Look Local Issue 1264 Thursday 6 April 2023

CAr CriME On thE risE

By James Fletcher

Vehicle crime is on the rise. Another incident was reported in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Residents of Worrall claimed they heard a crash in the early hours of Wednesday as a car ploughed into the bus stop on Haggstones Road just outside the recently closed Worrall post office, with the occupant of the vehicle nowhere to be seen.

It is rumoured that this incident was the result of drunk or drug driving but with the rise of car theft in the surrounding areas seems to be happening more and more, this could’ve just been a joy rider who lost control of the car and fled the scene.

A spokesman from the South Yorkshire Police stated, “This was a damage-only collision with no injuries reported so as per our service level agreement we won’t be providing anything else at this moment in time.”

In the month of January 2023, four car thefts and incidents were reported to the police in the Oughtibridge and Worrall area which have since been closed with no one being brought to justice, and this incident just adds to this statistic.

A resident posted the picture of the incident on social media and people flooded the comments, claiming that they had seen the car racing around and another claiming that the licence plate was stolen.

Another incident was reported in Stocksbridge. A resident spotted a group of hooded men engaging to try and steal a white van in the late afternoon of Sunday, fortunately, the group failed to make it away with the van.

It goes to show how brazen thieves are becoming when they no longer feel as though they have to work under the cover of the night.

Eco Sofas

Paedophile caught on camera

Trying to persuade children to play strip poker

A pervert has been put behind bars after he was secretly videoed by two children as he tried to persuade them to play strip poker, writes Jon Cooper for the Sheffield Star.

Sheffield Crown Court heard on March 17 how Hashim Ali, aged 70, of Winn Gardens, Middlewood, Sheffield, sexually assaulted one of the two girls so they laid a trap with a hidden video camera in a room and the defendant was filmed asking them to play strip poker with him.

Ian Goldsack, prosecuting, said Ali had initially engaged in grooming behaviour with one of the girls telling her he loved her, hugging her, smacking her bottom and trying to kiss her before he molested her.

Mr Goldsack added: “Because of this background of behaviour the two girls had set up a scenario where they hid a camera.”

Ali was called under the ‘ruse’ that the girls needed to get rid of a spider and he suggested they play a game of ‘strip-off’ which he said was a card game where the loser had to take off clothes, according to Mr Goldsack.

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child, and to two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity from 2019.

The complainants cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Francis Edusei, defending, said there had been no physical touching during the offences that were captured on camera.

The court also heard references submitted to the court described Ali as ‘friendly’, a ‘true gentleman’ and ‘compassionate and kind’.

Mr Edusei added Ali’s wife has been very ill and the defendant cares for her and has his own health difficulties.

The youngster who had been sexually assaulted stated her mental well-being has been affected but she is determined not to let the offences determine her life.

Judge Peter Kelson KC told Ali: “These two children were simply quite remarkable because, knowing something was amiss, they decided to set a camera running so they could report what you were getting up to.”

He added: “They asked you what you would like to play and they said what game do want to play and you said it’s a strip-off. And you went on to explain it’s a game of strip poker and you explained if you lose you would strip and if they lost they would strip and this went on for quite some time which is an aggravating factor.

“And when one of the children did not want to play and referred to it as disgusting you seemed to manipulate her by calling her mardy and continued to play a game with the other child and it is regrettably, classic, paedophile behaviour.”

Judge Kelson also told Ali: “Your offending does require an immediate prison sentence. Your conduct was predatorial. It was persistent. It was the conduct of an established paedophile.”

He sentenced Ali to one year of custody and following the defendant being made subject to the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years he was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

ConviCTed: Hashim Ali, aged 70, of Winn Gardens, Middlewood, Sheffield, sexually assaulted one of the two girls so they laid a trap with a hidden video camera in a room and the defendant was filmed asking them to play strip poker with him.

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Bank closure in Chapeltown

By James Fletcher

The start of 2023 has seen an upsurge of banks closing their branches as more and more people elect to move on to digital banking.

The nations high street is forever changing with a lot of people electing to shop online which is increasing year by year. And bank branches are no exception to the rule as more people prefer to do their banking online.

193 branches have closed already in the UK at the start of 2023, five of which have been in Yorkshire and now Chapeltown becomes the latest to be added to this statistic. Lloyds has announced that 36 branches will be closing throughout the year in various places in the UK making the Chapeltown branch number 37 to be closed.

The branch will close its doors on the 24th of July 2023 and customers will be informed in due course. Lloyds’ media statement explained the reasoning for the closure, “In the Chapeltown branch transactions by personal customers over the past five years have dropped by 76% from 2017 to 2022 and 85% for business customers. Each year there has been a steady decline in usage even before covid and the pandemic has just accelerated this process, opting to bank with us in different ways.”

Lloyd’s bank has ensured that there will be no staff redundancies, instead, the current staff at the branch will be offered other roles in the branches that will remain open.

Marie Tidball, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Penistone and Stocksbridge called the closure plans ‘a disgrace’. She said: “High street bank branches are vital to local communities and small businesses, and now the last bank to serve the local area is planning to close its doors. We’re urging the Head of Lloyd’s Retail Banking to reverse this decision urgently.”

The bank also stated that they will be keeping their relationship with the post office so you will still be able to go to the local Post Office.

So, you will be able to use your local post office for personal banking such as checking balance, withdrawing money, as well as paying in cash and deposit cheques and this is the same for local businesses.

Is this just the start of things to come as the world prepares to move towards the digital age, whereas everything can and will be handled by their phone or tablet and available at the click of a button?

You will still be able to go into a branch in Sheffield with the closest one being in Hillsborough which will remain open for customers.

New members join Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board

Local business owners Gail Larking and Kathryn Giles-Bowman have joined the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board – representing town centre businesses as the regeneration of Manchester Road moves to the next stage.

Improvements to the town centre – including a new Library and Community Hub – are central to the town’s £24.1 million plans for Stocksbridge. The funding was approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in December.

The next stage in the plans will see planning applications being submitted and the Towns Fund team liaising closely with town centre businesses and stakeholders to deliver the improvements.

Gail and Kathryn will share the role of town centre representative on the board, rotating attendance at board meetings and workshops and liaising with the town’s local business community on the plans.

The Towns Fund board is made up of representatives from local businesses as well as charitable and voluntary organisations and groups – Stocksbridge Town Council and Sheffield City Council are also represented.

Co-chair Miriam Cates MP said: “The biggest part of our Towns Fund investment is centred on the Manchester Road area and as we move to the next stage in the plans it’s going to be really important to have the voice of our

local businesses represented on the board.

“We’re really pleased therefore that Gail and Kathryn are joining the board to share their knowledge with us.”

Gail and Kathryn both have more than 25 years’ experience of running a business in Stocksbridge.

Gail owns and runs the Business Hair Salon directly opposite the precinct and Kathryn is the owner of Oceanic Beauty Salon.

Gail said: “The improvements to Manchester Road are a great source of conversation with our customers, staff and of course other businesses in the town and I’m looking forward to working with Kathryn and other members of the board as the plans progress.

Kathryn added: “This is the most significant investment the town centre has seen in recent history and we are looking forward to being involved with the projects and helping to ensure the best outcome for Stocksbridge.”

To keep up to date with news about the projects, you can sign up for the newsletter through the website. Or follow Stocksbridge Town Deal on Facebook and @ TownDeal4Stocks on Twitter and visit the website at www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk

Photograph shows Kathryn Giles Bowman (left) and Gail Larkin (right)

The vending machine that is feeding young minds

By James Flecther

Pupils from the High Green Primary School discover the power of reading, as their new book vending machine is unveiled in a morning assembly.

The vending machine was donated to the school by Ecclesfield Parish Council and was unveiled by Reverend Tim Gill who serves the St Marys Church in Ecclesfield. He is also a prominent member of the charity that donated money to the school to buy the vending machine.

Revd Gill spoke to the children before the ribbon was cut and explained to the children the importance of reading. He also spoke of his love of books, and how this was a great idea before finally telling everyone how the charity was more than happy to donate the money by as he told the Look Local, “This is what the charity was set for; to bring education and help to any child during their academic career in any shape or form. It was an honour to cut the ribbon here today

and to see the excitement from the children as they picked out their books.” Revd Tim Gill.

The contents of the vending machine were the result of the school’s STOF group which acts as the school’s PTA, who spent months organising fundraising events and used some of that money raised for books to be put in the machine ready for the big unveil this morning.

The company that refurbishes old vending machines were given the woodland design which coincides with what the school is all about and was part of a discussion the teachers had with the students, before finalising the design they could all agree on which was a scene from one of the UK’s favourite books, Julia Donaldson’s ‘Stickman’.

The company used a special wrapping technique to decorate the machine before sending it off ready for the big unveiling.

Lucy Harding the Deputy HeadTeacher and the head of the school’s English department, couldn’t be-

lieve the reaction from the children,

“I am delighted that the children are so happy with our new book vending machine. It is so important that reading is high profile and children at our school enjoy reading, there was a real buzz around the school for reading. And our new vending machine has encouraged the love of reading even further.” Lucy Harding.

She continued to explain that before the big reveal, the children have been earning these raffle tickets from their class teachers and Mrs Harding then randomly picked out two boys and two girls to be given the chance to choose a book from the machine.

Mrs Harding also stated that this is not a library type of deal, the books the children choose will be theirs to keep and enjoy for an unlimited amount of time and other children will be given the chance to win books as they earn their place in the raffle throughout the school year.

Sheffield probation services rated 'inadequate' by inspectors

By Andrew Barton, BBC News

Sheffield's probation service has been rated as "inadequate" following an inspection earlier this year.

The service "must improve" after scoring just one out of a possible 27 points, his Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation said.

It faced "high vacancy and sickness rates, unmanageable caseloads and staff leaving", said Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell.

The unit's work to keep people safe was its weakest area, he said.

Mr Russell said the probation service in Sheffield had to do better in order to "ensure the risk of harm people on probation may pose is properly assessed, for the protection of victims, potential victims and the local community".

'Little insight'

At the time of the inspection, in January 2023, too many cases being dealt with by the service had not included "essential information from police and children's services", according to Mr Russell.

That meant efforts to keep people safe could have been weakened, particularly in identifying where women and children were at risk of abuse, he said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation said it had found senior probation officers in Sheffield were not routinely monitoring how people on probation were being managed by their teams and had "little insight into whether the quality of work being carried out was being successful".

However, the Inspectorate said managers were hindered by "high workloads and

insufficient capacity to provide the level of oversight that was necessary".

Mr Russell had called on senior leaders at the service to provide "a clear vision" for returning the service to "an acceptable level of service, for the benefit of all concerned".

Fourteen recommendations for improvement were issued to the Sheffield service, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation said.

Aldi Receives Refit at Fox Valley

Shoppers have been exploring the town’s new-look Aldi supermarket, based at Fox Valley, which reopened this week following a significant refit.

The supermarket closed for five days to allow for the remodel with improvements made to make shopping easier for residents and visitors.

The improved store offers shoppers a more spacious layout and better signage assisting customers in finding their favourite products as well as making it easier for shoppers to explore the new ranges.

Aldi Property Director, Mark Stringer, said: “The store looks fantastic and we are pleased to welcome our loyal customers back so they can see it for themselves. We’re committed to making sure that the shopping experience, each customer enjoys in our stores, is

on a par with the products and services they’re used to.”

The increase in space has been dedicated to fresh British meat and fish, as well as popular Lacura health and beauty products, award-winning beers, wines and spirits and the famous Mamia babycare products.

There is also a new and improved Food to Go section, offering a choice of fresh salads, sandwiches and sushi for busy customers.

Fresh bread and cakes have been moved to the last aisle, preventing them from getting squashed under customers’ shopping, and the store now offers new, easy-to-browse freezers.

Customers can also now use the quick and easy self-check-

outs making their shop even more convenient.

Centre Manager for Fox Valley, Claire Biltcliffe, said: “We’re thrilled to see Aldi investing in their store and pleased the reaction from the local community has been so positive towards the improvements.”

The store was one of the original tenants opening at Fox Valley as part of the first phase in 2016 and currently employs 25 members of staff.

Aldi shoppers also benefit from up to four hours of free parking at Fox Valley along with a wide range of high street stores, restaurants and quality independents to choose from, including Sandersons Boutique.

Picture shows: Store Manager, Peter Goldstraw.

Easter Fayre Eggstravaganza

What’s EvEnt

APRIL

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

ThuRdAy

Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre held its second Easter Fayre on Sunday welcoming vendors and performers from around local community areas.

"This has been a huge success and we would like to thank all our vendors and performers that have attended," said Julie Martin, Asst Centre Manager for Operations and also a member of the Fundraising Team who arranged the event.

One of the highlights of the day though was the visit from the Easter Bunny, who was hopping about all day meeting our visitors.

Julie continued "We are so extremely lucky to have such a wonderful and dedicated volunteer team here at the Leisure Centre, who not only assist us with our Fundraising Events but within other areas too and I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to the Leisure Centre".

The next fundraising event is a Table Top Sale on Sunday 14th May.

If you would like any further information on the volunteering opportunities at the Leisure Centre, please contact Julie Martin by emailing admin@stocksbridge.clc.co.uk or by calling 0114 2883792.

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 Bradfield - 7.30pm, Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday

6 Craft session for kids at Zion Church hall. 10.00 - 12.00 Still some free places. Stocks-

bridge & Upper Don tenants and Residents Association

FRIdAy

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

sATuRdAy

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.

sundAy

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

9 The service at Bullhouse Chapel Sunday 9thApril, is at 6AM, and is a outdoor (weather permitting) Sunrise Service and will be led by Philip Bee. All are welcome to join us in this act of worship.

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

Sheffield’s Newest Festival Ready to Rock

Sheffield’s newest festival is set to launch next month promising a weekend packed full of music and activities for all.

Woodstocksbridge Festival is a new daylong festival including music, bars, street food, performance art, and workshops. Festival goers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of fun activities throughout the day.

The family-friendly Woodstocksbridge Festival will be held at Bracken Moor Sports Club in Stocksbridge on Sunday, 30 April. Gates open midday at 12PM, and the headliners will run till 10PM.

The festival offers a variety of stages to choose from. The “Umbrella stage” will host some of Yorkshire's most promising local musicians, such as Ben Marples, The Rolling Down Hills, Pablo’s Paintings, and others, who will showcase their talents.

Get ready to boogie as you immerse yourself in the world of tribute acts at the Steel Stage. With music genres to suit everyone there will be tributes to the Arctic Monkeys, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and even Pink.

Attendees can visit pop-up disco LA DISCOSHÉD. There will be a range of food options including a diverse selection of street food and bars.

Graham Lindley, a Stocksbridge-based, musicians and singer, who has helped organised Woodstocksbridge said: “We are thrilled to host this year’s first Woodstocksbridge festival. Being able to turn this idea into reality demonstrates how we are dedicated to bringing fun family events to Sheffield.

“This event will be a great chance to try some fantastic food, support local talent

and have a look around some brilliant market stalls.

“It’s going to be a great day for all, and I would encourage everyone to get a ticket so they don’t miss out.”

Admission is free for children under five, while those under 18 can purchase tickets for only £5.50. Second-release tickets are still available for £17.50, followed by a final release for £21.50. Make sure to secure your tickets soon.

For more information about Woodstocksbridge visit: https://www.woodstocksbridge.com

Or click the link for ticket information: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodstocksbridge

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. bradfield-walkers.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.

ThuRsdAy

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.

sATuRdAy

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.

sundAy

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

WednesdAy

19 Join Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group at 7.30pm for a talk by Yvette Marks from the Archaeol-

On listings

ogy 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.

FRIdAy

21 Chapeltown Silver Prize Band Patrons’ Concert To be held at the Newton Hall Chapeltown on Friday 21st April at 7.30 pm Tickets from Margaret and Peter on 0114 2460983 or Julie and Paul on 01226 747951

sATuRdAy

22 Come fly your kite in Chapeltown Park with Kite Sheffield’s enormous kites. Friends of Chapeltown Park free event from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Make a small kite at the bandstand – these are great – they really fly!

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, visi-

Easter Egg Hunt on The Moor

tors 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

ThuRsdAy

4 Coronation Cream Tea at the Venue for members of Stocksbridge & Upper Don Tenants and Residents Association. More details and book your no-cost place at tarastocksbridge.ud@gmail.com or 07957 206646

TuesdAy

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 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!

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.

WednesdAys

Everyone is welcome at the Tea and Chat group - 1:00-3 :00pm every Wednesday af ternoon 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 Moor Sheffield is hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt this April for children in Sheffield to get involved with during their Easter break. The egg hunt will take place on the 5th and 6th of April between 11am and 2pm.

Easter Egg stickers will be displayed in the windows of several retailers and eateries on The Moor. Children will be given a trail map with clues as to where each Easter Egg is hiding. Once they have found all the stickers and filled in their trail map, they can return it to the Easter Gazebo set up near New Look on The Moor and receive an Easter treat.

Amanda Phillips, centre manager for The Moor, said: “We are delighted to be holding this Easter Egg Hunt on The Moor. Last year’s Easter event was a huge success, attracting families to visit The Moor, its retailers and eateries. We are looking forward to seeing local children get involved once more with another year of Easter-themed fun.”

The Moor will also be holding an Easter-themed social media

competition on Facebook. Children will be encouraged to draw, paint, craft or create their very own Easter Bunny. Parents and guardians will then take a photo of their child’s creation and enter it into a prize draw by posting it to the competition post on The Moor’s Facebook page.

For more information about The Moor’s Easter event visit: www. moorsheffield.com

read look local online at:

looklocal.org.uk

Be Water Wise

The garden really comes alive in April and it can be a brilliant gardening month as the days get longer and the weather milder. In addition to dead-heading spring bulbs it’s time to get planting, and some seeds can be sown directly into the ground now the soil is moist and warming up.

tering then get a water butt. There are a number of schemes around the UK offering free or subsidised water butts so check with your local council first before you buy one. Alternatively, you could use an old dustbin with taps and converter kits readily available from DIY retailers. Uncovered water butts will be a magnet for mosquito larvae, so make sure you keep you water supply covered.

April can be a wet month … as the saying goes April showers bring May flowers so it’s a good time to think about water supply and usage in your garden - not just from a sustainable and environmental perspective but also from a cost consideration as water meters become the norm.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … conserve water and harvest the rain. Rainwater isn’t just free, it’s also better for your plants. If you have space and a downpipe from gut-

Finding creative ways to reuse water will really make a difference. In addition to using grey water from washing up or taking a bath or shower, you can collect and use cooking water. Simply remove whatever you were cooking, let the water cool to room temperature and then use it in the garden. It can also double up as a plant supplement as nutrients that leach during cooking from vegetables and eggs enhance the water.

When watering plants – especially in containers or around newly planted trees and shrubs – try to avoid any wastage by getting water right into the soil. An easy way to do this is to recycle a 1-litre plastic bottle. Unscrew and discard the top, cut off the base of the bottle, and then push it lid end down into the soil. Once deep enough so it doesn’t fall over, fill the bottle

with water and it will drip water gradually where it is needed the most direct to the plant roots.

As garden soil gets wetter and warmer, now is the ideal time to sow your favourite annual herbs for a summer supply says the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). Sow seeds of parsley, basil and chives in seed trays or individual modules and place on a sunny windowsill. You can now start to sow coriander, dill and chervil direct into the ground and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary or oregano can be planted outside this month in free-draining soil.

Rosemary is such a versatile herb providing evergreen interest all year round, fragrant leaves for use in cooking and nectar-rich flowers for bees in spring. It thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil and also grows well in containers but may need to be potted on every couple of years. There are a number of different varieties to choose from including … ‘Tuscan Blue' one

of the best for topiaries - with dense blue-green foliage it’s highly fragrant and grows four feet tall; 'Prostratus' is great for planting in window boxes because it cascades down; and ‘Majorca Pink’ produces pink flowers in spring/summer and is highly aromatic.

The RHS Gardener’s Checklist for April ….

• Plant hardy container-grown trees and shrubs

• Prune hardy Fuchsia back to healthy buds

• Sow sweet peas outside

• Prune winter stems such as Cornus and Salix

• Look out for pests on new shoots

• Sow hardy vegetables such as carrots and beetroot outside

• Plant out chitted potatoes

• Watch out for late frosts

• Check hedges and shrubs for birds’ nests before pruning

• Keep bird feeders clean to help prevent diseases spreading

Combatting loneliness

Dear Editor,

We know it can be difficult to stay socially connected, but keeping in touch and chatting with others can have a huge impact. Conversations can create connections, offer new perspectives, teach you new things, boost happiness, and increase mental well-being.

Which is why the NHS Volunteer Responders programme has reintroduced the Check-in and Chat service, where local readers who would like a friendly chat or simply a listening ear can request a phone call with a volunteer, whether it be a one-off call or a series of calls.

Receiving a Check in and Chat call is easy and completely free. Readers in South Yorkshire can organise it by calling 0808 196 3382 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). You can also visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk where you will find further information.

If your readers would like a call, we are encouraging them to please reach out on the number above, or, to share this information with a loved one, friend, neighbour, or anyone who may need a little extra support and would benefit from a Check-in and Chat call.

Thank you,

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO at Royal Voluntary Service

Urgent road safety

Sheffield the K’s ‘greenest’ city

Thank you to swift and immediate action taking time out to visit this area by cllr Julie Grocutt and visiting my wife Mary regarding urgent road safety issue on Hollin Busk Lane, Deepcar.Also thanks to Lewis Chinchen for his input and telephone call. Thank you but no thanks to Sheffield Planning Department for this road safety issue. Who didn’t take this problem into account. Does road safety not matter here around Deepcar?

Or what about the parking issue further down the road on Wood Royd Road. Where we already have twice as many cars as houses. Its not unusual, as Tom Jones once sang, for residents to have to go and park on Armitage Road.

This is not fair on residents of Armitage Road. Rumour has it that when a childrens crossing isinstalled on Wood Royd Road, there will be even less parking spaces! Where do we park then?

Yours

Easter Paste eggs, easter bunnies, hot cross buns, maundy monies. Lenten sacrifices done, come roll your eggs in easter fun. New coats and hats, socks and shoes, chase away the winter blues. Longer days and shorter nights, herald in nature's delights. Daffodils and bluebells fill the woods, shops display springtime foods. But, chocolate eggs in all their glamour, soon satisfy the children's clammer.

Sheila Gent

‘Have Compassion’ – An Apology

Dear Anonymous, Deepcar, Having rechecked the Look Local Letters edition dated 23rd March, I believe I am the only contributor who used the term ‘boat people’ and I used it twice that week.

I do apologise if I have offended you by applying this term when, “...referring to other Human’s (sic) as “boat people””. Perhaps I can assuage your deep sadness somewhat.

In a consensus of dictionaries, the term ‘human’ or Homo Sapiens, denotes a species, to give it the correct definition, that is all. It is a name that I prefer not to use when talking about ‘People’ which, conversely, is a word that is universally used to define the word “Human”.

The addition of the noun ‘boat’ merely alludes to the preferred mode of transport/ lifestyle to achieve their particular aims or social behaviour.

The name ‘Boat People’ first came to prevalence at the end of the Vietnamese War in 1975 for those fleeing the communists of the NVA by crossing the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Seas on their way to the Philippines and beyond, crossing hundreds of miles to safety.

Now in the 2020’s, I have nothing but admiration for the drive that these current boat people have in attempting to cross the Channel, but to me they are ‘People’ first and foremost. They are Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Brothers, Fathers and so on, but equally important is that they are the curators of their customs, language, way of life and beliefs – this is what makes them ‘People’ – So I also apologise if you feel that I find your terminology calling them ‘humans’ is somewhat devoid of passion and clarity.

Jim Hinchey

Happy Days

Dear Editor

It is with great sadness that I read in Look Local recently that the Happy Days Card Shop in Stocksbridge is closing down.

I have been a customer almost since it opened and it has always been a pleasure to shop where there is such a wide range of attractive cards so reasonably priced. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris for his friendly Service and to wish him all the best for the continuing success of his business in Ecclesfield. It is Stocksbridge’s loss.

Doris Stubbs

Nature study v National Curriculum?

Even the benign David Attenborough is telling us now in his ever so gentle way (look for episode 6 of Wild Isles on i-player) that Britain's wildlife as we know it has just about had it; that we have to act now to recover the damage that has been done during his lifetime or it will be gone - for ever. This is all very well and good, but success depends entirely on the British public knowing what they are supposed to be saving.

Having visited a local village school that happens to be 10 minutes walk away from an ancient bluebell wood, I discovered that only a handful of children could recognize a bluebell or a crocus.

No-one could identify a primrose, a violet, pussy willow or lambstail catkin. What's more some of the teacher didn't fare much better. And the reason for this is the National Curriculum, which John Major introduced in schools in the 1990s. Nature Study as my generation knew it became a thing of the past. Those of us who went to school in the 50s and the 60s and even up to the 1990s will remember the Nature Table which held pride of place in the classroom like a beautiful High Altar. It was filled with "first finds" in jam jars which the children had brought in themselves. Everyone knew from an early age which flowers, trees and birds lived in the surrounding countryside and where to find them. Regular nature walks where we would "stop, look and listen" have become a memory.

Nowadays, so it appears, a very young child will be expected to learn the life cycle of a plant (what my generation learned in year one biology at secondary school) without knowing what the plants are called!

My issue is the totally unnecessary danger (and cost in lives and money that is supporting criminality) that these poor souls put themselves through with no guarantee of acceptance, even if they succeed in their horrific task. I say unnecessary, because as “REFUGEES” they are already afforded sanctuary in any Shengen Area member Country and every Country that lies to the East of the UK across the North Sea, Channel, Bay of Biscay and down into the Atlantic is such a member. They are giving up the existing safety, rights, humanitarian assistance, and medical aid etc. that they are entitled to throughout Europe – YET they choose to stare death in the face in order to get to the UK – Why? (Another time perhaps?)

I believe I am compassionate, and I would never deny anyone their rights but remember, we are not at fault here. I trust you can understand my viewpoint, as I do yours.

Nigel Grice, High Green PS. Judith, Andrew and Kevan, my thanks for your comments.

Anyone who has anything to do with schools now knows that the poor teachers who are all devoted and wonderful, are racing around, tearing their hair out, trying to deliver the National Curriculum. Although the National Curriculum has been commended for improving standards in recent years it is certainly going over the top now. I was shocked recently to learn that 8 to 10 year olds are having to learn the meaning of a fronted adverbial, a pathetic fallacy and an expanded noun phrase, a coordinated conjunction and a sub-ordinating conjunction. I remember learning some of this terminology for "O" level, aged 16. some of it used to be only learned by university linguistic students and I suspect that some if it was in the collective heads of civil servants in the Department for Education who sadly lacked any teaching experience. Do children really need to learn all this stuff? What good will it do them in the future? Would it not be better for their physical and mental health if they were to go for walks in the natural world or go into the school garden, to experience the beauty, awe and wonder of the natural world; to write about it and record it so they can ultimately do their part in saving it?

Julia Tomson

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

K. DYSON M.B.I.E.

TEL: (0114) 288 3169

TEL: (01226) 762 481

PEARSON Marion

On 24th March 2023. Peacefully at Alpine Lodge Nursing Home, aged 82 years.

Beloved Wife of the late Raymond.

Dearly loved Mum of Kay and Richard, Mother-in-Law of Richard and Nan of Harry, Mary, Theo and Bethan.

The funeral service and committal will take place at the South Chapel, Grenoside Crematorium on Friday 21st April 2023 at 11.30am.

Family owers only please, donations in lieu are for the bene t of Hearing Dogs UK. Any enquiries to T W Birks & Son, Manchester Road, Deepcar, S36 2RE, Tel. 0114 288 5555.

Norman BOOT

Aged 88

Passed away peacefully on 30th March 2023.

Much loved Husband of Paula. Loving Father of Paula, David, Michael and Annmarie. Father in Law of Je , Carol and Jason. Cherished Grandad and Great Grandad.

Requiem Mass to be held at St Thomas More RC Church on Wednesday 19th April at 11.30 followed by committal at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel from 1pm.

Family owers only please with donations if desired to Alzheimers Research UK via John Heath and Sons funeral directors, 206 High Greave, S5 9GQ, Tel 0114 2570080

Forever in our hearts

Requiescat In Pace

PLATTS Stephen (Gus)

In loving memory of Stephen who passed away April 8th 2022. Miss you loads. Shirley, Bill and Dylan xxx

LAYCOCK (Neé Harris )

Carol, passed away on 19th March 2023 aged 77 years. A much loved Mum of Nicola and Lisa and also a loving Nan to Lewis and Nicole.

A graveside Service and Burial will take place at Burncross Cemetery on Tuesday 11th April at 1.00pm.

All enquiries to Eric Eyre Funeral Service, High Green, She eld, S35 3HR.

Dianne Margaret WRIGHT

Passed away peacefully at home on 25th March 2023 aged 78.

Dianne’s wish was to donate herself to medical research in order to help others.

Beloved Wife of Frank, Mother of Samantha and Grandmother of Millie and Jamie. She will stay forever in the hearts of all who loved her. Details of a Celebration of her life to follow.

Funeral

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For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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

• 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.

Mrs Boyle and family, Ecclesfield

Properties For Sale

Men’s Carbon fibre Gravel bike in Military

• Green, Hydrolic brakes & fulcrum wheels, £1,200 Call 07727228686.

ladies saraCen biCyCle,

• very good condition, hardly used,Gents Montana Mountain bike, slight repair needed £80 the pair. tel 0114 2883519. froM next - asHford larGe sofa, • cost £1,400 hardly used, light grey £600 (delivery can be arranged) 01142461170.

Potato/Corn WeiGHinG sCales,

• have come from a farm. Circa 1940. includes various bell Weights any reasonable offer accepted. tel:07884192190.

Private Adverts Job vacancies

HP Printer Cartrid Ges - • 935xl 2 x magenta 2 x yellow 2 x cyan 2 x 934xl black £30 for all 07973918880.

duCker antique Pine dressinG table WitH

• draWers and separate mirror – very good condition - £30 ono 07973918880.

wanted

Gold WatCH Plus WeddinG rinG Wanted, • Private buyer. Please rinG 07518938321.

older tyPe furniture, CHina Cabinets, • bureaus etC also Wanted Garden sHed 8’x 6’ or biGGer. Phone 07518938321 before 12 noon.

into

Margaret Steer from Valley Hill Runners, based in High Green, was awarded a medal after winning her age category in the south

PoWakaddy Golf trolley

• , any condition. Parts, wheels, chargers etc. 0114 2464546.

MotorCyCle, britisH, • Japanese, German. any condition Pre 1982. decent price paid tel: 0114 2456562.

Jayne Grayson of VHR told Look Local “She throws herself into all our club events and the

Trunce success

The first of the nine race Trunce series took place in Oxspring on Monday. The lumpy four mile race heads up to Green Moor before descending back to Oxspring and involves crossing the River Don three times.

Tadek Kunicki-Holda won gold in the junior boy’s race in 1324. George Parr was third overall in the senior race in a time of 27-28. There were age category wins for Richard Cottam (over40 men), Martyn Goodwin (over60 men) and Barbara Haigh (over70 ladies). Those finishing second were Phil Hinchliffe (over50 men), Steve Storey (over60 men), Lesley Parker (over40 ladies) and Ray Brown (over70 men).

This week also saw the first in the four race series of the South Yorkshire Road League in Elsecar. Each race is five miles in distance. Of the twenty one Penistone runners taking part James Mumford was first back in 29-54 closely followed by Lee Nash in 29-56. James picked up third place in the men’s over40 category. Next was Andrew Pearson who grabbed first place in the men’s over55 category in 3012. Second and third place in the men’s over55 also went to Penistone runners as Jonathan Bentley and Matt Robinson finished in 3033 and 31-45 respectively. Other podium finishes were Barbara Haigh (1st over75 ladies), Rob Lees (3rd over45 men) and Keith Gordon (2nd over75 men).

Harriet Drouin completed the 55 kilometre Gritstone Trail in a time of 8-33-14.

Graihagh Turner continued her fine form finishing first under17 girl at the Pendle Fell race.

Gareth Irvine continued his preparations for the London Marathon by completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 1-25-22.

At the Great Welsh Marathon Dave Napier broke his pb by 18 minutes finishing in 3-27-30.

Back on the fells Damien Kilpin grabbed first over45 man at the Blakey Blitz and Sarah Walch was first over40 lady at the Peter Hartley Fell Race.

James Mumford won a windy York Spring 10k finishing in a time of 36-26.

Three Penistone runners made the trip into West Yorkshire to compete in the Baildon Boundary Way run which is 13 miles in distance. First back was Phil Hinchliffe in 22nd place in a time of 1-42-53. Next was Mark Law in 48th place in 1-52-29. Next was Keith Gordon in 201st in 2-28-15.

Peter Beever headed to the coast to compete in the Fleetwood 10k finishing in 46-41 which gave him fifth place in the men’s over50 age category.

On the parkrun scene Suzanne McGill was first lady at the Penistone parkrun, it was also her 50th parkrun. Lauren Lees was first girl at the Barnsley junior parkrun and Flynn Rogers was first boy at the Hillsborough junior parkrun.

Simon Pike completed his 150th parkrun.

South Yorkshire Road League, Elsecar 5 miles

13, James Mumford 29-54; 14, Lee Nash 29-56; 17, Andrew Pearson

30-12; 20, Jonathan Bentley 30-

33; 30, Rob Lees 31-09; 38, George Parr 31-41; 41, Matt Robinson 31-

45; 46, Gareth Irvine 32-07; 91, Simon Pike 34-13; 104, Richard Mackie 34-59; 122, John Lawcock

36-03; 174, Stuart Woodhead 39-

37; 182, Jemma Williams 39-55; 194, Julie Button 40-35; 201, Keith Gordon 41-10; 209, Valentina Wright 42-03; 239, Stuart Smith

45-10; 242, Nick Whittingham

45-17; 276, Steve Dommett 51-06;

279, Barbara Haigh 51-31; 286, Ray Brown 55-08.

Trunce 1, junior race

1, Tadek Kunicki-Holda 13-24; 11, Alexander Wright 17-37.

Trunce 1, senior race

3, George Parr 27-28; 5, Richard Cottam 27-43; 15, Damian Kilpin

29-22; 16, Daniel Hague 29-37; 22, Joe Sparks 30-57; 23, Phil Hinchcliffe 30-59; 28, Jon Hallam 31-45;

30, Oliver Pike 31-47; 42, Tony Wright 33-00; 47, Steve Sanders

33-48; 58, Richard Mackie 34-17; 65, Oliver France 35-04; 72, Matt Womersley 35-41; 76, John Lawcock 36-09; 87, Rebecca Crossland

37-07; 92, Oliver Found 37-20; 95, Martyn Goodwin 37-46; 98, Lesley Parker 37-50; 101, Stephen Storey

38-09; 103, Rebecca Timms 38-23; 123, Stuart Woodhead 40-12; 126, Helen Wright 40-28; 129, Felix Barr 40-53; 133, Heather Graham 41-06; 134, Mark Graham 41-07; 142, Valentina Wright 41-38; 144,

Nick Wright 41-40; 150, Stan Halstead 41-51; 161, Steve Dickinson 43-06; 170, Darren Mansell 43-33; 178, Andrew Shiel 44-19; 206, Harriet Drouin 46-46; 208, Pete Stanley 47-10; 214, Joanne Boreham 47-42; 219, Andrew Taylor 48-00; 230, Sarah Plummer 50-22; 231, Stu Smith 50-23; 239, Sarah Halstead 51-15; 245, Steve Dommett 52-15; 247, Barbara Hague 52-30; 253, Ray Brown 53-55; 257, Heather Lindley 54-16; 272, Tracey Woodward 57-18.

Baildon Boundary Way

22, Phil Hinchliffe 1-42-53; 48, Mark Law 1-52-29; 201, Keith Gordon 2-28-15.

York Spring 10k

1, James Mumford 36-26.

Barnsley parkrun

3, Lee Nash 19-08; 52, Lisa Hinchliffe 26-55; 78, Susan Hall 30-13; 80, Stuart Smith 30-15; 90, Raymond Brown 31-32; 105, John Spencer 34-55.

Penistone parkrun

13, Michael Nicholson 22-28; 17, Oliver Found 22-44; 20, Matthew Coldwell 22-55; 22, Suzanne McGill 23-12; 23, Darren Mansell 23-26; 34, Mark Graham 24-27; 42, Peter John Claydon 25-20; 71, Steve Dommett 29-26; 72, Rory O'Sullivan 29-35; 75, Heather Lindley 29-58; 76, Eleanor Law 3003; 110, Martyn Cartwright 35-58.

‘One that got away’

Nestle Rowntree 24 Stocksbridge 21

Could have won, should have won, but somehow Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby managed to throw away a half time lead, and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a disappointing 24pts – 21pts reverse away at York based, Nestle Rowntree Rugby at the weekend.

A welcome return to the flanks for the experienced duo of Ben Westby and former skipper Adam RolesMiddlehurst helped compensate for some late cry offs, and a failed fitness test for centre Ben Tyers left the travelling squad short on numbers however, playing with a swirling breeze in the 1st half, the visitors had the better of the early exchanges, but a lapse in defence allowed Nestle to take an early lead before Stocksbridge came roaring back into the contest.

A well worked line out, won by Reece ‘diesel’ Aspin, was turned into a rolling maul by the dominant Stocksbridge 8, and ‘slammin’ Sam Whitaker was on hand to plunge over the line from close range to register the first points for the visitors. Well within the kicking range of Jack Pearson, to add the extras.

Stocksbridge dominated

allowed Pete Newton just enough room to squeeze his bulky frame through a gap and sprint 30 metres to out pace the covering defence to extend the Stocksbridge lead. Pearson again able to tag on a simple conversion.

Stocksbridge made a bit of a hash of claiming the resulting kick off, and conceded a penalty, which interestingly the home team chose to kick rather than press home some good territorial advantage.

Normal service was resumed as that man Frith interchanged passes with the ‘diesel’ Aspin to score a superb try under the posts to restore the visitors lead, the ever reliable boot of Pearson did the rest.

There was still time for Stocksbridge to have a lapse in concentration where some weak defence allowed the home side through to register their 2nd try, leaving the half time score : Nestle Rowntree 13pts – Stocksbridge Rugby 21pts. The merry band of traveling away supporters were sensing a Piggy victory !!

That was the end of the scoring for the visitors as the 2nd half was played almost entirely in the Stocksbridge half, even when they gained possession, Stocksbridge found a way to give the ball away and momentum swung back towards the eager home side who made the most of a bungled scrum by Stocksbridge to register their 3rd try and get them back in the

SteelS find a way

Stocksbridge were desperately holding on, defending for their lives as the thin blue line held firm.

Unfortunately further errors gave control back to Nestle, who kicked a further two penalties in the dying minutes to steal the win by 3pts, with a final score of : Nestle Rowntree 24pts – Stocksbridge Rugby 21pts.

Stocksbridge will have to be content with a single losing bonus point from their penultimate game in Counties 4 Yorkshire competition, which leaves them in 7th position on the league ladder, just 1 pt behind 6th place, with one game left. The Wilson Construction Man of the Match award was presented to line out champ, ‘slammin’ Sam Whitaker for a strong display in the forwards, fellow packmen Newton and Aspin showed up well as did youngster Jacob Crosby in the front row. Skipper Frith reflected on a tough result for his depleted troops when he said, ‘I can’t fault the effort from the lads, it was a tale of 2 halves, where we probably lost the game as against Nestle winning it !’, adding, ‘we just ran out of numbers and out of steam, due to the lack of a full bench, we’ll front up for the last game tho’ ! The final game of the league campaign may well be played at a neutral ground, Shaw Lane Barnsley, on either Thursday 6th or 13th April with a 7pm kick off time, as both Stocksbridge and Halifax will have Cup commitments after these dates.

ChapeltOwn ut in Semi

Chapeltown RBL 0-1

reendale oak (aet)

The semi final of the county cup saw a very tight game with few chances. James Birch produced an excellent save from a free kick on the edge of the area, and Jay Carter rounded the keeper only to run out of

RBL were forced in to changes suffering 3 injuries as the 90 minutes

Extra time continued in the same way with nei-

Stocksbridge PS 1 Grantham Town 0

Stocksbridge Park Steels battled and were able to get a tough win against a lowly but resilient Grantham Town.

Despite currently being in the bottom two, Grantham were able to get off to the better start. They were even able to deal with an early blow as Elliott Durrell was forced off with an injury. While the first

chance did go Stocksbridge’s way, Luke Rawson’s attempt to curl the ball with the outside of his foot going wide, Grantham were very unlucky not to be in the lead later.

Ashton Hall looped a header over a rushing Townsend but Kurtis Turner was able to clear it off the line to keep the game level.

In the second half, Stocksbridge were much improved and their passing was able to create problems for the

Grantham defence. Jordan Lemon was having success down the left wing and one deadly cross had to be turned behind else a Steels attacker would have been able to tap it in. However despite this much better play, they were struggling to create clear cut opportunities.

It became quite obvious that the game would be decided by only one goal and it probably wasn’t that much of a surprise that it was an own goal. Stocksbridge’s best passing move led the ball to Alex O’Connor who sent a cross into the zone of uncertainty. It avoided Luke Rawson but Greg Smith couldn’t help but turn the ball into his own net.

Townsend, who had mostly been catching crosses up until this point, made a top quality save late on to ensure Stocksbridge got all three points.

Next home game: Easter Monday 10 April vs Ponterfract Coll. 3pm KO

‘Bowman on target’

Without a league fixture the week before, Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby arranged a ‘friendly’ club game against near neighbours Barn sley RUFC to keep the playing roster busy.

The game was competitive, close & played in a good spirit with the visitors eventually running out winners by 31pts to 29pts.

ther team giving anything away.

Greendale made the breakthrough on 105 minutes when a corner caused a goalmouth scramble, with the ball falling to their striker to poke home.

RBL pushed for an equaliser as Greendale defended well, with Dave Millen almost volleying home from 6 years out. A flurry of corners, goal line clearances and scrambles in the last moments were not enough.

RBL wish Greendale well in the final.

The Stocksbridge try scorers were ‘clock tower’ Andy Beal, kindly sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins, smiling assassin Pat O’Leary, a dancing effort by promising youngster Harrison Norman, a rare score for Reece ‘diesel’ As pin, also sponsored by Mr Mick Gribbins & one for skipper & that man Adam Frith, sponsored by Brian & Dawn Mills. Frith also tagged on 2 conversions. There was a welcome if gentle re turn to action, after injury for ex perienced back rower Pete New ton, plus a club debut for front row forward Matt Tranter. The Clarach Builders player of the day award went to the develop ing Jacob Crosby for a dominant attacking performance & some steady work as hooker.

The Wilson Construction Man of Steel award for March has been awarded to prop Lewis ‘eggsy’ Bowman for some excel lent performances on both sides of the ball during a tough Month for Stocksbridge Rugby, Bow man is sponsored by Mr Mark Logan. Crosby, Frith & Beal also featured in the voting.

Lemon shows his zest down the left. Photo by Myra Little

Non-league football legend hangs up his boots

By James Fletcher

Brett Lovell played his final game for the Church on Saturday having made over 300 appearances for the club and over 200 for Park Steels.

Furniture Clearance Warehouse Due to Close Its Doors

cricket. Playing the sport up to about 20 before an old friend convinced him to play football again.

After 23 years of trading

The towering centre-back nicknamed ‘big un’ was signed for Penistone Church FC in 2014 by Ian Richards from Stocksbridge. Lovell scored nine goals in total for the Steels and played alongside Premier League and FA Cup winner Jamie Vardy whilst at Bracken Moor. Lovell was close to saying goodbye to the game altogether after being released by the Rotherham Boys, in his formative years. Lovell admitted falling out of love with the game and turned his hand instead to

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.

Furniture Clearance Warehouse started out in 2000, in a tiny

Brett played for Swinton before signing for Grantham Town and then moved with the manager to Stockbridge where he went on to have eight successful seasons at Bracken Moor.

“It’s been great to play at two fantastic clubs with fantastic volunteers, I could’ve moved from either club a couple of times, but you become affectionate with a place, and I’ve been lucky enough to play all this time for Church. If you would’ve asked me at 20 if I would still be playing at the age of 40, I would’ve snapped your hand off, so I’ve been very lucky with my longevity at playing at this level.”

And it soared into the back of the net, a lot of fans agreed and said, ‘you just couldn’t write it.’ It’s an excellent way to see out your career for anybody and I’m sure even Vardy would’ve been proud of that one if that was scored in any major league it would’ve gone viral right now, but I’m sure the club and Brett will find a way to get the footage online.

This won’t be the last the club will see of Mr Lovell already he’s claimed to stick around as part of the coaching team to help in any way he can.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career. It’s been nice to end my career on my terms and not be forced out of it, it’s not the end of my footballing journey in terms of what I can offer this club as we constantly try to stride forward.”

Furniture Clearance Warehouse Due to Close its Doors

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

Before and after the game both sides joined in celebrating his non-league career, being awarded a ‘300 appearances t-shirt’ before kick-off and after the game, he was given a guard of honour on leaving the field of play for the final time at the age of 39.

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

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

And his career was capped off with an absolute gem of a goal. He picked up the ball on the halfway line with one glance to see the Thackley keeper off his line and looped the ball over his head, the keeper could only parry the ball into his net for Brett Lovell’s 66th career goal for Penistone, as he explained, “He probably should’ve saved it, looking back on the pitch, now it’s a fair distance to get it on target. I was expecting the ref to blow for a foul, I saw the keeper off his line, and I thought if catch this right then there’s half a chance.”

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