Look Local Newspaper Issue 1421 Thursday 16 April 2026

POLICE RENEW APPEAL ONE YEAR AFTER MAN’S DEATH

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information one year on from the death of a Sheffield man following an incident in Stocksbridge.

Officers were called at around 8.30pm on Saturday 12 April 2025 to reports of a disturbance on Knoll Close. Emergency services attended and 34-year-old Lee Wesson was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He died two days later, on 14 April.

An investigation was launched by South Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, with officers carrying out extensive enquiries over the past 12 months, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to potential witnesses.

Now, one year on, detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson, the senior investigating officer, said: “Our investigation has been moving at pace over the past

year as we work to determine the circumstances surrounding Lee’s death.

“We are still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed something, or knows something about this incident to come forward. Any piece of information, no matter how small could be the missing part of this puzzle that we are looking for.

“We remain committed to uncovering answers and securing justice for Lee’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them on this difficult day.”

Four people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. A 35-year-old woman, two men aged 30 and a 37-year-old man were all arrested on suspicion of murder. They have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police, quoting the relevant incident details, as officers continue their efforts to piece together what happened that evening.

CONTROVERSIAL EV CHARGING HUB APPROVED

A Sheffield "clean energy" charging hub for HGVs and commercial vehicles can go ahead despite concerns over ancient woodland and endangered birds, writes Julia Armstrong, Local Democracy Reporter.

Aegis Energy won permission to build the hub on an industrial park on a former mining area off Cowley Way, Ecclesfield, near the M1 motorway and Smithy Wood.

The plans were opposed by a petition with 273 signatures, 20 individual objectors, a local councillor, Ecclesfield Parish Council, and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

Councillors agreed to the proposal following a lengthy debate at a meeting of Sheffield City Council's planning and development committee on 7 April.

When complete, the two-phase development will provide EV charging bays plus sustainable bio-fuel and hydrogen refuelling for 35 HGVs and 68 light commercial vehicles, plus driver welfare facilities and a truck wash.

During the debate, conditions of approval were strengthened relating to protecting a skylark territory on the

site - a UK red-listed endangered species of bird - according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officer Sarah Hull said that council ecologists consider there would be no negative impact on ancient woodland 50m from the site.

"The proposal would result in the loss of habitat for that skylark but there are other sites in the area that could be used," Hull said, adding it was not considered a barrier for development.

Susan Davidson of the Wildlife Trust told councillors: "Although we fully support the transition away from fossil fuels, this is a case of the right infrastructure in the wrong place.

"Ancient woodland is defined not by age of trees but by the continuity of the soil, undisturbed for at least 400 years, and it cannot be re-created within any meaningful timescales.

"The ecosystem is a massive carbon store, holding up to 20 times more carbon than young woodland - that matters when we are in a climate crisis. "It is fundamentally inconsistent to promote cleaner infrastructure to tackle climate change when sacrificing a natural climate regulator."

She added: "Skylarks are red-listed because we have spent decades assuming they will simply move on, which this report relies on, and it is exactly what has driven their decline."

Luke Thorpe, planning manager for Aegis Energy, said: "Commercial transport is one of the largest carbonemitting sectors and one of the hardest to decarbonise. "If we do not address this now through solutions like this, we are further delaying society's ability to manage the effects of climate change and strengthen our energy security. "Facilities like this can remove barriers to achieving this while enabling the uptake of quieter and less polluting vehicles, ensuring cleaner operations for fleets and improve human health."

After the proposal was approved, he said: "The permission will be subject to conditions and legal agreement, and we will continue to collaborate with Sheffield City Council and local stakeholders to satisfy these. "In particular, this will ensure that drainage, landscaping, lighting and ecological mitigation measures are implemented and maintained to a high standard."

SNOOKER IN THE FRAME

Meet The Snooker Stars

Snooker fans in Sheffield will have the chance to see their heroes walking to the Crucible, through Tudor Square, on a special green carpet on the eve of the Halo World Championship on Friday 17 April.

The world’s top 16 players will gather in the centre of Sheffield and walk from Sheffield Winter Garden to the Crucible on a carpet, which matches the colour of green baize. All fans are welcome to line the square and they will get the chance for autographs and selfies with many of the players.

The fun will start in Tudor Square at 11am with live music. From 12.15pm, Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker will build up the at-

mosphere, talking to special guests including legendary players.

From 1pm to 2pm, the top 16 players will grace the green carpet, and then join together for a group photo outside the Crucible.

After 2pm, a few of the top stars will also play frames against fans on snooker tables in the Fanzone area, outside the Crucible.

The event is part of a programme of celebratory activity to mark the World Snooker in Sheffield throughout the tournament. For more info visit: www.welcometosheffield. co.uk/snooker

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Sheffield City Council Elections 2026: Battle for Control Set for 7th May

Voters across Sheffield are preparing to head to the polls on Thursday, 7th May 2026, in a critical local election that will see 28 out of 84 seats on Sheffield City Council contested.

The results are vital for the balance of power, as a party needs 43 seats to achieve a majority. Currently, no party holds overall control: Labour leads with 35 seats, followed by the Liberal Democrats with 27, and The Green Party holding 14.

Local contests are underway across five wards, featuring candidates from a wide range of political parties:

EAST ECCLESFIELD WARD:

The ballot includes Susan Davidson (Liberal Democrats), Craig Gamble Pugh (Labour and Co-operative Party), Kevin Mahoney (Conservative Party), Sean Maloney (Reform UK), Rosie Trevillion (Green Party), and Colin Michael Wray (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition).

HILLSBOROUGH WARD:

This ward has seven candidates: Mike Bell (Reform UK), Mark Harrop (Independent), Joseph Lewis Hibbert (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Christopher Alan Lynch (Liberal Democrats), Eve Millward (The Conservative Party), Richard Tinsley (Green Party), and Andrew Wild (Labour Party).

STANNINGTON WARD:

Voters will choose between Lewis William Blake Dagnall (Labour and Co-operative Party), Maz Rowan Hamilton (Green Party), Matthew James Langham (The Conservative Party), Cameron James Luke Mannion (Independent), Ian Oxley (Reform UK), George Arthur Rollason

(Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), and Will Sapwell (Liberal Democrats).

STOCKSBRIDGE & UPPER DON WARD:

The candidates are Owen Cooper (Conservative Party), John Hesketh (Reform UK), Janet Hilary Ridler (Labour Party), Stuart Andrew Shepherd (Liberal Democrats), David Willington (Green Party), and Claire Suzanne Wraith (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition).

WEST ECCLESFIELD WARD:

Contesting this seat are Kathy Aston (Green Party), Matt Dixon (Conservative Party), Mike Levery (Liberal Democrats), David Ogle (Reform UK), Alexander Stuart Parker (Labour Party), and Solomon David Wells-Ashmore (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition).

Polls will be open from 07:00 to 22:00, with one Councillor to be elected in each ward.

POSTAL VOTE CHANGES

You have until Monday 20 April to register to vote and until Tuesday 21 April to apply for a postal vote.

If you have previously had a postal vote, you need to reapply every three years or your application will automatically expire.

If you applied for a postal vote before 30 January 2024, your postal vote will have expired.

If you still wish to vote by post, you will need to submit a new application.

TRACK SHUTDOWN SPARKS CONCERN FOR ATHLETES

The track at City Athletics Stadium on Woodbourn Road has been closed following a safety assessment which identified problems with the surface. The site, owned by Sheffield Hallam University, had already lost its licence to host competitions earlier this year.

The latest issue centres on the track failing to meet required standards for shock absorption. The university has confirmed the facility will remain closed until at least Monday 20 April, with a further update expected on Friday 17 April.

The sudden closure has left running clubs and youth groups scrambling to rearrange training sessions and cancel events at short notice.

This development follows a more significant setback in February, when the stadium lost its TrackMark accreditation from England Athletics. The decision means the venue can no longer host licensed competitions such as National Athletics League fixtures or regional championships, although informal training use had been allowed to continue until now.

Bringing the track back up to standard is expected to cost in excess of £1.5 million. Sheffield Hallam University has said it is not currently in a position to fund the work alone and is instead working with Sheffield City Council to explore a long-term solution.

Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn said the council was disappointed the accreditation had lapsed and confirmed discussions were ongoing to identify viable options.

Local athletes and coaches say the deterioration of the track has been evident for some time. A petition calling for investment attracted more than 2,000 signatures, highlighting growing concern within the city’s athletics community.

The stadium also carries historic significance, having been an early training ground for Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill — a fact that has made the current situation all the more frustrating for those involved in the sport locally.

DUCKS DYING without reservoir ramps, say residents

A brood of seven ducklings found dead near a South Yorkshire reservoir has prompted calls for a water company to reinstall ramps to help the birds, writes Grace Shaw for BBC Yorkshire.

The baby ducks were found at Scout Dyke reservoir near Penistone on Saturday.

Yorkshire Water, which manages the reservoir, installed meal ramps in 2022 to stop the ducklings from getting trapped in the reservoir spillway.

However, the company said the ramps had not been put out this year due to high water levels, but said they would be added as soon as it was safe to do so.

Ajay, who lives near the reservoir, said she had seen the ducks on Friday, saying they appeared "very happy".

But when she returned on Saturday she she could hear the parents "continuously calling" and later located the seven dead ducklings She said it was "very distressing" for the adult ducks and was also distressing for people to

see the trapped birds or have to fish them out of the water dead.

Posting on social media she urged Yorkshire Water to "get it sorted," adding: "You should be working with, not against wildlife."

Len Batty, who also lives nearby, said he had been to the reservoir to rescue live ducklings and remove dead ones "for years at least".

Like frogs, he said, ducklings need something solid to climb out of the water on because they cannot swim when young.

"[Residents] have put in planks for the ducklings but Yorkshire Water say they're a health and safety issue too and they're removed," he said.

Yorkshire Water said the ramps had been removed for health and safety reasons and could be re-installed once the water level drops at least a metre.

Responding to comments on social media, the company said: "As soon as it is safe we will aim to get these re-installed."

Mayor Urges Public to Have Their Say on 'Unreliable' Bus Service

Stocksbridge Mayor Keith Davis is urging all local residents to participate in a public consultation on South Yorkshire's bus services, highlighting the "poor service" currently experienced in Stocksbridge and the upper Don area. The public consultation is open until 17th May.

The call comes as public transport in South Yorkshire is set to come under the control of the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) from September 2027.

Mayor Davis recently handed a petition to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard at a Monthly Council meeting, outlining the service issues that have been particularly noticeable since the discontinuation of the Supertram Link Buses. Specifically, the 57 bus service is described as unreliable, with "numerous buses missing from the service without warning or explanation".

During the meeting, Mayor Coppard openly stated that any consideration for a tram or tram/train link to Stocksbridge will not

Forgemasters celebrates 90 years of Spitfire

SPITFIRE: Vickers-Armstrong’s Supermarine Spitfire marks 90 years since its maiden flight

Historic steel giant, Sheffield Forgemasters, is celebrating 90 years since the first Spitfire aircraft took to the skies thanks to its predecessor, Vickers-Armstrong Ltd.

The Brightside Lane-based company is celebrating 250 years of history, including production of the famous Spitfire aircraft, which first took to the skies in 1936, eight years after Vickers-Armstrong purchased the company, renaming it Supermarine Aviation Works (Vickers) Ltd.

Now owned by the Ministry of Defence, the company’s River Don site also manufactured all the crankshafts for the Rolls-Royce’s Merlin V12 engines, which powered legendary WW2 aircraft including the Supermarine Spitfire, Avro-Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and De-Havilland Mosquito.

Gary Nutter, Chief Executive Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “As we delve into the incredible 250-year history that Sheffield Forgemasters inherits, there are few more impressive landmarks than the production of R.J. Mitchell’s iconic Spitfire aircraft.

“The Spitfire was one of many aircraft which Vickers-Armstrong delivered for the war effort at that time, and we are proud to recognise the importance of defence manufacture when the country and its allies needed it the most.”

Captain Joseph Summers piloted the first Spitfire flight in March 1936, a moment that etched a significant landmark in aviation history, with the Spitfire going on to play a decisive role in the Battle of Britain and becoming a symbol of hope for the Great British public. Summers famously asked that the engineers, “Don’t change a thing” on the aircraft after his inaugural eight-minute flight, such was its incredible performance and manoeuvrability compared to all other fighter planes of the day.

The RAF is holding a series of commemorative flights across the UK to celebrate the 90-year anniversary of that first flight, with a two-seat Spitfire painted to match the prototype K5054 model which Captain Summers piloted.

Sheffield Forgemasters has traced its heritage back to 1776, the year of American independence, when George Naylor helped his cutlery manufacturing partnership to move into steelmaking through the construction of a crucible steel furnace in the city.

The company still operates from Vickers’ River Don Works site and is now expanding onto the former Cammell Laird Brightside Steel Works at Weedon Street, where a new Machine Shop will be located, housing 24 new machines, including some of the world’s largest vertical turning lathes.

take place until the franchising exercise is complete. He noted the authority is initially concentrating on profitable services where change would be less expensive and impact would be quicker.

Stocksbridge Councillors expressed concern over the comments regarding the tram link and pressed Mayor Coppard to offer immediate improvements to the poor service the community currently receives.

Mayor Davis stressed the importance of community involvement: "I would urge everyone to complete the survey and have your say on the bus service we currently have and what you expect from the New SYMCA service."

Residents can complete the survey here: southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/improving-busservices or call 0800 952 0002 for further information.

TARA MEMBERS

WOULD YOU LIKE A TRIP OUT TO HAMPSONS GARDEN CENTRE?

Coumes Brook

CARE HOME

3 to 4 shifts per week to include alternate weekends CARE ASSISTANT REQUIRED 3 to 4 shifts per week to include

Nights per week

APRIL

WEDNESDAY

Small Residential Home TEL: 0114 286 22 11

Small Residential Home Tel: 0114 286 22 11

And with good company as well.

Coach leaves Red Grouse @ 10:30 am on Friday 24 April

£5 per person, Limited spaces

Please book early on: trevylyn1986@gmail.com 07957206646

2026

Tenants and residents are invited to come and find out what has happened in Stocksbridge and Upper Don in the past year and contribute to our plans in the future. Get involved. Join us to decide how to spend the levy money. Bring your fresh ideas for events.

Stocksbridge Christian Centre Cedar Road Stocksbridge, S36 1AS FREE BUFFET AFTERWARDS

5 May 6pm - 8pm

For more information, contact:

• trevylyn1986@gmail.com

• 07957206646

15 Don Valley Probus will meet at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Roy Gunson titled “The Bandit King of Brazil”. 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

FRIDAY

17 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Patrons’ Concert To be held at the Newton Hall Chapeltown on Friday 17th April 2026 at 7.30 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or 07812425387 or Julie and Paul 07876472246 or 07926377410

17 Concert with in aid of Weston Park Hospital with Penistone Folk Ensemble and harpist, Alejandro Barnet 7.30pm on Friday, 17th April at Penistone Grammar School. Free entrance with opportunity to make a cash/physical donation on the evening. For any further information, contact martincoyne46@gmail.com

SATURDAY

19 Cream Tea 12-4pm Bolsterstone Village Hall

MONDAY

20 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – ‘Sheffield Castle’ a talk by Martin Gorman, Chair, Friends of Sheffield Castle. The history, archaeological investigations and future plans for Sheffield’s

Castle. Wadsley Church, Worrall Road, 7.30pm. members£3.50, non members - £4. Free homemade refreshments. www. walc.epizy.com

WEDNESDAY

22 BOLSTERSTONE ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP at 7.30pm. Our next talk is by archaeologist, Dr Tim Cockrell, ‘Rock Art And The Connections Between The Humber And Mersey Estuaries In Neolithic Times’ We meet in the hall at Christ Church on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge, and the talk is also available on Zoom (members only) - contact bahgmembership @gmail.com for the link.. There is a small entry charge: Members £2 Non-members £4. Annual membership £7 All welcome

SUNDAY

26 Cawthorne Brass BandConcert of popular music & live screening of Wallace & GromitA Grand Day Out. Bluebell Suite, Dodworth S75 4LS 3.00 pm

MAY

SATURDAY

2 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - Insect Safari ... Bee edition. Here is our contribution to the first day of this year’s Sheffield Environment Weeks. A general insect safari with a slight emphasis on looking for bees. There are well over 30 bee species on the Common. They love the bilberry and dandelion flowers at this time of year, but so do many other insects. We will bring a few nets and jars and will re -

lease everything we find! FREE - meet in the Long Lane Car Park at 10am, finish around 12 noon. www.walc.epizy.com

2 Coffee Morning. Stocksbridge Christian Centre. Saturday 2nd May. 10am - 12 noon. Stalls and light refreshments. All proceeds to Christian Aid.

THURSDAY

14 Chapeltown WI will meet at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church when Catherine Taggart will speak about Yorkshires unsung Heroes and Heroines. The competition is for memorabilia from a Yorkshire town. New members and visitors will be made welcome.

SATURDAY

16 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – Dawn Chorus Walk with John and Anne Robinson. It’s John Robinson’s legendary early morning bird walk. Their singing will greet a brand new day and we will welcome numerous migrant species to our neighbourhood. No dogs please, meet at 5am (a very early start) at Rural Lane Car Park, off Worrall Road. FREE. www. walc.epizy.com

SUNDAY

17th Table Top Sale - Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Sunday 17th May, Open To Buyers 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

ONGOING

MONDAYS

Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday after-

On LISTINGS

noons 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.

Every Monday Indoor Bowling 1.30 to 3.30 at At Aidans Church 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 tutor - watercolour, 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.

From 14 April - Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to their Over 50s afternoons on their greens at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green,S35 3HZ at 1:45 pm. Coaching can be given if you have never played before. The cost is £3 with a cup of tea or coffee

Stocksbridge Bowling Club, on Linden Crescent, will be holding crown green bowling sessions for non members (followed by refreshments) twice weekly. Tuesdays starting at 1.30 pm and Thursdays starting at 5.30pm. Your first session will be free. All equipment and training will be provided. Please come along and enjoy.” This starts on 14th April.

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. Marys Church, Bolsterstone - Wednesdays from 10am to 12.30pm. Please come along for a chat to our popular Wednesday coffee morning for tea or coffee alongside our delicious homemade 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

Heirlooms antiques URGENTLY

Vintage items, collectables, furniture, china figurines, military, tea sets, silver.

ANYTHING OLD, UNUSUAL & INTERESTING CONSIDERED.

“Give us a call, we buy it all. Top cash paid.”

Deaths

Margaret JESS

Peacefully passed away at Belmont Nursing Home on 31 March 2026.

Funeral to be held at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel on Tuesday 28 April at 1.30pm.

HAWKINS

Peacefully in hospital on 29th March, Michael, aged 79 years.

Loving Husband to Christine, Grandfather to Elisha, Dad to the Late Karl and Elka.

Service at Grenoside Crematorium South Chapel on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 2.30pm.

Family flowers only please but donations if desired to Palliative Care Unit, Northern General Hospital, c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road Deepcar S36 2RS. Tel 01142883169

EATON

18.4.1978 – 10.10.2015

Always in our thoughts and hearts

From Mum, Dad and Family Love you x x x

MP Spouting u er rubbish

Hi,

I am writing in reply to the article in this weeks Look Local regarding MP Marie Tidball spouting utter rubbish about asking the government to reduce house holds energy bills.

Lets remind readers that Marie Tidball has voted against many issues that are the main reasons why gas and electricity prices are so high.

She voted against drilling in the North Sea, she has consistently voted in favour of more green levies and taxes on the pro ts of energy companies which are just passed onto consumers raising bills.

She has voted in favour of more regulation on the net zero agenda that is again raising bills as this is putting more costs and burdens onto the energy companies who just pass it on to consumers.

And let’s remember she voted in favour of taking

Barnsley Road, Bridgend, Penistone, S36 7AH 01226 762 481

New Road, Deepcar S36 2RS 0114 288 3169 info@dysonfunerals.co.uk www.dysonfunerals.co.uk

the pensioners winter fuel payments away! ere are just a few issues regarding energy prices, if her constituents actually look at her voting record it is an absolute insult to hard working people and their families.

I urge voters to read her voting record online and make their own minds up as to whether she is just following her party’s mad socialist/communist agendas.

A helpful, local family business CHAPELS OF REST at Barnsley Road, Bridgend, Penistone, S36 7AH 01226 762 481

She is certainly not helping hard working people in her constituency, she is just enjoying her ride on the gravy train while it lasts, until she is most certainly voted out at the next election.

New Road, Deepcar, S36 2RS 0114 288 3169

Also maybe you should rename your newspaper to “Look Le ” as it is so biased.

info@dysonfunerals.co.uk www.dysonfunerals.co.uk

Kind Regards, S35 resident.

A CRY FOR PARITY FOR A TASTE OF CLARITY

Discuss the disgust of this custard rown jewel bound; with rhubarb discussed Inherited marbles, with a mouthful of beans Mellow melon content face meets a sour lemon cuisine!

Again a cry for Parity, where Clarity! Andrew Dancer

TRUTH, FREEDOM & JUSTICE

Since the start of Sheffield’s city-wide tree campaign in spring 2015, there has been much media focus on the conflict aspect of the campaign; particularly since the High Court case of ‘R [Dillner] v Sheffield CC and Amey Hallam Highways Ltd’ concluded, following an unsuccessful appeal by Mr David Dillner (Founder of Sheffield Tree Action Groups - STAG). In July 2016, unaware of Sheffield City Council’s contractual target for its contractor (Amey) to fell 17,500 mature street trees (half the street tree population), the Appeal Court judgeLord Justice Lewison - ruled “The decision to fell individual trees cannot possibly require an impact assessment.”

The judges were unaware that the ‘Streets Ahead Five Year TREE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2012 – 2017’ (TMS) that Sheffield City Council (SCC) had provided to the public and the court, as an Amey contract document, was fake.

On 16/5/2018, referring to the appeal, THE YORKSHIRE POST (TYP) reported “In April 2016, Mr Justice Gilbart rejected the application as ‘misconceived’ after citing the strategy, which had been brought to the court’s attention by Mr Dillner, as an ‘important document’ in assessing the council’s approach to felling.”

In 2015, Cllr JULIE DORE (Labour. SCC Leader: May 2011 - May 2021) and Cllr TERRY FOX (Labour. SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport: May 2015 - May 2016; Deputy Leader: September 2019 – May 2021; Leader: May 2021 - May 2023) commissioned an ‘Independent Tree Panel’ (ITP) to recommend alternative options to felling street trees, where more than 50% of households on a street that would be affected objected to felling. SCC instructed the ITP that it could only make recommendations from a list of 25 ideas that was provided in the TMS. To quote from paragraph 107 of a report by the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (Reference No: 17 004 913), dated 18/9/2020:

“The published version of the strategy also formed the basis of the instructions given to the ITP. The Council therefore embarked on a process of consultation and independent review that referred to a strategy containing elements that it had never followed and never intended to.”

On 18/6/2018, TYP reported that the SCC scam had caused delays to highway resurfacing that resulted in a compensation payment of £700,000 by SCC to Amey. On 20/6/2018, TYP reported: “Another Freedom of Information response has now shown that more than £130,000 was spent on the panel’s running costs, including more than £23,000 on posting out surveys to residents living on affected streets.”

The fake TMS was published on 2/2/2016 - the day before SCC ‘debate’ of a petition (6,500 signatures) from the Nether Edge Tree Group. SCC claimed that the TMS had been withheld from the public because Amey had insisted it was ‘commercially sensitive’. Packed with content that was not present in the genuine TMS, the document was clearly intended to mislead and deceive, to foster, maintain and enhance support for SCC’s wrongful acts and omissions. Crucially, the fake TMS omitted the felling quotas for each part of the city. Those eventually came to light when SCC released all earlier versions of the ‘Five Year Tree Management Strategy’, on 16/7/2018, following a request submitted under the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 (FoIA), dated 4/2/2017. Previously, SCC had refused access, asserting that the documents were ‘commercially sensitive’ and later asserted that it did “not hold and/or were unable to locate” earlier versions. Five months earlier, SCC had been forced to reveal the 17,500 target. On 10/3/2018, TYP reported: “…The new information has come to light after the Information Commissioner ordered the publication of the previously-redacted sections of the contract.

…last month the Commissioner warned the authority it could face legal action unless it

published the information within 35 days.”

I had advised Mr Dillner and his legal team to gain access to the earlier versions of the TMS, but they did not consider that a priority and made no effort to do so. The initial TMS included a table that set out how many street trees were to be felled in each part of the city. For the first six years of the £2.2 billion ‘Streets Ahead’ highway maintenance contract, from August 2012 (when service delivery commenced), the felling quotas were: north 851; north-east: 907; central: 650; east 531; south: 1004; south-east: 512; south-west: 1403.

In his Witness Statement for the High Court case of ‘Sheffield City Council v Fairhall & Others’, dated 11/7/2017, Paul Billington - SCC Director of Culture and Environment - informed “For the avoidance of doubt, the vast majority of street trees in Sheffield are being retained (30,000 out of 36,000). This has been achieved by engineering solutions such as minor ramping, excavating around roots and minor changes to kerb lines.”

On 6/7/2018, reporting on the cases of ‘Sheffield City Council v Crump & Ors’ & ‘Sheffield City Council v Brooke’ (June 2018), The Star informed that Mr Billington had told the High Court that the total number of street trees to be felled over the duration of the £2.2bn contract was more likely to be about 10,000. At that time, SCC & Amey were themselves being investigated by the Forestry Commission for the ‘alleged’ illegal felling of thousands of street trees (see Look Local (LL) issues 1298 & 1299, online).

On 7/3/2023 – the day after publication of the ‘Sheffield Street Trees Inquiry Report’ (see LL issue 1381), Hallam FM News interviewed Cllr Fox on film and asked what his response was to demands that he ‘stand down’ as SCC leader. Failing to acknowledge his deceitful wrongs and the magnitude of their impact, Cllr Fox said “In the report, Mark Lowcock actually names me as making a genuine attempt, twice, through the Tree Forum and through the ITP, to get a consensus… I still feel that I’m the one to move this forward together with the organisation”. For more about the sham Tree Forum (LL issue 1309). Like others, I refused invitations to join the forum panel of experts (as a professional arboriculturist, urban forester and representative of the Save Our Roadside Trees group - SORT) and the ITP, because both appeared to be a sham.

On 7/8/2015, SORT received a seven-page SCC ‘Refusal Notice’, issued under the FoIA. SCC was converting all enquiries related to trees to be handled as enquiries submitted under the FoIA. A few selected extracts, explaining SCC’s reasons for the notice:

“Frequent or Overlapping Requests. Some of your enquiries and FOI requests have also been submitted by other parties to the SORT campaign and on occasions requests for information have been Converted to FoI requests leading to additional staff time in attempting to reconcile various versions of questions.”

“Futile Requests. The Information Commissioner’s guidance notes: ‘The issue at hand individually affects the requester and has already been conclusively resolved by the authority or subjected to some form of INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION.’”

“Unreasonable Persistence. The Information Commissioner’s guidance notes: ‘The requester is attempting to reopen an issue which has already been comprehensively addressed by the public authority, or otherwise subjected to some form of INDEPENDENT SCRUTINY.’”

“Public Interest Considerations. …the council will no longer enter into correspondence with you where you ask for further information related to the removal of trees on Rustlings Road or request linked to this topic until a ‘reasonable time frame’ has elapsed.” (60 consecutive working days).

SCC were using, misusing and abusing the FoIA to obfuscate, delay access to information, withhold information, and provide false information, all while giving the illusion of honouring their policy

commitments to being open, transparent and allowing access to information. See LL issue 1300.

One lady spotted Tree Replacement notices on trees in her neighbourhood and decided to accept and follow the advice on the notices, to contact the ‘Streets Ahead’ (SCC & Amey). Her enquiry was secretly converted by SCC to a FOI request (FOI / 827). To quote from the SCC response:

“As a result of the number and impact of requests received for information related initially to the proposed removal of highway trees on Rustlings Road and subsequent linked requests for information on other highway trees throughout the council area, we have also decided that FUTURE REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE VEXATIOUS (under section 14 freedom of information act 2000) and Manifestly Unreasonable (under regulation 12(4) (b) environmental information regulations 2004). …we consider the request to also be exempt under section 12 of the freedom of information act WHEN AGGREGATED TO RECENT SIMILAR REQUESTS.”

The SCC minutes of the 3/2/2016 meeting of full council record what the SCC Leader had to say about SCC’s use of the FoIA:

“With regards to requests under the Freedom of Information Act, a person bringing forward a question may distinguish whether or not the request was under the FOI Act and the recipient of the request may also determine that and pass the request to the appropriate department as a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

In some cases, it was possible to gain more information by using the FOI process. Councillor Dore said that if a person felt that something should be treated as a FOI request but it had been answered as if it was a question instead, then they would need to say so.”

The Town Hall trees plaque serves as a reminder that such wrongs “must never happen again” (LL issues 1405 & 1418). Cllr Fox resigned his SCC

leadership in May 2023, the day after polling day, hours before the election count began, ‘forced’ from office by the central Labour party imposing ‘special measures’.

David Long BSc (Hons) Arb S35

Library

With the new Stocksbridge Library taking shape, I thought the time would be right to delve into the history of public libraries in Stocksbridge and Deepcar. The Sheffield City library which has just been replaced is of course from the 1970s. Many current residents of Stocksbridge & Deepcar may be interested to know that the library service which served the area was actually the West Riding Libraries headquartered in Wakefield and sharing a common management with libraries in South, West and East Yorkshire. Local government changes in 1974 devolved the responsibility for libraries to Sheffield. It is a relief to see that the library in Stocksbridge has escaped a similar fate to the fellow former West Riding Library sites in the city such as at Ecclesfield which have lost proper library services. Long may Stocksbridge have a staffed library service.

Yours faithfully Matthew Smith , Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR, CASTLETON

Pass on the Love but don’t pass it by if faith hopes for charity charity gives hope to faith faith then is charity breathing hope anew…

Andrew Dancer

such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

HELP DESIGN MURAL CELEBRATING LEGENDARY CITY SIXTIES CLUB

People with memories of She eld’s King Mojo are being asked to help shape a major new artwork celebrating the venue that brought artists like Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner to 555 Pitsmoor Road in the mid 1960s.

e large-scale mural, designed by Shefeld artist Angie Hardwick and created with the support of volunteers, will capture the spirit, energy and cultural signi cance of the iconic teenage club.

e mural will be produced on largescale canvas, allowing it to be displayed in venues across the city as part of an ongoing programme of exhibitions and events.

Before the design is nalised, the project team is inviting former Mojo-goers and the wider public not only to share their memories and ideas, but to play a direct role in shaping the artwork itself.

rough a series of hands-on and creative activities, participants will help in uence how the club is visually represented in the nal mural. ey can get involved in the following ways:

Angie Hardwick is hosting two, free pop art workshop at SADACCA on Monday, April 27th. ey will run from 10am12pm and an a ernoon session 1pm till 3pm. Participants will choose from a range of images of artists who performed at King Mojo and create their own bold pop art canvas inspired by the era. By the end of the two-hour workshop, each person will have a nished piece to take home or display at the project’s nal celebratory exhibition. Free places can be book at: https:// kingmojo.org/getinvolved/

An online questionnaire has been launched at so peo-

Welcome

This

I sell small animal hay and straw and nets of logs. I have an honesty box. You are welcome to come along and get them from early morning till late evening.

Ewden’s Hard-to-Fathom Earthworks LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED

ple can give their views on what kind of mural should be produced: www.kingmojo.org/get-involved/

Anyone attending the Mojo Rising Reunion event on Friday, May 8th at e Library is invited to share their stories and help inform the direction of the mural – tickets from www.kingmojo. org

e mural initiative forms part of a wider heritage project marking the 60th anniversary of King Mojo, supported by a £114,300 award from e National Lottery Heritage Fund.

e two-year programme is capturing memories, researching archives and sharing the club’s legacy with new generations.

King Mojo opened in 1964 when Peter and Geo Stringfellow transformed a former ballroom in Pitsmoor into a teenage club that quickly became a magnet for young music fans. Over the next four years, it hosted artists who would go on to become global stars, including Jimi Hendrix, e Who, Small Faces, Pink Floyd and scores of others.

Project manager Neil Anderson said: “ is mural is about far more than a piece of artwork - it’s about capturing what King Mojo meant to the people who were there. e music, the atmosphere, the friendships, the sense that something special was happening in She eld.

“We want the people who experienced it rst-hand to help shape how it’s remembered. eir memories will directly in uence the design, ensuring the nished piece is authentic, meaningful and rooted in real experiences.”

More information on the project from www.kingmojo.org

By Steve Moxon

A real historical mystery is the pair of long ditch&-bank structures over Wigtwizzle in Ewden: Bar Dike by Canyards, and, on Broomhead Moor, The Side, as it was known locally and recorded in 1855 – what on earlier OS maps is an un-named entrenchment. Each running north-eastwards, they’re roughly 2km apart, metres deep (when you add the height above and below ground level together) in their best-preserved sections, with a narrow bottom.

It’s long been undecided whether they’re defensive positions or hefty boundary markers (and to prevent cattle straying). It’s also suggested they or their ilk may be processional walkways, or, recently, even water-management features.

Mere land division is belied by the digging and heaping being far beyond what would be required. A lot of effort to contain livestock compared to fencing or walling. But then as a means of fending off attackers they weren’t that lengthy. The Bar Dike’s 400 metres, The Side, 1,200. They could be outflanked. Maybe at their ends was uncleared native thick forest, or they extended a great deal further than what remains. Anyway, wouldn’t the ditch need to be quite broad, and the inner bank higher than the outer? They weren’t.

Nevertheless, the conclusion of a big study is that they’re cross dikes: a recognised generic form of barrier across ridges or spurs. Here controlling movement along a major thoroughfare, they’re considered route-blocking stop-line dikes (Grigg, 2015). Given The Side seems once to have carried on past Broomhead Hall Farm in a likely ploughedout line, both dikes would have straddled Mortimer Road, that was Halifax Gate. Checkpoints. So why two? Was one a fall-back? Or did they deal separately with south- and north-bound traffic? Surely not opposing militia divided by a no-man’s land – an archaic Checkpoint Charlie?! We don’t know, though, that the highway didn’t post-date the dikes; nor that they were a pair (of similar antiquity and function).

Part if not most of Bar Dike was rubbed out dramatically: sliced clean through in prehistory by the largest ‘ridge-and-trough’ or ‘tumbled ground’

type of landslip anywhere in Britain, leaving the weird landscape below it of Canyards, and strange hillocks right down the Ewden hillside. The dike previously could have climbed up from Ewden valley floor. Instead of an obstacle, was it some sort of conduit? Barely conceivable is a water channel, as it fell in either direction from the top of Canyards. More plausible is a ceremonial avenue to ritually convey people to somewhere on high that had religious or mythological significance; from the place of the living to that of the dead. Near the end of Bar Dike was a hitherto enormous cairn (250 years ago described as a “vast carnedde”, and hence Canyards) marked on maps as Apronful of Stones (site of) – said to have been dropped by a giant. Here too (on the 1837 Old Series OS map) was Robin Hood’s Well. The whole edge was dubbed Herculean or Hurkling (from Gaelic irchiullach, ‘a monster’). All smacks of former gods, with the super-cairn perhaps formerly marking elite or communal graves. Correspondingly, at one end of The Side are tumuli, listed as a Bronze Age barrow cemetery, and a stone circle (ring cairn).

The problem is that with no dating evidence, who can say if one or the other dike coincided in era with any monument? The dikes themselves are usually assumed Bronze or Iron Age, while some consider them not so old. However, a date after the early Middle Ages appears dismissible from the basis of their naming.

The Side is from Gaelic seòid, ‘a hero, a warrior, a chief, a noble’; or, as an adjective, ‘strong’. This befits an association with the burial mounds, if not much less so with repelling aggressors. Bar Dike is clearly from Gaelic barr, ‘top, crest’, as local historian the late David Hey accepted.

Hey notes, though, it was claimed in the 18th century that bar was dialect for a ‘horseway’ up a steep hill. Yet Bar Dike hardly was a mundane bridleway. It’s clearly man-made, not a holloway; and not wide enough. But dialect bar would usefully characterise the track latterly, notwithstanding if originally it was constructed to serve spiritual practices.

The two dikes possibly differed in use. It’s just hard not to see them as of a piece a shield.

Penistone Church FC Appoint Jordan Rhodes

Penistone Church FC are delighted to announce that former Hudders eld Town A.F.C., Blackburn Rovers F.C. and She eld Wednesday F.C. striker Jordan Rhodes has agreed to join the club as its new Ambassador. Jordan, who lives locally and already has connections with the club a er training with Penistone Church last year, is looking forward to getting involved and supporting the club’s continued development.

Speaking about his new role, Jordan said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Penistone Church FC. Having already spent some time around the club, I know what a great setup it is and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and help wherever I can.”

e appointment comes at an exciting time for the club, with major developments on the horizon, including plans for a new 3G pitch and preparations for the club’s 120-year anniversary celebrations in 2026.

David Elliott, Chair & Commercial Director of Penistone Church FC, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have someone like Jordan on board. His experience at the highest level of the game and his connections within football will be hugely valuable to us. With so much happening at the club, from our 3G pitch project to celebrating 120 years in 2026, there is plenty for him to get involved in.”

Penistone Church FC continues to grow both on and o the pitch, with over 35 teams and more than 500 players across its men’s, women’s and junior sections. e addition of Jordan Rhodes as Club Ambassador further strengthens the club’s ambition to develop, inspire and connect with the wider community.

BIRTHDAY WIN FOR HINCHLIFFE AS LOVIDGE CLAIMS PODIUM AT COAL RACE

Phil Hinchli e celebrated his birthday in style at the Baildon Boundary Way Half Marathon, taking victory in the men’s over55 category in his rst race in the age group with an excellent 1-48-28 on the challenging multi-terrain course. He led home fellow Penistone runners Heather Graham (2-36-33) and Mark Graham (2-36-34). Amelia Cottam produced an excellent run at the Boston Marathon UK, recording a personal best of 4-27-33 in extremely tough conditions, with strong winds leading to a high number of non- nishers.

“I know what a great setup it is and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and help wherever I can.”

- Jordan Rhodes

ere was further action on the trails as Shaun Swallow tackled the hilly Steel City Trail 10K in She eld, nishing in 55-19, while Jonathan Hallam took on the demanding Don Morrison Edale Skyline Fell Race, a 34km Peak District classic with over 1,300 metres of ascent, completing the course in 4-07-02. Simon Lovidge delivered an outstanding performance at the World Coal Carrying Championships in Gawthorpe, nishing third in his veteran’s race heat and sixth overall in the veteran’s category, completing the gruelling 1km course carrying 50kg of coal in 5-27.

At the weekend’s parkruns, Penistone Footpath Runners recorded another exceptional turnout with 84 seniors across 27 venues. Standout performances included four overall rst places, with Dawn Broom and Emily Duckett securing rst female nishes at Blandford and Penistone respectively, alongside Flynn Rogers leading the way at Hill-

third female at Barnsley, and Jill Scrivens, third female at Concord.

Category successes were widespread, including wins for Barbara Haigh (V75) and Danny Batty (V80) at Penistone, Ian Neville (V60) and Martyn Goodwin (V65) at Barnsley, and Simon Pike (V45) at University of Northampton.

Milestones were also to the fore, with Ruth Albaya Melhuish completing her 350th parkrun at Hudders eld, Paul Sammon reaching his 100th at Penistone, and Olivia Clough celebrating her 50th outing at Keswick. e weekend’s highest age-graded performance came from Julia Johnson with an outstanding 87.70%, followed by Barbara Haigh (83.53%), Dawn Broom (83.05%), Dawn Godley (81.30%) and Flynn Rogers (78.66%).

Results

Baildon Boundary Way Half Marathon 39, Phil Hinchli e 1-48-28; 271, Heather Graham 2-36-33; 272, Mark Graham 2-36-34.

Boston Marathon UK

787, Amelia Cottam 4-27-33.

Steel City Trail 10K Shaun Swallow 55-19.

RUNNERS DELIVER

Athletes from Stocksbridge Running Club delivered inspiring performances as they took on two challenging races over the weekend.

Amy Hutchinson braved the formidable headwinds at the Boston Marathon, pushing through tough conditions to record her second fastest time ever.

Amy finished well within the four-hour mark, a remarkable achievement made all the more meaningful as she ran in memory of her Dad, adding a heartfelt dimension to an already impressive feat.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Boxall tackled the Battle of Brampton Valley Way Ultra Marathon, a race stretching just over the traditional marathon distance at 45km.

Nicholas crossed the finish line in an impressive 4:02:03, demonstrating both determination and endurance throughout the course. The club celebrates their achievements and the spirit they showed, whether facing the elements or pushing through extra kilometres.

Congratulations to Amy and Nicholas for representing Stocksbridge Running Club so brilliantly and for inspiring others with their dedication.

PAIRS RACE RAISES VITAL FUNDS FOR BLIND CHILDREN

The Kimberworth Striders hosted a fantastic charity pairs run on Saturday, successfully raising vital funds for VICTA, the charity dedicated to supporting blind children. The event also helped boost the fundraising efforts of Striders’ runner Tony Winter, who is training for the London Marathon in aid of the same worthy cause.

A particularly strong showing came from the pairing of Christopher Grayson, representing

TICKETS GIVEAWAY

SHEFFIELD Speedway’s owners are hoping to get the next generation of the sport’s supporters hooked by giving away up to 10,000 free tickets between now and the end of the season.

It’s the latest initiative introduced by the club to give something back to the local community, having already formed a partnership with Sheffield Children’s Hospital earlier in the year.

Co-owner Damien Bates said: “We’re very fortunate at Sheffield to have a real loyal core of dedicated supporters.

“They help contribute to us having fairly solid attendances at home - but you can never have ‘too many fans’.

“We said this year was about starting afresh and giving things back to people in the local area and we want to do that whilst doing all we can to try and grow the number of next generation supporters at the same time.

“So whether it’s local sports teams, dance groups, scouts groups or anything like that, we want our existing supporters to nominate groups or recommend us and we’ll be giving out some free tickets over the coming months.

“Hopefully the kids will love their night out, go home and not stop talking about it and persuade mum and dad to bring them back time and time again!”

Any group leader or representative who wishes to apply for free tickets to Sheffield Speedway should send an e-mail to sheffieldtigersspeedway@gmail.com

the newly formed S35 running Group High Green Harriers, and his teammate Wendy Richardson. The duo secured a respectable second-place finish and were delighted with their prizes.

More than just a race, the day proved to be a lovely social event, with money raised and everyone enjoying each other’s company.

POMONA HELD BY ELSECAR

POMONA FC 1 - 1 ELSECAR

Pomona FC were held to a 1–1 draw at the Jubilee in what proved to be a stern test against an Elsecar side also pushing for a top-four finish. Nevertheless, it was a performance full of positives that the home side can take encouragement from.

Pomona began the match brightly, immediately asserting themselves and applying early pressure on the visitors. Their proactive start paid dividends in the 15th minute with a well-worked goal that epitomised their approach.

Simon Bonnett’s relentless work rate forced a defensive error, allowing Simon Yeadon to capitalise. The winger reacted quickest to his own header, drove into the penalty area, and finished confidently at the near post to give Pomona a deserved lead.

Buoyed by the opener, Pomona continued to control proceedings and created further opportunities to extend their advantage. However, as in the reverse fixture, they were undone by a set piece. A free kick conceded in their own half was not dealt with effectively, and after failing to clear the second

ball, it fell kindly to an Elsecar attacker who converted to bring the visitors level.

The second half developed into a scrappy and stop-start contest, punctuated by frequent fouls and a growing physical edge. While Pomona’s rhythm suffered, they still fashioned chances to regain the lead. James Illingworth and Pete Hoult both came close, while Illingworth also saw a strong penalty appeal waved away late in the game.

Defensively, Pomona showed resilience under pressure. Despite carrying knocks, the back line stood firm. Joe Hackworthy produced a crucial goal-line clearance that proved as valuable as a goal, while left-back Stephen Logan made an outstanding last-ditch tackle to deny Elsecar’s main attacking threat. Goalkeeper Brad Swift delivered an excellent performance, making several important saves to ensure the scores remained level.

Pomona will look to build on this result next Saturday when they return to the Jubilee to host Dronfield Town.

STEELS LOSE AS RELEGATION LOOMS

WARRINGTON RYLANDS 3 - 2 STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS

By Andrew McMath

Stocksbridge Park Steels were in desperate need of a win after two defeats during the Easter weekend left them bottom of the Northern Premier League.

A trip to Warrington Rylands stood between the Steels and three points.

The Steels had the best of the early chances in Warrington with a few shots ending up wide of the goal.

These missed sighters came in handy when Connor Smythe hit another similar shot. This time it curled past the goalkeeper into the far side of the goal.

Warrington came close to equalising in the Steels box only for the ball to get stuck in a tuft of grass allowing the Steels to clear.

The Steels also had a few more chances without scoring including a good cross across the box.

Then Warrington won a free kick on the edge of the box, after going through a crowd of bodies, the ball ended up hitting the post. Before Patrick Gamble lived up to his name bravely slotting a first-time shot home.

Up next came a Steels penalty, the weather had taken a turn, and unfortunately Connor Smythe fired wide.

In the 40th minute, Warrington came forward once again with Patrick Gamble getting a second.

Behind as the break got underway the Steels entered a sunnier second half. Warrington started strongly having a goal ruled out for offside.

In the 61st minute after sustained pressure, Warrington’s Alex Kiwomya sprinted away from the Steels’ defence to make it 3-1 to the home side.

Nine minutes later, the Steels won a freekick on the edge of the box which was cooly finished by Tomas Poole for 3-2.

A few late chances came in for both sides but as the final whistle blew, Steels’ players fell down to the pitch after their efforts.

Manager Jordan Lemon said:

“I don’t know how we’ve lost we should have been winning. They scored from their first shot again.

“Get the pen, missed the pen, two minutes later we’re 2-1 down.

“If we go down this year, that’s why between both boxes we’ll compete with any team this year but lack of desire to keep the ball out. We just give rubbish goals away. We don’t get those goals. We never score those goals that teams score against us.”

Next match: Saturday 18 April. Ilkeston Town (H) Bracken Moor.

CHURCH RESERVES READYING FOR FINAL

As Church first team have completed their season Church Reserves took centre stage on Saturday with a trip to Frickley Athletic to play South Elmsall United Services in the first of their remaining three league fixtures. The wind affected game ended up a nil-nil draw with few chances.

Manager Tom Wright

“It was a frustrating, very windy match and with the wind going from corner to corner down the slope it made it difficult. We were very attacking to start the game, we were dominant, we were camped around their box without really creating a chance and at one point we were playing three-one-six and piling forward. We should have scored. South Elmsall knew that a point was good for them, they changed their formation half way through to match us and we really had no answer to that change to be totally honest.

“I can’t question the lad’s endeavour and attitude. I’ve spoken about this to them recently that over the past few weeks, they’ve had six wins in a row and a draw today, that’s seven undefeated. The lads have been really building their team spirt and seeing the young players and the senior players gelling and bonding is a great thing.

“We can’t win the league, it would have been a tall ask even before today but I said to the lads it’s about making somebody win it, not us giving it to them. We can still do that with our

remaining games, we want to make someone be deserved champions and we’re pushing them today’s draw means we can’t push them as far as we want.

“I thank those that came today, it was a long trip to see a reserve game, we had thirty or forty people there and it’s great to see people coming to support us.

“We thank those who have supported us throughout the season, we have Dod’orth Miners’ Welfare away on Wednesday night it’s a 6-30 pm kick off.”

Fixtures

Wednesday 15th April 2026

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior Premier Division Dod’orth Miners’ Welfare v Penistone Church Reserves Kick off 6-00 pm

Thursday 16th April 2026 WVH Development U21 Penistone Church U21 v Shelley U21 Kick off 7-45

Wednesday 29th April 2026 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior Premier Division Penistone Church Reserves v Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves Kick off 7-45 pm

Friday 8th May 2026 At Doncaster Rovers FC Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Cup Final Penistone Church Reserves v Hemsworth Miners’ Welfare or Hepworth United Kick off 7-00 pm