Barnsley Chronicle Epaper 06.03.26

YOUNG CHAMPIONS

THE VOICE OF BARNSLEY

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

By Jack Tolson

A COUPLE who travelled to Dubai to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary – and were left stranded for days with missiles and fighter jets flying overhead due to the Iranian and US-Israel conflict – have spoken of their relief after finally returning home.

to withstand disease threats.”

New markets launch

A NEW programme of seasonal markets across the borough will start later this month. The markets will take place in Wombwell, Penistone, Hoyland and Goldthorpe, giving residents and visitors something new to enjoy all year round alongside our traditional markets, which will continue to run one day a week.

The ‘improved offer’, according to the council, will begin with spring markets in Goldthorpe and Wombwell on March 28, in Penistone on April 4 and in Hoyland on April 11. Specialist markets will then launch on April 25 – after that, themed markets will rotate between the centres. Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “People told us in surveys earlier this year that they wanted more fun, creative and sustainable markets – and we listened.”

The United States and Israel launched an attack against Iran’s leadership and military on Saturday, subsequently killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran began retaliatory attacks on Israel, Bahrain, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.

Bolton-upon-Dearne couple Ross and Sarah Barcy-Marsh, both 43, flew out to Dubai to celebrate their anniversary last Thursday – but nothing could have prepared them for the attacks that would ensue. What should have been one of the happiest times of their lives has turned into a nightmare.

Ross, who spoke to the Chronicle from his hotel, said: “We flew out on Thursday from Manchester and we were planning to stay for five nights.

“We were really enjoying it.We planned to do some excursions every day and we’d noticed on the Friday there were loads of planes flying above.

“But on the Saturday there weren’t any. We went to the Global Village on Saturday night and then everyone from back home started texting and ringing me.

“My dad asked me if I’d seen the news.

“He said that the Iranian Supreme Leader had died and they are retaliating – he said that a hotel in Dubai had been hit and to be careful.

“We shot back to the hotel and then everyone got a safety message on their phones with sirens – it was horrible.”

The message on Ross’ phone came through in Arabic but translated to ‘due to a possible missile threat, immediately seek shelter in the nearest safe building’.

Throughout the coming days, the couple stayed at the hotel but they were constantly hearing missiles and explosions near to the hotel – and while trying to relax around

the pool they heard a huge explosion and a nearby building was well alight.

“Everyone was panicking,” he said.

“The police were telling us that we couldn’t leave on the Saturday.

“We went to bed at 2.30am and then we were woken up at 4am and 6am with massive explosions.

“On Sunday we were by the pool and then everyone started running over to the beach a building was on fire.

“There’s missiles and fighter jets just flying overhead. It’s put everyone on edge.

“One minute it’s calm and then there’s some huge explosions.

“You’ve got families grabbing their kids and no-one knows where to go. It really is terrifying.”

The couple were due to fly home on Tuesday afternoon but were unable to do so. After days of waiting, Ross and his wife were finally able to book on to a flight which left Dubai yesterday – and he says he knows just how lucky they are.

“We were told that our insurance is void because of the war,” he added.

“We were having to pay for our room on the credit card – it’s an expense we didn’t budget for. We just want to get home now.

“We’ve got two kids, aged six and nine.

“We feel really bad for the people that are still stuck. There were people in front of us without tickets crying who were trying to

“We

TRUELOVE,

Trial collection idea is welcomed

By Jack Tolson

5,220 and more than any annual total since 2015/16.

The cost of collecting and disposing of illegally dumped waste rose sharply to £429,397 during the same period, an increase of more than £130,000 on the previous year.

Last September, the Liberal Democrat group tabled a motion to the council to offer free bulky waste collection in a bid to stop fly-tipping across the town.

They said that the introduction of a limited free bulky waste collection for residents in some areas of the borough has the potential to reduce the number of items being dumped on our streets, therefore saving money on clearing fly-tipping. It was decided that a cost-benefit analysis which would compare the potential savings from reduced fly-tipping against the reduced income from introducing a free twoitem bulky waste collection service would take place.

ASHTON,

Coun Chris Wray, who represents the Dodworth ward, told the Chronicle that the findings of the study are set to be revealed – and he’s hopeful the scheme will be launched in the coming months.

He told the Chronicle: “Last year, we brought forward a motion to look at bulky waste collection and how altering that may become a

One of those areas

way of reducing fly-tipping.

“The reality is that the more barriers people face, the more likely they are to take the easy way out.

“We need to remove barriers.

“We are pleased that our motion passed last year, and in discussions with officers, we are aware that the findings of the study will be brought forward within a month or two.

“What we hope is that a trial will happen, and areas impacted will benefit from a new way of thinking in an area that simply isn’t improving.”

Barnsley Road, South Elmsall, WF9 2RF, Tel: 01977 642353

NEWSLINES

£200k mark is hit in breast cancer appeal

By Josh Timlin

College gets national recognition for engagement policy

BARNSLEY College has been recognised for its innovative approach to employer engagement by the Association of Colleges. The college was named as a finalist in the City and Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers category for its academy model, which embeds employers at the heart of curriculum design and delivery.

With around 30 partnerships across industries, the model ensures the college is meeting its purpose of ‘transforming lives’ by ensuring a clear line-of-sight from education into employment, with facilities and opportunities tailored to the industry in question.

College principal and chief executive David Akeroyd said: “Being a finalist is a tremendous achievement and a powerful endorsement of Barnsley College’s programme.

“This recognition belongs to colleagues across the whole college and to our employer partners who work alongside us every day to create exceptional opportunities for our students.

“Our academy model is built on genuine collaboration employers co-designing curriculum, mentoring students and setting real-world projects that develop the skills, behaviours and confidence industry demands.

“I am incredibly proud of the collective effort that has made this programme such a success.

“We should all be proud that our sector-leading approach has been recognised on a national stage.”

Volunteering hours are

Simple

Landmark day is welcomed by Claire

By Jack Tolson

paper, we are placing a lifeline into everyday moments.

“It’s a simple idea, but one that could have a powerful impact –especially if it reaches someone who is struggling quietly and needs to know that support is there.”

Collections started GREEN bin collections returned this week.

The collections were suspended during the winter months but returned on Tuesday. You can put grass cuttings, leaves, weeds and flowers in your green bin but not coffee grounds, stones, gravel or sand.

Delays are likely MOTORISTS have been warned of possible delays in Great Houghton next week.

From Tuesday until Thursday temporary traffic lights will be in place on Billingley Lane. Yorkshire Water are responsible for the work.

A LANDMARK step in the inspirational Claire Throssell MBE’s campaign to save children’s lives following her own heartbreaking ordeal will begin on Tuesday – in what will finally result in a ‘monumental change’, according to her local MP. Claire has campaigned for years to overturn the presumptive contact rule which allows both parents in a separating couple access to their children, regardless of whether one has a history of domestic abuse.

She began her campaign two years after the death of her two children, Jack and Paul, aged nine and 12 respectively, who died in the house fire started by her estranged husband in Penistone on October 22, 2014.

She had pleaded with professionals to help prevent Jack and Paul’s father from having unsupervised contact as she felt their safety was in jeopardy.

In October, marking the 11th anniversary of Jack and Paul’s deaths, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Claire and Marie Tidball MP to 10 Downing Street to promise Claire that his government would repeal

the presumption of contact.

And now the landmark Courts and Tribunals Bill has been introduced to Parliament, which includes a clause to do just that.

The presumption of contact is a legal principle, brought about by the 2014 Children’s Act, to amend the 1989 Children’s Act, which means having both parents in a child’s life is always prioritised over the child’s safety, including where there is a known history of domestic abuse.

Clause 17 of the Bill – called

‘Welfare of the Child’ – will remove the presumption of contact completely from the law.

The bill will receive its second reading in the Commons on Tuesday – and then move through the legislative process in Parliament until it becomes law.

Claire said:

“Presumption has no place in a court of law or when it comes to the safety of children and their lives.

“I never thought that this day would come, and in the darkest days, when all I had left was a glimmer of hope and a lifetime of love and a final promise to keep, repealing the presumption of parental contact seemed impossible.

“The clause will change children’s lives and give them all safer, brighter futures.

“A childhood free of fear and oppression.

“Seen, heard, believed, supported and protected.

“A total of 68 children have been murdered due to unsafe child contact at the hands of domestically abusive parents.

“Jack and Paul were two of them.

“For 30 years family courts have failed to protect children but now, thanks to this Labour government ,they will not be failed for 30 more.

“Jack and Paul were placed in my arms when they entered this world and placed in my arms to leave it.

“This new bill will prevent further deaths and parents having to exist like me and while this bill has a long way to go before it becomes legislation, the first major step towards that better future has begun.”

Ms Tidball, who has supported Claire and her campaign since being elected, has named the bill ‘Jack and Paul’s law’.

She said: “This is an incredibly emotional and historic moment.

“When I stood for election, I promised the formidable

BROOKLANDS BOARD GAME CAFE

Claire Throssell MBE that if I was elected I would help her change the law.

“Eleven years since she started her campaign, after the deaths of her beautiful boys, this law change is on the cusp of being delivered by our Labour government.

“This is Jack and Paul’s law.

“Their voices are being heard loud and clear on the face of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, creating a monumental change that will protect the lives of generations of children, giving them brighter, safer futures. I

“I’m so proud that Keir Starmer made this personal promise to Claire, taking a vital step to ensure that children’s safety is always at the heart of our family courts.

“Jack and Paul’s story, and Claire’s campaign to repeal the presumption of contact, are so close to so many of us across our communities who have stood beside Claire every step of the way.

“It has been an absolute honour to campaign alongside Claire since I became her MP.

“To see the repeal of the presumption of contact now in legislation is one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Serving tea/coffee/

Clothing brand will be a lasting legacy to Lily-Rae

By Jack Tolson

“I

“I’ve

“Everything just kind of aligned and I feel now it feels like the right time.

“We’ve been working on it since 2014.

“Obviously we could have launched it last year but because it’s a tribute

By Jack Tolson

With Gary Rowley

A driving seat doesn’t make you invincible

WHY is it that I love LOVE Walnut Whips, coffee and walnut cake… but I can’t flipping stand walnuts?

And which of the nuts has almost magical powers in bringing down cholesterol and should be in every diet? Walnuts.

Anyway, I’ve forced myself to like them. Yes I could fanny about soaking and roasting them but you lose the efficient properties so what’s the point?

Seven walnuts per day is all you need to get the advantages flowing to your heart, brain, gut, blimey – those little nuts are powerful things.

I much prefer the Brazil nut, but you’re only supposed to eat about three of those per day

(whoops – missed that memo).

But anyway, look it up. No wonder why squirrels look so sprightly.

I smiled when I saw the cover of last week’s Chron because two of the loveliest people in Barnsley were on the cover celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary: Keith and Jeannette Owen who were great friends of mum and dad.

A wonderful couple and they usually come and

see me when I’m doing a book signing to say hello. I never seen them without a smile on their faces whatever is going on because they’ve had their rough times and they are a joy to meet up with. I wish them all my very, very best and love so I hope they get this message.

I have no idea what was going on with the roads last week in Barnsley. On Sunday morning Park Road at Kingstone was closed, a fallen telegraph pole had closed Dodworth Road at the same time.

A pedestrian killed on the motorway the day before and Regent Street closed as well because of a car that had rammed its way up the stairs of Estabulo. If all that wasn’t enough, another car had somehow (don’t ask me how) managed to half-obliterate walls at the bottom of our street straight into a neighbour’s car on their drive on Thursday night.

The other half went down to see what was going on with all the blue lights and the driver was in a proper stat, being treated by the paramedics. But, my point being, just watch yourselves out there folks.

We’ve recently seen people driving at ridiculous speeds through Morrisons in Cortonwood and Ikea in Sheffield and I always picture my mum

Your VIEWS

Why Labour

getting out of a car because she wouldn’t have had a chance at getting out of the way of them.

The scary thing is that you are not only watching out for yourself in a ton of metal, you’re having to keep your eyes on stalks for nutters who are under the impression that sitting behind a steering wheel makes them invincible. There are plenty of people resting in the cemeteries who can tell them, it doesn’t.

Oh and if anyone from the council is reading this, the car that obliterated our neighbour’s wall on Dodworth Road also decimated the popular bench there into sticks of firewood. If there’s some brass in the budget to replace it, that would be really kind of you.

If you don’t know what to get your mam for Mother’s Day, if she likes a book, I will be selling and signing my backlist titles at Mike’s Famous Book Stall 10am-12 on Saturday, March 14.

You can bring along any books already bought to sign, but it would be very nice if you bought one from Mike and supported his very beloved business. There will be something in it from me as well if you do. Have a good week folks, stay safe and well!

through in a typical shift. Would measurements be conducted by the cupful, I wonder? Or would gallons be more apt?

And then there would be the unending kudos which came with the role. How good would it feel, puffing out your chest and informing someone you’re a grade one dunker – a prestigious biscuit dipper from the factory biscuit gang.

Controversial viewpoint, maybe – but Hob Nobs are tops in my eyes. Robust in texture, they survive dunking with ease, rarely breaking off and creating that awful porridge like mush at the bottom of the cup, necessitating a return trip to the kitchen to mash a fresh brew.

Harking back, the old TV biscuit adverts were something else, laced with catchy little ditties which, once absorbed, would impregnate the subconscious and leave folk singing away for hours if not days.

I mean, who can forget the immortal, when you’re feeling a little bit peckish, p-p-p-pick up a Penguin. Or the eternal, if you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit join our Club.

And don’t forget the Classic, Wagon Wheels are a treat for me. Still are, in fact, though with shrinkflation, I think they should perhaps be re-christened Skateboard Wheels. Our school tuck shop used to sell gazillions daily. I don’t know what the next numerical stage after gazillions is - but the denomination wouldn’t be far off how many Jammie Dodgers they got through at the same time.

Another top dunk was the legendary Sport biscuit, slender shortcake offerings embossed with matchstick men, frozen in various sports poses. Rugby. Cricket. Snooker and tennis. My nephew, Mark Jones, once possessed what could only be described as a disturbing affliction when it came to Sport biscuits. Whenever he ripped into a packet, he had an unbreakable, unshakeable rule inside his head, ensuring he kept dunking until he found a footballer – even if the bulk of the packet disappeared in the process. Nice, eh? Oops, sorry. Unintentional biscuit reference. Nice biscuits - crunchy, rectangular biccies with a scalloped edge, coconut flavouring and a sugary, granulated topping to boot.

Many houses still own a biscuit tin – cylindrical tin objects with an airtight lid, adorned with attention-grabbing designs. Every imaginable type of biscuit can be found jumbled up inside. Digestive, chocolate and plain. Butter Crinkle and Ginger Nuts. Shortcake, Custard Creams and Rich Tea. And, yes, even Bourbons - a short straw on lucky dips if ever there was one. Enter any supermarket and the biscuit display seems to go on forever, an explosion of eye-catching colour – as if a giant rainbow has

MICK DREWRY, Don View, Dunford

Bridge

THE two leading articles on page two of last week’s Chronicle show that Barnsley’s Labour council, like their national leaders, simply don’t listen to – or deliver for –the people that they purport to represent. With the May elections on the horizon, Sir Steve Houghton and cabinet member, James Higginbottom, should reflect on their record on road maintenance and road safety, rather than the comfortable majorities they had in 2024. As regular readers will know, I have had a long-running tussle with Coun Higginbottom’s highways department to get Brook Hill Lane, between Carlecotes and Dunford Bridge, resurfaced.

My quest started four years ago and all I have had is a few botchfilled potholes and platitudes about the council’s ‘commitment to road safety’.

I eagerly await the publication

COUN ROBERT BARNARD, Penistone East ward IN last week’s Barnsley Chronicle, Starmer’s MP for Barnsley South waxes lyrical about the benefits of Great British Energy, a state-run energy company. What could possibly go wrong?

of the 2026/27 roads maintenance programme, which will no doubt be kept under wraps until after the May elections. Come the elections in May, the people of Barnsley have an opportunity to show Labour the door but they probably won’t, despite or because of their record in office, depending on which part of the borough they live. In and around the town centre, people must be well-satisfied on the improvements made to the town centre and the many millions of pounds that has been spent there.

Conversely, if they live on the periphery of the borough, like Penistone West, where hardly anything has been spent, especially on road maintenance, they will be hoping for change, just like they were in the last general election, only to be very disappointed so far; but there’s hope!

This time around, all of the 63 seats are up for grabs and the recent by-election result should tell Couns Houghton and Higginbot-

tom that there’s no such thing as a safe seat right now.

Getting down to who to vote for if you want Labour out, there will no doubt be a greater number of options this time as there is likely to be more parties on the ballot papers.

Currently, the Lib Dems hold the official opposition with nine seats, but with the Greens and Reform UK on the ascendancy (although Reform UK seem to have peaked as their record in local authorities where they won control last time has been one of chaos), the Lib Dems will have a fight on their hands to win control.

But with the spiteful rejection of the Lib Dem budget amendment to increase spending on road maintenance, Labour have shown that they are out of touch with the electorate.

When you add to this their woeful record on bin collections and fly-tipping, Labour could possibly pay the price on May 7.

So, let us look at 2025 household electricity energy prices in major industrial economies. The source is statista.com and it’s expressed in US/KWh for ease of comparison. UK: 0.40. France: 0.28. Spain: 0.25. Japan: 0.23. USA: 0.18. India: 0.08. Maybe instead of spending our taxes competing with existing suppliers, the government could look at the extra we are all paying for its obsession with net zero. We need to ask if covering farmland with solar panels and wind turbines is the answer or whether we would be better off using the land to produce food and stop killing the birds.

Housing developers are just not delivering...

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

THE article reporting on the ‘safeguarded land’ planning application at Wombwell in the edition dated February 20 demonstrates once again that well-founded views of the local community are of no consequence.

An examination of the 32-page report considered by the planning regulatory board at its meeting on February 24 was much more revealing in its content in using the National Planning Policy

Framework to justify approving this planning application, albeit in outline.

Remember that the council’s local plan was adopted in 2019 as fit for purpose on the clear basis that it demonstrated a five-year housing land supply. The Local Plan was reviewed in 2022 and again was considered to be fit for purpose based on 1,134 dwellings per annum.

The conclusion from reading the report in support of this planning application, together with the

general election of 1964, I managed to organise some unofficial resistance to the crusty old reactionaries. My mate Rob and I operated together in a similar fashion to the way we competed in the three-legged race at Barnsley Schools’ Sports Day. Marching around the playground we began chanting, “If you’re voting Labour, join on.” As our line grew longer, the flimsy junior wing of the Agnes Road Conservative Party got clobbered with my pump-bag. It seemed a fair idea at the time and lots of fun. Neither of my parents were political, so I’ve no idea how I absorbed these ‘leftie’ principles, but even at 10 I believed that socialists acted for the common good and the Tories were mainly out to feather their own nest. However, I never seriously got involved in politics, of any kind,

content of the council’s housing delivery test action plan – dated October 2025 – indicates that the issues are not caused by a lack of appropriate land allocations in the Local Plan, but a lack of delivery by developers. Indeed the housing land supply figure quoted from the planning regulatory board report in the article is picked up from this document and as such, appears to confuse land supply with the actual number of houses delivered by developers.

Medieval village church had its fair share of the ‘stinking rich’

ment to Sir Thomas Wentworth and his wife, Grace.

Priests who died in office had the automatic right to be interred in the church.

The last vicar in Silkstone to do so was Rev Henry Watkins, who was interred behind the high altar.

People who paid to be buried in church were known as the ‘the stinking rich’, a description which is still in use today.

As their bodies started to decompose, they gave off an unpleasant smell, hence the expression.

As with most medieval churches, Silkstone had its fair share of the stinking rich.

Many were landed gentry, inhabiting places such as Bullah Hall and Fieldhead Manor.

Some of these include two Civil War Knights and their Lady wives, an ancestor of the poet William Wordsworth and Huguenot glass workers.

The Wentworths of Bretton Hall, now the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, have their own mortuary chapel in Silkstone Church. Here stands the magnificent monu-

Sir Thomas, a supporter of Charles I, lost much of his land and wealth during the Commonwealth period, but this was reinstated when Charles II came to the throne. The monument is considered to be one of the finest examples of a knight in armour of the Restoration period. Sir Thomas died in December 1675 and joined his ancestors in their chapel, in Silkstone church. Lady Grace Wentworth then married Alexander, Earl of Eglington and lived at Bretton Hall.

All was well with the marriage until the Earl, whilst gambling at the Angel Inn, in Doncaster, got into an argument and repeatedly ran his sword through Thomas Maddox, killing him. The Earl was tried for murder at York and sentenced to death. He was reprieved and eventually pardoned by the king, set free but had to forfeit his lands and entitlements. The Earl continued to live at Bretton Hall with Grace, now a Countess, until her death at the age of 70, in March, 1698. Grace joined her husband in Silkstone Church and her effigy was added to the Wentworth monument. To learn more about local history, join Heritage Silkstone at Silkstone Church, where they meet every Wednesday, from 10am to 2pm.

Middle East events ‘a danger to us all’

GEORGE ARTHUR, Church Street, Jump WHAT mixed times we live in! Last Friday many of us rejoiced that the Green Party had comprehensively

killed 150 primary school children. He encourages the people of Iran to demonstrate while he bombs them and as I write over 500 have already been killed by US and Israeli bombs. Within a couple of days Starmer has given his support to Trump which is a reminder of how Blair helped encourage George Bush to launch his illegal attack on Iraq in 2003. That helped to destabilise the Middle East; Trump’s attempt to force US domination on the region is looking to endanger the safety of all of us. And, of course, Farage calls out his support for his mate Trump and the attacks he has launched. Given that Reform

JOHN PARKINSON, Kingsway, Mapplewell WHAT a surprise... Tuesday March 3 at 9.30am and I’ve been to the supermarket for diesel. Guess what? The price increased 3p per litre since Monday. Surely nobody is taking advantage of anything happening in the world?

until just after the miners’ strike of 1984/85 and it was two female activists who inspired me. One was the late Susan Shaw, who led the AntiApartheid Movement in Barnsley, and the other was my wife, Janet Richardson, who was a teacher and high-profile union activist. Susan and Janet were fearless in standing up for what they believed in, and both were accomplished debaters. For example, while national right-wing politicians were describing Nelson Mandela as a terrorist and campaigning for his execution, these two women argued and demonstrated fiercely for the total destruction of the apartheid system. It was then I began to think: if they can do this, then why can’t I? It was also about this time that I began to learn about the famous Bryant and May match-girls’ strike of 1888, and the early 20th century suffragettes. Where’s all this leading? I recently discovered that ‘Unite’ the trade union had decided to honour women of the Labour and trade union movement, at Wortley Hall. A new Japanese-style garden has been created by Will Tomson, specifically to celebrate the achievements of women of the working class. Will lives in Springvale, Penistone, and last year appeared on Monty Don’s Gardeners’ World, in which he demonstrated his impressive horticultural skills. Plaques, dedicated to the memory of five women,

Police are aiming to clip the wings of cuckooing

By Josh Timlin

that as an easy way in – they befriend the victims, gain trust and take over the property, effectively.

“Given the victims’ vulnerabilities, they often won’t even see themselves as a victim.

“We’re keen to disrupt organised criminality but it’s very much a multi-layered approach.

“If you notice unusual activity at a property in your area – such as frequent visitors, antisocial behaviour, or signs of drug use – please report it using 101.

“Your information can help protect vulnerable residents and keep our communities safe.”

Cuckooing figures hit their highest level in five years in 2024/25, with 84 incidents being recorded by South Yorkshire Police – up from eight in 2019/20. Statistics for 2025/26, which will be released later this year, were on course to break the previous year’s high, accord-

ing to a police report. It added: “OCGs often use high levels of violence and intimidation to protect the ‘county line’ and control them.

“One of these forms of control exploits vulnerable people by using their home as a base for dealing drugs, a process known as cuckooing.

“Dealers often convince the vulnerable person to let their home be used for drug dealing by giving them free drugs or offering to pay for food or utilities.

“Often OCGs target people who are lonely, isolated,

Waiting restrictions introduced

PLANS to introduce waiting restrictions on a busy Royston road have been approved following a cabinet meeting. Meadstead Drive is a residential street with most houses having off-street parking.

However, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has reported the obstruction of bus services.

ly that.

“Moving into a council-owned building also offers excellent value for money, saving £440,000 each year that can be reinvested into essential public services.

“We want learners to feel reassured and positive about what the new space will offer.

“By taking a thoughtful and supportive approach, we aim to create a more sustainable, welcoming and high-quality environment that helps people feel confident, comfortable and ready to achieve their goals.”

A report, which was discussed by councillors on Wednesday, said: “The issues reported are inconsiderate and obstructive parking, on both sides of the road, on the bend and its approaches.

“This parking is impeding the flow of traffic, particularly for larger vehicles.

“The council’s traffic team has investigated the reports and carried out site visits and observations on Meadstead Drive.

“Vehicles were observed parked immediately approaching, and around the bend.

“Some vehicles were parked partially on the footway, obstructing users.

“The issues were exacerbated at school start and finish times, with vehicles blocking private accesses, and the access road to the school.

“These times also saw an increase in pedestrian movements, with the risk posed to those crossing the road increased due to the prolifer-

ation of injudiciously parked vehicles.

“The inconsiderate parking is significantly impacting the free flow of traffic, reducing visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and forcing footway users into the carriageway.

“The traffic team also noted that, whilst the report originated from the SYPTE, the issues impact all larger vehicles, including public service vehicles and the emergency services.

“To address the situation, it is proposed to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ to part of Meadstead Drive.” The plans were subsequently approved.

‘Gay boy’ slur leads to footballer fine

In

By Jack Tolson

Teen’s bike seized after incident

A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD girl who raced away from police officers and reached almost 60mph on an off-road bike has been reported by the police for a variety of offences. While out on an operation to target nuisance and illegal off-road bike use across the Dearne on Saturday, Barnsley South East’s Neighbourhood Policing

Breastfeeding increase is recorded

By Jack Tolson

Chance to showcase big changes at inspiring show

By Jack Tolson

‘FROM

Illegal tobacco sellers are slapped with closure order

By Josh Timlin

A SHOP which was the hub for the illegal distribution of illicit tobacco for a year has been given a threemonth closure order following a council-led probe.

Barnsley Magistrates’ Court issued the order for Goldthorpe 26, located at 26 High Street, Goldthorpe in a case brought against the store’s current and former owners. This comes following a Trading Standards investigation into the suspected distribution and sale of illegal tobacco from the premises over the past year.

In addition to the closure order, Barnsley Council also successfully obtained an order for its legal costs. The court ordered both 26 Goldthorpe Limited, the previous owner, and Ako Ahmed, the current owner, to pay £1,945 each for a total cost award of £3,890.

Councillor Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and

communities, said: “Our teams are committed to tackling and preventing the sale of illegal tobacco in Barnsley, protecting the health and safety of our communities.

“While all tobacco poses significant health risks, unregulated products can contain higher levels of harmful substances, making them even more dangerous to people’s health, and are often sold at cheaper prices, making them more attractive to those who don’t smoke.

“This result sends a clear message that we won’t tolerate illegal trading in Barnsley, and how we’re committed to working with our partners to hold businesses who fail to comply with the rules and regulations to account.”

Since last April, the Trading Standards team has found 4,560 illegal cigarettes and 56 hand-rolling tobacco pouches at the premises that didn’t meet legal regulations for sale in the UK.

During a food standards visit in April 2025, officers found a small number of illegal tobacco products being stored in the premises. They also found and seized a number of food products that breached key safety regulations.

A joint operation with South Yorkshire Police last September led to the discovery of 1,340 illegal cigarettes and 14 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco that breached regulations in a hidden concealment.

Another hidden concealment was found by a sniffer dog during another joint operation with South Yorkshire Police last November.

During this visit, officers found 3,040 illegal cigarettes and 41 pouches of hand rolling tobacco that breached regulations.

Coun Cain added: “During the investigation, a series of test purchases were also conducted, with the store found to be selling illegal tobacco products on visits in August

2025 and January 2026.

“Under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities can ask the courts to issue closure orders to businesses considered to be engaging in criminal behaviour and causing a public nuisance, helping to prevent these activities from continuing or recurring. Given the evidence presented as part of our investigation, this case shows how we’re committed to putting people’s safety first, taking action where businesses

legislation designed to

communities.

“If you see anything suspicious or have any information about the sale of counterfeit goods, including illegal tobacco and vapes, please get in touch with the team by emailing regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov. uk or calling 01226 773743. “We’re also here to help businesses understand their legal responsibilities.”

Town’s links to Ancient Egypt are going on show

By Josh Timlin

tomorrow – first looks at the queens, female pharaohs and goddesses who were role models for each other, and for Cleopatra.

It then explores Cleopatra’s life, her royal ancestry, her lifestyle, relationships and public image, and the many ways this image has been reinterpreted down the centuries via Shakespearian drama to Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic 1963 film portrayal. Highlights include spectacular ancient jewellery from the British Museum, objects from some of Egypt’s royal tombs, plus original memorabilia from the film Cleopatra including Elizabeth’s signed photograph.

It has been brought together by the

internationally-renowned Barnsleyborn Professor Joann Fletcher, who has been recognised across the world for her work in archaeology, for her many books and for her popular BBC television documentaries about Egypt and the ancient world.

A council spokesperson said: “There are also artefacts and stories which highlight the many links between Barnsley and ancient Egypt.

“These include coins minted by Cleopatra and Mark Antony found in Darfield, after being buried for safety almost 1,700 years ago, and artwork by Barnsley-born Egyptologist Harold Jones, a colleague of Howard Carter who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.

“Like Jones, Carter also began his career as an artist, and his largest watercolour, portraying an Egyptian queen, is another exhibition highlight, on loan from the UK’s leading Egyptological institution the Egypt Exploration Society.”

Some of the Darfield-found coins formed part of the ‘God’s Land in God’s County: Ancient Egypt in Yorkshire’ exhibition back in 2017 at Experience Barnsley.

Joann admits a real love for the coins and when she was asked to select an ancient artefact to discuss with John Lloyd on his Radio 4 show ‘Museum of Curiosity’, she selected

one of the Darfield hoard.

“The reverse of each coin depicts Antony’s legionary standards, while the coins’ front carries the image of one of Cleopatra’s 500 Egyptian warships which were moored in Actium Bay prior to the battle,” she added.

“Cleopatra was funding the campaign, with the coins made of silver from her royal treasury – which travelled with her – and most likely minted at Patras in Greece.

“Patras was the couple’s military headquarters during the winter of 32-31 BC before they then moved north to Actium itself, a site located some 80 miles south of Corfu.

“To put it into context, Cleopatra and Antony died in 30 BC then 73 years later in AD 43 the Romans began the conquest of Britain under the emperor Claudius, who coincidentally was his grandson.

“It’s also the case that Roman coins tended to stay in circulation for a very long time and the Darfield hoards reflect this.

“The two hoards found in 1947 and 1948 each contained around 500 coins minted by a long succession of Roman leaders.

“We also know that like many other Roman coin hoards, the Darfield coins were all buried together in the midthird century, a time of great unrest

across the Roman empire following the assassination of the emperor Severus Alexander, but made even worse in our region by repeated raids down the east coast by the Saxons and Picts.

“People wanting to keep their wealth safe therefore buried it in the ground, intending to retrieve it in safer times – which in the case of the Darfield hoards, never happened.

“This exhibition is a real passion project, focusing on the famous-iflittle-understood female pharaoh Cleopatra and putting her back into history, both at an international and local level.

“By looking at Egypt’s earlier queens, female pharaohs and goddesses who were very much Cleopatra’s role models, the exhibition will highlight key parts of her life, ending with her legacy and the way she’s been viewed down the centuries since her death – basically how Cleopatra looked back at her predecessors and in turn, how we now look back at her.

“It’s been such a privilege working with our colleagues in Barnsley, around the UK and abroad to bring all this together here in my hometown, whose own links to ancient Egypt and Cleopatra herself add that extra special element to this unique exhibition.”

MP uses own experiences in fight for disabled mums

By Charlie King

A LOCAL MP has called on the government to end the inequalities faced by disabled women during their maternity care having shared her own experiences to help shape future services.

Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, secured a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, to discuss putting maternity care for disabled

Stagecoach to help solve parking issues

By Josh Timlin

Youngsters dive into swimming lessons

By Jack Tolson

Petition fails to have impact despite 2,000 signatures

By Josh Timlin

West, blasted the department for failing to invest in measures and said the enormity of the petition should have resulted in action.

“It’s frustrating but not at all surprising that this has been rejected by a council that refuses to invest in proactive road safety measures,” Coun Kitching said.

“We all – parents, school staff and councillors – just want to keep children and young people safe.

“It is horrifying to be reminded that the council will not take action until a ‘cluster of accidents’ has occurred in this location.

“We must not wait for children to be injured or even killed before we do anything

to keep them safe.

“This is why local Liberal Democrats councillors have worked with Penistone Area Council colleagues to ensure that every school in the local area – including the grammar school – will have a 20mph advisory school zone implemented.

“We know it isn’t the mandatory 20mph limit that the petition called for, but we hope it will remind drivers to keep their speeds low near the school.”

A council statement confirmed that no ‘collision cluster sites’ were identified on Huddersfield Road.

“The request for a permanent 20mph speed limit has been assessed by the traffic group and no collision cluster

sites have been identified at this location,” it added.

“The traffic group will provide ‘20mph When Lights Flash’ road signs on Huddersfield Road to remind drivers to slow down in the vicinity of the school.

“No other action can be supported by the council at this time.”

Paul Crook, principal of Penistone Grammar School –who campaigned for the speed limit reduction – reiterated his opinion that the 20mph zone would have been welcomed.

He told the Chronicle:

“As principal of Penistone Grammar School one of my aims is to keep pupils, their families and staff safe around the school site.

“Whilst I do appreciate the

introduction of an advisory 20mph zone, I do believe in the future a compulsory 20mph zone would be beneficial.

“Our message here is always ‘prevention rather than cure’ and proactivity – we would value a compulsory 20mph zone that aligns with our values of safety first, every time.

“The fact that 1,378 pupils have stood up to support this change shows how important this is to our school.

“In our discussions with the council, it has been noted that advisory limits are often ignored by inconsiderate drivers. The school has offered to fundraise toward the implementation costs, demonstrating our commitment to working as partners with the local authority.”

School impressed in visit from Ofsted

A PRIMARY school has been praised following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Brampton Cortonwood Infant School, on Chapel Avenue, is part of the James Montgomery Academy Trust.

Six of the seven areas judged by the watchdog met standard while one area needed attention. The report states: “Pupils arrive each morning,

“From

“Pupils

“They

“Pupils

“In

“Pupils

Inspiring

Danny keeps on rising to the challenge...

By Jack Tolson

A LOCAL roofer’s project to help vulnerable and elderly residents in the town has really taken off. Danny Smith, of Kingfisher Roofing, launched his project ‘Operations Roofing Men’ in a bid to support those most in need in the town. He offers to complete roofing work for free and has so far helped more than 100 people. He told the Chronicle: “I’ve been doing repairs for elderly and vulnerable people. “I’m a Barnsley lad and I’m all for the town so I just wanted to do something that would help others.

“I’ve been doing it for a while now but I’ve just made it official. “I’ve helped well over 100 people doing this.” Anyone who wants some help can contact Danny on his Facebook page, Kingfisher Roofing.

College’s merger is rubberstamped

By Jack Tolson

Northern College – based at Wentworth Castle, Stainborough –provides short community learning courses and longer accredited academic and vocational courses that enable students to progress on to further study, higher education or work. Its long-term future was plunged into doubt during the pandemic when the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) announced that colleges which delivered less than 90 per cent of their budget allocation would have their unspent funds clawed back.

The facility faced the prospect of paying back an additional £660,000 as they would not hit the 90 per cent tolerance level, falling 17 per cent short, but local leaders came together to secure a better funding package. It was confirmed earlier this week

that the merger between both colleges had officially taken effect. The merger follows a period of joint planning, consultation and statutory process undertaken by both organisations to secure a long-term and sustainable future.

Northern College will continue to operate from Wentworth Castle, retaining its distinctive identity, residential provision and specialist focus on adult learning.

A spokesperson said: “Northern College joining Barnsley College brings together the shared strengths of both colleges, building on the breadth and quality of their combined provision across further education, adult learning, apprenticeships and higher education, while keeping the needs of students and communities at the centre of delivery.

“Continuity for students, staff and partners has been a priority throughout the process, and provision continues as normal across all sites.

“Barnsley College will continue to be led by David Akeroyd as principal and chief executive and the existing board of governors providing con-

tinuity of educational opportunity across Barnsley and the wider South Yorkshire area.”

David said: “The joining of Northern College and Barnsley College will create stronger long-term stability for the vital provision of high-quality adult education in our region.

“It will combine the strengths of both colleges and therefore give learners access to a wider pool of expertise, alongside sector-leading facilities, resources and support.

“This will be especially beneficial to those who are retraining, upskilling, or returning to education after some time away, as well as to those who have additional needs.

“Increasing the accessibility of adult education and training has clear benefits, enabling us to provide our communities with the skills needed both for now and the future to meet local and regional priorities.

“This will allow us to preserve the unique heritage and mission of Northern College, while ensuring we continue to provide the best possible provision in line with Barnsley College’s aim of transforming lives.”

Hospice’s cafe branch set to close

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Running for dad: how Oliver is giving back after brain tumour diagnosis

By Jack Tolson

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Alyssa’s voice can’t be silenced

A YOUNGSTER who has been ‘singing since she could speak’ has overcome a gruelling battle with cancer to compete in a major competition.

For Alyssa Reece, 13, singing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle – with her passion earning her a Young Champions nomination.

In her youth, the Cudworth girl took part in school singing showcases, eventually joining Barnsley Youth Choir, around 2020. However, Alyssa’s childhood wasn’t always smooth sailing. Aged six, Alyssa was diagnosed with an aggressive childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma.

The cancer was located behind her left eye, spreading and invading her skull, dislodging her eye and pushing it out of the socket.

The tumour was inoperable, so Alyssa’s treatment consisted of nine rounds of high-dose, intense chemotherapy. The youngster also underwent cranial proton radiation, for which she spent nine weeks in Jacksonville, Florida. In her fragile condition, Alyssa became so weak that she relied on the use of a wheelchair. Thankfully, Alyssa entered remission due to her treatment, but her struggles didn’t end there.

The treatment gave her permanent

Barnsley North

IT’S great to see that Barnsley Council are putting our town forward for the UK’s first ever Town of Culture competition. Lots of things make up a town’s culture: the community spaces people share, the landmarks people gather around, and the town’s plan for the future. But culture is also about the past, and that’s what I’ve

name means. Some reckon it’s ‘a barn in a field’, others say ‘the bear’s den’.

neurocognitive late effects, which impacts her school life with a loss of memory.

The radiation also gave Alyssa facial asymmetry as the bones developed.

As a teenage girl, this can at times, leave Alyssa feeling self-conscious and insecure.

Despite this, Alyssa does not attempt to hide that her face is different.

Alyssa’s mum, Katie, said: “Singing empowers her.

“I credit BYC – the entire team, for helping me to give my little girl her childhood back.

“Singing has always been a coping mechanism for Alyssa, being a part of BYC, has given her focus, skill, confidence and peace.

“She’s had exciting opportunities to work with world leaders in choral music and she has met children from all around the world.

“Alyssa has now started to voluntarily help out with the children’s choir, to give back some of what she has received.

“Being part of something as incredible as BYC meant that Alyssa was able to focus on what she is most passionate about.

“It helped her overcome her anxieties.

“During rehearsals, her entire focus

was on music and team work, not about her health.”

Alyssa’s hard work and passion all paid off when she learned that her audition to be part of the BYC competition squad – who will be heading to Sweden, in August, to compete at the World Choir Games – was successful.

BYC has subsidised the cost of the tour to Sweden and the Edinburgh fringe festival.

This means that Alyssa’s parents are able to fund her trip of a lifetime themselves.

However, Alyssa and her friends have been exploring fundraising ideas to help raise funds to support her exciting expedition.

Alyssa’s mum added: “I could never find the words to express the extent of pride that I feel towards Alyssa.

“She has defied cancer and all that it left in its path of destruction, not by surviving, but by working hard and enabling herself to thrive. Cancer took a lot away from Alyssa, but one thing it didn’t take was her formidable strength of character.

“Alyssa is a beacon of hope to other children who are facing long-term or life-threatening illness.

“I don’t doubt for one second that she will use her beautiful voice to advocate for other children like herself.”

“She has the ability to inspire many.

Emily stepping up to complete 50-mile trek

By Charlotte Oldroyd

A BARNSLEY girl has smashed her fundraising goal for a cause close to her heart and earned a Young Champions nomination in the process.

It’s safe to say Emily Gillott’s boots were made for walking, with the youngster completing a 50-mile trek in aid of Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The 15-year-old completed the challenge in February, exceeding her original goal by 16 miles – without even realising it.

While most youngsters look forward to relaxing on a holiday, Emily didn’t even let a family get-away to Ireland stand in the way of her goal.

Emily’s impressive dedication saw part of her mileage completed before she even reached Ireland, walking around the boat. She blew her original £150 goal out of the water, netting over £700 for the hospital.

The teenager’s inspiration for the challenge came from the almost lifelong support of the hospital. Emily had two life-saving operations for

hydrocephalus at only a couple of months old. The illness left Emily permanently disabled, with cerebral palsy and wearing a leg splint. Despite finding walking challenging, Emily hasn’t let anything slow her down from reaching her fundraising goal.

Emily’s grandma, Lynn, said: “She’s gone to the hospital since she was tiny and had multiple operations, she could’ve died.

“The operations had lifelong effects on Emily, with her having cerebral palsy.

“It’s her second time doing the challenge, she raised hundreds of pounds the first time, but exceeded her goal even more this time round.

“We’re always proud of her, she faces every challenge and her life isn’t easy.

“February isn’t the best of months to do it, there’s been snow and rain and walking in the dark, but that’s part of the challenge.

“There’s not been one day where she’s said she doesn’t want to do it.

“We’re very proud and everyone has supported her, which has boosted her confidence.”

MP Dan Jarvis: ‘Our past isn’t just tucked away in dusty books’

Both names hint at the thick woodland that once covered our borough. Whatever the truth, the word ‘Berneslai’

once a lively religious community before falling victim to Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Even so, the ruins still carry a certain dignity, standing as a stark reminder of our town’s turbulent past. Move forward a few centuries and Grimethorpe Hall takes its place in

the story. Built around 1670, it’s had its struggles but local campaigners have fought tooth and nail to protect this Grade II-listed piece of Barnsley’s architectural story. Then comes the industrial age, written into our town’s rich mining history. The fantastic volunteers at Barnsley Main Colliery do a remarkable job of keeping this history alive. Established in 1824, its early years were marked by tragedy, including the 1866 Oaks Disaster, which sadly remains the worst mining disaster in English history. Not far away, Elsecar New Colliery is the site of the world’s oldest steam engine still at its original location – a

piece of history literally rooted in our borough’s soil. It’s a place where you can almost hear the echo of hammers and picks and feel the weight of Britain’s industrial rise. But Barnsley’s industrial story isn’t just about what happened underground. The town also became a centre of glassmaking, from the late 18th century works at Worsbrough Bridge to the later expansion at Hoyle Mill, where Barnsley makers produced innovative bottles that became famous across the country. Around the same time, in 1877, the Mechanics Institute and Public Hall opened its doors so working people could access culture and learning – this

building is now Barnsley Civic! No account of Barnsley’s heritage would be complete without reference to the famous Barnsley Pals – men who volunteered together, fought together and whose sacrifice still runs deep in our community. I could go on – Wortley Hall, Cannon Hall, Wentworth Castle Gardens – but I have a word limit to stick to! Barnsley’s cultural heritage is particularly relevant as we step into the Town of Culture competition. The judges want to assess each town’s unique story. Here in Barnsley, our history is all around us – and we’re proud of it. We’re optimistic about our future, too.

End of an era as club forced into closure

The club was kept alive for decades by its fiercely loyal members, some of whom have been coming to meetings for longer than they can count.

In a heartwarming act of charity, it was decided that the club’s remaining funds should be donated in support of multiple local organisations.

The funds will benefit Royston Scouts, St John the Baptist Church, Barnsley Hospice and more.

a place for older people to meet and go on outings, dwindling numbers and Tom’s health have both been factors which have contributed to the club’s closure.

Grateful beneficiaries attended the meeting, with several making moving speeches to thank the club for their generosity. A cheque presentation saw members of the club presenting £1,871 to the hospice. Member Yvonne Wright, fondly remembers meeting her late husband, Ray, at

the club.

Although Ray died last year, Yvonne noted that he would have been saddened by the club’s closure.

She said: “We met when Ray was calling the bingo numbers – we walked out together and didn’t look back.

“We got married on a cruise and we would have been married for ten years in November, but he passed away before that. I’m still recovering from it – he would’ve been sad to see the club close.”

The clubs were set up by the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) after World War Two.

The WVS had done sterling work during the Blitz, and wanted to develop what they could offer to older people. They set up day centres

called ‘Darby and Joan Clubs’ where people could meet in pleasant surroundings for a ‘friendly chat and a cup of tea and perhaps a quiet game of cards or half an hour with the wireless’. June detailed how the club had been a social lifeline for many, such as their oldest member, 103-year-old Ivy Bailes. She added: “When I first joined the club in about 2016, it was because my husband had multiple life-threatening illnesses.

“The club only did two trips a year before I became treasurer.

“We tried to get members out and about.

“They’re a lovely bunch of people, they were very supportive after

By

MP’s pride over her artwork going on show

By Josh Timlin

‘Town of culture’ bid gains support

By Josh Timlin

26 with a jam-packed programme of events including the ‘Art in the Windows’ trail across 40 shops and cafes.

“It’s a huge honour to be a part of Penistone Arts Week and to have my painting displayed at Belle Visage,” Marie added.

“I went to school with Vanessa, one of the owners, so it’s fantastic to be involved in such a great local event that brings our communities together. I hope the display of talent across Penistone Arts Week will inspire people, who’ve never tried art before, to pick up a paint brush or a pencil.

“I’d really encourage everyone locally to come and support the events – I can’t wait to see the other displays and attend as many events as I can.”

Burglar’s death

By Josh Timlin

AN inquest has been opened and adjourned following the death of a Barnsley burglar who was jailed following a raid on a church. Adam Goulding’s body was found by paramedics on November 17, 2025, while he was under supervision at a Probation Service-run residential facility for recently-released convicts. Prior to his death, Goulding, 41, was handed a three-anda-half-year prison sentence in 2021 after admitting to two burglaries and handling stolen goods. Goulding first targeted a young family’s house in

is the subject

INSPIRATIONAL: Marie’s never let her lifelong disability get in the way of her love of art.

of ongoing inquest

Barnsley in May 2020, taking toys and photographs before targeting St George’s Church, on York Street. He entered the building as its vicar made funeral arrangements with a grieving family, so was told to wait until the meeting had finished. However, when the vicar went to speak with him, both

Goulding and a woman he had been with had vanished. It later became clear that Goulding had stolen a cash box along with keys, books and mobile phone and the vicar’s car worth £3,500. The inquest, which opened at Sheffield’s Medico Legal Centre on Wednesday, is set to resume later this year.

BARNSLEY’S bid to become the country’s first ‘Town of Culture’ has received backing from its three MPs after the council confirmed the bid – made up of multiple organisations – is in the offing. A sister project to the long-running City of Culture initiative, the idea aims to put the UK’s towns on a pedestal for a year to showcase what they are about and the work that’s been done to revitalise them in recent years. Barnsley Council, the Civic, Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services, Gary Clarke Company, the National Trust’s Wentworth Castle Gardens, ArtWorks South Yorkshire and Yorkshire Sculpture Park have all expressed their support and will front the bid. These organisations will now be working together to prepare and submit an expression of interest to the government to begin the process of bidding for Town of Culture status.

All are in favour of pursuing a bid due to the town’s recent renaissance thanks to its £200m Glass Works regeneration, the Health on the High Street scheme, its first-in-the-country ’Tech Town’ status and its ongoing regeneration of County Way – amongst its ‘rich’ cultural offerings across the borough. Although backing has already been given by council leader Sir Steve Houghton, who lauded the town’s turnaround despite being hit by squeezed budgets,

the town’s three MPs – Barnsley North’s Dan Jarvis, Barnsley South’s Stephanie Peacock and Penistone and Stocksbridge’s Marie Tidball – all agreed with the bid. Dan told the Chronicle:

“Barnsley folk usually crack on without making a fuss but we’re absolutely right to make some noise and enter the Town of Culture competition.

“We’ve

our town’s culture on the world stage.

“There’s lots more in the town that I could mention, too.”

The winning town will secure up to £3m in government funding and host a year-long programme of cultural events in 2028. Stephanie added:

Streets made safer with knives removal

A DOZEN knives have been taken off the streets by one policing team in just a matter of weeks – and they’ve thanked locals for their intelligence.

Barnsley North’s Neighbourhood Policing Team – who cover areas such as Darton, Athersley, Kexborough and Old Town –have recovered a total of 12 knives recently, including one this week.

Sergeant Simon Kirkham, from the team, told the Chronicle: “These knives were recently recovered from properties we

suspected of being linked to cuckooing or drug activity.

“We are progressing multiple closure orders in respect of these properties, with one already subject to a full closure order, and we are carrying out other proactive work to combat drug supply in the area.

“This activity followed intelligence received from members of the public and we would encourage anyone with similar concerns about criminality in their local area to please report it to us so we can take appropriate action.”

Vacated premises will become an Irish bar

HILL ROAD/RALEY STREET, KINGSTONE

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE/NO RIGHT TURN RESTRICTION

An order has been made to introduce the following restrictions, from 12th March 2026 from 10.00pm to 05.00am - Keresforth Hill Road – A no right turn on to Raley Street. Diversion route Via Broadway, Dodworth road, Broadway.Raley Street – Road Closed from Keresforth Hill Road to outside house Reason: Telecoms Works PROMOTER: Future Network Solutions, telephone: 07342 948253

BUTTERLEYS DODWORTH - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Butterleys from Outside 3 to Outside 9 from 9Th March 2026 for approximately 4 days Reason: Works to electric service PROMOTER: OCU Group, telephone: 0333 200 0011

DEARNE HALL ROAD, LOW BARUGH - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order will be made to close Dearne Hall Road from house number 71 to the railway bridge, from 7pm on 16 March 2026 until 6am the following day. Reason: Resurfacing and road lining works. An alternative route is available via: Claycliffe Road/Wilthorpe Road/Huddersfield Road/Old Mill Lane/Wakefield Road/Bar Lane/Blacker Road/Spark Lane. PROMOTER: Hanna Civil Engineering, telephone 01977 520955

SHEFFIELD ROAD, WORTLEY - TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTION

An order will be made to introduce a 40mph speed restriction on Shefield Road from Booth Wood Lodge for a distance of 400 metres north, from 16 March 2026 for approximately two days. Reason: Telecoms works. PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms, telephone 07761 043087

ROCKLEY LANE, BIRDWELL - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Rockley Lane for a distance of 200 metres from the junction with Pilley Lane to the side of Stampers Hill, from 11 March 2026 for approximately three days. An alternative route is available via: Round Green Lane/Haverlands Lane/Park Road/Sheffield Road/Chapel Street Reason: telecoms works PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087

STAINBOROUGH LANE, HOOD GREEN - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close the slip road on Stainborough Lane from Lowe Lane to side of Mow Cop, from 9 March 2026 for approximately three days. An alternative route is available via: Hood Green Road Reason: telecoms works PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087

OXSPRING ROAD, CUBLEY - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Oxspring Road for a distance of 195 metres west of New Lodge Farm, from 10 March 2026 for approximately three days. An alternative route is available via: Long Lane/Cross Lane/Back Lane/ Cranberry Road/Mortimer Road Reason: telecoms works PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087

BARNSLEY ROAD, SILKSTONE - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Barnsley Road for a distance of 150 metres from Vicarage Farm Court to Silkstone Bypass, from 7 March 2026 for approximately two days. An alternative route is available via: Silkstone Bypass/High Street Reason: telecoms works PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087

WALTON STREET - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Walton Street from outside house numbers 65 to 67, from 10 March 2026 for approximately three days. An alternative route is available via: Rowland Road Reason: install new electric service PROMOTER: OCU Group, telephone: 0333 200 0011

BURROWS GROVE/LOXLEY AVENUE/STUBBS

to 25. Diversion: Windmill Road/Bird Avenue/ Washington Avenue/Tune Street Loxley Avenue - road closure for a distance of 50 metres from the junction with Stubbs Road. Diversion: Stubbs Road Stubbs Road – one-way closure from Tune Street to Foley Avenue

order has

to

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

four days. Reason: Lay

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to

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from Dearne Valley Parkway to Hemingfield Road, from 9 March 2026 for

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route via Dearne Valley Parkway/Hemingfield Road Reason: carriageway resurfacing works PROMOTER: Barnsley MBC Environment and Transport, telephone: 01226 773555 HONEYWELL LANE, BARNSLEY - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE An order has been made to close Honeywell Lane for a distance of 20 metres either side of the railway bridge, from 10.00 pm 9 March 2026 to 6.00 am 10 March 2026. An alternative route via 1. Cockerham Lane/Huddersfield Road/ Old Mill Lane/Honeywell Street; 2. Honeywell Street/Old Mill Lane/Church Street/Church Lane/Huddersfield Road Reason: repairs to railway bridge walls PROMOTER: Centurion Traffic Management, telephone: 0113 277 5360 ROYD LANE, MILLHOUSE GREEN - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close the full length of Royd Lane from 9 March 2026 for approximately two weeks. An alternative route via Manchester Road/Lee Lane/Whams Road/Wood Royd Hill Lane/Lower Maythorn Lane/Whitley Road Reason: telecoms work PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087

GILROYD LANE, DODWORTH - TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTION

An order will be made to introduce a 40mph speed restriction on Gilroyd Lane from Treelands Lodge to Saville Road, from 16 March 2026 for approximately five days. Reason: Clear blocked telecoms ducting. PROMOTER: Future Network Solutions, telephone: 0113 203 8505 HALL BALK LANE, WILTHORPE - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order has been made to close Hall Balk Lane from Cockerham Lane to Huddersfield Road, from 11 March 2026 for approximately three days. Reason: Repair blocked telecoms ducting. An alternative route is available via: Cockerham Lane/Cavendish Road/Huddersfield Road. PROMOTER: Future Network Solutions, telephone: 0113 203 8505 ROYD MOOR ROAD, THURLSTONE - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order will be made to close Royd Moor Road from Royd Moor Court to Royd Moor House, from 16 March 2026 for approximately five days. Reason: Telecoms works. An alternative route is available via: Royd Moor Hill/Royd Lane/ Manchester Road/Towngate. PROMOTER: Mike Dowson Ltd, telephone: 01287 669300 ST HELENS STREET, ELSECAR - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order will be made to close St Helens Street from outside house numbers 78 to 90, from 9.00 pm 17 March 2026 to 5.00 am 18 March 2026. An alternative route via Hill Street/Cobcar Street/Cobcar Lane Reason: safely check water pollution levels PROMOTER: Chevron Traffic Management, telephone: 01652 638357 BILLINGLEY GREEN LANE, BILLINGLEY - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE An order will be made to close Billingley Green Lane from Back Lane to outside Pond House, from 20 March 2026

THURNSCOE - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order will be made to close Rectory Lane from outside house numbers 10 to 16, from 16 March 2026 for approximately three days. An alternative route via Common Road/High Street/Southfield Lane Reason: install new electric services PROMOTER: OCU Utilities Services, telephone: 0333 200 0011 GREENWOOD AVENUE/YEWS AVENUE, WORSBROUGH DALE - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

An order will be made to close Greenwood Avenue from outside house numbers two to eight and also in Yews Avenue from Yews Lane to rear of house number seven Yews Lane, from 16 March 2026 for approximately one day. An alternative route via Overdale Avenue/Cross Street Reason: telecoms work PROMOTER: Commhoist Ltd, telephone: 07548 759830

WOODHEAD ROAD, WORTLEY - TEMPORARY 40MPH SPEED RESTRICTION

An order will be made to introduce a 40mph speed restriction on Woodhead Road from the side of Stanfield Ash Farm to outside Hallfield Head Farm, from 19 March 2026 for approximately two days Reason: telecoms work PROMOTER: Rapid Response Telecoms Ltd, telephone: 07761 043087 REDBROOK ROAD, GAWBER - TEMPORARY ONE-WAY CLOSURE

An order will be made to introduce a one-way closure on Redbrook Road

Cash, drugs and bikes seized

Operation Duxford report

By Josh Timlin

THOUSANDS of

The return of Operation Duxford saw scores of officers focus on matters which the public have brought up at local police meetings across the borough. A total of 15 arrests were made for offences including possession with intent to supply, fail to appear warrants, robbery, theft, offensive weapons and immigration offences. Seven search warrants relating to drugs were undertaken, which yielded £6,000 in cash and ‘large quantities’ of both Class A and Class B substances being seized. Six off-road bikes were taken by the police, as were three other vehicles, while one motorist was arrested for being over the prescribed limit.

Chief Inspector Natalie

Gilmour said: “Operation Duxford provides us with the opportunity to showcase to the public what we are doing every day to tackle crime across Barnsley.

“For this Duxford we really focused on what matters to residents after feedback from local community meetings and what they have been saying to their local officers.

“We prioritised activity around neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour – especially off-road bikes – and rural crime while also targeting those that cause the most harm. We had support from specially-trained teams, additional resources from across the wider force and a number of departments from Barnsley Council during the day.

“This allowed us to place our resources in areas which needed them the most.

“A lot of the activity seen on Wednesday was centred around information and intelligence which has been provided by our communities.

“They know their local area more than anyone else, and the information they provide supports directing our activities during these high-intensity days of action.

“Wednesday’s activities saw a large number of arrests being made, quantities of cash, drugs, weapons and vehicles being seized along with the safeguarding of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Yesterday, another police-led scheme – Operation Hawthorne – saw officers focus their efforts on criminality carried out in more rural spots.

A spokesperson added: “Rural crime can have a devastating and detrimental impact on residents and businesses alike.

“It leaves those living in rural communities and farmers and business owners feeling even more isolated.

“Theft of machinery or damage to crops and fields can significantly affect farmers, not just financially but it can also impact on insurance premiums, food prices and damage local communities.

“We want to ensure that we are in a position to respond appropriately.

“We’re improving our visibility in our rural communities and working with them to respond quickly to reports of crime.”

Bridge in final for first time in 53 years after beating Reds

stayed loyal throughout because a lot of clubs from higher leagues are coming in for them.

“We’re not an old team.

“We have Conor Glavin, who is in his 30s, but everybody else is from 18 to 22 predominantly.”

The match had been due to be played on the showcase pitch at Oakwell a week earlier but was moved to Worsbrough apparently due to floodlight issues. Morris admits the pitch was not in the best condition but believes his side were the better team over the evening.

“I think it suited us being at our ground and that’s a big factor.

“I don’t think those Barnsley lads have quite played at something like that before.

“We should have won in normal time. We came out of the blocks really, really well.

“Everybody says we were the better team in the first half, and that’s my

Penistone

NCEL PREMIER

8-0 success for leaders

MEXBOROUGH SUNDAY LGE

WESTVILLE won 8-0 at Gym Bar in the Premier Division. They have won all four games but are three points behind leaders Swinton Ring O’ Bells with four games in hand.

take point from two tough away games and focus on final four

PENISTONE Church collected a point from two games at teams in promotion contention this week. They drew 1-1 at Tadcaster Albion on Saturday, conceding a last-gasp leveller. Reece High had opened the scoring after 25 minutes.

Penistone then lost 3-2 at Barton Town on Tuesday.

All the goals were between 13 and 38 minutes as, after the hosts went 2-0 up, Ryan Johnson and Leon Hurles-Brook levelled then Barton got the winner. Church are tenth in the table, with 39 points from 34 games. They have four games left but none until March 14.

They can no longer mathematically finish in the play-offs as they are 15 points off fifth. They are nine places and 11 points clear of the two-team relegation zone but second-bottom Rossington Main have five games in hand on them.

After the Barton game, coach John Whitehead said: “It shows where we are.

“We have young lads involved who are the future of the club.

“That’s exciting, but we have conceded three poor goals.

“The pitch was a leveller.

“We were impressed with the performance but the result is disappointing.

“We knew Barton away midweek would be tough.

“We have four games left, we will enjoy

them, be positive, be on the front foot and hopefully put some more points on the board.”

Bottom club Wombwell Town lost both games this week.

They are winless in 23 league fixtures since September, losing the last seven. That leaves them 16 points adrift of safety with eight games left.

They lost 3-1 at home to Barton Town on Saturday.

The visitors scored in the fifth and eighth minutes then James Byford replied in the 12th. Barton scored again before the break. Town then lost 2-0 at home to third-bottom Albion Sports on Tuesday. The visitors scored just after

West Bretton were 11-2 winners at The Market in the Hospital Cup. Oliver Harper, Ben Summers and Lewis O’Connor bagged braces with Wade Ripley, Sam Ingham, Luke Smith, Haydn Ward and Owen Wildblood netting. Birdwell Rovers won 1-0 at Barnsley Town. Darton Tap won 4-2 on penalties at Worsbrough Common after a 1-1 draw. Sun Inn beat Dodworth MW 1-0 in the Supplementary Trophy. Pogmoor were 1-0 winners at home to Ardsley Oaks in the Roy Parden Trophy. Alfie Stokes netted. Athersley Rec won 6-0 at Cobcar

Luke, Jordan and Kian braces

Ormston; 25, T

28, B

23, O

26, S

(2nd

pb; 24,

29, S

31, C Mcnicholas; 33, J Moreton; 34, T Ranson, pb; 35, L Walton, (3rd woman); 36, S Swallow; 37, J Weatherall; 38, D Oliver; 39, W Padfield; 40, R Parkes ; 41, T Coyne; 42, K Trotter; 43, N Oxley; 44, M Bray; 45, N Tovey, pb; 46, N Fox; 47, G Beevor; 48, D V Der; 49, S Mcgougan; 50, C Cliff; 51, A Bonner; 52, D Swithenbank, pb; 53, B Jagger; 54, J Mccafferty, pb; 55, A Kopka; 56, M Hadfield-French, pb; 57, G Smith; 58, L Lambert, pb; 59, P Capel; 60, C Horsfield; 61, K Asquith; 62, A Locke ; 63, T Robinson; 64, W Hanson; 65, R Ashley; 67, A Snee, pb; 68, K Miller; 69, M Taubman; 70, C Barritt; 71, S Burnley; 72, C Adshead; 73, K Wood; 74, F Reid; 75, P Dawson, pb; 76, J Cummings; 77, S Keys; 78, R Mathers; 79, I Cale, pb; 80, T Sweeney; 81, C Heward; 82, Z Locke, pb; 83, C Nunn; 84, A Brooke; 85, R D Amorim; 86, J Downing; 87, D Wilson; 88, E Bauwens, pb; 89, S Hall; 90, L Yaniw; 91, D B Lee; 92, I Smith; 93, D Hunter, pb; 94, N Fox; 95, Z Goddard; 96, A Banks; 97, M Smith; 98, N Hartopp; 99, T Wade; 100, M Laba; 101, C Mawer; 102, M Drinkhill; 103, B Cooper; 104, A Blyth; 105, J Birkinshaw; 106, N Cutts; 107, M Child; 108, V Robinson, pb; 109, E Drinkhill; 111, L Needham; 112, M Quilter; 113, S Matu; 114, T Burrows; 115, L Oben, pb; 116, P Marshall, pb; 117, M Annetts; 118, R Walker; 119, R Adshead; 120, S Hemsworth, pb; 121, A Cooper; 122, J Gough; 123, S Wood; 124, D Wilson; 125, A Pollitt; 126, S Charnley; 127, J Ellwood; 128, C Carew; 129, T Paulin; 131, A Charlesworth; 132, R Thornton; 133, B Pendleton; 136, I Charlesworth; 137, J Stephens; 138, L Hindle , pb; 139, E France, pb; 140, R Camm , pb; 141, H Girdlestone, pb; 142, L Gardham, pb; 143, J W Hewitt; 144, J Camm, pb; 145, A Littlewood; 146, K Curry ; 147, C Hougham , pb; 148, T Rodgers; 149, K M Penrose; 150, P Wheatley; 151, P Bannister; 152, A Pardoe; 153, L Perry, ; 154, L Lawson; 155, R Gibbard; 156, S Rhodes; 157, R Mcveigh; 158, C Denton; 159, P Neal; 160, M Herring; 161, A Barratt; 162, T Storey; 163, N Henery; 164, H Hickson; 165, S Cooper; 166, L Oxley, pb; 167, K Crick; 168, A Lawson; 169, R Brown; 170, S Sampson; 171, N Greenwood, pb; 172, L Bloomfield, pb; 173, J Finney; 174, J Lewandowski; 175, A J Morris; 176, D Ranson; 177, M Ranson; 178, A Corker; 180, G Hurst; 181, K Jackson; 182, R Jones; 183, M Anderson; 184, K Pemberton-Carroll; 185, S Peacock; 186, J Gough; 187, G Williams; 188, C Hudson; 189, I Hudson; 190, L Hirst; 191, S Wood 192, F Shadwick ; 193, A Shadwick ; 194, J Churn 195, L Dyson ; 196, I Christopherson; 197, W Storey; 198, M Booker; 199, E Hawcroft; 200, R Venson; 202, S Hunt; 203, J Spencer; 204, Z Kargbo; 205, R Booker; 206, A Hewitt; 207, K Sedgwick ; 208, R Sedgwick, pb; 209, T Littlewood; 210, F Downing; 211, C Littlewood , pb; 212, L Crossley; 213, T Ramsden; 214, D Godley; 215, S Smith; 216, M Neal; 217, S Hawley; 218, M Goodwin. Results from the Barnsley 2k Junior ParkRun (top 40): 1, O Smith, pb; 2, E Hodgkinson, (1st Girl); 3, J Mccafferty,

Jake’s journey from Barnsley FC podcast to headlining Metrodome as pro boxer

“It couldn’t have gone any better.

them I am actually on collections and don’t post anything.

“I am the middle man who gets the post to the delivery officers.

“It’s just stuck now.

“The ripple effect is the opportunity to headline a big show at the Metrodome which I am really looking forward to.”

Jake is due to fight Luke Thomas who has lost seven of his eight fights.

“I was due to fight him the fight before the show in Leeds but he had to pull due to an eye problem. So we got a replacement in.

“I have done some research into him and watched bits of his fights on YouTube. He has a specific style. I am looking forward to another six-rounder.

“I am looking to bring another high-intensity performance.

“I am willing to win by any means but I want another improved performance.”

“It’s good that the community see I work hard in and outside the ring and I am the same as everybody else.” Jake worked the Monday after winning at Leeds Arena on December 20 and says it took him weeks to respond to all the people who messaged him after that victory.

Jake was hoping to be selected for an eight-man GBM tournament with promoter BOXXER in April but the show

fell through. He said: “It goes to show the impact from the last fight on a massive platform. I have put myself out there.

“If something like that comes again, I am willing to take it. But I just want to be as active as possible.

“At the end of this year or the beginning of next year, we could be looking at the Central Area title.”

Although Cleary and fellow Barnsley man Cory Sagar both won in Leeds, headliner Callum Simpson was defeated for the first time in his professional career. Jake said: “It would have topped the night off perfectly if Callum had got the victory.

“But so many champions have come back from losses.

“We were together the morning after the fight and the first thing he said when he saw me was how proud he was of me and how buzzing he was of what I achieved. That shows his character.

“He will come back stronger, no doubt. That result doesn’t define who he is as a boxer or a person.”

ATHLETICS

PENISTONE Footpath Runner Robert Lees was runner-up in his category at the Anglesey 10k. He finished 22nd overall in 40-56 to secure second place in the men’s over45 category in a field of 556 runners. On the fells, Penistone’s Damian Kilpin took on the Eskdale Eureka 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 the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon, Wayne Singleton was first back for Barnsley AC in a 30-second PB of 1-12-18 to finish as first over45 man. Taylor Hughes knocked three minutes and 45 seconds off his PB with a time of 1-19-42. There were also PBs for first over60 man Chris McNicholas and Dave Findlay with times of 1-24-59 and 1-35-41 respectively. Alan Nutton was first Penistone runner back, 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 time. Alex Crosby was also competing but was forced to withdraw after 8.7 miles due to a knee and hamstring issue.

At February’s Leeds 5k at the Brownlee Centre cycle track, Barnsley AC’s Keith Littlewood finished as first over55 man in 19-09 while Kenny Hunter was fourth over55 man with a time of 19-26. Barnsley AC’s Nigel Morton finished 23rd overall and fourth over40 man at Roberttown 10k in a time of 48-35. Penistone’s Ashley Firth led the way at Penistone ParkRun, 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 under 14,

Boss booed after dismal defeat

midfielder Jono Bland tried to fill in for him but had one of his worst games – giving the ball away regularly and looking well off the pace – while Tennai Watson was overwhelmed at right-back then even worse at left-back later on, gifting two big chances.

There was a lack of organisation between the trio in terms of pressing and tracking runners, with Wycombe given far too much space to pass through them – often going from defence to a promising position on the left of Barnsley’s box within seconds.

Visiting left-back Daniel Harvie must have barely been able to believe it as he was essentially gifted the freedom of Barnsley’s entire right flank.

It needed changing either through substitutes or a better plan but it stayed the same until Wycombe scored with a move down that side.

Banks was busy unsuccessfully closing down the centre-backs so Bland had to track Harvie, who was just onside, but lost him so a low cross went into a huge gap between the retreating Barnsley defence and the midfielders who had either been dragged out of position or could not track runners.

The unmarked Luke Harris missed the ball but the equally free Aaron Morley smashed a fine strike into the top right corner from the edge of the box. Changes were made to tighten up that flank after the goal but the damage was done.

just increased the fatigue levels in the regular starters and the frustrations in the fanbase.

The Reds are nine points off sixth and eight clear of the relegation zone. If they play like they did on Tuesday all season, they may go down, but they are so frustratingly inconsistent that will surely have enough ‘ups’ in the remaining 14 matches to keep them in mid-table.

League One is especially low on quality this year, so the Reds have kept themselves away from trouble with the odd win, but they seemingly falter whenever they come up against a decent side. They have played nine games against the current top six – which Wycombe moved into with this win – losing five and drawing four, conceding 19 goals and scoring nine. They are nowhere near ready to compete with those sides, but this display was just as bad as the thrashing at Cardiff or the first half humiliation in Bolton. Reds open on right but don’t react Barnsley had a big problem on their right side and did not do anything about it until they went behind. Although no outfielder played well, the three worst performers were on that right flank.

Right-winger Scott Banks did little in attack and was often nowhere to be seen defensively, central

Duff’s side dominant throughout Barnsley were seriously second best.

Wycombe had 19 of the game’s 23 shots and all of the eight on target while they touched the ball 37 times in Barnsley’s box compared to 14 at the other end. Duff’s sides are usually quite direct whereas Hourihane likes to keep the ball but Wycombe had 55 per cent possession as Barnsley never had any control. The Chairboys were solid at the back, dominated midfield and always looked dangerous out wide.

The hosts definitely missed the injured Patrick Kelly – who was replaced by Banks – and his ability to take them forward, but it was more than that with poor performances throughout.

The Reds were flat-footed and sluggish while they struggled to string passes together and became increasingly sloppy at the back.

It looked as though their demanding schedule caught up with them but Wycombe had played on all the same days as them through February and actually had less time to prepare as they played at 3pm on Saturday after the Reds’ lunchtime win.

You have to worry about what Barnsley’s energy levels will be like during five more games in a fortnight from Saturday.

Another big factor is that Wycombe didn’t make any mistakes. Barnsley have been gifted golden

opportunities by their opponents so many times this season in a poor league, which they have often take advantage of impressively like the three goals at Orient. But Wycombe never gave their struggling hosts a way into the game.

The Chairboys had one of best defensive records in the division but they had the joint fewest away wins in the division with two and just 13 goals in 16 matches on the road this season.

When Duff took over in September, they were in the relegation zone, 11 points and 16 places behind Barnsley, but they have taken 48 points from 27 games under him while the Reds have 28 points from their last 25 games.

No shots on target by inept attack

David McGoldrick curled a shot wide of the top right corner from 20 yards in the first half and had another blocked then, late on, a Reyes Cleary cross hit substitute Tom Bradshaw and went wide before Watson headed a corner well off-target in injury-time. That was everything Barnsley mustered going forward.

The Reds have been leaky defensively all season and were again on Tuesday, as Wycombe should have scored a few more. But it was the attacking performance which shocked as a side that are among the top-scorers in the division did not register a shot on target.

The Reds, for all the talk of their exciting style, rely heavily on individuals rather than consistently good team play. With Kelly out, Cleary off his best until near the end – Duff admitted they focused on marking him out of the game as Barnsley’s biggest threat – and McGoldrick very isolated, they offered next to nothing.

Duff must have wondered what has happened to his star players from 2022/23 as Adam Phillips –who moved from the right to the number ten role – and captain Luca Connell both could make barely any impact. Nor could substitute Bradshaw as Barnsley’s bench is woefully lacking in effective attacking options who Hourihane trusts with Charlie Lennon again not given his debut. Goodman deservedly man of match Owen Goodman was Barnsley’s best player and deserved to be named Player of the Match.

The goalkeeper produced two good one-on-one saves to keep the score down and it was potentially his best display yet for the Reds.

So it was harsh, as Hourihane said post-match, that the announcement of Player of the Match over the PA system was met with a lot of negativity from the crowd who immediately chanted the name of the more popular McGoldrick.

That may stem from a lack of confidence in Goodman after a shaky start to his Reds loan overall and a general frustration at the end of a terrible Barnsley performance.

By Doug O’Kane

but, putting age aside, he is arguably the Reds’ best player on current form and surely worthy of another contract offer. The last player older than McGoldrick when they scored a hat-trick in the top four leagues in England was ex-Red Jamie Cureton in 2015.

First league away win in 112 days

Barnsley had not won away from home in the league in eight games across 112 days since a victory at neighbours Doncaster Rovers on November 8.

That was their only success in 13 across more than six months since they won at Plymouth and Peterborough in August.

But, having lost their last three at top six sides, they deservedly beat a relegation-battler on their own turf. It was a fitting reward for the 600-odd Reds fans who, despite that poor record on the road and the scandalous 12.30pm kick-off time in London, still made the long journey and noisi-

This was the first of six successive away games against sides below Barnsley in the table so, if they repeat this level of performance and spirit, they could rack up several more victories on the road in But the immediate focus was back at Oakwell where they would now play three games in a row, and Going to sixth-placed Huddersfield a week earlier, the feeling was that a win would just about keep Barnsley in the top six hunt with their games Travelling to lowly Orient, after that loss, the opposite feeling was that victory would pretty much finish off any lingering concerns about whether the Reds could be dragged into a relegation fight. This win left them 13th, eight points off the top six and nine clear of the bottom four, having won two of Reds deserve win after impressive second half The last time Barnsley won at Brisbane Road was in 1982, five years before McGoldrick was born. That was also a 3-1 success with the winner coming from Ian Banks while the only other victories at Orient in 30 visits came in The Os started the day in 20th and finished it in 21st, so inside the relegation zone.

Barnsley were slightly second best in the first half, opening the scoring against the run of play after a slow start then conceding an equaliser plus other chances and only looking likely to attack when given the ball by their hosts in dangerous areas. Once they upped their intensity after the break, they began to take better advantage of those home errors and soon went 3-1 up. When at their best, they had more purpose, drive and quality than their struggling hosts. Last year, Barnsley were 3-1 up at Orient midway through the second half – in Hourihane’s first game as permanent head coach – and lost 4-3 with three goals conceded in six minutes. This time, they were against a far worse Os side than those play-off finalists, but they also saw the game out in a much more clinical and professional manner – something they have previously struggled with so it was a big step forward. The Reds had only 35 per cent of the ball but, throughout the game, used it better than their hosts. Barnsley had 20 touches in the opponents’ box compared to Orient’s 32. Orient were very young, with nine of their starters 25 or younger. Barnsley had six starters older than 25 – including match-winner McGoldrick. Defending better other than for goal

This was a meeting of League One clubs with the worst defensive records at the start of the game, with Orient conceding 53 and Barnsley 52. Both sides are clearly weak at the back but it was a case of which team could make the fewest mistakes and be the more solid. That was unquestionably Barnsley as, aside from conceding a poor leveller which meant their run without a clean sheet stretched to 17 games, they produced one

McGoldrick was the only player to generate any buzz in the home terraces. The in-form striker had to drop deep to get on the ball, as Barnsley struggled to attack, and went on some good runs in his own half with clever passes. But it was all too far from goal and the Reds lacked a focal point in attack with McGoldrick, or Phillips, never causing the centre-backs any real issues on the few occasions Barnsley went forward. McGoldrick stayed on all game so has another 90 minutes in the legs with the schedule only getting busier. The centre-backs Mael de Gevigney and Eoghan O’Connell were probably the next best but there were errors and chaos throughout the team.

Nathanael Ogbeta came back into the 11, replacing Corey O’Keeffe who was dropped to the bench for the first time since returning from his loan – as Hourihane continued to rotate his side in this hectic schedule. It was Ogbeta’s first start since the 2-2 draw at Reading on January 24 and his first appearance since coming on at half-time at Bolton on February 7. He made a lot of clearances, especially in the first half, but also gave the ball away in poor areas as Barnsley cannot seem to find a reliable left-back.

Wycombe had a goal ruled out when Nathan Lowe tapped in but was judged to have fouled de Gevigney. They felt they should have had a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Connell wrestled Luke Harris to the ground.

Fred Onyedinma should have scored when put through on the left of the box by Morley, after a poor Ogbeta throw, but Goodman pushed the shot wide. Wycombe appealed for another penalty just after the break when Ogbeta made contact with Lowe at the back post from a left wing cross but again the referee gave nothing.

At 1-0, a poor Bland pass led to a chance for ex-Red Cauley Woodrow but his weak shot was easily saved by Goodman who then made a much better one-on-one stop from Jamie Mullins who was inexplicably given the ball by Watson.

LINE-UPS

Barnsley (4-2-3-1): Goodman, mark out of ten:

8; Watson 4, O’Connell 6, de Gevigney 6, Ogbeta 5 (O’Keeffe 60); Connell 6, Bland 4, Phillips 5 (Yoganathan 77), Banks 4 (Bradshaw 64), Cleary 6; McGoldrick 6. Unused: Flavell, Shepherd, Gent, Lennon. Yellow cards: O’Connell, Yoganathan, Connell. Wycombe (4-2-3-1): Norris, Grimmer, Casey, Allen, Harvie; Morley (Taylor 85mins), BoydMunce; Quitirna (Woodrow 60), Harris, Onyedinma (Leahy 85); Lowe (Mullins 66). Unused: Van Sas, Vidigal, Taylor, Henderson. Yellow cards: Casey, Norris, Mullins. Goals: Morley 59. Referee: Ollie Yates Attendance: 8,708 (194 away).

Local football round-up as Dearne extend lead and Wombwell Town winless run stretches to 23 games – Page 19

Jake’s journey from Reds podcaster to professional boxer headlining at Metrodome – Page 20

PAGE 21 – REPORTS FROM WYCOMBE AND LEYTON ORIENT GAMES PLUS FULL PREVIEW OF EXETER MATCH

Conor responds to boos and says Reds have top 6 potential

“There’s a realisation that, when we want to push on and try to become that team to challenge moving forward, we just can’t quite make that step for some reason, which is frustrating.

By Doug O’Kane

CONOR Hourihane says fans who booed him on Tuesday are ‘entitled to their opinion’ and is frustrated that a Barnsley team he believes have the potential to be in the top six continue to be inconsistent. The Reds are 13th in League One, eight points clear of the relegation zone and nine off the top six. They have 14 games to play, more than every other side, with just eight weeks left in the season. They have not kept a clean sheet in 18 matches and have two in the league all season which is the fewest of any club in the top seven divisions in England. Barnsley are due to host Exeter City on Saturday then title-challengers Cardiff City on Tuesday. This week, they won 3-1 at lowly Leyton Orient on Saturday then lost 1-0 at home to Wycombe Wanderers on

Tuesday, after which Hourihane was targeted for loud booing. Asked for his response to the crowd, he told the Chronicle: “They’re entitled to their opinions on it. They obviously came here on a Tuesday night and off the back of the Leyton Orient game wanted to see that victory.

“I’m just as flat as them and I know they’ll be disappointed like I am.

“It was a performance that I wasn’t expecting. It probably caught me off guard a little bit.”

The midweek loss ended a five-game unbeaten run at Oakwell. Hourihane said: “It wasn’t going to last forever. We’ve got some tough games between now and the end of the season at home. We wanted to keep that going. But it’s time to start another run now.” Barnsley have played nine games this season against the current top six in League One, which now includes Wycombe, and not won any of them.

Hourihane told the Chronicle:

“So, are we as strong as the top six sides in the league? Clearly not, because we’re not up there. But is there a potential for our team to be there? Yes.

“But every time we’ve been asked that question to try and make that leap, we just can’t quite get there for whatever reason. But it won’t be for the want of trying. We will go away and have a look at it, assess and keep trying to move forward.”

He added: “Do certain individuals realise right now what it takes to win game after game after game and be successful? Probably not because they’re learning.

“The older ones then are obviously trying to guide them and, at the same time, their performances need to be consistently better as well.

“And then you’ve obviously got myself who’s learning consistently every single day. And I think Tuesday night was a big one for myself, in terms of the heavy schedule that we have and prioritising certain bits rather than trying to cover

everything at the same time.”

Hourihane said he had thought carefully about how to react to the midweek loss, in terms of tactical changes and the way he addresses the players.

“It’s an endless cycle of: what do I need to do? How do I need to come in? How do I need to have my energy?

“I mentioned a few things after the game in the dressing room.

“I’m a big believer, and I try my utmost, even though it’s an emotional world and an emotional game, that when you come in the next day after a game, people look at you and go: ‘how’s the manager? What’s his energy like? Is he moody?’

“And I really try to have a real focus and a real unemotional persona around me because that was one big thing I didn’t really like from managers when they were still really emotional after going through a post-match game.

“So it would be a real calm approach and: how we can get better?”

Hourihane said Tuesday’s match was a ‘game too many’ for some of his players.

Asked what he thinks the impact will be on his squad of another five matches in a fortnight starting from Saturday, he told the Chronicle: “Time will tell, I sup-

pose. I’ve got no answer for you.

“But we are where we are in terms of squad. We are where we are in terms of our schedule. So we’re trying to manage as many lads as best we can.

“I said team sheets would come out, and one or two won’t be playing and that’s the relentless nature of our schedule and our thin squad.

“I’m hoping that how we’re looking after them on and off the pitch is going to make them get through this period.

“It’s a period that I’ve probably not often seen in my playing career, never mind my first full season in

“If

Barnsley look to bounce back from Wycombe and ‘put right’ loss at Exeter in December

to Burton Albion on Tuesday.

ago when that was a 3-3 draw.

“They’re a team that play football in a really good way that I like to watch.

“Looking at their game the other night and what their new manager has said in the press, they’re going to be consistent in how they approach games and the way they want to play. So we don’t expect too dissimilar.

“It’s kind of been a way that Exeter have kind of played for quite a while now, obviously, previously under Gary. And now, obviously, Matt’s taken over.

“They are renowned for playing good football, and they try and play through you.

“They play some good stuff, and they try to make you feel uncomfortable.

“And they scored some really good goals away to Peterborough a few games

bounce from a new manager can be a thing in football, and it can be a thing that doesn’t quite happen.

home at the weekend, we come into the game really looking forward to it, but we ultimately just didn’t perform.

“I think we’ve shown in the games when I’ve been here, we’ve done well at home. So we’ve got to just get back to it on Saturday (against Exeter). We have another two home games in a row so we need to just get back to performing well, first of all, and then try and implement our style on the game and then see where we can go from there.” Barnsley fans booed their team and coach off after the game. O’Connell said:

“We’ve all been football fans. When your team loses, the fans are disappointed, and they choose to vent their anger and disappointment. And that’s the way football is. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and just do better.” Wycombe’s goal saw Daniel Harvie

played into plenty of space on the left wing to cross for Aaron Morley to shoot into the top right corner from the edge of the box.

“We’re disappointed with it. I think we tried to be a bit more aggressive in the way we pressed them in the second half, and then they’ve got a run in behind.

“I think it’s a bit scrappy, and it falls to Aaron Morley, I’ve played with him before, I know what kind of player he is. He very rarely misses the target.

“I think you can look at every goal, and I think you can do better with it.

“So I’m sure we’ll look at that and clean it up.”

O’Connell has been playing with Mael de Gevigney at centre-back since Jack Shepherd was dropped this week.

“I thought we were really solid at the weekend (at Leyton Orient). Obviously, their goal comes from a free-kick.

“And I think we defended the box quite well again on Tuesday.

“But look, I think whoever plays, you’re disappointed when we lose.”

O’Connell praised goalkeeper Owen Goodman’s performance in midweek.

“Owen did really well. I think even in the game at the weekend, second half, he was really good for us coming punching, catching things.

“We’ve got to look to build on that defensively, I think, but not let it take it away from what we’re trying to do as a team going forward as well.”

“But we need to concentrate on ourselves really and upping that performance from Tuesday night or else, obviously, we’ll make it a very difficult day whoever we play on Saturday.”

Barnsley had been unbeaten in five home games but were very poor in their midweek loss to Wycombe.

Exeter were in the relegation zone in December but a run of four wins and a draw from five games put them tenth a month later.

But they are now winless in eight, with six draws.

This week, they lost 5-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday then –after Taylor returned – drew 1-1 at home

Mael thrilled

They are unbeaten in six away league games, with two wins, since December

29.

Exeter were in the relegation zone when they beat Barnsley 3-0 in Devon on December 20. Hourihane said: “That was probably our last really, really poor performance before Wycombe.

“We’ve obviously lost games in the meantime, of course.

“But in terms of the game on Tuesday night being a really off night, I think the last real off night we had or last real off day we had was Exeter away.

“So we need to put that right.”

Exeter did not visit Oakwell from 1981 to 2022 but have won there in each of the last three seasons, including last April in one of Hourihane’s first home games

to be back in 11 after ‘not easy’ season

MAEL de Gevigney admits being on the Barnsley bench for most of this season has been ‘not easy’ but is glad to have broken back into the starting 11 this week.

After signing in 2023, the centre-back started 38 then 39 league games in his first two seasons in English football.

But, this campaign under Conor Hourihane, he only started six of the first 30 league games, sometimes at right-back, before returning to centre-back for both games this week.

De Gevigney told the Chronicle: “It’s been a different season. I’m not used to this, honestly.

“It’s not easy, obviously. It’s a challenge and I like challenges.

“I’m working hard whatever is going on. I knew that I was going to have minutes and, every time I’m on the pitch, I just want to give everything for the team, fight hard, and do my best, and hopefully get more minutes.”

He added: “Every player is in football because he wants to play football.

“It’s a passion. I want to play. But I know that I have to work hard whatever is going on because it’s not just one season. It’s a whole career.

“For me, as a player individually, I have to give my best for the future. If I don’t have minutes at this time, I might have more minutes later. And that’s

what’s happening now. I’m happy that I’ve worked hard to be ready for these minutes and to help the team.”

De Gevigney said he had been in constant communication with Hourihane during his time out of the 11.

“We’re talking every week about his choices, about everything, about how he wants us to play and what is the principle for the defenders and the way we want to play. So he makes his choice.

“That’s his choice. He’s the gaffer.

“It’s not on me.”

Barnsley are partway through a run of seven games in three weeks.

De Gevigney said: “Hopefully, we’re going to find this consistency in the results, and it’s going to be good.

“But we know it’s going to be tiring.

If we start winning games, maybe it’s going to be easier for us physically and mentally. But we know that we’ve got a lot of games in a row, and we’re going to have to be ready for them.”

De Gevigney has been playing alongside January signing Eoghan O’Connell.

“It’s been good, to be fair. Eoghan is a really good player, experienced player.

“He’s calm. He gives everyone confidence, and it’s good to play with him.”

Mael was also full of praise for in-form striker David McGoldrick.

“He’s an example for everyone.

Honestly, when you’re looking at him, how hard he’s working after that many seasons in the EFL, he could just stay doing just training and not doing much.

But I think he’s one of the ones who’s working harder in the team.

“When you look at how he’s playing, how he’s giving everything on the pitch, it’s normal that he’s the fans’ favourite player. And they have a right to think about him like this, and he deserves it.

“He’s scored that many goals for us.

He’s helping us really much recently, so big praise for him.”

De Gevigney is out of contract in the summer but the Reds have an option to extend the deal for another year.

as head coach. The clubs have met 27 times, with Barnsley losing 14 and winning nine. Former Barnsley forward Jack Aitchison has been a regular for the Grecians this season. If he plays, this

DAVID McGoldrick is not limiting himself by setting a target for goals this season. The 38-year-old netted ten in ten games, including a hat-trick at Leyton Orient on Saturday, and has 15 for the season with 12 in the league. McGoldrick told the Chronicle: “No target, just goals.

“There’s loads of games left.

“I could set a number then you score a hat-trick and that target changes.

“So there’s no target, just go out each game and score, that’s my target.” The treble in London on Saturday was McGoldrick’s second for Barnsley after netting three times against Manchester United under 21s in the EFL Trophy in October.

“This one means more, but goals are goals. I got the matchball signed when I scored against Man Utd 21s.

“It was a competitive game, so it was a hat-trick.

“But obviously a league hat-trick is a good day at the office.” The treble was completed by a deflected strike which hit the underside of the bar but bounced back in.

“The way it spun off the crossbar, I thought it would go over and obviously, with the goal line technology, I think he would have given it anyway.

“But, you know, just to see it go over, was a nice feeling to know about the hat-trick.” Barnsley were backed at Orient by about 600 fans for the 12.30pm kick-off.

McGoldrick said: “It took us five hours to get down on Friday so I don’t know what time they would have had to leave.

“They were loud, and obviously singing my name, singing all the boys’ names, singing their songs, and fair play to them.

“It’s not cheap, it takes up most of your weekend, and they fully deserve it after all the travel that they’ve done over the season.” Usually, after Barnsley win, the star player leads the celebration with three ‘fist pumps’ towards the fans, but

McGoldrick stayed in the background while Mael de