The Mercury Issue 1566

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

CASH BOOST FOR ACTive TRAvel iN SOUTH YORKS.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has successfully secured a total of £4.86m from the government agency, Active Travel England, which has announced a £101 million pot of funding for highquality walking, wheeling and cycling routes that will benefit people in South Yorkshire. £3.36 million of £3.9 million worth of schemes asked for from the Active Travel Fund 4 Extension funding has been secured which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling routes in the region.

Nearly £1 million from the Capability Fund has been allocated for South Yorkshire for bike hire, training and maintenance schemes, with SYMCA securing nearly double what it got last year. The aim of the Fund is to support the development

of infrastructure plans and community engagement and training initiatives.

Half a million has also been allocated to help South Yorkshire become a national leader in its e-bikes offer to residents with a pilot for a free e-cycle loan scheme. SYMCA is one of only a handful of authorities in England to receive this funding.

This funding has provided a welcome boost to the region in support of its plans to ease congestion, transform the school run, create healthier communities and better places.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Getting people in South Yorkshire moving more and moving differently is key to my ambitions for improving our region’s health, wellbeing and happiness.

“Today, we took a big step toward that ambition. Last

year we applied for Active Travel England funding but got much less than we hoped for. That was a fair reflection of where we were on our journey.

“We have now been given £3.36 million for improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling across South Yorkshire, nearly £1 million to invest in bike hire, training and maintenance and half a million to run an e-bike loan scheme, helping people in the region to get around more.

“That is recognition of how far we’ve come, but also a signal of support for our huge ambition; an ambition not just to give everyone freedom and choice about how they travel and move, but to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.

“If we are going to give people the freedom and choice to move more and move differently, we need

the funding to improve not just infrastructure but offer the training, skills and support for people who want to make that change for themselves.

“This is a huge signal that we are now making real progress, and important partners like Active Travel England are beginning to see that too.”

South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, said: “It’s my priority to make sure that everyone who wants to walk, wheel and cycle feels confident and safe enough to do so. I want to break down the barriers that are limiting people using healthier travel choices.

“A huge part of that is making sure we have highquality cycle routes that separate bikes from cars on the roads as much as possible, making walking safer by building new paths

and better crossings, and working closely with local people to help them have better choices when it comes to walking, wheeling and cycling.

“E-bikes are a potential game-changer for those who are not currently physically active. Active Travel England’s funding will help us build on the transformative plans we are already taking forward to create a revised strategic vision for walking, wheeling and cycling in South Yorkshire with real people at the heart of our new network plan.”

South Yorkshire’s winning schemes will improve the walking environment in Burngreave, Sheffield, deliver a new segregated cycle route on Bawtry Road in Doncaster, and improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes to schools in Athersley and Bolton Upon Dearne in Barnsley.

1. Graham Greene 2. c) Chester Zoo 3. Scrabble 4. a) Midshipman 5. Eleanor

is Completely Fine 6. Palindrome

American 8. £10 9. Elvis Presley 10. Mace

I was at a restaurant and said to the waitress ”Excuse me, can I ask you something about the menu please?” She kicked me out and said “The men I please are none of your business!”

ALL RISE! BLUE BRING GREATEST HITS SHOW TO SHEFFIELD

Multi-million selling, BrIT award winners

Blue will embark on a Greatest Hits theatre tourthis spring, calling in at Sheffield City Hall on Monday 22nd april.

These special, intimate shows will see the chart-toppers hit the road performing their best-loved songs for fans across the UK and sharing memories from their 20 plus year career. Tickets are available now from sheffieldcityhall. co.uk

Prepare to see Blue as you’ve never seen them before in grand theatre

settings, featuring performances of fan favourites such as “All Rise”, Flyby”, “Too Close”, “One Love”, “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” and some surprises, alongside anecdotes from their 20 years as mainstays of the pop music scene. The band said: “As this is a theatre tour, we wanted it to have a different kind of feel – welcoming, more intimate with the chance to sing our biggest hits and share stories with

10/4/1912 The Titanic leaves port in Southampton for her first and only voyage.

11/4/1775 The last execution for witchcraft in Germany takes place.

12/4/1999 US President Bill Clinton is cited for contempt of court for giving “intentionally false statements” in a sexual harassment civil lawsuit.

13/4/1970 An oxygen tank aboard Apollo 13 explodes, putting the crew in great danger and

our fans who have been with us for so many years now. We can’t wait to put this show together and get it out there!” The tour will open in Liverpool next Tuesday (16th) at the Philharmonic, followed by three nights at London’s prestigious Palladium and it will then visit venues in Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Nottingham, Ipswich, Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Truro and Plymouth before

finishing at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall in May. Blue have sold over 15 million records worldwide. In the UK, they’ve earned three Number One albums, 10 Top 10 singles (including three Number Ones), won BRIT and MTV Asia Awards and released tracks with Elton John and Stevie Wonder.

Tickets are available now from the City Hall Box Office or by visiting sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

I have just finished interviewing a young man for a job at my workplace. I asked, “Can you perform under pressure?” “I’m not sure, but I do an amazing Bohemian Rhapsody!” He replied.

I always told my dad his pride would be the death of him. And sure enough, today he was eaten by his favourite lion.

A man goes to a costume party with nothing but a naked woman on his back. “What are you supposed to be, then?” the host asks. “I’m a turtle,” “How can you be a turtle when all you’ve got is that naked woman on your back?” “Oh her?” He smiles. “That’s just Michelle!”

My wife thinks she is funnier than me and she keeps making bird puns! I told her Toucan play at that game!

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather did. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his taxi.

Two chickpeas are walking down the street when one chickpea starts to vomit. The other chickpea asks, “Are you okay?” The chickpea answers, “No, I falafel.”

What’s the difference between a dirty bus stop and a lobster with breast implants? One is a crusty bus station and the other is a busty crustacean.

1. The book ‘Our Man in Havana’ is by which author?

2. According to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, which is the most popular destination for visitors outside London?

3. Which board game, invented by American architect Alfred Mosher Butts, was originally called “Criss-Crosswords”?

4. In the Royal Navy which ranks higher?

a) Midshipman

b) Chief Petty Officer

5. The 2017 winner of the Costa Debut Novel Award was Gail Honeyman for which novel?

6. ‘Do geese see God’ is an example of a what?

7. What does the A stand for in the acronym ASCII?

8. Florence Nightingale featured on which British banknote?

9. Who has sold the most number of records for a solo male artist?

10. What ancient weapon can be described as having a heavy head on a solid shaft and is used to bludgeon opponents?

sHEffIEld MaN IN fUNdRaIsER

A man who discovered he had a heart rhythm condition after being involved in a traffic accident has taken part in a car rally challenge to raise money for charity.

Steve Hibberd, from Halfway, was cycling home in 2015 when he collided with a taxi that pulled out in front of him. The 28-year-old was treated at the scene by paramedics. However, while checking Steve over they became concerned that his heart was beating in an unusual way. Steve was taken to the A&E at the Northern General Hospital as there were concerns he had suffered a heart attack. However, when this was ruled out, he was discharged and referred to a cardiologist to investigate the irregular heart rhythm. “They did all kinds of tests,” recalls Steve. “They came to view that I had extra circuits in my heart that were causing the electrical signals that pump my heart to go to the wrong place. I had a procedure called an ablation where they tried to correct the abnormal heart rhythm. That worked temporarily, but the irregular heart rhythm returned. This couldn’t be cured with an ablation without significant risk, so I now take medication to slow my heart rate.”

Over a million people in the UK have a heart rhythm problem. But these conditions can be difficult to diagnose and are often picked up late – after they cause symptoms, complications, or have even proved fatal. Grateful for the treatment and care he had received, Steve signed up to the Rustbox Rallies North Coast 500 to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The

event saw 30 cars aim to complete a 1,400-mile route across the North of Scotland in a car purchased for less than £750. “I’ve never worked on a car before, so I was throwing myself in at the deep end,” said Steve. “I bought my car for £1 and went about turning it into a replica of a Subaru Impreza rally car. I sourced as many authentic parts as I could and then had a wrap-around added to the paintwork to complete the look. I wanted to make a proper road trip of the event, so I also converted it into a camper van. I took the rear seats out and fitted a foam mattress into the back. It turned out to be surprisingly comfortable to sleep in.” Steve’s efforts transforming his car have so far raised £600 for the BHF and resulted in invitations to display his ‘Subaru’ at two car shows – Auto Alex’s Shedfest and Supercar Runway –where he hopes to collect further donations. Steve said: “I benefitted from the skill and expertise of a lot of doctors. I want to repay that by raising money for the BHF so that other people in the future can benefit from new discoveries.”

Caroline Carmichael, BHF Fundraising Manager, said said: “The BHF is currently funding research to help identify people with heart rhythm disorders, and give them the best chance of living longer, healthier lives. That work is only possible because of the generosity of people like Steve who are making sure that this critical work can continue.”

People can make a donation to Steve’s fundraising online: justgiving.com/page/ stephen-hibberdrustboxrally2024

MUM RUNs lONdON MaRaTHON

A local mum is taking on the London Marathon to raise vital funds for The Sick Children’s Trust, the charity that supported her family with a ‘Home from Home’ when her newborn baby was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital in need of urgent care.

Bekki Heath’s son Luca was born via caesarean section at Chesterfield Hospital in June 2023, where he remained for eight days before being transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. He was soon diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a rare condition present at birth because of missing nerve cells in the muscles of the colon, affecting only one in every 5,000 newborns. Bekki said: “Even in the first couple of days at Chesterfield it was clear that something was very wrong. In Sheffield a scan identified a possible malrotation of the bowel, meaning it could be twisted and would need an operation. It was a very scary time.”

When Bekki and her husband Jason arrived in Sheffield, finding a place to stay while Luca was in hospital simply hadn’t crossed their minds.

With the hospital being a 40–60-minute drive from their home in Chesterfield and Bekki unable to drive while recovering from major surgery, the couple were thankful when a nurse presented a solution. Bekki said: “She explained that there was a room for us at Magnolia House, a ‘Home from Home’ for families with a seriously ill child in hospital run by The Sick Children’s Trust. It really was wonderful, and just minutes away from Luca’s ward. The homely room we were given at Magnolia House had three beds, which meant my three-year-old daughter Isabelle could stay and meet her new baby brother. As I hadn’t seen her in over a week, it gave us some very important family bonding time and

that meant so much to us. Crucially, it gave us a safe, private space where we could process everything that was happening. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without it.”

During a fifteen-night stay at Magnolia House, the family were able to stay close to baby Luca while he battled various complications as well as an infection. Luca also needed to learn how to feed, having previously received milk through a direct line into his stomach. To everyone’s relief, Luca’s went home for the first time on 12 July, 23 days after his birth. While his journey is very much ongoing –he returns to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for twice-monthly checkups and has two future operations scheduled – the medical staff are delighted with his progress.

To thank the charity for the support her family received in Sheffield, Bekki will be lacing up her running shoes on 21 April to take on the London Marathon and raise vital funds. Bekki said: “It’s amazing that a place like Magnolia House exists, you never hear of a charity like this until you really need them. As someone who has been in that situation it made everything so much easier, and I cannot thank The Sick Children’s Trust and their wonderful staff enough for being there for us.”

Bekki is one of 14 runners taking on the London Marathon to fundraise for The Sick Children’s Trust’s and its ten ‘Homes from Home’, which support families from across the country while their children are seriously ill in hospital.

More information about Bekki’s London Marathon challenge can be found on her donation page here: https:// www.justgiving.com/ page/bekkiheath1704921324370

NaTIONal “GOOd TO GROw” wEEk

From 22nd to the 29th of April, over 100 community growing spaces will open their gates to welcome volunteers, both new and old, to explore ways to get involved in community growing, celebrate the arrival of Spring, and advocate for the protection and expansion of community growing spaces. These gardens will invite visitors to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and see how easy it can be to grow your own food. Activities will range from seed swaps and garden tours to school visits, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings. Amidst a landscape fraught with environmental and systemic challenges, community gardens are operating within decidedly precarious conditions. The latest State of UK Nature report reveals alarming statistics, with “no let-up in the decline of our wildlife, with 1 in 6 species at risk of being lost from Great Britain.” According to a study by CPRE, green spaces in poorer parts of England are less likely to be protected against being bulldozed and developed than those in more affluent areas, exacerbating the threat to urban foodgrowing spaces. Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming, is using this week to call on councils to protect these assets and increase access to land and other resources for community growing spaces. They are partnering with Incredible Edible’s Right to Grow campaign

to advocate for better access to growing spaces, following increasing barriers to land and over 175,000 people in the UK currently on allotment waiting lists.

“Across the country, the Good to Grow network show us year after year the enduring value of community food growing in protecting local nature, helping to tackle food insecurity and strengthen community bonds. There are so many ways to get involved in your local garden and so many need volunteers to help keep these vital community hubs going. Have a look at our interactive map to see what our amazing gardens have going on in your area during Good to Grow week. ” says Lily O’Mara-Adembesa, Good to Grow coordinator.

“Good to Grow week is an opportunity inspire communities and showcase the social and health benefits of community growing. But those who are inspired to set up new gardens often face serious challenges dealing with red tape and bureaucracy at local authority level.

We’re calling for a Right to Grow; a change in local authorities policies to make community growing accessible for many more groups.” says Pru Elliott, Incredible Edible. Find and visit your local participating garden by visiting www.sustainweb. org and clicking on the red carrot pins in your area.

flUx aNNOUNCEs 2024 fUNdING

Flux Rotherham is pleased to announce the recipients of the Festival Network Funding for the upcoming 2024 festival season.

Six vibrant community groups have been selected to receive £1500 grants each to support creative programming and activity in their respective events.

Events supported include:

• Wath Festival: 3rd - 5th May

• Manver’s Fete: 26th May

• Eastwood Funfest: 22nd June

• Greasbrough Music Festival: 29th June

• Harthill Carnival: 13th July

• Aston Carnival: 3rd

August

Flux Rotherham will also be supporting Eid in the Park by planning and funding Creative Activities for children and families at their event in June.

Popping up in communities will be everything from street and festival theatre, original music, folk artists and circus to outdoor arts and celebrating festivals in their 50th year!

Paul Brookes from Harthill Carnival Society said: “Harthill Carnival & Show is delighted and extremely grateful to have been selected to receive funding from Flux Rotherham. In 2024

Harthill Carnival & Show

will celebrate its 50th year anniversary, something as a not-for-profit community organisation, we are extremely proud of. The funding will contribute towards providing engagement opportunities in the build up to, and during the Carnival & Show in July. Also, as we move forward towards 2025, the year in which Rotherham has been chosen as the first ever Capital of Culture for Children, we will be working collaboratively to ensure children are very much part of Harthill Carnival & Show “. In addition to the financial support, each group will benefit from training and assistance during the planning and delivery of their events. This support includes access to various training sessions, online tutorials on event management, personalised assistance from dedicated staff members, and potential access to event equipment. All Rotherham groups are invited to take part in the training, support, and guidance offered, ensuring that events are inclusive and successful. For future opportunities, follow our social media and join Flux Rotherham monthly newsletter.

Grand Theatre celebrates 125th anniversary – and reaches another milestone

Members of the Friends of the Grand Theatre group, as well as guests from across Doncaster, came together this week to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Grand Theatre.

The Grand Theatre – which opened in 1899 – is subject to a long-term regeneration programme which could see the theatre re-opened partially over the next few years, subject to funding.

The Theatre closed completely in 1995, with groups – including the Friends group, Theatres Trust, City of Doncaster Council and the Frenchgate Partnership owners –joining together in 2021, to save the theatre and to come up with a viability plan to get the building re-opened.

As well as the 125th anniversary, the Grand Theatre was also celebrating the completion of their oral history and digitisation project.

Thanks to funding from the Theatre’s Trust, memorabilia, artefacts and recorded interviews with those closely associated with the theatre’s history, were able to be digitally created to be viewed by a larger audience online and in exhibitions.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, who spoke at the event, said: “I want to thank everyone who was involved in the creation of the oral and digitisation project. The contributions are incredibly passionate and demonstrate clearly how important this theatre is for the people of Doncaster.

“As a council, we will do everything we can to help bring this theatre back to full working order.

Although the council do not own the building, we will apply for every pot funding possible, contribute where we can, support where we can, to make sure we reach the ultimate end goal of bringing this iconic building to life once again and in another 125-years, the people of Doncaster will be celebrating not just the history of the theatre, but this turning point in the history of the Grand.”

Chair of the Friends of Group, Ken Waight, said: “This was a great opportunity for all the stakeholders to get together and learn about the history of the Grand Theatre and at the same time, hear a common message about how we are now looking to the future. The project has enabled us to produce tangible displays and resources, which can be used to get the message across and gain support from even more people, across the city.”

The Oral history and Digitisation project was made possible thanks to a £6500 grant from the Theatres Trust, supported by the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund.

To find out more about the entire project – you can read the feasibility report for the Grand Theatre at www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/ culture-leisure-tourism/grandtheatre

Bumper easTer weekend comes aT viTal Time for Brewers and puBs facinG

£450 million cosT increase in april

Easter weekend bookings in pubs were up 40% according to hospitality technology provider Zonal, while the British Beer and Pub Association estimates pubs served an extra 11m pints between Thursday and Monday.

This Easter success may prove vital for pubs and breweries up and down the country that will now feel the pinch of April’s hiked business rates and aboveinflation uptick in the National Living Wage. Those increases will cost pubs and brewers roughly £450 million, at a time when, despite some nascent Q1 growth in the beer and pub sector, the cost of doing business remains damagingly high.

The British Beer and Pub Association is urging the Government to evaluate the compounding effect that these increases have on the cost of doing business and how these can be alleviated, including ways to reduce the overall tax burden faced by the beer and pub sector to turbo-charge the burgeoning growth the beer and pub sector is starting to move towards after four years of incredibly tough trading. A level of growth that would then more than pay off any initial cost for the Treasury.

Ahead of these cost hikes, a poll of BBPA members found 89% of hospitality businesses are concerned about these minimum wage increases, which will cost the sector an additional £425 million, with 60% of those being very concerned. While the large business rates multiplier increasing by 6.7% in April is set to cost pubs an additional £25 million, tighten already thin margins further.

Pubs pay up to 5x more business rates relative to their turnover compared to other equivalent businesses,

an over-payment of c. £400 million. The BBPA is therefore calling for long-term reform to business rates to ensure all businesses pay their fair share, along with fairer energy deals and a reduction in the vast gap between the VAT charged on food in pubs compared to supermarkets. This will level the playing field and unshackle an industry that remains at the heart of high streets and communities across the country, while also providing tremendous social value.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:

“The Easter trading figures are even better than expected and provide a great springboard into the Spring and Summer months ahead. These come at a time when the beer and pub sector are having to absorb a raft of new cost increases and while every single pub and brewer across the country is undoubtedly committed to paying their staff a fair wage, the almost half a billion-pound combined cost increases to the National Living Wage bill and business rates risks stunting the green shoots of growth emerging in the beer and pub sector.

“There is, however, a clear solution in this situation, the Government must step up and invest in a sector that adds £26bn to the economy, provides almost 1 million vital jobs, and generates £15 billion for the Treasury, so pubs and brewers can also invest in themselves, and the resulting prosperity will more than pay the Government back on its investment. Unlocking the economic and societal value pubs and brewers bring will provide massive benefits to every local community where they operate, while also combining to create an engine to create the much-needed economic growth that the Government is so keen to nurture.”

tramlines Festival reveals stage splits for 2024 event

Tramlines Festival, Sheffield’s biggest party, has now revealed the stage splits and the incredible grassroot talent winners of the Apply To Play talent competition for the 2024 edition, taking place at the 40,000 capacity Hillsborough Park from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July. With Tramlines having scooped the 2023 UK Festival Award for ‘Best Festival for Emerging Talent’, festival goers are in for a real treat with the array of bonafide, rising stars on this year’s lineup. Each of the festivals’ five stages has something completely different to offer. From vast and intimate openair vibes to floor-shaking big tops and pubs filled with cabaretTramlines has it covered. Serving up the soundtrack on The Sarah Nulty Main Stage this year are headliners Paulo Nutini, Jamie T and Snow Patrol, plus a selection box of rock, electro pop, indie and bass music from Sheffield heroes The Human League, Example, Maximo

Park, Tom Grennan, Bombay Bicycle Club, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Miles Kane, Coach Party, The View, Bedroom High Club and Sheffield’s very own Everly Pregnant Brothers and The Leadmill Studio Orchestra. Tramlines’ gigantic T’Other Stage will play host to a brilliant lineup of standup comedians by day, and a melting pot of musical talents, by night. Comics residing here for the 2024 edition include Lucy Beaumont, Angelos Epithemiou, Jon Richardson, Olivia Lee, and Justin Moorhouse among others.

While the sound system come night will be put through its paces by The Charlatans, Soft Play, Dylan John Thomas, Holly Humberstone, Annie Mac, Jazzy, Yard Act, The Pigeon Detectives, and Anthony Szmierek, plus Sheffield’s Coco and Otis Mensah.

Over on the Leadmill Stage, revellers will find some of the best new bands and artists in the business. Drawing crowds into the big top this year will be The

Mysterines, PEACE, Magic Gang, Corella, English Teacher, Been Stellar, Willie J Healey, Balancing Act, plus the winners of Victorious Festival and Truck Festival’s Apply To Play competitions, Jay Dodgson and Minds Idle.

The Library Stage at Tramlines is the place to discover the best in unsigned and grassroots talents where festival goers can expect anything from neo funk and soul, to ska, indie, and rap from the stars of tomorrow. For 2024 it will showcase the winner of this year’s Apply To Play competition, Hannah Rowe, as selected by Radio X’s John Kennedy. The Barnsley-based Hannah Rowe and band perform an incredible mix of soul, jazz and R’n’B and are not to be missed, as are the other finalists who fought their way through over 2000 applicants to perform at Tramlines, including alt-electro pop artist Darla Jade (chosen by Amazing Radio), UK rap outfit Tinxshe (selected by Exposed Magazine), alt rock indie

band, Sam Scherdel (chosen by BBC Introducing) and more.

Fans of rap, spoken word and all round positive lyrics should flock to The Library Stage at Tramlines on Saturday to check out this year’s showcase curated by Sheffield talent development platform, Pattern + Push. As well as the former Apply To Play winner, Rumbi Tauro, and the heavily supported Hip-hop afro fusionist, Franz Von, festival goers can expect an abundance of grooves, phat beats, and sassy lyrics from young talents, Astrels, Lavelle, Chloe Beth Rogers and Harris Lih.

Friday tickets have Tramlines sold out, so the only way to catch Paolo Nutini, Bombay Bicycle Club & Sophie Ellis-Bextor is to bag yourself a weekend ticket for only £130+bf with monthly payment options available. A very limited number of Weekend Tier 3 tickets remain so the advice is to be quick to get the best possible price. Saturday and Sunday tickets are also selling fast

but remain on sale from £45 and £55+bf respectively. All tickets can be purchased from www.tramlines. org.uk/tickets.

There’s even more to be unveiled for the celebratory 16th birthday of Tramlines Festival including what’s in store for the family-friendly area ‘Into the Trees’, and its 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.

toM aLLen returnS to SheFFieLd

Tom Allen is back on the road with his brand-new show ‘Completely’, arriving at Sheffield City Hall on 20 April 2024.

He has finally moved out of his parents' house, which has been great news for him, better news for department stores and even better news for his latest standup tour as he's eager to share his

life updates, get your opinions on his vegetable patch and delve into the protocol of inviting friends with children for dinner.

The household name with his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling, Tom is the host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and co-hosts Cooking With The Stars, Like Minded Friends podcast and

Ciu Set For annuaL MeetinG

The morning of Saturday, April 20 will see the 160th Annual Meeting of the CIU taking place at the Grand Hotel in Blackpool. During the meeting, the 2023 Annual Report will be considered by delegates while Union Accountant Uto Ekanem will present the Union’s Financial Report for 2023.

Delegates will also vote on several Motions up for debate during the proceedings.

The biggest trade show in the UK for members’ social clubs – the CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition – takes place the day before the AGM, on Friday, April 19, at the Norcalympia Suite at Blackpool’s Norbreck Castle Hotel. Then, on the Friday evening, the CIU Blackpool Showcase is being staged at the Viva venue in central Blackpool. This is the second edition of there launched event and promises a great mix of music and comedy with some of the best acts on the club circuit performing.

Union General Secretary Kenneth D Green CMD ACM said: “As with

he is also a regular on Bake Off: An Extra Slice and There’s Something About Movies. Join Tom on his brand-new tour – his last one sold over fifty-thousand tickets, including his sell out show at The London Palladium where he recorded his special.

“Sharp badinage, sympathetic personal material and – not least – his abundant skills as a raconteur and host” – The Guardian

“A neatly judged mix of realism and ripe exaggeration delivered at a frantically camp pace" – The Times

“A riotous rollercoaster of a set from a skillful stand-up perched on the cusp of major fame” –Evening Standard

Tickets are on sale now via www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk/.

every year, a lot of forward planning and effort has gone into making Conference Weekend a worthwhile and interesting experience for club delegates.

“As well as being able to take part in the Union’s democratic process at our milestone 160th Annual Meeting on the Saturday, delegates will also have the opportunity to meet with a number of product and service suppliers at our trade show on the Friday afternoon.

“They can also enjoy a night of top-class entertainment at the CIU Blackpool Showcase on the Friday evening.”

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LOVIN’ IT STAR DuO

FRIDAY APR 19Th

LuCY KAYE

SuPERB FEMALE VOCALIST

SATuRDAY APR 20Th

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thurSday 11th april WeightWatcherS

Sunday 14th april Saturday 13th april from 8.00 pm diSco & karaoke friday 12th april - 8pm quiz & open the BoX

karaoke • fun games • open the BoX chineSe Bingo • play your cards right from 5.00 pm

tueSday 2nd april 9pm trevor allen’S open mic night

FRIDAy 12Th APRIL TOP MALE VOCALIST

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SATURDAy 13Th APRIL ALL L IVE 60S & 70S BAND SPIRIT

SUNDAy 14Th APRIL gREAT MALE FEMALE VOCAL & kEyBOARD DUO READy OR NOT

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SATURDAy 20Th APR TOP LIVE TRIO

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SUNDAy 21ST APR

SENSATIONAL SOUL & MOTOWN VOCALIST mr cool

DISCO PLAyLIST

Tickets from Club

& Conservat on areas) AcT 1990

Peak District National Park Authority, has received applications for Planning Permission / Listed Building Consent / Conservation Area Consent listed in the schedule below.

Copies of the application(s) can be viewed on the planning pages of the website at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning

and if you wish to comment please write to the Chief Executive, Peak District National Park Authority, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AE within 21 days of this notice. application number: nP/s/0324/0298

proposal: New open roof timber pergola and new glazed balustrade on 2 elevations to existing position - Old Horns Inn, Towngate, Sheffield (C)

application number: nP/s/0324/0337 proposal: Domestic detached garageSchool House, Heads Lane, Sheffield (C)

*applications with the suffix (C) may affect a conservation Area

make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 17th April 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

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Coronation Street:

Toyah warns Nick that Rowan is a fraud who preys on vulnerable people and he needs to nip Leanne’s obsession with the Autovalent Institute in the bud before they take all her money. Sean begs Violet to reconsider and let Dylan remain in Weatherfield, but she won’t be swayed. Debbie offers Ed a job as a handyman at the Chariot Square Hotel and he gratefully accepts, pleased that things are looking up. Stu tells Yasmeen and Alya that he intends to help Roy clear his name as he knows what it’s like to be wrongly accused. When a shamefaced Jenny tells Rita about the stolen money and tries to pin it on Daisy, Rita reckons she’s kidding herself and equally to blame. Dee-Dee breaks the news to Carla, Nina, Shona and Evelyn that Roy has been charged with the murder of Lauren Bolton. Maria checks her camera app and is intrigued to see Sarah and Gary in the flat together.

Emmerdale:

Caleb arrives at the surgery hoping for an emergency appointment. Unfortunately he’s not able to get one because Manpreet Sharma is too busy to see him. On his way home the pain soon gets too much for Caleb and he collapses in the middle of the village. During a meal together in The Woolpack, Charles stuns Manpreet by getting down on bended knee and asking her if she’ll be his wife. But will Manpreet regret saying yes? Rhona fears she could be sent to prison when her trial descends in total chaos. As the jury heads off to deliberate, Rhona’s fate hangs perilously in the balance. Unreliable Kerry has offered to pay for Amy’s dream wedding, but has failed to mention that she hasn’t actually got the money to do so. Will Kerry be forced to admit she’s in a financial mess and risk ruining her daughter’s happy day?

Eastenders: As the investigation into Keanu’s death continues, the Walford Six are working overtime to ensure their killer secret remains safe. But Linda is horrified when Johnny reveals Suki and Kathy have come up with a plan of what to do with the meat thermometer she used to stab Keanu. Harvey is determined to get justice for Jean after Dean accused her of tampering with Jade’s medication.

tells Eddie that Gloria encouraged him to speak up against him in court - and his dad issues a chilling threat. But Gloria suffers a heart attack during Eddie’s trial. Denzel is miffed when Yolande scuppers his plans by refusing to go to her prayer group.

MCBURNIE EARNS BLADES DESERVED POINT

Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time

equaliser deservedly secured United a share of the spoils in a pulsating clash on Sunday evening.

Veteran Thiago Silva gave the hosts an early lead at S2, only for Jayden Bogle to level before the interval.

Noni Madueke fired the Blues back into the lead midway through the second period, but the Blades battled gamely and got their rewards in the third minute of added time as McBurnie pounced. Boss Wilder made two

changes as United faced their third Premier League contest in just eight days. Osborn and McBurnie were recalled as Souza and McAtee dropped to the bench, where they were joined for the first time since February by the fitagain Archer. After a relatively quiet start to proceedings, Chelsea took the lead on 11 minutes as THIAGO SILVA volleyed home unmarked from Gallagher’s corner. It took a while before a response came from United, but after a rare slip by the Brazilian

MCCANN DELIGHTED TO SEND FANS HOME HAPPy FROM MORECAMBE

Grant McCann admitted the Rovers travelling support had him nervous as they began celebrating the win at Morecambe a little earlier than he was comfortable with.

A chant of ‘Donny’s won six in a row’ began well before full time as Luke Molyneux’s first half brace put Rovers in command against the play-off chasers. And it was not until Tommy Rowe fired home in added time to make it 3-0 that McCann was content that the job was done.

“I felt they were a little bit too early with seven or eight minutes to go,” McCann said of the supporters with a wry smile.

“I started panicking when I heard that.

“Our fans are confident as well at the minute, we’re confident and it’s a great place to be.”

The result saw Rovers climb into the top half of Sky Bet League Two for the first time this season but McCann insists he is still not concerned about the standings.

“We just keep going,” he said. “It’s onto the next one against Walsall - another team that I’m sure is right in and around it.

“We’ve played some good teams over the last few weeks that are in and around that top seven so hopefully we can put in another good performance and pick up another three points.”

McCann spoke of careful preparations for the trip to Morecambe in the aftermath of an energy-sapping triumph over Wrexham four days earlier. He said: “We had to be careful with them leading into this one - making sure we got the recovery protocols right and the right amount of time on the training ground after the Wrexham game.

“We had quite a bit of work in the analysis room to put a plan in place to try to get a result and it’s worked out, which is really pleasing.”

defender, McBurnie teed up Brereton Diaz, only for Caicedo to make a crucial block.

United were starting to threaten and after Hamer had been denied by Petrović, the Dutch midfielder free BOGLE whose effort got the better of the Chelsea stopper as it flew behind an attempted save with his legs and into the net to restore parity.

The visitors looked to instantly regain their advantage, but Ahmedhodžić recovered well to snuff out the danger

poised by Madueke, before Chalobah was booked as half-time approached for a lunge on Osborn in midfield. The Blades started the second half brightly, with plenty of attacking intent. McBurnie glanced a header wide from a Brereton Diaz cross, before a Hamer thunderbolt hit the side-netting from distance. Robinson followed Brereton Diaz into the book for a challenge on Palmer and the England international claimed the assist as MADUEKE cut inside from the right

OUR HABITS HAVE CAUGHT UP WITH US

Rotherham United head coach Leam Richardson admitted that his side’s ‘habits’ had caught up with them as relegation was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle.

Bali Mumba’s first half strike mathematically condemned the home side to a return to the third tier five games from the climax of a difficult campaign.

Speaking after the defeat to the Pilgrims, Richardson conceded that it was disappointing to have the club’s fate sealed, but added that he is now turning attentions to re-aligning the dynamic at AESSEAL New York Stadium as the club looks to the future.

“There’s nothing that I have learned since I’ve been in the building that I didn’t know two weeks into job. “There’s nothing I haven’t learned tonight that I didn’t already know.

“It’s my job to be proactive and it’s my job to live in the truth.

“I need to speak to the people that matter and make sure we’re on a really good page moving forwards.

“It’s all about habits and our habits have caught up

and fired powerfully beyond Grbić on 66 minutes.

Holgate was withdrawn as McAtee entered the fray in a positive change by the home side and after forcing consecutive corners, Cucurella was cautioned for hauling down the impressive Hamer as United looked to break. Archer was introduced at the expense of Trusty as United continued to do all they could to get back into the game, but Petrović was at his best to deny Robinson with a header from

with our performances.

Hamer’s free-kick and unfortunately moments later, the skipper limped from the field and Souza took his place.

Five minutes of added time were signalled by fourth official England and in the third MCBURNIE reacted quickest to Archer’s flick on after Hamer had initially kept the attack alive, to poke the ball into the net at the Kop end, but despite finishing on the front foot, the Blades had to settle for a point, which was the minimum their endeavours deserved.

“Your pre-season is always a milestone for what is coming in the season and the inconsistencies and the habits have been there for all to see.

“From the first game of the season it’s carried on through. Whether that be injuries, availability or performance level and results. We’ve got an amount of points that is there for all to see and I won’t hide from that.

“There’s a reason why I’m here and why I made my opinions clear within a couple of weeks of coming in the building. There’s nothing that has happened that I haven’t spoken about with the Chairman. It’s my job to make him and people aware of it and try to create that culture and environment.”

OUTSTANDING REACTION FROM My TEAM - RöHL

Wednesday returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon in a crucial clash down in the capital against QPR. It was a first win in five for the Owls and manager Danny Röhl was delighted by many aspects of his side’s performance.

First and foremost, the boss demanded a reaction from the Easter Monday reverse at Middlesbrough and the team certainly provided that. With words spoken in the week, team meetings had and an emphasis on giving every last ounce in the run-in, Röhl had nothing but praise for his players.

“Outstanding from my team today,” he told swfc.co.uk. “I am proud but today I will not celebrate, we have five games to go and we need to keep going, keep going now. We have to stay fighting and do exactly like this.

“I think this is a difficult place to come and to take something is hard but we did well.

“We changed some things and I wanted to see a reaction and we got one. Today I enjoyed, the next opponent Norwich

will be tough and we look to that game now.”

Two goals, a strong performance, impacts from the bench and a clean sheet – Wednesday head back north buoyed by countless positives from the Loftus Road clash.

“I wanted to see a team today that is disciplined all the way to full time and not just for some minutes,” Röhl added.

“In the game we fight, everybody who came on from the bench too and it was fantastic to see.

“We have Kristian Pedersen back after his injury, Josh Windass back, Callum Paterson back and it is important to have the experienced ones available to bring this game home.

“The only thing is Ian Poveda looks not good and could be done for the season but we have to do it and go forward as a team and today we did it as a team.”

A final word on the fantastic support today inside the stadium, the manager added: “It was great again from our massive supporters and another outstanding performance from them as we see all the time.”

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