New project allows resIDeNts to share football memorIes
A lifetime of football memories were brought to fresh life when lifeline Sheffield United fan Peter Philips enjoyed a special visit to his favourite team’s home ground.
Sheffield care home charity Sheffcare hosts regular forum sessions where residents from all nine home across the city can talk about the things that interest them and are of importance to them. Many residents have shared that football played a significant role in their lives, prompting Sheffcare’s Dementia
and Wellbeing Manager Kathryn Rawling to explore ways to use sport to bridge the gap between life in care homes and community activities.
Sheffcare successfully connected with memory groups at Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, where monthly sessions feature players, ex-players and the public, including those living with dementia.
United legend Tony Currie has been especially supportive, attending sessions and offering to visit homes
to talk about his career.
And as a result, Peter Philips, who lives at Sheffcare’s Springwood home in Shirecliffe, attended a sessions at Sheffield United Bramall Lane ground.
“Peter’s family said it had been a fantastic experience, offering them an opportunity to make new memories together and they are eagerly looking forward to the next meeting,” said Kathryn.
“This outing was a wonderful way for Peter to spend some quality time with his family at a place that means so much to him
and it gave a wonderful boost to his mental wellbeing.
“The football memory group has not only provided social interaction but has also helped us better understand how to support residents like Peter.
“This initiative
highlights the positive impact of community engagement in enriching our residents’ lives.
“Sport, like music, can be a wonderful way to tap into memories and stimulate conversation and we are delighted that Tony is being so supportive.”
Grenoside Working Men’s Club is a private members’ club in the heart of Grenoside Village.
Role - GWMC requires a Steward/Stewardess to manage the Bar. This requires at least five years’ experience & proven ability in all aspects of bar, cellar & cash management, stock control, ordering, supervising of bar staff and dealing with suppliers. You need to be passionate about customer service and be enthusiastic and flexible with a “can-do” attitude.
Applications - in writing: FAO Club Secretary, 195 Main Street, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8PP, or
email: grenogwmc@gmail.com with subject: FAO Club Secretary - Job Application
Please include your CV and a covering letter. References are required.
DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
FULL LINE-UP OF STARS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STRICTLY LIVE TOUR 2025
Following the captivating saturday night Strictly final on BBc one, the full lineup of celebrities and professional dancers for next year’s highly anticipated strictly come Dancing Live UK Tour have been announced. The 30 sparkle-filled shows, which kick off in January 2025 calling in at the Utilita Arena Sheffield for two shows on Tuesday 21st January, feature seven FAB-U-LOUS couples: Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas;
Montell Douglas and Kai Widdrington; Wynne Evans and Katya Jones; Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec; JB Gill, Amy Dowden and Lauren Oakley; Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola; Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu. They will be joined on tour by more magnificent professional dancers: Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystal plus Robbie Kmetoni and Jake Leigh, adding to the glitz and the glamour of this supersized live tour. Not forgetting the
legendary Strictly TV judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and joining the tour for the first time, Motsi Mabuse. The cast will be completed with the sensational tour host, BBC Two’s Strictly - It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara.
Janette Manrara said: “Wow - what an incredible line-up of couples we have on the tour next year! Arena audiences around the country are in for a real treat. It’s going to be a blast to be back with
all the pros and, as an extra special treat, it will be a joy to welcome back the lovely Amy Dowden. Get ready for an evening of pure Strictly entertainment for the whole family - bigger and better than ever before!”
Strictly’s Live Tour celebrates all the joy of the TV series, showcasing the amazing choreography and fantastic live music that Strictly is synonymous with – providing audiences of all ages up and down the country the opportunity to experience everything
8/12/1958 - Project SCORE, the world’s first communications satellite, is launched.
19/12/1154 - Henry II of England is crowned at Westminster Abbey.
20/12/2007 - Elizabeth II becomes the oldest ever monarch of the United Kingdom, surpassing Queen Victoria, who lived for 81 years, 7 months and 29 days.
21/12/1910 - An underground explosion at the Hulton
they love about the TV show live on stage in their hometown or city. Not only are the arena audiences treated to the spectacular roof-raising routines, but they are also granted the power to decide who wins the coveted Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show. The tour judges will of course provide their invaluable wisdom, advice and scores at each performance - we couldn’t stop them if we tried - but the ultimate power lies with the audience. A text for their favourite couple is all
across
7) Disappear (6)
8) Rubber (6)
9) Prison room (4)
10) Course subjects (8)
11) One alone (6)
13) Fall (4)
14) Fish eggs (3)
16) Canteen (4)
17) Garment closer (6)
19) Holiday (8)
21) Flat fish (4)
22) Show (6)
23) Create (6)
it takes; their votes will decide who wins! Each performance will host a British Sign Language interpreter, who will be displayed on two very large screens on either side of the stage so that audiences can book tickets and sit almost anywhere in the arena to enjoy the experience with family and friends.
Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour is produced by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Live, with BBC Studios. Tickets are availale now from www. utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
Crossword Clues
DoWN
1) Throwing spear (7)
2) Testament (4)
3) Facial hairs (8)
4) Enthusiasm (4)
5) Flit around (3, 5)
6) Location (5)
12) Undefined situation (4, 4)
13) Urbane (8)
15) Direct phone link (3, 4)
18) Hammer (5)
20) Indolent (4)
21) Rescue (4)
Last Week’s Solution
across: 1) Socks, 4) Resting, 8) Almanac, 9) Maori, 10) Etch, 11) Demerara, 13) Chef, 14) Free, 16) Hen party, 17) Haze, 20) Adorn, 21) Equator, 22) Torment, 23) First DoWN: 1) State of the art, 2) Comic, 3) Sane, 4) Racket, 5) Symmetry, 6) Isolate, 7) Grin and bear it, 12) Detainee, 13) Candour, 15) Street, 18) Altar, 19) Duff To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call
Bank Colliery No. 3 Pit in Over Hulton, Westhoughton, England, kills 344 miners.
22/12/1965 - A 70 mph speed limit is applied to all rural roads including motorways for the first time. Previously, there had been no speed limit.
23/12/1823 - A Visit from St. Nicholas, also known as The Night Before Christmas, is published anonymously.
24/12/1865 - The Ku Klux Klan is formed.
Every morning on my way to work, I slip on the frozen newspaper on our front porch. I’ve fallen on some hard Times.
Never get in a fight with a T-rex. You’ll get jurasskicked.
Do you know what causes dry skin? Towels.
I was asked to go out by 4 girls today! Turns out I was in the ladies bathroom.
This morning, I accidentally ran into the man who once sold me an antique globe. It’s a small world.
Someone threw a giant bottle of omega-3 pills at me. I’m fine - I only suffered super fish oil injuries.
Ever have amnesia and deja vu at the same time? I think I’ve forgotten this before.
How much space do fungi need to grow? As mushroom as possible.
I asked the toy store clerk where the Arnold Schwarzenegger action figures were. She replied: “Aisle B, back.”
My friend has designed an invisible aeroplane. I can’t see it taking off.
A guy shows up late for work. The boss yells, ‘You should’ve been here at 8.30!’ He replies. ‘Why? What happened at 8.30?’
My wife is threatening to kick me out of the house because of my obsession with acting like a news anchor. More on this after the break.
1. Which British TV presenter was known for his “Cheap as chips” catchphrase?
2. Will & Grace actor Eric McCormack was originally cast as which Friends character?
3. Which 1987 film contains the famous line: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”?
4. In 16th century Arabic it was known as ‘qahwa’, the Turkish called it ‘kahveh’ - what is it known as in the UK? 5. Which nation defeated England in the 2018 Women’s Rugby Union World Cup Final to win the trophy for a fifth time?
6. What is the French phrase for ‘If it pleases you’? 7. According to folklore, what kind of animal is ‘Black Shuck’ which is said to roam East Anglia? 8. In horse racing, how the is the
News, Information and Advice
christmas burglary warning
Homes are 50% more likely to be burgled during winter with Friday and Wednesday being the most common days for break-ins.
Colder months are statistically the peak time for burglaries as longer nights leave homes more vulnerable.
Security experts have put together seven key tips to help homeowners protect their homes from intruders this Christmas.
1. Keep your Christmas tree away from the window
Burglars often look for easy opportunities, so while it’s tempting to show off your beautifully decorated Christmas tree, it’s safer to avoid placing it in front of a window. Presents under the tree can be a clear signal to thieves that valuables are inside. Christmas tree lights can also give away when you’re home or out, so use a timer to turn them on and off. Be sure to vary the timing daily to avoid burglars detecting a pattern.
2. Upgrade your locks to snap off break-ins
Many homeowners overlook home security with 65% not upgrading their protection in the last two years. Alarmingly, 76% of break-ins occur through doors with 33% achieved by forcing open locks. Requiring zero skills and completed in seconds, lock snapping is one of the most common tactics used by burglars. To counteract this, install anti-snap locks. Remember, locks and handles endure the most wear and tear due to frequent use.
3. Reinforce all entry points and think like a burglar Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes - where would you target? A well-guarded front door is just the start - windows, back doors, and garages are all potential entry points. Nearly 60% surveyed admit to not locking their downstairs windows, while 47% leave their back doors unlocked. It’s crucial to make sure all accessible windows are fitted with sturdy locks. Defensive plants, like thorny shrubs, can also be strategically placed around ground-level windows to act as a natural barrier. Always double-check that your back door is locked and consider extra locking mechanisms like deadbolts or knob locks. The harder you make it for a burglar to enter your
ambulance services call
first flight lands at last!
home, the more likely they are to give up and seek an easier target.
4. Set up motion detection lights
Almost two-fifths (37.5%) of burglaries take place in the evening, between 7 pm and midnight, as intruders use shadows to their advantage. Turn the tables by lighting up your fortress with motion sensor lights. These smart lights will activate upon detecting movement, startling would-be burglars as their hiding spots are suddenly illuminated. Place these lights near entry points such as doorways, garages and dark corners of your property to deter intruders.
5. Don’t advertise your absence
Burglars are naturally drawn to empty homes. Create the illusion that someone is around. If you plan to be away for an extended period over Christmas, timer switches for your lights to turn on and off at intervals are a cost-effective solution to deter burglars . Additionally, build a good relationship with your neighbours and ask them to collect any piled-up mail or parcels as these can signal that your home is unattended.
6. ‘Fence’ off your intruders
Establishing clear boundaries around your property with fences and gates is essential for warding off burglars, serving as a strong first line of defence. A sturdy, well-maintained fence, especially one topped with trellis, makes climbing more difficult. Regularly trimming overgrown shrubs and trees will eliminate potential hiding spots for burglars.
7. A ‘Beware of Dog’ sign is not enough - invest in burglar alarms
More than four in five people burgled did not have a burglar alarm installed, making their homes easy targets. Investing in a reliable burglar alarm system is a proactive step to protect your home and ensure a good night’s sleep. Relying solely on a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign can have the opposite effect, suggesting to potential thieves that you depend on your pet for security as having a pet around may easily trigger alarms. Notably, 60% of burglars report that they will abandon their plans if they encounter a home equipped with a security camera or alarm system.
Yorkshire Ambulance
Service is urging members of the public to use its services responsibly as it faces the challenges of its busiest time of the year. The service is already dealing with an increase in demand for its 999, NHS 111 and nonemergency Patient Transport Service which is expected to continue to rise as winter progresses. Around 71,000 ‘999’ calls are expected between 16 December and 5 January; this equates to an average of 150 ‘999’ calls every hour on our busiest days over the festive period.
While the service has plans in place to help alleviate system-wide pressures, such as more ambulances and additional staff, the public also has a vital role to play by choosing the most appropriate healthcare service for their need. Nick Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We are already seeing systemwide increases in demand, largely due to winter-related illnesses like flu and respiratory problems, adverse weather and a busier night-time economy. This will undoubtedly rise further over the next few weeks. We always prioritise our response to the most seriously ill and injured patients.
The public can help with this by knowing when to call 999 and when another NHS service is more appropriate. If someone is seriously ill or injured, you should call 999 immediately. If not, please consider other healthcare options.”
The public can help by: • only calling 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured; examples are chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe loss of blood, severe burns and scalds or major trauma such as a serious road traffic accident, stabbing, shooting, fall from height or a serious
head injury.
• considering other healthcare services for illnesses and injuries which are NOT lifethreatening, such as your pharmacy, GP or urgent treatment centre. NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) should be your first port of call if you are unsure where to go. It’s quick and simple and you will be asked the same questions as if you called 111. You can also call 111 if you’d prefer.
• If you are waiting for an ambulance, please don’t call 999 back to ask for an estimated time of arrival. Only call back if the patient’s condition has worsened or you no longer need an ambulance.
Calling 999 does not always mean an ambulance will be sent. All calls are categorised to determine the most appropriate response for the patient’s need.
An increasing number of our patients (12,500 in November 2024 compared to 6,200 in November 2023) are dealt with by clinicians over the phone rather than receiving an ambulance response which also helps to relieve pressure on A&E departments. Nick Smith added: “Quite often, an ambulance response and visit to A&E is not the best option for our patients. Every day hundreds of our patients are being managed remotely by clinicians in our 999 call centre. We have also been working hard with our partners to develop pathways which means we can refer patients to an increasing number of alternative services which are more appropriate for their needs.”
The first flight back into Doncaster Sheffield Airport has landed.
Aviation and aerospace company 2Excel has had permission from City of Doncaster Council to bring back one of its aircraft to the site as part of a winter maintenance programme. The company, which has occupied a hangar on the airport site for over a decade, has continued its technical delivery operations on site since the airport closed two years ago but had to relocate its aircraft fleet to other airports and airfields around the country.
6 December saw the return of the first of its aircraft in a managed process known as an unlicensed flight; one which is not carrying passengers or cargo. The team at 2Excel will once again be able to use the hangar to house aircraft over the winter period which will return to Doncaster from bases around the country. It is envisaged that several flights will take place in the coming months.
Mayor, Ros Jones, said: “We know how important the airport is to local people and businesses so it is great to see an already established aviation business in our city being able to use the site again. 2Excel is a great supporter of the airport and a strong advocate for the aviation industry in Doncaster and them returning their aircraft to the site as part of their winter planning is really a positive step.
Their presence sends a signal to others about the importance of the site as a strategic base. We are still working steadfastly to reopen the airport by spring 2026 and there will be further news forthcoming in early 2025. Progress is going well and further updates will be given in the New Year.”
Andy Offer, director and co-founder at 2Excel, added: “It’s a testament to all at 2Excel that we absorbed the pain caused by the unexpected closure of Doncaster to aviation in November 2022. It’s a place we’ve been proud to call our home for more than a decade. But it’s important to recognise that we never left. Throughout the past two years, some 150 people have continued to work in Hangar 3, day in, day out. Doncaster Council have never lost sight of the goal to reopen the airport and we’ve remained in constant contact. We look forward to continuing to work with both the council and the new operator to return Doncaster airport to its rightful place as a major employer in the South Yorkshire region. The airport can regain its status as a hub for creating economic prosperity and employment for wellpaid and highly skilled people – including our employees who create nationally strategic technologies and deliver critical services to the British public and Government.”
travelling at christmas?
Bus, tram and train passengers in South Yorkshire are being reminded to check before they travel this Christmas and New Year.
During the festive period, services will run to amended timetables; and in some cases, the last departures will be earlier than usual. There will be no bus, tram or train services on Christmas Day, and limited bus and tram services on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Bus operators will run a ‘Saturday plus’ service on 23 and 24 December and 2 and 3 January to support people getting to and from work. This means extra early morning trips on top of the usual Saturday service.
A summary of services can be found at travelsouthyorkshire.com/ christmas.
Sheffield City Council is also offering a free TravelMaster CityWide Sheffield 1 Day travel ticket, worth £6.30 in December, to help people get around the city in the run up to Christmas. The offer, which is limited to one ticket per person, is available through the BetterPoints Sheffield app. Further information
about the offer and how to redeem a free ticket can be found at sheffield. betterpoints.uk/. Travel time restrictions will be removed for Senior Concessionary Pass holders from Friday 27 December to Tuesday 31 December 2024. This means anyone holding a pass can use it all day on buses, trams and trains within South Yorkshire between those dates.
Train operators will run a reduced service during the Christmas and New Year period. Further information including timetables can be found at https://www. nationalrail.co.uk/travelinformation/christmas/. From Tuesday 24 until Tuesday 31 December, our customer contact centre, Traveline, will be open from 8am until 6pm. It will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Opening hours for interchanges, miniinterchanges and Park & Ride sites can also be found at travelsouthyorkshire.com/ christmas.
Operating
300 MILLION PINTS OVER CHRISTMAS SEASON TO BOOST ECONOMY
Almost 300 million pints could be sold in pubs in December, with the beer and pub sector expected to pour a total of £3.3 billion in GVA into the UK economy, new BBPA figures show.
December could see the industry as a whole put £1.7 billion in the Treasury’s coffers, as the sector gears up for its busiest month, the BBPA calculated.
The sales of pints in pubs in December alone amounts to 9.5% of their annual beer sales, and would generate turnover of around £1.4 billion, with the average pint costing £4.80. This would generate £136 million in beer duty alone.
Roaring trade should highlight the huge contributions the sector makes to the UK’s coffers but not mask the fact that most pubs will only make pennies in profits for
every pint sold, the BBPA said.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Month in, month out, but most of all at Christmas, beer and pubs pour billions into the UK economy and Treasury.
“With the average pub making just 12p a pint thanks to the shocking cost of doing business, these figures highlight just how much our sector boosts the economy, but also what little money is left over.
“We’re working with Government to make sure they cut the cost of doing business so we can help deliver their growth mission, continue to be a pillar of the economy and job market, and remain at the heart of communities.”
The sector supports more than 1 million jobs and latest figures
show it contributed £34.4 billion in GVA to the economy.
The British Beer and Pub Association has warned the cumulative impact of the Budget means, at a conservative estimate, a £650million increase to the cost of doing business for the industry putting pubs, brewers, investment and jobs at continued risk.
The leading trade association is urging the Government to swiftly deliver on permanent and meaningful business rate reforms to give the sector the best chance of continuing to serve their communities and regenerate high streets. The BBPA is also calling on Government to reconsider the timing of the new employment costs so businesses can better plan and carry on employing staff they need, rather than staff they can afford.
LIVE EVENTS AT THE PARAMOUNT
THURS 23RD JANUARY - SAT 1ST FEBRUARY
TUESdAy 24TH dECEMbEr STAr MALE voCALIST
SATUrdAy 28TH dECEMbEr
SUN 22Nd dEC
STAr SOLO ArTIST dave hill
TUES 24TH dEC
GrEAT voCALIST ricky graham
ThUrS 26Th dEC
Top ENTErTAINEr ricky wilde
SAT 28TH dEC
Top fEMALE voCALIST emily peters
SUN 29Th dEC
GrEAT voCALIST ajay jackson
TUES 31ST dEC Top MALE voCALIST alan squires
SATUrdAy 21ST dECEMbEr Top fEMALE voCALIST AMy CArNELL jONNY gUeST
TUESdAy 31ST dECEMbEr brINGING IN THE NEw yEAr!
DeC
TUeS 24TH DeC STAR DOUBLe BILL HAYLeY LOU & SOmeTHINg OLD SOmeTHINg NeW SUN 22ND DeC 4:00pm keNNY LYNNe’S
SUN 22 DeC 6:15pm gReAT mALe vOCALIST ASHLeY kINg
fRIDAY 27TH DeC 6:00pm gReAT mALe vOCALIST
28TH DeC STAR ARTIST
SOUND & vISION SUN 29TH DeC 4:00pm gReAT vOCAL INSTRUmeNTAL
NeIL jAmeS SUN 29TH DeC 6:15pm TOp vOCAL ARTIST
TUeS 31ST DeC See IN THe NeW YeAR WITH OLIveR pAIge
friDaY DEcEmbEr 20th charLiE raY
top VocaList
satUrDaY DEcEmbEr 21st pL aYList
star fEmaLE DUo
tUEsDaY DEcEmbEr 24th stErEo LoVE
grEat part Y DUo
friDaY DEcEmbEr 27th thomas marx
top VocaList
satUrDaY DEcEmbEr 28th karNiVaL
grEat DUo
tUEsDaY DEcEmbEr 31st paUL spEED sEEiNg iN thE NEw YEar!
christmas hoLiDaY ENtErtaiNmENt! biNgo & raffLEs aLL wEEkEND
COLLEY WMC
28th December Lisa ashLEY
star fEmaLE artist
sUNDaY 29th December bENjamiN riDLEY
grEat soLo artist
tUEsDaY 31st December rELoaD part Y timE!
LICENCE UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE LICENSING
2003 Notice is hereby given that: HANG SING HONG LTD has applied for a premises licence to Sheffield City Council in relation to Taste The Orient, 64 The Moor, Sheffield, S1 4PA to permit the provision of the following licensable activities: Retail Sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday to Sunday 11:00hrs to 21:00hrs . The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected during normal office hours at the below address or online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk. Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations in writing to, Sheffield City Council Licensing Service at Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Sheffield, S9 3HD or by email: licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk. Such written representation must be received by 07/01/2025 clearly stating the grounds upon which the representation is made in relation to the four objectives of the Licensing Act 2003 It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for this offence is unlimited.
Innpacked Ltd., 10 Whittle Road, Ferndown Ind Est, Wimborne, Dorset. www.innpacked.com
GOOdS VeHICLe OPeRatOR’S LICenCe
PAUjLA HAULAGE LTD OF
5 SIDDON DRIVE HUDDESFIELD HD5 8UG
is applying to change an existing Licence as follows: to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles & 2 trailers at: WOODHOUSE MILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, RETFORD ROAD, WOODHOUSE, SHEFFIELD S13 9WG
Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.
A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
TUESDAY
Coronation Street: When Izzy and Sarah reveal that Carla’s got a lunch appointment with a very handsome client, Lisa Swain masks her discomfort. Matty and Logan confront a shaken David over the stolen money. Toyah puts on a brave face as Leanne tells her and Nick how much Sam is looking forward to his holiday. Gail tells Shona and Sarah that she’s arranged a pre-wedding pampering session at the salon for all of them and they’ll need to take the morning off. As Daniel jogs past Redbank Apartments, he clocks Kit kissing a female visitor. How will Daisy react when Daniel reveals what he saw?
Emmerdale:
John surprises Aaron with a camping trip. t’s a breakthrough moment when Aaron and John confess that they are in love with each other. As the day of the trial arrives, the Dingle family is alarmed when they discover a mysterious note left by Belle, and realise she has gone missing. Tom is pleased when he hears from his solicitor that his estranged wife hasn’t arrived at court. Tom feels triumphant as he prepares to plead his innocence. Will Belle and her worried family finally see Tom brought to justice? Will is thrown when he hears from his wife, Kim, that his daughter Dawn will be moving back into Home Farm. Amelia is feeling emotional as she bids farewell to her friends. But she’s left feeling disappointed when it looks like Kerry is going to be a no-show for the party! Will Kerry really let Amelia leave the village without a final goodbye after everything they’ve been through together over the years? As the anniversary of his son’s death approaches, dad Bob wants to organise a Christmas carol concert in Heath’s memory.
Eastenders:
Denise is in Fox & Hair with new employee, Avani, when two masked men burst into the beauty salon! Denise panics when the intruders claim that Nish sent them. Ravi wants to know why Denise is so scared about his dad, Nish, having escaped from prison. As Denise continues to be haunted by the SHOCK events of last Christmas Day, will she reveal her dark secret to Ravi? Martin and his ex-wife, Stacey, are all mixed-up after he tried to kiss her in the heat of the moment! Peter remains unaware of Lauren’s painkiller addiction. Jean is determined to have a happy Christmas despite her financial troubles.
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury
BLADES CAPITALISE ON BIG MOMENTS
Chris Wilder hailed his players for capitalising on the ‘big moments’ in Saturday’s hard-fought success over Plymouth Argyle at Bramall Lane.
Gustavo Hamer and Kieffer Moore netted at crucial points in the contest, but Wilder was typically honest in assessment in the aftermath of another
WILDER CLAIMS SECOND MOTM AWARD OF THE SEASON
Chris Wilder has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for November, having also won the award in September. It has been an almost perfect penultimate month of 2024 for Wilder’s side that has been rebuilt since relegation. The understanding and cohesion continues to grow and a haul of 16 points from six unbeaten games and a 11-3 goal differential saw the Blades hit the summit of the division.
Wilder said: “This award is recognition for a lot of hard work from the players and the staff in the opening months
home win.
He remarked: “We took the big moments, but they were better than us first half and maybe I should have made more changes to the team, but I just thought we could go again. It is a ridiculous situation we are put in with three games in seven days, so maybe it is on me to
of the season. It seems that Blades fans have enjoyed the start to the campaign, including the fresh approach and attitude we have adopted.
“The rebuild of the squad has been talked about numerous times, what needs to be taken into consideration is that this is a new group, providing a new dynamic, which includes the lads who were here last season.
There’s still a lot of work to do but the signs are good.”
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month judging panel.
He added: “It was a great month for Chris and his team. Their confidence is growing as the season progresses and November included timely results against high flying Sunderland and rivals Sheffield Wednesday.”
take more responsibility for changes because we lacked energy and had to change the formstion at half time to put more pressure on the ball, they were less of a threat second half, because they looked dangerous at times in first period.”
The boss added: “We are light, a couple of injuries have hit home, we lack
YOU’VE GOT TO TAKE YOUR CHANCES AT THE LEVEL WE WANT TO BE
Grant McCann believes the defeat at AFC Wimbledon was the perfect example for Rovers that they must take their chances in matches.
Rovers fell to a 1-0 loss courtesy of a Matty Stevens header after both Luke Molyneux and Kyle Hurst missed golden chances to open the scoring.
Despite Rovers being largely second best following Stevens’ goal, there were few chances of real note for either side, with fine margins deciding the outcome.
“You have to score when you get chances - it’s as simple as that,” McCann said. “You can’t sugarcoat it. When you get the chances, you have to stick them in the back of the net.
“Particularly when you come away from home to a team that is challenging at the top end of the table as well.
“Wimbledon have a DNA, they go forward to [Omar] Bugiel and they’ve got people who will work and run at the top end of the
pitch like Matty Stevens and Josh Kelly.
“They don’t give us a minute’s peace and we let that happen too many times where we got sucked into their game plan, going forward too quickly and the ball just kept coming back.
“I’m just disappointed for our fans that have made the long trip down that we’ve given them absolutely nothing apart from the first 20 minutes to even get excited about.”
McCann was also frustrated with the goal Rovers conceded. George Broadbent’s cross-field pass was cut out by Kelly, who raced into the area and crossed for Stevens to head home.
Rather than the misplaced pass, it was the manner in which Rovers failed to recover afterwards that
disappointed the manager most.
He said: “When we make a mistake, we get punished. That’s what happened.
“I can’t think of too many more chance that Wimbledon had barring a good save that Teddy made in the second half. We have given their goal with a poor bit of play and they’ve broken. We should still defend the cross better and we don’t.
“We lost the ball in midfield and just didn’t react quickly enough. I’ve no problem with people losing the ball - it’s how we react and we didn’t react.
“It’s been a really disappointing day for us because the level pf performance we showed after the first 20 minutes was nowhere near what we’re about.”
Wednesday beat Oxford 3-1 at the Kassam Stadium, chalking up their fifth away win and yet another victory having gone behind.
That tally now stands at an impressive four to continue the climb up the Championship table.
Greg Leigh struck first for the U’s and Josh Windass promptly levelled before half time.
Jamal Lowe then sent Wednesday in front and Djeidi Gassama put the result beyond doubt to extended the remarkable run of form out of base.
After Dane Scarlett forced an early low save from James Beadle, the contest developed into an even affair until the U’s broke ranks on 17 minutes.
Owen Dale’s cross was flicked on by Ruben Rodrigues and Leigh prodded home from close
MILLERS REMEMBERS WITH FAN TRIBUTE
Rotherham United will pay its respects to the former players, staff and supporters who have sadly left us in 2024 prior to the home game against Bolton Wanderers when they host their annual Rotherham Remembers tribute.
The club is now welcoming the submission of names from supporters to be included
range to give Oxford the lead.
Beadle was then in the spotlight, first palming Idris Mizouni’s effort from the top corner before misjudging a loose ball that presented Scarlett with a clear sight of goal but the striker dragged wide. The Owls headed straight upfield and were level on 28 minutes. Shea Charles delivered a dangerous corner from which Windass casually sidefooted past Jamie Cumming. Back came the hosts and Beadle did well to thwart Dale on the angle before Wednesday responded with a Jamal Lowe header that Cumming pushed around the post. Michael Smith was a whisker away from converting a Marvin Johnson cross just ahead of the break, after which the Owls came out flying. And on 50 minutes it was
in the tribute which will appear in the official matchday programme for the game against the Trotters before they invite everyone inside AESSEAL New York Stadium to applaud as the names are proudly displayed on the big screen around 15 minutes before the scheduled 12:30pm kick off.
Fans wishing to have their loved ones’ names displayed on the big screen prior to the game on Saturday 11th January 2025 should send the name they would like displayed to remembers@ rotherhamunited.net with the subject titled ‘Rotherham Remembers 2024.’
2-1. The ball bounced off the unfortunate Cameron Brannigan right into the path of Jamal Lowe, who casually finished from close range.
Ten minutes later, the game was all but over as Gassama scored the goal of the game. Smith’s deft touch teed up the Frenchman, who fired a curling volley past the diving Cumming. It could have been more too as Wednesday were in cruise control - Cumming blocked Svante Ingelsson six yards out then did well to keep out Pol Valentin’s fierce hit from the rebound. Anthony Musaba went close moments later and Smith blazed over after good work from Valentin. Oxford did try and push forward with the clock counting down but to no avail and the Owls saw the victory out with consummate ease.
Please send in the names spelled as you would like them to appear.
Any names that are duplicated will only appear on the honours reel once.
The names will also be printed in the official matchday programme for this fixture, the deadline for which will be 5pm on Monday 6th January 2025.
The Millers will be able to accept names for the tribute which appears on the big screen up until 5pm on Wednesday 8th January 2025.
More details can be found at www.themillers.co.uk
physicality without Vini (Souza), so we’re
ECKINGTON SELF STORAGE
