The Mercury Issue 1561

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S MAYOR ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEXT STEP TOWARDS RADICAL TRANSFORMATION OF BUS SERVICES

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has welcomed the conclusion of the Franchising Assessment which states that buses in the region should be taken back under public control with depots and fleet owned by the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) as the preferred option, paving the way for a radical transformation of bus services as quickly and legally as possible.

The Franchising Assessment report is subject to approval at an MCA Board meeting on 12 March 2024. If it is approved, the next

step is for the MCA to obtain a report from an independent auditor in order to proceed with the Franchising Scheme. Then a 12-week public consultation must be run ensure that local passengers, businesses and transport providers can have their say before the MCA takes the decision as to whether to implement the Scheme. Mayor Coppard has been committed to bus reform since day one of being elected, with feedback from 30 public meetings on bus services across all four boroughs in South Yorkshire telling him the current system is not

working for them.

Radical transformation

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “At next week’s MCA Board meeting, we will be taking a big decision about the future of our buses; the next big step towards radically transforming how buses work in South Yorkshire.

“Because right now our bus services are in a spiral of decline. That’s not just a disaster for our economy, or our environment, it’s denying opportunity to people right across our communities.

“That’s why I have always been committed to radically improving our

public transport network; because ultimately if we want people to stay near and go far in South Yorkshire, we need a better public transport system. We are already getting the tram back under public control, and now this is another huge step towards us getting better buses and getting back the world class bus system we once had.

“Having seen the full Franchising Assessment, I believe the assessment shows that bus franchising – taking buses back into public control, so we make all the major decisions not private bus companies – is the best

way to do just that; to radically transform how our buses work, and to deliver the services we deserve. Next week’s meeting will allow us to take the next big step towards

a day at the races with weston Park Cancer Charity

Weston Park Cancer Charity are delighted to announce that their annual ‘Ant Marketing Weston Park Cancer Charity Race Day’ will take place on Friday 31 May 2024 and they’re inviting you to come along and enjoy what promises to be a fun-filled and thrilling day for everyone!

The annual race day has become a firm favourite on their events calendar and this year they are hoping to host even more Weston Park Cancer Charity guests at the prestigious and historical Doncaster Racecourse.

Not only will guests enjoy a day of racing and hospitality and get a chance to get glammed up, but all money raised will go towards funding the charity’s vital research and ensuring they can continue our support for the 1 in 2 people who are affected by cancer across our region.

The charity are also delighted to be providing a limited number of FREE grandstand tickets exclusively for Weston Park patients and their families.

Patients can book their free grandstand tickets, courtesy of Weston Park Cancer Charity and Doncaster Racecourse at weston-park-race-evening2024-countytickets.raisely.com Free tickets are also available for Sheffield Teaching Hospital Cancer Services team members.

The charity also say they are honoured to once again have leading Sheffield Contact Centre firm Ant Marketing as the headline sponsor for the race day.

Chief Executive Officer of Ant Marketing, Anthony Hinchliffe, is a Charity Patron and has a very special connection to the charity after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Thankfully Ant was given the allclear after receiving treatment at Weston Park. He now dedicates much of his time to raising money and awareness for the charity.

Ant said: “Weston Park Cancer Charity is a hugely special organisation to me and will always hold a place in my heart.

I have witnessed first hand the amazing work and support they provide cancer patients, and we are lucky to have them.

“During my own cancer journey, it was the amazing people and support at the charity and the hospital that got me through. They were there for me and my family when we needed them most, and I will never forget the impact they had on my life. They saved my life.

“When we got the chance to sponsor the charity’s annual race day again, it was an opportunity I was glad to take. I will do all I can to help raise money for this incredible organisation and I can’t wait for another amazing night at Doncaster Racecourse in May. I look forward to seeing you there!”

The race day is one of the charity’s flagship dates in the calendar and they are expecting tickets to be sold quickly!

Get your tickets now at westonpark-race-evening-2024countytickets.raisely.com

SPRINGFIELD CARAVANS

Sales Team on 0114 276 3633

PAUL WHITEHOUSE STARS AS DEL BOY & CO COME TO SHEFFIELD

September this year. I’m delighted to return to the role of Grandad once more – I’ve really missed him - and audiences will also get to see all the other hilarious characters they know and love from the television series live on stage at their local theatre. We can’t wait to see you. Mange Tout!

Paul Whitehouse says “We had four amazing years in the West End playing to packed out houses every night, so it’s an honour to take Only Fools on the road to towns and cities up and down the country from

Mange Tout!”

Directed by the originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger, and based on John Sullivan’s legendary record-breaking television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown

musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs. This major UK and Ireland tour of Only Fools and Horses The Musical will feature Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra,

Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce, Mike the Barman, the Driscoll Brothers and all the gang. Further casting will be announced shortly.

Fans and critics alike praised Only Fools and Horses The Musical in their droves during its triumphant West End run: The Sun awarded five stars, hailing it “One Del of a show!”; the Daily Mirror said it was “a treat for Trotter fans” in their five-star review. The Sunday Times bestowed four stars and remarked that “Only Fools is a blast

06/3/1962 - Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 begins on the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States.

07/3/2009 - The Kepler space observatory, designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars, is launched.

08/3/1817 - The New York Stock Exchange is founded.

from our wide-boy past. A hearty stage adaptation of the 1980s BBC television comedy”. Evening Standard also awarded four stars, complimenting the “unashamedly British night out. A jubilant lovely jubbly!”. While the Daily Mail urged its readers to “raise a glass of ‘Tittinger’ to Del Boy and Rodney as Only Fools and Horses storms the West End!”

With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you’ve never heard it before, and an array of

brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right ol’ knees-up! Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share. So don’t delay, get on the blower, and get a ticket for a truly cushty night out - only a 42 carat PLONKER would miss it!

Tickets are available now from the City Hall Box Office and sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

Crossword Clues

across

7) Wheel spindle (4)

8) Unrealistic theorist (8)

9) Thoughtful (11)

11) Knock out (4)

12) Arrange (8)

13) Horseless carriage (5, 3)

15) Masticate (4)

16) Acute awareness (11)

18) Railway station (8)

19) Dry (4)

4) Cold keeping (13)

5) Cereal protein (6)

6) Demand (3)

10) Assess (9) 14) Key (6)

15) Beware (6) 17) Torn shred (6)

Last Week’s Solution

across: 6) Mix, 7) Harlequin, 9) Therapeutic, 11) Sweep, 12) Pelican, 14) Creator, 15) Crepe, 17) Conspicuous, 19) Hairpiece, 20) Pin

My high school bully still takes my lunch money. But on the upside, he makes great Subway sandwiches!

What’s the difference between a Hippo and a Zippo?

Ones really heavy, the others a little lighter.

After spending 20 minutes trying to get my wifes bra off, I decided to give up, I wish I’d never put it on now.

6th March - 12th March

09/3/1959 The Barbie doll makes its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

10/3/1933 An earthquake in Long Beach, California kills 115 people and causes an estimated $40 million dollars in damage.

in Vicksburg, Mississippi, by local soda fountain operator Joseph Biedenharn.

TERRY’S FURNITURE CENTRE Wordsworth Drive (Off Wordsworth Avenue) • Sheffield S5 8NP TerrysBargainCentre 0114 231 0441 3 PIECE SUITES TOP PRICES PAID! WANTED!!!

If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it... Then my illegal logging business is a success!

My doctor just told me I was suffering from paranoia. He didn’t actually say that, but I could tell it was what he was thinking.

Bought my wife a fridge for her birthday. You should’ve seen her face light up when she opened it!

Last night I watched a documentary on a guy who worked sixty hours a week crushing coke cans. It was soda pressing.

I went out and had ten pints of yogurt last night. I was well Muller’d.

Burnt my Hawaiian pizza today. Should have put it on aloha setting!

An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either!

1. In what year was Justin Bieber born? a) 1990 b) 1992 c) 1994

2. What physically separates Tasmania from the Australian mainland? a) Bass Strait b) Tasmania Strait c) Beagle Channel

3. What weapon would you associate with Damocles?

4. What is Bath Blue?

5. What is Edelweiss?

6. What is the ceremonial dagger worn as part of the traditional Scottish dress known as? a) Kirk b) Greimire c) Skean-dhu

7. Panorama is the world’s longest-running current affairs TV show, but in what decade was it first broadcast?

8. The airport in Springfield Illinois is named after which American president?

9. Arriana Huffington, who started the news platform ‘The Huffington Post’ was born in which mediteranean country?

10. Who wrote the novel Brighton Rock?

To Weekly Quiz 06/3/1917 Frankie Howerd 07/3/1970 Rachel Weisz 08/3/1954 Cheryl Baker 09/3/1987 – Bow Wow 10/3/1987 – Emeli Sande 11/3/1964 – Shane Richie 12/3/1946 – Liza Minnelli

Home Farm Park is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet getaway or holiday home ownership in a secluded location in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside.

Offering the best of coast and country, this tranquil holiday park near Skegness opened for business in 2020 and offers lodge and cottage holidays as well as the opportunity to own your own holiday home in a stunning setting.

Say hello to spacious plots, manicured grounds and quiet getaways at Home Farm Park.

It is located just a mile from the picturesque market town of Burgh-le-Marsh and only five miles from the bustling seaside resort of Skegness. So, you’re close enough to enjoy all that this resort has to offer while being far enough away to avoid all the hustle and bustle, should you prefer the quiet life. And, of course, you’re only a stone’s throw from hundreds of square miles of beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, should you fancy exploring.

Home Farm Park is also a great option for those looking for a fishing holidays near Skegness, with a well-stocked lake that represents a challenge for fishermen of all abilities.

Common Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness PE24 5HL

Work to begin to revamp part of Waterdale in Doncaster city centre

with a new space bringing with it a tidier, greener and fresher look which we believe will help attract both further investment and help local businesses in the nearby area.

The old library closed its doors for the final time in November 2020, having been open for 51 years, making way for the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “This is the beginning of a new era for the Waterdale area,

“The Central Library was open for over 50 years in our city and is a historic building for many of our residents, but we are committed to regenerating and improving our city centre. With the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum now firmly in place, we can commence the next phase of regenerative work in the Waterdale area to complement our Civic and Cultural Quarter.”

The work to regenerate the area, funded as part of the National Levelling Up Fund scheme, is

expected to last until the end of September, with the demolition of the library expected to last approximately 14 weeks. Traffic diversions will be updated regularly via the council website and where necessary via social media. Pedestrian access through the Waterdale area will also be restricted during the work, with diversions in place past Ward Brothers but access to businesses within the area is still available with all businesses remaining open.

For further information on traffic diversions – visit www. doncaster.gov.uk/services/ transport-streets-parking/ current-roadworks

With Mother’s Day just over a week away, many shoppers will be flocking to purchase flowers as a token of their appreciation.

Without proper care, flowers can start wilting within just a few days. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure flowers last for a week or even longer – and it all comes down to preventing conditions that allow bacteria to flourish, according to one gardening expert. Here are our top tips:

Choose a long-lasting variety

One of the easiest ways to ensure the longevity of your flowers is to opt for a naturally long-lasting variety. Chrysanthemums, carnations and orchids are more durable varieties that can survive for several weeks. On the other hand, more delicate varieties, such as tulips and peonies, have a vase life of around five days, and are likely to wilt much more quickly.

Always start with a clean vase

Vases with narrow openings are typically harder to clean and are prone to trapping bacteria, which can contaminate the water and cause flowers to age and decompose quicker, so aim to use a vase with a wide opening if possible. Try to avoid using a plastic vase, as the porous material is more likely to harbour bacteria. Trim flower stems at an angle

Cut flower bouquets have their stems pre-cut but they are likely to have closed up by the time you purchase them. Therefore, it’s important to trim half an inch off each stem at a 45-degree angle using a clean knife or pair of sharp scissors, before setting your flowers in a

vase. Cutting the stems diagonally maximises the surface area for water absorption, allowing your flowers to stay more hydrated.

Remove foliage below the water line

Any leaves or petals submerged in vase water should be removed as they can promote bacterial growth. You can keep any healthy foliage that is above the water line, to preserve your bouquet and make it look as full as possible.

Keep flowers out of sunlight and away from fruit Flowers should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources as these can cause wilting. It’s best to place your flowers in a cooler environment with plenty of indirect light. Make sure to also keep flowers away from the fruit bowl, as ripening fruit such as bananas and apples produce an odourless gas called ethylene, which causes flowers to age and drop petals more quickly.

Change the vase water regularly

Make sure the water in your vase is clean and change it often to remove any bacteria. If the vase water is visibly cloudy or has debris in it, this is a sign that it needs replacing with fresh water.

Use nourishing flower food

You often get a small sachet of liquid flower food with your bouquet.

To extend the bouquet’s shelf life, aim to add additional flower food each time that you replace the water. You can make a homemade solution by adding two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of white vinegar to one litre of lukewarm water.

NEw COUNCIl HOUsING

More than 1,000 council homes will be built or acquired in the next five years to increase the number of properties available in Sheffield.

As the council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, this will help to meet some of that demand. To meet that challenge, £255m has been set aside for acquisitions and new builds in 2024/25. This adds to £28m already allocated for 2023/24, meaning £283m in total being spent. The Council is also looking to secure significant Government funding through our partnership with Homes England and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). The plan to build and acquire these 1,012 homes is an ambitious one to increase our council housing stock. Work continues across the council to increase people’s choice of homes. This also helps create local jobs and training opportunities as part of the Council’s procurement arrangements.The Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee has now approved proposals within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan that see us continue our ambitious Stock Increase Programme (SIP). A combination of new builds and purchased properties, as outlined in the newly agreed 2024/2025 Capital Strategy, will see our stock rise by the year 2029.

Cllr Tom Hunt said: “We want everyone to have access to a secure, stable home in great neighbourhoods. Good quality housing is essential to enable people to thrive. We are committed to increasing the supply of new, affordable homes in our city and over the next five years we will be bringing forward more than 1,000 new council homes. We will build new council homes and find properties

that can be purchased. This will help us to increase our council housing stock and enable more people to have good, affordable housing while relieving what is unprecedented levels of demand on our current stock. Sheffield is a growing city and we know we need to build new homes of all types to meet the needs of a growing population. We will work with partners in the public and private sector to make this happen and there is a lot of work taking place to increase housing growth in our city. We are utilising our sites to accelerate affordable housing delivery by working in partnership with Housing Associations. This includes looking at more than 130 further potential sites of development alongside our partners over the coming year as part of our Housing Growth Delivery Plan. This could increase our council housing stock further. We will also be working with partners to identify properties for use as social or affordable rent homes across the city. In 2024/25 we will bringing forward 15 to 20 sites across the city, that have the capacity to deliver in the region of 600 homes. Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality and affordable homes for current residents and those who choose to live and work here in the future. The timing for the delivery of these homes delivered outside the Council will be subject to the delivery programme of the providers that acquire the sites. Therefore, dates of completion cannot be given at this stage. This SIP ensures we are building new, environmentallyfriendly council properties where we know there is high demand for affordable housing.”

MaYOR’s lETTER URGEs Hsf

Here is a letter sent jointly by mayors in the UK to the Gonvernment: Dear Prime Minister, Cc: Chancellor, Secretary of State DWP

As the UK’s Metro Mayors, we are united in our support for the extension of the Household Support Fund beyond March 2024. There is strong evidence for its renewal as an essential source of welfare assistance for our most vulnerable communities and we would urge you to include it in the Spring Budget.

Across our regions, HSF has provided a vital lifeline to hundreds of thousands of those most in need. It has been used creatively by Local Authorities for emergency hardship payments, to boost food bank supplies, to support those fleeing domestic violence, to fund holiday activities and food vouchers for at risk young people. With council funding in a precarious position, the HSF is an example of central and local government working together to target interventions to alleviate poverty and prevent further widening of the inequalities between the most and least deprived in our society.

But the circumstances of our most deprived communities have not suddenly improved. They still face the reality of inflated bills, alongside the end of the cost-ofliving payment scheme in March, without any material decline in their costs of living. The schemes supported by HSF are heavily oversubscribed. According to

LGA research, over 80% of Local Authorities have seen hardship increase in their areas, and far too many will not be able to replace funding lost through HSF due to the severe financial strain they are already facing. This would be catastrophic for many people in our poorest communities who would slide further into poverty at the complete removal of support through HSF. Our role as Metro Mayors is to boost economic growth in our regions, but we cannot do this to the best of our ability if households facing crises are challenged with financial emergency, homelessness or destitution without any support available. Barnardo’s have estimated requests for crisis help with children’s beds has increased four-fold from 2018, because families cannot afford that ‘luxury’. We recognise that HSF does not represent a sustainable long-term approach to supporting vulnerable individuals and tackling poverty. We would welcome further discussion as to the role that we can play in the long term to help achieve this goal. That task will become much more difficult if families across our regions do not have an emergency support net in the short term. We urge you to take steps to avoid this cliff edge facing our communities and commit to the continuation of the Household Support Fund in the Spring Budget.

Kind Regards, Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire

pET fOsTER vOlUNTEERs NEEdEd!

Blue Cross pet charity in Old Station Drive, Sheffield, is calling out to animal lovers to help foster homeless pets until permanent new homes are found.

The site does not have kennelling facilities and homeless pets much prefer to be in a real home whilst Blue Cross finds them a permanent new families.

Katy Orton, Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Sheffield said: “We are looking for volunteer carers to foster all kinds of pets including tiny mice up to large cats and dogs.

It is particularly important for us to find foster homes for kittens and puppies so that they can have positive experiences in a real home during their first few weeks of life. This helps them get used to everyday noises and activities so they grow into welladjusted, confident and happy adult pets”.

Volunteer foster carers need to be over 18, have their own transport for vet visits and meetings with potential new owners at the centre. Blue Cross even wants people who are only available for short periods of time, or at certain times of year, as this can be invaluable for emergency cases. There is full training, ongoing support and all costs are covered by Blue Cross.

Dog foster carers need a garden or other outside space and cat foster carers a spare room or quiet area for cats to adjust. Katy continued: “We have a super small team here at the Sheffield RABU and we are appealing for more people to come forward to join our network of incredible foster carers.

Looking after pets in need is a highly rewarding experience, as is playing a vital role in finding their future happy endings.”

To find out more about pet fostering and all volunteering roles currently available at Blue Cross in Sheffield visit www.bluecross.org.uk/ volunteer.

With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare.

Sheffield retains ‘real ale capital of the world’ title, as thriving brewing industry drives tourism and regeneration

Sheffield has retained its position as the 'Real Ale Capital of the World', with the thriving brewing industry driving tourism and regeneration across the city, a new report reveals.

The new report, commissioned by the University of Sheffield, found the brewing scene in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority area is bucking the national trend for closures, despite the challenges of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.

The region is now home to 58 breweries, more per head of population than anywhere else in the country, producing around 1,800 different beers every year. A strong culture of traditional pubs that “feel different” to elsewhere in the country, and which see over 600 different beers being served every day on its bars, means Sheffield is experiencing a beer tourism boom, the report found.

Dozens of events, from the Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival, to the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival, are taking advantage of, and supporting, this pub culture. Breweries are also helping to regenerate in run-down areas, often being the forerunners of other indie and like-minded businesses that turn an area into the next hip hot-spot.

First conducted in 2016, the

new report has once again been written by award-winning beer writer Pete Brown, who was born and raised in Barnsley. The report surveyed breweries across Sheffield and the wider region about the state of the industry in the area. Key findings included:

• Sheffield is home to four breweries per 100,000 head of population, while the broader Mayoral Combined Authority has three.Either measure is many times higher than cities such as Edinburgh (1.1), Manchester (0.2), London (0.4) or Dublin (0.6), which are often cited in surveys of the best beer cities in the world that use high numbers of breweries per capita.

• Brewers across the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority produce a total of around 1,800 different beers every year, with around 780 of those being brewed in the city of Sheffield itself.

• Almost 70 per cent of the beer brewed by local brewers is drunk within the local region. The report also found 70 per cent of cask ale brands sold in the city of Sheffield are brewed within 20 miles of the city centre.

• Approximately 300 different real ales are on sale in Sheffield every day, with around the same number

of craft keg beers also available.

• The city and region’s breweries and pubs are still predominantly cask (real) ale focused, again bucking a national decline which has seen sales volumes half in the last decade, but a wider variety of beers can now be found than in 2016. With cask beer being almost exclusively a British product, Sheffield can again claim to be the real ale capital of the world.

• The Visit Sheffield website lists 362 beer attractions – second only to the outdoors, which has been Sheffield Tourism’s key priority in recent years.

Author of the report, Pete Brown, said: “Sheffield’s prowess as a beer city won’t come as a surprise to anyone who drinks here. But it’s fascinating that when you do the research and generate the numbers, the claim of being one of the best beer cities in the world really stands up.

"Sheffield is having a bit of a moment just now, punching massively above its weight, culturally. And its brewing scene is the glue that holds that culture together.”

But the report also notes that while breweries in the region have been resilient and adaptable thus far, they are in “survival mode”, with no capacity to expand.

In 2016, two-thirds of the

breweries surveyed said that they were planning significant expansion over the next twelve months; today that figure has dropped to around one in five. There is also a lack of support from local authorities which means that while Sheffield in many ways out-performs its brewing rivals, it could do even better with more active, broader involvement and promotion.

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City Culture and Public Engagement at the University of Sheffield, said: “Sheffield has always been a city of makers and what makes the report’s findings really interesting is the added value this industry of modern-day little mesters are bringing to the region.

"They are not just brewing beer; they are providing a huge tourism

pull for people from far afield, while also regenerating neighbourhoods in organic, unplanned ways.

“To anyone living in Sheffield and visiting its pubs, it will come as no surprise that this new report has reaffirmed what we discovered in 2016; that Sheffield really can lay claim to being the ‘real ale capital of the world’.”

Adding to one of its strongest lineups to date – which already includes Paulo Nutini, Jamie T, Snow Patrol, The Human League and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – comes a bill of stand-up comedians to rival any at Hammersmith’s iconic Live at the Apollo. Comedy headliners include Hull’s funniest, pint-sized export, Lucy Beaumont (Friday); the oddball, carrier-bag-clutching Angelos Epithemiou (Saturday) famed for his time on Reeves & Mortimer’s Shooting Stars; and devout, cardigan-loving vegan - 8

Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown captain, Jon Richardson (Sunday). There is plenty of comedy talent in support too including Justin Moorhouse (Phoenix Nights),

international writer Olivia Lee (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno); the Time Out and Chortle-award winning, Andrew Maxwell, and loads more. No comedy event would be complete without a Master of Ceremonies and Tramlines switches them each day to include Phil Ellis (nominated for the prestigious Sky Best Comedy Show at the 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Awards); witty Scotsman Gareth Waugh, and the razor-sharp Matt Reed.

While the majority of the Tramlines’ core music lineup has already been announced, organisers found space for two quality new additions; Leeds indierockers The Pigeon Detectives who last year returned with their sixth studio album TV Show following a career’s worth of platinum and gold accolades. And, holding a ‘Next Wave’ accolade on Radio 1’s Future Artists, are rising stars Balancing Act, set to bring their electrifying live show to Sheffield.

Tramlines is also delighted to announce the lineup for The Open Arms: the only stage on site where literally, anything goes. TV’s Shaun Williamson is back by popular demand with his Barrioke audience sing-along show. Plucking Different will create ukulele mayhem when the band unleashes its eclectic mix of feel-good songs, from Muse to Mumford and Sons. The tweedclad, 10-piece, brass powerhouse, Old Dirty Brasstards make a special welcome return. The utterly unique Flash Bang Brass will bring the club, rave and pop vibes with their party-starting LED show. Plus more unmissable entertainment comes from the Dolly Parton-loving duo, Double Dollys where guests can expect comedy, live songs and, of course, line dancing.

Also at The Open Arms this year is the return of ‘Slambarz presents: Speakers Corner’, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent across three dynamic sessions

including an all female showcase on Saturday 27th July. Slambarz focuses on live performance and artist development for young people aged 14-25, offering a safe, creative space where they can pursue their passions through music. Among the standout acts is rising star Kid Blu3 - her unique blend of rap, compelling lyrics and soulful melodies, have captured the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike. The Slambarz lineup also includes a diverse, rich music offering from such unique new acts as Miah, Geeraii, Nicole Marie, and W4nnjiro. From the energetic beats of DJ Dylor and DJ Law to the innovative flows of Keyz. Tenten and BuzzNorthway, this year’s Slambarz is a must-see at Tramlines 2024.

The fabulous and uniquely talented Stars Band also return to Tramlines as part of a relationship that began with the first edition of

Tramlines in 2009. The Stars Band are a product of Under the Stars, a Sheffield-based disability arts charity that runs regular nightclub events alongside music and drama sessions for adults. The Stars Band draw influence from many sources with a hard-hitting punky sound that celebrates the huge musical ability of their artists.

Each evening when the sun begins to set over Tramlines, The Open Arms switches things up a gear as it hands over the sound system to Sheffield club night favourites: 2014 The Club Night, Club Tropicana and ABBA Party. Usually found at Sheffield institution, The Leadmill, these well-loved events guarantee festival goers the best party music to round off the night, leaving smiling faces everywhere as they head for the tram home.

All Friday tickets for Tramlines have sold out in record time. The only way to catch unmissable sets on Friday at Tramlines from

the likes of Paulo Nutini, Bombay Bicycle Club and Sophie Ellis Bextor, is to purchase a Weekend ticket costing £130+bf (monthly payment options are available). But be quick, there’s only a limited number available! Saturday and Sunday tickets are selling fast but remain on sale from £45+bf. All tickets can be purchased from www.tramlines.org.uk.

There’s much more to be unveiled for Tramlines 2024 including stage splits, the results of the 2024 Apply to Play competition, the familyfriendly area ‘Into the Trees’, a revamped offering of independent food traders, bespoke craft beer and ale, vintage clothes stores, and roaming entertainment across the site, altogether making Tramlines one of the best-value three-day festivals in the country!

For all the latest updates and announcements, follow Tramlines on socials @tramlines.

Sat mar 9th RAChEL LAuREN

top Female vocaliSt

Sat mar 16th RuTh STANFORD

Star male vocaliSt

FRIDAY MAR 8Th EWAN FAWCETT

SuPERB MALE VOCALIST

SATuRDAY MAR 9Th

FINAL EDIT

TOP DuO

FRIDAY MAR 15Th

DEBBIE jAYNE

SuPERB FEMALE VOCALIST

SATuRDAY MAR 16Th BLACK hEARTS

STAR DuO

friday 8th march - 8pm quiz & open the box

Saturday 9th march

diSco & karaoke

from 8.00 pm

march

karaoke • fun gameS • open the box chinese bingo • play your cardS right from 5.00 pm

FRIDAy 8Th MAR STAR MALE VOCALIST - IN ThE LOUNgE

ANDy TAyLOR

SATURDAy 9Th MAR TOP LIVE BAND BUTTERFLy

SUNDAy 10Th MAR

SENSATIONAL MALE INSTRUMENTAL DUO UNCLE STAN

FRIDAy 15Th MAR TOP VOCAL INSTRUMENTAL DUO

ADRENALINE II

SATURDAy 16Th MAR STUNNINg MALE DUO hARPER BROThERS

SUNDAy 17Th MAR gREAT gUITAR VOCALIST MARTIN jOhN BURTON

Friday Mar 8th 80S ELECTROMANTICS

Friday Apr 26th

NIGhT!

to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities:

Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON the premises:

Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 23:00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 25th March 2024.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service.

Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

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

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

Notice is hereby given that i: geoRge phiRi

Have made an application under Section 17

Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as RAWAL LouNge: 110 JohN sT, highfieLd, sheffieLd s2 4Qu

I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities:

Provision of late night refreshment:

Sunday - Thursday 23:00 - 01:00

Friday & Saturday 23:00 to 02:00

Sale by retail of alcohol:

Sunday - Thursday 15:00 - 01:00.

Friday - Saturday 15:00 - 02:00

Provision of regulated entertainment, namely:

Playing of recorded music

Sunday - Thursday 23:00 - 01:00.

Friday - Saturday 23:00 - 02:00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 26th March 2024.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service.

Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

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

The Licensing Act 2003 section 34

Notice is hereby given that we:

AgN eveNTs LTd

Have made an application under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 to vary a Premises Licence for the Premises known as

doN vALLey boWL, sheffieLd s9 2df

The details of the variation are as follows:

Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON the premises:

Thursday - Sunday 12:00 -23:00

Provision of late night refreshment:

Thursday - Sunday 23:00 - 00:00

Provision of regulated entertainment, to include performance of live music & playing of recorded music, indoors & outdoors:

Thursday - Sunday 12:00 - 23:00

Non standard hours will apply to the VIP area only for regulated entetainment (live & recorded music) and provision of alcohol until 00:00 Thursday - Sunday

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to the Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Sheffield, S9 3HD about this application by 25th March 2024

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details and to view a copy of the application for variation please contact the Licensing Service on 0114 2734264.

or by e-mail to: licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

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

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

Notice is hereby given that We: hARvesT LANe LTd

Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as uNiT 005, sTAg WoRks, 84 JohN sTReeT, sheffieLd s2 4Qu

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON & OFF the premises:

Sunday - Saturday 11:00 - 00:00

Provision of regulated entertainment, namely; Playing of recorded music: Sunday - Saturday 08:00 - 00:00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 28th March 2024.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service. Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

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

9.00 The Great Pottery Throw Down: The Final Siobhán McSweeney hosts the grand final of the pottery contest, with the three remaining contenders challenged to create chandeliers and faceted bowls. Last in the series.

10.15 Gogglebox The armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during the week.

11.15 FILM: Mothering Sunday (2021) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Odessa Young and Josh O’Connor. 1.15 Ramsay’s

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MONDAY

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY

Coronation Street:

As Dylan waits nervously, Craig approaches and finds a knife in Dylan’s bag and arrests him. Dylan realises with horror that Mason set him up. Fiz tries to impress Carla with some ideas she picked up at the Norfolk factory. Daniel rails at a guilt ridden Adam for getting involved with Harvey and endangering Sarah’s and Bethany’s lives. Yasmeen tells a mystified Stu how she’s certain she spotted Dom in the precinct. When Roy discovers Evelyn is going to get charged for the terrible state Lauren’s flat has been left in he takes responsibility for cleaning it up.

Emmerdale:

Nate is determined to make Caleb pay for ruining his marriage to Tracy. And he’s decided to hit his uncle where it hurts… his bank balance. He reveals there’s one last thing to do and that’s to take his uncle’s beloved Bentley and crush it. There’s a huge relief for Mack who finds out no charges are being pressed against Charity. Kerry makes a chaotic return to the village. It turns out that Kerry’s been booted off the cruise ship she was working on, having been accused of stealing jewellery. At the Kings’, the mood is tearful and tender as the family cling together knowing it’s likely Angel will get a custodial sentence. It’s all smiles for Vanessa who’s loving being back together with Suzy while her sister Tracy feels as if her world is crumbling around her.

Eastenders:

Zack confesses the whole situation with Whitney to a stunned Lauren, who didn’t even know Whitney was pregnant. She can see he’s struggling and she offers her support. Misreading the signals, Zack drunkenly leans in for a kiss. Will Lauren respond? When an excited Gina reveals she’s booked them all a trip to Jamaica, she’s stunned when a triggered George sternly insists he doesn’t want to go. Can he make things right with his upset daughter?

Sonia’s yearning for a baby of her own threatens to overwhelm her after she looks after baby Charli. After someone commented that he needs to get himself some steroids, Denzel resolved to try them out, despite the obvious dangers.

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BLADES SUFFER ANOTHER HEAVY DEFEAT

It was another tough night for everyone connected with the club at Bramall Lane on Monday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners were ruthless under the S2 lights, with five different scorers adding

to a Jayden Bogle owngoal to inflict an heavy loss on Chris Wilder’s men.

The Blades made two changes for Monday’s hosting of the title chasers, with McBurnie replacing the injured

Brewster and Tom Davies making a first start in red and white, with Larouci dropping to the bench. Arsenal started positively and unfortunately that set the tone for the first period. Saka struck the bar and Martinelli saw

the rebound blocked on the line by Robinson.

But in the fifth minute ØDEGAARD opened the scoring from close-range with Rice claiming the assist and eight minutes later that advantage was doubled as BOGLE was unfortunate to put through his own net after Saka had got the better of Trusty.

On 15 minutes, MARTINELLI added a third despite a VAR check for a possible offside and things continued to go from bad to worse when HAVERTZ fired home a fourth after Martinelli had robbed Ahmedhodžić.

A rare foray forward saw McAtee fire over

THE HONESTY AND ENDEAVOUR WAS THERERICHARDSON

Rotherham United’s Head Coach Leam Richardson was unable to question his side’s competitive desire and endeavour following a narrow defeat in a South Yorkshire Derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Millers were unable to overturn a one-goal deficit following Ike Ugbo’s second half opener, despite flashes of goal being shown to the likes of Andy Rinomhota and Sam Nombe.

Speaking after the game, Richardson said:

“I’m disappointed for the fans, it’s a local derby and you want to win and try and get a positive result.

Sheffield Wednesday started the game better than us, but we came back into it.

“The momentum stayed with them for a good 10 to 15 minutes in the first half. At half time we needed to regroup and take the emotion out of it.

“They were trying to do the same thing that we were but did it a little better, they turned our back five a lot more than we did to theirs. I think in the second half it was more even.

“We needed to make more positive decisions on the pitch and be a little more aggressive. We’re trying to improve on many fronts.

“We want to better and we need to keep moving forward. I’ve been in situations throughout my career and we’ve come through it and we’re looking to do that again.

“The honesty and endeavour of the group shines through, but at this level there is a lot of quality. I thought we were competitive but we didn’t do enough.”

off balance, but before half time RICE netted a fifth with Saka’s movement fashioning the opportunity.

The interval saw United make a triple change as Brooks, Osula and Baldock entered the action, with Tom Davies, McBurnie and McAtee making way.

Arsenal added a sixth on 58 minutes as WHITE struck home a left-footed effort with Havertz claiming the assist. United battled on gamely for the remained of the game, with Grbić making a fine save to deny Jesus, which was the last action of note on a disappointing night.

A HUGE WEEK AHEAD - ROHL

After another enthralling Championship afternoon, Danny Röhl says his blue and white battlers will fight all the way to the end.

The Owls produced a vital victory at

Rotherham courtesy of yet another Ike Ugbo goal – and a good job too as relegation rivals QPR, Stoke and Millwall all posted three points.

Rohl said: “It’s another incredible day with the

results everywhere else but all the other teams will be saying the same thing.

“This is why I keep saying we have to focus on ourselves, this is the only way.

“We are the hunter and we will keep fighting, keep giving everything to stay in the Championship.

“This is four wins from five games, my players have been outstanding. “We have given ourselves a good chance and we now have two home games at night to look forward to with Plymouth and Leeds.

“We have a huge week ahead and we need the points.”

WOOD URGES ROVERS TO BUILD ON POSITIVES FROM WALSALL LOSS

Richard Wood insists there is no reason for Rovers’ positive momentum to stall despite suffering defeat at Walsall.

Rovers had an unbeaten run of five matches prior to falling to the loss at the Poundland Bescot Stadium. Captain Wood felt Rovers performed well on the afternoon and were unfortunate to lose, with plenty of positives to be carried forward - starting with the trip to Bradford City in midweek.

“It’s disappointing that the unbeaten run has come to an end,” he said. “But we’ve got to take the positives from it. I thought we controlled the majority of the game.

“Conceding three goals obviously isn’t very good but we’ll debrief it on Monday and go again for Tuesday night.

“We need to take the positives and build on it. Not worry too much about this one and move on to the next game.”

Wood said the mindset of the group has been excellent in recent weeks and feels that will stand them in good stead as they seek to put the defeat behind them.

“That’s why I think we’re in a good place,” he said. “I know we’ve lost and nobody likes losing but we’ve just got to be positive.

“That’s how we have been over the last few games. We can’t worry too much about this and move on

to the next. We need to keep progressing that and keep the momentum going. The gaffer has been brilliant with encouraging us, not being afraid of anything and just being confident going into games. “It’s nice to see everyone performing well. We’ve not got the result today but we just need to keep going.

“The consistent messages just need to keep coming through.”

DAY TRIpS 2024

2ND