Look Local Issue 1263 Thursday 30 March 2023

‘Phenomenal’ Landlord and Landlady celebrate 30 years

By James Fletcher

Paul and Kate took over The Commercial on the 25th of March in 1993, they started as managers for the original owner, David Goldthorpe this led the couple to lease the pub for 15 years and eventually bought the pub from Mr Goldthorpe and have been there ever since.

The pub boasts plenty of punters every week, with speciality nights especially popular with the locals. The Whiskey tasting nights, where they taste different types of whiskey from different distilleries around the UK. And the chip butty night where you’ll have to book weeks in advance because of the high demand for tickets.

The staff organised this party for the couple, knowing that the owners had no idea. Landlord Paul claimed he was well aware of the party, as the landlord said, “It was nice to see a big turnout with the staff old and new as well as our regulars.”

But that didn’t stop the staff from organising special drinks to be exclusive for night festivities such as three special beers and the distillery located at the back of the pub, which donated a bottle of Gin and a bottle of Vodka for the evening.

We asked another Paul, the assistant manager of the pub, what it’s like for working for Paul and Kate? and he had nothing but admiration for the couple, for whom he has worked for over 20 years, as he went on to explain, “I don’t see them as bosses, I see them more like friends. They are phenomenal employers; they give me a lot of freedom to do stuff for the pub and try out new things. They are the type of people who would do anything for their staff. I remember through covid if anyone needed anything then they would do anything they could to help because they are those types of people, and that was evident when the lockdown ended, and when the pub was allowed to open up again all the staff just wanted to come down and help in any way they could. The staff were willing to jump through hoops for Paul and Kate.”

Paul has no intentions to retire any time soon and will hopefully see another three decades of service, and thanks all the staff for their dedication over the years and customers old and new, and continued to say, “Even though it might not be me here in 30 years’, I hope they are still coming in, we’ve loved every minute of it, and we can’t thank everyone enough, all the staff past and present as well as the customers.”

New warning system to be tested on St Georges’ Day

On the 23rd of April 2023, the government will be testing a new warning system, which will ring around all corners of the British Isles. The alerts will be sent directly to your mobile device with information about the danger to life and will sound a loud siren and vibrate for 10 minutes. And you won’t be able to access your phone until you have complied with the warning.

The new system is designed to warn people of life-threatening events such as wildfires, Tsunamis, and other various threats to the UK.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said, “We are strengthening our national resilience with a new emergency alerts system, to deal with a wide array of threats – from flooding to wildfires. It will revolutionise our ability to warn and inform people who are in immediate danger and help us keep people safe.”

You will receive the warnings based on your location and not where you live or work, and you don’t have to turn on your location settings to receive these warnings.

On the day of testing. The government urge people not to panic and just follow the instructions on your mobile phone or tablet and don’t respond to the alert, and if you’re driving or riding a bike to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

If you don’t have a compatible device the warning systems on the radio, TV and local emergency services will also be in operation. And if you are deaf, or partially sighted the audio and vibration systems will let you know you have an emergency alert.

So, in the words of Lance Corporal Jones “Don’t Panic, Don’t Panic.”

Sleeping Giant is a big hit among locals

By James Fletcher

The latest edition to a park in North Sheffield is ‘sleeping Sarah’, a sleeping giant.

And more could be on the way…

The Worrall Environmental group commissioned Andrew Vickers to sculpt and place the sleeping giant in Sycamore park, Worrall, and it turns out to be a big hit with the locals as Mr Vickers explains,

“These giants have caught the imagination of people and they are exciting for kids to play on, and are engaging the children with art.”

And if you’re familiar with Rivelin then you might have come across another one of his sleeping giants. There are two more, one in a private collection and the other in his own wood in Stannington.

Mr Vickers is currently in negotiations to have one put in Mosborough and there are talks to have one in Stocksbridge just behind the leisure centre.

Andrew Vickers has been sculpting for around 20 or 30 years, starting his career as a drystone Waller and had no formal training as a sculptor it just happened as Mr Vickers calls it “a gift I was given” and went on

to explain how he got into sculpting from there, “I thought being a drystone Waller would satisfy the love I had for stone, but it didn’t and as I was knocking down and rebuilding the wall, I noticed that no one signed their work. So, I didn’t sign mine with a signature but instead took a piece of stone home with me and sculpted a face and put it in the wall, hence the company name being ‘Stone Face’. What that taught

me was if I could get an image in my head, then I could carve anything.”

Andrew went on to thank the Worrall Environmental group for commissioning him to make the giant and explained how important the commissions were for him to keep producing all these wonderful pieces of stone art.

Weekly Markets Relaunch

The Mayor of Stocksbridge will be officially re-launching Fox Valley’s regular programme of markets this weekend [March 31-April 2] with a general market held on Friday and a specialist Makers Market taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be a host of fun activities, a new line up of local traders and live music to enjoy throughout the three-day weekend.

The markets have been a strong part of the offer at Fox Valley over the years, bringing the local community together and supporting small businesses, since the centre opened in 2016.

The weekly Friday market will welcome regular traders such as Joseph Cliff Fishmongers as well as newcomers selling fresh fruit and veg, artisan bread and cakes.

The Makers Market will include a selection of craft traders including Valentine Confectionary, Pottery Conway, Clusters, Sewcial Sewing as well as new traders such as Poptin & Spodge with handmade and personalised gift ideas.

Light refreshments will be available from new traders Oh My Goodness Juice, selling natural and freshly squeezed fruit juice and The Oss Box providing tea, barista coffee, shmoo milkshakes and bakes.

Throughout the weekend there will be live music and entertainment on the centre's bandstand from Sheffield artists, Leceint Fearnley and singer-songwriter duo Red House.

The popular Sandersons Express Rolls Royce buggy will be returning to the centre this weekend, to add some speed and excitement to customers shopping experience.

As part of the drive to support the centre’s local adopted charity, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCC), Fox Valley will be donating 10% of all stall fees to help support their vital work within the com-

munity. SCCCC will be hosting a free Easter themed craft workshop all weekend for children to enjoy and get creative. Also watch out for the Easter mascot that will be walking around the markets!

Claire Biltcliffe, Centre Manager at Fox Valley, said: “We are really excited to be re-launching the Fox Valley Markets as it is a great way to bring the community together and celebrate local producers and makers. There are so many great traders on board for this weekend and with Easter crafts and live music, it is the best time to pay us a visit.”

The Fox Valley team have been working with traders to review the markets, investing in new stall covers, anchor points to minimise risk of cancellation and attracting a new lineup of traders to stand.

With a full calendar of markets planned throughout the year, alternating between monthly makers and food themed markets and a strong weekly Friday market, the team are confident that shoppers will be delighted with this extra reason to visit Fox Valley.

Keep an eye on the Fox Valley website www. foxvalleysheffield.co.uk to make a note of the upcoming markets and specialist events held to accompany these.

Photo: Dave Way from the Fox Valley team

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Local MP Leads Push for Tougher Illegal Migration Laws

THE BIG HELP OUT

King Charles III's CoronationFunding Opportunity

King Charles III's Coronation will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London, it will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. The ceremony formalises the monarch's role as the head of the Church of England and marks the transfer of their title and powers.

Throughout the UK coronation celebrations will take place over the bank holiday weekend, ending with “The Big Help Out” on Monday 8th May, which will highlight the impact of volunteering.

Are you planning any celebration events such as street parties, family fun days or a big lunch?

If so, you might be interested in applying for a small grant.

Things we can fund include food and refreshments, decorations and bunting, hire of entertainers, purchase or hire of equipment, staff time and promotions.

If you would like to apply, please email us on northlac@sheffield.gov.uk

Please also see below some links to some guidance that might be of use.

Government Coronation website - https:// coronation.gov.uk/

Government guidance on holding a street party - Your guide to organising a street party - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Government toolkit, which includes play lists, recipes and useful templates- https:// coronation.gov.uk/toolkit/

Penistone and Stocksbridge's Conservative MP Miriam Cates is leading calls in Parliament to strengthen the Government's Illegal Migration Bill to prevent people who arrive in the UK illegally on small boats from being allowed to stay.

Mrs Cates is backing amendments that would stop the European court in Strasbourg from blocking the removal of illegal migrants on spurious legal grounds, and end the use of hotels to house illegal migrants.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate, Miriam Cates said: "We all want genuine asylum seekers to be able to find safety here in the UK [...] but the exploitation of our borders and laws by those who are not in genuine need and, worse, by abhorrent international people-smuggling gangs is neither fair nor compassionate and it must end.

"The reality is that high and clearly visible levels of illegal immigration are a threat to

ordinary people’s safety, security, identity and sense of fair play. Believing in and upholding strong borders and firm boundaries is not uncompassionate; it is a prerequisite for a fair, safe and cohesive nation.

"If the Bill does not work and does not result in the swift deportation of those who arrive here illegally, it will not have a deterrent effect and we will not stop the boats. The objective of the amendments is therefore to strengthen the legislation to significantly reduce the likelihood of unjustified legal challenges."

The Prime Minister has made stopping the boats crossing the English Channel one of his top five priorities, and the Illegal Migration Bill is being put through Parliament to bring in new rules to make it easier to remove people who arrive in the UK illegally. Other actions include new agreements with Albania to return illegal migrants from that country, and with France to significantly increase the number of police patrols on French beaches.

Ministry of Justice calls for volunteers

The Ministry of Justice is calling for the people of South Yorkshire to volunteer as Magistrates.

Sheffield is looking for people from all walks of life to take part in this nationwide recruitment scheme which is hoping to employ up to 4,000 new magistrates in England and Wales. You don’t need any legal experience for this role as you will be paired up with two magistrates and a legal advisor who will help as well as offer up some legal advice on the law. As long as you’re between the age of 18-70 there are people from all kinds of backgrounds from teachers to tradesmen and including stay-at-home parents.

This is a part-time role that can fit around other commitments, as magistrate volunteer Stephen from Doncaster explained,

“I find working as a magistrate so rewarding. You know what cases you will be dealing with that day and the variety is so wide. I feel I’m giving back to the community, and I have a great sense of pride in carrying out my duties. I have increased my self-confidence and communication skills in the role and have applied this to my pharmacist role.”

As long as you have good IT skills and go through a BDS check you will be ready to start. The cases you will be working on, vary from civil court cases to criminal court cases.

If you wish to volunteer then simply goto www.magistrates.judiciary.uk/what-is-a-magistrate

Each Local Area Committee has been allocated £5,000 to support local celebrations. The maximum amount that you can apply for in the North LAC is £1,000 (we may consider higher amounts from joint working projects)

Sheffield Council: useful Coronation information including street closures – this webpage is currently being finalised, a link will be sent once its available

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 10th April 2023.

Council Deputy Leader slams govt

The Government’s mistakes on Active Travel were highlighted by Council Deputy Leader Julie Grocutt, Labour councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don this week in a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP. Harper had signalled the Government Uturn on Active Travel with a £380m reduction in the budget for Active Travel across the Country.

The Governments own data shows walking and cycling can bring environmental, health and economic benefits including reducing congestion and supporting local businesses with figures indicating for every £1 invested in walking and cycling; £5.61 of benefits are delivered.

Council Deputy Leader Julie Grocutt, Labour councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don said: ‘The 50% cut announced will end up costing the economy over £2bn’

The Government recognises Active Travel can result in reduced levels of pollution and tackle Climate Change whilst increasing adult physical activity hugely important for maintaining health. The cuts roll back on the Governments ‘Gear Change’ policy announced in July 2020 which they hailed as the ‘most ambitious plans yet’ to boost Active Travel.

Cllr Julie Grocutt accused the Government of ‘failing to see the bigger picture at a point when a strategic approach to investment in our transport network is needed most’.

‘at the same time this government is slashing buses it is now making walking and cycling more difficult’

Criticising the Governments short-term thinking and the retrograde message to residents and businesses Cllr Julie Grocutt said the cuts: ‘undermine our local implementation of this vital area of work as we strive to achieve our net zero targets, increase our resident’s wellbeing, improve local air quality and most importantly help keep people safe on our roads by providing safe and accessible infrastructure’

‘I urge the Government to restore and increase Active Travel funding to enable people to have more choice about travel and improve health and air quality as we decarbonise our transport network’.

Police officer who killed himself while awaiting trial 'had received death threats'

PC Billy Sampson, 27, was charged with assaulting a 16-year-old boy after a South Yorkshire football derby, write Dave Higgens, PA and Gregory Ford for Yorkshire Live.

A police officer who killed himself as he waited to go on trial for an alleged assault on a teenage football fan had received death threats and feared for his safety, his mother has told a coroner.

PC Billy Sampson, 27, was charged with assaulting a 16-year-old boy following a football match between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday. Footage was shared on social media showing an officer hitting a fan with a baton.

An inquest into Mr Sampson’s death on Thursday heard how he had suffered with anxiety and depression after his arrest but had been heartened after he received an expert’s report which concluded the force he used in the incident was “justified and proportionate”.

But the coroner was told how, the day before he was found dead, the officer had been told he was to be charged in relation to an unrelated domestic matter. His mother, Nicky Sampson, told the inquest that this allegation was not true.

Mrs Sampson told the court how her son was targeted following his arrest in relation to the video, which was posted on social media in February 2020 along with details of where he lived. She said: “He got death threats. He came to talk to me and he explained how incredibly scared he was.”

The court heard how one online blogger in particular targeted the officer. Mrs Sampson said her son had to install an expensive CCTV system and high fences at his home.

“He did share his fear of someone attacking him and his partner in his house,” she said, “he got CCTV installed but still felt extremely vulnerable in his home.”

Mrs Sampson said the coverage of the football match incident “did not tell the full story of what happened”. Detective Inspector Richard Armstrong, of South Yorkshire Police (SYP), described how he was appointed as the welfare officer to support Mr Sampson after he was arrested in 2020.

Mr Armstrong described how Mr Sampson thought he would be cleared at his trial, es-

pecially after the expert report on his use of force was finally obtained from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which commissioned it. But he said that when he told the officer he was going to be charged with coercive and controlling behaviour in February last year he was “shocked and surprised and clearly angry about the decision”.

Mr Armstrong said that, despite this, he said he did not pick up any “red flags” and Mr Sampson told him: “I will just fight this at court as well.”

The court heard that Mr Sampson was found unresponsive at his house in Chapeltown, Sheffield, the next day, February 11, by his friend and fellow police officer Phil Mackey, and was later pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination found he had overdosed on drugs which had been prescribed to him. In a statement read to the court, Mr Mackey said his friend’s arrest and charge over the football match incident “had a massive impact on Billy’s mental health”. Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Katy Dickinson concluded that Mr Sampson “suffered with his mental health due to allegations against him”. She said: “That caused him distress and is likely the reason behind his death.” The coroner added: “What a fine man he was.”

Ms Dickinson said she had been considering making recommendations about the training of welfare officers supporting officers facing allegations but she was reassured by evidence from Detective Superintendent Delphine Waring, the head of professional standards at SYP.

Ms Waring told the coroner about how training to support officers under investigation was developing and SYP’s approach was leading the way among forces across the country. The court heard how Mr Sampson had always wanted to be a police officer, joining as a special when he was 19, before successfully applying as a regular officer.

His mother said he wanted to be in traffic but never got the chance. She said he passed his sergeants’ exams while he was waiting for his trial and was once commended by a coroner for the support he gave after a suicide.

Mrs Sampson said: “He just didn’t deserve for this to happen to him. All he ever wanted to be was be a police officer and help others.”

Community group wins park reprieve at council meeting

By James Fletcher Friends of Hillsborough Park Facebook group currently has the upper hand against the new development plans of Hillsborough Park.

Sheffield City Council submitted the plans for the redevelopment of the park, with additional funding coming from Sports England, Law Tennis Association and current occupiers of the already existing tennis courts, Courtside.

The plans would increase the tennis courts by a further three, add toilets and a café along with a mini golf area and indoor padel tennis. The plans were put forward after feedback from the local community asking for the site to be redeveloped. Still, they never envisaged they would be priced out of the area for good with the new plans set to fence the area off for what will be a ‘pay to play’ scheme.

This sparked the community into action to stop the plans from ever coming to fruition, the Friends of Hillsborough Park started a petition and currently had over 1,000 signatures ahead of a council meeting with the number still rising.

Andy Chaplin spoke on behalf of the group at the meeting, making the thoughts from the community clear as he said,

“We believe this commercialisation of a public park, with little regard for those people in Hillsborough community who currently use the Multi Use Game Area (MUGA) for free. With the current cost of living crisis, families and communities struggling with high energy bills and high demand for food banks. We believe that these plans will leave our community worse off.”

The group asked the committee to send the proposal back to the managers so they can rethink their plans and come up with new plans that will benefit everyone in the community. The park also holds the city’s only cycling for the disabled and people with long-term health conditions.

Tom Collister from cycling 4 All also voiced his concerns about the plans in the meeting, “Is the committee comfortable with approving a contract which will negatively affect the level and quality of service we are able to offer, as well as put us in conflict with other casual users of the MUGA due to its muchreduced size?”

The committee started by praising the scheme for all the great work they have been doing and stated that it will work with them to ensure they can still operate within the new plans.

The final outcome of the meeting saw the new plans put on hold allowing time to reconsider plans.

Students dress to impress

Year 10 Students at Stocksbridge High School in Sheffield were put through their paces recently in a special Futures Day aimed at preparing them for life after school.

The annual event which is now on its 5th year is coordinated by locally based national training provider, Live and Learn Consultancy who work closely with the school staff to deliver a full day focussed on the world of work. CV writing, inspirational speakers and a mock interview were all part of the day’s activities tailored to help the students prepare for their next steps in work or education.

Twenty-one professionals from a variety of different business sectors and industries volunteered their time to best match the students’ ambitions and aspirations. Each interview was allocated 20 minutes with a set of eight questions set to stimulate discussion and help the student gain invaluable feedback from a professional in their chosen field.

The day began with a motivational welcome speech from Live and Learn’s very own Senior Learning & Development Consultant, John Goldson which helped to give the students an insight into what the interview panel would be looking for in the “successful candidates”.

Interactive activities and real-life relatable experiences helped to put any initial nerves at ease.

Whilst the school day continued as normal, the interviews were carried out with around 174 pupils, many of them currently in the process of establishing work experience placements for July this year.

The majority of students have successfully found an employer and research has shown that these kinds of activities and employer engagement are crucial in helping to

ensure students gain the relevant skills needed for their future.

Claire Jackson SL H&SC Work-related Learning at the school said: “We are hugely grateful to everyone on the interview panel who gave their time and expertise to support our pupils this year. As a school we work extremely hard to help our pupils prepare for the world of work and understanding how to conduct yourself during an interview process is vital for every pupil, regardless of whether they intend to get a job or apply for further education.

“Our extended thanks must once again go to Live and Learn who are instrumental in the whole planning pro cess and make the day possible. The time and dedication of the team is second to none and we truly appreciate the amount of work that this takes to organise outside of their day to day jobs.

“We have received some wonderful feedback from the stu dents with many commenting as to how much they had enjoyed it and felt that they had really benefitted from the guidance and feedback. The quality of the relationships built on the day was simply wonderful to see”.

Lisa Kitchen Director of Live and Learn Consultancy said: “These days are really important to our team – the date is set early in the year and my whole team are dedi cated from start to finish. Whilst we are completely fo cussed on each pupil receiving the support and guidance they need and deserve, I feel I speak on behalf of myself and my whole team when I say that we too find it equally as rewarding. This particular year group has faced its own challenges, namely the COVID 19 pandemic and the re strictions that brought with it.

“They have lost a vital amount of regular social interaction with their peers and day to day routine but still they arrived punctually, eager, driven and with a passion to strive. They have an exciting journey ahead and we would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best in their future career”.

Photo: John Whitaker Interviewer and Year 10 Student, Molly Hayes

Man charged after drugs raid

Furniture Clearance Warehouse Due to Close Its Doors

£8million grant to make hundreds of homes warmer

Sheffield Council has successfully bid for over £8 million of government funding, through two different schemes, that will improve energy efficiency and the warmth of homes in the city that are most in need of heating upgrades.

After 23 years of trading

A Sheffield man has been charged after a drugs raid on a property in an Ecclesfield industrial park on 12 March.

Furniture Clearance Warehouse is closing its doors. The owner, David Perkins has successfully run the business for over two decades, but is now ready for a change.

Through the Homes Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG) the Council has secured just over £4 million which is aimed at low income, private sector homes that are off-the-gas-grid with their main source of heating being another fuel other than gas.

The Council has also been successful in its bid for £4m of Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF) which will contribute toward significant energy efficiency improvements to 370 Council homes that will benefit from important external wall insulation. The recently launched ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) Flex offer by the Council is another opportunity for households across the city to seek grant funding for energy improvements in their home. Further details of this scheme are at Warm Homes Sheffield: https://www.warmhomessheffield.org.uk/

Officers executed a warrant at the address on Station Road where approximately 30 kilograms of suspected cocaine was seized along with over £100,000 in cash.

Furniture Clearance Warehouse

Further details about the scheme, and how to make an enquiry or application can be found at: https://www.warmhomessheffield. org.uk/

Harrison Utley, 20, of Stanley Road, was later arrested on Wednesday 22 March and has since been charged with Possession with intent to supply Class A and possession criminal property.

Utley has been remanded in custody and will next appear in Sheffield Crown Court 21 April 2023.

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 exercise equipment, toys to pots and pans. The shop was an immediate success and within a couple of years gave to bigger premises in the old Co-Op building on The Moor behind Redgates. The business traded here happily and successfully for several years until the council decided the building was required for other purposes.

Warm Homes Sheffield has just recently launched and is a partnership between Sheffield City Council and energy experts AgilityEco.

This partnership provides a route to access a number of energy saving programmes including grant funding and energy advice and support that can help Sheffield residents to reduce energy use and stay warm.

Councillor Douglas Johnson, Chair of Housing Policy Committee, said: “This is such welcome news for us and an important step from both a climate change perspective and for helping people to keep warm. It can only be good for the environment for people being able to upgrade their homes to modern, more efficient standards of heating. I’d encourage people to have a look at the Warm Homes Sheffield website so that they find out more about what it means for them and their household.”

Furniture Clearance Warehouse Due to Close its Doors

After 23 years of trading Furniture Clearance Warehouse is closing its doors. The owner, David Perkins has successfully run the business for over two decades, but is now ready for a change.

In 2006 the company moved again to the old Doors and Floors Galore warehouse on Attercliffe Road and traded for around a year before the

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

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 furniture. This also saw the business change names to Furniture Clearance Warehouse. Although all these years later, customers still refer to them as SWAG.

The business predominantly 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.

exercise equipment, toys to pots and pans. The shop was an immediate success and within a couple of years gave David the confidence to move to bigger premises in the old Co-Op building on The Moor behind Redgates. The business traded here happily and successfully for several years until the council decided the building was required for other purposes.

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

a closing down sale starting Monday 19th September. This is by no means a business that is going bust, merely an owner who wants to dust of his passport and get to know his family in the daylight hours.

The sale will continue into the new year until all stock has gone. During this time all customers will receive their furniture and all orders will be

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.

In 2006 the company moved again to the old Doors and Floors Galore warehouse on Attercliffe Road and traded for around a year before the premises were flooded in the 2007 floods. This prompted 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

furniture. This also saw the business change names to Furniture Clearance Warehouse. Although all these years later, customers still refer to them as SWAG.

The business predominantly 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.

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, there is now a closing down sale. The sale will continue until all stock has gone. During this time all customers will receive their furniture and all orders will be fulfilled. This is by no means a business that is going bust, merely an

owner who wants to dust off his passport and get to know his family in the daylight hours.

David is grateful for all the support and custom over the years and is looking forward to the next chapter.

CLOSING DOWN SALE ALL STOCK REDUCED EVERYTHING MUST GO

The sound of music

MARCH

THuRsdAy

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.

30 Coffe & Chat morning at Brightolmlee Chapel, Main road, Wharnclife Side 10am till 12noon

APRIL

sATuRdAy

1 Why not join Friends of Chapeltown Park on the Saturday morning before Easter from 10.30am to 12.30pm at our FREE Easter Egg Hunt? Collect your instructions from the bandstand, do the woodland trail to find lots of little tokens. These can then be exchanged for Easter treats. There will also be Easter crafts and refreshments.

There’s something to sing about as the sound of music comes to St Luke’s Hospice.

Musicians Jamie Roberts and Julia Waldron have launched a series of weekly singalong sessions at the St Luke’s Ecclesall Road South site, home of the charity’s Patient and Family Support services.

Jamie, who lives in Stocksbridge, and Meersbrook based Julia, originally came to St Luke’s as part of the Swansong Project, which gives people living with terminal illnesses, dealing with bereavement or planning their end stages of life the opportunity and support to write and record their own original song.

But they quickly discovered there was also a real interest in patients and friends simply getting together and singing their favourite melodies.

So now Jamie and Julia have come up with a singalong collection that ranges from folk songs to Sinatra and Abba - all guaranteed to get everybody joining in!

“We’d only intended to do it as a way of introducing ourselves to everyone but people loved it and we were asked if we could come and do it again,” said professional folk singer Jamie.

“It’s been an incredibly positive experience and it’s been wonderful to see the way people react.

“We’ll get people come along and say they’ll just sit at the back of the room and listen but that soon changes and by the end of the session they’re joining in and saying how much they enjoy it.

“Every week it becomes more apparent to me just how valuable singing can be, especially when people tell us what a difference singing has made to their lives.

“It isn’t a performance, it’s just a group of people singing and enjoying themselves and it really lifts their spirits.”

The St Luke’s Patient and Family Support Services are open to anybody over the age of 18 who has been been diagnosed with a palliative condition.

The services are also available to people who have had a recent loss of a relative, family member or close friend who was cared for by St Luke’s and those currently caring for a St Luke's patient or with a family member or close friend who is a St Luke's patient.

For more information email pafss@hospicesheffield.co.uk call 0114 235 7650 or visit stlukeshospice.org.uk

1 Free Easter Craft for kids session 10.00 - 12.00 at Wharncliffe Side Community Centre, Brightholmelee Lane S35 0DD Book places: 07957 206646 or tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com.

Organised by Stocksbridge & Upper Don Tenants & Residents Association

1 Wharncliffe Side WI are having a Coffee Morning from 10.00 to 12.00 on Saturday 1st April in the Chapel meeting room to celebrate our 70 years as a WI branch. Join us for coffee, company, stalls and raffle.

1 High Green Methodist Church Spring Fayre starting at 11am. Stalls include cakes, bric-a-brac, gifts, books, tombola etc. Soup, sandwiches and drinks available. All welcome.

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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 Fayre - 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Fun For All The Family. Eas-

ter Bunny, Craft Stalls, Easter Bonnet Competition, Music. Stalls Available £15.00 Per Table, Telephone 0114 2883792.

2 On Sunday 2nd April Thorncliffe Bowling Club will be opening its gates to anyone who wishes to try their hand at crown green bowling. The club welcomes both those who have never played before, and those who have played and want to come back to the sport. A selection of bowls will be available, and coaching will be given. All you need to do is to turn up in flat bottomed shoes. So why not join us on Sunday 2th April at any time between 10am and 3pm at the end of Mortomley Close, S35 3HS.

2 St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield10.30am, Holy Communion and distribution of Palm Crosses, Palm Sunday

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

2 The service at Bullhouse Chapel Sunday 2nd April, at 2.30pm , will be will be led by Dave McKeown. All are welcome to join us in this act of worship.

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, refreshments available at RIVA cafe.

3 Wharncliffe Side WI will have their next meeting in the Community Centre and the speakers are the Leader Brothers with the topic The Mystery Box, 7.15pm. Join us for an entertaining talk on antiques and collectibles. For details contact Valerie Hales 01144187256.

3 Monday April 3rd Easter Craft at Inman Pavilion, Moorland Drive 10.00 - 11.45 am. Fun things to make. enquiries@ inmanpavilion.org.uk £2.00

3 Bradfield Historical Society - a talk, ‘Sheffield Pals in WW1’ by Andrew Rawson, 7.30pm, Bradfield Vil-

lage Hall, The Sands, Low Bradfield. 2337463

3 Stocksbridge & Deepcar Townswomen’s Guild meeting at Christ Church, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge. Visitors welcome. £3 per meeting to include refreshments. @2.30pm. Contact 07415277266 for more information.

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4 An Evening with Ron Clayton, Local Historian, Wadsley Jack Pub,7.30pm.

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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

THuRdAy

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.

6 Free Easter Craft for kids session 10.00 - 12.00 at Zion Church Hall, Langsett Road, Oughtibridge S350HA Book places: 07957 206646 or tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com. Organised by Stocksbridge & Upper Don Tenants & Residents Association

6 St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield7.30pm, Holy Communion on Maundy

Thursday

FRIdAy

7 St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield - Good Friday, 2pm - onwards Meditation, 7.30pm - Evening Service

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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.

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9 St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield - Easter Day - Holy Communion, 10.30am

WednesdAy

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.

12 Chapeltown and District Probus Club meet every second Wednesday of the month at Grenoside Community Hall on Main Street. We will be meeting next on April the 12th at 10am ,we would especially welcome new members . After a short formal gathering we have various presentations from guest speakers on a wide range of topics that in the past have included transport,adventure, design, history etc. After the meeting some members continue to Wortley Hall for lunch

12 Bradfield Walkers are Welcome, Local History Morning Round Walk led by Malcolm Nunn, meet outside Royal Hotel, Dungworth at 10.30am return around 1pm. FREE but donations welcome. 2337463 or www.bradfieldwalkers.org.uk or email bradfield.history@mypostoffice.co.uk

12 Chapeltown WI cancelled their March meeting due to bad weather so Diane Leek will speak about her time as Lord Mayor of Sheffield at their next meeting to be held in Chapeltown Methodist Church at 7.30pm. The competition is for a Spring Poem. Visitors and new members are always made welcome.

On listings

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13 Stocksbridge & District History Society Meeting. - Christ Church Hall 7PM – ‘Housing the Workers’, talk by Susan Beal . Everyone welcome.

FRIdAy

14 Relax with a poem. Listen to some poetry or bring a favourite poem to read in a warm hub with a hot drink.’ 10.15 for 10.30am start – Stocksbridge Library.

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15 Salute to Sinatra and the King of Swing is a show packed with nostalgia celebrating the days of the legendary singer and the halcyon days of the music of the big band era. Featuring the Take 2 Big Band with vocalist Craig Williams and Kevin Grunill on the Paramount Compton Cinema organ, the concert is on Saturday April 15th at 2-30pm at the Penistone Paramount cinema, South Yorkshire, S36 6DY. Advanced tickets are available via the Paramount website, in person at the Paramount box office, or by telephone on 01226 767532. Pay on the door is available.

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16 Cawthorne Craft Fair 10am -4pm for details call 07966 721068

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19 Join Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group at 7.30pm for a talk by Yvette Marks from the Archaeology Department at Sheffield University. Her talk is titled ‘Searching for Neolithic Salt’. We meet in the hall at Christ Church on Manchester Road in Stocksbridge, and the talk is also available live on Zoom (members only) - please contact bahgevent@axelafa.com for the link. Refreshments available. Don’t miss it - all welcome.

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.

sundAy

30 Cawthorne Antiques Fair 9.30am to 3.30pm Sunday 30th April for details call 07966 721068

MAy

16 Ecclesfield Priory Players Present

The Stranger By Produced by Syl Langan. By arrangement with Concord Theatricals Tuesday 16th - Friday 19th May 2023. Curtain at 7.30pm Tickets

£11.00 Concessions £10.00 (Tues only)

EPPiC Theatre, Well Lane, High Street, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, S35 9TP tickets @ ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk Tel: (0114) 2402624 s www.ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk email: info@ecclesfieldprioryplayers.co.uk

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 noonopen 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

Thorncliffe Bowling Club invites you to over 50’s afternoon at 1.45pm. Find us at the end of Mortomley Close, High Green S35 3HZ Bowls and coaching provided. Cost £2.50 (from 12 April)

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 ex-

ercise, meeting new friends. Any time between 10am and 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. Also monthly work days on 2nd Saturday. For more info contact Barbara: 07724505911or email greavehouse@yahoo.co.uk

“High Spirits Singers - for people who enjoy singing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere but don’t want to be in a formal choir! We meet on Thursdays 2.00 - 4.00 in the Miners’ Welfare Hall, Angram Road, High Green - bring your voice and a sense of humour! Details from Vic Bowden, 07884 007581”

Thursdays at 12noon until 3.30pm. Warm Spaces at Stocksbridge Christian Centre, Cedar Road. Meet up with friends-enjoy a tea/coffee or light snack. Board Games available. All welcome.

FRIdAys

Stocksbridge Community Care Group’s Friday Drop In Service for elderly residents is once again being held weekly at The Venue, between 10am and 3pm. For a small charge visitors can enjoy a hot drink, company, games, talks and a light lunch. For further information contact Dave Owen on 0114 2864426.

sATuRdAys

Councillors Julie Grocutt & Janet Ridler Surgery 1st Saturday of each Month Stocksbridge Library 10-11am. Call in for help advice or a chat. Also contact us on julie.grocutt@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk janet.ridler@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk

Councillor Lewis Chinchen’s surgeries will be on the 2nd Saturday of each month (except July) from 10.30-11.30am at Stocksbridge Library. Drop by if you require assistance or support. Lewis can also be contacted at lewis.chinchen@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk or on 07766 540328.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

K. DYSON M.B.I.E.

TEL: (0114) 288 3169

TEL: (01226) 762 481

Mary MOXON

Sadly passed away after a long illness on 5th March 2023 age 89.

Loving and caring Wife of Eric, Mother to Steven and Philip, Motherin-Law of Jane and Grandmother of Emma, Jessica, Joshua and Jamie.

Funeral and service to take place at Grenoside Crematorium, South Chapel on Monday 3rd April at 12:30pm. Reception to follow.

‘Forever missed and always in our hearts’ Enquiries to TW Birks and Sons 0114 2885555 / 0114 2995769.

or call in at: 516 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, S36 2DU

Issue Date: FAMILY NOTICES

Heading (please circle): Births / Birthdays / Graduations / Exams / Engagements / Weddings / Anniversaries / Missing / Acknowlegments / In Memory / Deaths / Other:

Your message:

Funeral Services

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All new memorials with 30 year guarantee. Specialists in renovation work and ground anchor supports. Biggest showroom, best designs. Any quote beaten

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SHEFFIELD MEMORIALS Unit 1 Meadowhall Industrial Estate Amos Road, She eld S9 1BX Tel. 0114 327 31 71 www.she eldmemorials.co.uk

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Family Notices

A helpful, local family business CHAPELS OF REST at Barnsley Road, Bridgend, S36 7AH 01226 762 481 New Road, S36 2RS 0114 288 3169 info@dysonfunerals.co.uk www.dysonfunerals.co.uk

DYSON’S Funeral Services

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

• Setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney

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

• Protecting your home for future generations

• Pre-paid Funeral Plans

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

highest standards of conduct at all times.

All our clients (and their families) that we have helped in the past have been very happy with our services and tell us they have gained great peace of mind knowing that they have sorted everything out.

Local Notices

The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises and Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005

Notice is hereby given that:

Boxed Off Limited has made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as The Pitches - Bracken Moor Sports Club, Bracken Moor Lane, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 2AN.

The application includes proposals for the provision of the retail sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment between the hours of:

DAY

Saturday and Sunday for a total of 4 days a year only

22:00 START 11:00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3HD about this application by 28 days from the day after submitting the application.

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing General Section.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Gary Lineker and free speech

In support of the letter 23 March.

I’m dismayed by the increasingly aggressive letters on here in the last few months. How refreshing it was to find an excellent well informed offering from a gentleman who not only knew his facts but also has a grasp on reality. I agree with free speech, but also regret that nowadays people only want rights without responsibilities. I am relieved that we have heard an opposing view for a change. Perhaps now we don’t have to rename Look Local to Codger’s Commentary!

Judith

I agree

Dear Look Local

I’m writing to say i totally agree with response from Mr. Grice, in last weeks Look Local, to the continuous rant made from ‘The old codger’. I had infact come to suspect that the ‘Old Codger’ was an alias for the exiled Jeremy Corbyn. Surely we have now had enough of his bigoted views and hope that he will be able to get out a little more in the future.

Andrew Brown, Chapeltown

Anonymous letters

Dear Sir/Madam,

A few years ago I had a number of letters published in your paper mainly about Brexit and our old MP Angela Smith. At the time I knew that my views were my views and each letter ended with my name so people knew who extolled these views and I was challenged a couple of times over them.

Over recent months I have read the obvious anti government views , disdain of our MP etc of one of your contributors ie “ old codger from oughtibridge”. Old codger has quite strong views but not views strong enough to use their own name and hides behind this pseudonym. I wondered why this was allowed by your paper and wether anyone would challenge them, I did not because someone hiding and spouting from the anonymity of cyber space is not worth my time.

However the letter from Nigel Grice in LL 23/3/23 seems to hold the same opinion of old codger as I do. Mr Grice puts forward a letter that holds to account some of the views extolled by old codger and the people they seem to support such as Lineker. Mr Grice has the courage of his convictions to name himself and I now wait to see if old codger has the same courage or will he forever be the un named vigilante fighting the fight from anonymity. Time will tell but I say to old codger ( even though he/ she/they may be a 19 year old keyboard warrior ) be a grown up and not a child and have the courage to name yourself and standby your opinions and convictions.

Yours Sincerely,

Have compassion

Kevan Godley.

I find it deeply, deeply sad, there was a letter published in this newspaper, referring to other human’s as “boat people”.

Have some compassion. Everyone has the right to safety.

Anonymous, Deepcar

Turkey Earthquake disaster fundraiser

Brightolmlee Chapel, Wharncliffe Side have raised £500 for the Turkey Earthquake fund. Thanks to everyone who helped with this coffee morning, those who attended and the people who generously donated.

Many thanks

Community Centre Needs you

Just to add to the article in last weeks Look Local about the Whitwell Community Centre. The meeting mentioned in the article will take place on Friday 31st March commencing at 6pm in the Centre. It would be lovely to see a big turn out from local people.

Julie Grocutt

Nature’s Garden

Rabbits here, rabbits there, rabbits bouncing in the air. Hedgehogs rutting along the row, eating worms as they go. Deer, Kittens, squirrels too, dormice, frogs, toads and shrew. Enjoy the life they have found on natures fertile green ground. Robins, doves, tits galore, even gulls neglect the shore. To fill the sky of brightest blue with joyful trill, chirp, croo-croo. Perfumed blooms alive with bees, grow beneath the spreading trees. Natures garden pure delight, satisfies the soul from morn ‘til night.

Sheila Gent, Stocksbridge

Sex education response

First off I wanted to say how much I enjoy your newspaper coming through the letterbox. There is always great local stuff and I take clippings of my favourite pieces (generally the weirder stories you cover!).

But the recent front page piece about sex education was poor! Surely there must be a minimum standard of accuracy in the sources you quote. You publish Miriam Cates's claim that children were being taught "how to choke your partner safely" and "the 72 genders". But, as other journalists have pointed out (see https://www.glamourmagazine. co.uk/article/choking-sex-consent), there is no evidence that this is part of the school curriculum. So, her statement was factually inaccurate.

I understand there are all sorts of pressures on local news outlets (especially ones not owned by Reach or JPL Media) but it does seem like Miriam gets a free ride in Look Local to pretty much say what she wants! Are there specific guidelines for your reporters to check the accuracy of sources' claims? Hope the question doesn't sound facetious, because I genuinely would like to know. Safe choking (joke!),

Brendan

Two soups?

We English really love to stand in a queue don’t we? Waiting in the queue at Wentworth woodhouse cafe last week the waitress went past us excusing us looking for a table calling out “two soups?” My daughter and I both burst out laughing and the ripples went all the way down the queue, people giggling and looking at each other with smiles on their faces remembering the sketch by Julie Walters. It was a lovely moment especially after so much confinement over the last few years. It felt as if we were all happy to be out and about amongst good people just like us! But then I said to someone, “we love being in queues don’t we” and I pondered why. Other countries simply barge in front of each other , “how uncivilised” but it occurred to me that we, here like the security of our place in a queue. We need to know our place and with the cafe being in Wentworth, once home of one of the richest and most powerful families in the country, somehow it was fitting.

Thank you to Miriam Cates MP for taking action to prompt the Prime Minster's call for the DfE to review the sex education topics currently being covered in UK schools. The examples she mentions provide sickening evidence for the head of Ofsted's warning about sex education materials which have “no basis in any reputable scientific biological explanation". As you recommend at the end of the article, adequate training and in-service support for teachers is vital. Even more urgently, however, schools need to resist pressures to adopt materials from inappropriate sources: as Amanda Spielman, HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills, has pointed out, current Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance places no limit on what can be taught, so Ofsted is powerless to sanction schools teaching inappropriate material.

The Government was alerted to these problems with the new guidance when it was produced around four years ago, but dismissed them.

Roger Jarvis

So, as I reflected on the news today about the French and their pension age issue, Macron pushing through the increase from 62 to 64 ?! I started to wonder. Maybe our own need for hierarchy and security is counter productive? Why haven’t we in the UK been up in arms about our massive increase in pension age, especially the women? I know there has been a protest but nowhere near on the scale of the French, setting fire to the council doors and over 3 million on the streets! No, our intensely rich and powerful leaders (oligarchs?) and the increasingly biased media are extremely good at keeping the lid on any signs of unrest, distracting us and keeping quiet about any negative or dangerous news. We are pawns in a queue. Perhaps we don’t have as much power as the citizens in France, it still being a largely agrarian culture? “Play the game or we ain’t eatin” say the French! What can we do here? Strike and the warehouses shut? Our x boxes aren’t delivered? our jobs are sold off while the system is stacked in favour of the rich and their hedge funds grow ever larger and more corrupt!

As ironic as it was to be contentedly queuing up in the huge stately home, it is very satisfying to think that the tables are turning. The charitable trust at Wentworth Woodhouse is saving and creating an amazing place where everyone, including vulnerable people can feel like it is theirs. Amongst other things there was an amazing “Trashion Show” hosted there recently organised by Artworks, a fantastic organisation supporting adults with Autism and Learning difficulties. The idea coming from one of the clients taken up and developed into an amazing show where trash was recycled into clothing which was presented on a catwalk as if before the rich and the elite! What an amazing transformation. Lets hope that this kind of thing grows and continues so that, as Mary wonderfully declared just before her baby Jesus was born. “many who are high and mighty will be brought low and the lowly will be raised up!”

Two soups anyone?

"Sex Education review comes under attack" (front page article March 23)

Sister villages, situated

Chapeltown is a large town-sized village with High Green adjacent.

Chapeltown is known affectionately by the locals as “the Village” and has all it needs to be completely self-reliant without the need of venturing into the city centre daily. Chapeltown has its train station, butchers, various clothes shops, pubs, bars, along with a major supermarket.

The town owes its success to two entrepreneurs from the 18th century who established Thorncliffe business park which is still in operation to this day and was once one of Britain’s largest business parks. Chapeltown was instrumental to the second world war effort and helped produce Churchill tanks, and today the business park is home to more than 70 modern busi-

Chapeltown is surrounded by marvellous woodland and scenic views with plenty of lovely old traditional pubs that all serve food, a perfect place for a walk through the country or woodland and then stop off for a pub lunch.

The town used to boast of having a swimming pool of its own but as time went on, the building eventually would be moved to High Green to make way for more affordable housing. High Green isn’t as big as Chapeltown and sits just at the edge of the village, but being at the edge of a larger village in no way means they are inferior to Chapeltown. High Green is the gateway to the Wharncliffe woods also nicknamed the crags.

noodle.severn. ooo/register

amid the city of Sheffield

The most recent claim to fame for High Green was the fact that the famous indie band Arctic Monkeys came from High Green, and their debut album, High Green featured in their song ‘red light indicates doors are secure.’

During the Easter holidays, High Green is set to host numerous events to keep the little ones entertained, for starters Sheffield Wednesday will be back for free fun holidays sports and games for all ages. And High Green youth club also have something similar in terms of entertainment with a multitude of sports, games, arts and crafts, Nintendo Switch, and a tuck shop, providing drinks and snacks.

There is not much else you can say about these two villages in terms of historical significance, but what these two quaint little villages do have is a safe and welcoming vibe surrounded by more trees than human beings. A great place for any young family or for a couple hoping to retire near to the countryside, these two villages are the perfect place to do so. And even though Chapeltown will always be the centre of the two in terms of conversation, that doesn’t mean High Green hasn’t got its own claim to fame.

Photograph’s:

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Far LeFt: Memorial unveiling Chapeltown park

LeFt: remembrance Sunday in Chapeltown by Gary Lakin

toP riGht: Chapeltown rBL celebrate a title winning season. aBove: high Green villa football team from yester year. riGht: high Green in Bloom BeLow: rainbow in high Green by David Dickinson

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tigers pounce to double win over champions

SHEFFIELD’S perfect start to the season continued by claiming all three points on offer at reigning Champions Belle Vue.

The Tru Plant Tigers battled their way to a deserved 4743 win in Manchester - taking the aggregate point with a 95-85 scoreline.

Only 4 days earlier at Owlerton, Sheffield had got their season off to a winning startagainst the same opposition with a 48-42 home success. Digging deep in testing conditions.

The double win looked a possibility as early as the first heat when Jack Holder and Kyle Howarth got the night off to a dream start with a 5-1 over British Champion Dan Bewley. But the hosts drew level in Heat Three with a maximum of their own.

Back-to-back 4-2s from Tobiasz Musielak and Dan Gilkes followed by Holder and Howarth saw the visitors restore their four point advantage however.

That would be the biggest gap between the two sides throughout a tense tussle at the National Speedway Stadium and when David Bellego got a second place in Heat 14, the Tigers had done enough to secure the aggregate point.

With the scores at 43-41 a last heat decider followed though - and a stunning ride from Musielak saw him go from third to first to lead a 4-2 with Holder and the Champions were defeated in their opening home fixture of the season.

Chapeltown progress

Cotts FC 0-1 Chapeltown RBL

After being postponed twice, Chapeltown RBL made the trip to Catcliffe to face Cotts FC in the quarter final of the cup.

RBL had the bare bones and battled well on a bobbly pitch, but after ten minutes injury struck and Legion had to use their only available substitute.

Lewis Fox made an excellent stop at full length from an effort on the edge of the area.

Sheffield team boss Simon Stead: “We’re obviously delighted with how we’ve started the season - two really good results against a very good Belle Vue team.

“I’m proud of how the lads have applied themselvesit’s early doors and we can’t get carried away, but it’s a really positive start.”

Jack Holder top scored for the Tru Plant Tigers, winning his first two rides.

Tobiasz Musielak hit double figures for a second straight meeting while reserve Lewis Kerr picked up two race wins on his way to eight points just as he did at Owlerton last Thursday.

David Bellego also produced another solid showing while Rising Star Dan Gilkes scored in each of his three outings.

Kyle Howarth linked up with Holder for an opening race 5-1 and while Adam Ellis endured a tough night at the office, his points were crucial in helping the Tigers get the victory.

Sheffield head to King’s Lynn on Thursday (March 30, 7.30) for the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie.

BELLE VUE 43: Brady Kurtz 11, Jaimon Lidsey 9, Norick Blodorn 7, Tom Brennan 7, Charles Wright 5+1, Dan Bewley 4+1, Jake Mulford 0.

SHEFFIELD 47: Jack Holder 11, Tobiasz Musielak 10+1, David Bellego 8, Lewis Kerr 8, Kyle Howarth 4+2, Dan Gilkes 4+1, Adam Ellis 2+1. Sheffield win aggregate bonus point 95-85.

Legion suffered an other injury but dug in well. When Jay Carter found Adam Todd on the edge of the area, he beat his man and saw his shot take a deflection be yond the keeper for the only goal of the game with 10 minutes remaining.

Legion will play in the semi final next week at home to Worksop side Greendale Oak.

graihagh Competes for england

Penistone junior Graihagh Turner represented England at the SIAB (School’s International Athletic Board) event at Sefton Park in Liverpool on Saturday. Competing in the junior girl’s category Graihagh finished in fifteenth place in a time of 11-00. The England team packed well to claim the team prize ahead of Ireland.

Andrew Heppenstall battled windy conditions to grab first place at the Windmills Six which was run on the hills above Penistone. Teammate Jonathan Bentley joined Andrew on the podium with third place. Joanne Boreham picked up third place in the ladies over50 category and Sarah Halstead also grabbed third in the ladies over55 category.

A large contingent of Penistone runners took part in the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday. First man for the club was Lee Nash in a time of 1-20-03. Rhianna Banford was first lady back in 1-44-45.

At the Wolf’s Pit fell race Damian Kilpin was first back for Penistone in a time of 49-04 which gave him an overall position of twenty-ninth and seventh in the men’s over45 category.

Also on the fells, George Parr claimed tenth place at the Lad’s Leap fell race in Crowden.

Others running were Jonathan Hallam (twentysecond) and Becky Timms (fiftieth).

Sarah Walch took on the Hardmoors 55 which took her just over twelve hours. Sarah was sixty-fourth overall and eighth lady.

On the parkrun scene Damian Kilpin placed first at the Penistone parkrun in 19-40. Steve Dickinson completed his one hundredth different parkrun at the Monsal Trail parkrun near Bakewell. Luke McGuinness and Linda Keelan both hit the one hundred parkruns milestone at the weekend.

SIAB Cross Country Championships

15, G Turner 11-00.

Windmill 6

1, Andrew Heppenstall 35-28; 3, Jonathan Bentley 36-57; 40, Joanne Boreham 52-12; 60, Sarah Halstead 59-09.

Sheffield Half Marathon

44, Lee Nash 1-20-03; 1148, Peter Claydon 1-4628; 1172, Michael Nicholson 1-45-45; 1178, Rianna Banford 1-44-45; 1455, Chloe Worth 1-48-15;

1732, Paul Gee 1-50-17; 1948, Rachael Winterbottom 1-55-19; 2542, Carl Matthewman 2-03-11; 3090, Georgina Doyle 2-05-16; 3732, Tracy Woodward 2-18-12; 3971, Claire Battersby 2-22-53; 4443, Kenbo Rowe 2-4623.

Wolf’s Pit fell race, 5.6 miles with 1,476 feet of ascent

29, Damian Kilpin 4904; 50, Jonathan Hallam 52-54; 119, Sarah Walch 1-01-50.

Hardmoors 55 64, Sarah Walch 12-0708.

Barnsley parkrun

29, Martyn Goodwin 2344; 74, Susan Hall 30-55; 75, Stuart Smith 30-56; 84, Raymond Brown 3205; 92, Luke McGuinness 34-24; 94, John Spencer 35-21.

Penistone parkrun

1, Damian Kilpin 19-40; 5, George Parr 20-28; 8, Oliver France 21-14; 10, Finn Pepper 23-06; 13, Suzanne McGill 23-47; 16, Stephen Owen 24-02; 18, Daniel Cooper 24-14; 30, Emma Stead 26-24; 44, Michael Walsh 28-35; 56, Andrew Taylor 29-41; 64, Rory O'Sullivan 30-29; 65, Carl Matthewman 30-38.

Church lose but Ryan returns

tack. Both teams struggled to settle in the first few minutes.

The only goal of the game came on 44 minutes. A neat series of forward passes from midfield saw Church outmanoeuvred and Sam Barton took the ball into the box scoring low to the centre of the goal.

Full Time Garforth 1 PCFC 0

Assistant manager John Whitehead

RAWSON SEALS AWAY WIN

went over the bar and not into the top corner.

Saturday 25th March 2023

Toolstation NCEL Premier Division

Garforth Town 1-0 Penistone Church

A report by Martin Webb

Garforth have had a strong season and were only 1 point behind Church at the start of this match having been unbeaten in their last 9 matches. Church, ravaged with injuries, had suffered two successive defeats. Their faint chance of the play-off place was ended by mid-week results. Church though were still looking to turn their form around to stay in the top 5.

A strong contingent of Church followers were there to cheer on their side. The undulating pitch was rather soft and cut up in places during the match. A noticeable cool breeze gusted from one goal to another.

Garforth kicked off into the wind, gave the ball away and Church were briefly on the at-

“We were disappointed to lose today but as a management team, we weren’t disappointed in how the lads conducted themselves.

The biggest positive for us regardless of anything else today was the return of Kieran Ryan (pictured) from his injury. He’s been a massive loss to us as a management team and a massive loss to the players in the changing room because he is an absolute top bloke.

I couldn’t be prouder that he’s been able to make his comeback, we really thought it was going to be not just a season ender but maybe a career ender.

He’s worked tirelessly to recover and he lifted the lads when he returned to training. He was a bit tentative at first but he’s absolutely loved being back involved and we really, really welcome him.”

Fixtures

Wednesday 29th March 2023

Maltby Main v Penistone Church KO 7-45 pm

HIgH gREEN RuNNERS RAISE mONEY fOR CHARIt

Tadcaster 0-2 Stocksbridge PS

Stocksbridge Park Steels got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Tadcaster Albion.

Despite being bottom of the table, Tadcaster started off as the better team. They were getting plenty of success on the wings but they lacked someone in the middle able to finish it off. One moment early on was Rafael Ferreira was able to get past Jordan Lemon and flash a cross across goal, but no one was there for a potential tap in.

Stocksbridge grew into the game as they half went on as they had more and more possession. They’d also get the first goal of the game

though there was plenty of luck about it. Great play found Bailey-Tye Baker pushing forward and with the chance of a shot. He hit a powerful one and it ricocheted off the face of Alex O’Connor, wrong footing Tadcaster goalkeeper Josh Mazfari and getting the Steels ahead.

The Steels could have been two-nil ahead before the end of the first half as well. Good play on the right hand side got the ball into the box but various miscues from both attack and the defence saw it bounce across the penalty area before it fell to Lewis Macaskill. The ball bobbled before reaching him which made Macaskill’s volley more difficult and why it

Tadcaster got off to a great start in the second half as they looked to get an equaliser. A short corner routine caught the Steels defence out and gave Ferreira the run of the box but he shot was charged down and blocked. A couple of minutes later, Tadcaster thought they had a penalty when Lemon tripped Ferreira, but the referee thought it was just outside of the box. They still almost got a goal from a free kick but it was crossed into James Beaston who volleyed it wide.

After resisting this pressure, Stocksbridge were able to get back in control of the fixture and they came close to doubling their lead. Charlie Wood’s pressure on the defence forced them into the mistake and they gave the ball to Luke Rawson who went one-on-one with Mazfari. Unfortunately, he could only send the ball wide.

Rawson would soon make amends though. Kurtis Turner showed a burst of pace to beat his man and

get to the byline in the box. He pinned the ball back and Rawson raced onto it to score from close range and make Stocksbridge’s win a bit more secure.

This meant the game would dwindle as it approached the 90th minute though Tadcaster strained to get something back and preserve their place in the Northern Premier League. Stocksbridge almost made it 3-0 on a few occasions. Macaskill did turn the ball in from a corner, but a foul in the build-up disallowed it. O’Connor also almost got a more deliberate goal but his long range strike was well saved by Mazfari. At the other end, the closest Tadcaster got was Raj Palit’s free kick which forced Ben Townsend into an impressive save.

However, Stocksbridge held on, keeping their place in the play-offs while relegated Tadcaster in the process.

Next home fixture: Saturday 1st April, Grantam Town, 3pm KO.

Stocksbridge Swimmers Achieve Record Results

Swimmers from Stocksbridge Pentaqua Swimming Club are celebrating record results after competing at this year’s York shire Swimming Association Championships which took part over multiple weekends during February.

Y

Seventeen swimmers swam in 90 individual events over the 3 weekends and achieved an overall PB (personal best) rate of 62%.

Seven swimmers also earned 10 top-ten placings in 36 events – a fantastic achieve ment and a club high. Con gratulations to Ursula C, Ma teo M, William W, Phoebe M, Lauren W, Benjamin W, and Oliver W.

Special congratulations go to Ursula C who also secured a medal placing in 11 of her events – bronze in 50m and 200m freestyle, 100m breast stroke, 100m and 200m but terfly; silver in 200m breast stroke and 200m backstroke; and well-deserved golds in 50m breaststroke, 100m free style, 100m backstroke and 200m Individual Medley.

Photo by Myra Little