is equally weak: crude excavations in 1720 should have revealed that. What is undeniable is that the site occupies a strong defensive position. On the west and south-west sides, the slope is so steep as to make attack virtually impossible; a simple palisade would have sufficed. To the east, a massive rampart and ditch protect the approach, curving round towards the motte — yet, oddly, this defence does not continue to the north. There, the earthwork has been reduced to little more than half a metre. Why?

The gap is far wider than later access would have required. Could this section pre-date the Normans, and have been deliberately dismantled by them?

The escarpment itself would make an ideal basis for an Iron Age hillfort. The principal objection is size: at roughly one acre, it would be at the very smallest end of the scale. However, this may be explained by the loss of land over time, through landslip — a major geological feature of the area, as seen nearby at Rocher. The rampart may therefore be Iron Age in origin and later reused by the Normans, as happened at Almondbury, Mouselow (Glossop), and Barwick-in-Elmet. Place-name evidence supports a prehistoric origin. Bailey is likely derived from the Gaelic balladh (‘rampart’) or baile (‘village’), rath-

er than from the French bailli (‘palisade’), which would not have entered vernacular speech. High Bradfield was formerly known as Kirkton, from the Gaelic círeach (‘crested’ or ‘ridged’), referring to the overlooking Kirk Edge rather than meaning “church”.

If a motte was later constructed here, part of the existing rampart could have been used as its core, with material on either side robbed to build up the mound quickly. The main stretch of the rampart would have been retained for defence, while the short northern section may have been removed altogether. Instead of earthworks, the precipitous edge there could have been defended with palisading alone — perhaps even deliberately creating a “killing zone” at what was the weakest approach. Of course, it is also possible the design was simply flawed.

The site is often reckoned to be a 12thcentury castle of the de Furnivals, but it arguably makes more sense as a hurried construction during the Second Barons’ War (1264–1267). Thomas de Furnival supported the king, and in 1266 rebel forces led by the splendidly named John de Eyvill burned Sheffield Castle and the town to the ground. Although Thomas received royal licence in 1270 to rebuild in stone, work did not begin for another six years. There is no record of where he lived in the meantime. A secluded, defensible nook beneath Kirk Edge could have served as a semi-secret bolt-hole — isolated, yet not wilderness, given the presence of a church.

That church was not founded to save Norman souls. Rather than a simple two-cell structure dating from 1109, the existing building contains pre-Norman (often called “Roman”) elements. It was already there. This suggests an attempt to assert Christian authority over a place where pagan or mythological significance may have clung to an ancient monument.

If the site does have Iron Age origins, it may have been ceremonial as well as defensive, rather than a permanent settlement. In that case, the absence of hut circles would not be surprising. Online LiDAR imagery of the area does not show any, though the available resolution is limited. What is striking is that the site still awaits proper archaeological investigation.

MELTHAM TOUGH 10K

Penistone Footpath Runners enjoyed an outstanding day at the Meltham ‘Tough’ 10k, one of West Yorkshire’s most demanding winter road races, with both the men’s and ladies’ teams taking first place under the three-tocount format.

Individually, Flynn Rogers led the club home with a fine fourth place overall in 36-49, followed closely by Richard Heppenstall, who finished eighth overall in 37-56. James Mumford continued his strong run of form with 11th place in 38-55, while George Parr was 16th in 39-40 as Penistone filled the leading positions on the hilly course. Veteran success was again a highlight, with Ian Neville winning the men’s over60 category in 44-16.

In the women’s race, Rachael Mayston finished in 4th followed closely by Josie Smith in 5th, while Lesley Parker was awarded the first ladies over50 prize following a strong run in 48-44. Barbara Haigh claimed first place in the ladies over70 category, while solid performances throughout the field came from Jill Scrivens, Mandy Mallinder, Susan Charlesworth, Jane Cockerton, Tracy Woodward and Stu Smith as Penistone fielded one of the largest contingents on the day.

There was further representative success at championship level, where Penistone runner Graihagh Turner continued her impressive winter season at the Northern Cross Country Championships at Pontefract Racecourse. Competing for Rotherham Harriers, Turner finished sixth in a high-quality under-17 girls’ field, helping her club to secure the team title. At parkruns over the weekend of 24 and 25 January, 75 Penistone seniors competed across a record 30 venues. There were first gender places for Jade Crosby at Rother Valley, Richard Cottam at Middleton Woods, and James Fryers at Herrington Country, while Jill Scrivens finished second female at Vermuyden Way and Hannah Shaw was third female at Sherwood Pines. At Barnsley, Ian Neville topped the over60 category, Alan Knox was first over70, and Ray Brown led the over85s, with further veteran wins at Penistone from Ashley Firth, Emily Duckett, Russ Lynam, Shaun Braddock, Sara Wolstenholme, Joanne Sammon and Danny Batty, who was first over80. Away from home, Sue Hall was first over65 at East Coast parkrun in Singapore, and Keith Gordon topped the over75 category at Holyrood. The standout age-graded performances of the weekend came from Dawn Godley (82.33%), Ian Neville (75.69%), Dawn Broom (75.68%), Richard Cottam (75.56%) and James Fryers (74.35%).

At parkruns over the weekend of 24 and 25 January, 75 Penistone seniors competed across a record 30 venues. There were first

gender places for Jade Crosby at Rother Valley, Richard Cottam at Middleton Woods, and James Fryers at Herrington Country, while Jill Scrivens finished second female at Vermuyden Way and Hannah Shaw was third female at Sherwood Pines.

At Barnsley, Ian Neville topped the over60 category, Alan Knox was first over70, and Ray Brown led the over85s, with further veteran wins at Penistone from Ashley Firth, Emily Duckett, Russ Lynam, Shaun Braddock, Sara Wolstenholme, Joanne Sammon and Danny Batty, who was first over80.

Away from home, Sue Hall was first over65 at East Coast parkrun in Singapore, and Keith Gordon topped the over75 category at Holyrood. The standout age-graded performances of the weekend came from Dawn Godley (82.33%), Ian Neville (75.69%), Dawn Broom (75.68%), Richard Cottam (75.56%) and James Fryers (74.35%).

Results

Meltham ‘Tough’ 10k 4, Flynn Rogers 36-49; 8, Richard Heppenstall 37-56; 11, James Mumford 38-55; 16, George Parr 39-40; 46, Ian Neville 44-16; 60, Rachael Mayston 45-55; 61, Josie Smith 4559; 67, Shaun Swallow 47-17; 75, Lesley Parker 48-44; 114, Jill Scrivens 54-14; 120, Mark Graham 55-48; 147, Bill Phillips 59-46; 152, Keith Gordon 1-00-21; 155, Tracy Woodward 1-00-50; 157, Jen Holley 1-00-58; 158, Mandy Mallinder 1-00-59; 173, Susan Charlesworth 1-03-30; 189, Jane Cockerton 1-06-53; 190, Barbara Haigh 1-07-00; 199, Steve Dommett 1-14-26; 201, Stu Smith 1-16-54.

Penistone Parkrun

5, Ashley Firth 19-47; 9, Ryan Duckett 20-35; 13, Jon Hallam 21-08; 17, Simon Pike 21-48; 22, Alex Best 22-16; 25, Emily Duckett 2255; 32, Russ Lynam 24-01; 36, Shaun Braddock 25-14; 49, Michael Nicholson 26-03; 59, Dave Lindop 26-54; 84, Chris Baldwin 28-12; 85, Oliver Found 28-14; 88, Amanda Field 28-22; 90, Pete Beever 28-33; 111, Sara Wolstenholme 29-33; 112, Joanne Sammon 29-33; 113, Kate Rushforth 29-34; 116, Ian Walker 29-55; 118, Hannah Sammon 30-10; 122, Becky Parr 30-23; 126, Andrew Taylor 30-38; 143, Sarah Clough 32-56; 144, Karen Schofield 33-08; 148, Steve Dommett 33-35; 150, Claire Watts 33-51; 160, Danny Batty 34-45; 163, Ann Lindop 35-06; 182, Martyn Cartwright 44-23; 184, Paul Sammon 44-49.

Barnsley Parkrun

10, Alex Melhuish 21-11; 11, Ian Neville 2111; 74, Alan Knox 27-26; 108, Luke McGuinness 29-36; 126, Michael Walsh 30-51; 191, Ray Brown 35-46; 247, Stu Smith 54-47.

STOCKSBRIDGE GRIND OUT GRITTY HOME WIN TO STAY IN PLAY-OFF HUNT

Stocksbridge Rugby kept their play-off ambitions alive with a hard-fought 16–12 victory over Hallamshire RUFC after a late venue switch due to waterlogged conditions.

With Hallamshire’s pitch unplayable, the Round 13 Counties 4 Yorkshire South fixture was moved to the Coal Pit Lane Arena. Despite further rainfall and a heavy surface, a late inspection deemed the pitch playable and the match went ahead, sponsored by Globe Holidays.

Player-coach Aaron Kaye opted for size and physicality in his selection. Young Jack James was handed a start in the second row, with the experienced Sam Whitaker moving to number eight. Veteran winger Joe Jones made a rare appearance out wide, while hooker Mikey Hartley returned from injury off the bench following a lengthy recovery from a serious ankle problem.

The visitors made the brighter start, capitalising on a defensive error to score first. Tempers flared soon after, with Stocksbridge centre Jake Bevan and his opposite number both shown yellow cards following a brief skirmish.

Stocksbridge responded well and drew level when Sam Porter powered over for a wellworked try following sustained pressure from the forwards. Scott Bowskill added the conversion to give the home side a 7–5 lead. A deliberate knock-on by Hallamshire resulted in another yellow card and prevented what looked a certain Stocksbridge score, but the visitors struck again just before half-time to regain the advantage.

Half-time: Stocksbridge Rugby 7–12 Hallamshire RUFC

The second half began with Stocksbridge reduced to 14 men, as prop Gary Woodcock

SKIPPER AGREES NEW DEAL

SHEFFIELD skipper Josh Pickering has agreed a deal to finalise their side for the forthcoming 2026 campaign.

The fans’ favourite joins Jack Holder, Chris Holder, Anders Rowe, Leon Flint and Jye Etheridge as returning members from the team that finished last season with Rising Star Luke Killeen the only new face at Owlerton this term.

It will be a fourth year in a row that ‘Picko’ has put pen to paper with the Tigers and team manager Simon Stead is delighted to have his club captain back on board.

“Everybody knows my thoughts on Picko by now and we’re over the moon to keep him for another year,” Stead said.

“He’s all-action on track, he’s established himself as an out-and-out heat-leader in the top-flight and he’s a brilliant captain to have.

“There’s no doubt about it we’re going to need him to maintain a similar level of performance this season, if not keep improving, and there’s no reason why he can’t do that.”

Premiership plans continue to gather pace behind the scenes and the club hope to be in a position to announce season ticket details very soon.

The club are also working on different commercial packages and hope to launch in the coming weeks.

received a yellow card for an intentional trip. As the home side began to gain momentum, Bowskill reduced the deficit with a penalty before adding another to edge Stocksbridge into a narrow one-point lead.

Hallamshire were again reduced in numbers following another yellow card, and Bowskill made it three penalties for the afternoon to give Stocksbridge breathing space. The home side showed discipline and resilience in the closing stages to see out the contest.

Final score: Stocksbridge Rugby 16–12 Hallamshire RUFC

Despite the win, Stocksbridge slip to third in the league table, with Sheffield Medics moving above them after benefiting from a walkover. The JGP Group Man of the Match award went to Sam Whitaker, sponsored by S&M Pipework Ltd, for an influential performance in the turnover battle from his new role at number eight.

After the match, Aaron Kaye was pleased with the result but felt his side would continue to improve with regular fixtures.

“It was a hard-fought game and Hallamshire certainly brought it to us,” he said. “We needed a game after a long spell without one, and we’ll be better for it.”

Stocksbridge will be looking to make it backto-back wins when they host Withernsea RUFC in Round 14 next Saturday, with a 2.15pm kick-off.

Looking ahead, Stocksbridge Rugby will also host the Fire Service in a charity match on Saturday 7 February, kicking off at 2.30pm, with all welcome to attend in support of a good cause.

ELLIS POSTS PB

VHR had a successful weekend of running, celebrating achievements across South Yorkshire and beyond.

On Saturday, Gordon Fiander marked his 50th parkrun volunteer stint at Concord, emphasising the value of volunteers. Dean Ellis achieved a parkrun personal best, crediting club running for his progress toward a sub-20-minute time. Luke Evans celebrated his 300th parkrun at Concord, valuing the friendships and community spirit, with cake provided for the milestone.

Despite poor weather on Sunday, VHR runners excelled. Jess Lishman finished a 10km race in Skegness in an impressive 45 minutes and is now focused on her next challenge. Closer to home, a six-hour charity challenge at Hillsborough Park saw runners complete as many laps as possible in persistent rain. Louise Harrop ran over 20 miles, a significant distance for her. Rebecca Sanders also covered over 20 miles, calling the event a mental endurance test, which included an unexpected chase by Canada geese.

The weekend highlighted VHR’s commitment to running, volunteering, and community spirit.

16 STEELS UNDONE BY BAMBER

STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS 0 - 2 BAMBER BRIDGE

By Andrew McMath

The Steels welcomed Bamber Bridge to Bracken Moor on Saturday. Bamber playing in solid pink started the scoring early in the seventh minute through Emmerich Poilly. Poilly pounced on a deflection just yards from the Steels goal following a hopeful ball over the top from the Bamber midfield.

Around the half hour mark, the Steels were given a reprieve, Bamber had a goal disallowed for offside. But just eight minutes later, Bamber’s left-back was brought down on the right hand side of the penalty area and the ref pointed to the spot. Ewan Bange slotted home sending Steels goalkeeper Ben Townsend the wrong way. Leaving the Steels with an uphill battle in the second half.

A swarm of Bamber chances came and went after the break, the Steels only challenging Bamber’s goalkeeper with the odd shot from range.

Away from the goals, Steels manager Jordan Lemon was booked and defender Kasper

Williams was sent off just before full time

Lemon spoke after the defeat:

“A sloppy first goal really sloppy.

Then we’ve missed a one-onone, thirty seconds later we give a penalty away. That 30 seconds sums up how the season’s gone.

“We’re just not getting the rub of the green, missing the chances to make it 1-1. There was never going to be loads of goals today. The pitch is lively and windy. There’s only going to be a couple of goals in it. I like watching Bamber they’re very similar to us. They play with what they’ve got.

On his yellow card, he said: “I’ve not had a yellow since I’ve been manager because the refs have been good and today unfortunately absolutely miles off it and I think for both teams. I thought he was really poor. It’s not the reason we’ve lost today but I thought it was a poor performance. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Next game: Hebburn Town (A). Saturday 31st January.

Next home game: Hyde United (H). Saturday 7th February

CHURCH SHOW RESILIENCE IN SIX-GOAL THRILLER

BOTTESFORD

TOWN 3 - 3 PENISTONE CHURCH

Penistone Church FC were forced to settle for a share of the points on Saturday after a dramatic 3–3 draw away at Bottesford Town in the Macron Northern Counties East Premier Division.

Church made the trip down the M18 for the first of three consecutive away fixtures, with player unavailability prompting a reshuffle. Captain Danny Howes reverted to his former role at left-back, while co-managers Brett Lovell and John Whitehead were both named among the substitutes.

The visitors produced a strong all-round performance but were left frustrated after a chaotic ten-minute spell in the second half saw them surrender a two-goal lead.

Church opened the scoring on 17 minutes when Lennon O’Grady broke through one-on-one and calmly slotted past the keeper. The visitors went into the break in control and carried that momentum into the second half.

Eight minutes after the restart, Reece High doubled the advantage with a superb solo effort, squeezing between several defenders before finishing clinically past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

However, the game turned dramatically shortly after. Bottesford pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Okera Simmonds on 66 minutes, before Jack McMenemy levelled with a powerful strike five minutes later. Simmonds then struck again on 75 minutes to put the hosts 3–2 ahead, completing a stunning turnaround.

Church responded positively and were rewarded on 78 minutes when Leon HurlesBrook drove a low effort across goal and into the bottom corner to restore parity.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Jordan Coduri rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, while Jack Cawthorn also struck the woodwork with a late header, but neither could find the decisive goal.

Speaking after the match, co-manager John Whitehead felt his side had much to take from the performance despite the frustration:

“We took a little bit of time to get to grips with what they were trying to do, but once we did, we dominated them. We scored a great goal through Lennon and then played some exceptional football early in the second half.”

Reflecting on the decisive spell, he added:

“We were two-nil up and in such control that we thought we were entitled to enjoy it. That came back to bite us. We had a mad ten minutes and conceded three goals.”

Whitehead praised his side’s response, saying:

“It was disappointing, but we showed resilience and guile to get back into the game. We pushed on for a winner, hit the bar twice, and on another day those go in.”

He concluded:

“A point’s a point. We’re still unbeaten this year and that’s a positive result.”

Late goal seals win

Pomona began on the front foot. In the sixth minute Simon Bonnett timed his run perfectly, collecting a well-weighted ball from right back Steve Raffo before calmly tucking the ball under the advancing goalkeeper.

Bonnett had an opportunity to extend Pomona’s lead from the penalty spot after he chased down a loose ball and laid it off to Stephen Logan, who was fouled in the area. However, the Thorncliffe goalkeeper saved the penalty to keep the score at 1–0.

Pomona continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark. Rob Branagan marked his first goal in Pomona colours with a composed finish.

After the interval, Thorncliffe stunned the home side with two quick goals within the opening ten minutes of the second half.

Pomona regained the lead when Rob Branagan converted from the spot to score his second and restore Pomona’s advantage at 3–2.

Pomona continued to create opportunities but were unable to capitalise, and in the 81st minute Thorncliffe found an equaliser.

Pomona responded positively and their persistence was rewarded late on when Simon Yeadon made a decisive run down the wing, driving into the penalty area and finishing at the near post to make it 4–3 with just a minute remaining. As a late bonus Jason Allsebrook calmly converted a penalty to seal a 5–3 win.

Pomona face West End Terriers in a fortnight in the Topham Cup quarter-finals.