Look Local Issue 1261 Thursday 16 March 2023

An ode to a

By James Fletcher

A lollipop lady has won her third accolade for her five decades of service to the community.

Jaqueline Higginbottom or Jackie as she’s known by the locals has been awarded the British Empire Award (BEA) by King Charles for her years of service as a lollipop lady.

Come rain or shine she has always been there helping the local children cross the road safely at Deepcar St. John’s Primary School and Royd Nursery Infants in the mornings and afternoons.

And this is not the only accolade she has been awarded. In 2013 she was awarded by the Stockbridge Town Council for her long years of service and in 2019 she was awarded the Annual Citizen Award. Jackie has been described as the cornerstone of the community for many years and when asked about her latest accolade she was over the moon, she described what it meant to her by saying.

“It felt absolutely amazing, I was so shocked. I have been doing this for 48 years

and I have loved every minute of it. The kids, parents, and grandparents, it’s been amazing to see them grow up through the years and some still come down to see me, long after they have left school.”

And at 79 years of age, she has no plans to stop what she loves and has become a well-loved pillar of the community as one local resident said,

“She is an absolutely fabulous lady and an asset to the community. She’s been doing this job for so many years, even my husband remembers her helping across the road to school. And it just goes to show her commitment, when she could be going out with girls for an elongated brunch or a day out in Whitby. The fact that she is still doing this is a testament to her really and we all thank her from the bottom of our hearts.”

For her to keep doing this job is amazing and she even said, she doesn’t do it for the money but for the sheer love of the job and she deserves all the praise and awards that come her way.

Ode to a lollipop lady poem - page 11

lady

Biodiversity in the park

A tree planting event took place in Ecclesfield to improve the biodiversity in the park.

The community forestry team at Sheffield City Council ran the event on Wednesday and local residents volunteered to help with the planting.

St Luke’s Hospice Three Peaks Challenge is back

Enjoy the splendour and majesty of one of Britain’s most spectacular walking adventures as the St Luke’s Hospice Three Peaks Challenge returns for 2023.

Local Labour councillor, Craig Gamble Pugh and city council candidate, Bridget Kelly also took part in the event.

Mr Pugh said: “Things like this are a simple way local people can come and get involved.

“I think there’s a really big need for planting more trees. I think the more trees we can plant across the city the better.”

The event consisted of planting four large trees known as heavy standards alongside the main footpath.

The hope is that these trees are the beginning of increasing the amount of green spaces across Sheffield.

The 26 mile fundraiser takes walkers through the stunning Yorkshire scenery of the Dales National Park, starting with smallest of the peaks, Pen-y-ghent, before going on over 12 hours to tackle the peaks of Ingleborough and Whernside, climbing a final total of 1585 metres!

The St Luke’s team will be taking up the challenge on Saturday June 10, with participants paying a £30 deposit and then raising a minimum of £200 per person – all of which will go to St Luke’s patient care.

“This is a real challenge for anybody who wants to tackle some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery,” said St Luke’s Senior Fundraising Manager Anna Kirk.

“We offer unlimited help & support to hit your fundraising target, there’s a St Luke’s technical t-shirt to wear with pride on the day when you’ll be accompanied by expert mountain guides and a wonderful team of walkers – and, of course, there’ll be a medal and other goodies at the finish line.

“We’re aiming to have a fantastic day of fundraising and good company – and hopefully we’ll have the sun shining to help us on our way!”

Anybody interested in taking part in St Luke's Three Peaks Challenge in 2023 should email fundraisingevents@hospicesheffield.co.uk call 0114 235 7592 or contact Community Fundraiser Ellie Matthews at e.matthews2@hospicesheffield.co.uk

Are you ready for WoodStocks-bridge?

Amendment:

The location for the music festival is actually on the field adjacent to the main pitch in Bracken Moor and not on the training pitches. Apologies for any inconvenience or confusion this might have caused.

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Brass Band make it to the nationals after a seven-year absence

By James Fletcher

Oughtibridge brass band are preparing for the national championships after their regional triumph

So, what does this mean? Well, it means that Oughtibridge is the best in their region and the regionals mean that they will compete with other brass bands from around the country in their division which currently stands at division four. But after this win, they have already moved up to the third division.

Steve Howard the Chairman of the band pinpoints this victory down to a lot of hard work and determination from everyone involved and relishes the chance to pit their wits up against the rest of the nation. And you’d probably think that this win would bring in a sizeable kitty to keep the club running for future competitions but as Mr Howard told Look Local,

“We are self-funded. A standard instrument costs between £2000 to £12,000 and we won £200 in prize money and if we win the national finals, that will be £400. But it will cost us about seven thousand to go to the nationals in Cheltenham, consisting of hotels and the bus to get us there. So, we are a completely self-funded organisation. We don’t do it for the money, we love to play.”

The Oughtibridge brass band has been going for 133 years, it started in the 1890s and they have always considered themselves as a part of the local community, playing at their Gala and village fates and this win will only enhance the villages standing in the country.

“We have always considered ourselves a part of the village, we play for the village fetes and Galas, and we play in the pubs at Christmas time. A lot of our funding comes from the village, and we are very proud to be a part of Oughtibridge.”

And this year they have made history by winning the regional championships in consecutive years and now they are preparing themselves for the nationals in September, we wish them the very best of luck which is a feat that hasn’t been achieved by any UK brass band.

woman catwalks at London

Fashion Week

By James Fletcher

A disabled woman is breaking boundaries as she embarks on a promising future in the world of modelling.

Deanna Fletcher also known as Dee Smith was among a select number of disabled models to represent ‘Unhidden’ at London’s Fashion Week.

Deanna modelled for the accessible brand ‘Unhidden’ which prides itself on adapting fashion to be more accessible for people with an array of disabilities. Victoria Jenkins founded the company back in 2017 after a realisation that disabled people struggled to wear tightfitting clothing.

Deanna suffers from Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) a rare hereditary genetic disorder that attacks the body’s mobility, speech, and sensations. Symptoms often start to show late in childhood and Deanna started to feel the effects at the age of 19.

Deanna, from Stocksbridge celebrated her 26th birthday last weekend and explained that she started modelling for self-confidence, posting pictures on social media, her Instagram following currently stands at 12,500, she went on to explain how this gig came about.

“I accidentally fell into it (modelling) putting my photos on Instagram and it went on from there. And because of my disability people started taking note, I was just

doing it for myself originally and then the founder of Unhidden Victoria got in touch and asked if I wanted to do London Fashion Week and I said yeah.

“It was nerve-wracking, and it was definitely an experience, but it was good and eventually I enjoyed it.” Dee explained.

Deanna has no new gigs lined up at the moment, but she still does her shoots for Instagram and is hoping by doing fashion the show that it will spark others into action to help provide accessible clothing like Unhidden. She exclaimed,

“We are normal people; society isn’t stick thin and more needs to be done. We are a part of society, we are not aliens, we are not weird, and we are here to stay, and society needs to start accepting it because we are not going anywhere.”

This could be the start of a flourishing modelling career for one of our own, and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.

Furniture Clearance Warehouse also known as SWAG, first started out in 2000, in a tiny store on Attercliffe Road, across the road from the Banners building, selling a range of items from TVs to

for around a year before the the business to relocate, this time to a much larger location on Coleford Road in Darnall, where they are currently based. These premises are 50

behind Redgates. The busi-

ness traded here happily and successfully for several years until the council decided the building was required for other purposes.

furniture stores. There is something to suit every budget. The owner, David has decided after working long hours and weekends for the last 23 years to start a new chapter. With no one to take over the reins of the business, it will begin

The owner is grateful for all the support and custom over the years and is looking forward to the next chapter. Sale starts Monday 19th September at 10am - all stock reduced.

the business to relocate, this time to a much larger location on Coleford Road in Darnall, where they are currently based. These premises are 50 times bigger than the original store and focusses solely on selling

sells living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. Selling end of line, over stocks and exdisplay from the big multiple furniture stores. There is something to suit every budget.

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STORAGE BED SPECIALIST

Friendship Lunch

MARCH

WednesdAy

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`.

An hour of fun routines with a few Irish dances (for St Patrick’s Day), suggested donation £5.

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18 Spring Fayre Saturday 18th March at Chapeltown Methodist Church 10.30am til 1.00pm Usual stalls.free kids crafts,soup lunches

What’s EvEnt

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23 at 7:30 pm Speaker Val Linnett Topic Who were the 1929 Sheffield Labour Women Councillors? At Hillsborough Trinity Methodist Church, Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough

sATuRdAy

The inaugural Friendship Lunch at the Devonshire Arms on Herries Rd was a huge success. Guests were treated to a delicious 3-course lunch and live entertainment with the fantastic Oliver Harris. Some of our guests from local Care Homes received complimentary tickets thanks to kind sponsorship by Jay Bhayani, founder and MD of Bhayani HR & Employment Law. Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant, who launched Friendship Lunches in South Yorks 7 years ago said "Following almost 3 years of covid/lockdown, I think we all now truly appreciate just how huge a problem loneliness and social isolation is for health and well being. Care Home residents have obviously suffered the most and it is really kind of Jay to sponsor places for some residents and staff. We would like to thank Jay for her support and our poster sponsors, Music Makes Memories, SCCCC and Visiting Angels South Yorkshire.

Michelle Ketland, Life Skills & Activities Lead Co-ordinator for Willowbeck Care Home said "Thank you so much to Kathy Markwick who continues to provide such an amazing experience for the people of our community. The Friendship Lunches that she hosts are a great way for socially isolated people to get together and have a lovely fun afternoon. For our Care Home this has been wonderful - being able to meet other people and feel like part of the wider community has such a positive impact on the wellbeing of our service users. They had a fabulous time meeting new people and singing along to the great entertainment. It was made even better as they were kindly sponsored by Bhayani Law and HR Recruitment for the first lunch at the Devonshire Arms. Thank you to all involved and we can't wait to see our new friends again!".

The next Friendship Lunches at this venue are on 23 March and 13 April with Oliver Harris. Tickets which must be booked in advance by ringing 0114 2425273 are just £10. For queries and/or to discuss hosting/sponsoring a Friendship Lunch, please contact Kathy on 0772 9528844 kathymarkwick@gmail.com

15 Join Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group at 7.30pm for a talk by Malcolm Nunn of Bradfield Archives. He will be giving the second part of his talk on The Great Sheffield Flood of 1864. 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.

THuRsdAy

16 Speaker Val Linnett Topic Who were the 1929 Sheffield Labour Women Councillors?

At Hillsborough Trinity Methodist Church, 7:30 pm Middlewood Rd Hillsborough £3 non members ALL WELCOME

FRidAy

17 Coffee morning as St Saviour’s Church, High Green, 10.30am -12noon, All welcome, good company. Proceeds to go to The Christian Mission Society

17 Zumba for Comic Relief, Fundraiser at The Venue Stocksbridge 6pm til 7pm.

Me & My Girl

CAOS Musical Theatre Society are bringing the fantastically funny and uplifting musical Me & My Girl to Rotherham Civic Theatre this April.

Set in the 1930’s, this hilarious show is centred around Lambeth wide-boy, Bill Snibson, who learns he is by birth an aristocrat. However, his newly-discovered relations, a family of haughty aristocrats, are horrified that Bill’s rough cockney ways are not in keeping with the family name and they insist that in order to take his rightful place as Lord Hareford and inherit the family fortune, Bill must become a “fit and proper” gentleman, but this comes at the cost of leaving behind his past life, including his girl, and the love of his life, Sally

This revised version by the wonderful Stephen Fry is fun for all the family, and

features a host of hilarious characters, witty one-liners and toe-tapping, uplift ing songs including the famous Lambeth Walk, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning On A Lamp Post. Me and My Girl is a sublime and sunny treat for all fans of musical theatre!

The show runs from Tuesday 18th April to Saturday 22nd April 2023, with a Sat urday Matinee performance, and a BSL signed performance on Wednesday 19th April 2023.

Tickets are priced at just £16 and avail able from Rotherham Civic Theatre Box office either online at www.rother hamtheatres.co.uk or by telephone01709 823621.

18 10am to 1pm An information event in St John the Baptist Church, Penistone to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. Call in to discover more about the Fairtrade movement and how local groups together with the Co-op are embracing its principles and sustainability, have some coffee and try some products. See also some children’s ideas on the theme ‘Choose the World you want’.

sundAy

19 The service at Bullhouse Chapel this Sunday, 19th March, at 2.30pm ,will be will be led by Remi Richards. All are welcome to join us in this act of worship.

TuesdAy

21 Friends of Wortley Hall Gardens next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st March in Wortley Hall at 7.30pm and will be a talk by Friends Group about the history of Locke Park New members welcome, admission is £2.50, free for friends of Wortley Hall Gardens. If you are interested contact Barry on 0114 2830056

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.

25 Stocksbridge Christian Centre Coffee Morning on Saturday 25th March from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.Easter gifts, cakes, stalls, bric-a-brac, raffle Light refreshments

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.

MondAy

27 Wadsley and Loxley Commoners - ‘Solutions to the Cost of Living and Climate Change’ by Richard Teasdale and Dawn Spier. Wadsley Church Hall,Worrall Road, S6 4BB. 7.30pm. Admission £3 members, £3.50 non members, free refreshments. www. walc.epizy.com

WednesdAy

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`.

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30 Stocksbridge Art Society. Evening Demonstration (7 to 9 pm). Animals in Pastel by Lindsay Norman (Holmfirth Artist). Christ Church Community Hall, Stocksbridge, S36 1DY. All welcome: Members free; non-members £3. Refreshments included.

APRiL

sundAy

2 Antiques and Collectables Fair Penistone St John’s Community Centre S36 6AR.10:00 - 3:00. Refreshments by and proceeds for Green Moor Cricket Club.

2 2 Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre - Easter Fayre11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Fun For All The Family. Easter Bunny, Craft Stalls, Easter Bonnet Competition, Music. Stalls Available £15.00 Per Table, Telephone 0114 2883792.

MondAy

3 Friends of Wisewood and District Gardening Group are holding an Easter Children’s event on the green space, next to RIVA Cafe and Shop, Laird Road, Wisewood. Starts at 11am to 1pm. Easter egg hunt, crafts, games, stalls, re -

Photo: Lee Hilton-Brammer as Bill Snib son & Connie Hughes as Sally Smith

On listings

freshments available at RIVA cafe.

WednesdAy

5 Stocksbridge and District WI are meeting at Christchurch Community Hall Manchester Road Stocksbridge at 7.15 for 7.30 start, when our speaker will be Rebecca May, a finalist of Sewing Bee. She is bringing along the garments she made on the programme. We will have a fun tombola and raffle and all proceeds will go to Sheffield Childrens Hospital Helipad Appeal. Tickets are £5 and are going fast so please contact me for further information. 07939941818

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6 High Green W.I. are meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday the 6th of April in the Church Hall, behind the Methodist Church on Wortley Road. The event is “Easter & Resolutions” with focus on “Clean rivers for people and wild life”. Competition is “Easter Bunny”. All members and visitors are welcome.

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8 COFFEE and CHORDS , hosted by Welsh John and guests, at our regular Saturday coffee morning , starting at approx 10.45 Admission is free, but the sale of refreshments helps theatre funds. EPPiC Theatre, off High Street, Ecclesfield S35 9TP Our open theatre operates every Saturday from 10 till 12 , with refreshments on sale.

WednesdAy

Fox Valley Chooses to Fight Loneliness this Year

12 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday April 12th at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, with a presentation by Sue Firth, `Health Alternative medicine`. 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.

WednesdAy

26 Don Valley Probus will meet on Wednesday April 26th at 10.00AM in Christ Church Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, for their Annual General Meeting followed by the Chairman`s lunch. 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.

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

Businesses and stores at Fox Valley Shopping Centre have selected Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) as their chosen charity for 2023.

SCCCC is a voluntary organisation that works closely with statutory agencies in Sheffield to provide a network of support for mainly older people, their carers and families.

The Sheffield-based award-winning charity has supported isolated, vulnerable older people since 1966, providing a number of free services, including a befriending service and the Good Neighbour Scheme, to combat loneliness for people over the age of 65 living in Sheffield.

Alexis Gillespie, Assistant Centre Manager at Fox Valley, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Kimberly and the team at SCCCC fundraising for such an important cause. We have lots of exciting events and upcoming fundraisers to look forward to

this year and we hope this partnership will benefit lots of people in our community."

Last year, the team at Fox Valley raised a fantastic £11,500 for Sheffield's Hospitals Charity following several fundraising events held at the busy North Sheffield shopping centre. This year the team are hoping to beat it.

Amongst the fundraising events making their return is the popular fire walk in October, linking in with the centre's Halloween events.

SCCCC is looking to recruit more volunteers, particularly in the S35 postcode where they have a waiting list of elderly people in need of these services.

To donate, volunteer or just to find out more you can visit https://scccc.co.uk. For more information about Fox Valley shopping centre visit www.foxvalleysheffield. co.uk.

Whitwell Community Association

AGM, 31st March 2023 6pm

Whitwell Community Association will be holding their AGM at Whitwell Community Centre, Cedar Road on 31st March 2023.

Members of the community are invited to attend the meeting from 6pm onwards, and consider offering their services as a Trustee, Officer/Committee member, or volunteer. We’d love to see you there.

For further information, or should you be unable to attend but would like to submit any feedback in writing before the meeting, please email whitwellcommunityassociation@gmail.com.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

K. DYSON M.B.I.E.

TEL: (0114) 288 3169

TEL: (01226) 762 481

Brenda CUNNINGHAM

Aged 79.

Loving Wife of Peter, Mum to Carol and the late Kevin, much loved Nanan and Great-Nanan.

A service will now take place on Monday 20th March at 2pm at Christ Church, Stocksbridge, followed by committal at Stocksbridge Cemetery.

Family owers only please but donations will be gratefully received for The Meeting Place, Christ Church.

Enquiries to TW Birks and Son, 100 Manchester Road, Deepcar, S36 2RE Tel 0114 2885555

BASSINDER Beatrice Alice

Passed away at Chapel Lodge Care Home on 18th February 2023.

Loving Wife of Jack. Mother of Joanne and Lee, Step Mother of Ian and Claire, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. The funeral service will be held at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel on 21st March 2023 at 12 noon.

Family owers only please with donations on the day to Parkinsons UK.

DAY

Peacefully in hospital on 1st March, Clive, aged 81 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Wendy, a loving Dad, Grandad and Brother. Service on Monday 20th March at 4:00 pm, Grenoside North Chapel.

Family owers only please but donations if desired for Hill Top Care Home, c/o Dyson Funeral Service, New Road, Deepcar, S36 2RS. Tel 01142 883169.

FULCHER Linda

After a long illness Linda passed away in Rotherham Hospice on 2nd March 2023 aged 57. The funeral will take place on March 21st at Rotherham Crematorium at 3.30pm. Family owers only please, donations to Weston Park Charity. Thank you for choosing me to be in your life and Partner. You will remain in my heart forever. Love Derek.

A Wake will be held at The Plough, Roughwood Road, Wing eld, Rotherham S61 4LF.

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Hello, I’m Jane Bowland, 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

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

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We know that planning for the future is a very personal matter. Not everyone is able or wants to travel to an appointment in town to sort out their affairs. We can visit you at a convenient time in the privacy and comfort of your own home to discuss your unique circumstances.

A visit and consultation is completely free and you are under no obligation to do anything. If you decide to make any arrangements you can be safe in the knowledge that all our professional services and work are fully insured and we are members of the Society of Will Writers, so all our clients are assured of the

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YourLetters

Bus routes in Sheffield

Dear Sirs,

Recently I read that the powers that be are talking later this year to have funding for a new local hopper bus service, to serve our community like the good old days.

Look Local paper will give us all respective view when it comes out i.e., route, times etc…

It was a circular type of route, for example starting at home and then to the town centre and then through the Fox Valley area, or on the bypass to Deepcar and then onto Bolsterstone to incorporate the needy villages.

It could be very handy!

What are your views on this?

Yours faithfully,

Rents up 7%

Dear Look Local Council tenants have been informed that theri rents are going up by 7% in April.

This is almost £6 extra at a time of an energy crisis and great need for welfare. I am concerned for the elderly and people unable to claim housing benefit, that are out of work, such as people on job seekers allowance (contribution based) and people, working on low incomes.

This seems to be rather cruel action from a social housing landlord, when even private sector landlords have risen their rents by 3%.

The BBC

The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press.

The Tories and right wing press have also moved on the BBC football presenter Gary Lineker who compared the Braverman new policy banning small boat people ever claiming asylum in the UK, Lineker reacted to it on Twitter calling it an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.” Everyone should be able call out injustice when they see it. The BBC have asked Lineker to ‘stand back’ from Match of the Day for the time being until they come to an agreement on how he can use social media in the future. Good to see his co presenters Mark Wright and Alan Shearer have also decided not to appear in an act of solidarity.

Ode to a Lollipop Lady

Every day like clockwork, She stands outside the school, With her ‘high vis' and her lollipop, She's really rather cool. And tho’ she's only tiny, ‘Petite’ I think they say, In her duty she is mighty, She'll show you the right way.

Her nickname is ‘the Oracle‘, She knows everyone and everything, And everyone that meets her, Her praises they do sing!

Mr Wilkinson, Deepcar

The time old justification of the government will pay via housing benefit claims, is long out of date with peoples current circumstances. It even goes beyond comprehension when people on pensions in their later years are expected to pay this increase, after contributing most of their lives, to quote “Elderly people are in tears”.

Helen

How well liked Lineker, Wright and Shearer are with the football fraternity I think BBC and the Tories may have lost the dressing room on this one.

On a lighter note. Saw this last week, a free trip, a flight across the USA in a balloon. Knowing Johnson like a freebie’s do you think there will be any interest. Only if it was true.

Big Sister

Four organisations behind the Big Sister project have reached a new milestone, helping local girls aged 9 to 15 enjoy sports during puberty.

Places Leisure and Places Foundation – both parts of the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People –teamed up with Women in Sport, and social enterprise Hey Girls to launch the Big Sister project in May 2022, establishing a network of ‘Big Sisters’ who empower and enable teenage girls to enjoy sport during puberty.

The Big Sisters have since been recruited from sport, school and community organisations across the city to put an end to out-dated advice and help keep young girls healthy and active during their school years. In just twelve months, the initiative has reached a major milestone, engaging 3,250 young people – almost 1,000 of whom live in Sheffield.

Girls who have now signed up for the initiative benefit from three months free membership at one of the region’s Places Leisure Centres – Wisewood Sports Centre, Thorncliffe Health and Sports Centre and Graves Health and Sports Centre. There, they are offered unlimited gym and swim sessions, free workout classes and free, reusable period products. All participants have also been given free access to the Places Leisure Locker App which includes a dedicated Big Sister channel, meaning the young girls have advice to hand 24/7.

Added 19-year-old Ellen, A Big Sister Peer Mentor: “Puberty is tough for everyone, even girls who you presume ‘have got off lightly’ are going through their own difficulties. I wish I had the confidence to start exercising at a younger age. I only recently found the type of exercise for me, the one I enjoyed, where I got most sweaty and when I would finish my session on such a high and with a feeling of invincibility.

“I became confident in my ability about what I can do and stopped comparing myself to others. I also feel better about myself, I have way more energy and feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. We are so lucky to now live in a world where there are so many

options for everybody so no matter what your ability is, there will be something out there for you and Big Sister can help you discover your journey.”

Since its launch, Big Sister has engaged and spoken with over 14,000 girls nationwide to further shape its services. The new milestone shows that 3,250 of them have formally moved forward with the initiative, joining their local Places Leisure centre and undertaking fitness classes that are giving them renewed confidence to take part in sports. A further 1,689 of them have engaged with the exercise videos on the dedicated Big Sister channel through the Places Leisure Locker App.

Come rain or shine she's out there, So, Road Hogs best beware, She can stop you when you're speedy, With just one steely, piercing glare. The children they all love her, And all the parents too, A pillar of the community, Jackie, that is you!

You are caring, kind and thoughtful, A hero to the core, Years of service you have given, Let's hope there's many more!

Thank you.

A Friend

We are all things energy

Another in our occasional series.

Identifying the issues - what we can do:

We have a thermal imaging camera and we are taking bookings for surveys now. We can identify areas of heat loss in your home, so that you know where and how to insulate to save energy and keep you warmer. Anyone can book a survey and during our current period of development, surveys are free! Please contact us at the address or number below for further details.

Keeping your home warm –information to help:

Draughts cause houses to cool quickly, so blocking gaps keeps everything warmer. Cool air can blow in from around the edges of windows and doors, but simple self-adhesive insulating tape fixed around the edge of a window or door makes a difference to the temperature in a room and lowers energy costs. Blocking draughts from external doors with thick curtains and ‘sausage dog’ draught excluders is also an effective way

Putting Insulation around a hot water tank and hot water pipes is also a quick and easy way to save money on your bills.

Insulating behind radiators reduces the amount of heat lost, so you spend less money heat -

ing water up, and hot water stays hotter for longer.

Now more than ever, the cost of heating our homes is causing us to worry. Hopefully soon, we will be running a project that can help eligible residents–watch this space…

New help from the UK Government:

The Government have announced a new grant scheme - ECO+ - which aims to make homes more energy efficient and bring down people’s energy bills, have a look at The Energy Saving Trust’s website for details.

https://energysavingtrust.org. uk/what-is-the-uk-governments-eco-scheme/ Email: penistoneandstocksbridgeeig@gmail.com

Tel: 07707 762995

Old Codger from Oughtibridge

See how Stocksbridge

Weather images

Stocksbridge is really quite a new town – it was part of the ancient Manor of Bolsterstone until it became an Urban District Council in 1895 and was part of the parish of Bolster stone until 1917. This map from 1850 shows there is almost nothing in the valley! Now, based on the 2021 census, the population is about 13,000 and set to grow with many new housing developments.

You can see top centre Stocks Bridge Mill which was also known as Denton’s Mill, a cotton mill which turned to wire-drawing. Samuel Fox bought it in 1842, with its mill race coming down off the Little Don to feed its water wheel and then carrying on to work Hunshelf Corn Mill, which is now under Fox Valley. The river then was really windy and Samuel Fox gradually straightened it out, first making a reservoir and then culverting parts under his gradually extending works. Within a few years, he was selling umbrella frames.

SNOW PLOUGH & BOLSTERSTONE sent in by Andrew Mansfield.

Rose fastest in UK

Penistone second claim member Malcolm Rose whilst representing England Masters at the Chester 10k claimed gold in the men’s over70 age category. Malcolm’s time of 41-05 ranked him as the number one over70 man for the 10k distance in the UK for 2023. Three Penistone runners took on the Notts ten mile road race. Suzanne McGill was sixth lady overall and fourth in the ladies over45 category. Her time of 1-12-16 also gave her a new club record. John and Dawn Broom also took part finishing in 1-25-37 and 1-25-38 respectively. Damien Kilpin was sixth overall and first over45 man at the At the Double fell race. Long distance runners Harriet Drouin and Ra

chel Liptrot took on the Haworth Hobble in challenging conditions including snow drifts taller than them! The race was 21 miles in distance and involved 2,800 feet of climbing. Harriet got round in 4-42-55 and Rachel took 6-26-46. Some Penistone runners sought out better weather conditions and took part in the 10k and half marathon events run in Paphos, Cyprus. In hot conditions Denise Pozorski was first back in the 10k in 1-10-15 and John Lawcock was first back in the half marathon in 1-43-29. Steve Dommett and Stu Smith ventured up the A1 to take part in the Thirsk 10 mile race. Running together they finished

Notts 10 mile race

59, Suzanne McGill 1-12-22; 105, John Broom 1-25-37; 106, Dawn Broom 1-25-38.

Cyprus Half Marathon

81, John Lawcock 1-43-29; 149, Martin Hughes 1-52-50.

Cyprus 10k

345, Denise Pozorski 1-10-15; 350, Jane Lawcock 1-10-50; 421, Michal Pozorski 1-20-54; 423, Linda Keelan 1-21-45.

Chester 10k

254, Malcolm Rose 41-05; 2771, Andrew Taylor 1-09-30.

Thirsk 10 mile race 704, Steve Dommett 1-49-54; 705, Stu Smith 1-49-54. Long Eaton parkrun

160, Dawn Broom 26-25; 164, John Broom 26-35. Hillsborough parkrun

57, Michael Walsh 22-17; 97, Lee Hopkins 23-51; 180, Andrew Tay-

Broom Double

Malcolm Rose (Chester 10k)

Dawn and John Broom (Notts 10 mile race)

Penistone runners (Cyprus 10k and Half Marathon)

STOCKSBRIDGE FALL TO PIECES AGAINST STRUGGLING OSSET

Steels 1-3 Osset United

It was an evening for Stocksbridge Park Steels to forget as they failed to firm up their position in the playoffs as they fell to an Ossett team who claimed the win after their sixgame losing streak. It was a cagey start by both teams, but it was Ossett United who had the best chance to open the scoring. Stocksbridge failed to clear their lines from a freekick, and the ball fell to Alex Peterson at the back post but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Ossett United’s substi tute took one for the team as he took his marching orders as the referee didn’t know who

vinced the referee that it was him and walked.

ing forward and again had the chance to open the scoring. The corner

Rugby season nearing end

With their game away at Halifax being postponed due to the snow at the weekend, Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby have just 3 games left in the Yorkshire 4 Counties competition.

The play-offs are now out of reach however, Head Coach Andy Lawrence has set the squad a challenge to finish 5th in the league ladder, still a massive improvement on recent seasons. ‘given the effort the boys have put in, it’s the least they all deserve’ said Lawrence, adding ‘but for a bounce of the ball or

the odd 50/50 call, we could well have secured a pay off spot already’.

Stocksbridge will need to agree a rescheduled date with the Halifax club which may prove tricky as other fixtures and cup matches are filling the busy calendar up. There’s an awkward fixture with near neighbours Mosborough RUFC this weekend, where Stocksbridge will be looking to turn their opponents over. Stocksbridge then have a ‘bye’ week before another winnable trip to York to face Nestle Rowntree on 1st April.

Off the field the Club’s 60th playing anniversary was celebrated in some style, with many former players coming out of the woodwork to recount famous tales and victories in a blue shirt, the Club hope to see more of these welcome, past players on a regular basis, and there will be a commemorative tie available soon from the Clubhouse.

This Year’s presentation evening will be held in the Clubhouse on 19th May, with details of the format and guest speakers being confirmed.

came in and again the home side didn’t deal with the loose ball, but Ossett’s captain couldn’t direct it towards the goal.

Midway through the first half Stocksbridge Park Steels finally came to life, as mustered up three golden opportunities to break the deadlock but Ossett defended well and eventually cleared the ball to safety.

Ossett United’s dominance finally paid off towards the end of the half, a lofty ball broke the home side’s backline and Janusz Lipka had the presence of

mind to lift it over the on-rushing Ben Townsend for 1-0.

Stocksbridge despite being second best for most of the half equalled the game before half time a lovely low ball from the left-hand side for Ross Goodwin to slot home from close range and both sides went into the half-time break all square.

Ossett wasted no time as they restored their one-goal lead almost straight from kick-off, winger Harry Coates danced through two or three challenges before he calmly slotted into

the back of the net, 2-1 to the visitors.

The best chance of the second half for the hosts came from a freekick on the edge of the box but Thomas Poole put the freekick just wide of the post.

Ossett made sure of the points when a ball from the right wing came into the box and the Ossett forward rose highest over the Stocksbridge keeper Townsend to head home for the third and final nail in the Stocksbridge coffin.

Steels face tough test

Stocksbridge Park Steels face another playoffchasing side when they host Grimsby Borough at home on Saturday.

Grimsby come into this game in fine form winning five of their last six league games and have their sights set on another when they come to Bracken Moor on Saturday.

The Steels currently find themselves occupying the final playoff place and in need of a much-needed win this weekend. Their last match was postponed their last home fixture against Dunston due to torrential snow that fell over the weekend.

The club are calling for all the help they can get from the local Owls fans who will be available to cheer on their local non-league club as their fixture against Bolton Wanderers is to be played a day before the Steels are set to play.

Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby Borough is set to be played this Saturday 18th of March kicking off at 3pm.

Match report by James Fletcher

Photo by Ian Revitt