Thursday 5 March 2026 Look Local Issue 1415

Children’s Book Inspires Pupils to Connect to ‘Home-City’

A children’s book created by a Sheffieldbased author and illustrator is taking on a meaningful new life within local classrooms, inspiring pupils to connect with their city’s rich history and industrial past.

Following its initial success, The Steelosaurus has led several Sheffield schools to invite creator Helen Hunt into their classrooms, not just for author visits, but to participate in a newly developed, free scheme of work built around the story.

Launched late last year, the scheme is specifically designed for schools and links closely to Sheffield’s history and heritage. It uses storytelling and illustration as engaging tools, allowing children to explore local identity through creative learning. Teachers across the city are now incorporating the materials into their lessons.

Author and Illustrator Helen Hunt told Look Local, “It’s been wonderful to see the book being used in classrooms in such a meaningful way.”

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Remembering: A Lifetime of Community and Love

Golf Club Hits the Bullseye for Charity

MP LISTENS TO COMMUNITY

Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, met constituents in Wharncliffe Side to hear their ideas for improving the local community and strengthening local services.

The evening opened with a brief speech from Marie, about her previous work in the area. Constituents then worked in groups to discuss local challenges and identify solutions that could deliver positive change across Marie’s priority areas: health, transport, education, local businesses and high streets, and community spaces.

Marie is also pushing for an extension of the Sheffield tramtrain network via Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side, Deepcar and Stocksbridge. She also explored options for new active travel links, towards the Peak District, with constituents.

Another key recommendation was the restoration of the Wharncliffe Side Community Centre as a community hub; with many after school activities currently suspended due to internal damage of the building.

Nearly 60 dedicated players took part in the marathon event, which began at 10 am, throwing a staggering 7,686 darts over the course of the day. Their incredible effort culminated in a fantastic fundraising total, raising just over £1,500 and absolutely smashing their initial target of £500.

“I just can’t believe it,” said an ecstatic Tony Barrott. “We didn’t think we’d get enough people to play initially, so to complete this and smash our £500 target is fantastic. What a great day and fantastic support from the club.”

The darts challenge concluded with a large game of darts cricket in the final hour, which saw many of the day's players, along with friends and family members, joining in to celebrate the club’s generous contribution to the vital work of MacMillan Cancer Support.

The meeting closed with Marie reflecting on the key recommendations raised under each priority area. Constituents also heard from Cllr Janet Ridler, Sheffield City Councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don ward. Cllr Ridler is working with Marie to identify improvements to Dragon Park, in Wharncliffe Side, to increase opportunities for older children to be active.

One of the strongest recommendations raised was the need to reinstate the SL1 Supertram Link bus. Marie is working with South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, to restore the service; having raised the SL1 in the House of Commons last month.

Constituents who were unable to attend the meeting but want to share their ideas for improving the area, can contact Marie at: marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk.

Marie Tidball MP said:

“Thank you to all those constituents who attended my ‘Pride in Wharncliffe Side’ meeting. It was a pleasure to hear such thoughtful ideas for change, that I can help the community bring about.

“I’ll be taking all the feedback I’ve received – including views from constituents at the meeting, those who emailed in and my wider work in the area – to draw together a set of community asks for Wharncliffe Side. I’ll be sharing this with constituents soon.”

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Sheffield Children’s Book Inspires Pupils to Connect to ‘Home-City’

DRIVERS WARNED OF WEEKEND DELAYS BETWEEN MANCHESTER AND SHEFFIELD

Continued from Page 1...

e eight-week Steelosaurus scheme uses the book as a springboard for wider learning, with children exploring She eld’s landmarks through mapping, creative writing, drama, research, and art.

e core focus is on building pride in their city while developing essential literacy, communication, and artistic skills.

Teachers have used the story to encourage a variety of projects, including:

Writing postcards and reports about Shefeld.

Creating maps of the Steelosaurus’s journey.

Performing drama scenes set at local landmarks.

Producing artwork inspired by the city’s heritage.

Lounds Infants School o ered a notable example, creating a “What Should the Steelosaurus Do Next?” writing competition and announcing the winners on World Book Day. is initiative demonstrated pupils taking ownership of the character and actively shaping future adventures.

e teaching resource is intended as inspiration, with some schools following the full programme and others using individual elements or inviting Hunt for a standalone visit. Alongside the classroom work, Hunt also offers author and illustrator visits for primary and secondary schools, discussing creativity, resilience, and the publishing process to help students see writing and illustration as possible career pathways.

e overall aim remains to celebrate She eld in a way that is both accessible and exciting for children.

Motorists travelling between Manchester and She eld are being warned to expect signi cant delays as major works continue on the Mottram Moor bypass.

National Highways says temporary tra c lights and single-lane tra c will be in place over two weekends in March, likely causing congestion on the busy A57 route.

e restrictions will run from 7pm Friday 13 March until 6am Monday 16 March, and again the following weekend, while utility services are installed and a new plant crossing is built. Drivers are advised to allow extra time and plan journeys in advance.

TOMMY FRANK BRINGS BOXING FUN TO BURTON STREET FOUNDATION

Sheffield boxing star Tommy Frank, former British flyweight and Commonwealth superflyweight champion, recently visited Burton Street Foundation to share his skills and ring craft with disabled clients.

Known affectionately as ‘Super Tommy’, Frank enjoyed a glittering professional career, claiming British, Commonwealth, WBC International, and IBO Intercontinental titles. His remarkable journey saw him overcome a childhood hole-in-the-heart defect to become one of Sheffield’s most celebrated boxing talents.

During his visit, Tommy launched a hands-on session with the Foundation’s disabled clients, introducing them to the fundamentals of boxing: punching, ducking, diving and weaving. The delighted participants

had the chance to spar with Tommy himself and practise pad work, with laughter filling the room throughout.

Tommy Frank said: ‘There’s nothing better than sharing boxing with the community, and it’s amazing to see people of all backgrounds and abilities come together through the sport. Today was brilliant — watching everyone learn new skills and enjoy themselves perfectly reflects both Burton Street and the Tommy Frank Boxing Academy.’

Based in Hillsborough, Burton Street Foundation supports over 250 clients with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health conditions and autism. Guided by principles of compassion and creativity, the charity works to create a more harmonious community for all.

Group Welcomes Council CEO to Mark ‘Incredible Progress’

Friends of Grenoside Park (FOGP) hosted a visit from Sheffield City Council CEO Kate Josephs last week to highlight the significant achievements of the volunteer group and its partners.

The visit to Grenoside Park provided an opportunity for Ms. Josephs to see first-hand the “incredible progress” being made on local park improvements. She was joined by local councillors from Ecclesfield Parish Council, Parks Project Officer Sally from Sheffield

Parks and Countryside, and members of the Local Area Committee.

The event was a brilliant opportunity to showcase the group’s work so far and explain their ongoing aspirations for the green space. FOGP noted the success was a testament to community collaboration, stating, “Together, we’re proving that when people come together for a shared purpose, real change happens — and this is only the beginning.”

Shirley & Euan Lindley: A Lifetime of Community and Love

Euan Lindley 19 June 1935 - 1 October 2025

Shirley Lindley 14 October 1934 - 28 January 2026

The close-knit community of Stocksbridge mourns the passing of beloved lifelong residents, Shirley and Euan Lindley, who shared a remarkable life rooted in the area where they were born and bred.

Early Lives in Stocksbridge

Shirley, born on October 14, 1934, and Euan, born on June 19, 1935, were both Stocksbridge ‘natives’ and met as five-year-olds, living next door to each other across a field. Their connection was immediate and enduring, exemplified by a charming early memory where Euan was sent with a penny to buy fresh mint from Shirley’s garden for a Sunday lamb dinner. They both attended school in Stocksbridge before taking the same bus to Penistone. Euan was the youngest of three brothers, and Shirley was the youngest of four siblings; they were the last surviving of their respective families.

Euan’s parents, Lawrence and Hilda Lindley, lived on Linden Crescent, and Euan was the youngest of three brothers. They later moved to Spink House with one of the brothers, Michael and his family. As wartime babies who were 11 years old when WW2 finished, Shirley and Euan truly revelled in the spirit of making do and mending things, but also embraced the luxuries of meals out and parties with family and friends.

Shirley’s childhood home, Pot House Farm, holds historical significance, as it was later excavated by historians and archaeologists, with some of the recovered pottery and glass artefacts now on display in Stocksbridge Town Hall. Her daughter, Heather remembers helping her grandfather, Fred Broadhead, feed his chickens in the enclosed barnyard and assisting her grandmother, Ima Broadhead, in shelling peas or picking raspberries to make their own raspberry jam from their vegetable garden. Frederick still chopped firewood into his 80’s and impressed his family by leaping over his vegetable garden wall one-handed with a scissor kick! As hard-working yet funloving farmers, they instilled in Shirley a lifelong love for gardening, which often found her still weeding at teatime.

A Life of Service and Work

They married in 1959 at Christ Church, Stocksbridge and dedicated their professional lives to education and trade. They even took on the monumental task of building their own home, securing the land for £200 with a loan from Euan’s father. For three years, they lived in a caravan on the site, demolishing old structures, rehoming wild rabbits to Ewden Valley, and painstakingly building their house brick by brick, bought and cleaned with their weekly paychecks.

Shirley was a lifelong nursery and infant school teacher, inspiring many generations of children to read and explore the natural world through trips to the woods and learning about the life cycles of frogs.

Euan had a varied career, beginning as a fuel technician at Fox’s, followed by RAF national

service. He ran his own self-employed central heating and building business, ELLindley Plumbing and Heating, in the 1970s, before retraining as a woodwork teacher at Barnsley school until his retirement.

Commitment to Community

The couple was deeply involved in their local community. Shirley was a member of the Stocksbridge Art Group at Christ Church, Stocksbridge, and in her younger days, helped with Brownies, Christian Aid collections, and the Bolsterstone village hall playgroup.

Euan was affectionately known as ‘Mr Fix It,’ always ready to lend his technical and practical skills to friends and family. Continuing his spirit of giving back, his nephew, Nigel Lindley, has rehomed Euan’s woodworking machines to the local Men in Sheds group in Deepcar, ensuring they continue to benefit the community.

They were both remembered for their generosity, constantly clearing out belongings to help the Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre (SCLC) and BARC, and helping with fundraising for the SCLC in the early 1960s to build the original swimming pool for the area’s children.

Personality and Family

Euan was described by family as kind-hearted, patient, strong, and multi-talented. Shirley was kind, chatty, and loved being surrounded by friends and family. Their shared passions included nature, enjoying walks on the local moors, Ewden Valley, and the Lake District in their caravan, always with a collie dog by their side. They loved gardening and TV shows like Open All Hours, Last of the Summer Wine, and Strictly Come Dancing.

A small anecdote sums up their enduring spirit: despite joking about “getting on a bit” and saying “if we’re spared” when making plans, they went on to host a wonderful garden party for Euan’s 90th birthday in June 2025, proving that their spirit and love for life were strong even in the face of a windy, damp day.

They are survived by their daughter, Heather Lindley, their son, Gordon Lindley, and their granddaughter, Taylor Jade Lindley, who lives in America.

Funeral Details and Thanks

A funeral service will be held at Christ Church, Stocksbridge at 11:30 am on Friday, March 13th, followed by a committal at Grenoside Crematorium at 1:00 pm.

The family wishes to share a message of thanks: Thank you to Shirley’s carers who supported her and the family through her final illness. Our special thanks to Megan and Dee and ‘The 2 Debbies’, Lisa Faulkner from Curam Care, the wonderful team at YourCare24 and the Home Intensive Nursing team.

STEEL VALLEY BEACON ARTS

is weekend Saturday 7th March Beacon’s wonderful Under 11’s are performing “Tales of Wharncli e” at Christ Church, two performances at 3pm and 6pm. Tickets are £6 on the door, shows start at 3pm and 6pm. Please come and support these amazing children.

Dates for your diary 14th, 15th and 16th of May Beacon’s adults perform “Calendar Girls – e Musical” tickets on sale soon from Samuels Kitchen, Voyager and Ticket Source.

FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

28 High Green Methodist Church Spring Fayre starting at 11am. Stalls include cakes, bric-a-brac, gifts, books, tombola etc. Refreshments available. All welcome. Fully accessible building.

28 Sale of gently used and new clothes, bags & shoes at St Johns Parish Centre, Housley Park, Chapeltown, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm. Free co ee & cake, cash donations.

MARCH

WEDNESDAY

4 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start. We will be joined by the Owlman of Stocksbridge who will be telling us about the work he does.Visitors and new members are welcome. Further details 07917021268

4 Steel Valley Veterans. 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, The Venue. Open to all members of the military community in the area to come and join us for a brew and a chat.

FRIDAY

6 World Day of Prayer service Brightholmlee Methodist Church, Wharncli e side 2 pm Everyone Welcome

WEDNESDAY

11 March - Stocksbridge Art So-

ciety. Evening Demonstration (7 to 9 pm). Roger Davies – Contemporary Artist. Christ Church Community Hall, Stocksbridge, S36 1DY. All welcome: Members free; non-members £5 inc. refreshments.

THURSDAY

12 Chapeltown WI will welcome Peter Young as guest speaker. He will speak about ‘Unexpected nds in unusual places,’. The competition is for An Antique item. The meeting will be held at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church. New members and visitors will be made welcome.

12 Stocksbridge and District History Society Meeting - Christ Church hall- 7PM Speaker Paul Hobson - Henry Seebohm, Steelmaker & Ornithologist.Seebohm & Dieckstahl were very successful Crucible steelmakers in She eld in the Victorian Period. Seebohm amazing success in the company allowed him to become one of the country’s leading Victorian Ornithologists, with trips worldwide to ful l his passion.

SATURDAY

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

SATURDAY

21 Easter Co ee Morning at Stocksbridge Christian Centre

Cedar Road on Saturday 21st March from 10 . 1 pm. Easter stalls, ra e, bacon & chip butties.

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

SUNDAY

29 Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Easter Fayre - 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Fun For All The Family. Craft Stalls, SCLC Easter Bunny, Bunny Hunt, Easter Bonnet Competition, Music, Bouncy Castle, Ra e, Children’s Craft Activities & Much More...

APRIL

WEDNESDAY

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

MONDAY

20 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners – ‘She eld Castle’ a talk by Martin Gorman, Chair,

On

sure Centre - Easter Fayre - 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Fun For All The Family. Craft Stalls, SCLC Easter Bunny, Bunny Hunt, Easter Bonnet Competition, Music, Bouncy Castle, Raffle, Children’s Craft Activities & Much More...

APRIL

WEDNESDAY

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

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 home made refreshments. www.walc.epizy. com

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

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

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.

FRIENDSHIP LUNCH

The next Music Makes Memories’ at the Wharncliffe Arms in Wharncliffe Side is on Monday 16 March with the amazing Oliver Harris. Guests will be treated to a delicious 2 course lunch and live entertainment.

Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant, who launched ‘dementia friendly’ Friendship Lunches in South Yorks 10 year ago said ‘We would like to thank Jack, the Manager, for hosting this event which is

proving to be a huge success. Everyone is welcome - tickets must be booked in advance via the venue on 0114 321 6318 in order to guarantee a seat . The Friendship Lunch offers a lovely opportunity to meet old/make new friends in a warm and safe environment and offers invaluable respite for many families/carers”. For queries or to discuss hosting a Friendship Lunch please contact Kathy on 0772 9528844 kathymarkwick@gmail.com

SHEFFIELD TO GET BIGGER BLUE BINS

Good news for Sheffield households drowning in cardboard! The council is rolling out larger, 240-litre blue recycling bins.

These new, larger bins will replace the existing 140-litre containers following a major public consultation, during which over 10,000 residents voiced their support. The move is designed to make it much easier to recycle bulky cardboard, especially after the surge in online shopping during lockdown.

The new bins will be delivered free of charge to all households. If you’re worried about

space, you’ll have the option to keep your smaller bin.

While collections will still happen every four weeks, the increased capacity should help cut down on overflowing bins and the confusion about leaving excess cardboard at the kerbside.

In addition to the bin swap, council officials are working to increase the types of plastics you can recycle as part of Sheffield’s push toward net-zero.

PROGRESS ON SECURING SAFER CROSSING

Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, brought together local organisations and community groups in Langsett, to explore how to make the A616 safer to cross and improve active travel links. The meeting followed concerns raised by a constituent, at a recent advice surgery.

Marie met representatives from the Little Don Trail Group and the Upper Don Trail Group; who have spent years campaigning for a safer way to cross the A616, the main road running through Langsett. She was joined by Yorkshire Water, National Highways, Barnsley Council, Bradfield Parish Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Peak District National Park.

The discussion focused on opportunities to improve safety and strengthen access to active travel routes. A key opportunity, identified during Marie’s visit, is putting in a new crossing near Langsett village, and associated safety measure, as well as reopening the underpass along the A616, which is currently inaccessible, and reconnecting it to local amenities.

Marie is also requesting options, from partner organisations, to upgrade the pathway

and bridleway between Langsett and the Little Don Bridleway, a route frequently used by families, dog walkers and riders across the area. She will continue working with local organisations on detailed proposals and will keep constituents updated as plans progress.

Marie Tidball MP said: “The lack of a safe crossing at Langsett was first raised with me at a constituency advice surgery, so it was important to visit the site, with all the relevant organisations, to see first-hand what the issue is and how we can move forward.

“Speaking to walkers, horse riders and local groups showed how much safer and more enjoyable this area could be with better crossings and stronger links between active travel routes. This is a beautiful part of our constituency, that I’ve been visiting since I was a child, that leads into the Peak District. Local people should feel confident travelling through it, whether they’re walking, wheeling or on horseback.

“Following the meeting, we now have several productive ways to move things forward. I’ll keep working closely with community groups and local organisations to make sure everyone has the chance to shape the next steps.”

JOHN FIRTH

Aged 85

Passed away peacefully in Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Much loved Husband to the late Anne, loving Dad to Richard & Jonathan (Josh), Grandad to David, Lewis, Amelia, Ellys, Noah and a Great Grandad to Pippa.

Funeral service to be held at 12pm on Monday 9th March at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel.

All enquiries to T W Birks & Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RE. Tel 0114 288 5555

RICE Norma

Passed away peacefully on 25 February 2026. With her family by her side.

Much loved by all. Forever in our hearts.

The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday 11th March at 15:00 Grenoside Crematorium North Chapel.

WOODHEAD Alan

Passed away 24th January 2026. A loving Husband, a Great Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. Love from all the family. xxx

REVITT

Peacefully at home on February 18th, Ray, aged 77 years.

Dearly loved Partner, Dad & Grandad. Service at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel, on Tuesday 10th March at 11am.

Family flowers only please but donations if desired for Dementia UK, c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar. Tel: 01142883169

Shirley Rose LINDLEY

14.10.1934 - 28.01.2026

Born, raised, married and lived life to the full in Stocksbridge.

Nursery and Infant School teacher at Pot House Infants and Wharncliffe Side Schools.

Now reunited with her soul mate husband, Euan Lindley. Celebrated 65 years of happy marriage with Euan with a card from the King and Queen on 17 October 2024.

The Funeral Details are:

Friday 13th March 2026

11:30 Christchurch Service, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge

13.00 Grenoside Crematorium North Chapel service

Contact: Heather Lindley email: heather.lindley33@gmail.com or via TW Birks Funeral Directors.

SCHOLES Vic

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather.

Died peacefully at home 19th February 2026.

Former Metallurgist at Sheffield Forgemasters.

Funeral service at Grenoside North Chapel on Monday 16th March at 11am, followed by a wake at The Pen Nook, Deepcar.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Woodhead Mountain Rescue.

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SOUTH PENNINE BUS WOES AND THEIR ATTEMPT TO HIDE ‘EM

As a user and supporter of the 35 ‘hopper’ bus service, nevertheless I reckon South Pennine Community Transport deserves calling out. Not just for the impact on service of failures in bus maintenance/repair they’ve finally admitted. Regularly talking with all the drivers soon gives you the lowdown as to why South Pennine want to keep us in the dark.

If you ring or email their advertised contact number/address there is never an answer, even months later; neither is there any updating on their website, and the buses are not on any tracker, despite each being tracked by the company.

If you’re elderly, waiting in winter at a bus stop with neither shelter nor seat (as usually the case), a bus scheduled every 20 minutes arriving every 40 is no fun. You want to know if a bus is coming or not, and there should be no reason why you can’t know this before you leave the house.

South Pennine simply do not want you to know when there is non-running and do not want to hear from you about it. I had to go through a councillor to get a phone number that anyone answered, only for a senior staffer – their ‘compliance’ guy, would you believe – to try to fob me off that any issue is down to not being notified of roadworks; then pretending I’d not given enough information for them to trouble-shoot. Someone else who had got hold of direct phone numbers was told that his call was the first they’d heard of any problem!

All the South Pennine routes are fully funded, not least the 35 with Stocksbridge’s Towns Fund money, so unless they’ve under-bid in tendering (granted an easy mistake to make) then any difficulties will be down to company incompetence (or worse). Refusal to inform r communicate is cynical and contemptuous. It’s fairly clear the company has tried to take us all for fools. Isn’t what we see here abuse of public funds and persistent hiding of it? SYPTE at the very least should put ‘em on notice of clawing back funding for services paid for but not provided. They ought to reduce future funding to take account of the service the company has failed to provide and tried to hide.

To repeat, I’m a user and supporter of SPCT buses, and I’d like more people to use ‘em, but folk stop using services that have problems, so it’s better to shout up and nip ‘em in the bud.

Steve Moxon

Charity Shop

The Barc charity shop, which takes local donations, now has a new telephone number 0751 7269170.

Tram link

Good morning John. Your article in LL was very good. Extending the tram to Stocksbridge is a non starter. There are a number of very tight bends that the tram could not cope with. Some time ago I had discussions with Julie Grocutt about using the now disused railway line. Is the steelworks going to start using it again? Who knows. We agreed that the trains should terminate in Fox Valley. That is where the publically owned line ends. In Sheffield it would terminate where the Meadowhall tram line crosses the old GC main line. This would create a three minute service into the city centre. Stations were envisaged at Fox Valley, a new station at Deepcar at the top of the new housing estate a new station at Oughtibridge, again where the new houses are, the old Oughtibridge Station, Wadsley Bridge, Victoria and the terminus. The first four stations would have a local bus service. The through journey would take about 25 minutes. A pair of DMU’s would be ideal.The big problem is financing it.The problem would be helped considerably by the restoration of the Tramlink bus service.

David Lawson

Local Opinion

SHEFFIELD’s TREE CHAMPION

On 19/2/2026, the Lord Mayor Awards 2026 took place at Sheffield Town Hall, hosted by Sheffield’s first Somali Lord Mayor: Safiya Saeed (Councillor for Burngreave). Of particular note was the award to Christine King, in the category for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Science’, for her “environmental leadership and pioneering sustainable urban forestry throughout Sheffield.” The awards recognise “individuals and groups whose exceptional contributions have strengthened Sheffield’s communities, culture, and quality of life.”

Sheffield City Council (SCC) officers first officially recognised that Sheffield had an urban forest, and that it needed to be managed sustainably, as long ago as 2001, in an SCC ‘consultation document’ named Sheffield’s Tree and Woodland Strategy. In 2008, the document was nationally recognized as an example of best practice, identified as such in Trees in Towns II (Case Study Report 3) – a research report commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government. To quote from the Government report:

“Throughout the document there is extensive reference to community involvement, not only in clearly stated policy objectives but also in a number of specific ‘supplementary actions’ designed to realise these objectives. Although the strategy was not formally adopted as Council policy when it was launched, because of major changes in the Council’s political structure at the time, it is hoped to achieve this in the near future when it is due for review.”

Sadly, SCC binned the consultation document and Sheffield never got to have an adopted Tree Strategy until December 2018, following a Forestry Commission investigation of alleged illegal felling throughout the city - by Sheffield City Council and its highway maintenance contractor.

Following 2001, SCC came to believe that sustainable forestry was just about planting more trees and planting a tree for each felled, whether in the same spot or elsewhere, locally or miles away. This remained the official SCC interpretation of sustainable stewardship in urban forestry until December 2018, as evidenced in communications from the SCC Chief Executive, Leader, Directors, councillors and their contractors.

When Save Our Roadside Trees established a citywide tree campaign, back in 2015, they reminded SCC of the document that they had binned and pointed out to SCC that the collective tree and woodland cover of the city represents an urban forest, as defined by ‘The UK Forestry Standard: The governments’ approach to sustainable forest management’ (UKFS) and later by the United Nations (FAO Forestry Paper 178). To this day, the UKFS defines a sustainable approach as:

“The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains… their potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels.”

Those valuable functions that benefit communities and environments are directly proportionate to tree size and crown volume (see Look Local issue 1273, online), so planting lots of little trees does not instantly compensate for the loss of one large tree and lots of trees planted close together will never compensate for the loss of a tree with a large crown, as trees planted close together have relatively small crowns with far fewer leaves.

Unfortunately, SCC did not accept that the street tree population was part of Sheffield’s urban forest, until its acceptance of Sheffield Street Tree Partnership Strategy (SSTPS), in March 2020, as a sub-strategy to SCC’s ‘Sheffield Trees and Woodlands Strategy 2018-2033’.

After years of non-violent direct action to ‘save’ Sheffield’s mature street trees, Christine King became a founding member of the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership, representing Sheffield Tree Action Groups. Ms King has been an active participant ever since attending the inaugural

meeting, on 20/8/2019, and has also represented the partnership at community events.

To quote from the SSTPS: “As a group we wanted to produce something positive and visionary - for the city to collectively view street trees as an asset, helping us to improve air quality, reduce flood risk, support wildlife and store carbon. This strategy aims to learn from the past in order to deliver our vision for the future of Sheffield’s street trees.”

Ms King also helped to develop the final stages of the PEFC Trees Outside Forests (ToF) standard, which began development in late 2015 (the year the city-wide tree campaign began). Sheffield was the first to receive a ToF certificate, issued by the Soil Association, on 2/2/2022 (expires on 1/2/2027).

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international nonprofit, non-governmental organization, dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. Certification helps verify acts and omissions represent sustainable stewardship and use of urban forests and trees outside forests. The certificate states:

“This is to certify that Streets Ahead Partnership of Sheffield City Council has been audited in accordance with the requirements of the PEFC UK Forest Management Standard for Trees Outside Forests (TOF) - UKWAS adapted Pilot Standard and that Streets Ahead Partnership of Sheffield City Council of Operational Services, Place Portfolio, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield, United Kingdom is hereby licensed to describe the management of the Tree management area as compliant with the PEFC UK Trees Outside Forest pilot standard.”

The UKFS is the key reference document on sustainable forestry practice for the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) –the certification standard from which the ToF standard was adapted. The UKWAS is used for certifying responsible forest management in UK woodlands and plantations. It is the standard that has been used to certify all SCC’s woodlands and plantations, according the current tree strategy.

All these positive changes eventually led to SCC being awarded ‘Tree City Of The World’ status, in 2022 (see Look Local issue 1220), jointly conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Arbor Day Foundation. The award is for successfully meeting 5 core standards of urban forest management, demonstrating leadership in management of Sheffield’s urban trees, serving as part of the solution to the many of the global issues we face today. The standards cover responsibility, policies, management plans, budgeting and opportunities for celebration of trees and those that participate in caring for them.

The 2001 SCC ‘Consultation document’ can be accessed online, at: https://web.archive.org/web/20191103234430/ http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived. website/news.html

Extracts from the SCC consultation document: “Fundamental to achieving sustainable management is to ensure Sheffield’s trees and woodlands are adequately protected and enhanced. Urban forestry, with its various elements, is considered to be most appropriate way to deliver sustainability.”

“The urban forest includes large numbers of ‘non-council’ trees as well as woodlands and it is also important that as far as practicable these are managed sustainably. Generally speaking, the Council should encourage, demonstrate good management practice and promote greater awareness of the value of trees. This approach is often more effective than the excessive use of legislation.”

“Good consultation advises and informs, generates feedback and gains public support for projects and proposals. Projects are more likely to succeed if

consultation has occurred and public support and involvement gained.”

“…a number of Supplementary Strategies … should be produced over the next year or two.”

On Friday, 6/3/2026 – the third anniversary of publication of the ‘Sheffield Street Trees Inquiry Report’ (Look Local issue 1381) – SCC will be holding a tree plaque unveiling event at Sheffield Town Hall, at 12:30hrs (see Look Local issue 1405).

David Long (Initiator & Developer of the city-wide tree campaign) S35

DON’T TRY SO HARD

Where would we be if Hamlet weren’t allowed To be or not to be. There in the contemplative, indulging understanding thought, to realise; Hamlet, ‘a sullen ground’ where on the lamb of eastcheap were better a gleaming found a labour in his vocation!

Seeming an every Ophelia’s dream. If to be or not to be, this glass of fashion, seeing what she saw; what a mould, so express and admirable in form and movement; an apprehension of Angels: she saw what he saw turn again, becoming what he was!

A Sysiphean seeming trial, not becoming but being!

A mould above?

Andrew Dancer

This is my rst business set up at my farm in Brad eld. 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.

Logs £7 Hay £3 Straw £2.50

Far House Farm, Holdworth Lane, Brad eld, S6 6LL. The rst shed on the right.

Local News

LOCAL HISTORY: UNEARTHED STOCKSBRIDGE

T’stone Glasshouse in Clear View

By Steve Moxon

The mid-17th century Bolsterstone Glasshouse is the oldest surviving glass-making building in Britain, and the only surviving pre-cone type. The intact under-floor part of the furnace, featuring innovative flues, hearths and crucibles, is considered of outstanding historical importance. The glassware made here was of such supreme quality that it was the only provincial fine glass to break into the London market. The intricacy and standard of workmanship could be breathtaking.

Despite its name, the glasshouse isn’t actually in Bolsterstone. It’s at the foot of Whitwell Lane, Bate Green, in Stocksbridge. And the operation actually began in Smallfield, Low Bradfield, on land acquired through marriage by the Fox family of Fullwood Hall. The founder was not, as often believed, George Fox, but his uncle, John Fox (1616-1659).

The business can’t have stayed long at Smallfield before relocating to Bate Green. The new site had the key advantage of all the necessary raw materials close by:

● Extremely-high-silica rock: to be ground into a special sand

● Top-quality clay: needed to make the crucibles (pots used to melt the glass)

● Coal

● A high-metal-content lead ore

Some, possibly all of these were available as exposed seams in the adjacent ravine.

The French connection

Fox was the money man – a major yeoman landowner – whereas the knowhow and skill came from the Fenneys, originally the de Feneys of Lorraine, France; one of several glass-making families who, as Protestants, fled religious persecution, initially settling in the Weald until moving to Stourbridge once charcoal burning was banned.

This set-up – a separation of roles between the entrepreneur and the artisan – was the French model. The wealthy backer provided the land and working capital, while the skilled worker was free to focus on the craft, usually hired for a fixed term of three to seven years. William Fenney worked at Bate Green, his brother Henry was in glass at Glass Houghton (Castleford) and brother Joshua at Rothwell Hague (Leeds).

A substantial house still sporting an F for Fenney above the door at Townend Deepcar suggests they prospered here.

Problem owners and a second Stourbridge man

The next recognised owner, George Fox, was only 16 when John died in 1659, but William Fenny effectively ran the glasshouse, with the Foxes ‘sleeping partners’; George almost literally so. He and friends Henry Bright of Whirlow Hall and Henry Hall, Lord of Midhope drank away their estates at Water Carr Hall, a pub in Fulwood. By 1690, heavily indebted, George disappeared, yet the business survived.

Ostensibly George’s son John took the helm, but enter another Stourbridge (Oldswinsford) man, Richard Dixon, who appears to have been an all-round manager-cum-artisan. He was escaping the glut in the Stourbridge glass market. On top of the 1697 glass tax, this bankrupted or put in debtors’ prison his brothers. As his father (the Mayor of Dudley) and grandfather had both built or overseen pioneering glassworks, it’s safe to say Richard could make a success of Bolsterstone’s.

Evidently he did, and so much so that by 1710 he moved on to establish his own works at Whittington, Chesterfield. Well, he had a wife and six kids to support. He, his son and then grandson supplied the Master Cutlers’ Company and Sheffield silversmiths. These lucrative deals likely started at Bate Green, though the MCC archives back that far are too sparse to say.

The technology and the Frenchman move on

John Fox’s widow wed Robert Blackburn, a yeoman from Penistone, as the new Mr Moneybags – reflected in a local tale that he absent-mindedly left saddlebags full of cash at Don Hill on Hunshelf that couldn’t be retrieved; ruining him or nearly so. After Blackburn died, William Fenny – now married into the Fox family – had a dispute with the re-widowed Mrs. Fox about adopting the new, larger cone furnace design. Fenny left to build a cone glassworks at distant Catcliffe, under the condition that he didn’t compete in the same area. In the end, the greatly scaled-up capacity of this new furnace type made the likes of Bate Green obsolete. Following Michael Fox’s death in 1758 the glasshouse became a pothouse, perhaps unsurprisingly given the really robust clay pots already being fashioned as crucibles for making glass.

STUDENTS

SHEFFIELD MEDICS 17 - 24 STOCKSBRIDGE

Stocksbridge Rugby overcame an early twotry deficit to beat Sheffield Medics RUFC 24-17 in a key Round 15 match. Although other results dropped Stocksbridge to third in Counties 4 Yorkshire South, they are only a point behind Hallamshire with a game in hand.

Player/Coach Aaron Kaye, sponsored by Muscle Empire, scored the first try, converted by Bowskill (Stocksbridge Fire Station). Sam Porter (Applebys Industrial Fasteners) added another, with Bowskill converting, making it 14-10 at halftime.

In the second half, Kaye left injured (suspected dislocated shoulder), but replacement Sam Whitaker (S&M Pipeworks Ltd) scored a converted try after the restart. Prop Gary ‘pecker’ Woodcock’s yellow card for foul play

allowed the students to narrow the gap with a converted try. Bowskill secured the 24-17 win with a late penalty.

Flanker Josh Kerr (Sheffield Refractories) was Victoria Motors Man of the Match, and Callum ‘whippet’ Green (The Business Hairdressers) won the Goodlad Contracting Man of Steel Award for February.

Club Skipper Andy ‘clock tower’ Beal praised the team’s “great character” and looked forward to a “decent push for the promotion play offs.”

Stocksbridge hosts basement club Knottingley RUFC this weekend (3pm kick-off) seeking back-to-back victories. The following week, they visit promotion rivals Hallamshire on March 21st for a potential league runnersup decider.

MASSIVE SUCCESS FOR BARRY BANNAN’S CHILDREN’S CHARITY NIGHT

An Evening with Barry Bannan and Friends,” held shortly after the beloved footballer’s departure from Sheffield Wednesday, brought together fans, legends, and local businesses to celebrate Bannan’s lifelong bond with the city and support a vital cause.

The night, hosted at The OEC, was a resounding success, packed with powerful stories, big laughs, and incredible acts of generosity that

reaffirmed the strong community spirit Sheffield is known for. The atmosphere suggested this may be far from the last time the community comes together for such a spectacular event.

Every ticket bought, donation made, and moment of support offered is directly helping to transform mental health support for children and young people across the region.

Lees claims Anglesey podium as Penistone tackle roads and fells

Penistone Footpath Runners were in action across road, fell and parkrun events over the weekend of 28 February and 1 March, with a category podium in Wales and strong performances on the North York Moors.

On a windswept and exposed course near Scunthorpe, Alan Nutton led the club at the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon, finishing 67th overall in a chip time of 1-20-15. Will Hoyland followed in 1-22-50 to place 143rd, recording his second fastest half-marathon to date. Jade Crosby battled well for 1-3433, while Chloe Worth continued her consistent form with 1-44-38. Gemma Nutton completed the course in 1-47-44 and Olivia Clough finished in 2-07-12. Alex Crosby was also competing but was forced to withdraw after 8.7 miles due to a worsening knee and hamstring issue.

Further afield, Robert Lees produced an excellent performance at the Anglesey 10K, finishing 22nd overall in 40-56 to secure second place in the men’s over45 category in a field of 556 runners.

On the fells, Damian Kilpin took on the Eskdale Eureka, a BM category race in the North York Moors organised by Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team as part of the Dave Parry/ Lets Run Winter Series. The 14.3km course featured 470 metres of climb over exposed moorland terrain. Kilpin finished 19th overall in 1-17-35 and placed third in the men’s over45 category in a competitive field.

At parkrun, 67 Penistone seniors represented the club across 17 venues. Ashley Firth led the way at Penistone, taking first place in 19-09. Ryan Duckett secured third male in 20-19, while Dan Rushforth (20-50) and Jon Hallam (21-09) both featured in the top ten.

There were further category wins at the club’s home event from Edward Holley (first under14, 22-32), Emily Duckett (first lady over40, 22-46), Russ Lynam (first over55, 23-43), Millie Lees (first under17, 31-23), Barbara Haigh (first lady over75, 31-26) and Danny Batty (first over80, 37-20).

At Barnsley, Sean Pitt ran 18-32 to claim third place overall. Ian Neville was first over60 in 21-15, Sue Hall first lady over65 in 28-36 and Ray Brown first over85 in 35-42, while Martyn Goodwin completed the course as tail walker. Elsewhere, Flynn Rogers clocked 17-40 to take third place at Hill-

sborough, and Heath Ramsden celebrated his 200th parkrun at Pontefract, finishing in 28-26.

Jill Scrivens was first lady over55 at Roberts Park, Keith Gordon third over75 at Wolverhampton and Stephen Lavender first over70 at Whitford Nodes in Australia.

Personal bests were recorded by Sarah Clough at Hillsborough and Ruth Albaya Melhuish at Cinder Track. The weekend’s highest age-graded performances came from Richard Heppenstall (85.08%), Barbara Haigh (83.09%), Flynn Rogers (77.55%), Richard Cottam (77.45%) and Ian Neville (75.45%).

Results

North Lincolnshire Half Marathon

67, Alan Nutton 1-20-15; 143, Will Hoyland 1-22-50; 344, Jade Crosby 1-34-33; 692, Chloe Worth 1-44-38; 714, Gemma Nutton 1-47-44; 1272, Olivia Clough 2-07-12.

Anglesey 10K

22, Robert Lees 40-56.

Eskdale Eureka

19, Damian Kilpin 1-17-35.

Penistone Parkrun

1, Ashley Firth 19-09; 4, Ryan Duckett 20-19; 6, Dan Rushforth 20-50; 7, Jon Hallam 21-09; 10, Simon Pike 21-45; 11, Alex Best 21-46; 17, Edward Holley 22-32; 20, Dan Cooper 22-39; 21, Emily Duckett 22-46; 27, Russ Lynam 23-43; 56, Emma Stead 25-56; 61, Ben Wilkinson 26-53; 74, Jen Holley 27-44; 79, Oliver Found 28-12; 82, Joanne Sammon 28-54; 87, Paul Sammon 29-20; 94, Laura Bartholomew 29-45; 106, Nell Law 31-05; 107, Rebecca Parr 31-22; 108, Kim Rogers 31-22; 109, Millie Lees 31-23; 110, Barbara Haigh 31-26; 111, Rob Lees 31-27; 122, Denise Pozorski 33-57; 132, Danny Batty 3720.

Barnsley Parkrun

3, Sean Pitt 18-32; 13, Ian Neville 21-15; 36, Shaun Swallow 23-57; 89, Sue Hall 28-36; 169, Ray Brown 35-42; 214, Dawn Godley 53-19; 215, Stu Smith 53-21; 218, Martyn Goodwin 55-35.

CONQUERING THE WELSH ULTRA

Local runners from Valley Hill put in outstanding performances across a range of events this past weekend, from a local parkrun to a challenging ultra-marathon in Wales.

Saturday saw a strong presence from VHR at parkrun events, the free 5k run held weekly.

Dean Ellis was among the VHR participants at the Concord event, where he successfully ran a new personal best for the 5k distance.

North Lincs Half and 10k Success

On Sunday, two VHR members tackled the North Lincs Half and 10k races.

Jess Lishman completed the half marathon in a formidable 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Her excellent result is a testament to her consistent training.

Yvonne Howitt took on the 10k, reporting that she thoroughly enjoyed the race once she got into her stride,

benefiting from great weather conditions for running.

Welsh Ultra Challenge Conquered

Jonny Briggs headed to Wales to compete in The Brecon to Cardiff Ultra, a demanding 43-mile run incorporating a mixture of trails.

Despite some rain during the race, conditions were generally favorable.

Briggs demonstrated impressive endurance, completing the lengthy event in under 8 hours.

Following his monumental effort, he enjoyed a well-deserved celebratory curry.

LADIES GO TOP STOCKSBRIDGE

Stocksbridge Park Steels Ladies secured a vital 2-1 victory against rivals YP Women at Bracken Moor to claim the top spot in the league table.

PS 2-1 YP WOMEN

The game started with high intensity, and the Steels’ early pressure paid off in the 21st minute.

A high press allowed them to win the ball back, and Jenna McGee fired the ball into

STOPPAGE TIME DRAMA OUGHTIBRIDGE 1-0 HANDSWORTH

Oughtibridge Women ended their three-month wait for a league victory in the most dramatic fashion, securing all three points against Handsworth with a last-gasp winner deep into injury time.

Following a recent goalless draw between the two sides, it looked set to be another frustrating afternoon for both teams, with hard work in midfield but a lack of a clinical edge up front. Oughtibridge were, however, thankful for a standout performance from goalkeeper Scarlett Cooper, who produced a fine display to keep the scoreline level.

The turning point arrived midway through the second half when the Handsworth keeper was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box under pressure. With the advantage, Cara Hopkinson was pushed into an attacking role and came close to breaking the deadlock, but her powerful shot sailed just over the bar.

Just as Handsworth felt they had done enough to hold on for a hard-earned point, it was Oughtibridge’s longestserving players who combined to break their resistance. Deep into injury time, the ever-reliable Laura Cain jinked past a couple of defenders on the wing before delivering a perfect cross for Codi Melia to slot home, sparking wild celebrations and handing Oughtibridge a vital victory.

the net to make it 1-0. Despite YP dominating possession after the goal, Stocksbridge remained the more threatening side, with McGee even making a crucial goal-line clearance to maintain the lead into the break.

The second half saw YP come out strong, but Steels keeper Laura Wilson was up to the task. The contest remained a tense affair until the final 20 minutes.

The decisive moment came when Laura Brown (LB), stepping up to a free kick 25 yards out, curled a superb effort over the wall and into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0 with just 12 minutes left.

Stocksbridge almost added a third when a Laura B corner was headed against the crossbar by McGee.

YP pulled one back from a rebound after a late free-kick was saved onto the bar by Laura Wilson, setting up a nervy final few moments.

However, the Steels held on for a hard-fought 2-1 win, keeping them firmly on top of the table.

HILLS AND GRADIENTS FOR NARNI

Stocksbridge Running Club’s secretary, Narni Fulford, showed remarkable determination and stamina at the recent Liversedge Half Marathon, taking on one of Yorkshire’s most demanding (and pretty!) courses. Known for its relentless hills and ever-changing gradients, the Liversedge race is a true test for any long-distance runner: there was a 10k offering taking place in nearby Roberttown that shared much of the challenging hills. The notorious Spen 20 (taking place slightly later in the month) builds on the already testing halfmarathon course and is considered essential training for any Spring Marathoner.

Fulford rose to the challenge and completed the half-marathon in a time of 1:54:02, securing 26th place out of 118 female competitors. A sprint finish at the end saw runners rewarded with beautiful slate medals that double up as coasters and a wild array of chocolate bars. Stocksbridge Running Club is committed to helping local runners of all abilities to realise their potential and to build towards road, trail, and fell races of a variety of lengths! They continue to meet on a Monday evening, with details available on their social media pages.

HEAVY AWAY DEFEAT FOR STEELS

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 4 - 0 STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS

By Andrew McMath

An unbeaten February for the Steels came to an end on the final day of the month as they returned to South Yorkshire having been outclassed by second place FC United of Manchester.

The Steels kept the Mancheser side at bay for 41 minutes despite a flurry of chances. The deadlock finally broke by Matty Grivosti, the number 7 skillfully weaving into the box and squeezing the ball in at the near post.

A defensive mix up saw United score a second just two minutes later. A throw-in just inside Steels half down the right flank led to a cross from deep. The following collision in the box between Steels goalkeeper and defender resulted in an easy goal for an alert Jay Fitzmartin.

Then came the second half, Steels had the first chance of the half with a free kick on the edge of the box which ultimately looped over the bar.

In the 57th minute a corner routine from FC United saw a quick ball played to the edge of the box to an unmarked Grivosti who made the finish look easy as it flew past Townsend and into the back of the net for 3-0.

FC United had another good chance that showed their quality in the 64th minute. Facing his own goal the United defender turned played a ball left and a couple of

passes later the Steels defence was unlocked. The game kept at just 3-0 due to heroics from the Steels goalkeeper.

FC United of Manchester’s final goal came from a cross that drove right across the box to meet Donald Chimalilo who was unmarked at the backpost for a ‘simple’ finish. Not a bad way to take your first touch for a new club.

Ultimately, the crowd of 1,927 saw the Steels well beaten but the focus will surely be on winning their important relegation battle against Morpeth Town next Saturday.

Manager Jordan Lemon said: “I was looking at Tommo with about five minutes to go and said to myself I don’t know how we’re losing 4-0. Not in terms of, they’re a really good team but between both boxes, I thought we did really well.

“35 minutes 0-0 kept them to absolutely nothing and then a really sloppy goal. Second phase from a corner didn’t get out with the winger to double up. Allowed him to cut inside on his left foot which we said is what he was going to do and struck a deflection and went through Townsend.

“We don’t get goals like [the second goal] but we seem to be giving goals away like that frequently.”

Next game: Morpeth Town (H). Saturday 7 March. 15:00.

CHURCH CURSED BY LATE GOALS

Tadcaster Albion 1-1 Penistone Church FC

Last Tuesday in a re-arranged fixture Church entertained Knaresborough Town

The game took a dramatic turn in the last minutes. With the scores at two-two it looked as if Church had pinched it when substitute Rob Ludlam scored with a stooping back post header from a James Young free-kick but Knaresborough weren’t finished. Two minutes into added time a long clearance from the Town keeper caught the Church defence on the bounce for Slater Barkham-Barnes to lob the keeper and save a point for Knaresborough

Co-manager John Whitehead

Another late equaliser tonight means we’ve dropped two points, we just need to see games out and manage them better, especially late on.

On Saturday Church Reserves beat South Elmsall United Services four-nil with a hat trick of goals from striker Will Heath and one from Luke Fretwell but according to Manager Tom Wright it wasn’t as easy as the score line suggests.

“We’ve defended brilliantly today, we were under a lot of pressure particularly in the first half, we played with spirit and heart”

For the main event of Saturday afternoon Church first team were on the road as they travelled to up the M1 to play Tadcaster Albion

It looked like it would be an away day victory for Church who took the lead when Reece High scored midway through the first half but a goal in added time from Tadcaster’s Desmond Okoro meant the points were shared.

Co-manager Brett Lovell:

We set about them from the off today, we were excellent in everything we did. We weathered a bit of pressure at times but they didn’t create an awful lot, Charlie Hobbs who has been in goal for us today (we thank Sheffield Wednesday for allowing him to come to us) was excellent, he pulled a really good save off with his legs in the first half, but outside of that I can’t think of too many chances created by Tadcaster. Our goal was quality, we managed to get Leon Hurles-Brook free inside the box and after a shot come cross from him Reece High managed to help it in from six yards out to put us one-nil up. We had another opportunity by Eddie Newsome who hit a great strike from the edge of the box which hit the crossbar and we had two or three good opportunities to score but it just wouldn’t fall for us.

In the second half we came out and were excellent again. It was a really positive performance and disappointing to concede in the ninety-second minute and take the points away which I thought we deserved. No disrespect to Ryan Qualter and his Tadcaster boys I just thought we were better on the day over the ninety plus minutes and to concede so late was gutting. A corner came in, the lads just flicked it on just in front of James Young, its hit their striker and gone in the top corner

So its another point on the board, another game unbeaten, its disappointing that we could have been sat here with six points from the last two games but injury time goals have scuppered that. An excellent performance from the lads there’s no criticism by me and Jubby today we thought they were excellent throughout.