PARK MURDER TRIAL STARTS
A sex worker accused of murdering a man said she had arranged to meet him to buy drugs, but denied killing him, reports Victoria Scheer for BBC News. Rebecca Moore, 25, is accused of luring Sacad Ali, 24, to e Ponderosa in She eld on 9 March where he was fatally stabbed.
Two boys, aged 16 and 17, pleaded guilty to murder and possessing an o ensive weapon earlier this year.
During Monday's hearing at She eld Crown Court, Ms Moore, of Springvale Walk, denied murdering Mr Ali.
Continued on page 3
Last week, Marie Tidball MP pressed the need to tackle reckless oroad bike use to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, in Parliament. Marie Tidball, newly elected Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, highlighted to the Home Secretary that “noisy o -road bikes speed around neighbourhoods like Chapeltown, deliberately disturbing and intimidating residents.”
e vehicles are loud and driven too quickly, causing a danger to others, and those riding them. Mud and dirt sprays everywhere, ruining green spaces, and it’s o -putting for children and young people learning to cycle locally.
O en these are farmer’s vehicles, necessary for their work, that have been stolen.
In response, the Home Secretary con rmed that she plans to “strengthen the law to give police more powers to tackle the nightmare of dangerous o -road bikes”.
Continued on page 2
MP Tackles ‘offroaders’
...Continued from front page
The Labour Government is committed to increase police powers to allow them to dispose of off-road bikes being used antisocially, within 48 hours.
The plans include police powers to raise onthe-spot fines for using the bikes to ensure perpetrators don’t ignore police instructions to stop.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:
“I’ve spoken to many people about this issue across our constituency, particularly affecting residents in Chapeltown and High Green, as well as through much loved woodland walks.
It was reassuring to hear the Home Secretary’s plan to strengthen police powers to take illegal, dangerous and antisocial bikes off the streets for good.”
Leaders to Consider Reopening Airport
South Yorkshire leaders are set to review the Full Business Case (FBC) for the reopening of Doncaster-Sheffield Airport (DSA), with a proposed restart of commercial flights by Spring 2026. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), led by Mayor Oliver Coppard, will decide on 12 November 2024 whether to allocate an additional £3 million to support the reinstatement and commercial negotiations for the airport's relaunch.
In February 2024, the SYMCA Board reviewed the Outline Business Case (OBC) and approved the development of a Full Business Case. Since then, City of Doncaster Council has secured a 125-year lease with Peel, the site owners, and completed the process of selecting an operator.
The South Yorkshire Airport City initiative, beyond reopening the airport, aims to stimulate economic growth in the region through a 10-year plan. The airport will serve as the centrepiece for Gateway East, a burgeoning hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation. Notable companies like McLaren, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Hybrid Air Vehicles have already set up operations in the area.
The FBC projects the creation of 5,000 direct jobs and an economic boost of £6.6 billion, with a benefit-cost ratio of 9:1. The high ratio indicates strong potential returns on investment for both public and private stakeholders.
Despite the progress, several milestones remain to ensure the airport is operational by 2026. Key negotiations between City of Doncaster Council and the chosen operator are ongoing, focusing on public control and investment levels. The SYMCA Board had previously agreed in principle to provide £138 million towards Doncaster's Place Investment Plan, which includes the airport's reopening and the establishment of a sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.
Mayor Coppard emphasised the importance of careful and strategic progress, stating that securing the right deal is crucial for the airport's future and the region's economic growth. The £3 million in additional funding will facilitate essential activities, including Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accreditation and infrastructure development.
The project also involves scrutiny from the Government’s Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU), which is reviewing the public investment details. A decision from the SAU is expected by January 2025.
Mayor Coppard reaffirmed his commitment to the project, stressing the significance of the airport as a regional economic asset. "With substantial investment on the table, we must ensure taxpayers’ money is protected and that the new operator is well-positioned to succeed," he said.
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones highlighted the broader vision for the project, which includes transforming the site into a hub for sustainable aviation industries. "This step brings us closer to seeing planes take off from Doncaster once again," she said. "The airport city concept promises significant economic and employment benefits for Doncaster and the entire South Yorkshire region."
The Full Business Case review marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to revitalise Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, positioning it as a cornerstone of regional economic development.
Park murder trial starts
...Continued from front page
The court heard Ms Moore had become a sex worker to fund a drug addiction, which she said started at the age of 14 following the murder of her drug dealer boyfriend.
She told the jury that on 8 March she had been working in a red-light district of Sheffield and had been "drinking and consuming lots of drugs".
She said when she went to the flat of an associate to buy more crack-cocaine she had run into the two teenagers.
The boys, who cannot be named due to their age, had been involved in running a drug supply line, the court previously heard.
Ms Moore said she asked them for drugs but "they only had heroin" and then gave her the phone number of someone called "Ghost", who the court heard was Mr Ali. (pictured)
"The call was answered on the second time that I rang it," Ms Moore, who has previous convictions for drug and assault offences, said.
"I asked him if I could purchase crack-cocaine, we talked about sex work.
"He said he was interested in doing business with me."
Ms Moore was captured on CCTV walking along Addy Street with the two teenagers in the early hours of 9 March.
When asked about this, Ms Moore said the trio had not discussed walking to The Ponderosa together and that the boys had told her they would visit a supermarket.
Ms Moore said when she eventually met Mr Ali, she bought £20 worth of drugs off him and they "talked about sex work".
The trial continues.
SITUATED AT FOX
EXPERIENCE TASTE LIVE
SATURDAY 9th NOV
Simply buy a new bed or mattress from Barkers before 30th November 2024 and, regardless of condition, we will give you a £100 TRADE-IN for your old bed or mattress. So whether you’re looking to find a sumptuous bed for yourself, or a bed for when unexpected guests turn up, you’ll find over 50 beds on display, to try at your leisure.
In partnership with the British Heart Foundation, we will, wherever possible, donate your old bed or mattress to them to sell in their stores.
T’s&C’s - Trade-in offer not available in conjunction with any other offer.
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Folk Cancer
Coming to the Penistone Paramount on 23rd and 24th November Folk Cancer is a celebration of the best UK folk music and at the same time supporting the work of two major cancer charities Yorkshire Cancer Research and Cancer Research UK.
Topping the bill Saturday evening is Barnsley’s own Kate Rusby and on Sunday night, Eddi Reader, direct from the reunion tour of Fairground Attraction.
The other shows are equally impressive with Katherine Priddy - “A voice of delicacy and poignancy with its own subtle strength
underpinned by a skilled observer’s eye” Mark Radcliffe – BBC Radio 2, on Saturday afternoon.
Plus, The Young’uns, whose shows are renowned roller coaster rides, with hearton-the-sleeve storytelling, beautiful lyrics, warm harmonies and relentless repartee on Sunday after-
noon. All the shows have full support acts details on the Paramount website.
The weekend has been organised by celebrated banjo player Damian O’Kane with the support of Penistone Town Council.
Tickets on sale now at penistoneparemount.co.uk
Enthusiastic shoppers make store launch a hit
A long queue of enthusiastic shoppers greeted the launch of the new St Luke’s Hospice department store at Sheffield’s Kilner Way Retail Park in Wadsley Bridge.
The store was officially opened by St Luke’s supporter and ambassador Michael King, whose wife Michelle was a St Luke’s patient.
And then it was straight down to business of looking for the best deals as shoppers browsed among a specially-curated selection of pre-loved clothing, furniture and household items.
The new department store is the most ambitious St Luke’s retail project to date, an 8,500 sq ft space offering a wide variety of pre-loved goods for the costconscious sustainable shopper.
The site also offers visitors three hours of free parking and is well-served by public transport links.
With an extra 7,000 sq ft of warehouse space to the rear of the store, the new shop will in addition provide a donation hub for items to be dropped off by supporters quickly and conveniently.
“We were both overwhelmed and delighted by the public’s response to our opening day, which exceeded all our expectations,” said St Luke’s Head of Retail Jenny Booth.
“To see so many people supporting us shows that there is a real need for our department store and we
look forward to seeing this exciting addition to our retail chain grow.”
The St Luke’s chain of 15 shops taps into a growing national trend that is expected to see the pre-loved market grow by 127 per cent in the next two years.
“Visitors to Kilner Way will never be short on choice as we provide an ever-changing range of stock in all our departments, including contemporary and vintage fashion, occasion wear and weddings, children’s, homewares, furniture, book and records,” said Jenny.
“Shopping pre-loved with St Luke’s Kilner Way is good for the environment, good for your wallet and great for St Luke’s, enabling us to continue our support for around 1,800 patients every year, as well as their families and carers.
“Last year, our charity shops raised almost £3.9m towards our patient care costs – meaning every item donated, gift aided or bought in our shops had a big impact for St Luke’s while at the same time supporting sustainable fashion.
“This year St Luke’s needs to generate £10.5m of the £14m it costs just to carry on doing what we do and our retail operation is a vital part of that fundraising effort.
“As ever, though, a key factor to the success of any St Luke’s shop comes down to the generosity of the Sheffield public, whether giving their time to volunteer or donating high quality pre-loved items that can be resold in our shops.”
The Norfolk Arms
From
Public Consultation on Bus Reform
People across South Yorkshire are being urged to have their say on taking back control of the buses as a major consultation launches into how buses should be run in the region.
From 9am today, (Wednesday 23 October), a 12-week public consultation launches, which aims to get the views of people, businesses and organisations in South Yorkshire on proposals to introduce bus franchising.
Under bus franchising, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) would take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fares.
Buses are the most used mode of public transport in South Yorkshire. Since 1986 bus services in the region have been deregulated, meaning private bus companies are currently responsible for the bus network and are mostly running buses commercially to make a profit.
However, some bus services in South Yorkshire need to be funded by SYMCA, such as evening and weekend services, which do not make a profit but are vital to the communities they serve. SYMCA pays nearly £24m a year in subsidy for these bus services.
There are currently 23 bus companies operating in the region and over 100 types of tickets available, which can be confusing for passengers.
Over 60 percent of respondents to a survey said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the reliability of bus services in South Yorkshire, with around 1 in 5 buses arriving late.
Also, in recent years, there have been significant cuts to the bus network. In 2007 the bus network in South Yorkshire operated 43 million miles but this has now more than halved.
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SYMCA has the power to reform bus services to make sure they work better for the public and under a bus franchising scheme, SYMCA can reinvest any profit back into improving the system for the public.
The government set out a number of steps SYMCA must follow before it can introduce bus franchising which included a Franchising Assessment looking at different options to run bus services. The Assessment concluded that SYMCA taking control of the depots and bus fleet under franchising was the preferred option.
At the SYMCA Board meeting on Tuesday 8 October, the Mayor and South Yorkshire leaders agreed to proceed to the next stage of the process which is a 12-week public consultation on the proposed franchising scheme.
Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Martin Swales OBE, said: “We’re at a pivotal stage in our journey towards reforming our bus network in South Yorkshire. “Before any changes are made to how we run buses, it is vital that we hear from the public, businesses, and a range of organisations about what they think of our proposals to take back control of our buses. “We want as many people as possible to have their say so we can decide the best way forward to a better-connected region that works for everyone who lives and works here.“We will listen and consider all opinions before a final decision is made on the future of how bus services are operated.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has been committed to improving buses in South Yorkshire since his election, with feedback from over 30 public meetings on bus services across all four boroughs in South Yorkshire making clear that the current system is not working for them.
Once the consultation has concluded Mayor Coppard will listen to and consider the responses before making a final decision.
MUSICAL FIREWORKS
NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY
6 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, 7:15 for 7:30pm start time. We will be having a Tropic Skincare demonstration and will be swishing our unwanted clothes and accessories with any left over items being donated to the local charity shops. Further details 07917021268
6 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 3rd July at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, 586 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Roy Gunson, titled “The Uncertainty of Mr Heisenurg”. Our meetings are always relaxed and take place on alternate Wednesday mornings throughout the year. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you at our next meeting
SATURDAY
9 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - Autumn Bird Walk - John and Anne Robinson’s regular seasonal bird walks continue. Have the winter visitors begun to return? No dogs on this walk please. Meet at 9am at Rural Lane Car Park, FREE but donation welcome. www.walc.epizy.com
9 Bolsterstone Archaeology & Heritage Group invite you to a Finds Afternoon. Come along
and see items found in our local area and learn what to do if you nd something interesting... Hear experts talk about their nds and if you have any interesting things that you have found along the way, please bring them along, we’d love to see them! Sat 9th November, Bolsterstone Village Hall at 1pm Entry £1, refreshments available.
9 Crane Moor Methodist Church Autumn Fair Saturday the 9th of November 10 -12 Variety of Stalls Bacon Sandwiches, cakes & a ra e, All Welcome
MONDAY
11 Worrall Environmental Group have a meeting at 7:30pm in the Blue Ball with the usual agenda: Parks, Tubs, Troughs, Budget, Clean up, etc. Followed by the AGM. All Worrallers welcome. Refreshments afterwards. No charge.
11 TARA Baby and ToddlerGroup at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road. 9.30 - 11.30 am Drop in anytime.
WEDNESDAY
13 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Hall on Main Street. We will be next meeting on Wednesday the 13th of November for 10am. We would particularly welcome new members for convivial conversations prior to listening to our guest speaker Stuart Atkins who will delight us with a presentation of ‘ My
Life in Music ‘. After the meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for lunch. For more information please visit our website or contact our secretary Trevor Winslow on 07966317258
THURSDAY
14 Chapeltown WI will meet at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church when they will welcome Elaine Ward from Cry as their speaker. The competition is for an Autumn Decoration. New members and visitors will always be made welcome.
14 Stocksbridge & District History Society Meeting -Christ Church Hall 7PM, Talk - Shefeld Flood -Part 2. Speaker Malcolm Nunn. All are Welcome.
SATURDAY
16 Christmas Fair at Bolsterstone Village Hall 11-4pm.
16 Magic Show at Zion Hall Oughtibridge 2.00 - 4.00 pm. Take-home snack for kids. Book your places at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com stating dietary needs. 07957 206646
16 Stocksbridge Christian Centre Cedar Road CHRISTMAS FAYRE on Saturday 16th November from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Stall, Plants ,Cakes, Books, Tombola & more Hot Butties & Chips
16 Co ee Morning 10-11.30 am Zion Church Hall Langsett Road South Oughtibridge Gifts and Ra e Everyone Welcome
SUNDAY
EVENT
17 Craft Stalls by local makers and Refreshments - 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Hoylandswaine Village Hall, Haigh Lane (By the cricket eld) S36 7JJ. ww.hoylandswainevillagehall.co.uk
17 Magic Show at Inman Pavilion Stocksbridge 2.00 - 4.00 pm. Take-home snack for kids. Book your places at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com stating dietary needs. 07957 206646
MONDAY
18 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - a short AGM followed by ‘Comtempory Photos of Old Loxley’ by Malcolm Nunn, 7.30pm, Wadsley Church Hall, Worrall Road. www.walc.epizy.com
18 ‘Village Made’ in Oughtibridge. Crafters and artists from the village selling a range of hand made items ready for your Christmas gift needs! Free entry. Wesleyan Chapel, Church Street, Oughtibridge.6.30 to 8.30
TUESDAY
19 TARA Co ee morning at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road. 10.15 - 11.45 am Drop in anytime for co ee and a chat.
WEDNESDAY
20 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday 20th November at 10.00AM in Christ Church Community Hall, 586 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Eric Jackson, “Remembrance Stocksbridge” Our meetings are always relaxed and take place on al-
ternate Wednesday mornings throughout the year. For more information about our group, please visit our website at www.donvalleyprobus.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you at our next meeting
SATURDAY
23 Greenhead Church, Chapeltown, Christmas Fayre, 10am - 2pm. Stalls, light lunches and refreshments. All welcome.
SUNDAY
24 Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Christmas Fayre - 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Seasonal Fun And Festive Treats For All The Family, Santa’s Grotto, Festive Music, Craft Stalls, Children’s Activities & Much More...
FRIDAY
29 Coach trip to Hampsons Garden Centre for TARA members. Book your seats at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com 07957 206646
SATURDAY
30 Eccles eld Spartans Jfc Christmas Fayre 11am - 4pm Civil Sports Club, Green Lane, S35 9WY Come along and see Santa only £2 per child Loads of local stalls - free entry, free parking
DECEMBER
SUNDAY
1 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - Commoners Muck-In morning- Probably clearing small saplings in the quarry area. Everyone is welcome ...
come for as long or as little as you like. Meet 10:00, nish at 12 noon. We have tools, please bring good gloves if you have some. www.walc.epizy.com or facebook page for more details.
MONDAY
2 Brad eld Historical Society - Christmas Dinner, venue and timing to be agreed, 2337463, bradfield.history@mypostofce.co.uk, 7.30pm
MONDAY
9 Dec - Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - Christmas Social, either in Wadsley Church Hall or Wadsley Church, 7.30pmmore details later - www.walc. epizy.com or facebook page.
SATURDAY
14 Pantomime Matinee for TARA members. Jack-in -the-Beanstalk Academy Theatre. Book your seats at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com 07957 206646
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Men’s Activity and Games Session Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre Monday afternoons 1-30pm to 3-30pm Cost £1 (includes free refreshments) Activities will include a range from Badminton, Table Tennis, Indoor Curling, Dominoes, Card and Board Games, Quiz Contact Andy Walker 07723 506423 for further information.
Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir practise on Monday evenings (7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.)
at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, Millhouse Green. If you want to join us, come on Monday 2023 to meet us and see if you like us. Bass voices are needed so have a go at singing in the Bath rst! Contact 01226 764642 for more information
Baby and Toddler group at the Christian Centre, Cedar Road S36 1AS. Mondays during term-time 9.30 - 11.30 am. Drop in anytime. Sponsored by T.A.R.A.
TUESDAYS
CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) Tea, co ee, cakes, dominoes and other games, and friendship. Every Tuesday 2-4 pm at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone. (Next to the library).For more details: 07903 628820
Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435
Thurgoland Community Choir, every Wednesday 7pm - 9:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Thurgoland.
THURSDAYS
Open House Community Café
Everyone is welcome at Open House, our new community café - 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday at Holy Trinity Thurgoland Church. Pop in for coffee, cakes and a chat. Contact Hannah for more details: han-
nahosandoval@gmail.com
The South Yorkshire Bonsai Society, meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month at Deepcar Village Hall 8 to 10 p.m.
High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 10am-12:30pm £4 per person. Call Margaret for more info 0114 284 7190
Volunteer Thursdays at Greave House Farm Trust. Enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, meeting new friends. Any time between 10am and 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. Also monthly work days on 2nd Saturday. For more info contact Barbara: 07724505911or email greavehouse@yahoo.co.uk
‘WARM WELCOME’ for everyone at The Christian Centre, Cedar Road every Thursday between 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. Meet & ChatEnjoy a snack - games to play.
FRIDAYS
Stocksbridge Community Care Group’s Friday Drop In Service for elderly residents is once again being held weekly at The Venue, between 10am and 3pm. For a small charge visitors can enjoy a hot drink, company, games, talks and a light lunch. For further information contact Dave Owen on 0114 2864426.
Friends Celebrate Funding Success for New Wellbeing Gardens
e Friends of Wharncli e Side School are celebrating a major win a er securing funding from the She eld City Council’s North Local Area Committee (LAC) NextGen fund.
e funding will support an ambitious project to transform two disused courtyards at Wharncli e Side School and Nursery into vibrant well-being gardens.
e proposed gardens aim to foster mental well-being, enhance the learning environment, and strengthen students’ connection to the outdoors during lesson times. ese spaces are envisioned as sanctuaries where students can engage with nature, promoting a holistic approach to education and mental health.
A Community E ort
e group is on a tight timeline, with a project completion target of March 2025. In true community spirit, they are calling for volunteers to join a working group dedicated to planning and building the gardens.
“ is is a wonderful opportunity for parents, carers, and community members to get involved,” said a spokesperson for the Friends of Wharncli e Side School. “Whether you have a green thumb or just want to lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you.”
Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out or to speak with group members in the playground.
Looking Ahead
e Friends of Wharncli e Side School are eagerly anticipating the transformation of the courtyards and the positive impact these gardens will have on the school community.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting few months ahead,” added the spokesperson. “ ese gardens will not only enhance our school grounds but also provide invaluable bene ts to our students' wellbeing.”
Deaths Deaths
Ron E GGENTON
Aged 87
Loving Husband of Margaret for 64 years.
Wonderful Father of Nigel and Chris, Grandad of Joshua and Mathew.
Passed away after much suffering on 29th October 2024.
Now at peace.
GLOVER
David Lauriston
Aged 82
Passed away peacefully at home on 20th October.
Much loved Husband of Jean, Father to Paul, His Wife Anna and 2 lovely Grandchildren, Tala and Sala.
Cremation at Grenoside Crematorium on Monday 18th November in South Chapel at 11.30.
Family flowers only but any donations to RSPCA.
SHIRLEY COOPER (CROFT)
1947-2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our loving Wife, Mother and Grandma of Malcolm, Verity and Chloe
Funeral to be held at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel 15th November at 11.30.
Followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life at The Old Red Lion, 210 Main Street, Grenoside S35 8PR
Deaths Tony ADDY
Aged 80
Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Devoted Husband of Sandra, loving Dad of Richard and Elizabeth, Father-in-Law to Tania and Paul, Grandad to Alice, Thomas, Jacob and Charlie and a friend to many.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday 19th November, 1 pm at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel.
Family owers only but donations in lieu will be gratefully accepted for Cancer Research UK
Enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar S36 2RE 0114 2885555
A helpful, local family business CHAPELS OF REST at Barnsley Road, Bridgend, Penistone, S36 7AH 01226 762 481
New Road, Deepcar S36 2RS 0114 288 3169
Hello, I’m Jane Ward-Drummond, your local Estate Planning Consultant of 13 years experience. I am an expert in helping people arrange their Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Pre-paid Funeral Plans.
Along with my colleague Haworth Ward-Drummond we specialise in helping all kinds of people gain peace of mind by providing professional advice, but with a personal touch.
We offer a FREE consultation without obligation for anybody who would like to know more about any of the following:
• Making a basic Will
• Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Protecting your home for future generations
• Pre-paid Funeral Plans
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Sudoku
Str8ts
Local Opinion
100th Anniversary
This November commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first Remembrance Day at the Clock Tower in Stocksbridge.
The iconic Clock Tower, the culmination of the work done by Mr Joseph Sheldon and his committee, had been unveiled and dedicated in December the previous year. The first Armistice Day ceremony took place in November 1924 and was led by the then Mayor, Councillor John West, with a gathering of over 1000 people. This year’s commemorative ceremony will start with the gathering and march from Johnson Street (outside the CO-OP car park) at 10:15am, Sunday 10th November and progress on the superbly ‘Named Poppy’ lined route, culminating with the service at the Clock Tower.
‘’We Will Remember Them’’
Volunteer-run Libraries
Dennis Pindar, Chairman SDHS.
Dear Editor
I’m writing on behalf of the Trustees of Friends of Ecclesfield Library to express our dismay (or a stronger word!) at the letter from Deepcar Resident.
Definition: A library is a building containing books, periodicals etc for use or borrowing by the public or members of an institution.
Ours is a community library (not an academic one), which provides a range of services as well as having a normal collection of books. As well as the City library books, we have our own yellow stickers system plus a large collection of items of local interest including photographs of the Ecclesfield Hospital Parades. Our volunteers are trained in basic librarianship and some organise activities for old and young. There are frequent visits from outside bodies providing help and information ( eg cost of living, computer literacy, imagination gaming). As part of the Warm Spaces initiative, we provide free
refreshments and a welcoming environment to help our community to save money on heating their homes.
We always welcome new volunteers for the various jobs which have to be done in the building. Of course the first step is a simple phone call, but then individuals are checked, trained and monitored. They must adhere to our Safeguarding and Health and Safety policies. It would be naive to think that we would just set someone on without a proper process. I have not been aware of any detriment to our library society by having (normal) volunteers with political or religious bias. Our first duty is to the library and our community. Since the Covid lockdowns, which hit all institutions’ viability, footfall is slowly returning to the levels of 5/6 years ago. This is partly due to awareness raising by events like the Halloween one organised by the Buy Ecc initiative. Without our volunteer-run libraries, whole areas of Sheffield would have no access to books or a community space. Now, that would be a disaster!
Victoria Bowden Chair of Trustees Friends of Ecclesfield Library
Where does our new MP stand on the extreme racism within her Parliamentary Party?
Dear Editor
I’ve independently, as have very many others, submitted a formal complaint to the Met Police about Labour MP Dawn Butler: her retweeting of deeply malicious racist jibes at the new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, that she is ‘white supremacy’ in ‘blackface’; and towards most of the rest of us as supposed ‘white supremacists’.
Mrs Badenoch (whom I like but don’t support: the Conservative Party is a dead legacy political party like Labour, completely alien to the general population) is of Nigerian descent: racially African. She is not now somehow not of African race with a ‘white’ face painted on. Furthermore, the notion of ‘white supremacy’ is a deeply racist malicious claim that all those racially Caucasian are somehow coconspirators and co-beneficiaries of a supposed systematic bias and
oppression towards all those who are non-’white’. This is not only scientifically, historically and culturally as illiterate as it is possible to be, but it is intentionally malicious, designed to create permanent antipathy between all races. [It stems from a near century-long evolution of ‘critical social justice’ theory ‘identity politics’ as a backlash, initially by Marxian intellectuals, against the masses for not buying the ideological bull ... that would take too long to outline here, but is now very well documented in a plethora of best-selling books and papers (including my own).]
Dawn Butler clearly has a prima facie case to answer under the current law of both malicious communication and a race ‘hate crime’. She should not only lose the Labour Party whip, she should be expelled by the Party. Upon conviction she can then face removal from office by her constituents (as even in London the majority do not subscribe to her appalling parroted hate-mongering notions). So does our new MP understand this, or is she in favour of one law for us and another for them? Is she standing by the man now commonly dubbed ‘two tier’ Kier? As her constituents, we need to know if she stands by a government as completely hypocritical and disgusting as it here seems.
Yours sincerely Steve Moxon
SURPRISE DISCOVERY
I WANDERED LONE BESIDE THE SEA, I HOPED A FOSSIL I WOULD FIND, BUT ALL THE ROCKS THAT I DID SEE, WERE OF THE ORDINARY EVERYDAY KIND, AT LEAST, THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT I SAW, ‘TILL WASHED IN A POOL ON THAT SUN KISSED SHORE, WERE REVEALED MINUTE ANCIENT FOSSILS GALORE.
SHEILA GENT
Charity warns of funding crisis
Youth homelessness charity Roundabout has warned that it faces a perilous funding cliff edge at the end of this year, increasing the prospect of homelessness for vulnerable young people across the region.
Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s youth homeless charity, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The charity works with more than 380 young people every day, providing shelter, support and life skills to help them gain independence.
The charity receives a large share of its funding from Sheffield and Rotherham Councils through Central Government grants.
This funding was announced by the previous Government in the 2021 spending review and comes to an end at the end of this year for Roundabout..
If the funding is not continued, it will equate to almost £1bn of funding leaving the homelessness system.
And at a local level it could seriously impact many of Roundabout’s services, all aimed at reducing the prospect of homelessness for the region’s young people.
Roundabout Chief Executive Ben Keegan is joining the charity Homeless Link - the membership body for frontline homelessness services in England - in calling for The Chancellor’s October 30
Autumn Budget to extend the current funding package until 2025/26, including additional funding to recognise the prolonged period of high inflation service providers had to operate in.
Beyond that, Homeless Link is calling for the Government to reviewing all homelessness spending, before implementing a new ring-fenced funding system from 2026/27.
“I am already writing directly to our region’s MPs, urging them to support us and speak out against any possible loss of funding,” said Ben.
“We have been supporting young people in South Yorkshire for more than 40 years and the harsh reality is that this is the busiest we have ever been.
“There is an ever-growing demand from young people in desperate housing need in our region and the call for all our many services is at an all time high.
“We now support well over 380 young people aged 16 to 25 every day, providing emergency accommodation for those most at risk, supporting young people in residential projects in Sheffield and Rotherham and providing key services delivering comprehensive programmes of training, involvement and empowerment which help to prepare young people for independent living.
“We need to see youth homelessness placed higher up the agenda and made an absolute priority
for change but that can only be achieved with the proper levels of funding.
“Roundabout’s generous supporters give so much to ensure we can maintain our services but central government too has to show commitment to what is in danger of becoming a national scandal.
“The Roundabout team continues to do great work with increasingly limited resources in an area that has been under funded for too many years - and that needs to change.”
Nationally, rough sleeping rose by 27 per cent in 2023 and by 60 per cent since 2021.
Meanwhile, the most recent statutory homelessness statistics showed a record number of more than 150,000 children are currently trapped living in often squalid conditions.
Rick Henderson, CEO at Homeless Link, said:
“Everyone needs a safe place to live. Homelessness services do vital work in supporting people who often have complex needs in addressing the issues behind their homelessness and helping them build new lives.
“But services need certainty to allow them to plan for the future and continue to support people.
“Announcing a roll-over of homelessness funding at the upcoming Budget, with a commit to implement a new ring-fenced funding system down the line.
“It will allow homelessness providers to breathe a little bit easier and provide the kind of consistency people experiencing homelessness need.”
Four men fined for hunting offences
Four men appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (31 October), where they were found guilty of being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs. Lee Hague, 42, of Ingshead Avenue, Rotherham; Simon Jeffries, 31, of Pingles Crescent, Rotherham; Byron Wilson, 20, of Launce Road, Sheffield; and Ben Wilkinson, 20, of Constable Close Rotherham, all pleaded not guilty to the offence at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on 2 July.
On 13 November 2023, officers stopped a black Volkswagen Passat being driven by Hague and with Jeffries, Wilson, and Wilkinson as passengers, on Lansbury Avenue in Maltby.
Police Officers searched the vehicle and found three bull lurcher dogs, slip leads, and a highpowered search lamp, which were consistent with use for the illegal hunting of wild animals.
Officers seized the dogs and the four men’s mobile phones, and made arrangements for the men to attend police interviews.
After a trial found the four men guilty of the offence, they were collectively fined £2,450 and were deprived ownership of the dogs, slip leads, and lamp.
Hague was additionally charged with using a motor vehicle on a road / public place without third party insurance. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £120 and received six points on his licence.
Vieira’s ‘Right Hand Man’ Pops Into Penistone
Last week UEFA Pro Licence coach Kristian Wilson visited Penistone Church U14 Girls to hold a special training session and Q&A with players and coaches.
Kristian who heralds from She eld held the role as Patrick Vieira’s assistant manager across spells in the premier league with Crystal Palace and in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg. Penistone coach Derek Riley said “ It was a privilege to have Kristian with us, the con-
tent of the session and the precision and clarity in the delivery was something to behold”.
Kristian spent time with both of the squads looking at passing, decision making and nishing.
e session concluded with Kristian discussing his rise through the coaching ranks at She eld Utd and Manchester City as well as advising the current crop of Penistone players on the keys to success in today’s modern game.
RISING STAR BECOMES
CHILDREN’S CHAMPION
She eld teenager and F4 driver, Rowan CampbellPilling, has been announced as e Children’s Hospital Charity’s newest Children’s Champion.
e 17-year-old driver was at Donington last weekend, as he gained another four trophies in the Rokit British F4 certi ed by the FIA season. During round eight of the Championship, Rowan was named a Children’s Champion for e Children’s Hospital Charity.
He has been fundraising with the charity as an ambassador since the beginning of 2023.
He raised over £10,000 in 2023, and by September 2024, aims to have raised a total of over £25,000 to help support the hospital’s patients and their families.
Rowan has supported many charities over the years but feels a particular a nity to the Children’s Hospital team.
e F4 racing star was born in the Jessop Wing, just around the corner from the hospital, and then was admitted there two months later for a serious chest infection. He also recently needed an x-ray and, again, made use of the outstand-
Cross Country Success
Longley Park Hosts Thrilling Second Round
e South Yorkshire Cross Country Series continued with its second meeting at Longley Park, where Hillsborough and Rivelin Runners Club (HRRC) delivered standout performances, propelling them to the top of the overall standings.
Women Shine in Cross Country Challenge
In the women’s race, Helen Roberts led the HRRC charge, nishing with an impressive time of 27:49, securing 7th place. e team’s depth was evident, with 15 runners contributing to the points tally. Notable debuts came from Caroline Mynes and Vicky Bratby, both of whom showed promise in their rst cross-country outings. e women’s team, featuring experienced runners like Jenny Cartmell and Sarah Pritchard, demonstrated resilience and teamwork, ensuring HRRC remains a formidable force in the competition.
ing facilities at She eld Children’s.
Going from being an ambassador, Rowan is now a Children’s Champion.
Children’s Champions donate regularly towards enhancements to She eld’s Children’s, funding hundreds of thousands of pounds of equipment, research and new facilities.
Rowan said: “I’m honoured to be a Children’s Champion for e Children’s Hospital Charity and to continue to raise money and awareness for the wonderful work they do.
“My family and I know rsthand how important the services at She eld Children’s are, so it means a lot to us. It was amazing to welcome members of the charity team to Donington to celebrate the announcement.”
Rowan is currently competing in his rst Rokit British F4 certi ed by the FIA Season, driving for the Phinsys by Argenti team.
is is seen as the rst rung on the ladder towards Formula 1.
He joined the F4 grid following a successful karting career, where he competed in the Daniel Ricciardo Series and IAME X30 in both the junior and senior classes.
Men’s Team Dominates Despite Tough Competition
e men’s race saw a commanding performance from Joe Harding, who nished 2nd overall with a time of 36:25. e team elded 25 runners, including debutants Matthew Betts, Rob Coddrington, Chris Bashford, and Finlay Ibbotson. HRRC’s strength in depth was clear, with strong nishes from Daniel Smith, Jimmie Stuart, and Peter Boden, keeping them competitive and rmly placing the club at the top of the standings.
Outstanding National Cross Country Relay Performances
HRRC also made a mark at the prestigious National Cross Country Championships in Mans eld. e Women’s A Team, comprising Sarah Pritchard, Jenny Cartmell, and Naomi Hartopp, nished 43rd out of 106 teams, demonstrating their ability to compete against elite clubs. Jenny Cartmell delivered a particularly strong performance with a time of 11:48 on the 3K loop.
e Men’s A Team, including Jimmie Stuart, Matt Noble, Peter Boden, and Daniel Smith, secured a commendable 64th place out of 164 teams in the 5K loop. Matt
Noble’s performance stood out as he clocked the fastest time for the team at 17:43.
e Men’s B and C Teams also showcased HRRC’s depth, nishing 80th and 120th, respectively, highlighting the club’s collective strength and competitive spirit.
Worksop Half Marathon Success
In addition to their crosscountry triumphs, members displayed endurance and determination at the Worksop Half Marathon. Alison Tunwell led the Hillsborough contingent with a subtwo-hour nish, clocking in at 01:59:01. Other notable nishers included Steven Maher, Joanne Battersby, and Amy Willoughby, all of whom contributed to a successful outing for the club.
Looking Ahead
With two more rounds le in the South Yorkshire Cross Country Series, HRRC is poised for further success.
e club’s strong start, bolstered by impressive individual and team performances, sets the stage for a potentially triumphant season.
e full list of runners is as follows:
Women’s Team:
7 27:49 Helen Roberts 8 28:16
Jenny Cartmell 12 28:47 Sarah Pritchard 16 29:03 Fran Cummins 22 29:50 Charlotte Jenkinson 24 29:58 Emma Mavin29 31:21 Julia Cobham
32 31:50 Clare Mc ompson
33 32:08 Fran Allen 37 32:55
Caroline Mynes 53 35:18
Karen Stev 54 35:22 Gill Burgon 63 37:17 Sophie ompson 79 40:54 Vicky Bratby 80 40:55 Georgia Stubbs
Men’s Team:
2 36:25 Joe Hdg 11 39:39
Daniel Smith 13 39:47 Jimmie Stuart 16 39:49 Peter Boden 17 40:07 John Boden
20 40:28 Matt Noble 22 40:40
James Garner 33 41:59 Hal Roberts 42 43:25 Neil Stabbs
44 43:35 Rob Coddington
49 43:51 Joe Delahunty 51 44:29 James Rose 57 44:52
Lewis Bower 60 45:00 Matthew Betts 65 45:44 Scott
Watson 70 46:20 Peter Hill
71 46:25 John Himsworth 74 47:04 Chris Basford 82 48:36
Michael Ashworth 87 50:12
Peter Knight 95 51:07 David ompson 96 51:09 Nick Hails 98 51:24 Al Dalton 104
52:13 Finlay Ibbotson 116 55:38 James Mason
National X Country Relays - Mans eld -
HRRC had a fantastic weekend at the National Cross Country Championships in Mans eld, mixing with the elites at this prestigious event.
Great team spirit, everyone pushing to the limit and some great times and placings here!
Women’s A Team - 43rd (out of 106) (3K loop) 12:14 Sarah Pritchard 11:48 Jenny Cartmell 13:45 Naomi Hartopp
Men’s A Team - 64th (out of 164) (5K loop) 17:52 Jimmie Stuart 17:43 Matt Noblefastest time of the day 18:03 Peter Boden 17:43.904 Daniel Smith
Men’s B Team - 80th 18:36 James Garner 19:21 Matthew Betts 18:22 omas Harrington-vogt 18:00 John Boden
Men’s C Team - 120th 21:11 Michael Ashworth 19:44 Danny Fitzgerald 22:17 Andy Davies 21:04 Micky Marshall Worksop Half Marathon 534 Alison Tunwell 01:59:01, 635 Steven Maher 02:05:35, 665 Joanne Battersby 02:07:01, 788 Amy Willoughby 02:14:31 789 Richard Johnson 02:14:31, 814 Joanne Maher 02:16:42, 928 Leah Andrews 02:25:06, 929 Alice Cutts 02:25:06, 973 Jane Naylor 02:31:05
Milestones celebrated and firsts at Parkrun and Beyond
Concord Parkrun Celebration
Saturday saw Valley Hill runners gather at Concord Parkrun for a special occasion. Wendy Duggan, a dedicated member of the club, celebrated her remarkable achievement of volunteering at 100 parkruns. The event was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor, who spoke passionately about promoting active travel in South Yorkshire. Reflecting on her journey, Wendy shared, “It’s taken a while to reach 100, but over the years, I’ve run a bit, helped a bit, and, as we always say, no volunteers, no parkrun.”
Kimberworth Canal Race Triumph
Sunday brought more excitement as Valley Hill’s Caroline White and Phil Harris tackled the Kimberworth Canal Race, a challenging four-mile course through Blackburn Nature Reserve. It marked a significant milestone for Caroline, who participated in her first-ever running event. Overjoyed at her achievement, she expressed her delight at crossing the finish line, a testament to her courage and dedication.
The Final Guy Fawkes 10
Also on Sunday, Judith, Luke, and Chris, a member of Valley Hill’s Leeds branch, took on the formidable Guy Fawkes 10 in North Yorkshire. The ten-mile race, known for its tough terrain, was the final edition of this iconic event. Luke led the Valley Hill trio, followed by Chris and Judith, each finishing with impressive times.
Personal Best at Hillsborough Parkrun
Back at Hillsborough on Saturday, newcomer Katie Elsey continued to shine. Consistently attending club runs and parkruns, Katie achieved another personal best, showcasing her growing strength and enthusiasm. Her dedication to the sport and the club is clearly paying off, and her progress is inspiring to all.
A ‘Vella’ of a scare for Chapeltown Chapeltown
RBL 2-2 Brunsmeer
Chapeltown win 5-3 on pens
A depleted Chapeltown RBL side scraped through to the league cup quarter-finals against Division One Brunsmeer.
Brunsmeer took the lead when a mishit back-pass sent the forward in to finish well.
Man of the match Mikey Vella levelled before halftime with a 30 yard screamer, and Elliott Simpson saw his left foot volley cannon off the crossbar.
Brunsmeer regained the lead ten minutes into the second half but RBL equalised again when Morgan Cowell crossed and Adam Simpson nodded home.
As the game headed for penalties Lewis Fox brought down the Brunsmeer attacker in the area, but made amends saving the resulting penalty.
Legion scored all 5 of their penalties with Adam Todd, Mikey Vella, Luis Afonso-Ferreira, Morgan Cowell and debutant Piers Bond stepping up. Lewis Fox made a fine save to ensure the Legion won.
Kelvin secures win and Lee notches up 500 parkruns
Nine Penistone Footpath Runners made the short trip to Blackburn Nature Reserve in Rotherham to take part in the popular five-mile canal race. First back for the club was Ian Neville in 12th place overall in a time of 33-43.
The first lady back for Penistone was Lois
Lopez in a time of 3928. Kelvin Bowskill picked up first place in the men’s over70 age category in 4154 and in the process secured the KMR running series title despite two races remaining in the series.
Nick Whittingham completed the annual Guy Fawkes 10-mile
race in Ripley, finishing in 1-45-11.
Three Penistone runners took on the challenge of the Chalkland Way Ultra which is a 40 mile circular ultramarathon set in the picturesque Yorkshire Wolds, starting and ending in Pocklington.
The course traverses scenic villages such as Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Kirby Underdale, Thixendale, Fimber and Wetwang. Chloe Worth, Rhianna Banford and Will Hoyland ran together to complete the 40 miles in under nine hours which gave them 20th place
overall in the team category.
On the fells, Father and Son Paul and Tom Fryers competed in the Shepherd’s Skyline which is a 10k race based out of Todmorden. Tom came 12th in 49-25 and Paul was 106th in 68-19.
On the parkrun scene there were first places for Emma Moore (Barnsley) and James Fryers (Jesmond Dene). Lee Hopkins ran his 500th parkrun at Wynyard Woodland. Alex Melhuish ran his 300th parkrun at Huddersfield and Heather Lindley did her 50th parkrun at Graves Park. Age-graded performances of the week were Dawn Broom (87.97%), Martin Ball (80.19%), Julia John-
son (80.11%), James Mumford (77.29%) and Flynn Rogers (75.63%).
Results
Barnsley Parkrun 4, James Mumford 18-12; 12, Sean Pitt 19-58; 16, Emma Moore 21-57; 47, Nick Pepper 25-33; 71, Stu Smith 27-40; 101, Jen Holley 2958; 133, Sarah Clough 33-00; 146, Ray Brown 33-57; 147, Kim Rogers 34-17; 158, Karen Schofield 36-20; 160, Dianne McGuiness 36-53.
Chalkland Way Ultra 54, Rhianna Banford 8-44-00; 55, Will Hoyland 8-44-09; 57, Chloe Worth 8-4444.
Guy Fawkes
626, Nick Whittingham 1-45-11.
Five Mile Canal Race
12, Ian Neville 3343; 41, Pete Beever 38-10; 56, Lois Lopez 39-28; 79, Kelvin Bowskill 41-54; 82, Rory O’Sullivan 4203; 98, Stu Smith 43-
44; 123, Jill Scrivens 47-11; 152, Mandy Mallinder 51-52; 176, Steve Dommett 5949.
Shepherd’s Skyline
12, Tom Fryers 49-25; 106, Paul Fryers 1-0819.
Church bounce back
Penistone Church 3-0 Bottesford Town
On Wednesday Church made the short journey to play Maltby Main in the second round of the Sheffield Senior Cup but it was a game where they didn’t reach their full potential.
Church defender Wayne Hughes equalised a Josh Stead goal a for the teams to go in one each at half time but as a penalty shootout loomed Josh Stead scored Maltby’s winning goal just before the final whistle to ensure their place in the draw for round three.
Co-manager Steve Lenthall
We told the lads that were disappointed in them and we just didn’t think that there was enough there tonight to win the game.
Also last Wednesday Church Reserves made the short hop to the next valley to play Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves at Bracken Moor. They took a first-half lead courtesy of a Will Hackett header which was equalised by Steels when Thomson Cartledge scored from a volley midway through the second. At one apiece the points and local bragging rights were shared
Saturday’s NCEL game at home to Bottesford marked PCFC stalwart
Ryan Johnson’s (pictured) threehundredth appearance for Church since he first pulled on the black and white shirt for a pre-season friendly against Houghton Main on Friday 29th July 2016
Church were looking to recover from two previous defeats and quickly settled their nerves when an excellent free kick from thirty yards delivered by James Young into the box was guided in the net by Luca Defalco to make it one-nil after six minutes.
They then had to wait until the end of the half to double the score when after a sequence of corners Nathan Keightley scored directly from the flag kick, the ball evading everyone to go in the top corner of the net.
In the second half Bottesford had a lot more possession so substitutions were made and they soon paid dividends. The ball was played down the right by Jack Lenthall for Sam Scrivens to cross to recently introduced Leon Hurles-Brook to head home in the bottom corner to make it a three-nil victory.
Assistant manager Brett Lovell
We’ve worked hard for that win today. It was a really positive performance, we kept going forward but we also were defensively sound and Lawlor when called upon in the last five minutes made an excellent save to preserve our clean sheet which is really important to us. I think we were the better side for ninety minutes. Sam Scrivens has been phenomenal, we’ve asked him to do two or three jobs today and he’s really put a shift in It was excellent for us to get that result for Ryan Johnson today he’s been an absolute stalwart at this club He deserved his ovation when we took him off because threehundred games at any club is special but at our club even more so.
Also on Saturday Reece High was on the score sheet when Church Reserves lost two-one away at Denaby Main Fixtures
Saturday 9th November NCEast Premier Division Eccleshill United v Penistone Church Kick off 3-00 pm
Woodcock Clinches Monthly Honour for Stocksbridge Rugby
Stocksbridge Rugby’s formidable prop, Gary Woodcock, has been named the Dyson Funeral Services Man of Steel for October. Sponsored by Valley Property Services, Woodcock’s standout performances in the set piece, tight play, and dynamic runs with ball in hand saw him edge out stiff competition from teammates Liam O’Leary, Harrison “The Storm” Norman, and Adam Frith.
With fixtures on hold in the Yorkshire 4 Counties South league due to the Autumn International series, Stocksbridge Rugby, sponsored by Globe Holidays, remains in sixth position. This weekend, they look forward to a crucial clash at Coal Pit Lane Arena against Sheffield Medics & Dentists RUFC. Stocksbridge aims to complete a rare league double in this Round 7 fixture, with kick-off set for 2.15 pm. The brief hiatus has provided a valuable recovery period for several key players. Reece “Diesel” Aspin
(knee), Ricky “Rooney” James (back), and Callum “Whippet” Green (ankle) will undergo fitness tests this week. The team is eager to build on their recent home victory over Hessle, and another strong turnout of supporters is anticipated.
Rookie player-coach Aaron Kaye expressed satisfaction with the squad’s progress, particularly noting the development of the younger, less experienced players. “The guys are really absorbing the coaching and improving,” Kaye remarked. “Confidence will grow as we continue to compete and secure wins. It’s an exciting time to be part of this club.”
Veteran assistant coach Andy Tyers commended Kaye’s transition from player to coach, noting the challenges but praising his rugby acumen. “Aaron’s doing a great job,” Tyers said. “He’s smart, has a solid rugby background, and if the players continue to buy into his methods, the results will follow.”
CUP DEFEAT FOR POMONA
POMONA FC 0 – 1 THORNCLIFFE
It was a disappointing first-round cup exit for an out-of-sorts Pomona as they went down 1-0 at home to local rivals Thorncliffe Villa.
An uncharacteristic lacklustre first half from Pomona saw them struggle to get any control of the game. Despite Pomona’s poor performance they managed to keep Thorncliffe at arm’s length, other than a half chance that hit the outside of the post.
Pom manager Rob Wilds’s plans to shuffle his team to try and get a hold of the game were dealt a blow losing three players to injuries including the goalkeeper within a matter of minutes, although Pomona could have taken the lead right at the end of the first half when striker Simon Bonnett had his close-range effort cleared off the line following a goalmouth scramble.
A dressing down and a couple of changes at halftime should have given Pomona a boost but they struggled again to cope with the away side’s high press although Thorncliffe themselves struggled to create any chances of note.
Then came the flashpoint 20 minutes into the second half, Thorncliffe
VILLA
prepared to take a corner but as the players jostled for position a scuffle started in the penalty area resulting in a Thorncliffe player seeing the red card followed by another red card shown to a Pomona player after the trouble carried on on the sideline.
Pomona finally began to put the Thorncliffe defence under pressure, forcing a number of corners and free kicks in the attacking third and Bonnet went close he probably had more time than he realised when his outside-ofthe-boot shot went just wide of the far upright from the edge of the penalty area when he was clean through.
The Thorncliffe goal came against the run of play at that point a Pomona defender misplaced a pass straight into the path of the Thorncliffe attacker who finished past the Pomona keeper to make it 0-1 with 85 minutes on the clock.
Pomona pressed for the equaliser but it wasn’t enough and Thorncliffe went through to the second round.
There’s no game next week for Pomona then it’s back to league action when they travel to Elsecar Dynamoes on 16th November.
Ryan Johnson
Steels’ Continue Promising Season Start
Stocksbridge Park Steels have enjoyed an impressive start to the football season, with all senior teams performing admirably and securing top-five positions in their respective divisions. The first team, despite undergoing significant pre-season changes, has exceeded expectations by sitting in fifth place in the East Division of the Northern Premier League, a play-off spot. Their commendable run in the FA Trophy ended in a narrow penalty shootout loss to higher-division Warrington.
The reserve squad has also made waves, standing strong in second place in the County Senior League Premier Division.
This squad’s progress is bolstered by loaning out players to gain valuable experience at higher levels. The Development team, newly promoted to the Sheffield Fair Play League, holds fifth place with games in hand, reflecting a promising season for the young squad.
The under-eighteen teams are equally impressive. The Yellow squad remains unbeaten atop Division Two of the Bud Evans Under-18 League, while the Blue squad, fresh from promotion, is solidifying its position in the top division and is well-positioned to push for a top-two fin-
ish. Both squads have shown resilience, particularly the Blue squad’s performance in the FA Youth Cup, where they narrowly lost to Bradford Park Avenue’s academy on penalties.
This season also marks the debut of Park Steels’ Ladies team. While victories have been elusive, the team’s development is evident, and expectations for improved results are high.
Liversedge 2-2
Stocksbridge PS
Stocksbridge Park Steels demonstrated resilience as they secured a dramatic late equaliser against a 10-man Liversedge in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The match began with both sides seeking redemption from previous setbacks.
Liversedge capitalised first, with Jack Dyche scoring after a well-placed corner from Jack Carr. The game took a dramatic turn when Liversedge’s goalkeeper Jake Oram was sent off for a reckless challenge on James Morris, forcing defender Jack Crook to take up goalkeeping duties.
Despite the numerical advantage, Stocksbridge struggled to challenge Crook effectively, with only a near-miss from Tom Charlesworth marking their efforts in the
first half. However, the second half saw increased intensity from Stocksbridge. A scrappy penalty, converted by Alex O’Connor, levelled the score.
Liversedge, though down to ten men, reclaimed the lead through Desmond Amponsah, who capitalised on a counterattack. Undeterred, Stocksbridge pressed on and finally found their equaliser in stoppage time when Paul Iggulden connected with a well-placed cross from Charlesworth.
Manager Ian Richards reflected on the game, expressing mixed feelings:
“We got a bit confused after the red card. We didn’t play in the right areas and struggled with the final pass. However, I’m proud of how the team responded, rescuing a point at the end, though it feels like a missed opportunity against ten men.”
Overall, the Steels’ season reflects a promising future, with strong performances across all teams, underscoring the success of the club’s recent restructuring efforts.
Next Home Game: Saturday 16 November vs Newton Aycliffe, 3pm KO.
Photo by Ian Revitt
