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South YorkS. route confirmed for tour of Britain
A challenging route through the four regions of South Yorkshire has today been unveiled to mark Yorkshire Day (Thursday 1 August), as the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men prepares to return to the region for the first time since 2007, this September.
Stage three of the 20th edition of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race on Thursday 5 September will head from Sheffield to Barnsley, via Rotherham and Doncaster, taking in some of South Yorkshire’s most famous, and hardest climbs, to provide a real test for the world’s top riders.
The 166-kilometre (103mile) stage will start from Arundel Gate in Sheffield city centre, marking the first time that the race has been to the city since 2006, with the uphill finish coming on County Way in Barnsley, the
first time that the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men has visited the town.
Over 2,700 metres of ascent will face the riders, including categorised King of the Mountains climbs at Loxley (Long Lane), Oughtibridge (Jawbone Hill), and Hound Hill on the outskirts of Barnsley, the summit of which comes with just four kilometres of racing remaining, and is sure to be key to the stage victory.
From the start in Sheffield, the climbing will start almost immediately, as the race heads west, skirting the Peak District National Park with the first categorised King of the Mountains climb coming on Long Lane above Loxley within 20 kilometres of racing.
The one kilometre climb averages almost 9%, with only a short descent before the race tackles the second
King of the Mountains at Oughtibridge Lane, or Jawbone Hill, a 1.7kilometre climb averaging 9%, which was climbed by the Tour de France in 2014.
The stage then settles down passing through Chapeltown, Wath upon Dearne, Swinton, and Maltby to arrive at the sole intermediate sprint in the market town of Tickhill after 70 kilometres of racing.
The route skirts Doncaster via Conisbrough and Denaby to then loop around the north of Barnsley through Royston and Darton. From Penistone a series of short climbs culminates in Hound Hill, a 1.5-kilometre ascent to Worsbrough Common, averaging nearly 7% and topping out with exactly four kilometres to go.
While the Hound Hill climb is likely to prove crucial
to the victory in South Yorkshire, a final challenge for riders is the last 800 metres of the stage, which drags up along Old Mill Lane and into County Way to the finish line at around a 7% incline.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor said:
“I know that South Yorkshire will be out in force to cheer on the riders in the Tour of Britain on the 5th September.
“We’re a place that loves a bike race, and I know that thousands of people will be on the streets cheering them on across South Yorkshire, showing the whole world what we’re about.
“The route through our communities, which I am told is one of the toughest of the whole tour, will visit Barnsley for the first time and return to Sheffield for
the first time since 2006.
“The South Yorkshire leg will pass through all four of our towns and cities, taking in some of our most beautiful landscapes and hardest climbs.
“The Tour of Britain coming to South Yorkshire is another sign of confidence in our ability to do big, exciting things, and I can’t wait for us to be part of it.”
Since the last visit to South Yorkshire by the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, the area has famously hosted a stage finish of the Tour de France (2014), as well as four stages of the Tour de Yorkshire (two starts and two finishes) between 2016 and 2019.
More details of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, including the detailed stage timings and competing teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
GROUNDBREAKING SPIDERMAN SHOW COMES TO TOWN
This masterpiece of film animation will be shown on a huge HD screen and will be accompanied by a unique fusion of live orchestra, turntables and percussion playing the music from the score and soundtrack.
After an eagerly anticipated and glowing sold-out world premiere at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York in March, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live
in Concert will head to venues across UK cities including Sheffield City Hall on Sunday 8th September.
Reaction to the world premiere was overwhelming, with audience members saying ‘I loved it even more watching it with an incredible live orchestra.’ and ‘One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had.’
The one-of-a-kind show is groundbreaking in replication
of the film’s score and soundtrack, fusing elements of orchestral with turntables and live DJ, and electronics for a rare and bold live experience.
A Sony Pictures Animation film, directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman and written by Phil Lord and Rothman, the movie introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where
more than one can wear the mask.
The music score for the box office hit was composed by Academy Award® nominee, multiple Golden Globe®nominee and Emmywinning composer Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on movies such as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Oceans 8, Enola Holmes, The Bad Guys and Steve Jobs.
The hip-hop based film score contains original
07/08/1944 IBM dedicates the first programcontrolled calculator
08/8/1963 Great Train Robbery: in England, a gang of 15 train robbers steal £2.6 million in bank notes
09/8/1907 The first Boy Scout encampment concludes at Brownsea Island in southern England
10/8/2003 - The highest temperature ever recorded in the United Kingdom – 38.5 °C (101.3
music, showcasing elements of heroism and resilience, all complemented by song contributions from industry greats Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favourite scores I’ve ever written.
Utilising a full orchestra, crazy electronics and unbelievable turntable scratching techniques amongst a million
across
7) Perform (5, 3)
8) Drive out (4)
9) Tough trousers (5)
10) Bloodless (7)
11) Unbending (5)
13) Resembling another (7)
16) Permit (7)
17) Open sore (5)
18) Accumulated prize (7)
20) Apart (5)
23) Propeller blade (4)
24) Order to attend (8)
other things, it is so technically complex I never thought we’d ever be able to actually reproduce it in a live concert, but somehow, we have”, said Pemberton on the project.
Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse Sunday 8th Sept.
Tickets available now from the Sheffield City Hall Box Office and sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
11/8/1968 - The last steam hauled train runs on British railways.
12/8/1981 - The IBM Personal Computer is released.
13/8/1961 - East Germany closes the border between the eastern and western sectors of Berlin.
I cut down a Christmas tree today. My wife asked me if I was going to put it up myself. I said: “Of course not. I was going to put it up in the living room.”
Based upon my shameful behaviour after drinking, I finally decided to quit drinking altogether.
Now I drink alone.
My book on clocks finally arrived. It’s about time!
What kind of music do elfs listen to? Wrap music.
Which weighs more, a gallon of water or a gallon of butane?
A gallon of water. Butane is a lighter fluid.
I spent £80 on a belt that didn’t fit. My wife said it was a huge waist.
Did you hear about the butcher that sat on his meat grinder?
I got a little behind in his work.
I bet a butcher £20 that he couldn’t reach the meat on the top shelf...
He said: “Sorry the steaks are too high.”
To this day, the boy that used to bully me at school still takes my lunch money. On the plus side, he makes great Subway sandwiches.
I was at the museum and saw a painting of a bowl, with milk and some kind of food inside. It was surreal.
1. William I was the first of three
2. Canadian James Naismith invented which sport?
3. The Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world, spans the gorge valley of the River Tarn near Millau, in which country?
4. Rickets is caused by a lack of which vitamin?
5. In the book Winnie-the-poo, what was the name of the live rabbit that was Winnie-thepoo’s friend?
6. Which supereon is the earliest period of Earth’s history, making up roughly seveneighths of it?
7. On the banks of which river does Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s ground stand?
8. Sacramento is the state capital of which state in the USA?
9. Oil of vitriol is an old common name for which dangerous chemical? a) Sodium Hydroxide b) Nitric acid c) Sulphuric acid
10. Zealand is the largest island of which country?
kings from which House?
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Council leaders and SY Police unite to condemn Rotherham Violence
The Mayor of South Yorkshire and the Region’s Council leaders have united in their messages to condemn the violence that was seen in Rotherham last weekend.
In a statement the day after the violent disorder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:
“Last night I was with Police and emergency staff who have been working to keep our communities safe. Today I have been on the ground in the Dearne Valley joining the best of our community to clean up the damage done by yesterday’s violence. Like every other decent person in South Yorkshire I have been appalled, angry and saddened by the events we have seen in our community in the last 24 hours.
“There is no excuse for what we saw happen in Rotherham, for the damage and destruction that was carried out by those who chose to so violently express their hatred in our communities. There is simply no justification for trying to burn down a hotel with over two hundreds vulnerable and terrified people inside. Those people came here to seek refuge from violence and persecution at home, and yet yesterday they faced that same violence here.
“The far right have always asked those with little to blame those with even less. What has happened across South Yorkshire
and the rest of the country over the last few days is no different. It clearly isn’t anything to do with the three little girls so tragically murdered in Southport. The hatred of others must not be allowed to eclipse their memory. Racism is not patriotism, violence is not grief.
“The only legacy of the hatred we have seen across South Yorkshire and our country must now be the way in which we respond as a community; that legacy must be found in the people helping to clean up, those offering help and support to the emergency services, the people caring for and looking out for each other when they are scared.
“My grandparents came to this country as refugees. I am now the Mayor of South Yorkshire. The same opportunity that was afforded to me is what I will fight every day to protect. Everyone – no matter whether they were born here or if they have chosen to make our home, their home –deserves the chance to live out their fullest potential here in South Yorkshire.
“Over the coming days and weeks we must now show the rest of the world who we really are; a community filled with kindness and hope, where everyone is welcome and safe.”
There was also a message from Cllr Chris Read, Leader of
Rotherham Council, following the disorder in Manvers:
“The scenes in Manvers today confirmed our worst fears about the nature of protests across the country. There can be no excuse for the kind of violence and vandalism we have seen. As others have rightly said it must be met with the full force of the law.
“Those who stood by and simply watched thugs tried to set fire to a building containing other human beings will reflect on what they have become and what they have associated themselves with. Rotherham is better than that.
Everywhere is better than that.
“Our council staff are on site and will work with the Police through the night and into tomorrow. Already the best parts of our community are rallying to clean up and restore what has been broken. We will do all we can to ensure that everyone is safe through the days ahead.”
South Yorkshire Police have already made a number of arrests following the disorder with Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield stating “Officers have worked through the night to begin identifying those involved in these horrendous scenes. Please be assured, if you were there, we will find you, and you will be held accountable for your part in yesterday’s violence.”
Christmas Market Break Christmas Market Break
News, Information and Advice
TICkETs laUNCHEd
Some of the region’s rarest and finest preserved medieval stained glass windows have safely completed a 200-mile trip to Somerset for their restoration.
Dronfield Parish Church will now be without three breathtaking windows, dating back to the 13th century, for the next 12 months as the painstaking work is completed.
The windows in the Grade I listed building have suffered major pigment loss since they were partly conserved in the 1970s and 1980s in an operation that included protecting them with Perspex. The three windows containing medieval glass are now being professionally conserved – they are due to be re-installed in the church in 2025 when the restoration work is complete. The £179,541 project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The grant is also funding research into the church’s history and the development of interpretation material to open up the building’s fascinating past to a far wider audience.
Volunteers are being recruited and trained to give guided tours to visitors as part of the project.
In addition to tours, open days and special events, the project will include the creation of interpretation material to help people learn about the windows and why they are such a valuable cultural and historical asset. Local schools and community groups are also being involved and the windows used to help pupils learn about art and art history. When the conservation work is complete, the project will hold a final celebration event for the community.
Sue Murphy, Church DPC Project Co-ordinator, said:
“Dronfield Parish Church has been at the centre of life in the town and a wonderful resource for the whole community for nearly a thousand years. Its fantastic l to know that the 13th century-stained glass are now undergoing the conservation work they need carried out by some of the country’s most skilled specialists. This National Lottery Heritage Lottery grant is enabling us to restore them to their former glory and allowing them to be once again celebrated “
sUpERTRaM dElIvERs
bOTaNICal GaRdENs pROjECT
On 18 August 2024, TravelMaster is launching a new unlimited* bus only ticket valid anywhere in South Yorkshire. The new ticket is priced at £6.50 for a day and £22 for a week when you buy in advance via the TravelMaster App, ticket vending machines in transport interchanges or select Payzone stores. In comparison the closest equivalent ticket in the region is the SYConnect which is £8.60 for a day and £29 for a week when bought in advance. The SYConnect ticket offers unlimited travel throughout South Yorkshire on bus and tram.
TravelMaster is South Yorkshire’s multi-operator public transport ticketing company, owned and operated by the regions local operators. The new ticket is part of the South Yorkshire Enhanced Partnership commitments, a group including South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the regions bus operators. The ticket is being offered commercially by TravelMaster and its operators. John Henshall, TravelMaster General Manager said on the SYBus ticket: “We are delighted to be able to roll out this new ticket for bus passengers in the region. Through discussions at the Enhanced Partnership it was identified that there was a gap in the market for bus passengers who travelled throughout the different districts within South Yorkshire. We are now in line with other regions to offer a South Yorkshire bus only ticket.The new ticket is a fantastic addition to the TravelMaster range offering great value to passengers who need to use multiple bus operators when travelling throughout the region.”
A spokesperson for SYMCA commented on the new ticket: “The new TravelMaster SYBus ticket will allow passengers to use any bus in South Yorkshire – across multiple operators. This has been made possible through our partnership working with operators and we welcome this step to ensure passengers get better value for money on our public transport network.”
On March 22, 2024, Supertram came back under public control for the first time in 27 years in an historic day for South Yorkshire.
Just over four months on, customers are beginning to see the benefits of a tram system run in the interests of South Yorkshire’s communities - with ambitious improvement plans and investment being delivered. SYMCA is investing more than £33m in the Supertram network, with more than £23m being invested in this financial year alone. Fare evasion has also been reduced through an effort to encourage pre-purchasing of tickets through the Travel South Yorkshire (TSY) app, detailed analysis of ticketless travel hotspots and an ongoing investment in new ticket machines.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, together with Supertram and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), plan to create a bigger and better tram network that is fully integrated with other modes of transport. This will form the basis of a world-class transport network for South Yorkshire that connects all communities to opportunity.
Some of the improvements and successes on Supertram since March 2024, include:
• Passenger journeys 4.5% higher compared to this time last year
• Fare evasion has fallen to less than 0.4% of journeys from highs of up to 8%
• New handheld ticketing machines introduced for conductors to make ticket purchases on board trams easier and quicker
• 20,000 downloads of the Travel South Yorkshire ticketing app, with over 40,000 tickets purchased on the app since its launch
• A trial for more trams at peak times along key routes, to help commuters, introduced
A new Park and Ride and link road at Rotherham Parkgate is also expected to open later this year with a new tram train station and Park and Ride at Magna due to open in 2025.
The journey planning feature on Travel South Yorkshire app is also set to be launched in the coming weeks. This will enable customers to easily plan their journey, view live departures, buy tickets, save favourite routes as well as having an improved search functionality.
Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “After 27 years South Yorkshire’s Supertram came back under our control in March. Now, just over four months on we are making huge strides in our journey back to a public transport system that puts people first, connects our communities and helps us to build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire. Since March, 20,000 people have already downloaded our new app to buy tickets, trams and trams stops are getting a well needed deep clean and our conductors have new handheld ticketing machines which make buying tickets on the tram easier. But this is just the start of our journey to a truly integrated transport network that connects all our communities to the huge opportunities that exist right across South Yorkshire.”
Sheffield Botanical Gardens have marked the end of an education and engagement project, which has made the site a regional Centre for Horticultural Excellence.
In 2021, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £144k for an Education and Engagement Project at Sheffield Botanical Gardens, in a partnership between Friends of the Botanical Gardens, Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust and Sheffield City Council. Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust also committed £16k of match funding to the project. As a result of the funding, the gardens have become an ‘educational centrepiece’ for the city and region.
An extensive education programme has been developed for both local schools and adults and the team working on the project have established an important network of university reseachers, botanical garden networks and other experts, to provide research, experiences, and greater recognition of the site. As part of the project, a range of new interpretation signage has been installed
across the gardens to help visitors understand more about the incredible range of plants and flora on site.
The Sheffield Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of gardens within the park – including the Mediterranean Garden, the Rose Garden and the Rock and Water Garden. These gardens are home to plants from all over the world, which are now signposted across the site.
There is also a new Plant Adaptation Trail to explore in the Pavilions. This will allow families to learn about how plants adapt to different environments. There are also new boards, which will explain some of the Pavilion’s history and how the gardens came into being. New signage also includes information on the Air Quality Garden, which is part of the educational offer delivered by the University of Sheffield, on site. This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of the Friends of the Botanical Gardens, and both the end of the project and the milestone anniversary will be celebrated at an event on Sunday 4th August.
HElIpad aNNIvERsaRY
This summer marks the 8th anniversary of the opening of Sheffield Northern General Hospital’s helipad, which officially launched in 2016. Since then, it has seen 711 landings which, on average, is nearly two landings every week including from critically ill patients involved in road traffic accidents and sustained falls. Before the new helipad was built, the hospital had one that was 20 years old and patients had to be transferred by road to the Emergency Department, delaying access to lifesaving treatment.The HELP Appeal donated £1 million – half of the total amount needed to build the helipad – which currently serves people across Sheffield, South Yorkshire, parts of the Humber, Derbyshire and the East Midlands. Robert Bertram of the HELP Appeal said: “This number of landings confirms how much this helipad is needed in the region. Every single patient who has landed
on this helipad has been guaranteed immediate access to the hospital’s Emergency Department rather than having to endure a secondary transfer and delaying their treatment. Thank you to our supporters for ensuring patients in this region and across the country are receiving the highest standard of emergency care when time is of the essence.”
The HELP Appeal has also donated £2.85 million to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for its new rooftop helipad, which will ensure all of its air ambulance patients are able to receive hospital treatment immediately after landing. This time saving could save many lives.
The County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal has provided over £40 million in funding since 2009. This has helped to build 30 new NHS hospital helipads and the major upgrade of 20 more across the country. To find out more about the HELP Appeal please visit: www.helpappeal.org.uk
772336
We are located in Dover, Kent and looking for someone to join our team in the Fire Test Laboratory carrying out fire tests to BS and CE approval.
You must have some knowledge of structural engineering. The job will involve reading all requirements for each type of test and being able to remember those reports. You will be working with a team of people who will also be carrying out fire tests.
The hours of work will be 40 hours per week but if the tests overlap there will be overtime on top. It is a permanent position for the right person.
You must be able to drive as there is no public transport to our factory.
If interested, please send your CV to:
D.U.L. Laboratories Ltd
Envirograf House, Barfrestone, Dover CT15 7JG
Christmas Market Break Christmas Market Break
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.
TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR TRAMLINES 2025
Following a sun drenched 2024 edition of Tramlines Festival, Sheffield’s biggest party, revellers can now lay their hands on for Tramlines 2025 when it returns to Hillsborough Park from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July.
Early Bird tickets sold out within minutes but discounted Tier 1 tickets are now available.
40,000 people, daily, headed to Tramlines 2024 (26 – 28 July) for the festival’s celebratory 16th birthday. Over 5 stages of music, comedy and cabaret, Tramlines delivered a continual stream of highlights, with Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, Jamie T, The Human League, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Grennan, and Example, all drawing some of the biggest crowds of the weekend. Festival goers also witnessed a marriage proposal at The Snuts,
killer grime and dance sets from Jazzy, Coco, Kdot and Annie Mac, and the last ever live performance of The Magic Gang. Crowds packed in to catch sets from breaking talents Willie J Healey, Mercurynominated English Teacher, the star-studded 86TVs, Corella, and Sheffield’s Bedroom High Club. The 2024 edition also saw the introduction of TLC, a group of guardians who roam the site, checking in on the wellbeing of others, and the introduction of Peequal women’s urinals as Tramlines joins in the mission for ‘pee-equality’ at festivals. With customer safety always at the front of mind, Tramlines 2024 also continued its partnership with Strut Safe - a free hotline for solo walkers to call on their journey home when in need of company
and to feel safe.
Tramlines Festival Operations Director, Timm Cleasby said, “There was such a fantastic atmosphere all weekend with so many standout performances. We’d like to send a huge thanks to everyone who came and partied with us this weekend, to Sheffield City Council, and to the residents of Hillsborough Park for having us. Tramlines wouldn’t be possible without the help and hard work of the hundreds of staff and volunteers, so a massive thank you to every one of them. Work has already begun on 2025 and we can’t wait to welcome everybody back to Sheffield’s Biggest Party.”
Tickets and infoare available at www.tramlines.org.uk
CIU ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT
The CIU has announced that Ken Roberts CMD ACM has been appointed Union President and BobRussell CMD has taken over theposition of Union VicePresident. Both positions were co-opted in accordance with Rule 18(b) of theUnion’s Constitution.
Mr Roberts first became involved in club management in 1981 at Cwmaman Workmens Club in the South Wales Branch. He took over as Club Secretary in 1983 and held the position for 37 years. He also served as South Wales
Branch Secretary for 15 years and was selected to the National Executive as the member for the South Wales and Monmouthshire electoral District in2001.
Mr Roberts was instrumental in thecreation of the CIU’s Award in Club Management (ACM) education qualification and is one of the lecturerson the regular day courses. He became Union VicePresident inApril 2021.
Mr Roberts said: “It is an honour to hold the position of President of this great organisation.
“I will offer my full commitment to the Union in these trying times
and refuse to believe that the CIU’s greatness is a thing of the past.”
He added: “We are fortunate heirs to the legacy of our founders of this great movement.
“We must also continue to uphold the mission they set out all those years ago.”
The new Vice-President, Bob Russell CMD, served as National Executive Committee member for the Wessex and Western Counties Branches and is the Wessex Branch Secretary.
MERCURYSP RT LOCAL FOOTBALL FIXTURES
Sat aug 17th
BENjAMIN RIDLEY
FRIDAY AuGuST 9TH
SuPERB FEMALE VOCALIST
SATuRDAY AuGuST 10TH
SuPERB MALE VOCAL DuO
FRIDAY AuGuST 16TH
GuITAR VOCALIST SATuRDAY AuGuST 17TH
STAR 60S 70S 80S DuO
FRIDAY 9TH AUgUST BRILLIANT VOCALIST SATURDAY 10TH AUgUST
TUESDAY
Coronation Street:
Joel sees red when Betsy tries to blackmail him. Fiz is floored when she bumps into Alina in Fresco’s car park. Will she tell Tyrone his ex is back? Stu offers Mason a job as a pot washer, a decision which proves to be very unpopular. With Dylan’s fear of Mason evident, Sean resolves to sort it out and barges into Speed Dahl to confront Yasmeen and Stu. When Leanne fails to offer any kind words before Toyah’s appointment, it’s left to Nick to accompany her. With Sid’s job offer now off the table, Beth asks Carla if she can return to the factory. Will she agree? There’s clearly a spark between Cassie and Steve. Max visits an emotional Lauren and insists on taking her for lunch.
Emmerdale:
Tracy is surprised when Mandy tries to apply a £20 surcharge to the cost of Tracy’s treatment. When Tracy challenges Mandy, Mandy comes clean and admits that she is in some serious debt. Amelia is reeling from the very public arrest of Samson. The question remains: who grassed Samson up to the Police for assaulting Josh? Victoria is in for an unexpected surprise when a mystery man reveals his name is... John Sugden! When Victoria shares her discovery with Eric, he awkwardly reveals that John could well be the son of her late dad, Jack! Victoria reels from the revelation that she might have a long-lost half-brother. Jimmy’s hassles with the haulage firm continue. An inspector unexpectedly arrives to do a spot check on the company’s haulage vehicles. And Jimmy gets landed with a hefty fine! Together with Rodney’s disastrous turn as a delivery driver, it seems like boss Jimmy is having a sudden run of bad luck! What is going on?
Eastenders:
Linda is left in terror when she uncovers something sinister. Johnny does his best to calm his mum down and he summons two of the other conspirators, Denise and Sharon, to tell them about Linda’s sinister discovery. Bobby has been left in charge of pie shop Beale’s Eels by Cindy, who has snuck off for an afternoon of passion with her secret lover Junior. Freddie knows his nan Mo is feeling down and in a bid to cheer her up, he arranges a bird watching expedition in the Square!
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
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BLADES CONCLUDE PRE-SEASON WITH HUDDS DRAW
United’s pre-season preparations ended with an entertaining draw against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night.
A second half strike from Anel Ahmedhodžić cancelled an early opener from Ben Wiles, as the Blades attentions now turn to a trip to Deepdale for the Sky Bet Championship opener against Preston North End next week. For the clash in West Yorkshire, Burrows
made his debut as McCallum missed out with a slight knock.
Moore was also absent with a minor issue, whilst Shackleton didn’t feature having limped off against Rotherham, although his knee injury isn’t as serious as initially feared.
The hosts took the lead on five minutes, when WILES produced a two-touch finish from a Sorensen cross after Healey had won the ball high up the pitch. United looked for an instant response but
AN AFTERNOON TO REMEMBER
Liam Palmer may not have added to his tally of 435 recognised Owls appearances but experienced an afternoon to remember at Hillsborough.
The Wednesday stalwart’s testimonial with Spanish side CD Leganes yielded a goalless draw, the result a sideshow against Palmer’s loyal service to his boyhood team.
A crowd in excess of 10,000 paid homage to one of their own and the Owls wrapped up preseason before the big kick-off next Sunday versus Plymouth.
Wednesday looked bright in the S6 sun, dominating possession with Barry Bannan at the heart.
The skipper executed a scything diagonal ball to Jamal Lowe, whose cross was blasted wide by Djeidi Gassama.
Anthony Musaba was denied by a well-timed block from Julian Chicco, Josh Windass fired past the post after a defensive mix-up, before the Owls were hit on the counter and it took a last-gasp Bannan block to thwart Roberto Lopez.
The pattern of the game stayed the same in the second half and Jamal Lowe was denied a first goal in blue and white by keeper Juan Soriano at close quarters.
Leganes survived a penalty claim when Jamal Lowe went down under a Yvan Neyou challenge and James Beadle was called into action at the other end to keep out Diego Garcia.
The deadlock would not be broken - the man of the moment left the field to a rapturous reception, standing ovation and memories for a lifetime.
LA PLATA S.C.
353-355 Walkley Lane, Sheffield, S6 2PB PROBABLY THE BEST PLACE IN HILLSBOROUGH TO
Nicholls stood tall to deny Brewster, after he had latched on to a long ball forward by Ahmedhodžić. The game remained an open affair and Seriki had to be at his best to deny Koroma, with a perfectly timed tackle, whilst at the other end, Brewster had another sight of goal.
On the half hour, United broke swiftly, Brooks and O’Hare combined to play in Hamer, but Nicholls was equal to his left-footed strike. Five minutes
later, O’Hare saw an effort blocked, before Brewster registered another shot on target. The home side continued to pose a threat though and Evans perhaps should have done better following a rare slip by Souza. The first half ended with the Blades forcing a flurry of corners, the last of which came after a mazy run by Arblaster had forced Nicholls into another save. After Huddersfield had scored in the opening
ALL SQUARE IN WOOD TESTIMONIAL
Rovers signed off the pre-season programme with a goalless draw at Rotherham United in the testimonial for skipper Richard Wood. Wood was given a guard of honour by both teams as he made his way onto the pitch, flanked by his two sons on his return to the AESSEAL New York Stadium where he firmly established himself as a Millers legend over a nine-year spell.
And every Rovers player to feature on the afternoon each wore number six in tribute to the captain, who has already made a considerable impact in a short spell at the Eco-Power Stadium.
It proved to be another useful outing for Rovers to draw the friendly schedule to a close, with another good account against higher league opposition. The hosts made the stronger start and dominated the ball over the opening ten minutes. Alex MacDonald smashed a powerful free kick off the crossbar from 20 yards in an early opportunity for the Millers.
Ian Lawlor produced a stunning one-handed save after Jamie McCart diverted the ball on goal from close range, while former Rovers loanee Jonson Clarke-Harris failed to hit the target with a hooked effort.
Rovers settled well and began to make headway in attacking areas, with few opportunities for either side forthcoming. And it was Grant McCann’s side who finished the half the stronger. Tom Anderson headed narrowly wide from a free kick as the half hour mark approached.
Rovers had the ball in the back of the net when Kyle Hurst cut inside from the left and fired home a deflected effort only for the offside flag to be raised. Owen Bailey sent a header just off target while Jordan Gibson saw a volley deflect off target from 15 yards.
Wood was given a standing ovation as he was substituted a minute into the second half, with multiple changes following on the half hour. The second period was largely devoid of opportunities with both sides. Anderson threw himself in front of a goalbound drive from Joe Hungbo in a rare chance.
Substitute Jack Holmes curled an effort narrowly off target for the Millers in the final minute.
five minutes of the first period, United achieved the same feat in the second, as AHMEDHODZIC volleyed home on the rebound after a combination of Nicholls and the woodwork had kept out a freekick from debutant Burrows. The scorer of the equalising goal then prevented one at the other end as Koroma advanced in on Davies as the hour mark approached. Having restored, the Blades pushed for a
MILLERS
second goal and only the best of Nicholls denied Arblaster, after the midfielder had latched on to a pass by Brooks and broke dangerous through the home defence. Brooks then teed up Burrows, who fired a powerfully struck left-footed strike narrowly wide of the far post with an angled drive.
The game ended with United almost snatching a later winner like they did against Rotherham last time out, but after Seriki had advanced
GRANTED £65,000 FROM SKY BET EFL BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FUND
Rotherham United are delighted to have been awarded £65,600-worth of grants from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund.
This latest round of funding will support Rotherham United Community Trust’s plans to replace the existing Parkgate Astro pitch with a new community 3G Artificial Grass surface.
Further enhancements will include new perimeter 4.5m high fencing and 1.1m high fencing for a spectator area, as well as LED floodlighting and equipment and maintenance storage.
Key adult-only activities and services planned for the refurbished facility include educational workshops, men’s and women’s sports programmes, disability-inclusive sessions, community events and the expansion of the Community Trust’s Man V Fat programme and Andy’s Man Club provision.
Jamie Noble, Head of Community at Rotherham United Community Trust said: “The support from the Sky Bet Building Foundations Fund has enabled us to unlock nearly £500,000 of additional funding.
“It has meant that our ambition has been realised for adult beneficiaries from the Community.
We will see the venue transformed into a fully integrated multi use centre for the adult members of the community, who can then benefit from the work of the Trust and from a site which sits close to the community’s heart.”
Accrington Stanley’s Club Community talkSPORT Breakfast Show host and Sky Bet ambassador, Jeff Stelling was one of the panellists who judged winning bids. He said: “There’s no doubt that this round of funding will play a crucial role in keeping communities across England and Wales active for years to come.
“What has really impressed me when judging these applications is the breadth of different programmes that the CCOs offer, and these new grants will be put to great use serving the whole community.”
Today’s funding awards come after new Secretary
a good run out ended all square.
of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP talked of her ambition to prioritise support for grassroots sport – to help find the stars of tomorrow and transform lives in every part of Britain.
Debbie Cook, Director of EFL in the Community, the EFL’s charitable arm, said: “Our Clubs are at the heart of our communities across England and Wales and are serving distinct and diverse local areas. The Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund is enabling and strengthening the role of our network to change people’s lives in EFL communities.
“The fund will continue to support the commitment to and significant impact that facility upgrades, and the delivery of new and existing programmes can create in communities up and down the country.”
More than £650,000-worth of funding was awarded by the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund to more than 60 EFL CCOs in March.
9 Hole Golf Courses in the vicinity Fishing lake on the park Caters for holiday static and tourers Shop and Licensed Bar on site
on to O’Hare’s pass and rounded Nicholls, Slimane couldn’t generate enough power into his header and Helik cleared to ensure
