The Mercury Issue 1576

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

SHEFFIELD PREPARES TO HEAD TO THE POLLS

With less than a month to go to the General Election on the 4th of July, voters across Sheffield will be making that all important decision of which candidate gets their vote.

Before heading to voters’ head to their local polling station to place a mark on their ballot paper, there are a few things required to remember to ensure everything goes smoothly when voters arrive at the polling station.

Kate Josephs, the acting Returning Officer at Sheffield City Council, has shared her advice for those who are registered to vote to enable they can do this safely and confidently to ensure the accuracy of the result.

Last year, for the first time,

anyone voting in person in an election had to show photo identification when they arrived at the polling station.

This same rule also applied at the recent Local Elections in May and continues for the upcoming General Election.

To help voters, Sheffield City Council have a full list of the forms of acceptable photo ID on the Council website.

The list includes identification such as passports, driving licences and some travel cards and, as long as the picture still looks like you, the ID will be accepted even if it has expired.

If voters are unsure if the preferred form of photo ID will be accepted, simply check the Sheffield City

Council website or look at the list detailed on your poll notice which will be issued to your registered address.

However, if you don’t have one of these forms of ID, don’t worry as you can apply for free photo ID – known as a Voter Authority Certificate – to allow you to vote. To apply for this free photo ID, visit the Government’s Election website www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate”.

Once you get to a polling station on Thursday 4th July, the polling station team will check that your ID is valid and that the photo is of you. There will be private areas at each polling station if you would like this to be done away from the public area and, if you would prefer,

you can ask for a specific member of the polling station staff to check your ID should that make you feel more comfortable.

Likewise, if you arrive at a polling station with the wrong form of ID, or you’ve forgotten your photo ID, don’t panic, you still can return to your polling station with an acceptable form of ID and cast your vote, if you return before polls close at 10pm. Our friendly polling station teams will be happy to help with any questions or queries you may have on the day, and if this is your first time voting they will help to explain how the process works and what you need to do.

If voters still have questions regarding anything elections

wise prior to the polling day

Kate has explained how voters can contact Sheffield City Council to resolve any queries.

Kate Josephs said: “If there is anything you are unsure of ahead of polling day, on Thursday 4th July, you can go to the Sheffield City Council website where we have lots of information about the General Election including a list of which candidates are standing in your constituency, the deadlines to apply to vote by post or proxy, and where your local polling station is located.

“Thank you very much for reading and don’t forget your photo ID when you come to vote on Thursday 4th July in the General Election here in Sheffield.”

To sponsor our weekly Time Out

‘The World Renowned Ultimate Eagles’ return to Sheffield

Fresh from their hugely successful international tours of Europe, scandinavia, australia and New Zealand, ‘The World’s Greatest Eagles show’ returns once again to perform the legendary artist’s hits and fan favourites. The show returns to Sheffield City Hall on the 28th June 2024. No show in the world recreates the legendary music of one of the world’s most successful bands with as much accuracy and reverence

as the Ultimate Eagles.

Their global demand and over 35,000,000 online media views and tours across the world stands as testimony to their international popularity and as earned them world wide acclaim.

They have been hailed as “The Next Best Thing to The Eagles” and “The World’s Greatest Eagles Show.”

“For us, it has always been about sharing peoples memories,” says Michael Lawrence, founding

member and guitarist, “these songs form the soundtracks to peoples’ lives and we’re always very humbled and grateful that we get to share them people live on stage.”

When asked why their show has been so successful across the world, Michael responds “I think it’s because as full time professional musicians we know just how much work and creativity goes into the original recordings of albums like these, and

The Eagles are some of the most well crafted songs of all time. We approach recreating each track with the same attitude that the London Philharmonic would; we don’t mess with perfection we just recreate as closely as we can every last note of each song. That and we always promise our audiences the same thing; no Wigs, no silly costumes, no impressions, just us reliving your memories with you with everything

19/6/1910 The first Father’s Day is celebrated in Spokane, Washington.

20/6/1837 Queen Victoria succeeds to the throne.

21/6/1982 John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

22/6/1907 The London Underground’s Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway opens.

we’ve got and all of our 175+ years of collective experience - all night long!”. The Band will perform live rarities and best selling classics, delivering the Ultimate in live Eagles experiences. It is the only show presented by world class musicians who have spent entire careers performing at the highest levels, including in London’s West-end and on stages around the world. In the past members have

shared festival stages and appeared alongside artists such as Queen, Iron Maiden, Status Quo, Journey, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Cliff Richard, John Legend and of course, the Eagles themselves.

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

Crossword Clues

across

6) Choose (3)

9) Classes (10)

9) Loud noise (3)

11) Wander (7)

13) 2+1 (5)

14) Gun (5)

15) Blood expert (13)

16) Pathway (5)

18) Intimate friend (5)

19) Slimming (7)

20) Performance (3)

23) Mental engrossment

(10)

24) Kind (3)

DoWN

1) Playing card (3)

2) Independent telly (1.1.1)

3) Concur (5)

4) Key changing (13)

5) Pyrexia (5)

7) Without discomfort (10)

10) Of acting (10)

11) Sea lady (7)

12) Sailing gear (7)

17) Legs and arms (5)

18) Clumsy (5)

21) Make fun of (3)

22) Wildebeest (3)

Last Week’s Solution

across: 4) Sparkle, 8) Roamer, 9) Itemise, 10) Single, 11) Endure, 12) Interest, 18) Bachelor, 20) Bygone, 21) Battle, 22) Cadenza, 23) Retail, 24) Referee DoWN: 1) Drastic, 2) Magnate, 3) Seller, 5) Pathetic, 6) Remedy, 7) Lustre, 13) Embezzle, 14) Plateau, 15) Briefly, 16) Gyrate, 17) Cohere, 19) Heaven

23/6/1942 World War II: the first selections for the gas chamber at Auschwitz take place on a train full of Jews from Paris.

24/6/1509 Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon are crowned King and Queen of England.

25/6/1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn and the death of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer.

I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets

Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy

A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course. – That’s 20 cows”

A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it.

Sleep is my favourite thing in the world. It’s the reason I get up in the morning.

I accidentally booked myself onto an escapology course; I’m really struggling to get out of it.

After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging.

To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian.

Today I learned if you turn a canoe over you can wear it as a hat Because it’s cap sized

Did you know that dogs can’t operate an MRI machine?

But cats can.

What do you call a man with no arms and no legs floating in the ocean? Bob.

Which body part is most reliable?

Well, you can always count on your fingers.

I heard you can get lawyers at Ikea now. They’re very affordable, but you have to build your own case.

I asked the shop assistant where the Arnold Schwarzenegger action figures are. She said “Aisle B, Back”.

2. Who recorded the 1965 album ‘Bringing It All Back Home’?

3. Which biblical prophet has a name which means ‘who is like Yah’ in English?

4. Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia is a fear of which number?

5. Along with partner Hal David, who wrote the songs: “What’s New Pussycat?” and “Alfie”?

6. What is the surname of the British singer Adele?

7. Which ancient Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, sits on the hill of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece?

8. What is the first name of the Coronation Street character played by Samia Ghadie?

9. The books of which Venetian merchant traveler introduced Europeans to Central Asia and China?

10. What is the name of the branch of mathematics which can be used to work out the length of sides and sizes of angles of right-angled triangles?

1. Bells Beach, Margaret River and Byron Bay are Australian towns best known for which sport?

MERCURYH LIDAYS

luxury

Fully

News, Information and Advice

daY Of CElbRaTION fOR MEdICs

International Paramedics

Day – hosted by the UK’s College of Paramedics to honour the dedication and impact of paramedics, first responders and community volunteers around the world – will be held on July 8. This year, the College of Paramedics is joining forces with more than 100 global paramedic associations, higher education institutions and affiliated organisations to celebrate and promote the campaign theme, “The Difference We Make” which will look at the many ways paramedics and first responders make a difference, from responding to lifethreatening emergencies to providing care and comfort to patients in their hour of need.

Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, Tracy Nicholls OBE said: “Every day, paramedics, first responders and community volunteers make a difference to their patients’ lives with the care, compassion and clinical capability they demonstrate. But the difference our profession makes across the globe is not solely confined to the vital care and treatment we provide. In clinical practice, research, education and leadership, paramedics and their healthcare organisations are driving forward the development of our profession, both here in the UK and internationally for the betterment of treatment strategies, patient outcomes, colleagues’ health and wellbeing, continued learning and our next generation of clinicians. For these reasons and more, let us all come together on July 8 and proudly tell the world the difference we make and the positive impact we have.”

International Paramedics Day was first organised by the College of Paramedics in 2022 in response to the tremendous personal sacrifices and life-saving efforts made by all those working in pre-hospital emergency care during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. The day is celebrated every year on July 8 because this marks the anniversary of the birth of Dominique Jean Larrey, the French military doctor who became Napoleon Bonaparte’s chief surgeon of the Grand Armee and the man often referred to as the ‘father of modernday ambulance services’.

Today, International Paramedics Day aims to:

• Promote the profession.

• Raise awareness and champion all the settings where paramedics work including primary and secondary care, GP surgeries, military, offshore, independent sector, research, education, helicopter emergency medical services and telephone triage systems.

• Acknowledge the difference paramedics make in every sector of the profession, whether that’s clinical practice, research and development, education or leadership and management.

DID YOU KNOW?

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the total number of 999 calls answered by ambulance control rooms in the UK totalled 9,612,157.

A further 18,467,340 111 calls were answered in the same period.

During the same 12 months, paramedics and ambulance staff responded to 8,593,358 incidents across the UK, 11 per cent of which were for life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

CITY COUNCIl plaN UNvEIlEd

“Together We Get Things Done” is the new Sheffield City Council Plan for 2024-28. It sets out the Council’s ambition for the people of Sheffield, and explains what you can expect from them to enable you to live safe and well.

To support this the Housing & Neighbourhoods Service “will work with partners to ensure our neighbourhoods are safe places and feel safe for all residents, tackling antisocial behaviour where it exists”.

Throughout last year they asked if you were satisfied with how they handle anti-social behaviour (ASB). They will continue to do this, and want to tell you about all of the work they are doing to make your neighbourhoods safer places for you and your family to live.

Developing a new ASB Policy and Procedure They know that the vast majority of people in Sheffield live peacefully alongside each other and respect their neighbours and others. However, they also know there is a small minority of people who do cause issues.

They are taking this seriously, and will work effectively with all of their key partners to deal with those people and to prevent it from happening again. When these incidents involve council tenants, it is their direct responsibility to tackle the issues. Although they will always do this by supporting people to change, if tenants cannot change their behaviours they will not allow them to affect their neighbours long-term. They will use the legal powers available to us to tackle serious ASB problems as quickly and effectively as possible.

Towards the end of 2023, the Council consulted with residents and tenants on the new city-wide ASB policy. This policy applies to the whole city, including council housing. A huge amount of feedback was received - it was one of the biggest responses they have ever received to consultation. Hearing your experiences and views is

critical to them and this feedback will be the basis of their work this year – to get things right! What will we do to make things better?

Following your feedback, they are committing to two important pieces of work: Commitment 1 - they are revising and relaunching our ASB Procedure for Council Housing. This will set out how they address ASB when it is linked to a council tenancy. If a tenant does anything that is illegal, dangerous or causes nuisance, annoyance, harassment, alarm or distress to other people within the locality of their home (or allows others to), this is a breach of tenancy conditions.

Commitment 2 - they are producing an accessible and easy to read pamphlet and webpage that sets out how to be a ‘good neighbour’. This will offer practical guidance to tenants on issues that sometimes causes tensions between neighbours or result in poor relationships between them. Examples of this include car parking, use of communal areas, care of pets and upkeep of gardens. Their intended outcomes from these commitments include:

• Ensure that tenants understand what behaviour constitutes ASB. They will also be clear about what behaviour is not considered ASB.

• Ensure that tenants understand what responsibilities and powers the council has to tackle ASB involving council tenancies. They will also be clear about the limits of these powers and how they can set expectations for tenants that are achievable.

• Ensure that tenants are able to access a shared understanding of what being a good neighbour means.

They will be using the council’s ‘Have Your Say Sheffield’ website to share updates with you, to get your opinions, collect your feedback and ensure that the work we do reflects your needs. So look out for opportunities to get involved over the summer.

CaRbON MONOxIdE

Over 10 million UK homes could be without a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in their home, according to worrying new research from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Over 2000 of the nation were polled and a third (30 per cent) admit to not having or not knowing if they have a CO alarm anywhere in their home, potentially exposing themselves and their loved ones to the dangers of what’s been dubbed ‘the silent killer.’

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas that is released when any fossil fuel, such as coal, oil, wood, petrol, barbeque charcoal and gas, doesn’t burn properly. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill. Even low levels of exposure, over a long period, can cause serious health issues. That’s why installing a carbon monoxide alarm is an essential aspect of home safety. And as ‘moving house season’ is officially in full swing, RoSPA a say there’s never a better time to check your defences against carbon monoxide. CO poisoning happens when you breathe in even small amounts of this poisonous gas. Every year around 40 people die and over 4,000 become seriously ill as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting

waRNING

• tiredness and confusion

• stomach pain

• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be like those of food poisoning and the flu. However, unlike the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature (fever). What does the law say about who is responsible for carbon monoxide alarms?

Since October 1, 2022, new regulations required carbon monoxide alarms in all rented and new build properties with fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers). If a fixed combustion appliance is installed, landlords in both private and social sectors must repair or replace faulty alarms when notified.

Holiday Rentals Regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in holiday rentals vary by country. In England, landlords must equip alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, and non-compliance can result in fines imposed by local authorities. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £5,000. Always check your holiday accommodation for a carbon monoxide alarm. What type of carbon monoxide alarm is recommended?

Like smoke alarms, these should be chosen based on your or your building’s needs, as well as complying with British Standards BS 50291. Our advice? Opt for sealed battery alarms

waTER bOaRd OffERs HElp

Severn Trent is asking anyone who may need extra help to sign up for its Priority Service Register (PSR).

Severn Trent’s PSR is used to support customers with special requirements to give them a better, more personalised service, with the water company encouraging customers, friends or family to let them know of anyone who might benefit from extra help if there’s ever an issue. This can include customers who would need to be checked on in the event of supply issues, customers who need water 24/7, and customers who require password protection schemes. The register helps identify customers with medical conditions, disability or restricted mobility, sight or hearing loss and those who would appreciate receiving their bills in a different format.

Mark Grice from Severn Trent said: “It’s important to us that our customers get the service and support they need. We know that life is ever changing, and things can come up unexpectedly, which is why our register is a great way of letting us know if anyone needs some extra support. Even if you know someone who may benefit from extra help, a relative, friend, neighbour, let them

know about the register as it could really help them too.”

Teams at Severn Trent keep the confidential info so in the event of a water supply issue, they can reach out to customers who need to be checked in on, making sure they have what they need. It also means teams calling to discuss bills, or customer accounts, can be made aware of circumstances to help provide extra support, or any sensitivity needed.

“Our teams are trained to handle all calls confidently, and with sensitivity, so we’d really encourage anyone who may benefit from an extra bit of support, to get in touch as there may be something we can do, or adapt to help make things a little easier,” adds Mark.

People may be eligible for the register, if anyone is: • a pensioner

• deaf or hearing impaired.

• blind or have low vision.

• unable to read, write or communicate in English. • recovering at home from an operation or hospital treatment • going through a bereavement, divorce, redundancy, or other life event • unable to be alone with a stranger.

Tramlines announces acTion-packed programme for kids

The designated family area, Into The Trees, has been rebooted for 2024 with the help of Pop Up And Play, and promises an even bigger abundance of activities for families to create, learn and be inspired by. Tramlines Festival has announced that a fun-packed programme for kids of all ages will be on offer at this year’s event. Set to take place at Hillsborough Park in Sheffield from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th July, the designated family area, Into The Trees, will be bursting with activities for families to create, learn and be inspired by an immersive programme that promises to keep kids entertained, all day long. Nestled in a secluded part of Hillsborough Park and surrounded by mature trees, Into The Trees is its own little oasis, set apart from the livelier parts of the festival, making it the ideal location for the little ones -

and the not-so-little ones! Into The Trees has been rebooted for 2024 thanks to a bigger partnership between Tramlines and the Leedsbased event company, Pop Up And Play. Specialising in creating cool spaces for kids and families, Pop Up And Play brings three new play zones to Tramlines which make for a summer holiday experience worth going out for.

The Craft Den will be the place to be for creative minds with a plethora of hands-on activities from tote bag colouring to making badges, friendship bracelets and puppets, plus a special Into The Trees maskmaking station for kids to adorn as their own, unique festival attire.

The Treehouse Stage will provide all-round entertainment, with storytelling by the Hillsborough Book Shop, cartoon drawing, performances from Cirque Du Funk

and street dance outfit SDK (So Damn Creative), and the much-loved Tramlines Kids Rave.

The Spinning Top is hosted by circus entertainment specialists, Storm in a Teacup, and will offer kids the chance to try their hands at a whole manner of circus skills, stilt walking, and enjoy giant bubble displays from top-notch entertainers.

In addition, as partners of Tough Mudder, Lidl will be bringing along their Lidl Mudder zone for kids aged 5-12 giving them a taste of the 1-mile mud-fest. With Secret Agent Squeeze and Mini Everest obstacles and their famous smoothie bikes, this is guaranteed to keep the young ones entertained. And when the energy levels need restoring, grab a refreshing fruit skewer to sample some of the freshest fruit on site.

Festival organisers at Tramlines have also increased facilities for parents

this year, now extending to two baby nursing areas for those all-important changes and feeds. They can be found within Into The Trees and in the nearby welfare area.

Parents and grandparents alike should also make time to check out what else Tramlines has in store.

Catering for all musical tastes, Tramlines has it covered with over 100 performances, including Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, The Human League, The Charlatans, Bombay Bicycle Club and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, while comedy – maybe not for young ears! – comes from Lucy Beamont, Angelos Epithemiou, Jon Richardson and many more. And least not, The Open Arms; a favourite hangout for accessible weird and wonderful entertainment, welcoming Barrioke with Shaun Williamson, Old Dirty Brasstards, ABBA Party and so much more.

Both day and weekend tickets are now on final sale and are flying out the door with just 6 weeks to go.

Final weekend tickets are on sale now from £140 (adults), £15 (ages 5-12) and £5 for kids under 5. If the busy family calendar only allows for

Firth Park WMC CELEBratES itS CENtENarY thiS WEEk!

Its beginnings were very humble - starting from an old shed in Hucklow Road! However it soon became clear as society returned to normal in the years following the First World War that there was a

real appetite for the services offered, and the Committee launched a “New Building Fund” calling on members to lend the club the money for a new building. Such was the success of this, the original plans

were scrapped and a much more lavish project was undertaken, leading to the opening of the present building on Idsworth Road in 1929! Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength - dealing with the

war, recessions and covid - and although the club scene has changed, they have adapted to cope with the demands of the modern world!

Here’s to the next 100 years!

These days the club boasts one of the best concert rooms in the area, a wonderful modern lounge and of course a snooker room, with three tables!

They are rightly proud of the quality of their facilities.

New members are welcome - simply contact the Club on 0114 242 6321 for details!

Above: An original Loan Certificate of £1 from the 1926 New Building Fund which led to the construction of the current building on Idsworth Road.

Left: A dinner celebration upon winning the Club Union Games Shield & Trophies in 1930.

Above: Statement of Accounts from 1924.

The original WMC&I building situated on Hucklow Road, photo circa 1924.

Founder Committe members of Firth Park WMC&I pictured here in 1924

ScOTT RIcHaRdS dEad famOuS

FOOTBALLR UNDUP

OWLS MAKE DOUBLE SIGNING

Ben Hamer has agreed a deal to sign for the Owls - the experienced goalkeeper will put pen to paper in S6 on 1 July.

Hamer brings a storied portfolio to Hillsborough having represented 12 clubs through his career to date, clocking over 350 appearances.

A product of Somerset, he began his journey between the sticks with Reading as a youngster, tasting senior football for the first time on loan

with Crawley. Missing just one game over the course of the 2006/07 season, the custodian won Town’s Player of the Year award.

Hamer then switched to Brentford for the first of three loan spells with the Bees. The third stint ended with silverware as Brentford were crowned champions of League Two, with Hamer taking the Golden Glove trophy having posted 20 clean sheets.

MCCANN CONFIDENT ShARMAN-LOWE IS A PERFECT FIT FOR ROVERS

Grant McCann says plenty of homework has been done to ensure that goalkeeper Ted Sharman-Lowe is a perfect fit for the Rovers squad.

The 21-year-old has signed on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Chelsea.

Goalkeeping coach Kyle Letheren was tasked with learning all about Sharman-Lowe, both on and off the pitch, with McCann impressed by his findings.

“We feel like we’re getting one of the best young up-and-coming goalkeepers in England. Chelsea think really highly of him,” the Rovers manager said.

“I think it’s a really nice fit - the way Teddy is as a person, his temperament and the way he plays as well. He’s very comfortable with the ball at his feet but not only that he’s a very good shotstopper, he’s good at coming out and commanding his area.

“Kyle has sat me down and shown me all of this and I trust his judgement. Goalkeeper is a unique position He has to fit in to what we want to do.

After another loan, this time with Exeter, the towering keeper signed a permanent contract at Charlton, where he was immediately handed the number one jersey.

A second title would come his way as the Addicks were promoted as champions to the second tier under Owls coach Chris Powell.

Hamer was next elevated to the Premier League with Leicester, for whom he would also play at the very highest level in the

Champions League.

Brief loans with Nottingham Forest and Bristol City followed before a permanent transfer to Huddersfield, then Swansea in another temporary move.

He went on to enjoy a two-year stint at Watford, leaving the Hornets this summer upon the expiry of his contract, and Wednesday will become the 13th club of his career.

Max Lowe has also

“When me and Kyle sat down to speak about goalkeepers, we’d seen a lot of Teddy and we just think he fits us perfectly.

“He’s lived away from home for a while now so he’s grown up and matured now. It’s a good fit for us.

“I’m really pleased.”

Rovers now have four senior goalkeepers, with Sharman-Lowe joining Ian Lawlor, Louis Jones and Jake Oram.

And McCann insists the newcomer is well aware that he will need to fight for his place.

“When you have a taste of it at senior level and then you go back to U23s, it’s not the same,” he said. “Teddy is ready for it.

“He wants to get himself up here and move up here. He’s ready to work hard and fight for the position.

“We’ve got four very good goalkeepers here now with Teddy, Lawsy, Louis and young Jake Oram.

“We’ve got really good competition, like we have across the team, and we’re strong in there

agreed a deal to sign for Wednesday on 1 July.

Lowe is a versatile performer, equally at home in the left back berth or as a holding midfielder.

He began his career with Derby, graduating from the Rams’ academy and going on to post 42 senior appearances.

Loan spells with Shrewsbury and Aberdeen followed before a permanent move to our city rivals Sheffield United.

Lowe went on to make 44 appearances for the Blades, incorporating a temporary switch to Nottingham Forest, where he was part of the Reds team that won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2021/22.

The 27-year-old is a decorated England international in the younger age groups having represented the Three Lions at Under16, 17, 18 and 20 level. Lowe will put pen to paper at Hillsborough in July upon the expiry of his current contract.

MILLERS TO CELEBRATE RIChARD WOOD’S MAGICAL CONTRIBUTION WITh TESTIMONIAL FIXTURE

Rotherham United are delighted to announce that the contribution of long-serving former club captain Richard Wood will be celebrated with a testimonial fixture.

The Millers will welcome Wood’s current club Doncaster Rovers to AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday 3rd August for a 3pm kick off, marking the final pre-season fixture ahead of the 2024/25 campaign for Steve Evans’ side.

A true professional both on and off the pitch, the legendary former Millers skipper was a colossus throughout his nine-year stay, playing a pivotal role in helping the club to three promotions and a Papa Johns Trophy victory, as well as capping off his final campaign in Rotherham colours by captaining the team to Sky Bet Championship survival.

Dubbed ‘Magic Man’, he conjured up his best trick during the 2017/18 campaign, when he famously helped himself to a Play-off final brace against Shrewsbury Town at Wembley, which saw the Millers seal promotion to the second tier.

A scorer of important goals and ever-dependable skipper, the club are thrilled to be able to commemorate an outstanding nine years of service from a player that will forever be etched in Rotherham United folklore.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to share the news that Richard Wood’s incredible contribution to Rotherham United will be honoured with a testimonial fixture,” Rotherham United Chairman Tony Stewart told www.themillers.co.uk.

The easiest and most convenient way to purchase tickets is online at http://eticketing.co.uk/ rotherhamunited , from the Red and White Shop in person or over the phone on 01709 827768.

RIP WILLIE CARLIN

Sheffield United are saddened to hear of the recent passing of former player Willie Carlin, aged 83.

The midfielder began his career with Liverpool, the city where he was born, representing England schoolboys, but he was limited in terms of senior appearances, playing just once for the Reds. He left for Halifax Town in 1962 and moved on to Carlisle United in 1964. He helped the latter to the Third Division title, making over 100 appearances for the Cumbrians before signing for the Blades in 1967.

United splashed out £40,000 to secure his services, a good fee back in ‘67, but Willie only had one season at Bramall Lane. The Blades, then in the First Division, wanted to combine Willie’s trademark dynamism and ferocity with the flair of Tony Currie, but it wasn’t enough to prevent relegation from the top flight in 1968.

When Arthur Rowley became United manager, it looked as though Willie’s time in S2 would come to an end, with their pair allegedly having an altercation as players during their days at Halifax and Shrewsbury.

Willie was sold to Brian Clough’s Derby for £63,000 and he flourished as the Rams romped to promotion. After helping establish Derby back in the top flight he was replaced by Archie Gemmill and sold to Leicester City, where he won another second tier title. He would end his career with spells at Notts County and Cardiff City.

He later ran a bar in Majorca for 15 years before returning to live in Melbourne, Derbyshire, where he had a newsagent’s shop.

Everyone at Sheffield United would wish to extend our deepest condolences to Willie’s family and friends at this difficult time.

SUNDAY

Midsomer Murders,

TUESDAY

Coronation Street: Toyah tells Nick that they’ve little choice but to come clean to Leanne about their brief affair as a smug Rowan is holding a meeting in the Bistro. Abi tells Kevin that she’s done some digging, Stefan Brent is a board director of the production company that made the documentary, he also owns the magazine and he must have created the deep fake videos out of revenge. Having reported Stefan to the police, Abi and Kevin watch as DS Swain drags him into an interview room, fervently hoping that their nightmare will soon be over. Cassie sets Ken straight, explaining that she was honest with Steve from the off and never pretended to have any caring qualifications. Amy suggests to Steve that there’s a spark between him and Cassie and he’s in denial about his attraction to her. After quizzing Paul about his fall, his therapist suggests that it might be time to stop using the stairlift. Chesney’s gutted to realise Joseph has made out he runs a successful catering empire. A police officer visits Toyah to inform her she will face no charges for burying her baby.

Emmerdale: Belle prepares to undergo an abortion behind Tom’s back. Despite all the anguish, Belle feels sure about one thing – she can’t start a family with the monster of a man she’s married to. Rose informs Ruby that their scheme to destroy Kim is coming together nicely. But have the ladies underestimated who they’re messing with? Kerry vows to help secure her son-in-law’s release from prison by exposing Josh as the bigoted bully he is. Unfortunately, though, Kerry’s plan soon backfires and Josh wises up to what’s going on. Dawn is feeling the strain of the past few weeks, as the doctors have given permission for Evan to return home to the village.

Eastenders:

Callum is in the firing line when he gets too close to the truth about Keanu’s killer. Yolande is determined to put on a brave face to help Chelsea celebrate her son Jordan’s baptism. Steeling herself, Yolande decides to go ahead with the baptism but will the pastor’s sinister presence prove too much for her to bear? Stevie is determined to help his grandson Will, who has confessed that he’s being blackmailed and needs some cash fast. Maya learns shocking news from Harvey. Could she somehow have some connection to Aaron’s crimes? Phil finally finds the right moment to confirm to Albie that he’s his dad.

ECKINGTON SELF STORAGE