Pulse December 2015

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PULSE AT THE HEART OF YOUR COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2015 Issue 34

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

1,000,000 magazines

EVERY YEAR

DECK THE HALLS This year’s best festive decorations

Why we celebrate Christmas the way we do

HE’S BEHIND YOU! Pulse speaks to pantomime dame Damian Williams CHAPELTOWN ECCLESFIELD GRENOSIDE HIGH GREEN

Follow us on Twitter: @PulseRMC

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PULSECONTENTS

EDITOR’S MESSAGE: elcome to our final edition for 2015, which we have packed with plenty of festive cheer.

From a bit-part in his first panto aged 16 to playing the ultimate role of dame, Damian Williams has enjoyed an illustrious pantomime career. Fiona Barber caught up with him as he prepared to take to the Lyceum stage once more in this year’s production of Aladdin (page 10).

Former University of Sheffield lecturer and author of The Christmas Book, Dr Patrick Harding, also told Phoebe Seymour all about where our festive customs originate (page 28). You may be surprised by the results of his 20-year quest to discover the real meaning of Christmas.

By now your halls will almost certainly be decked with boughs of holly, but if you’re looking for the perfect finishing touches to your Christmas decorations, turn to page 34 to see our pick of this year’s best festive accessories.

We have also had a great response to our November Looking Back photograph (page 16). We’re delighted to share even more of your memories of the Ecclesfield Grammar School staff from 1960 – including identifying most of the missing names.

If you have a story to share, are hosting an event that you’d like us to publicise or have photographs of a recent celebration or event, we’d love to hear from you. Email Stephanie.Burns@regionalmagazine.co.uk or call me on 0114 250 6300 (Monday to Thursday 9am-5.30pm and Friday 9am-4pm).

If you have a business and would like to advertise in Pulse, please call Publishing Manager Helen Wragg on 0114 250 6300 or email Helen.Wragg@regionalmagazine.co.uk.

You can also follow us on Twitter (@PulseRMC) or read Pulse (and the rest of Regional Magazine Company’s titles) online at www.regionalmagazine.co.uk.

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Have a great month.

Stephanie Burns Editor

Onthethe cover...

On cover…

Image courtesy Image courtesyofofIan IanMMSpooner SpoonerPhotography.

Photography. Tel: 0114 257 8163.

0114265104 257 8163. Tel: 07784 265104 Tel:Tel: 07784 www.ims-photography.co.uk. www.flickr.com/photos/imspooner.

10 Dame Damien’s back… oh, yes he is!

Pantomime season is back and sees Damian Williams return to the Lyceum to cause chaos – and (hopefully) lots of laughs.

14 Eating Out Fiona Barber samples some hearty comfort food at the Old Red Lion.

16 Looking Back More memories of Ecclesfield Grammar School.

28 The origins of Christmas Sheffield academic Dr Patrick Harding (right) reveals the truth about our Christmas traditions.

42 In Brief Our monthly round-up of what is happening around the region.

PROMOTIONS: 6 Morfitt Smith 21 Collective Legal Solutions 22 Swift Gas 26 Fitness Garage 41 Kip McGrath 48 Tankersley Park Golf Club FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Publishing Manager: Helen Wragg Tel: 07973 672582 Email: helen.wragg@regionalmagazine.co.uk

EDITOR Stephanie Burns CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Richard Abbey SUB-EDITOR Richard Smith EDITORIAL Fiona Barber, Phoebe Seymour OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jillion Wood PUBLISHING MANAGER Helen Wragg STUDIO MANAGER Chris Brierley DESIGN Dan Wray, Steve Levers NEW MEDIA MANAGER Terri Moore DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Chris Clayton ACCOUNTS Paul Barrett, Kelly Hirst Published by: REGIONAL MAGAZINE COMPANY, 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 0XF Tel: 0114 250 6300 Email: pulse@regionalmagazine.co.uk Web: www.regionalmagazine.co.uk Not connected with any other company or group. The publisher takes no responsibility whatsoever for the safe keeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. Any submitted material should be accompanied by an SAE. All material is the copyright of the Regional Magazine Company and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions, copies of which are available on request.

Experience. Knowledge. Ser vice.

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PROMOTIONMORFITT SMITH

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THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Estate agents Morfitt Smith are backing a campaign to bring festive cheer to some of South Yorkshire’s poorest youngsters. s we scour the shelves to grab the latest on-trend toy for our children or gift sets for the teenagers in our lives, spare a thought for those who will be waking up to no presents on Christmas Day. One in three children are living in poverty in South Yorkshire – that’s approximately 76,000 children – and this is why Morfitt Smith estate agents has teamed up with Hallam FM Cash For Kids to launch Mission Christmas.

All you need to do to help support this cause is to buy one extra present this year. It can be anything from essentials such as clothes and bath sets to toys and entertainment – just make sure they are suitable gifts for newborns, babies, children or teenagers up to the age of 18.

If you prefer, you can donate money either online, in person at Cash For Kids’ Herries Road head quarters or you can text HALLAM to 70808 to donate £5.

Morfitt Smith are the official drop off point for your Christmas gift donations and with branches in Banner Cross, Hillsborough and Crookes, you’re never far from your local branch. Hundreds more local businesses have also signed up to become drop off points to make this year the best fundraiser yet.

Every Morfitt Smith branch will also be promoting the campaign with a name the bear competition. To enter, just give the bear the best name you can think of and donate £1 to Mission Christmas. The bear will then be donated as a gift.

Mission Christmas is an annual campaign, and as usual, the Hallam FM team will be out on their sleigh, spreading Christmas joy to the children of South Yorkshire, collecting gifts from the drop off points and getting involved in Christmas light switch-ons.

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The Morfitt Smith team will also be getting into the Christmas spirit by helping out at the Cash For Kids head quarters, handing out presents in Christmas fancy dress costumes.

The estate agents specialises in selling, but also rent properties all over Sheffield. Joint director and valuer John Morfitt has worked in property for over 30 years and spends much of his time visiting clients, whilst co-director Paul Batty is in charge of the day-to-day running of the branches. Together, they are dedicated to providing a warm welcome and a personal service.

“Christmas is such a lovely time of year for bringing friends and families together and we all remember the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to find out what presents we have, but not everyone is as fortunate,” says Paul. “Mission Christmas is such an important and worthy cause to ensure that every child has a smile on their face on Christmas morning.”

Last year, Mission Christmas helped 17,000 disadvantaged and hospitalised children have a merry Christmas with approximately £750,000 worth of gifts. This year, the team are hoping to reach even more children.

If you want to help a disadvantaged child this Christmas, drop your gifts into your local Morfitt Smith branch until Wednesday 23 December. For more information, call into one of their local branches.

Alternatively, you can donate to Mission Christmas at www.hallamfm.co.uk/mission or text HALLAM to 70808 to donate £5. Let’s help every child living in South Yorkshire have a very merry Christmas.

Morfitt Smith Crookes 210 Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1TG Hillsborough 90 Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 4HA Banner Cross 912 Ecclesall Road, Banner Cross, Sheffield, S11 8TR

6 PULSE MAGAZINE

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PULSEPANTO

DAME FOR A LAUGH

Pantomime season is back and sees Damian Williams return to the Lyceum to cause chaos – and (hopefully) lots of laughs.

Words: Fiona Barber utch, bold and boisterous; Damian Williams has been causing slapstick chaos on the Lyceum stage as a panto dame for the last seven years. This festive season, his reign continues as he plays Widow Twankey in the fun-packed family pantomime, Aladdin.

The demand for pantomime seems to be as strong as ever (last year’s Dick Whittington was seen by over 44,000 people) and Damian believes they remain so popular because it is something the whole family can be involved in.

“It is great entertainment and a great family Christmas tradition,” he says.“No other country has got pantomime, and we’re the only ones that do it well, because we’re the only ones that really understand it. A panto is often the first time kids will ever go to a theatre, so it’s quite important.”

Damian recalls his Nan taking him to the theatre as a young boy. They went to see Robinson Crusoe with Charlie Drake in it. “I was only five or six but I still remember some of the gags and what the dame did, so it made a big impression,” he admits.

Theatre was always something he was interested in and Damian’s first taste of the limelight came aged just 15, in a Bugsy Malone production at his local theatre. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career. He explains: “The guy that directed it ran a rep company and he said to me: when you leave school, if you’d like to go into the business, don’t go to drama school, come and join the rep company and we’ll go on tour. I was taught by him, by watching other actors and I learnt my craft that way. In my first panto when I was 16, I played the ghost in the ghost gag and then after that I started playing villains. I played villains for years and then I got offered the chance to play a dame.”

Damian admits the villain is a great role to play, but he prefers the dame because of his love of comedy. “You can go in and cause chaos and get the laughs,” he says. “The thing I like about playing a dame is that you can have contact with the audience and you can be on their side. I like to play it as though I’m part of

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the audience and, you know, you can get away with murder.”

Of course, no dame would be complete without a set of fabulous outfits and Damian confesses he has over 100 costumes stored away, which he describes as a playground of wigs, feathers and slippers. To make sure Widow Twankey was dressed for the performance of a lifetime, earlier in the year Damian met with Helga Wood, who designs and makes the costumes, to discuss what they had in store.

While dames and designers might spend months planning costumes, Damian admits that wardrobe malfunctions are simply unavoidable and says: “I’ve had things fall down, pop off and things split, but you just get on with it.”

While the dame role has been a major part of Damian’s acting career for 20 years, he has also been involved in many other productions and acknowledges playing his all-time favourite comedian Tommy Cooper in Being Tommy Cooper was a particular highlight. “I like all the old-school comics like Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Morecambe and Wise,” he says. “I was brought up on people like Laurel and Hardy; they were funny, funny men and that’s very rare these days. People like Lee Evans come quite close to that style but you don’t get that anymore; it’s less physical.”

This physical comedy is very much still part of panto and Damian confirms there will be plenty of slosh and mess in this year’s Aladdin.

He has been involved in a great number of pantos including Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Dick Whittington, Jack and The Bean Stalk and Aladdin, but he says there is still one he has yet to tick off. “I would love to do Mother Goose here. We have talked about it, so I’m hoping in the next few years we’ll be able to do it.”

You can see Damian and the rest of the cast – including Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow from Coronation Street), Alex Winter (CBeebies), and writer and entertainer Hilary O’Neil – in this year’s spectacular production at the Lyceum from 4 December until 3 January.

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“The thing I like about playing a dame is that you can have contact with the audience and you can be on their side. I like to play it as though I’m part of the audience and, you know, you can get away with murder.” www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

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There is plenty of choice for panto fans across the region, here are a few highlights: Aladdin 4 December – 3 January Lyceum, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA 0114 249 6000 www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk Tickets: £16-£25, family ticket £74

Jack and the Beanstalk

by High Green Musical Theatre Group Tuesday 14 December – Friday 18 December, 7pm Saturday 19 December, 2pm and 5pm EPPiC Theatre, Well Lane, Ecclesfield S35 9TP 0114 240 3839 www.hgmtg.co.uk Tickets: adults £9, concessions £7

Cinderella by Manor Operatic Society 27 December – 3 January Sheffield City Hall, Barker’s Pool, Sheffield S1 2JA 01709 365108 or 0114 278 9789 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk Tickets: from £11-£20.90

Dick Whittington by Grenoside Pantomime Group Friday 29 January, 7.30pm Saturday 30 January, 2pm and 7.30pm Thursday 4 February, 7.30pm Friday 5 February, 7.30pm Saturday 6 February, 2pm and 7.30pm Community Centre, Main Street, Grenoside S35 8PN 0114 246 8937 www.grenosidepanto.org Tickets: adults £7, children and concessions £5, family ticket (2+2) £22

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PULSEEATING OUT

Word and photography: Fiona Barber

There’s nothing like settling down with some hearty comfort food in a proper British pub to keep the cold at bay.

Friendly welcome: Mia Boswell, front of house assistant and Aydan Cotton, shift supervisor

WINTER WARMER arm, cosy, and with all the food and drink you could wish for, there’s no better place to hibernate during the winter months than a good old-fashioned pub.

Our pub of choice on this occasion was the Old Red Lion in Grenoside and, with its traditional festive decorations and a tree covered with glinting fairylights outside, it looked every part the inviting village pub.

With a warm welcome from shift supervisor Aydan Cotton and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for me and a Peroni for my partner, we were off to a flying start. Our friendly waitress Mia showed us to our table in the snug alcove, and the pub was soon bustling with early Christmas parties.

The starter menu offers a whole range of dishes, from traditional Yorkshire puds with gravy, to garlic mushrooms and pâté. On Mia’s recommendation, I opted for the chicken goujons and enjoyed an impressive dish of three huge pieces of tender chicken coated in a crisp golden batter and a side of sweet chilli sauce for dipping – the perfect sweet-savoury combination. My partner had the chilli

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and garlic prawns, which were wonderfully succulent with a decent kick of chilli and came accompanied by a Starters slice of garlic bread, perfect Garlic and chilli prawns, £4.95 for mopping up any Chicken goujons, £3.95 remaining sauce.

Onto mains, and I couldn’t Mains resist the sea bass.

Surf and turf, £13.75 Beautifully cooked and with Sea bass, £11.50 new potatoes, carrots, peas and a luxurious lemonDessert cream sauce, it was the Jam pudding with custard, £3.50 ideal light-but-satisfying Strawberry cheesecake, £3.50 tasty treat.

Across the table, my Drinks companion readily tucked Pint of Peroni, £3.90 into a generous portion of 175ml Sauvignon Blanc, £3.50 tender steak and scampi, a mountain of chunky chips, Old Red Lion 201 Main Street, onions rings, peas, salad and Grenoside, S35 8PR mushrooms. If you’re Tel: 0114 246 8307 looking for proper pub grub, this is the ultimate dish.

With a range of traditional and more contemporary desserts on offer, we opted for one of each: strawberry cheesecake with ice cream and jam sponge with custard. Beautifully presented with layers of sweet strawberry, rich cream and a lovely biscuit base, the cheesecake was a wonderfully delicate sweet treat. In contrast – but equally as good – my jam sponge was a total indulgence and the perfect fulfilling ending to an all-round delicious meal.

With a relaxed atmosphere, a great range of ales from local businesses including Bradfield Brewery and Stancil, and ample choice from their lunchtime, evening and increasingly popular Sunday lunch menu, Old Red Lion is the ideal place to cosy up and hide away this winter.

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What we ate:

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Old Red Lion 210 MAIN STREET • GRENOSIDE • SHEFFIELD • S35 8PR • TEL: 0114 246 8307

Christmas fayre served from the end of November:3 courses - £14.99 for Adults £13.99 for OAPs - £10.99 for Children 2 courses - £10.99 Serving from 12 noon till 9pm

New Year’s Day 2 courses £15.99 - 3 courses £18.99 Bookings also been taken for Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve

For any information you can contact The Old Red Lion on 0114 246 8307 Find us on Facebook or e-mail – oldredlionsheff@gmail.com For any information around current vacancies you can contact Jack Halsall on jackhalsall2@gmail.com

A new script by

HANDS ON Productions & Promotions for Manor Operatic Society

27th December 2015 to 3rd January 2016 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM Mabel Delamore, 27 Godric Drive, Rotherham S60 5AN Tel: 01709 365108 or visit

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City Hall Box Office: 0114 223 3740 or visit www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

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15 PULSE MAGAZINE

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PULSELOOKING BACK

THE OLD SCHOOL TIES

School days are often said to be the best days of your life…and they certainly made an impression on these ex-Ecclesfield Grammar pupils.

Stephanie Burns reports. fter a fantastic response to last month’s photograph of staff at Ecclesfield Grammar School in 1960, which was taken from Ecclesfield, Chapeltown and High Green from Old Photographs

by Joan and Mel Jones, we have had to double the size of Looking Back to accommodate all of your comments!

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school in 1959, thought that the lady fourth from right on the second row might be domestic science teacher Sylvia Hulley. She remembers Sylvia having an ice cream place in Ecclesfield. The lady also recalled a PE teacher called Mrs Ollerenshaw, although she cannot put a face to the name in this photograph.

Doreen Cooper, who was named on the picture (second row, fourth from left), rang to say that she had been incorrectly identified as she didn’t start working at the school until 1961. Doreen spent her first year as a PE teacher because the school needed one, but later taught her actual subject, which was maths. She thinks the lady wrongly named as her might be music teacher Enid Norfolk.

Janet Green emailed regarding Sylvia.“I went to Ecclesfield Grammar in 1962,” Janet said.“I had a very nice domestic science teacher called Mrs Hulley. I wonder if she is on the second row, sixth from left. I don't see her mentioned anywhere and although it is a long time ago I think it could be her?”

David Frisby of Grenoside, who attended the school from 1960 to 1964, also called to correct a mistake. His form tutor Mrs Douglas, who has been named as being the lady on the second row, sixth from right, is actually the unidentified lady next to her, standing directly behind Arnold Jennings. David wondered if any readers could confirm whether the unnamed man on the back row might be geography teacher Mr Hymers, who hailed from the North East.

David also pointed out a couple of teachers that may be missing from the photograph – Dr Bruckshaw and Mr Hawes.

A female caller, who wished to remain anonymous, and who left the

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Geoff Moore, a pupil at the school from 1950 to 1957 now living in Grenoside, said that, while Mr Buck on the top row was known as Billy, he was in fact called Brian. And Jonny Helliwell on the third row was a ‘John’. On the front row, the teacher named as Stanley Hemmingfield was actually called Sam and Joan Shutt wasn’t the fair-haired lady named but the dark-haired woman to her left. Geoff also said that the first name of Miss Redfern, sitting to the left of Doris Cross on the front row, was Winifred.

Florence Rayner, who was in the L6th when the photograph was taken, believed the man fourth from right in the third row was Derek Dungworth who taught languages, the lady fifth from left on the

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FRONT ROW

He came into class wearing what looked like a new suit, and I said ‘You're looking smart sir. Are you going out with a ‘bird’ tonight?’ He was not best pleased, and gave me detention for impertinence.

L-R: Harry Birkby (geography), Gabby Hayes (maths), Sam Hemmingfield (biology), Richard Endall (metalwork), Granville ‘Ticker’ Mitchell (physics and head of science), deputy head Norman Clay, head teacher Arnold Jennings, senior teacher Doris Cross (French), Winifred Redfern (maths), Mrs B___ (domestic science), Joan Shutt (geography), Sheila Stone (history), Miss Houghton, Isaac Sant (art).

SECOND ROW L-R: Stan Spencer (science), Mr Cooper (science), Miss Belk (French), Enid Norfolk (music), Margaret Wood (French) or Miss Shaw, possibly Sylvia Hulley (domestic science), Silvia Douglas (geography), Miss Gregory (domestic science), Pauline (junior office staff ), possibly Sylvia Hulley (domestic science), Margery Quine (art), Brenda Clarke (school secretary), Doug Hallett (history).

Alan Thorpe, who now lives in Brighton but attended the school from 1955 to 1960, was sent the article by his cousin. He said: “My memory after all these years is not that good and the ones I can remember are already named. I think the woman fourth from the right on the front row is Mrs Shutt, so you might have her and Ruth Challen mixed (I don’t remember her) but Miss Stone is definitely third from the right.”

Alan has also provided a photograph and names (below) from 1959 when AC Harrison was headteacher, which he took from a website for the school some years ago. They may jog some memories.

THIRD ROW L-R: Geoff Jennett (history), Mr Townsend (maths), Keith Waudle (woodwork), Derek Cummings (German), Mr Burkinshaw (maths), John Helliwell (PE), Derek Dungworth (languages), Pete Dilger (French), Ted Camplejohn (chemistry), ?

BACK ROW L-R: Brian ‘Billy’ Buck (PE), Roy Yates (English), Mr Hymers, Peter Mann (history), Derek Aliban (chemistry), Brian Lowe (maths), Mr Kaye (physics), Christopher Price (Latin), Ray Beeley (RE), Ron Belk (music).

second row was science teacher Miss Shaw, and the short lady fifth from right on row two was one of the junior office staff, possibly called Pauline. Florence also thought that the lady sixth from right on the second row behind Miss Cross was domestic science teacher Miss Gregory and that geography teacher Mrs Douglas is actually seventh from right in the second row, standing directly behind Arnold Jennings. And Mrs Douglas wasn’t the only name she thought might be incorrect.“I would question the naming of the women fourth and fifth from the right on the front row. I’m fairly sure that Miss Challen had left by 1960. I think that Mrs Shutt is fourth from the right; she certainly had short, straight, dark hair. The woman labelled as Mrs Shutt (fifth from the right, wearing a jacket) taught domestic science; I can only remember her name was Mrs B – perhaps Belcher or Boucher?”

Mike Lawton was a pupil from 1957 to 1961. He recognised a number of teachers, including Mr Townsend on the third row, second left, who taught maths.“I don't know his first name, but as with a number of teachers, we had a nickname for him,” said Mike.

“His was ‘Turnip’ Townsend because of his hair, which was a light ginger in colour. I also remember him for giving me a detention one day. He came into class wearing what looked like a new suit, and I said ‘You're looking smart sir. Are you going out with a ‘bird’ tonight?’

He was not best pleased, and gave me detention for impertinence.

“Some of the other nicknames, although I'm not sure of the origins, were Norman ‘Rimp’ Clay, ‘Chinny’ Cooper, Roy ‘Rowdy’ Yates (from a Clint Eastwood character in the TV western series Rawhide), Geoff ‘Hoggie’ Jennett, Keith ‘Johnny’ Waudle (after a Yorkshire cricketer), and one who isn't pictured, a tall dark-haired science teacher called Walker, who we nicknamed ‘Cheyenne’, after another TV western.”

Mike also thought that the lady on the second row, third from left, could be French teacher Miss Belk.

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Back row: Peter Mann, Laurence Kaye, Rex Birkenshaw, Stan Spencer, Johnnie Helliwell, Tony Cooper, Brian ‘Billy’ Buck, Keith Wardle Third row: Ronnie Belk, Ray Beeley, Cyril Segelman, Tom Randle, Geoffrey Jennett, Rudolf Wesseley, Jim Fidgeon, Isaac Sant, Lyndon Huddlestone, Derick Aliban, Joan Shutt, Gwen Hulley Second row: Margaret Edwards, Mary Houghton, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Margaret Wood, Ruth Challen, Sheila Stone, Miss Senior, Ruth Mallender Front row: Harry Birkby, Doug Hallet, Frank Moxon, Winnie Redfern, Mrs Clay, Doris Cross, ‘Gaffer’ Harrison, Norman ‘Rimp’ Clay, ‘Ticker’ Mitchell, Dick Endall, Sam Hemmingfield, ‘Gabby’ Hayes?

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SEND US YOUR MEMORIES If you have any old pictures that you would like to share, please send them, along with your name and a short description of the photograph, to Pulse Looking Back, 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 0XF. Or you can email them to Stephanie.Burns@ regionalmagazine.co.uk. If you would like us to return your photographs, please include your address with the images and we will be happy to post them back.

17 PULSE MAGAZINE

018 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 15:10 Page 1

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021 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 11:06 Page 1

PROMOTIONCOLLECTIVE LEGAL SOLUTIONS

You need to take advice if…

Lasting Power of Attorney: the myth and the reality. any people have heard of a lasting power of attorney (previously an Enduring Power of Attorney), but they associate it with something you arrange later in life when you “start feeling iffy”.

Here we will investigate some of the myths and realities surrounding mental incapacity and Lasting Power of Attorney.

M

MYTH: Mental incapacity is something that only affects people in later life through illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, so I don’t need to do anything just yet.

REALITY Accident or illness can strike at any time, often without warning. The consequences of failing to plan can be significant, as outlined in this article. Why leave something so important to chance?

• You or your spouse/partner don’t yet have a Will.

• You have a Will but it leaves everything to your spouse/partner.

MYTH: If I suffer an accident or illness, my spouse or children will automatically be able to take over the running of my affairs as my next of kin.

REALITY: Your spouse or children have no automatic right to act on your behalf. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, they will be required to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your Deputy – a long, complex, costly and intrusive process.

• You don’t have both kinds of Lasting Powers of Attorney set up.

• You or your spouse/partner don’t have a pre-paid Funeral Plan.

MYTH: I can simply add my spouse or children to my bank accounts, as a joint account holder would just carry on as normal in the event of my mental incapacity.

REALITY: Banks are guided by the British Bankers’ Association to freeze both solely and jointly held accounts where one account holder loses mental capacity (they may allow pre-authorised payments).

• You are divorced or widowed.

• You have children.

MYTH: When creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, it’s best to appoint my spouse and children to act together jointly.

REALITY: Many poorly advised individuals have fallen into this trap. Appointing family jointly means they must act together in all matters, rendering the Lasting Power of Attorney useless when one of the appointed family can’t act – incapacity or death is not an excuse!

• You are concerned about what will happen and covering the costs if you need long term residential care.

MYTH: If anything happens to me and a decision needs to be made about life sustaining treatment, the doctor will automatically follow the wishes of my next of kin.

REALITY: Only through a Lasting Power of Attorney can you give the people you trust the right to make choices about your health and welfare, including the ability to refuse lifesustaining treatment if you wish.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is often likened to an insurance policy – you hope you’ll never need it, but your family will be very grateful for your foresight if you do. It’s the only way to have your say about who you trust to manage your affairs and make things as simple as possible for your loved ones.

Haworth Ward-Drummond Estate Planning Practitioner

This information was provided by Haworth Ward-Drummond, Estate Planning Practitioner with Collective Legal Solutions, based in Sheffield.

0114 288 1104

Collective Legal Solutions Tel: 0114 288 1104 www.collectivelegalsolutions.co.uk

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Jane Bowland Estate Planning Practitioner

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21 PULSE MAGAZINE

022 Pulse Dec15_Layout 1 10/12/2015 11:55 Page 1

PROMOTIONSWIFT GAS

Swift Gas may be the new kid on the block, but with owner Neale Jackson’s years of experience you can be sure he’s got the answer to all your heating problems. s the days start to shorten, and the temperatures drop, we all turn to switch on the heating, as the boiler in many households may not have been on for months.

We therefore want the peace of mind that the most expensive appliance in our home is running efficiently with no potential problems waiting to happen this winter.

Swift Gas is your local Gas Safe registered company dedicated to offering a comprehensive home heating service, including boiler installation, servicing, maintenance, and repair with a emergency call out service with no charge to people living in S6 and the wider Sheffield area.

Owner Neale Jackson recently relocated from the Isle of Man, where he ran a successful gas service company.

“It has been a daunting task moving and setting up my new business here, but I’m enjoying the challenge and a new start,” says Neale. “I've set up Swift Gas with the same values and principles that helped me run my former company.

Knowledge, trust, and quality workmanship are three principles that put my clients at ease when employing me to carry out work within their property.”

With over 20 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry, there’s no problem too big or small. From low pressure on your heating system, to fault finding on a problem boiler, Neale and his team are happy to help with their no fix, no fee guarantee.

A

If you are a landlord looking for a reliable accredited firm to undertake gas testing and landlord certificates, Swift Gas are equally happy to provide these services to suit the needs of you and your tenants. They can test your appliances on an annual basis, leaving you safe in the knowledge that everything is running correctly and efficiently.

But as much as we try to look after our boilers and heating systems, emergencies have a habit of occurring at the most inconvenient times, so it is reassuring to know that come summer or winter, Neale is committed to come out and do emergency repairs when most other plumbing and heating companies won’t.

“I have a 4x4 Jeep which enables me to access any property in Sheffield that needs my services, which may be cut off by snow or ice,” confirms Neale.

Most reassuring of all, Swift Gas guarantee that their work will be completed to the highest standard and will be covered with a 12-month workmanship warranty. The parts they use are of the highest quality and come with a 12-month product warranty too.

If you’re looking for a local company that will treat your home as if it's their own and who will carry out repairs and installations to the highest of standards, Swift Gas is here to help.

Call Neale on 07733 605 734 for a free quote on any of your gas or plumbing needs and prepare your home for winter today.

Swift Gas Tel: 07733 605 734 Email: neale@swiftgasuk.com

‘Knowledge, trust, and quality workmanship are three principles that put my clients at ease when employing me to carry out work within their property.’

22 PULSE MAGAZINE

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021 Sixer Oct15 07/10/2015 13:01 Page 1

Your Domestic Gas Specialist

The boiler and central heating experts Swift Gas, your local gas and central heating engineers.

We provide boiler repairs, annual servicing and full installations for Sheffield and the surrounding areas. We are Gas safe registered and are here to deliver the services you need to keep your gas appliances running smoothly, whether in your home or rented accommodation for landlord properties. If your boiler is not running or your radiators are cold, call the experts at Swift Gas for a local, honest opinion all at a price you can afford.

Testing and landlord certificates If you are looking for a reliable accredited firm to undertake gas testing and landlord certificates, we at Swift Gas can provide these services to suit you or your tenants peace of mind on an annual basis, knowing that your appliances are running safely and efficiently.

No job too small Swift Gas will also attend those small jobs that you never get round to fixing. Whether it’s a dripping tap, low boiler pressure or mouldy silicone in the shower, we can fix it all.

With 20 years experience in plumbing and heating there will be no problem we haven’t seen before.

Our workmanship guarantee Our guarantee is that work completed will be of the highest standard and will be covered with a 12 month workmanship warranty. Replacement parts used are brand new, high quality and come with a 12 month product warranty.

Call us on 07733605734

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024 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 11:13 Page 1

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124 WSide Dec15_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:43 Page 1

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028 - 030 Pulse Dec15_Layout 1 10/12/2015 10:33 Page 1

PULSECHRISTMAS

THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Dr Patrick Harding

As we prepare to deck the halls with holly, Phoebe Seymour meets the man who knows exactly what makes it the season to be jolly… hen you hang tinsel on a Christmas tree, pull a cracker or get merry at the office party, do you ever stop to think about why we celebrate Christmas in the way we do?

The Nativity is a huge part of Christmas, but the festival has slowly changed, adapting to more recent traditions and

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customs to become the Christmas we know today.

And what about our other traditions such as Christmas trees in our homes, the idea that Christmases should be white and the origins of Santa Claus? Where do all these customs come from?

Former University of Sheffield lecturer

and author of The Christmas Book, Dr Patrick Harding has been demystifying our festive customs for the past 20 years.

In his book, Patrick explains where all these customs come from, but before we get into all the weird and wonderful reasons why we celebrate Christmas in the way we do, let’s start with the birth of Jesus.

Words: Phoebe Seymour

THE NATIVITY “The accounts may have been slightly changed over 2,000 years, but what I like to do is see if there is any science to back the nativity story up,” says Patrick.

It shouldn’t come as much of a shock that Jesus wasn’t born on 25 December, nor was he born on what we think to be the year 0AD. After much research, Patrick discovered that Jesus was actually born in September 7BC. For Patrick, the most important part of the nativity story is the star, which wasn’t a star at all. David Hughes, an astronomer from The University of Sheffield, introduced Patrick to the idea of triple conjunctions. These occur when Jupiter and Saturn align in the constellation of Pisces, creating a light that would have looked like a bright star.

The magi (or wise men) who followed this ‘star’ may have even realised the

28 PULSE MAGAZINE

significance of this rare event, as Jupiter represents the king of the gods, Saturn signifies the land of Palestine and Pisces is the sign of the zodiac which represents the Jews.

Combine this with the fact that one of these triple conjunctions took place in

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7BC and that scientists have worked out that Jesus was born between 8 and 6BC, and this fits Patrick’s theory.

“Of course, it sounds silly to say Jesus was born in 7BC, but does it matter? I just look at 25 December as Jesus’s official birthday, a bit like the queen,” says Patrick.

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028 - 030 Pulse Dec15_Layout 1 10/12/2015 10:33 Page 2

CHRISTMAS BEFORE CHRISTIANITY So why do we celebrate Christmas on 25 December? Those who think our customs are all centred around Christianity may be surprised.

“The 25th is the most important day for a competing religion called Mithraism,” says Patrick. “If you believe in the teachings of Mithras, your god is the sun and what I find interesting is that the 25th is just after the shortest day.

“If you believe god is in the sun, you get a bit upset because your god isn’t getting out of bed very early but as soon as it starts rising again, it means god is still there. So followers of Mithras may very well have looked out the window and said ‘Our sun is risen!’”

Roman Emperor Constantine followed Mithraism before converting to Christianity, but the date and many other Christmas customs were carried over from other religious festivals.

The Romans would celebrate the god Saturn with a festival called Saturnalia from 17 to 24 December, a time of overeating

(saturnus means plenty) and general boisterousness as well as a time for visiting friends and exchanging presents.

Patrick explains in his book, “It was also a time for greater sexual freedom, the latter no doubt stimulated by an excessive consumption of alcohol. The ‘goings on’ at Christmas parties in the 21st century pale by comparison.”

Who’d have thought that even our Christmas party shenanigans are a long-standing festive tradition?

SANTA, DRUGS AND ST NICHOLAS’S GOLD… Over the years Santa Claus, Father Christmas and St Nicholas have all combined to create one big fat figure in a red and white suit who delivers presents to children.

When the Dutch immigrants landed in New York (originally New Amsterdam) in the 17th century, they brought Sinter Claes (or Sinterklaas) with them. He was a legendary figure with characteristics similar to St Nicholas, whilst the idea of Father Christmas started in Germany with the Norse god Odin, who would ride an eight-legged horse through the sky and fill children’s boots with treats. And then there was 4th century figure Saint Nicholas, who originated in Turkey.

“There’s a story about a friend of St Nicholas who couldn’t afford his three daughters’ weddings,” explains Patrick.

“So, St Nicholas  www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW…

Sheffield has the pantomime in biggest amateur Britai Operatic Soci n? The Manor ety has been performing at the City Hall fo r many years. So me will remember th e legendary dame, Brian Pl atts.

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29 PULSE MAGAZINE

028 - 030 Pulse Dec15_Layout 1 10/12/2015 10:33 Page 3

PULSECHRISTMAS throws a bag of gold through each daughter’s window. However, the youngest daughter has her wedding in the winter.

She shuts her window, so he climbs up onto the roof and drops the final bag of gold down the chimney.”

Lapland has also played a huge part.

Tribes who made their living off reindeer in Northern Lapland would live in yurts with small openings to let in visitors and let out smoke. When people were ill, witch doctors would enter through these chimney-like entrances and deliver gifts of healing.

Patrick also explains why our modern day Santa is represented as ‘merry’. “In Lapland you can’t easily make alcohol because of the low temperatures,” explains Patrick. “But they realised that the red and white mushroom is hallucinogenic and if you take it, you get the feeling that you are leaving your body and flying through the air – ho, ho, ho!”

The red and white of the mushrooms may very well have triggered the colour scheme of today’s Santa suit, but it was also Tolkien who influenced this change when he posted Christmas letters to his children with illustrations of a red Father Christmas.

Then in 1931, Coca-Cola cemented the idea, with a Santa wearing a red top and trousers with a white fur trim to match their logo, which has captured the public’s imagination ever since.

Just like the ones I used to know As we move away from the nativity story and the true meaning of Christmas with its customs changing generation by generation, are we losing sight of what it’s all about?

“I always say to people, Christmas never stays the same but I think that’s why it has been so successful,” says Patrick. “Even if we are not Christian we can celebrate it.”

Patrick’s years of research have done nothing to take the magic out of his family’s Christmases. If anything, it has helped him not to take this often stressful

Wondering where our other traditions come from? Dr Patrick Harding reveals more about our Christmas customs…

Holly, ivy and mistletoe – They’re all evergreen and signify the eternal nature of Jesus. The red berries on holly represent blood and the leaves are Jesus’s crown of thorns.

Christmas trees – Many German immigrants already put up Christmas trees in Britain and they were used by the royal family 50 years prior to Prince Albert bringing them over from Germany, but after a picture of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children, stood in front of a Christmas tree was published in the Illustrated London News in 1848, the decoration soon became popular throughout British households.

White Christmases – Writer Charles Dickens was born into something of a mini ice age in London and his Christmases were always snowy. A Christmas Carol was a huge part of a Victorian Christmas revival and many customs from this novel have survived today.

Cranberries – In the 90s, the US had a glut of cranberries left over from Thanksgiving so decided to convince Britain to eat them with their turkeys too. Delia Smith’s popular Christmas cookery book came out soon after and was filled with recipes full of cranberries. Most supermarkets sold out and the fruit became a national hit.

time too seriously.

“My kids have left now. It is important to me and my wife as a family time, but if either of our children wants to go to their prospective boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s families for Christmas, it doesn’t bother us because one of the sad things I find about Christmas now is the arguments and the ill feeling that goes on.

“It shouldn’t be like that, it should be a time when people relax and enjoy themselves, eat a bit too much, and drink a bit too much, so we try to be laid back about it.”

So what is the true meaning of Christmas for Patrick?

“Christmas is a time when the difference between the haves and the haves not is very obvious. I think it is a time when one should reflect on the number of people, especially up north, who are in need of food banks.

“I’ve dedicated this book to my father-inlaw, Jack Binney, who was every bit as generous as Father Christmas, and there are a lot of other people who are generous and who give. The thing about St Nicholas is he gave without making a fuss about it. The daughters in the story didn’t know where the gold had come from.”

So don’t be a humbug this Christmas.

Bask in one of our many festive traditions and embrace your inner Father Christmas.

Whatever part or version of the Christmas story you choose to follow and however many years have gone by, the message remains the same; celebrate in style and give as much as you can to others.

The Christmas Book: A Treasury of Festive Facts by Patrick Harding is available from Amazon, eBay and all good book stores.

30 PULSE MAGAZINE

@PulseRMC

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

088 ESide Dec15_Layout 1 30/11/2015 09:16 Page 1

NEW IMAGE www.new-image.co.uk

Sale Starts 14th December Reductions on Mother of the Bride Wear

Late Night Tuesday 10.00am to 7.00pm

Monday – Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm

Free Parking at rear of store in the Park Hotel

277 Middlewood Road, Middlewood S6 4HD (Leppings Lane Tram Stop)

0114 234 4880

005 Pulse Aug15 30/07/2015 13:57 Page 1

Bumfords serving Sheffield since 1968 Fr om

£ 15.50 pe r month

m Fro 0** 5 .

5 £1 onth am

*

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£10 -in e traRdYOUR OLD

*** .99 r 9 4 £ oile b ice serv

FO

ER BOIL

Boilers // Service & Repairs // Smart Controls // Finance // Plumbing // Heating Electrical & Lighting // Drainage // Underfloor Heating // Appliances Solar Hot Water // Bathrooms “Thanks for the boiler install, your installers did a great job and are a credit to your company“ Mr & Mrs Fletcher, Chapeltown, Sheffield “Thank you for a professional job. Your staff were clean, helpful and tidy“ Mrs Waterhouse, Sheffield “Thank you, you have done a great job“ Mr & Mrs Wilkinson, Thurgoland “Thank you for all the work done at our house. The service has been fantastic and you have dealt with us in a professional and prompt manner, It is really refreshing to see that great service levels are still attainable“ Mr Crane, Sheffield

*£100 Boiler Trade in paid in vouchers when we remove the old boiler and replace with a new boiler while stocks last. **Example, Cash Price £1400.00, Deposit £200, Balance £1200, 120 Monthly Payments of £15.50, Total Repayable £2061.75. 9.90% APR Finance subject to status ** Finance subject to status *** New customers only

Head Office: Bumford Heating Ltd, 2d Shortwood Court, Hoyland, Barnsley, S74 9LH

bumfords.com Tel: 0114 345 2863

bumfords

Bumfords’ Promise • We will not be beaten on Quality, Service & Price • We will beat any like for like quotation • We have been offering our customers unbeatable quality & service since 1968 • Bumfords a company you can trust

Bumfords since 1968

034 WSide Dec15 16/11/2015 14:56 Page 1

059 WSide Dec15 18/11/2015 12:04 Page 1

Special Offers for

Christmas

*

We are pleased to announce our special promotion of Non-surgical cosmetic offers for the festive season.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 area £89, 2 areas £150, 3 areas £185 USUAL PRICE: 1 area £185, 2 areas £245, 3 areas £275 Dermal Filler Lip Enhancement: SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 syringe £130, 2 syringes £240 USUAL PRICE: 1 syringe £245, 2 syringes £460 Dermal Filler Laughter Lines or Cheek Augmentation: SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 syringe £150, 2 syringes £280 USUAL PRICE: 1 syringe £245, 2 syringes £460 Chemical Peels for Facial Smoothness SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 treatment £50, 4 treatments £190 USUAL PRICE: 1 treatment £60, 4 treatments £240 Hair Thinning or Restoration Treatment SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 treatment £250, 2 treatments £450 USUAL PRICE: 1 treatment £695, 2 treatments £1000

Dracula/Vampire AKA PRP Therapy Face – for Facial Rejuvenation SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 treatment £230, 2 treatments £430 USUAL PRICE: 1 treatment £495, 2 treatments £850 Ultrasound (Medcontour) for Body Fat Reduction SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 session £120, 4 sessions £420, 6 sessions £640 USUAL PRICE: 1 session £130, 4 sessions £460, 6 sessions £660

FREE SKIN ANALYSIS IF YOU BUY ANY OF OUR CREAMS LPG Endermologie for Cellulite Treatment SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 session £120, 4 sessions £420, 6 sessions £640 USUAL PRICE: 1 session £130, 4 sessions £460, 6 sessions £660

Exilis Elite For Skin Tightening or Body Fat Reduction SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: Lower Face & Jaw 1 session £150, 4 session £460, 6 sessions £660 Neck & Jaw 1 session £150, 4 session £460, 6 sessions £660 Abdomen (Tummy) 1 session £150, 4 session £460, 6 sessions £660 USUAL PRICE: 1 session £300, 4 sessions £1000, 6 sessions £1500 Exilis Intima – Labia Remodelling / Skin Tightening SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 1 session £150, 4 session £460, 6 sessions £660 USUAL PRICE: 1 session £300, 4 sessions £1000, 6 sessions £1500

Call us today on 0114 2686128 to book an appointment or a free consultation.

No limits on number of purchases.

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*Offers are available until 31st December 2015 but must be redeemed by 30th April 2016

We accept payment by cash and/or Credit/Debit cards.

CREDIT FACILITY AVAILABLE

5 Broomfield Road, Broomhill, Sheffield S10 2SE Telephone: 0114 2686128 info@gandmhealthcare.com or visit our website www.gandmhealthcare.com

088 Sixer Dec15 03/12/2015 15:29 Page 1

The staff and management at United Homes would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year Call us on: 01142299060 Email sales@utdhomes.co.uk or visit www.utdhomes.co.uk 17b Langsett Road South, Oughtibridge, Sheffield, S35 0GY

036 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 15:13 Page 1

Marishells Chippy Quality Fresh Fish & Chips • Established 100 years ago

Scallop, sausage & rissole specials Chicken nugget specials; Mini fish specials Open 12pm – 8pm Thurs/Fri/Sat

Our services include:

Come and try one of the best chippies in North Sheffield H Award WinningH H Fish & Chip Shop H

• • • • • •

The only Fish & Chip Shop in Sheffield to have this award Thankyou to all our customers for their continued support

Central heating installation Boiler upgrades / service / repairs Power flushing Warm air All types of gas work All types of plumbing

For a FREE quote contact Redwood Heating Tel: 0114 246 3691 Shaun: 07850 972974 Simon: 07798 780670 Email: shaun@redwoodheating.co.uk Web: www.redwoodheating.co.uk

21 St Marys Lane, Ecclesfield

Telephone: 07890 928314

123030

OD HIP E O W DC BL RE OO ILA I F W A D AV ANLES SA

GRENOSIDE TREE SERVICES S HEFFIELD TREE SURGEONS Complete Tree Removal Tree Pruning Crown Reductions, Thinning & Lifting Hedge Reducing & Trimming Domestic & Commercial Clients Fully Insured and Qualified All Tree Work to BS3998 (British standard for tree work)

36 PULSE MAGAZINE

@PulseRMC

CAL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Qualified

t: 07531 824821 / 0114 4494268 e: info@grenosidetreeservices.co.uk

www.grenosidetreeservices.co.uk 56 Main Street, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8PQ

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

037 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 15:15 Page 1

CHAPELTOWN GLASS WINDOW & FASCIA CO. We are a family business established over 30 years with a wealth of experience and expertise to tackle most jobs – big or small.

We are a Fensa Registered Company & our services come with a 10 year insurance backed guarantee and we promise – no high pressure selling.

F UPVC Windows And Doors with Energy Saving Glass F Conservatories with Optional Self Cleaning Glass F Composite Doors F Patio And French Doors F Porches F Replacement Fascias & Guttering F All Roofing including Rubber & Fibre Glass F Velux Windows F Dry Verge and Ridge Tile System F All Types Of Repairs Undertaken F Misted Double Glazed Units F High Security Door Locks

0114 284 7351 07831 406 000

63 Oak Lodge Road, High Green, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S35 4QA Visit Our Website: www.chapeltownglass-sheffield.co.uk chapeltownglass@hotmail.co.uk

"Your home improvements in safe hands”

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

Please contact us for a free quote and survey - you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable quality can be!

FORMERLY OF BURNCROSS ROAD

@PulseRMC

37 PULSE MAGAZINE

038 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 09:28 Page 1

INDIAN & PAKISTANI CUISINE

LARGE AREA FOR PRIVATE HIRE Ideal for Christmas Parties etc.

NG S th Dec2pm) I PL ND 19/200am - beers M E 1 SA EEK/13th &/ Sun: e – ouruy!

W th, 12 - 4pm ampl you b s e 5/6: 10am long efor

b t a (Sa me try d o C an

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St Nicholas Church High Bradfield

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CHRISTMAS CHEER STARTS HERE! PLEASE FOLLOW US

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TO LOW BRADFIELD

TO O OUGHTIBRIDGEE E D GE R O A D

LITTLE LANE

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Visit our ou brewery shop for a great range of Farmers Ales available in bottles, 5ltr mini kegs and 10ltr “beer in a box”. jugs, 5lt also find a great range of high quality You’ll al Y practical gifts, clothing and merchandise and pra – ideal for the “Farmers fan” in your life!

BROWN HOUSE LANE

OODFALL

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TO NAGS HEAD AND DAM FLASK

ON-SITE ON -S SIT IITE TE BR BREW B BRE BREWERY REW EW RY SHOP OPENING TIMES: Mon to Sat, 10am - 4pm EWE Christmas stmas Opening Times: Christmas tmas Eve, Eve New Years Eve & Mon 28th December - 10am - 2pm 2pm.

From Sunday 7th December every Sunday 10am - 2pm until Christmas.

Christmas day, boxing day, Sun 27th Dec and New Years Day - WE ARE CLOSED 30th Dec and from 2nd Jan – NORMAL HOURS RECOMMENCE (10am - 4pm)

Watt House Farm, High Bradfield, Sheffield, S6 6LG Tel: 0114 285 1118 • info@bradfieldbrewery.co.uk

OPEN LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS (UNTIL 8PM) – 3rd, 10th & 17th DECEMBER 38 PULSE MAGAZINE

@PulseRMC

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

039 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 09:29 Page 1

PEACE FUNERALS FAMILY OWNED AND INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

All Standard Funeral Services: Religious & Humanist Funeral Services, Traditional Coffins, Cremations & Burials, Hearse & Limousines, Chapel of Rest.

Wider Choices Including:

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Award Winners from The Natural Death Centre ‘Best Funeral Director in the UK’

Suppliers of Fair Trade Coffins

Semi- & Non - Religious Ceremonies, Willow (basket work), Wool, Fairtrade & Cardboard Coffins, Woodland Burials, Horse Drawn Carriages & Drays, Motorcycle Hearses and many more choices.

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

Simple Cremation £995 (+ disbursement costs)

Simple Woodland Funeral £995 (+ disbursement costs)

For full price information, and to see the full range of our extensive services, please call or visit our website - all our price information is here: www.peacefunerals.co.uk

North Sheffield 363 Halifax Road, Sheffield, S6 1AF

Tel: 0114 233 0563

Low Cost Options:

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www.peacefunerals.co.uk

@PulseRMC

Tel: 0114 253 0505

39 PULSE MAGAZINE

040 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 09:33 Page 1

Sheffield Composite Doors www.sheffieldcompositedoors.co.uk High Performance Composite Doors that will protect your home from the elements and the most determined of intruders.

Weather Resistant and Thermally Efficient • Safe and Secure • Choice of Colours and Glass Design

tremedoor Keeping the heat in and intruders out

KEEPS THE HEAT IN AND INTRUDERS OUT Online quotes available at www.sheffieldcompositedoors.co.uk Call: 01143 482116 for a free quote or a home visit

ECO SOFAS Don’t Buy New!

RE-UPHOLSTERY

Hoyland Dismantling Co.

is the answer!

SOFAS • CHAIRS • DINING CHAIRS WE COME TO YOU WITH OUR FABRIC SAMPLES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAIL

• NO JOB TOO SMALL • • SPRING REPAIRS • CUSHIONS • • DINING CHAIRS • PLUS MUCH MORE • or why not have your suite made like new with complete

RE-UPHOLSTERY

• Fencing panels manufactured and supplied • New timber • Decking • Oak beams and mantles, pine and oak flooring • New & reclaimed railway sleepers from £10.00 inc VAT each • Stone & architectural products • Natural stone & slate paving

Tinker Lane Foot, Hoyland Common, Barnsley S74 0PR

For more information and to arrange your free estimate daytime or evening call

KEITH SIMPSON

Tel: 01226 747221

0114 275 6390 0114 246 8477

www.hoylanddismantling.co.uk Delivery service available All major credit cards accepted

161 Rutland Road, Sheffield S3 9PP

40 PULSE MAGAZINE

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www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

041 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 10/12/2015 14:20 Page 1

PROMOTIONKIP McGRATH

Is your child’s Christmas school play really necessary, asks David Kaye. ow many of us have sat through a Christmas play to see our precious one playing a tiny part or just being in the choir? Some schools are bursting at the seams for every performance; in others you get a choice of seats and the atmosphere feels empty.

I did, however, come across one primary school last year which carried on the normal timetable until the last afternoon of term. This is fine if you believe that drama, music and art are sidelines to the main events – English and maths.

The government has reduced the significance of the arts in our curriculum to focus more on ‘core’ subjects. There has always been significantly more time spent on the three Rs with science in third place in primary schools. The new GCSEs have narrowed the focus of study placing a further squeeze on the arts.

So what do the arts do for us? Well, research has shown, for example, that music significantly improves performance in other subjects. There is also the uplifting nature of the arts.

How many of us have been to the theatre, a concert or Bretton Hall and felt better for the experience?

Another aspect worth considering is the hidden curriculum; the learning which is absorbed by experience. Your school play sheep may have a small part but, in the process of rehearsal and waiting quietly for their moment of glory, or while singing the songs, they need to concentrate, deal with nerves and work

H

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

as part of a team for the good of all in the room.

Maths and English are essentials in learning. A singer who cannot read or count will struggle. There is also an intuitive mathematics in music, as anyone who has studied physics will know. Next March, look out for details of a concert by the Mastersingers, a renowned vocal ensemble, who will perform with local children at Ecclesfield Parish Church. The event will be sponsored by Kip McGrath Sheffield North.

Next time you are watching a school play think about how much the children are gaining through their participation, no matter how small that appears to be. Spare a thought, too, for the effort the teachers make – over and above their existing commitment.

Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

David Kaye is the Centre Director for Kip McGrath Centres Sheffield North in Ecclesfield and was a former headteacher with 25 years’ experience in South and West Yorkshire.

@PulseRMC

41 PULSE MAGAZINE

042 Pulse Dec15_Layout 1 10/12/2015 10:22 Page 1

PULSEIN BRIEF

Ball raises funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital More than 600 generous charity supporters turned out for a star-studded charity ball and raised £111,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the process.

The sold-out Winter Ball, held every two years by The Children’s Hospital Charity, was this year hosted by charity patron and TV and radio presenter Dan Walker at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, with guests including Jessica Ennis-Hill, Pete McKee and Matt Fitzpatrick.

The event raised money for an intraoperative 3T MRI scanner, which will make the neurosurgery department one of the most advanced centres in the country.

An auction, led by Blundells auctioneer Lucy Crapper, featured prizes including a Singapore F1 experience, dinner at Coutts with Michael Palin and a behind-the-scenes day at Football Focus.

Goodbye to Elaine

Elaine Hoyle (above), Oughtibridge Primary School’s cook, has retired.

The children held a special assembly in which Elaine was presented with cards, flowers, gifts and a super cake baked Barnsley College’s restaurant, The Open Kitchen, has by deputy been awarded the AA College Rosette Award and the headteacher People 1st Silver Accreditation for outstanding delivery Miss Firth. of hospitality training and qualifications.

TWEET “Mrs Hoyle Both accolades signify to students and employers TWEET was a huge that the catering training delivered by Barnsley College You can follow asset to the Pulse on Twitter: meets industry standards and develops skilled staff to school, giving @PulseRMC comply with demanding business needs. many years of The recently re-branded restaurant offers a training dedicated environment for students studying catering and hospitality courses. Expert tutors prepare service, and we the students to work as chefs or in a variety of positions within the hospitality industry. The will all miss her,” said restaurant is open to the public and holds a range of special themed events throughout the year. headteacher Patricia Munt.

Pictured: catering course leader Martyn Hollingsworth (left) receives the AA Rosette Award and People 1st Silver Accreditation from People 1st membership operations manager Andy Doyle.

College restaurant’s excellence recognised

Amblers mark milestone The Acorn Inn on Burncross Road hosted a celebration to mark the sustained success of their Acorn Amble – a 22-mile sponsored walk from Castleton back to the pub.

The 19th annual walk raised £10,100, which brings the amble’s total fundraising figure to £105,970.

Co-organiser Jonathan Jones said: “From an initial get together 20 years ago, it is hard to believe that this amount has been raised for local charities. This represents a prolonged effort not only by the walkers but also by the regular team of organisers.”

Officials from this year’s chosen charities, EDS and Sheffield Carers, received the cheque from local ambler Gloria Haglington and landlady ambler Amy Grayhurst.

Bumford’s French connection

Antoine Delneste

42 PULSE MAGAZINE

Bumford regularly welcomes French plumbing and heating apprentices from colleges across France. Their latest recruit was Antoine Delneste from Dijon in Burgundy, who is currently in his second year of study.

While at Bumford, Antoine shadowed engineers while working in customer’s homes throughout Yorkshire.

This unique and highly valuable work experience opportunity was joint funded by the EU Erasmus+ programme, the Bourgogne Regional Council and the Compagnons du Devoir de Dijon Apprentice Training Centre, where Antoine is studying for his qualification.

@PulseRMC

Nativity scene on display St John’s Church, Owlerton, is featuring a life-size nativity until 6 January. Each Sunday, the scene changes as the Christmas story is told using scarecrow-type figures made by members of the congregation.

The display even features a full-sized camel thanks to the generosity and talent of well known Yorkshire artist Colette Cullen, who made the camel free of charge.

www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

022 Pulse May13 03/05/2013 11:31 Page 1

John Heath & Sons Ecclesfield Funeral Home

An independent family business for over 130 years Our funeral home is located in peaceful surroundings with beautiful reception rooms and gardens and easy parking.

John Heath and Sons Sheffield's most popular independent funeral directors have created a new funeral home to help continue to serve bereaved families in the north of Sheffield.

If you would like to speak to someone about any of our services why not call in to our funeral home or phone

John Heath & Sons Ecclesfield Funeral Home, 206 Highgreave, Ecclesfield, S5 9GQ

% 0114 257 0080

042 SSide Dec15_Layout 1 16/11/2015 16:03 Page 1

##SPROUTFREE SSPROUTFREE

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Tired of Tinsel? Sick of Santa?

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER GRANDSTAND PACKAGE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION TICKET

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www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk 01302 304200 | info@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, race times and details of the event please visit our website. Booking restrictions and fees may apply.

Doncaster Racecourse encourages responsible gambling. www.gambleaware.co.uk. Please drink responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk

049 Sixer Dec15_Layout 1 03/12/2015 09:32 Page 1

CKB NOW MOVED TO OUR NEW PREMISES

FREE DESIGN & QUOTATION SERVICE COMPLETE KITCHEN & BEDROOM SOLUTIONS 187 MIDDLEWOOD ROAD, HILLSBOROUGH, SHEFFIELD S6 4HD • TEL: 0114 221 8287 EMAIL: COMPLETEKITCHENS@HOTMAIL.CO.UK | WEB: WWW.COMPLETEKITCHENS-BEDROOMS.CO.UK

019 Pulse Apr15 31/03/2015 15:43 Page 1

R B Allan & Sons

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WE LOOK AFTER YOUR PROJECT FROM START TO SATISFIED COMPLETION!

ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK • New build & extensions • Renovations & refurbishments • Brick pointing & cleaning • All aspects of Roofing • Flat roofing specialists • Loft conversions • Driveways & paving • uPVC windows, doors & conservatories • Plastering & damp proofing • Fascias & guttering • Kitchens & bathrooms • Property maintenance & repairs

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Quality Work at Competitive Rates All Work Fully Guaranteed 01142 402529

07961 943391

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047 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 17:18 Page 1

Evening Wednesday 20 January 2016 6.00pm to 8.00pm

For A Levels come and see our brand new Sixth Form campus, St Mary’s Place, Barnsley Sat Nav postcode: S70 2JS

+44 (0)1226 216 123 info@barnsley.ac.uk www.barnsley.ac.uk www.barnsleysixthformcollege.co.uk Recognised as outstanding by Ofsted

NOV2715OEPA

For vocational courses and apprenticeships go to our Old Mill Lane campus, Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2AX

048 Pulse Nov15_Layout 1 05/11/2015 15:10 Page 1

PROMOTIONTANKERSLEY PARK GOLF CLUB

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player looking for a new challenge, Tankersley Park Golf Club has something for everyone. ave you ever considered joining a golf club? If so, now is the perfect time.

With a fantastic location and superb course, Tankersley Park Golf Club (TPGC) has much to entice golfers for the 2016 season.

All are welcome at TPGC – including beginners, juniors, ladies, gentlemen, pay-as-you-play, societies and corporate groups – and flexible memberships are available. Contact the secretary for more details.

The construction of a new practice facility will commence in the next few months and hopefully be up and running for the winter. This facility will be open to all – the general public, as well as members – and will be a welcome addition to the area for all budding golfers to practise during the dark winter months.

The land has a fascinating past, with many uses over the last few centuries. It was an oak forest, a civil war battlefield, a baronial deer park, a coal and ironstone mining area and even a battle tank testing ground before being transformed into a beautifully manicured golf course.

Tankersley Park Golf Club was originally designed by Arthur Storey in 1907. It was then re-designed by Frederick George Hawtree, the original founder of golf course architecture company Hawtree Ltd, which is now run by the third generation Martin Hawtree. The company dates from 1912 and has been associated with the building or remodelling of more than 800 golf courses including Royal Birkdale and Sunningdale. More recently, the company has been working with Donald Trump on his new courses, including Trump International.

H

Tankersley Park Golf Club Park Lane, High Green, Sheffield, S35 4LG Tel: 0114 246 8247 Email: secretary@tankersleyparkgolfclub.org.uk

For further information or an application form, contact Tankersley Park Golf Club on 0114 246 8247 or email secretary@tankersleyparkgolfclub.org.uk. You can also visit the website www.tankersleyparkgolfclub.co.uk.

48 PULSE MAGAZINE

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SPECIAL WINTER OFFER l 18 holes of golf, a full English breakfast and a hot drink for four people. l Offer available from 10am Tuesday-Friday only, between 1 October 2015 and 29 February 2016. l All tee-times to be booked directly with the club pro shop quoting reference number Pulse11. l Club rules apply to all players.

£90 www.regionalmagazine.co.uk

031 Pulse Oct15_Layout 1 07/10/2015 16:53 Page 1

3 Vertical Blinds up to 6ft x 6ft Supplied & fitted

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Christmas

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050 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 17:15 Page 1

E s t a bl i s he d 1977 19 7 7 Established FOR SALE 10 1 0V Viewtree iewtree Close Close •2B Bedroom edroom D Detached et ached B Bungalow ungalow • Generously Generously proportioned propor tioned •R Rare ar e o opportunity ppor tunit y tto o llive ive in in Harley H a r l ey •P opular Semi S e mi R ur al Village V illa ge Popular Rural •C Cul-de-sac ul- de -sac Location Lo c a t i o n •M Must us t B Bee V Viewed i e we d

Off b Offers between £220,000 - £230,000

Wee completed W d on over over

£3.5 £ 3.5 million million po pounds unds wor th of lo worth local ca l p property roperty last month, more sstock tock is is urgently urgently n e e de d . more needed.

32 Lane 3 2 Skew Skew Hill Hill L ane • EExtended x tended 33/4 /4 b bedroom edroom ssemi emi de detached t ached • FFantastic ant a s tic views views of of open open countryside countr yside tto o tthe he ffront r ont • 3 reception reception rrooms o o ms Conservatory •C onser vator y •D Delightful elight ful gardens gardens Must bee vviewed •M us t b i e we d

FOR SALE

Offers Off feer s betw between een £240,000 - £250,000

E Experience. x p e r i e n ce . K Knowledge. n o w l e d g e . SService. e r v i ce . blundells.com bl u nd e l l s . c o m

051 Pulse Dec15_Sixer L&R 09/12/2015 17:16 Page 1

Established 1977

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Experience. Knowledge. Service.

Call or visit your local office Sales & Lettings 0114 257 0170 • Unit 4 Market Street, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2UW

140 WSide Dec15_Layout 1 16/11/2015 11:19 Page 1