Look Local Issue 1255 Thursday 2 February 2023

FAthEr FOund guiLty OF MurdEring his BABy sOn

Leon Mathias, 33, had been accused of shaking to death nineweek-old Hunter at their home in November 2018 in a "moment of frustration".

A Sheffield Crown Court jury convicted him of murder on Monday after more than 27 hours of deliberations.

On Friday 30 November 2018, shortly before 7.45pm, Hunter Mathias collapsed and stopped breathing at his home in Barnsley. Three days later he died in hospital. He was nine weeks old.

This week after a 13-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, his father, Leon Mathias, was convicted of his murder.

The jury majority determined that Mathias, now 34, had deliberately killed Hunter in a momentary loss of control,

when they were upstairs alone, and the baby was crying. Mathias then alerted Hunter’s mum who was sat downstairs with a friend, that something was wrong.

The nine-week-old was taken to Barnsley District General Hospital where hospital staff fought to resuscitate him. However, his brain injury was so severe, and his brain had swollen so significantly, they were unable to save him. Hunter died in Sheffield Children’s Hospital on Monday 3 December 2018.

Throughout the course of the trial, the court heard from a total of 14 medical experts about the injuries Hunter had suffered in his short life. He had a number of fractures and bruising to his head at the time of his death.

Speaking after the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Mark Oughton said: “This has been a protracted and complex investigation and trial, and I welcome the decision reached by the jury today.

“We will never know exactly what happened during Hunter’s bath time on 30 November 2018; what we do know is that he suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of his father. I am pleased justice has been served today.”

Mathias was found guilty of murder by a 10-2 majority verdict, and not guilty of Section 18 assault. He will return to Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday 2 February for sentencing.

On Friday afternoon, officers from Sheffield North West NPT headed down to the Sheffield Wednesday FC training ground on Middlewood Road to take on a team of youngsters from the area in a hotly contested match.

The match was part of a neighbourhood policing initiative with Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme's Peer Action Collective (PAC) programme aimed at breaking down the barriers between officers and youngsters in the area. And what better time to hold the first ever match of its kind than in #NeighbourhoodPolicingWeek?

The officers from the Walkley and Hillsborough team had come in early to take part in the match, before heading off afterwards to change into uniform and start their shift for the evening.

Team SYP built up a commanding half-time lead but Team PAC rallied in the second half, scoring a flurry of late goals to run out 13-11 winners.

Breaking down Barriers

Liberty Steel abandon plans to sell steelworks

Hundreds of Sheffield steelworkers are looking to the future after Liberty abandoned plans to sell the huge works in Stocksbridge, writes David Walsh for The Sheffield Star.

Staff and union bosses welcomed the announcement after almost two years in limbo. It follows a recovery in aerospace and Liberty’s financial fortunes after the collapse of lender Greensill. The plant, which employs 700, and a narrow strip mill at Brinsworth, Rotherham, were put up for sale in May 2021. Now bosses say they want to ‘ramp up’ production of their speciality steel.

Doug Patterson, of the Unite union, said: “It appears the financing is on a sound footing and the trajectory is upwards. It probably ties in with growth in the markets for oil, gas and aerospace. It is the best news for years, although the cost of electricity remains a problem and there is no certainty about government support. They were supposed to be announcing an extension of support in January.”

The decision comes amid soaring energy prices which have seen Liberty cut back on production elsewhere. Last week, the firm announced

plans to cut 440 jobs nationally - including 185 in Rotherham - due to challenging market conditions. The firm said it was cutting ‘unviable’ production of steel in Rotherham and replacing it with cheaper, less environmentally-friendly imports as an ‘interim measure to mitigate the impact of uncompetitive energy costs’. A plant in West Bromich will be idled and one in Newport will be turned into a distribution centre. Previously, the firm was keen to grow production of these 'commodity grade' products, including steel used in construction and infrastructure, using Rotherham’s ‘lower carbon' electric arc furnaces. Bosses have said they will restart production when market conditions allow, aiming to grow Rotherham into a 2m tonnes-a-year ‘green steel facility’.

Last year, Liberty also faced the threat of closure from HMRC in a ‘winding up’ process - an application to court to close down a company - over unpaid debts believed to be £25m.

It was lifted a month later. Stocksbridge has a 167-year history of steelmaking.

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POLICE APPEAL: Penistone house attacked

An investigation has been launched after a vehicle was deliberately driven into a property in Wilson Avenue, Penistone, on the evening (Wednesday 25 January) and set alight.

Police were called at around 6.40pm to reports a black Land Rover Discovery had been driven into the front of a house in the street, before being set on fire.

It is understood the occupants of the vehicle then entered the property and caused damage, before fleeing the scene in a silver estate vehicle.

The Land Rover had previously been reported as stolen.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Wood, from the Barnsley Command Team, said: “I wholly appreciate incidents like this are worrying for the local community and rest assured we are taking this very seriously. Our enquiries are continuing at pace to find out the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We have specialist officers and staff working on this investigation and I want to reassure the public we believe there to be no risk to the wider community. We will have an increased presence in the community over the coming days to provide reassurance, so if you have any concerns don’t hesitate to stop and speak to our officers.”

It is believed the silver estate-type vehicle drove along Victoria Street away from the scene, shortly after 6.40pm.

DCI Wood added: “We want to appeal to any members of the public who may have information about the incident to come forward and report it to the police. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the silver estate vehicle after the incident, or anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from Wilson Avenue or the surrounding area.”

You can pass information to the police via a new online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101. Please quote incident number 805 of 25 January 2023 when you get in touch. You can access our online portal here: www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/ report-something/

If you have dashcam or CCTV footage, you can email this to enquiries@southyorks.pnn. police.uk and put the incident number as your email subject.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”

CUP WINNERS

Congratulations to Y5/6 Boys' Wharncliffe Side Football Team who WON the EFL Kids' Cup and go on to represent SWFC in the Northern Area Final. They played with energy, enthusiasm and desire. The team spirit was absolutely fantastic and everyone contributed to our victory. We showed respect to our opponents and fully deserved it. Well done boys!

BraCKen BaShing

Man with the PraM getS award

A North Sheffield legend has been awarded the British Citizen Award (BCA)

The “man with the pram” has raised almost £890,000 to fund vital cancer services.

Wharncliffe Heathlands

Trust is organising a “Bracken bash” on Saturday 11th February.

Bracken has a nasty habit of invading the space of other plants because it can spread via underground rhizomes. Heather a very important plant on Wharncliffe Heathlands Nature Reserve can be out competed by bracken so the trustees of

the local nature reserve are planning to bash the plants in an area where bracken is taking over.

In the spring, Shetland cattle will return to graze on the 60-hectare reserve and their trampling of bracken can slow its spread into more sensitive areas.

If you are interested in joining the bash and gets some healthy exercise please meet

at the River Don bridge, Station Road, Deepcar SK291981/ S36 2SQ at 11.00 on Saturday 11th February. The bash will finish by 16.00. Please dress according to the weather forecast. Tools will be provided, but bring gardening gloves if you have them, and good strong boots are a must. All children and young adults under 19 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

John Burkhill has dedicated his fundraising to the memory of his wife June who died 30 years ago, and their daughter who died the year before that.

Mr Burkhill said of his award for services to volunteering and charitable giving: "I can't believe it. It's a real honour."

Sheffield council tenants left at serious risk over gas safety checks

Council tenants in Sheffield were put at risk due to failures to carry out gas safety checks in hundreds of homes, writes a local democracy reporter.

The city council reported itself to the regulator in November, confirming more than 800 safety checks were overdue.

Annual checks are legally required in council-owned properties. The Regulator of Social Housing said there was a "risk of serious detriment" to tenants.

The regulator said it was not currently taking enforcement action as the council was now tackling the backlog.

The council admitted that a significant number of the checks were overdue by more than 12 months and some dated back years.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the regulator said: "Complying with statutory health and safety requirements is a fundamental responsibility of all registered providers because of the potential for serious harm to tenants."

In the worst case, gas leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and fatal explosions.

Liberal Democrat councillor Penny Baker, deputy chair of the housing committee, said the issue was concerning.

"Our tenants need to know that they're safe under their own roofs, and to guarantee that the council needs to be completing every single inspection on time, as is legally required," she said.

The committee passed a new gas servicing policy in December and Ms Baker said

that would assist officers in ensuring checks were done.

"We need to get to compliance as soon as possibleevery day we've got overdue inspections is another day that a time bomb in someone's house may be overlooked."

The regulator said: "Taking into account the seriousness of the issues and the number of tenants potentially affected, the regulator has concluded that the council has breached the home standard and that there was a risk of serious detriment to tenants during this period."

Janet Sharpe, director of housing at the council, said the authority had made 200 properties gas compliant since it reported itself and had improved compliance from 87% in October to 98% this month.

Girl who lost sight due to brain tumour

Medics to hold ballot of NHS consultants

The British Medical Association will conduct a consultative ballot of consultants in England next month, to determine whether they would be prepared to take future industrial action. Whilst

but to reduce their hours or leave the NHS entirely. With mounting waiting lists and ever-increasing demands on the NHS, the BMA is clear that the health service cannot afford to lose doctors who

founding principles so it can deliver fair pay for doctors.

Thousands of doctors have already reduced their hours or left the NHS after they have incurred large additional tax

but to consult its members in England to determine their views on whether they would be prepared to take industrial action.

Dr Vishal Sharma, BMA consultants committee chair, said: “Despite repeatedly outlining our concerns to Government, ministers have been unwilling to act. The NHS is on its knees, patients are suffering and staff morale has never been lower. Senior doctors are cutting their hours or leaving the NHS in their droves, driven out of jobs they love by unfair pension tax rules and brutal cuts to their pay. This is having a catastrophic impact on the country’s health as waiting lists for treatment spiral out of control and patients struggle to get the care they need.

Leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has announced its Bookshare service has reached its millionth title. Thousands of children and young people across the UK with a vision impairment and/or reading difficulties, like dyslexia, now have a million books and educational resources at their fingertips.

RNIB’s Bookshare website provides books, worksheets and resources free of charge to teachers, pupils and students which can be downloaded in accessible formats including electronic braille, PDF and audio.

All the titles have been generously donated by 1,046 publishers and are currently used by 45,087 students from 12,647 nurseries, schools and universities. The top three titles downloaded the most by students and teachers are ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘The Gruffalo’, and ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Amber Whiston, 13, is blind in one eye, with tunnel vision in the other. Her vision impairment was caused by damage to the optic nerve as a result of a brain tumour. Her mother, Lara, says Amber is doing well at Tapton School in Sheffield as she’s able to use resources such as RNIB Bookshare that open up a “fantasy world” of reading for her.

Lara said: “Amber has a fantastic imagination; she loves to tell stories and write them. She enjoys this kind of fantasy world and a great way to explore this is through books. Reading is so important for her to learn new words and ways to describe things.

“RNIB Bookshare makes all the difference to kids like Amber, who can’t access things that they want to be able to, just like anyone else. There are already enough things that she can’t do that her illness has caused, without something as basic as being able to read a book.

“Amber uses the Dolphin Easy Reader on her iPad to access fiction that she enjoys. She has a couple of books on it at the moment including ‘Horrid Henry’ and ‘The Boy Who Grew Dragons’. Through reading, she can escape the day-to-day and have magical powers that she doesn’t have in real life.”

David Clarke, RNIB’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “I am delighted that RNIB Bookshare has reached this incredible number of one million titles. This means more children and young people are getting support with their learning and are able to do this alongside their sighted classmates. I know from my own experience as a student how vital it is to have materials available in formats other than print and this extends to my love of reading books for pleasure too.

“We are so grateful to the many publishers with whom we work to make all this happen and look forward to continued working and the further expansion of RNIB’s Bookshare Service.”

It's Market Weekend at Fox Valley

The popular food and craft market is back at Fox Valley this weekend [February 4 and 5] with a great line up of craft, fashion and food stalls.

Returning traders include Sugar and Spice with their range of women’s accessories, a unique selection of craft traders and even a stall for those four legged members of the family, Flossy's Dog Goodies, with all their doggy treats and accessories.

The market is returning in perfect time for Valentine’s Day with new traders, Sweet Little Things and Buttercup Bakery, joining the line up bringing shoppers delicious baked goods and sweat treats.

Claire Biltcliffe, Centre Manager for Fox Valley, said: “Shoppers can support local, independent market traders this weekend when visiting Fox Valley. Our traders are offering an amazing array of local food produce and crafts with some excellent gift ideas on display for Valentine’s Day.”

The centre continues to share the love in the lead up to Valentine’s Day this year with some great offers and events taking place throughout the month in stores. Ponti’s Italian Kitchen will be launching a special themed menu, perfect for that special date, where loved up diners can share one of their popular stone baked pizzas

or indulge in their fresh Tagliatelle dish with slow cooked beef, wild mushrooms, cream and white wine. Ponti’s also offer an extensive menu of signature cocktails and a carefully selected range of Italian wines, offering all of the ingredients to make Valentine's Day extra special. Sandersons Boutique will be hosting their exclusive fragrance event on Thursday February 9. The evening will give guests the chance to sample a hand shaken cocktail at the same time as hearing from the experts from London perfumer, Miller Harris.

Beach Boys Smile

FEBRUARY

WEdnEsdAY

What’s EvEnt

family (2+2) £25.

FRidAY

Undeniably one of the most love bands of all time, with their dulcet melodies, a distinctive vocal mesh and perfect harmonies, The Beach Boys defined the youthful idyl of sun-drenched southern 60’s California.

Now, ‘Beach Boys – Smile’ recreate the magic and much-loved music in this feel-good and uplifting show.

Come and re-live those ‘Good Vibrations’, have some ‘Fun, Fun, Fun, ‘cos ‘God Only Knows’ we’re gonna ‘Dance, Dance, Dance!’

So, join the boys and get down to the theatre ‘cos ‘Surf’s Up!’ and it’s time to ‘Break Away!’ at Penistone Paramount on Friday 10th February 7:30pm. Tickets from £20. Call 01226 767532 or visit penistoneparamount.co.uk

Sheffield steel brand invests in up-andcoming Yorkshire pro boxer

1 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday February 1sr 2023 at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Peter Slater, `Do you know who I am?`. Our meetings are always relaxed and take place on alternate Wednesday mornings throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming our regular members, visitors and new members. For more information, please call Stephen Clarke on 07593 792967

1 Stocksbridge & District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall Manchester Road Stocksbridge at 7.15 for 7.30 start, when we will be crafting green hearts for the Random Acts of Kindness week.Visitors are always welcome. Further details on 07939941818

ThURsdAY

2 High Green W.I. are meeting at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church on Wortley Road. The event is “Show the Love”. The competition is “Recycle a Box”. A warm welcome to all members and visitors.

ThURsdAY

2 Grenoside Pantomime present “Sleeping Beauty” at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street, S35 8PR. 7.30pm. Phone 07754 500874 to book. Adults £8, concessions £6,

3 Grenoside Pantomime present “Sleeping Beauty” at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street, S35 8PR. 7.30pm. Phone 07754 500874 to book. Adults £8, concessions £6, family (2+2) £25.

sATURdAY

4 Stocksbridge Christian Centre, Cedar Road Grand Clearance Sale 10am-1pm. Many bargains, Refreshments-Toast with toppings.

4 Grenoside Pantomime present “Sleeping Beauty” at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street, S35 8PR. 2pm & 7.30pm. Phone 07754 500874 to book. Adults £8, concessions £6, family (2+2) £25.

sUndAY

5 Sing the Old Hymns in 2023 from the Sankey Hymn Book, The Plough, Low Bradfield, S6 6HW

MondAY

6 at 2.30pm. Stocksbridge and Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meet at Christ Church, Manchester Road. Visitors welcome -£3 per meeting to include refreshments. For more information contact 07415277266.

ThURsdAY

9 Chapeltown WI will hold their next meeting at 7.30pm in Chapeltown Methodist Church. The speaker will be Ashton Carter talking about

‘Women who made magic’. The competition is for an unusual pack of cards. New members and visitors are always made welcome.

9 Stocksbridge & District History Society - Christ Church Hall 7pm - AGM & Talk ‘ Stocksbridge Band Of Hope Co-oP, Revisited.

FRidAY

10 Relax with a poem. Listen to some poetry or bring a favourite poem to read in a warm hub with a hot drink.’ Stocksbridge Library 10.30am

MondAY

13 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘The Cutlers and Workshops of Wadsley’ by Mike Dyson. Wadsley Church Hall,Worrall Road, S6 4BB. 7.30pm. Admission £3.50 members, £4 non members, free refreshments. www.walc. epizy.com

13 Kids’ Crafting at the Inman Pavilion, Moorland Drive S36 1FY. Lots of fun things to make! 10.00 - 11.45 am only£2.00

TUEsdAY

Tuesday 14th - Saturday 18th Feb ECCLESFIELD PRIORYPLAYERS PRESENT Sorry Wrong Number! By Lucille Fletcher And Other Thrilling Radio Plays. Angela Platts By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd Curtain at 7:30pm Tickets £11 | Concessions £9 (Tuesday only) EPPiC Theatre, Well Lane, High

Street, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, S35 9TP tickets@ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk Tel: (0114) 240 2624 Ecclesfield Priory Players Productions www. ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk Email: info@ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk

WEdnEsdAY

15 Join Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group at 7.30pm for a Members’ Evening - we look forward to five of our members giving short presentations on graveyards, bricks, stones and farm history. We meet in the hall at Christ Church on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge, and the talk is also available on Zoom (members only) - please contact bahgevent@axelafa.com for the link. Refreshments available. Don’t miss it - all welcome.

15 Update on Stocksbridge Town Plan including Town centre development. The Venue. 7 ‘til 9pm. All Welcome. Stocksbridge Community Forum.

ThURsdAY

16 February 16th: Stocksbridge & Upper Don Tenants and Residents Association. Lunch and AGM at the Venue 1.00 - 3.00pm for 100 levy payers and their children. Book your place at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com or 07957206646

16 The next meeting of the Hillsborough and Owlerton History group is Thursday

One of Sheffield’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel products is investing in the future of one of York shire’s up-and-coming professional boxing talents with a new sponsorship deal.

E Stainless, which sells quality, long-lasting, stainless steel products like tent pegs, brackets and fixings to consumers through www.estainless.co.uk, is backing unbeaten prospect Joe “The Ghost” Garside from Halifax.

The 26-year-old has a 100 per cent record since turning pro in 2021, winning six fights from six – the most recent last October when he beat Adam Sircar in Oldham.

As well as continuing to win whenever he fights, he wants to keep inspiring young people, particularly boys facing

tential.

E Stainless, which is part of the 30-year-old Stainless UK group, wanted to invest in Joe as he prepared for more fights this year after seeing the opportunity of bringing their brand to a new audience and supporting Joe’s ambitions to be a boxer whose impact goes beyond the ring.

Saul Clay, from Stainless UK, said:

“Joe’s clearly a very focused and dedicated athlete with the ambition to go all the way. We’re really delighted to have the opportunity to support him with E Stainless as he grows his professional boxing career.”

Joe Garside said:

“I always want to be better and to win – both as a boxer and a person - and I can only do that with the backing of brands like E Stainless and the team at Stainless UK.

“The support will, of course, allow me to invest in my training and my fights, but also to invest in my efforts to try and inspire other young people.

“I am delighted the team at Stainless UK, based in a city forged in steel, are with me early in my journey to achieve that.”

Photograph of (left to right) Saul Clay, Tim Wells, Andy Garside, Joe Garside and Peter Cartwright.

On listings

16th Feb.Speaker Malcolm Nunn Topic Old Buildings of Sheffield 6 Venue Hillsborough Trinity church Time 7:30 Cost £3

sATURdAY

18 Indoor car boot! Bargains and food. Doors open 8am. The Venue, Stocksbridge.

TUEsdAY

21 Friends of Wortley Hall Gardens next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st February in Wortley Hall at 7.30pm and will be a talk on the Co-opertive society and fair trade New members welcome, admission is £2.50, free for friends of Wortley Hall Gardens. If you are interested contact Barry on 0114 2830056

sUndAY

26 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Muck In’ Day (practical work on the common), 10am-noon, meet at Long Lane Car Park or Rural Lane Car Park www.walc.epizy.com. Tools supplied, bring gloves, families very welcome.

MARCh

1 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday March 1st 2023 at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Mel Cook, `Canadian Rockies`. Our meetings are always relaxed and take place on alternate Wednesday mornings throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming our regular mem-

bers, visitors and new members. For more information, please call Stephen Clarke on 07593 792967.

15 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday March 15th at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Stephen Flinders, `Life & Adventures of Henry Walker RN`.

25 Chapeltown WI will hold a coffee morning at Chapeltown Methodist Church from 10.00am until 12.00 noon. Come and enjoy coffee and cake and a Tombola stall. All proceeds for the Childrens Hospital.

29 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday March 29th at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Eric Songhurst, `A year to Remember`.

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 first! Contact 01226 764642 for more information

Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir meets on Monday Evenings (19.30 to 21.30) at Millhouse Green Institute, Manchester Road, S36 9NQ. Have you ever sung in a choir before? We would love to see you come and have a enjoyable time with the ‘Friendly Choir’. We especially need some more Bass, Baritone and Top Tenors. Visit MCMVC.co.uk for more information.

Monday Art Class at The Venue, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge. 10am-12 noon. £7 per session, first one free. What a great way to start the week! A few places now available. Tutor gives individual help/ advice/demos - water colour/ acrylics/oils/sketching. Pop in and see us or call The Venue 0114 283 8692 for further info.”

TUEsdAYs

Warm space offering soup,bread roll and a drink every Tuesday from 11.30am til 1.30pm at Chapeltown Methodist Church ALL ARE WELCOME

Deepcar Drop In at St John’s Church - every Tuesday from 10am until noon - open to all

ages - drop in for a free warm drink and some cake - toys for the under 5s - and a Warm Bank where you can drop off or take a warm coat, hat, scarf or gloves if you need them. Everybody welcome!

WEdnEsdAYs

Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3:00pm every Wednesday afternoon at St Leonards Church Wortley. Pop in for a drink and a chat. Contact Joan for more details: 0114 2887435

ThURsdAYs

Open House Community Café

Everyone is welcome at Open House, our new community café - 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday at Holy Trinity Thurgoland Church. Pop in for coffee, cakes and a chat. Contact Hannah for more details: hannahosandoval@gmail.com

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

High Green Fitness and Fun Aerobics and Activities Paces campus, High Green Thursday 11am-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 Bar-

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

K. DYSON M.B.I.E.

TEL: (0114) 288 3169

TEL: (01226) 762 481

Malcolm PAYNE

Passed away peacefully in the Northern General aged 92 years. Husband to the late Mary.

Much loved Father of Alison and Andrew, Father-in-Law to Stephanie and Grandad to Kaylin

Funeral to be held at Grenoside

Crematorium, South Chapel on 16th February at 15.30 pm.

Donations in lieu of owers will be gratefully received by the Salvation Army.

Enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Rd, Deepcar S36 2RE Tel: 0114 2885555.

Iris WALTON

Passed away peacefully on 19th January 2023 aged 92. The funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Bolsterstone on 13th February 2023 at 1pm followed by a private cremation at Grenoside Crematorium. No owers please but donations can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support on the day.

Enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Rd, Deepcar S36 2RE Tel: 0114 2885555

SAXBY Audrey (Née Sta ord)

of East Crescent Stocksbridge. Peacefully at Abbey Grange Nursing Home on 23rd January 2023 aged 92 years.

Much loved by her late Husband Roy, Son Ian and Daughter Jill. Dear Nanna to 4 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren. Family funeral to be arranged.

Ruby WADE

Passed away at home aged 73 years. Loving Wife of Derek. Mother of Mark and Paul and Mother-in-Law to Julie and Clare.

Loved Grandmother to Maia, Beth, Jack and Emily. Sister to Joan, Barbara, Doris and Bernard.

Funeral to be held in Grenoside North Chapel on 21st February at 10am. Donations in lieu of owers will be gratefully received by Cancer Research.

Enquiries to T W Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Rd, Deepcar S36 2RE Tel: 0114 2885555.

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Recent politics

In case you didn’t see it on BBC news (haha impartial news channel pull the other one.) I’ve listed a few quick snippets of news over the last few days. Labour force a vote to clean up politics in Parliament, our MP and every single Tory MP voted against it, obviously happy with the level of corruption and sleaze or not enough to their liking.

Another vote was carried out, our MP with 312 of her Tory colleagues voted to dump raw sewage into our rivers for a further 15 years. Another reason not to vote for them.

During a speech in Parliament about 200 children who seek asylum in the UK have gone missing, it is believed they have been groomed by gangs of drug dealers. Tory MP Gullis shouted out, “it’s their fault they shouldn’t have come here”. He’ll be added to Bravaman’s hit squad I’m sure.

The PM asks his independent adviser (haha not another one) to look into Zahawi’s Tax indiscretions, that’s probably another kick into the long grass. News from HMRC, their boss states innocent mistakes are not fined, seeing Zahawi was fined, sounds like he needs to come clean.

Just as I was posting, this news came in, the PM sacked Zahawi, he confirmed there had been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code.

Department of Health and Social Care have announced an increase in PPE write off, its gone up to £14.9billion a staggering amount and £24million/ month for storing it. That will look good on the governments achievements board.

Johnson gets a £510,000 advanced for his PM memoir but we hear taxpayers are to foot a £222,000 bill (and counting) for lawyers to help him clear his name over Partygate. I’m not happy he is using my hard earned cash are you?

Just read latest opinion poll, Tory vote share down to 23%, I still can’t believe a quarter of the country would still vote for them.

While we’re on about voting make sure you have voter I/D when you go to vote, passport, drivers license with photo, blue card, senior travel pass check out more on Electoral Reform Society website. www.electoral-reform.org.uk or apply for a postal vote. electoralservices@sheffield.gov.uk or phone 01142734093

As news grows I’d better limit my piece for this week. Regards

Old Codger from Oughtibridge

South Yorkshire's Mayor reacts to PM's NHS plan

Following today's announcement (30th January) of the government's NHS plan to tackle the long emergency care delays, South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

"The Prime Minister's health announcements today are like offering a sticking plaster to someone with a broken leg.

"More ambulances and beds, but no extra staff to service them, and no solutions to the industrial disputes happening across an NHS already stretched to beyond breaking point.

"Any new money for the NHS is always welcome but this announcement is tackling the symptoms of the problem not the cause."

Bus services?

Dear look local readers

Have you too received through the post a 'plan' for bus services from the Tories ?

I feel they should perhaps have got beyond the planning stage after 13 years in power.

The action we need is for public transport to be put back into public control through properly funded local government.

Yours

UK’s first-ever Extreme Academy for networking training

Peter Morton

Barnsley College has been selected to open the first ‘Extreme Academy’ in the UK in partnership with Extreme Networks – a leader in cloud networking – to provide students with hands on experience and skills that will prepare them for a future career in the networking industry.

The College joins existing Extreme Academies across the world in offering a range of programmes designed to help students gain skills in networking basics, wireless network design, cloud networking, and security. Advanced topics studied within Extreme Academy include network analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning.

The academy allows students to learn from experts in their field, gain industry certifications including an ‘Extreme Networks associate-level qualification’, and work on live projects with well-known businesses and brands such as Leeds United.

Barnsley College students learn in a dedicated space that mimics a real-world working environment and have opportunities to meet employers through connections made as a result of the collaboration with Extreme Networks and Leeds-based IT managed service provider, NETProtocol.

A launch event, held at the College’s Sci-Tech Digital Innovation Centre earlier this month, saw both businesses explain the sector-wide importance of developing more network engineers and the need to present networking as an exciting and viable career path to inspire the next generation.

Rohan Abey, Director of Training and Enablement at Extreme Networks, said: “There is a continued shortage of skilled IT professionals, particularly when it comes to areas like networking analytics and cloud management. Extreme Academy helps address the increased need for networking expertise, while creating a community of networking experts versed in modern infrastructure and best practices. By augmenting traditional higher education curriculums with real-world training at no cost, we can help accelerate professional career development and readiness, enabling us to both narrow the digital divide and build a stronger IT workforce.”

Matt Widdowson, Commercial Director at NETprotocol, added: “We have partnered up with Barnsley College to give students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of IT and to better equip them in the future job market. I ultimately hope the Academy

will help College students find careers in the subject they love and help to inspire others to develop their digital skills.”

Azhar Iqbal, Director of IT at Barnsley College, said: “Extreme Academy is an excellent program for any student interested in a career in network engineering or IT, as it provides the foundational skills necessary for them to get started without any prerequisites. Extreme has supported us throughout this process and has provided course materials that will enable our students to build high-demand skills in areas including cloud management and network analytics. It provides students at Barnsley College with both significant value and a competitive advantage for when they graduate.”

Teddy Salt, Digital T Level (technical qualification) student, is taking part in the Extreme Academy programme and added: “My favourite part about coming to College is the Extreme Academy! I find the work very interesting and believe it’s perfect for me as I hope to either study a networking course at university or work in the networking industry.”

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SCREEn AnD KEyBOARD,

Post: Midday Supervisory Assistant Location: Stocksbridge High School

Salary: NJC Grade 1 covering scales points 1: £20,258 to 2: £20,441 gross per annum pro rata (£10.50 - £10.60 per hour)

Actual Annual Salary: £2,861-£2,887 (Under 5 years of Service)

Contract: Part-time, Permanent: 6.25 hours per week x term-time: 38 working weeks

Start date: As soon as possible

We are seeking to appoint a Midday Supervisory Assistant with well-developed inter-personal skills to:

• Supervise pupils immediately before, during and after the midday meal.

• Supervise pupils in various internal and external areas.

Applicants should have good communication skills and the ability and desire to work with young people. Please note this a rolling advert and successful applicants will be notified of an interview date accordingly.

Further information is available by contacting Hannah Taylor PA to the Headteacher, via email htaylor@stocksbridgehigh.co.uk

The application form and information pack are available on the school website: www.stocksbridgehigh.co.uk

Tigers announce continued sponsorship deal

SHEFFIELD have received a big pre-season boost with the news that Tru Plant will continue as main team sponsors for 2023.

The TRU7 group pledged their backing to the Owlerton outfit when the South Yorkshire side stepped up into the Premiership in 2021. The club have been known as the Tru Plant Tigers since - and that won’t change as they aim to go one further this campaign by lifting the top-flight trophy.

Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “It goes without saying that

Media Sales Advisor

this is just the news we needed with the season not too far away now.

“I’ve said it time and time again how important sponsorship is in sport, especially in Speedway, and we’re immensely grateful to Tru Plant and Guy Nicholls who does

Post: Cleaner (Permanent)

Location: Stocksbridge High School

Salary: NJC Grade 1, scale point 1: £20,258 to 2: £20,441 (hourly rate of £10.50 to £10.60)

Actual Annual Salary: £6,022.64 - £6,077.05

(Under 5 Years of Service)

Contract: Part time, Permanent: 11 hours per week x 52 working weeks

Start date: As soon as possible

Post: Cleaner (Casual)

Location: Stocksbridge High School

Salary: NJC Grade 1, scale point 1: £20,258 to 2: £20,441 (hourly rate of £10.50 to £10.60)

Contract: Casual, as and when required

Start date: As soon as possible

The role will be to provide a comprehensive cleaning service to the school site. You must be able to:

• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in the area/sites allocated.

• Work to the appropriate Health and Safety rules and processes.

If you have any questions and/or would like to discuss this role before submitting your application form, please speak with Lisa Parkin, Business Support Manager, via email: lparkin@stocksbridgehigh.co.uk. The application form and information pack are available on the school website: www.stocksbridgehigh.co.uk

so much for Speedway in this country.

“It’s been a successful partnership so far and with the team we’ve built for 2023, hopefully that can just continue to grow and grow.”

Golf Club Update

The weather since the start of the new year has seriously hampered play at Stocksbridge Golf Club, with nearly two weeks of competition lost to rain, snow and ice. Thankfully the cold and wet spell has given way to milder and dry conditions, with golfers enjoying the chance to play again. There was one chance for a competition earlier in the month and on 8 January a small field of golfers played in a 9-hole Pro's Prize Stableford. Mick Hulbert (6) triumphed with 22 points, helped with 2 birdies in a solid 9 holes. Stuart Marsh (10) and Jordan Flower (6) both finished on 21 points, but Stuart took second place on countback.

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The closing date is 9am on Monday 20 February and interviews will take place on Friday 24 February 2023.

With a two-week hiatus, the next competition was on 26 January, a 9-hole Stableford again. This time it was won by Eric Wilkinson (5) with 20 points. Craig Brailsford (8) was second with 19 points and Stuart Marsh (10) was third with 18 points.

The Gents Winter Cup resumed on 28 January. A strong field saw Gary McCloughlin (21) win with 34 points. Stuart Marsh (15), having a good run of form in January, was second, also with 34 points, but lost out to Gary on countback. Glyn Stainforth (13) was third with 33 points, pipping Eric Wilkinson (7), who had the same score, into fourth on countback.

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Finally, there was a Pro's Prize on 29 January, which was won by Malcolm Ingles (14) with 35 points. Mick Hulbert (10) was second with 32 points. Trevor Mosely (8) and Chris Naylor (4) also scored 32 points but finished third and fourth respectively on countback.

ChurCh grab memorable viC tory

Simpson's dazzling pace finding Nathan Keightley. His shot hit the right post and bounced to safety.

The end-to-end action continued and Hallam won a three quick corners. Church weathered the pressure and again cleared.

With 10 minutes to go the match was finely balanced and Ryan Hallsworth was replaced by Tom Luty Goal 82 minutes.

Great work down the left by Keightley found Tom Luty who laid it off to Eddie Newsome. The finish was placed low into the right of goal.

Hallam 0-1 PCFC

Saturday 28th January 2023

Toolstation NCEL Premier Division

Hallam FC 0-1 Penistone Church

Scorer for Church – Eddie Newsome

Attendance – 659

A report by Martin Webb

Promoted to the Premier at the start of the season, Hallam have only kept 2 clean sheets in 22 games. Their mid-table position reflects their mixed season so far. However, the signing of former Church striker Oliver Fearon indicates their ambition to progress.

Church came into this game having been undefeated in their last 8 matches. However, Hallam had beaten Church 2-1 in Penistone earlier in the season.

Hallam's sloping pitch looked slippery despite a decent covering of short grass. Hallam kicked off downhill, but the move broke down and Church cleared their lines. Church then won an early corner that was well dealt with. Hallam then created a couple of openings but Church blocked well.

Church responded well and were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. The keeper held at the second attempt. Hallam had a spell of pressure which ended with a crisp header

‘Club legend’ remembered before game

Woodcock for some choice remarks aimed at the official. Otliensians eventually gained the upper hand and ran in a total of 4 tries to gain a bonus point victory that looked beyond them in the first half. They managed to get the ball to their star winger who showed a clean pair of heels to the cover defence to wrap up the result for the free-scoring visitors. There was still time for Woodock to see red after a ruck incident near the end, leaving the final score:

Stocksbridge Rugby 3pts –Otliensians 32pts.

Skipper Adam Frith reflect-

over the bar and then a shot that shaved the left-hand post.

Hallam had the better of the early chances, but after 20 minutes Church started to find their rhythm and had a 5-minute spell of pressure.

Church conceded a corner on the left and Harry Ambler had to tip over from 6 yards. Church immediately went up the other end and pinned Hallam in. Hallam then broke quickly and a fingertip save low to Ambler's right kept the score at 0-0.

A rash tackle from behind saw a penalty awarded to Hallam despite the ball being won by the Church defender. Harry Ambler saved Ruthven's shot well to the left of the goal.

Half time Hallam 0- 0 PCFC

Church took a couple of minutes to adjust to the wind behind them and the slope in their favour in the second half. Some great work down the right saw them pile the pressure on.

Hallam responded and Church rode their luck when a 6-yard effort was fired over by Hallam.

Leon Hurles-Brook was replaced by Tom Brier after 72 minutes.

Church broke beautifully down the left with Cameron

Hallam switched on but could not break down the Church's defence. With 4 minutes added the game was still in the balance. Hallam had a last-minute corner, but they could not convert the last action of the match.

Full Time Hallam 0-1 PCFC

Church again battled hard and turned the game with a break that had skill, pace and a great finish to take another important 3 points. Hallam looked a little ring-rusty after a long break over Christmas. Perhaps on another day, a draw would have been fair.

Assistant Manager John Whitehead

We knew what Hallam’s pitch is like, it’s difficult with the slope and it literally is a game of two halves. The first half we dug in when we played uphill.

We rode our luck a little bit, we had a couple of pointblank saves, we had bodies on the line, and a penalty save. That dogged attitude just typifies us as a squad, as a team and as a club.

Our fans who have travelled in numbers and been exceptional, they can see what it means to us and what we do means to them, it’s just been a great day all round.

Fixtures: Saturday 4th February 2023 Toolstation NCEL Premier Division Penistone Church v Winterton Rangers Kick off 3-00 pm.

Stocksbridge 3-32 Otliensians

Looking for a fourth home victory on the trot, Globe Holidays-sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby matched highflying visitors Otliensians for more than 60 minutes before fatigue set in and they eventually succumbed to a 32pts - 3pts defeat.

A late call from the visitors for uncontested scrums was reluctantly agreed to by the Stocksbridge hierarchy, even though there was some doubt about the validity of the claim. The power of the formidable Stocksbridge scrum was therefore rendered useless for the day. There was a minute's silence before the game in honour of club legend Mark Jenkins to remember him on what would have been his 60th birthday.

Missing ‘clock tower’ Andy Beal and a re-shuffled back line with O’Leary back to partner Pearson in the centres, Tyers was moved to full back and the versatile Jack Spencer was given the unenviable task of marking the Leagues fastest flyer on the Otliensian's left wing.

Playing up the slope in the first half Stocksbridge proved more than a match for their free-scoring opponents, gaining the upper hand in both territory and possession. The home side took the lead with a simple penalty from mercurial standoff Paul Kelly, after Ot-

liensians were caught offside at a ruck. The kicking game from Kelly and his half-back partner, that man Adam Frith kept the visitors at bay. When they did threaten some great cover tackling from Pearson, Aspin and Ben Tyers held the Stocksbridge line firm, Spencer also kept the rapid visiting winger in check. Back-rower Pete Newton was sin-binned for a high tackle, and just before the break, he was joined on the naughty step by Tyers for a mighty tackle, also deemed high by an overzealous referee.

The visitors made the most of their numerical advantage and scored the opening try of the game from close range after a line-out win and drive, to leave the half-time score : Stocksbridge Rugby 3pts – Otliensians 7pts. The visiting coach must have worked some magic during the halftime break, as Otliensians came out of the blocks looking like a different side for the 2nd stanza. This time most of the play was in the Stocksbridge half, and only further resolute defending kept the blue line intact. That the visitors took the opportunity to kick 3 penalty goals, as opposed to their normal free-running style showed some respect to the overworked and undermanned home defence. There was a further yellow card and sin-binning for an Otley forward for foul play, as was burly prop Gary

‘A bit of a set back, but we matched them for long periods’, adding ‘they’re probably the best side in the comp, so there are positives for us to take from this defeat’.

The Fox Catering Man of the Match award was presented to centre Jack Pearson, sponsored by Hamshaw Plumbing, with promising young forward Joe ’half pint’ Martin, Rees ‘diesel’ Aspin and Ben Tyers showing up well. The January Man of Steel award, kindly sponsored by Bradfield Brewery has been won by club captain, that man Adam Frith leading from the front, with a string of consistent performances over the Month. Frith is kindly sponsored by Mr Brian and Mrs Dawn Mills.

Stocksbridge remain in 7th place in the Yorkshire 4 Counties league ladder, and have a free week next weekend. The playing squad will join the club members to watch the Calcutta Cup 6 Nations clash in the Manchester Road HQ on Saturday. A tough trip to near neighbours Rotherham Phoenix is the next assignment awaiting the Piggy’s on 11th February, while the next home fixture at Coal Pit Lane will be the re-arranged match against lowly Knaresborough on 25th February, with a 2.15pm kick off. Club Chairman Andy Bell says all supporters and ex players are welcome.

Photo by Pete Revitt

Cowell brace in dominant away win

SteelS gain big win up north

Stocksbridge Park Steels broke through the defence of North Shields several times to ensure a 3-0 win.

The Steels had the best start possible as they raced out to an early lead. Tomas Poole’s perfect space allowed Ify Ofoegbu to break through the middle of the centre-backs and go one-on-one with the goalkeeper Finlay Hodgson. He stayed cool and slotted it into the bottom corner, giving Stocksbridge the lead.

North Shields were able to grow back into the game after the initial shock of going down early. Ben Townsend did well to sniff out Tom Potter’s shot when he latched onto a good ball into the box and batter the ball behind for a corner. The Robins looked strong from set pieces and did get one into the back of the net, but it was disallowed for a foul on Townsend.

elled to Wombwell in the Junior Cup and took the lead after 20 minutes when good hold-up play by Morgan Cowell found Ben Stringer who raced through to finish well.

RBL started the second half well and doubled the lead early on when Niall Smith switched play for Mitch Savage to slot past the onrushing goalkeeper.

Smith was the creator again for the third, crossing for striker

Cowell to finish well. Cowell then grabbed a second when a precise ball by Savage found him the area to slam home.

Cowell twice thought he had a hat trick but both were chalked off for offside.

Man of the match Joe Long marshalled the defence well, in front of stand-in goalkeeper and manager Adam Todd, who saved well late on to ensure Legion kept a clean sheet.

Stocksbridge were able to defend the pressure though and limited North Shields’ chances to mostly long-range. With the Steels staying strong at the back, they rallied and took back control of the game for the latter part of the first half. Ofoegbu looked like he was going to double the lead before the end of the half but as he broke one-on-one but Hodgson would foil him this time.

The Steels would start off strong in the second half and they would soon get the goal which eased the nerves of the travelling support. Poole broke through the offside trap and found Lewis Macaskill with a sweeping pass from the right wing. Macaskill’s first touch was enough to get the ball past

Hodgson and it had enough on it to get into the back of the net. North Shields were having plenty of possession but while they were able to pass it around in the midfield, they lacked the cutting edge to damage Stocksbridge. The Steels were the opposite as they would be able to counter effectively in order to cause problems for the Robins. Ross Goodwin wasn’t far off getting on the scoresheet to add to this but he could only head over from close range. Stocksbridge would eventually get their third to kill the game off as a contest though. Initially, it seemed like Alex O’Connor would be the man on the score sheet as his shot from a

narrow-angle was inches from going in before it bounced off the outside of the post before going out. Poole was able to recycle the ball though and put it into the middle for Luke Rawson to stab it home.

North Shields tried to rally to end the game with some pride, and to try and cause some drama in the same way Pontefract Collieries did on Boxing Day. Colin Larmouth was able to get an effort off only for it to go high and wide at the near post. That would effectively end the game, with Stocksbridge getting a massive win on their travels.

Next home game: Saturday 4 February vs Consett, 3pm KO

Men shine at windy Meltham 10k

Penistone’s men featured strongly in the top finishers at the lumpy Meltham 10k which was run in extremely windy conditions on the hills around Meltham.

Four Penistone men finished inside the top 10.

First back and in third place overall was George Parr in a time of 37-57. George also placed second in the junior men’s category. One second behind George in fourth place was Andrew Heppenstall in 37-58 who also picked up second place in the men’s over40 category. Third place in the men’s over40 category was James Mumford who was also seventh overall in 39-11. The final Penistone man inside the top ten was Martin Ball in ninth place in 39-27. Martin picked up first place in the men’s over50 category.

Penistone men’s strong packing gave them first place in the men’s

team competition. Those counting for the team were George Parr, Andrew Heppenstall and James Mumford.

Other prize winners were Barbara Haigh (first over75 lady) and Keith Gordon who was third in the men’s over70 category.

Father and daughter Mark and Heather Graham ventured into the Yorkshire Dales to compete in the Runners and Riders race in which cyclists and runners compete against each other over a 4.7 mile route around Appletreewick.

On the Parkrun scene, there were first places for George Parr at Penistone in 18-17 and Flynn Rogers at the junior parkrun at Hillsborough.

Results

Meltham Tough 10k

3, George Parr 37-57; 4, Andrew Heppenstall 37-58; 7, James

Mumford 39-11; 9, Martin Ball 39-27; 28, Richard Williams 4338; 41, Oliver Pike 45-31; 54, Michael Walsh 46-57; 129, Keith Gordon 55-07; 185, Tracy Woodward 1-01-50; 202, Barbara Haigh 1-05-55; 229, John Spencer 1-2158.

Barnsley parkrun

12, Richard Mackie 21-28; 42, Martyn Goodwin 24-06; 60, Stuart Smith 26-13; 82, Lisa Hinchliffe 27-52; 92, Daniel Batty 28-56; 99, Susan Hall 29-57; 116, Raymond Brown 32-27; 142, Rianna Armitage 38-30.

Penistone parkrun

1, George Parr 18-17; 57, Andrew Taylor 27-17; 69, Steve Dommett 28-41; 76, Peter Stanley 29-10; 78, Eleanor Law 30-04; 118, Martyn Cartwright 39-38.

Photos by Ian Revitt