ANIMAL lover Amy Harrison is on a mission to save three cats she fears will be killed in Greece – and is appealing for help from Star readers to bring them safely to South Yorkshire.

Amy moved from Sheffield Lane Top to the Greek island of Rhodes with her parents when she was aged 12.

But now the former pupil at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary, Sheffield Lane Top, is returning to the city of her birth – and desperately wants to bring back the animals with her.

While living in Greece Amy has rescued several animals including a horse, a donkey, two dogs and three cats. She has managed to find homes for the dogs, horse and donkey but has had no luck with the cats.

If she leaves them behind she says they will die.

Amy said: “Animal welfare in Greece is not enforced and I cannot leave them behind because they could very easily be shot, poisoned, hanged or even drowned, which is unfortunately an everyday occurrence.

“I need to bring them to the UK where they are more likely to get homes.”

Amy needs help with funds for passports, vaccines, microchips and travel costs.

She said: “The most economical route will be from Rhodes to Amsterdam, then on to the Hook of Holland by road and then by boat from there to Harwich. The estimated cost is 1,300 euros and I need help raising it.”

Once the cats are back in the UK Amy will look to find them new homes.

She said: “Garfield, a fat laid-back soul who loves to play, would be a great family pet. He is about five years old and was found as a small kitten crying all alone having lost his mum.

“Nelly is a very affectionate cat who will sit and lick you for hours.

“She is five years old and was found in the middle of the road when she was no bigger than your hand and was syringe-fed to keep her alive and well.

“Badger is six and was born outside my house from a stray but was taken away by her mother.

“When I found her again she had an eye disease from which she lost both her eyes and has been completely blind ever since.”

n Email Amy at missdudette_92@hotmail.com if you would like to help.

TIME is running out for people to give their views on plans to earmark green and open spaces around Sheffield for up to 500 new homes.

Sheffield Council’s consultation exercise into the proposals ends on Monday.

The authority says it needs to earmark 18 areas - which include playing fields and farmland - to help meet a target of 35,000 new homes by the year 2026, as there is not enough brown-field land for all the properties required.

One of the areas where the plans have caused the most controversy is Woodhouse where three sites are earmarked, among them farmland off Beighton Road where as many as 200 homes could be built.

Members of Shirebrook Conservation Group have already objected.

Woodhouse resident David Newbould, a craftsman who lives half-a-mile from the farmland, said: “These fields are council- owned and are let to a local farmer, for him to produce crops.

“Council planners now think it’s a good idea to schedule this land for 200-or-so new houses, because private developers do not see brown-field sites as profitable enough. The council should grow some teeth and insist on brownfield sites first.”

Other sites earmarked for development include land surrounding reservoirs being decommissioned in Crookes, former Sheffield Hallam University playing fields at Norton and a farm at Worrall. Coun Helen Mirfin-Boukouris, Sheffield Council cabinet member for growth, said: “We are under pressure from the Government to identify enough land for future new homes.

“We also want to protect as much of Sheffield’s green space as we can. With the pressure on land there are some hard choices to make.

“This land is not going to be built on overnight, but it’s about having a plan of land supply for the future.

“If we do not identify enough land, developers could ask to build in places where we do not want them to - like in the green belt.

“We don’t want this to happen. We want to try to protect as much of Sheffield’s green space as we can.”

n View the plans online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning-and-city-development/planning-documents/sdf/consultation-on-the-sdf.html or at libraries.

To comment, email sdf@sheffield.gov.uk

Monique Gladding admits she had caught the Olympic “bug” by competing in a dream FINA World Cup meeting at the London Aquatics Centre this week.

Gladding revelled in front of a vocal home crowd to reach her first major individual world final at the venue for this summer’s Games.

The 30-year-old is gunning for a first Olympics appearance, and after proving she belongs in world-class company with her 10th place in tonight’s final is desperate to return later in the year.

“That is just something I will always remember and something to be re-lived in the summer,” she said of the support of a 3,000-strong crowd at a venue that is to be expanded to 17,500 for the Olympics.

“I’ll hold on to that feeling, that crowd behind you is the best.

“I’ve got the bug now. I loved it.”

While Gladding reached her breakthrough final, most importantly she earned Britain an extra place for the Olympics and boosted her own hopes of completing a remarkable comeback from the horrific injury she suffered almost a year ago to the day.

The City of Sheffield diver had to be saved from a pool at a Russian meeting when she hit her head on the tower and plummeted unconscious into the water during competition.

“It’s absolutely amazing. If someone had said to me 12 months ago that I would be 10th at a World Cup I would have snapped their hand off,” she said.

“But even then I’m leaving here a little bit disappointed because two of my best two dives were not quite right.

“I suppose that is a great place to be because 10th and a few mistakes in my first World Cup final - I’m going to take the positives from that.”

Gladding is not assured an Olympic tracksuit just yet though, with places to be decided at June’s British Championships in Sheffield.

Four years ago Gladding secured Britain’s place for Beijing only to then fail to seal her own berth. And she will face stiff competition from Tonia Couch, Stacie Powell and Sarah Barrow in arguably British diving’s most competitive discipline.

“In our country which is great for British diving, women’s platform is so strong,” she said.

“There’s a good few girls in there. That’s unfortunate for me, but fortunate for Britain.

“I’m really fighting hard for this.”

Earlier, Jack Laugher served a reminder that Great Britain are not a one-man team after storming into the semi-final of the three-metre springboard.

While all the focus of attention has been on Tom Daley, Laugher’s rapid rise up the international ranks continued in this afternoon’s marathon preliminary round of 59 divers as he finished fifth with a score of 458.05.

That bettered the total he managed when finishing seventh at last July’s World Championships, and after nailing his new reverse three-and-a-half somersault - one of the hardest 3m dives - it proved he has the class to challenge for an Olympic medal this summer.

“That’s my newest dive and it’s the biggest I do in the prelims. To have it go so well in front of a home crowd is an absolutely amazing feeling,” Laugher said.

“It’s quite a hard dive. It is the top-end athletes that do it. It felt so good.

“Hopefully I can continue to do that for the Olympics.”

There was good news for team-mate Chris Mears too as he virtually sealed his place at the Olympics after finishing 14th and earning Britain a second place at the Games.

It was another remarkable comeback story after Mears almost died four years ago when he ruptured his spleen in Australia while suffering with glandular fever.

After collapsing at the team hotel the youngster, now 19, was given a five per cent chance of survival and had to have the spleen removed.

He has slowly worked his way back to a position where he now looks likely to compete in the Olympics in the individual and synchro springboard.

“(This is) brilliant. I’ve come a long way from Australia where I had my accident,” Mears said.

“But now I’m back. It feels great to be here. That’s all in the past. Bring on the future.”

]]> 1.4273170 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:48:42 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/sheffield_united_s_evans_in_line_for_top_honour_1_4271705

SHEFFIELD United’s Ched Evans has been shortlisted for the prestigious npower League One Player of the Year Award at the Football League Awards 2012.

Evans will be up against two other League One players for the Award; Jordan Rhodes of Huddersfield Town and Johnnie Jackson of Charlton Athletic.

Following a £3 million move from Manchester City in 2009, the Welsh international has become an integral player at Bramall Lane. The striker has hit a rich vein of form this season, and his prolific scoring has helped the Blades in their push for promotion back to the Championship.

The shortlist was produced after managers from every League One club were asked to submit their top five players for the Award, excluding players from their own clubs.

This year’s Football League Awards sees a total of 17 awards with the winners being announced at the gala ceremony at The Brewery, London on Sunday 11th March 2012.

To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visit www.FLAwards.com

AFTER behaving like a drama queen - by his own admission - and then receiving an OBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace, it was back to work for Lee Westwood today.

Westwood faced Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, keen to show that his finish in Dubai two weeks ago was just a bad day at the office, or, more accurately, a bad day on the greens.

England’s world number two, who will go top of the rankings again if he wins on Sunday and defending champion Luke Donald does not make the quarter-finals, was furious afterwards.

The following morning he went on Twitter to declare his “16-hour sulk” over and said: “Well tossed that one away nicely! Carnage on the greens! Managed not to break or smash anything post round!

“Waved the putter at it 33 times. Not even good enough for the monthly medal with form like that.

“Have now given Billy [caddie Billy Foster] approval to slap me (within reason!) if I don’t run the ball at the hole with pace over the next three weeks!”

Westwood confessed in Arizona to being “a bit of a drama queen” in his reaction and that he was fairly happy with his start to the season.

He finished the Desert Classic a stroke behind Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello after failing to get up and down from just off the last green.

“It felt like the damage had been done before then. I gave myself seven or eight birdie chances and didn’t make any of them.”

Winning all six games this week must seem a long way off teeing off because in 11 previous trips to the 64-man event he has never even made the last 16.

Colsaerts is one of Europe’s biggest-hitters and Dove Mountain can be set up as the longest course played all year, but for the last two winners Ian Poulter and Donald a sharp short game proved more important.

Donald could also be dethroned by Rory McIlroy at the weekend, but for the 22-year-old Northern Irishman to take over at the top for the first time he has to win and Donald has to go out either today or tomorrow.

McIlroy opened against George Coetzee and Donald against former world number one Ernie Els. The two South Africans are playing only because Phil Mickelson opted to go on holiday and Paul Casey is still recovering from injury.

]]> 1.4271556 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:10:36 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/lane_centre_half_learns_from_the_masters_1_4270939

NEILL Collins has already paid tribute to the positive influence Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson has had on his career.

But the Scottish centre-half, who is expected to anchor the visitors’ defence during this weekend’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, has also picked the brains of two accomplished exponents of the defensive arts as he prepares himself for the maelstrom of a Steel City showdown.

With a combined 1,229 senior appearances and nearly half a century of derbies on their respective footballing CVs, there is precious little Chris Morgan and David Weir have not experienced in their careers.

Morgan, who accepted a role on Wilson’s coaching staff when the former Northern Ireland international was appointed in May, has yet to resume playing duties after suffering a serious knee injury 17 months ago.

But Morgan’s new role has ensured he remains a powerful and influential figure behind the scenes, with Collins keen to benefit from his experience.

“Myself and the rest of the centre-halves here are really fortunate because we’ve got two of the best people with us that you could possibly learn from in Chris and David,” he said.

“They’ve been there, seen it and done it so it’s great to have them around because they can pass on so much.

“Both of them know exactly the challenges that you face in this position and they’ve dealt with everything the job can throw up before.

“It’s a real boost having them around the place with us.”

“Chris is hugely respected by everyone here,” Collins added.

“He might not be out there on the pitch at the moment but he’s still a massive part of what we are trying to do.”

Weir, a veteran of 43 Old Firm, Merseyside and Edinburgh derbies, had been training with United since leaving Glasgow Rangers earlier this term.

Wilson actively encouraged him to share his knowledge with players such as Collins as they devise a strategy to combat Wednesday’s aerial threat. Nevertheless, Collins, who has tasted success with the likes of Sunderland and Leeds, has warned against over-playing the ‘experience’ card when attempting to predict the outcome of Sunday’s contest.

“It counts for a lot but it doesn’t count for everything,” he said. “We’ve seen youngsters here come into high-pressure situations and they’ve more than coped.”Weir, who watched United beat Huddersfield Town earlier this month, is unlikely to be present at Hillsborough after accepting a coaching role with his former club Everton last night.He will work primarily with the Premier League outfit’s academy and reserves.“The manager (David Moyes) has always maintained there would be a role here for me when I finally decided to come back,” he said. “I’ll do whatever he requires.“It feels like coming home again.”

]]> 1.4270939 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:02:42 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/jj_s_out_for_two_months_1_4270962

OWLS star Jermaine Johnson has been ruled out for around eight weeks.

The bombshell news coincides with the club landing Reading winger Michail Antonio on loan for the rest of the season.

Wednesday are also working on trying to sign an undisclosed forward. And it was suggested last night that a move for Doncaster Rovers’ Kyle Bennett had been turned down.

Johnson damaged knee ligaments in a tackle at Chesterfield last Saturday, it has been confirmed.

Manager Gary Megson summed up the blow by saying: “JJ has been playing arguably the best football of his career. scoring goals, making them and looking a huge threat. He’s expected to be out for eight weeks, We just have to tough it out”

He welcomed the arrival of Antonio, who first emerged as a loan target in November and played well at Hillsborough while on loan with Colchester.

“I wanted to have Michail on one wing and Ben Marshall on the other,” said Megson. “But it wasn’t possible at that time because Michail’s partner was due to give birth.” The baby was born last month.

“Michail has pace, strength, an eye for goal, and he works hard,” he added. “Our fans will have seen him when we played Colchester - I was surprised when he was taken off in that game.”

If Johnson is sidelined for eight weeks then he could be back for only the last few games of the regular league programme but will be available for the play-offs if the Owls end up in those - though hopes of automatic promotion are still alive.

The move for another forward in addition to the deal for Antonio - being handled by chief executive Paul Aldridge - comes after the club have hit a shortage of goals. Antonio, aged 21, could make a debut in Sunday’s Sheffield derby.

His last game for Reading was on January 28 in a 1-0 win against Bristol City. The loan includes the remaining league games and can be extended for any play-offs.

]]> 1.4270962 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:55:00 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/howard_wants_to_be_lane_no_1_1_4270959

MARK Howard has set his sights on dislodging Steve Simonsen from Sheffield United’s starting 11.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, the former Arsenal, Aberdeen and Blackpool goalkeeper admitted the prospect of playing in high-profile games such as the Steel City derby was one of the factors which lured him to Bramall Lane.

Howard, who made his first appearance in a United jersey during yesterday’s 6-1 Central League success over Stoke, told The Star: “I’ve come here to try and play football. There’s no point in denying that.

“Simmo is a brilliant keeper and he’s shown why he’s so highly regarded since I’ve been here. But I’ll be working hard to try to get my chance in the team.”

Howard, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Bramall Lane, added: “There’s always a lot of competition amongst us goalies and we don’t have any problems with that.

“Everyone knows what the score is because when you’re in our position there’s only one role in the team. Other players can swap about and change their roles a bit but we can’t. But it doesn’t mean to say that you can’t get along. In fact, you have to because we work pretty much on top of each other week in and week out.

“We’re competing against each other for that starting role but we also really help each other out when we can.”

United, who last night insisted injured midfielder Kevin McDonald will be given until “the final moment” to recover for the meeting with Gary Megson’s side, have placed Lee Williamson and Nick Montgomery on standby should the former Scotland under-21 international’s hamstring fail to heal in time.

“Kevin is undergoing treatment,” a spokesperson said.

]]> 1.4270959 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:50:00 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/kyle_s_double_blast_1_4270958

KYLE Bennett pressed his claims for a place in the Doncaster Rovers’ side to face Peterborough on Saturday with a brace in yesterday afternoon’s 4-1 win over Lincoln City in a practice game behind closed doors at the club’s training ground.

It was suggested last night that Sheffield Wednesday had unsuccessfully tried to sign Bennett on loan.

Fabien Robert, who made his Rovers’ debut coming off the bench in Saturday’s game at Leeds United, also netted as did a trialist.

Striker Chris Brown and midfielder Paul Keegan, neither of whom have played at first-team level under manager Dean Saunders due to injuries, both played a full game and came through without any adverse affect.

Fit-again defender Shelton Martis, an unused substitute at Elland Road, played for around an hour.

Damian Plessis, yet to play at Championship level for Rovers, caught the eye in midfield.

Saunders will have to make a decision within the next few days on whether to try and extend keeper David Button’s loan spell.

The 22-year-old Spurs’ keeper is due to play his last game for Rovers as part of his second spell on loan in Saturday’s game.

Button again impressed for Rovers in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Leeds United.

He was initially brought in as emergency cover at the start of the year when Wolves loanee Carl Ikeme picked up a serious hand injury in training and needed surgery and long-serving Neil Sullivan was also booked in for an operation to try and resolve a serious wear and tear hand injury.

Saunders rates Ikeme highly and would like to bring him back to the club on loan.

But the Premier League club’s recent decision to part company with long-time manager Mick McCarthy could put any moves to bring him back to Doncaster on loan on ice.

It is likely that the new manager, when appointed, will want to assess his playing resources and will be keen to give everybody the chance to stake their claim before deciding who is surplus to requirements at this moment in time and who is available to go out on loan.

Another factor is that Sullivan could soon be back in the frame. The 42 year-old saw his specialist on Monday and following the all-clear he resumed light training with goal-keeping coach Lee Butler yesterday.

But with Rovers facing nine matches next month - two of which are away to the current top two sides and crucial relegation six-pointers against Nottingham Forest and Millwall - Saunders will want his strongest possible squad available. He will have former Aston Villa centre-back Habib Beye available after a three-match ban against the Posh.

Due to postponements, the 34 year-old, who recently signed a new 18-month contract at the club, has not played for over a month., but has trained hard.

Rovers have reduced the adult admission price for the Peterborough game to £15. Juniors 16 and under will be able to see the match for £5.

West Yorkshire Police, who questioned both teams in their respective dressing rooms following an incident in the tunnel after Saturday’s game against Leeds United at Elland Road, are continuing their investigation.

The two clubs have so far declined to comment on the incident, but a police spokesperson said: “There was a small disturbance in the tunnel after the game involving both teams. Officers dealt swiftly with the incident and there were no injuries or arrests. Both teams are working with the police and any necessary action will be taken in due course.”

Rovers’ media manager Steve Uttley confirmed yesterday afternoon that the club were assisting the police. But contrary to reports that the FA were also investigating the incident, he said that the football authorities had not been in touch.

LIFE is just a knockout right now for Kell Brook both in and outside the ring.

The Sheffield welterweight has one of the biggest fights of his career coming up against Matthew Hatton on Saturday March 17, after celebrating the birth of his first child.

Daughter Nevaeh - heaven spelt backwards - was born six days ago, weighing 6lb 8oz.

“My partner [Lindsey] came up with the name and I loved it,” said Brook, unbeaten in 26 bouts. “It was an unbelievable feeling holding the baby for the first time. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

]]> 1.4270954 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:40:00 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/davey_raging_over_matches_1_4270952

DONCASTER Knights will be looking to bounce back from successive Championship defeats in today’s rearranged clash against London Welsh at Old Deer Park (2pm).

It is the first of two games in three days for the Knights, who also visit leaders Bristol on Friday in their last fixture before the play-offs start next weekend.

“I am absolutely raging about the situation,” said Knights’ boss Brett Davey prior to the team leaving for their overnight hotel. We were originally scheduled to play Bristol on Saturday but they approached us about playing the game on the Friday night in October or November last year and we didn’t have a problem with that.

But as it has panned out having to play London Welsh just 48 before is ridiculous. Today’s game was originally going to be played yesterday but London Welsh (who played London Scottish on Sunday) wanted it playing today.

“That is okay as far as they are concerned but everyone seems to have forgotten that we’ve already been inconvenienced in this situation. We had to travel down there earlier this month when, in my opinion, the pitch was never going to be playable.

“Now we’ve got to down there again as well as having to play away at Bristol in what will be our fourth game in ten days. It’s something that needs looking at because having to play in midweek, as we also had to do in the British & Irish Cup pool games, puts too much of a physical strain on the players.

“It’s probably not too bad for those clubs who have dual-registered players, or have links with a Premiership club. But when, like us, you have to operate with a 29-man squad it is an absolute joke.”

Eighth-placed Knights could finish two places higher but need to beat both Welsh and Bristol - who have both beaten them at home - and for other results to go their way.

A FINANCIAL services firm has been fined almost £100,000 after it invested more than £12 million of its customers’ cash in risky investments.

Topps Rogers Financial Management invested funds over a six-year period on behalf of 94 customers, who could now lose their money.

The Hope-based firm has been fined £97,600 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) which investigated.

Martin Rigney, the company’s principal partner, was separately fined £117.300.

He has also been barred from carrying out any similar business transactions on the grounds he is not a fit and proper person.

Topps Rogers went bankrupt last November and the liquidators have decided not to pursue appeals against the verdicts on cost grounds.

One man involved in the case, who asked not to be named, said his relative had given money for investment to Topps Rogers - only to find the cash had been frozen and could no longer be accessed.

He said: “The money was invested in high-risk funds contrary to the wishes of the investors, some of whom handed over life savings.

“My relative has not got his cash back and, although we are happy with the penalty, there is a feeling it is nowhere near enough.”

In its ruling the FSA said Topps Rogers’ conduct had fallen below the standards of the regulatory system and breached customers’ trust by failing to ensure its investments were suitable.

A spokesman for Mr Rigney said he was of the view he had been fined twice by the FSA for the same matters.

The spokesman said: “Mr Rigney has been forced to accept the findings in both cases, but continues to appeal the fine against him and the firm, because they will cause hardship to him and his wife.”

He said clients who had lost out due to Mr Rigney’s advice were able to claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Residents, community groups, schools and local businesses are joining forces to celebrate environmentally-friendly projects and developments in the Dearne Valley.

The area’s second Eco Festival takes place on Friday, March 16, from 10am to 4pm, at the Kingswood campus - the site of the former Earth Centre, Denaby Main.

The event includes interactive workshops, debates and exhibitions.

Joanne Wehrle, Dearne Valley eco-vision project manager, said: “We hope people will come along to find out more about how they can get involved. Residents and groups can also take part to help shape the future of the Dearne Valley, putting forward suggestions for what communities can do to save energy and money and to address climate change.”

MORE than 3,000 South Yorkshire students will be getting a lesson in road safety thanks to a touring theatre company visiting their schools.

The theatre in education performances, by Quickfoot Live, will be aimed at Year 8 students and based on issues including risk taking, peer pressure and distraction.

The show concentrates on a character called Jen and her dream of competing in the Olympics and looks at the dangers she faces every day on her journey to and from school.

A post-production workshop will give audiences a chance to discuss the main points of the play.

Karen Vickers, of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, said “Key messages focus on the dangers of taking risks as a pedestrian and the importance of paying the road your full attention.”

IT’S back with a splash.

The World Water Bombing Championships, now in its eighth year, returns to Ponds Forge on Wednesday, May 2, at 6.30pm.

Bombers can get creative with fancy dress and team names.

Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for teams of four to bomb off the top diving boards

Team must pay a £20 registration fee and raise a minimum of £376 sponsorship - £376 could fund two Macmillan nurses for a whole day, giving vital help and support in Sheffield.

Spectators can watch for a suggested donation of £2 to Macmillan.

Contaminated water from Africa’s on-shore oilfields is being cleaned up thanks to an innovative Barnsley consultancy.

Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre-based Oceans ESU was initially called in by the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company to carry out work at the Heglig oilfield in Sudan.

The company’s bioremediation system, comprising six reed beds, was so successful that a second project followed and now six more have been set up at other GNPOC oil fields in the region.

Now, with the help of business support organisation Enterprising Barnsley and business coach Mike Kilroy, Oceans ESU has high hopes of securing more contracts in the UK, Eastern Europe and other countries around the world and expects to increase profits by almost three quarters in the current year.

Managing director Lucian Gill said: “The scale of what we do and our emphasis on dealing with complex chemicals and reusable applications is unique in the world.

“We engineer reed beds to get the best possible treatment capability in the smallest area. The reeds regenerate every spring so it’s very low maintenance and, of course, the process doesn’t use any energy and the clean water itself can be reused.”

The reeds have extensive roots that provide an ideal habitat for natural soil bacteria which break down a wide range of common chemical pollutants and the beds can remove all traces of oil from 220,000 tonnes of water every day.

The cleaned water has been used to irrigate newly planted forests at Heglig, replacing those damaged in clashes before Southern Sudan gained its independence last year, and to create a wetland habitat for birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

Many of the creatures that are thriving have been under increasing threat from human development and more than 100 species of birds have been seen there, including the white-headed vulture, black crowned crane and other species that are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list of threatened species.

Mohamed Musa, head of GNPOC’s environment section, said: “The management of the bioremediation systems has continued to produce results which far exceed the environmental standards of both Sudan and worldwide.

“We feel that the bioremediation is a success of which we are proud, and Oceans has contributed a great deal towards this success.”

Ten of Oceans ESU’s team of 25 employees are working exclusively in Sudan on GNPOC schemes and three other systems for petrol companies.

The company is designing reed bed systems for two oilfields in Columbia and has installed a smaller scheme in South Africa that treats run-off from a petrol station.

DO NOT miss out on grants to help keep your home warm, a Sheffield MP has urged.

Meg Munn, Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, has released figures showing up to 42,000 of Sheffield’s 230,000 households are deemed ‘fuel poor’ - spending more than 10 per cent of income heating their homes.

But money is available through the Warm Front scheme to fund heating improvements for low-income families and the elderly.

n For details, call 0800 316 2805.

Sheffield has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Small European Cities in terms of its prospects for attracting inward investment and achieving economic development and business expansion.

The accolade comes from leading provider of foreign direct investment intelligence, fDi, in its latest research report, European Cities and Regions of the Future 2012/2013.

Sheffield is ranked sixth in terms of its strategy for attracting foreign direct investment and eighth in terms of its overall prospects - behind four cities from continental Europe and Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester from the UK.

The city is also ranked eighth overall among the Small Cities for its infrastructure, ahead of Leeds and Cardiff, but fails to get a ranking for being “business friendly” or for human resources.

“The best small city of the future is Bristol in the UK, scoring particularly well in the business friendliness category, due in part to its concentrated high-tech and knowledge-based sectors,” says the report.

Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore said: “We are delighted to see Sheffield’s credentials as a leading location for business investment to be reflected in the fDi rankings.

“We continue to invest in the City’s future, and to create an environment to encourage and support business and economic growth.”

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “There is no doubt at all of the huge economic potential of the Sheffield City Region.

“Although we are well aware of the City Region’s attributes and attractiveness for potential investors, it is excellent that this has been reflected in the fDi European Cities ranking.”

A TALKING bin is to be introduced on the streets of Chesterfield to encourage people to drop their litter in the right place.

The bins, which were brought to the streets of London by Keep Britain Tidy as part of the Love Where You Live campaign, have collected 50 per cent more rubbish than normal bins.

In Chesterfield, a bin will be installed on a trial basis outside the town centre’s library.

‘I just love rubbish’, ‘I love it when you feed me’ and a kiss are just some of the messages that will greet people using it.

A FOOTBALL league for young players with cerebral palsy is to be launched in Sheffield.

It is aimed at getting more young people with the condition involved in the game.

The charity CP Sport will run the league, which is aimed at mobile players aged 12 to 16.

Games will be played at Sheffield United Academy’s indoor training centre, Firshill Crescent, Shirecliffe from Sunday.

CP Sport will also run football development sessions on the same days as the league for players aged five to 11.

Youngsters who use walking sticks, canes, crutches and open-fronted walking frames are invited to attend the development sessions.

Andy Millington, a CP Sport volunteer, said: “The main barriers to cerebral palsy football are travel and getting enough players together at once to train at a single location.

“I want every young person who is ambulant and has cerebral palsy to come to this event.”

n For further information, call Dermot Dolan on 07974 655 539 or email him at dermot.dolan@cpsport.org

A SHEFFIELD man is warning smallholders to be on their guard after his chicken house was deliberately set on fire and destroyed, killing two of his birds.

Dad-of-two Tom Brown, aged 38, who has an allotment in High Storrs close to his home, said his family had been left distraught by the attack.

“A neighbour sounded the alarm as he saw the flames, and by the time I got there the shed was well alight,” he said.

“We called the fire brigade but they weren’t able to save the shed, it was completely burned to the ground.”

Tom managed to rescue three of the chickens, which are kept as family pets.

“What has upset us is that this was a deliberate act and the shed was very obviously a chicken house. My wife Amanda and our two boys are gutted - they can’t understand why someone would do something like that.

“The boys are seven and five and they both helped me build the shed in the first place after our other chickens were killed by a fox.”

Tom said the chickens had suffered two fox attacks.

“They were in a smaller run then, but in one of the attacks half the birds were killed. So we haven’t been very lucky. The two that were lost this time were young, just a few weeks old, while another one was adopted.

“But there’s just one chicken who has now survived all three attacks - she must be as hard as nails,” he said.

Police are investigating the attack and Tom said they found a footprint at the scene.

“Whoever did this had to get through a hawthorn hedge, so is likely to have scratches on their face or head, and someone may have seen someone in that condition,” he said.

“But smallholders should be on their guard, it could happen again.

“Kids are passing by the allotments all the time and it’s likely that one of them is to blame.”

Fifty digital designers and developers have descended on Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre to attend the town’s first Digital Barn.

It was the brainchild of Matthew Watson and Kimb Jones and attracted digital specialists from big names like Microsoft and BSkyB.

Matthew said: “We kept travelling to other towns and cities and thought we’d put on our own event and bring together the creative community.

“The Digital Media Centre was the perfect venue and we’re delighted with how the event went. The feedback was excellent and a lot of networking and collaborative working came out of the event. We hope to put on another Digital Barn later.”

Digital Media Centre manager Gareth Scargill said: “The DMC is a huge asset to this region and to the creative and digital industries sector and part of our mission is to host innovative events like Digital Barn.

“It also gives us the opportunity to showcase the centre and the town to people from all over the north of England.

“We’re seeing more and more creative and digital businesses choosing to base themselves in the DMC. Now we’re connected to the Digital Region super-fast broadband network, we’re the first choice for digital and creative businesses looking for affordable space and structured business support.”

Design experts from Sheffield Hallam University have helped an Derbyshire company to add some new sparkle to its innovative self-heating food cans.

The university’s in-house design consultancy, Design Futures, was called in by Derbyshire-based Heat Food & Drink to give a new look to its HOTCAN range of tinned meals.

John Kirkby, creative director of Design Futures, said: “The old design was quite busy and we wanted to make sure the main message was as prominent as possible. We also wanted to create a sense of character and tone for the range that would appeal to the target audience.”

Design Futures developed new product titling, a new strapline and a new logo, incorporating a ‘degree’ symbol before the ‘C’ in the word ‘Can’ to highlight the self-heating capability.

Heat Food & Drink’s managing director, Mark Taylor, said: “HOTCANs have been produced for over 30 years but in 2010 we took over the product, so it was certainly time to revisit the packaging.

“We were looking for a distinctive, timeless identity that would really stand out on the shelf and we knew instantly that Design Futures had hit the nail on the head when we saw the proposals.

“We’re really happy with the redesign – it gives the product a really new vibrant image. It’s been part of a complete revamp for the product, which has also included upgrading the heating mechanism, developing a new range of high quality food and we’ve even reduced prices to make the product more cost-effective for our customers.”

HOTCANs are made by securing a smaller can inside a larger one. Food is placed in the inner can and the space between the two cans is filled with granular limestone and a sachet of water.

Each HOTCAN comes with a spike that is inserted into the rim between the cans to pierce the sachet of water, allowing it to mix with the limestone, which causes a chemical reaction that generates heat and warms the food up to 70C in minutes.

An innovative initiative that combines networking with an invigorating walk through a Sheffield park is attracting members from the rest of South Yorkshire.

NetWalking Sheffield is the brainchild of marketing and PR consultant and trainer Faye Smith and is attracting business people ranging from “solo-preneurs,” who run their own one-man businesses, to bank managers.

“One of my clients asked to join me on my early morning walks as it was a great way to clear our heads, get fresh ideas while getting fresh air and exercise in a more informal, creative environment.

“It was so successful, we decided to invite our business contacts.

“Now we have over eighty in the Net-Walk network, with more booking on each month as word spreads,” says Faye.

The last Net-Walk attracted participants from Barnsley.

The next event takes place on Friday, February 24 and places on the free event can be booked by telephoning: 07985 038265 or e-mailing: faye@keepyourfork.co.uk.

keen birdwatchers are invited to take part in a two-hour guided walk around Stainborough Park, Barnsley.

The event, , on Sunday, February 26, will be led by Peter Clegg, the park’s learning and community education officer.

It will set off at 10.30am from the Long Barn Visitor Centre.

Tickets are £3 per person or £10 for a family.

n For details, visit www.wentworthcastle.org or call the office on 01226 776040.

A MAYOR has praised volunteers who raised more than £65,000 for charity in a business challenge.

Supporters of Chesterfield-based Fusion Group boosted more than 30 good causes through fundraising to mark the firm’s 40th anniversary.

Coun Peter Barr, Chesterfield Mayor, paid tribute in a celebration evening for the helpers who smashed a target of £40,000.

He said: “Chesterfield is full of many people who volunteer and do their bit - it is truly exceptional.”

St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield, Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield, Chesterfield Canal Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and Macmillan Cancer Support were some of the charities that benefited.

Fusion Group’s anniversary challenge dared teams to raise £40,000 using a seed fund of £500 and their initiative.

NINE bowling green lawns are to be axed by Sheffield Council as part of moves to save a total of £1.2 million from the parks budget.

The greens are all at sites where there is more than one lawn for bowls, and will cut the council’s maintenance bill by £74,000 each year.

Greens to be closed are at Meersbrook, Whiteley Woods, Hillsborough, High Hazels, Norfolk Park, Graves Park, Crookes Valley Park, Hollinsend and Greenhill.

The council said all nine have ‘low membership or usage levels’ and that it had decided to close the sites after discussions with the Parks Bowls Association.

Affected clubs have the option of self-maintenance of the affected greens as an alternative to closure.

Thirteen greens were originally set to be axed but, as part of the new agreement, the association has agreed to a £10 increase, to £55, in players’ annual season ticket price, which has helped towards saving up to four lawns.

The Association and its clubs reluctantly backed the proposals at a special general meeting, and the changes will be implemented with immediate effect.

Coun Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Council cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said: “The council faces many difficult decisions in order to find the level of savings required - and the decisions affecting parks are among the most difficult. I want to thank the Bowls Association for their constructive approach to finding a solution to the required savings.”

Robert Jackson of the Parks Bowls Association added: “The proposals were a big blow.

“But, after frank and full discussions, we are relatively pleased with the outcome.”

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering is looking for new premises in response to increasing demand for its cutting edge training services.

The Rotherham-based company revealed it is considering two sites in the Sheffield region as it launched three new apprenticeships, focusing on instrumentation and control technology, electronics and welding and fabrication.

Managing director Mick Crossley said: “We are looking at two sites within the Sheffield city region and we want to have a training centre that reflects our ambitions of developing a modern academy that provides young people with the best environment to become highly skilled engineers.”

Mr Crossley said the company saw synergies with the new University Technical College and Advanced Manufacturing Institute planned for South Yorkshire, which he believes will earn the region national recognition for developing employees within the engineering sector.

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering’s new courses will be part of the New ERA programme which it developed with Rotherham-based Newburgh Engineering and Sheffield-based Air Accessories. New ERA apprenticeships are intended to provide training above and beyond current apprenticeship programmes and create a new breed of highly skilled young engineers who are ready to go straight into employment with sponsoring companies.

Sheffield’s City Council and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create a single source of support, designed to help local businesses to establish themselves and grow.

The Sheffield Enterprise Programme Gateway is targeting people who want to start a business or develop an existing one and has been set up in the wake of the Governement’s abolition of Business Link.

The Gateway will be manned by enterprise experts from the Chamber’s Sheffield Enterprise Agency operation and will link up with other support agencies and intermediaries to give businesses access to training workshops or one-to-one support from a business adviser.

Sheffield Enterprise Agency business support manager Paul Tinsley said: “We want to create more opportunities for businesses so Sheffield continues to develop a diverse economy with a strong base across sectors.

“Sheffield Enterprise Agency’s aim is to encourage business growth, as well as the number of business start-ups in the region, creating more employment opportunities and increase the city’s presence both nationally and internationally.”

The Sheffield Enterprise Programme Gateway is part of Sheffield City Council’s drive to ensure Sheffield is a ‘business-friendly city.’

Council cabinet member for business, jobs and growth, Helen Mirfin Boukouris, said: “Enterprise matters to the council.

“We are faced with one of the biggest economic challenges in our lifetime. Our approach for the next few years is to work with all sectors of the economy to get Sheffield back on its feet.

“We will work with both existing businesses and new start ups with the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“We know we have a challenge ahead of us, but we are committed to doing all we can to support business, grow our economy and see our city flourish.”

The Sheffield Enterprise Programme Gateway can be contacted by calling 0800 0435522 or emailing gateway@senta.co.uk.

First TransPennine Express has been named the Train Operator of the Year at the Rail Business Awards.

The rail company, which operates services across the north of England and into Scotland began its franchise in 2004 and had it extend until 2015 last year. It carries around 25 million passengers a year.

Managing director Nick Donovan said: “We are all really delighted to be named the best train operator in the country. It is a fantastic achievement and one that has been brought about by focusing on our customers’ needs.

“Winning this award shows that we are delivering the things that matter, including customer service, performance and safety.”

A BANNED drink-driver raced after another car at ‘grossly excessive’ speeds of up to 70mph in a road rage chase around a Sheffield suburb, a court heard.

Kyle Maher, aged 23, and his passenger were in a works Vauxhall van, when they chased Robert Smith’s Ford Focus along Halifax Road and Penistone Road, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

One driver who saw the van hurtling towards him straddling the centre white lines told police: “I honestly thought I was going to die in a head-on collision.”

Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, said Mr Smith was in his father’s Focus in the Burger King car park on Leppings Lane with a friend at 10.20pm when two men in a van started shouting at them.

She said Mr Smith drove off and the men swore at him so he told them to ‘shut up’ out of his window.

He heard the screeching of tyres and Maher began to chase him in the van.

Mr Smith said the van followed him down Herries Road South so he accelerated because he was scared.

Miss Gallagher said when he turned onto Halifax Road he was rammed from behind by the van.

The court heard Mr Smith accelerated up 70mph.

“He was really scared and wanted to get away,” said Miss Gallagher.

He weaved in and out of the lanes and when the van drove alongside he braked, forcing it to swerve.

Maher mometarily spun out of control but righted the van and as the Focus reached 80mph on Penistone Road, the van flew past and swerved across its path.

Maher then rammed the car side on, snapping off a wing mirror.

The chase came to an end when the van fishtailed ahead of the Focus and flipped over onto its side.

Maher and his pal ran off but were arrested in a nearby wood.

Maher told police his friend was the driver but later admitted he was behind the wheel. He was just over the drink-drive limit.

The court heard Maher, of Thornbridge Gardens, Chapeltown, had an ‘appalling’ record for driving offences.

He admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop after an accident and having no insurance.

The next day a neighbour reported him to police for driving a short distance on his own street while banned and having no insurance.

Ian Goldsack, defending Maher, said he was a young man and there was a “degree of naivety and immaturity about the way he conducts himself.”

Mr Goldsack said: “Luckily there were no injuries and only slight damage to the vehicles.”

Recorder Mark Bury said Maher drove at ‘grossly excessive speeds’ and he had shown a ‘cavalier’ attitude towards driving laws.

Jailing him for 19 months and banning him from driving for three years Judge Bury said: “You had no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

]]> 1.4271119 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:39:42 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/100mph_train_hits_bike_on_track_1_4271113

A SHEFFIELD-BOUND train travelling at about 100mph hit a bike thrown on to the tracks in a ‘mindless act of vandalism’.

British Transport Police are now investigating after witnesses told officers a youth, aged about 15 or 16, threw the red and silver mountain bike on to the tracks before fleeing moments before the CrossCountry Trains express service struck it.

Sgt Cliff Parker, of BTP, said: “This was a mindless act of vandalism which could have caused injuries or worse. Thankfully, on this occasion the train remained upright, on the tracks and no one was injured.

“Although this may seem like fun to those who commit such offences, what they don’t realise are the potentially serious consequences of their extremely-foolish behaviour.”

The incident at Yate station, Gloucestershire, on Sunday, involved the 5.24pm Exeter to Leeds service, which was due to call at Chesterfield and Sheffield shortly after 9pm.

Richard Gibson, CrossCountry Trains spokesman, said: “We’re disappointed mindless acts of vandalism can occur and we will continue to work with BTP to ensure the safety of our customers.”

Sgt Parker said: “The train that struck the bike suffered damage to its air pipes which caused delays to passengers as a result.

“A number of other services had to be diverted, causing further delays and inconvenience to passengers.”

Images have been released of men police want to trace over a jewellery scam.

Officers want to speak to them after a man had a chain stolen after being approached by strangers offering to sell him jewellery.

The victim said three men offered to sell him a chain and some rings outside The Portland Hotel, Chesterfield, on Saturday, February 4, at about 4pm. and put the chain around his neck.

When the 48-year-old refused to buy the items he thought the men removed their chain - but later found they had taken his and left a fake in its place.

The conmen were all aged between 20 and 30, of Eastern European appearance and dressed in black.

n Officers are also looking for a thief who approached a 70-year-old woman outside the same venue and grabbed the necklaces she was wearing.

She was approached by the thief on Friday, at about 10.25pm. He put his arm around her, before grabbing her jewellery and fleeing.

The thief was in his late twenties, about 5ft 9in, of medium build and Mediterranean appearance with dark hair and stubble. He was wearing a pink top and blue trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

JURORS in the case of an autistic man accused of raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl have been discharged after they failed to reach a verdict.

Kevin Wood, aged 34, of Ward Street, Penistone, was accused of attacking the teenager as she walked her dog on fields in Hoylandswaine, Barnsley, in May 2010.

But after nine hours of deliberations following a trial, the jury at Sheffield Crown Court told a judge they would not be able to reach a majority verdict and the case was adjourned.

A retrial will take place in September.

WELL, it made a change from the Lord Mayor...

A bomb disposal robot was the VIP with a difference to unveil a new beginning for the St Dunstan’s rehabilitation and training centre for blind ex-servicemen and women in Sheffield.

The charity, which has its city base on Fulwood Road, Broomhill, now has a change of name.

From now on it will be known as Blind Veterans UK - a name organisers hope will help to spread the message about the vital services the charity provides.

Centre of attention was a bomb disposal robot visiting Sheffield from the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

The robot, also known as the wheelbarrow, was operated by members of the 521 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron.

Captain Peter Graham, who helped the robot to draw back the blue velvet curtain and reveal the new sign, said: “Blind Veterans UK is a charity held in high regard by our squadron, as two of our soldiers were caught in IED blasts in Afghanistan.

“One lost his right eye and the other suffered reduced eyesight to his right eye. Blind Veterans UK will assist them, and other serving and ex members of the forces, for the rest of their lives if they require it.”

Although Sheffield’s is the smallest of the charity’s three centres - the others are in Brighton and Llandudno - it helps hundreds of ex-servicemen and women each year to improve their IT, communications, mobility and independent living skills.

Andrew Jones, Blind Veterans UK’s director of fundraising, said: “Being the only charity in the UK for blind veterans, the new brand reflects much better what we do.

“It puts us in a better position to achieve our vision that no one who has served our country should have to battle blindness alone.

“The name Blind Veterans UK will allow us to raise awareness among the public about the life-changing services we provide to blind and vision impaired veterans.”

Blind Veterans UK was founded in 1915 as St Dunstan’s. Anybody who is blind or has severely impaired vision and has served in the Armed Forces is eligible for its specialist support - even if they served many years ago.

The charity believes there are over 50,000 people who could still benefit from its support.

Sheffield housing supremo Coun Harry Harpham has pledged to ‘involve as many tenants as possible’ in a consultation about how council estates should be managed in the future.

Now the ballot has been completed, the next step involves Sheffield Council formally rubber-stamping the result at a meeting of its cabinet in March.

Ruling councillors could have made a decision without consulting tenants, as happened when Rotherham Council took the service back in-house from arms-length organisation 2010 Rotherham last year.

But Coun Harpham, cabinet member for housing, said: “We have always said the most important voice to us is what the tenants say to us.”

“I have my own ideas, but the most important views on future management of estates will come from tenants.

“Over the coming months, we want them to help us develop the kind of service they want.”

Day-to-day services on the estates will be unchanged by the ballot result and Sheffield Homes itself has a contract to continue its role until the end of March 2014 - so tenants will notice no immediate difference.

By the time Sheffield Homes is wound up, Decent Homes modernisation work on all properties will finally have been completed - four years late - but significant challenges remain.

Coun Harpham said: “There is a backlog of maintenance including electrical work and boilers which are becoming obsolete and need replacing.

“The way housing is funded is being changed, with Sheffield able to keep all its rents and the £700 million cost of the Decent Homes programme has been written off by the Government.

“However, there is a debt of £200 million from the old funding arrangements, which will have to be covered, and the challenge of finding funding for future modernisation.”

Another housing-related issue on the horizon is the future of Sheffield Council’s housing ‘construction and building services’ contract with private firm Kier, also due up for renewal in 2014.

Coun Harpham said: “We are considering all options, including re-tendering or taking it back in-house.”

COUNCIL tenants today welcomed the news their homes will be managed by Sheffield Council again - as long as their rent doesn’t go up and they are still given the option to buy their properties.

Residents living on the Parson Cross estate told The Star they didn’t have strong feelings about who managed the city’s council stock, but thought there would probably be more accountability if management of council properties is taken back in-house.

Natalie Clitheroe, aged 27, of Wheata Road, said: “I’ve lived in this house six years and I am happy with how things have been but it sounds like it’s quite a good idea for the council to manage the houses.

“I don’t understand why they would pay somebody else to do their job. It’s good if it saves money.”

Natalie, who lives with her daughter Norrel, aged four, and son Malique, nine, said: “I had some work done under the Decent Homes scheme - a new kitchen, windows and bathroom and the standard wasn’t bad.

“I’ve done some work on the house myself, so as long as they don’t take away the Right to Buy scheme then I’m happy the council is taking over.”

She added: “The rent is reasonable, it’s cheaper than renting privately, so as long as it doesn’t go up it’s okay.”

Lynette Hegarty, a 38-year-old mum-of-four, from Lytton Drive, said: “I bought my house under the Right to Buy scheme so I’m not a council tenant but my mother is.

“She is disabled and lives in a council bungalow and it’s a nightmare trying to get anything done.

“I think it’s a good idea that the council is responsible for managing the houses.

“It makes them more accountable if people want to get things done and tenants can contact their local councillors.”

Lynette, whose children are aged 13, nine, six and three, added: “I don’t think most people will care who manages their homes as long as the rent doesn’t go up.”

Andrew Clarke, 54, of Knutton Rise, agreed: “I’m not bothered as long as the rent doesn’t go up.”

And Abbey Bennett, of Wheata Road, said: “I’m not that fussed who manages the properties.”

But the mum-of-two, who lives at the property with her partner and children aged five and two, added: “I’ve lived here for four years and have had Decent Homes work done - they made a right mess and didn’t clear it up.

“I’m not sure if the council would do a better job.”

Green Party leader on Sheffield Council, Coun Jiillian Creasy, said: “This is a good turnout and a clear vote in favour of bringing council housing back under direct council control. We hope that any savings will be for the core activities of keeping homes and estates in good repair and supporting tenants and residents and that frontline jobs are protected.”

THE vote on the future of Sheffield’s council housing has caused controversy - with claims tenants were not given full information or the chance to choose between all options.

Before losing power last May, Liberal Democrats had been planning to hold an ‘open’ ballot, asking residents to vote on all options, including transfer of estates to housing associations, as happened in 2003.

During that vote, some estates, including Norfolk Park, Shiregreen, Wybourn and Wisewood, voted for permanent transfer out of Sheffield Council’s control.

The remainder chose to move to Sheffield Homes, which would manage estates ,although ownership would stay with the council.

When Labour took over in May, it decided against asking tenants about transfer to housing associations and hold the ballot on just two options.

Coun Julie Dore, council leader, said she did not want more social housing removed from council control, because she fears the Government could allow profit-making private firms to take over estates - no such plans exist at present and housing associations are run as charities.

Ahead of the tenants’ ballot, further controversy was caused because, while the council was allowed to make its case for why management should revert to its control, Sheffield Homes was not allowed to defend its record.

Entrepreneur Imran Zahir has launched a new South Yorkshire day care centre for the elderly in a former Rotherham pub, creating five jobs in the process.

Mr Zahir, who has residential homes and children’s nurseries in Rotherham and Leeds, used funding from Barclays Corporate to buy and convert the former Toll Bar public house in Maltby into the Melton Court Day Care Centre.

He said: “With an ageing population, services for the elderly and their carers have never been so important.

“I hope the new day care centre will provide respite for the elderly in the local community in Maltby.

“It’s also great that we’ve managed to renovate a previously unused property which will help regenerate the area.”

The funding package was put together by Barclays corporate relationship director Russell Briggs, who said: “It really is a pleasure to see a local healthcare company go from strength to strength and buck the current market trend.

“Barclays Corporate remains committed to the Yorkshire business market and this deal highlights our appetite to support quality customers in a tough market.”

Imran Zahir’s ventures include Care Maltby, Care Headingly and Tot Spot Early Years.

CBRE’s industrial agency team has disposed of three units on the Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham on behalf of Suon Industrials.

The property consultancy has sold a 10,000 sq ft unit to Rotherham-based security equipment manufacturer Pyronix and a 6,000 sq ft unit to Industrial Battery Charger Services, the forklift truck battery specialist.

CBRE has also let a 12,000 sq ft unit to Clarence Merwe Systems of Worksop.

Roger Haworth, senior director of industrial agency at CBRE in Sheffield, said; “This development has proved hugely successful to date with the three new occupiers joining a number of well-known companies including Stanley Tools, Cert Logistics and Dexel Tyres to name but a few.

“Interest in the units was high when the properties came to the market and the deals represent an excellent result for all parties.”

A 6,000 sq ft detached unit is now available for sale or to lease.

REMEMBER when Hugh Fernley-Whernley (as he’s known in our household) tried to get us to eat pollock, huss, gurnard, coley, pouting and other unloved denizens of the deep? Well, it didn’t cut a single block of fishmonger’s ice in Worksop.

“We tried a fish of the month – shark, ling and so on – but we only sold ten a week,” said chippie-turned-restaurateur Ken Blow.

So Worksop was a bit of a wuss when it came to huss?

“How can I put this politely?” said Ken, searching for the right words. “The posher the restaurant, the more interest you are likely to get in different kinds of fish. This is a working class restaurant and tastes are traditional, which means cod and haddock.”

This is not Worksop or Retford, where Ken has another chippie, but Conisbrough, where towards the end of last year Ken went large and opened a 160-seater fish and chip emporium on Doncaster Road in what used to be a former nightclub.

As he’d already made himself a bit of a name he called it Kenny’s.

He contacted me after my review of Whitby’s fish and chip restaurant at Catcliffe to say that he had a similar sized place.

I drove up expecting to a see a neon cod winking at me from the building and marine décor inside but, as with Whitby’s, there wasn’t even a hint of briny.

“This place was done out by shop fitters who specialise in fish restaurants and chip shops and they said it wasn’t the fashion,” explained Ken after our meal. How crazy is that? It’s beyond my ken.

Instead, while Kenny’s is smart and comfortable, the décor is limited to ye olde sepia photographs of long gonne Conisbrough (a town which still can’t make up its mind whether it is alive or dead) and a peek through the window at the town’s castle.

“Sit where you like, we’ll come to you,” says Ken, a hands-on guv’nor, as the sound system plays Billy J Kramer’s I’ll Keep You Satisfied, and continues in that vein throughout our meal. Ken is threatening to outdo Brian Matthew’s Sounds of the 60s.

It’s a clue the restaurant is mainly patronised by silver surfers – and there’s another. In the basket of sauce sachets on each table is a pair of blunt-edged scissors, ready to snip if elderly customers are all fingers and thumbs when it comes to ripping those pesky little packets open.

Ken’s fish and chip story begins in 2001 when he decided to blow his redundancy money as supermarket manager of his local Co-Op on an almost shipwrecked fish and chip takeaway.

Wisely, his worried wife Shirley insisted he first go on a course run by the National Federation of Fish Friers. The Worksop chippie was a hit, followed by another at Retford so Conisbrough was a natural development.

It’s a traditional menu, aimed without apology at its target audience, which features cod, haddock, plaice, scampi (and chicken) with no hint, as yet, of a catch of the day.

Starters are limited: a homemade tomato soup (£2.50) which succeeds in being a dead ringer in catching the sweet gloopiness of Heinz, chicken goujons, battered mushrooms and a creditable prawn cocktail (£3.95).

It missed a little trick of presentation. It would have looked a sight better served in a balloon or sundae glass rather that the identical bowl to my tomato soup.

The fish is processed and frozen at sea but my regular cod fillet (£6.90) still had sparkle and flavour. It was, though, rather small; so small I wondered whether I had mistakenly been given the Seniors’ Special at £7.50 (soup, fish and chips, bread and butter, ice cream and tea or coffee).

The batter (it’s a proprietory one) was crunchy but clung tightly to the fish and I missed those crispy little waves and whorls that make fried fish so glorious.

When I mentioned the size later Ken said regular portions were 130 grams, that’s about six ounces. Large were 250g, almost double for two quid more. If the weight had been listed on the menu I’d have gone for the larger option.

Chips are chip shop chips, not your tripled-fried Blumenthals, and not over limp. Kenny’s make their own mushy peas at £1.30 a portion (I went to inspect them in the shining kitchen which also serves the chippie takeaway next door). Bread and butter is in with the meal.

My wife had “Kenny’s famous homemade fishcake” (£6.50). We’re not quite sure why it’s famous because the finely minced fish and potato had no texture and no hint of promised spiciness.

We rounded off with a sherry trifle and fruit crumble and custard (£3.95 each).

Ken Blow has found work for 60 people (including seven members of his own family) in his three enterprises and obviously does well giving his sector of the public what they want against fierce competition from the burger, pizza and ethnic takeaway trade.

Not bad for a man who cheerfully admits: “I’m not the greatest fish fan in the world.”

We paid £33.15 with tea and soft drink.

The Dawes Verdict

Kenny’s Fish & Chips

18 Doncaster Road, Conisbrough DN12 3AG.

Tel: 01709 863 030.

Open all week 11am-9.30pm (Fri & Sat until 10.30pm). Licensed. Children’s portions. Credit cards. Music. Vegetarian menu. Large car park.

Website: www.kennysfishandchips.co.uk

Food 3

Atmosphere 3

Service 4

Value 4

Students from Sheffield University’s Town and Regional Planning Department have come up with a series of proposals to breathe new life into Attercliffe. Their plans, which are designed to fit in with Sheffield City Council’s new Action Plan for Attercliffe, will go on show at an exhibition in Sheffield’s Winter Garden tomorrow which has been arranged by Sheffield City Council, the University, The Attercliffe Business Connection and Attercliffe Asian Business Connection.

Proposals include enhanced public realm along Attercliffe Road, bringing vacant properties back into use, improving green spaces, and addressing the high levels of heavy goods traffic which currently use Attercliffe as a through route.

Pop sensation group win Best British Single.

Now local pop sensation Louis Tomlinson is off to make it big in America after winning the Best British Single last night at the Brit awards with song What Makes You Beautiful.

Doncaster’s Louis Tomlinson exhaled in disbelief as the winner was announced, then told the screaming crowd: “We cannot believe that we are stood here on this stage.

“I wanna start off by saying this award is for the fans - we would be absolutely nowhere without them so thank you so much.”

But South Yorkshire One Direction fans shouldn’t worry about missing them for too long in America - they’re coming back for their first arena tour, including a date at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

Tickets are expected to sell out almost instantly for the 11-date tour when they go on sale on Saturday, at 9am.

Hundreds of screaming fans queued for up to 23-hours for tickets for last month’s Sheffield City Hall concert.

Now Arena bosses are preparing for more One Direction-mania as fans throw the biggest homecoming party for Louis since the X Factor.

The former Hall Cross School sixth former, from Bessacarr, Doncaster, is first jetting off with his band to play a tour of the US after attending last night’s Brit Awards.

Currently number seven in the American downloads chart, they recently filmed a cameo appearance for top Nickelodeon show iCarly, as well as appearing on the cover of the likes of M Magazine. Over 100,000 fans in America have already signed up to the band’s US Facebook page in a bid to bring 1D to their home state – Dallas showed the most love for the band to emerge triumphant.

They have already had number one hits in Italy, Japan, Sweden, Hong Kong and the Phillipines.

Louis’s proud mum Johannah is planning to join her son for part of the tour - for what will be her first ever visit to America. She says 1D will share the headline spot with boy band Big Time Rush.

She said: “They are really keen to do well in America because it has been so difficult for other groups to crack it there. They see it as a challenge.

“But they are very clear that their main fan base is here in Britain and they are not forgetting that.

“I’m going to see them when they’re playing in Los Angeles, and I’ll be celebrating my birthday over there. I’ll also be going to an awards ceremony with them.”

Best pal Stan Lucas is also heading out to see him, while girlfriend Eleanor Calder will meet with him in New York.

n For more tour and ticket details visit www.onedirectionmusic.com

ON its menu, Ruchi promises to ‘follow the art of spice’ – an enigmatic claim, but one that proved intriguing enough for us to want to order from the takeaway on a chilly midweek evening.

Ruchi recently underwent a name change, previously being known as Taste of Kashmir, and faced with a wide-ranging menu with plenty of special dishes, we were spoiled for choice.

Our food arrived reasonably quickly, but wasn’t as hot as it could have been, so required a little re-heating.

Having decided to skip the starters and go straight to the mains, we first tried the balti delight lamb.

The dish was full of pleasingly hefty chunks of tender lamb, along with halved tomatoes and crunchy almond flakes, which might sound off-putting but added a bit of texture.

We also sampled the tandoori chicken saag, which came with plentiful spinach, tasty meat and even big pieces of cooked ginger, and a lamb bhuna – milder than the other dishes, but delicious nonetheless, served with large slices of pepper.

The experience was completed with garlic naan, which had an interestingly nutty flavour, as well as fluffy egg rice, spicy saag aloo paneer and okra, which happily hadn’t been overcooked, as can sometimes happen.

Poppadums were thrown in for free, but puzzlingly sauces weren’t included.

Best of all, Ruchi’s prices won’t burn a hole in the wallet – perfect for the many students who live nearby who also benefit from a 10 per cent discount.

Takeaway Facts

Venue: Ruchi, 60 Barber Road, Sheffield

Phone: 0114 2668200

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 5.30pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 5.30pm

to 2.30am, Sunday 5.30pm to 12.30am

Parking: On street or small free short-stay car park nearby

Menu: Extensive

Waiting time: Around half an hour

What we had: Balti delight lamb (£6.50), Tandoori chicken saag (£5.50), Lamb bhuna (£4.50), Okra (£2.40), Saag aloo paneer (£2.50), Garlic naan (£1.90), Egg rice (£1.90)

Delivery: Free over £9

How did it taste: Delicious

Verdict: Masters in their ‘art of spice’

FORMER miners’ leader Arthur Scargill said ‘justice has been done’ after he won more than £13,000 in damages from a trust fund of his own union.

The 74-year-old spoke outside court yesterday after a judge found there had been a ‘clear agenda to both disown him and to pay him as little as possible’ by the Yorkshire Area Trust Fund of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

It was found the former NUM honorary president’s employment contract was legal and enforceable and he was entitled to a £12,000 car allowance.

He had been offered just £50 towards a vehicle in January 2011.

But Judge Robert Moore rejected a claim that Mr Scargill’s telephone expenses should have been paid, as that was not outlined in his contract with the fund.

Speaking outside court, Mr Scargill said: “I’m pleased justice has been done.

“I demonstrated beyond any shadow of a doubt the action taken against me to allege my contract was not valid, my membership of the NUM wasn’t valid and my allowances were not valid has been disproved by the court.”

Mr Scargill, of Worsborough Bridge, Barnsley, said it ‘saddened’ him to take legal action after more than 50 years of union membership.

Judge Moore awarded Mr Scargill £12,000 in damages towards the car allowance, plus £470 interest.

He was also awarded £1,000 after the court ruled he had been denied union membership benefits for a period.

Costs are to be assessed, but £10,000 must be paid to Mr Scargill within 28 days.

In his three-hour judgement, Judge Moore found it had been ‘unlawful’ for trustees of the area fund to offer Mr Scargill £50 for the car, with one reason being ‘it was irrational and in bad faith’.

But he rejected claims for about £4,000 towards telephone costs.

Judge Moore said: “I’m satisfied the parties never intended to add the telephone costs. If they had so intended they would have put it in the contract.”

The court had heard Mr Scargill did not supply the fund with a list of duties he performed for them after saying he needed the car for union work.

Mr Scargill insisted he had done more work for the union divisions than ‘any other official in history’.

He had signed his contract in 2002 after retiring. His salary was about £26,000 per year.

The trial also heard the trust fund held £11.7 million, according to 2009 accounts.

The NUM has the right to appeal to the High Court.

MORE than £1 million could be spent in Sheffield paying businesses and organisations to get jobless teenagers into work or training.

Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg launched the payment-by-results scheme, which is aimed at 55,000 teenagers aged 16 and 17 across the country.

Sheffield could receive £1.26 million of the £126m funding being made available nationwide to target youths who are not in employment, education or training, and have poor qualifications.

The scheme follows the announcement of a £1 billion Youth Contract to provide workplace-based training schemes for a wider range of young people.

Mr Clegg said: “We urgently need to step up efforts to ensure some of our most troubled teenagers have the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.”

Sheffield Lib Dem councillors welcomed the news.

The party’s deputy leader on Sheffield Council, Coun Colin Ross, said: “This fund will be targeted at those with the most difficulty finding work, many of whom have complex issues or health problems and a lack of GCSEs.

“Helping these young people is not without challenges, but we all have a duty to reach out to the young people who can be hardest to reach.

“This action - along with the new University Technical College in the city centre – will help to ensure our young people get the right skills and experience they need to secure long-term, sustainable jobs.”

Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary, Liam Byrne, said: “This is much too small and much too late to tackle a problem that is likely to cost our country £28bn over the next 10 years. The Government needs to bite the bullet and put in place a sensible tax on bankers’ bonuses in the next budget to help get 100,000 young people back to work.”

Sheffield Council wins controversial ballot to bring running of 42,000 homes back under its control

AN OVERWHELMING majority of tenants have voted to return control of their homes to Sheffield Council.

A total of 26,465 votes was cast in the ballot on the future management of estates - and 88.2 per cent were in favour of a return to council management.

Just 11.8 per cent voted to continue the current arrangement, where arms-length management organisation Sheffield Homes is paid an annual fee to run properties.

Turnout among the 42,000 households was 55 per cent - as high as a general election, and almost double the level seen at local elections in some wards.

Sheffield Council cabinet member for housing Coun Harry Harpham said: “Tenants have voted with an extremely strong voice.

“The result is a show of confidence in the city council and particularly the Labour administration.

“The detailed business will now start on planning how we manage properties in the future.”

The ballot followed a £400,000 consultation exercise which included two letters sent to every household and public meetings held around the city.

Coun Harpham promised a wide consultation process will now begin to find out tenants’ views about how management should work in the future.

The first step has involved further letters being sent to every household immediately asking for their ideas.

Sheffield Homes will continue to manage properties until the end of March 2014, when new arrangements will begin.

The organisation has won praise in recent years, receiving a top rating from the audit commission for the last three years plus several independent awards for performance.

But the council believes returning management in-house will save £1.2 million in running costs, which can be spent on improving estates.

The majority of Sheffield Homes’ 1,000 staff - many of whom worked for the council before the firm was set up in 2004 - will be returned to the local authority.

But Coun Harpham said he could not rule out some job losses.

Redundancies are most likely in top-level management and ‘back office’ roles, where savings are to be made.

Tenants’ representatives today welcomed the ballot result.

June Smith, who chairs the Flower Estate Community Association in Wincobank, said: “We feel safer with the council managing our homes.

“Under Sheffield Homes, councillors had less influence and less work seemed to be done maintaining our area.

“I think it will be more democratic to have housing back under the council’s control.”

Gordon Garratty, chairman of Fraser Tenants’ and Residents’ Association in Woodseats, added: “I was highly satisfied with the council before Sheffield Homes came about.

“I think it’s good that councillors will have full control over housing again.”

But Linda Daniels, of Brushes Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Firth Park, said: “Tenants were not given enough information before the vote on which to make their decision.

“People were not told about Sheffield Homes’ good record when it is the best-rated housing management company in the country.

“Some people didn’t even realise they were not being managed by the council at present.

“I think tenants should also have been asked to vote on a full range of options, including transfer to a housing association.

“The council now needs to get everyone’s view and hold an open and honest process to come up with future management arrangements.”

Opposition Lib Dem housing spokeswoman Coun Alison Brelsford said: “If the tenants of Sheffield have spoken through a fair and open ballot, then the council should be bound by the decision and go ahead with the change, ensuring a smooth transition.

“Tenants were promised that at least £1.2m a year would be saved through reductions in management costs if they came back within the council. Liberal Democrats will be watching to ensure that promise is honoured.”

Regulars at The Shoulder of Mutton in Worrall can be forgiven for thinking they’re seeing double.

There’s not one landlady behind the bar, but two.

Since December, the running of the quaint little village pub has been a sister act.

Claire Cinnamond and her little sis Katy Edgeley are sharing the hostess with the mostest role. “We are both front of house; it can get quite bossy in there sometimes,” grins Claire, 38.

“We often end up falling into good cop, bad cop roles – Katy’s the former. We don’t always agree and because we’re sisters we speak very plainly to each other. But it’s a good thing – it clears the air and we instantly get over it. And another huge plus is that we trust each other 100 per cent.”

The girls have plenty of experience of working with family. They grew up in the licensing trade; mum and dad Norman and Sheila Cinnamond owned Middlewood Hall in its heyday, moving on to 450-year-old Fernie Castle in the Scottish Highlands and a luxury hotel in Maidenhead before moving back to Walkey in their retirement.

“It was our life when we were growing up. We would help out in the school holidays. I worked for my parents before running a couple of bars in Lincolnshire,” explains Claire, a mum of one.

Katy, 31, went into hairdressing, but when she was made redundant last winter, the pair spotted the empty pub in the village they had grown up in and despite the fact that Katy’s first child is due in May, decided to take it on. Claire says: “The Shoulder was always a lovely pub; when we were little our parents used to bring us here for lunch.”

It had stood empty for a number of years but since December the girls have been breathing new life into the place, much to the pleasure of owners Enterprise Inns.

The sisters are growing accustomed to customers peering over their shoulders in search of a landlord. “Some are quite traditional in their view and expect a man to be in charge. But times are changing,” says Claire, whose partner Richard Bland, a financial consultant, rolls up his sleeves and helps out when he gets home from work, alongside Katy’s joiner husband Matthew.

They plan to turn the pub into a gastro food destination and have hired talented Sheffield chef Richard North, who trained in pastry at London’s Park Lane Hotel and worked under respected local chef Christian Kemp at Chesterfield Road’s Blue Room Brasserie.

Richard is building the menu and training up the kitchen team. The emphasis is on quality dishes packed with locally sourced, freshly-prepared ingredients. Slow-cooked lamb shank, game skewers featuring produce from the local shoot and rack of lamb are specialities and the Sunday roast is so popular, 30 hopeful diners had to be turned away this weekend.

It’s a chance for pie-lovers to get positively pie-eyed...

A pie-eating competition is being staged at city centre bar The Hop in celebration of next month’s British Pie Week.

Teams of four are invited to get their teeth into a savoury-stuffing relay challenge at the West One Plaza venue.

The fare will be quality stuff, hailing from award-winning Andrew Jones Pies ‘n’ Pasties of Huddersfield, regulars on the menu at The Hop’s Pie Hole kitchen.

For the grand final on Saturday, March 10, pies will be filled with steak and treacle stout. The winning team will get £100, a trophy and a pie meal a week for six months.

Competitors have a risk waiver to sign, acknowledging that the risks of eating vast quantities of pie at speed can include illness, injury and indigestion – and being turned off pie for life afterwards.

Heats will be held on March 8. For rules and application forms, call the pub on 0114 2781000 or go to www.thehopsheffield.com.

Closing date for entries is noon on March 1.

Sainsbury’s TTD beers – IPA, Kentish Ale and London Porter – are made by real ale brewer Shepherd Neame of Kent.

Their London Porter is 5%, a rich, dark beer packed with hints of chocolate and spice. It’s bitter, as you would expect, but not objectionably so (as so many real ales seem to be now).

A medium-bodied beer with a creamy head and an aroma of coffee and malt.

Good beer. Use wisely.

]]> 1.4271000 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:57:19 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/in_brief_1_4270989

Good news for beer-lovers planning to make a night of it at the 20th Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival, running from Wednesday, February 29, to Saturday, March 3, at Magna, showcasing over 200 traditional ales from the UK and beyond.

Transport bosses have laid on a special ‘beer bus’ which will run from early evening until last orders from stand C1 in Rotherham Bus Station and D3 in Meadowhall Interchange.

Fares are £1 return.

For bus times go to www.travelsouthyorkshire.com and for festival info go to www.magnarealale.co.uk

Nonna’s restaurant was transformed into a school cookery class at the weekend when Westbourne School pupils were invited to get hands-on.

Led my Nonna’s head chef Jamie Taylor, pupils kneaded, dolloped and sprinkled their way to pizza perfection before being given a preview of the restaurant’s new family-sized gourmet sharing pizzas, due to launch on Sunday nights from March 11.

Milestone owners Marc Sheldon and Matt Bigland will be stepping into the heat of their own kitchens on Monday night, helping head chef James Wallis cook up funds at a charity-night in aid of the eight-year-old niece of senior sous chef Craig Power.

During the role-reversal night, chefs will be going front of house to wait on tables, and a silent auction will be held.

Niamh, of Rotherham, has just undergone a third operation to remove a brain tumour. Cash from the £30-a-head event (or £50 VIP seats upstairs) will go to The Sheffield Children’s Hospital and the Hope for Niamh Fund.

An exhausting and harrowing day in court had just drawn to a close.

For hours on end, prosecuting barrister Alison Dorrell had grilled the man in the dock.

But suddenly she found she herself was on trial.

The female judge presiding over the case had ordered Alison to her private chambers.

“I was instructed to lay my hands on her desk like some naughty schoolchild and told off in no uncertain terms for turning up to court in coloured nail varnish,” says the eminent 50-year-old Sheffield legal eagle, still smarting from the incident of many years ago.

“I’d gone to work wearing the pale peach polish I’d painted on for a new Year’s Eve party two days before.

“It was utterly ridiculous, but then so are many of the restrictions on the way female barristers present themselves in court. We have to dress like nuns; we might as well put a wimple on.”

Before she can step into Sheffield’s Crown Court, Alison has to ensure every strand of her flowing blonde hair is scraped from her face and hidden beneath her barrister’s wig. Her make-up must be barely visible, her jewellery restricted to wedding and engagement ring, her heels low and the clothes beneath her mandatory black robe be sober and plain. No flesh must be visible. Her arms cannot be bared above the wrist and a high white collar must cover her neck.

She well remembers the day, in the middle of a rape trial, when the judge announced he was retiring and would not return to the courtroom until Ms Dorrell had re-arranged her attire. A glimpse of her neck had apparently been on display.

The issue infuriates her: “In my opinion, these are Victorian values designed to keep us down and de-personalise us. I cannot see any reason for it in this day and age,” says the criminal law barrister, a Grade 4 prosecutor who specialises in cases of adult rape and child sex abuse.

Alison is married to fellow barrister Paul O’Shea – they share chambers on Campo Lane. They also attempt to share the parenting duties for their two sons, now 13 and 15, but most of them inevitably fall on Alison.

“The arrangement is we take it in turns, depending on who has the case on at the time,” she says. “But generally speaking it’s still the woman who runs the home. I have to deal with much of the parenting stuff and juggle a caseload as well.

“I went back to work two weeks after having my first child and was at work the morning of the Caesarean birth of my second, which had been planned for medical reasons.

“It’s an incredibly tough job for women. You can’t expect judges to be sympathetic to your childcare dilemmas, there’s zero tolerance.

“Whatever is happening at home, you have to walk into court with your mind on the case, a smile on your face and every hair in place,” says the Sheffield-born former Silverdale pupil.

Women at the Bar rarely go on to become judges. “They say many retire early because of motherhood but I think that’s tosh. I am surrounded by highly capable and promotable women who won’t get a look in when it comes to furthering their career,” says Alison who gave up such aspirations 10 years ago.

Her area of legal expertise is one of the most distressing, she admits: “You are listening day after day to the harrowing experiences people have been subjected to and it often casts a dark shadow.”

But what gets her through, she says, are other women in the profession.

“In court we fight one another hard,” she says. “But as soon as the robes are off, you’ll put your arm around her and do what women do; console and support.”

Legally Blonde The Musical starring Les Dennis, Ray Quinn and Niki Evans runs until Saturday.

Rachel appreciates the back-up at home

Many a male lawyer can dedicate himself to his career secure in the knowledge that family life is safely in the hands of his wife.

Rachel Roebuck, head of the children’s team at Sheffield law firm Lupton Fawcett’s Absolute Family, is one of very few female lawyers bestowed with the same privilege.

“It’s a tough, stressful job with very long hours. To go as far as you want in this profession and have a family life you have got to have support at home.

“And I’ve been very lucky - my partner Andy gave up his career for the sake of mine,” says the 49-year-old Barnsley mother of one.

“Andy took early retirement from his civil service post when our son Samuel was nine months old and I was due to go back to work.

“It affected us financially, but the back-up I’ve had has been invaluable.”

When Sam turned three, Andy Mayo got a part time job that fitted around nursery hours and now he’s 12, it’s Andy who finishes work in time to pick him up from school, leaving Rachel free to manage her department’s immense workload without worrying about her child.

Consequently, she strives to support staff with children. She explains: “In family law there is a high proportion of women. We have a diary and we factor in everyone’s childcare arrangements.”

After 32 years in a traditionally male profession, Rachel insists she has never met with sexism. “You’re judged on your skills,” she says. “I have never had a problem with a male colleague purely because I’m a woman in the job.

“I’m tall and blonde and appearance-wise, while I’ve strived to achieve a balance between professionalism and looking approachable to the children and families I deal with, I have never denied the fact that I’m female – though I’d like to think colleagues see me first and foremost as professional, hard-working and forthright.”

Collette still likes to ‘think pink’

Collette Noonan is a girl who likes to think pink.

“I can definitely identify with Elle, the character in Legally Blonde,” she giggles. “I often add a girly touch – maybe a pink shirt or a pair of pink court shoes to a smart grey suit. I’ve even got a fluffy pink pen, just like Reese had in the film.”

“I want to be able to express my personality in the way I dress for work, but that can be difficult, particularly if I’m going to court, when it needs to be much more formal and respectful,” says the 28-year-old litigation executive at Graysons with Watsam Esam in Paradise Square.

“I tailor my look according to the day’s requirements, although often that smart court suit could well have come from Dorothy Perkins or even Asda – I have to buy them so often, I’m continually searching for bargains.”

Collette is, by her own admission, “a bit ditsy at times” and known for her sense of humour. “But I’m also intelligent, hard-working and good at what I do,” she says.

“I think people still jump to the conclusion that blondes are a bit dim. It’s nice to surprise them,” she grins.

“Clients’s faces often register surprise when I walk into reception to meet them. They expect someone older and male. Back in the day, this was a male-dominated profession and some clients still have the stereotypical view.

“There was one occasion at my previous law firm when a client was adamant they wanted a man to represent them, not me.”

Collette loves the Legally Blonde movies; she has them both on DVD and has already been to see the musical at the Lyceum.

And just like the character Elle, she has plenty of blonde ambition.

She’s determined to become a fully-qualified solicitor. “It’s what I’ve wanted since I was 11,” she says.

IT surprised me this week to hear that war had broken out in the UK.

To start with I presumed this meant the whole Scottish independence nonsense had got out of hand and Cameron had sent a bunch of marauding Old Etonians – on horseback, of course – to the border to put those Mars Bar bothering subordinates back in their place.

But as I listened on – thoughts of William Wallace, Robert Burns and Ally McCoist being subject to some English boot – it became clear this wasn’t about devolution.

This war was religious, and the battlefields were the meeting chambers of town halls and the guest rooms of Christian B&Bs. Which, as battlefields go, certainly sounds more appealing than, for example, Helmand Province.

But there it was: Christianity versus secularism.

There’d been a legal scuffle about whether Bideford Town Council could say a prayer before getting on with its weekly business (that is to say, getting on with recommending Mrs Brown be refused planning permission for a new extension), and then there’d been another about a supposedly Christian couple who denied two gay men a double room at their guest house.

And so there it was: pick your side and fight on.

Except it was all a little ambiguous.

See, I reckon if people are going to insist on starting wars they should at least be considerate enough to make it clear who the goodies and baddies are. Like with World War Two. Or Star Wars. No nuances there.

But this was a bit more Crimean.

Because while some people I respect were saying faith is a fundamental tenet of society, giving us a sense of identity and moral responsibility; other people I equally respect were philosophising that ‘Dude, half those guys don’t even believe in dinosaurs – the only thing they’re fundamental about is being misguided’.

And – at the risk of offending anyone upstairs – it’s kind of the latter I’m down with.

For when I think of religion, I can’t help but think how, for 1,500 years, it’s been an undeniable force for bad.

Burning people at the stake, advocating imperial conquests, tithing the poor, and causing a civil war. These are all things on my personal list headed Bad Stuff – unless that imperial conquest is Scotland and then...well, why not? It’s just a neighbourly giggle.

And so when I heard Baroness Warsi, going all fundamental about the dangers of a secularised society, I wondered why she had not considered that without hundreds of years of such secularisation, she – a Muslim – would not be sitting in the House Of Lords today.

Except here’s the nuance: for when I think of religion I also believe it’s been an incredible force for good.

Just look at Sheffield’s own Cathedral Archer Project for proof. Or just listen to any Christian hymn. Amazing Grace? Amazing bloody tune more like.

Which means – I think I’m coming to a conclusion here – faith can be both a good and bad thing, right?

Which means it self-evidently shouldn’t be a contributory factor in decisions of state, society or council.

Or bed and breakfasts.

Because faith, for all the great things it can do, can also promote views that are utterly repugnant.

It is unreasoned and totalitarian. It brooks no criticism.

Faith in itself does not guarantee virtue. It does not necessarily even promote it.

Would not any Christian of moral worth understand that?

Do you have an event you’d like to see in our Pubs and Clubs guide? Email the details to whats.on@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk

Wednesday, February 22, 2011

Jiannis Pavlidis Quartet, Jazz at The Lescar, Sharrowvale Road, Hunters Bar, S11 8ZF, 9pm, £4/3.50. www.jazzatthelescar.com

Live Music @ Neighbourhood, Bluehearts, The Hudares, followed by Indie/Mod Dj’s, The Viper Rooms, Carver Street, Sheffield, 8pm, free entry.

Dweam Babes, Dj, The Washington, Sheffield, 9pm, free entry.

Spotlight Night, Delaney’s Music Bar, Cemetery Rd, Sheffield, S11 8FJ, tel. 0114 2722136.

Clothes Line, with the creators of Cool Beans, live visuals, £2 drinks before midnight, mega party vibes, The Harley, Sheffield, 11pm, free entry.

Plug Live, SBTRKT, Disclosure, Plug, Matilda St, doors 7pm, £11 adv. 14+. Tel. 0114 276 2676. www.the-plug.com

Open Acoustic Jam Sit-in, Nailmakers Arms, Backmoor Rd, Norton, S8 8LB. Details tel. 07756153819.

Poker League, all wecome to join, Shiny Sheff, Crimicar Lane, Lodge Moor, Sheffield, 8.30pm. Tel. 0114 2302228.

Live Bands, Viper Rooms, Carver Street, Sheffield 8pm.

Quiz Night, Norfolk Arms Hotel, Ringinglow, 9pm. Tel. 0114 2302197.

Band, bingo, The South Sea, Broomhill, open 5pm till midnight. Manzils balti curry available to eat in the venue.

Mixed Music, Barry’s Bar, London Road, drink offers.

Student Night, The Sportsman, Cambridge Street, 8-11pm. All welcome, drink offers.

Champions League, followed by pop quiz, The Cricketers Arms, Bramall Lane, 10pm. Tel. 01142727250.

Dave Friskney, singer, guitarist playing live music, The Castle Inn, Bolsterstone, Deepcar, 8.30pm. All budding musicians and vocalists welcome to come along and join in.

Student Party Night, with DJ Emma Kirk, playing non-stop student party anthems, Tiger Works, 136 West Street, open until 1.30am.

Quiz Night, prizes and free buffet, White Lion, London Road, Heeley, 9.30pm, free entry.

Open Mike night, with Mick Conlin, The Cavalier, Ravenfield.

Quiz night, free pie and peas, jackpot £120, Castle Inn, Twentywell Rd, Bradway. Tel 01142362955.

Folk song and music evenings, The Burton Street Foundation, Hillsborough, S6 2HH. 8pm. Different events weekly.

Skool Disco, Stone Love, Corporation, 10pm, free entry in skool uniform.

Free Quingo Music Quiz, and Picture Quiz, Play your Cards right and free pie, chips and gravy supper, The Old Harrow, Grenoside, 9.15pm.

Spotlite Nite, 3 live acts. Trippets, 9pm, free entry.

For The Record, Bungalows & Bears, 8pm, free. R&b, soul, rock & roll, ska, reggae, blues and a bit more inbetween all played on lovely vinyl.

Games League, Domino, Kimberworth Park Rd, Rotherham, 8pm.

Free Pool, The Centre Spot, Jaunty Lane, Base Green, 7pm.

Acoustic Night, Malin Bridge Inn, Sheffield, 8-11pm.

Phoenix Friendship Club, for single, divorced & widowed, Farm Road Railway Club, 8pm.

Rotation, Forum Café Bar, Devonshire St, 9pm, free. 0114 2720569, Patti@forumsheffield.co.uk

Bar Night, Common Hour, Common Room, Devonshire St, 5pm, free. Cheap drinks all night. 0114 2720569, Patti@common-room.co.uk

Total Rehab, The Leadmill, Leadmill Rd, Chart & Cheese main room, Indie, rock’n’roll room 2, 10.30pm. Tel. 2212828. www.leadmill.co.uk/email information@leadmill.co.uk

Wednesday, February 22, 2011

Spotlight Comedy Club, The Winding Wheel, Holywell St, Chesterfield. S41 7SA. ‘Him Off The Telly’ Special!. 01246 345333. Entry £10 on door £8 Advance £5 Students. Doors 7pm Show 8pm.

Mahogany Newt, White Lion, 615 London Road, Heeley, S2 4HT, 9.30pm.

Skool of Rock Jam Night, with Jules from Carnival, Jak Black, Shwimp and Joe, The Midland Hotel, Sheffield Road, Killamarsh, 8.30pm. Bands, single players or vocalists welcome, top gear provided, free food and late bar.

Citizens, Little Fiends, live, The Washington, Sheffield, 8pm, free entry.

Abbcom, acts include Steph Lane, Karl White, Lewis Jones, Nicky Wilkinson, David Dunn and Sean Moran, Bar Abbey, Abbeydale Road, doors 7.30pm, £4.

Strum ‘n’ Fiddle, open mic night, Delaney’s Music Bar, Cemetery Rd, Sheffield, S11 8FJ, tel. 0114 2722136.

B.B Blackdog, Demolitia, South Sea, Broomhill.

Bitz ‘n Peaces + Jahbula present, Mr. Benn, Mikey J, The Harley, Sheffield, 10pm, £3.

Jump Around, Angelos Epithemiou presents the Ultimate Geek Party! Plug, Matilda St. Doors 10pm. £4 NUS, £5 others. 18+. 0114 2762676. www.the-plug.com

MOD/Sheffield Scooter Club night, The Royal Standard, 156 St Mary’s Road, Sheffield, S2 4AX.

Open Mic Acoustic Night, The Royal Standard, St Mary’s Road, S2 4AX, 9pm.

Karaoke, hosted by Vicki & James, all singers welcome, Shiny Sheff, Crimicar Lane, Lodge Moor, Sheffield, 9pm. Tel. 0114 2302228.

Poker Night, with Redtooth Poker, Prince Of Wales, Derbyshire Lane, Norton Lees, 8pm.

Karaoke, Legends Cafe Sports Bar, Hillsborough, Sheffield 6.

Live unsigned band nights, The South Sea, Broomhill. 8.30pm, free entry.

Music, with Dj John Styles, Barry’s Bar, London Road.

Sexy Chic, listen to the tunes of Capital FM Dj Becky Hayes, playing new and old skool RnB, with all the big chart tunes too, Tiger Works, 136 West Street, until 2.30am.

Classic Rock, with DJ Lez, The Sportsman, Cambridge Street, 8-12am.

Europa League, and Carling fun quiz night, win £40 and lots of Carling prizes, The Cricketers Arms, Bramall Lane. Tel. 01142727250.

More than Country Music, with Mick Conlin and Alan Senior, The Master Brewer, Main Street, Bramley.

Acoustic Session, in the Lounge, Cobden View Pub, Crookes, S10 1HQ, feel free to join in. 0114 2661273.

Live acoustic music, The Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley, 9pm. 01246 434800.

General Knowledge Quiz, + Play your cards Right, Fox Inn, Beighton, 9.30pm, £1 entry, over 18s.

Crookes Folk Club, The Princess Royal, upstairs, 8pm. Singers and musicians most welcome includes a weekly featured performer spot, raffle during the interval. Tel 0114 2660752. Details www.syfolk.co.uk and www.myspace.com/princessroyalfolk

Quiz Night, Malin Bridge Inn, Sheffield, 8pm. Free raffle & prizes.

Bar Night, 8 Ball Madness and Frat party antics, Common Room, Devonshire St, 9pm, free. 0114 2720569, Patti@common-room.co.uk

General knowledge quiz, The Cavalier, Ravenfield, free to enter, 8 drinks to the winner and free sandwiches.

Thursday Fun Night, Bingo, Snakes ‘n’ Ladders General Knowledge Quiz, and Play Your Cards Right, hosted by Ian B, cash and drinks prizes to be won. John O’Gaunt, Blackstock Rd, Gleadless, 8.30pm.

Live bands, Earl of Arundel & Surrey Pub, Queens Rd (opp Halfords), 8pm, free entry, tel: 2559887.

Bangers & Mash, The Leadmill, Leadmill Rd, 10.30pm. Tel: 2212828. www.leadmill.co.uk email information@leadmill.co.uk

]]> 1.2981291 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:43:23 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/what_s_on_your_guide_to_sheffield_barnsley_rotherham_and_doncaster_1_3193471

Do you have an event you’d like to see promoted in our What’s On? Email the details to whats.on@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk

Wednesday, February 22, 2011

GENERAL

Sheffield Jesus Centre, 93 Broomspring Lane, Broomhall, S10 2FB. Stitch in Time, knitting group, 10-12pm, tel. Lois 07815448287. Drop-In Lounge 10-12pm. Parlour Cafe 11.30-2pm. Your Art 1-3pm, tel. Liz 07740774173. Study Space, free internet access, 1-5pm. IT class, tel. Danny 07969226524. Women of Destiny, (women only), 7.30-9pm, tel. Vicky 07814521864. Men to Maturity, (men age 30+), 7.45pm, tel. Paul 07837380749 or Steve 07412495132.

Free Green Film Festival, H2Oil, Malcolm Denman from the Sheffield Hallam University’s Department of Engineering and Mathematics will be present to answer any questions. Central United Reformed Church, 60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JB, 6.30pm. Refreshments served about 6.15pm. More details at www.sheffieldfoe.co.uk

Sheffield Speakers Club, worried about speaking in public? Gain confidence in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, Jurys Inn, 6.45pm.

Under the Sea, Learn to Crochet with Ruthie Ford, Millennium Gallery, Arudel Gate, 2-4pm, £60/£54, to book tel. 0114 2782655.

Follow the Birds Family Trail, Ilam Park, 11-4pm, 50p per trail. Collect a family trail from the shop or visitor centre and follow the birds to solve some clues along the way. To book a place call 01433 670368.

Display of paintings, Sheffield in the 60s by local artist Conrad Lorenz, in the Priory Lodge Hotel, Wostenholme Road, Nether Edge. (Acrylics , oils, large and small).

Exhibition, Display of work by Heeley Art Club, The Farm Kitchen, Heeley City Farm, 10-4pm, free. Showing work from members using a variety of different media. Contributers include Keith Oakes, Chris Houlton and Doreen Treweek.

Exhibition, Radhika Agarwala, Heartbeat Gallery, The Orchard Centre, 14-18 West Bar Green, S1 2DA, 11-6pm.

Exhibition, Radhika Agarwala, Heartbeat, The Orchard Centre, Westbar Green, S1 2DA, 11-6pm.

Exhibition, The Royal Photographic Society’s 154th International Print Exhibition, The Gallery, The Civic, Hanson Street, Bansley, free. Tel. 01226 327000.

Exhibition, Julie Newton - Persona Revisited, photographic work, The panaorama. The Civic, Hanson Street, Bansley, free. Tel. 01226 327000.

Exhibition, The Blk Art Group, Graves Gallery, 10-3pm, free.

Exhibition, China: Journey to the East, Weston Park, 10-4pm, 11-4pm, free entry.

Exhibition, The Family in British Art: 16th Century to Now, Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, 10-5pm, free entry.

Exhibition, Under the Sea, Millennium Gallery, Arundel gate, 10-5pm, free entry.

Sheffield Movie Makers, video editing club, meet at The Michael Church, Lowedges, 7.30pm. A warm and friendly welcome. Contact 2377376.

Glee Club Choir, age 7-18yrs, Ecco Dance and Performing arts centre, The Nichols building, Shalesmoore, 6-7pm. Contact Erika 07834350237 for more info.

Over 60s Club, 2-4pm, Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Walesmoor Avenue, Kiveton Park, S26 5RF. Info 01909 770357. www.kpwvillagehall.org.uk

Are you looking to improve your English language skills, or does your child need extra support to pass their English GCSE? Contact Amy on 07795323271 or email agallilee@gmail.com to get one-to-one English Language tuition from a GCSE English teacher to suit your individual needs. Located in Crookes area.

Rock Choir sessions, (term-time only) St Mary’s Church & Conference Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield S2 4QZ, 8pm, free. All welcome, we sing pop, motown and gospel favourites in a relaxed, unassuming atmosphere. Info. tel. 01252 714276. www.rockchoir.com

String Orchestra, meets St Oswald’s Church, Abbeydale Road, 7-9pm. All string players welcome. For more information tel. 2367037.

Psychic and mediumship development circle, in Parson Cross, taught by experienced medium and qualified teacher. Dedicated students required, beginners welcome. Telephone 07941322557 for details.

Herdings Central, for young people aged 13-25 with learning difficulties and disabilities, The Herdings Youth Centre, Gleadless Valley, 7-9pm. Young people can take part in a variety of social activities inc. games, arts, crafts and music related fun. For more information contact Sheffield Futures on 0114 201 2800.

Doncaster Branch for National Council for Divorced, Separated & Widows, Catholic Club, Waterdale, Doncaster, all welcome, tel. 01302 751297.

Women’s Group, St. Christopher’s Community Hall, Bellhouse Road, Shiregreen, 2-3.30pm. Tel. 0114 2458122.

Open Circle, Whitham Road Spiritualist Church, 7.30pm.

Spiritual Healing, Whitham Road Spiritualist Church, 11-1pm.

Hullaballoos Toddler Group, Paces Campus, 9-11.30am, £2. Info. 0114 2844444.

Art Class, Coterie Gallery, adult, 10-12pm, 2-4pm & 6-8pm, Textile Class, adult, 2-4pm & 6-8pm, Paces Campus. Info. 0114 2844444.

Glee Club, fun singing & dancing, Wisewood Methodist Church, 6.15pm, £3, all ages welcome.

Sheffield Youth Council, get your voice heard and join the Sheffield Youth Council, meet at YASY Carver Street, 5-7.30pm. Bus fares will be repaid and refreshments provided. To find out more contact Tessa Harrison on 0114 240 3447 or 07967 330 717 or visit www.sheffyc.org.uk or visit our Facebook page.

Music lessons, for a variety of instruments, all ages and abilities. Harmony Music School, Eccelsfield Business Centre, Eccelsfield. For more information visit www.harmonymusicschool.co.uk or to book a lesson call 01142576780 or email info@harmonymusicschool.co.uk.

Computer Troubleshooting, St. Thomas More Community Centre, 56 Margetson Crescent, 12-2pm, free. 0114 3279727.

Beginners painting and drawing, Gallery12a, 10-12pm, 1-3pm. telephone 01302 738377 or 07505057601, Email firthrosemary@hotmail.com.

Sheffield Ghost Tour, 7.30pm, outside Town Hall steps. Adult £5, oap/student £4, u13s £2.50. 0114 2203269. www.steelcityghosttours.co.uk.

Sheffield Science Fiction & Fantasy Group, Old Queens Head public house, 7.30pm. 0114 2203269.

Al-Anon Support, for relatives, friends of alcoholics, Hillsborough Baptist Church, Taplin Road. Dtls 02074030888 10-10pm.

Al-Anon Support, for relatives, friends of alcoholics, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Church Street, Gawber, Barnsley, 7.30pm. Dtls 020-7403-0888 10-10pm.

Flower arranging classes, with Sarah Whitaker at Bouquet Florist, 212 Crookes, Sheffield, 1-3pm. 0114 2663901

Majorette Troupe, invites new members, girls and boys age 7+, learn new skills in baton twirling, pompom latin dance, military freestyle dance and flag throw and twirl, no previous dance experience is required, Dore & Totley United Reformed Church Hall, Totley Brook Road, 5-6pm. Tel: Jackie Collins Stage School 2367564.

Lunch Club, buffet 12pm, with social activities to follow, Trades & Labour Club, Duke Street, tel. 2452179/2217476.

THEATRE

The Mersey Makers, Academy Theatre, Barnsley, 7.30pm, tkts £12, b/o 01226 744442. www.theacademytheatre.co.uk

DANCE

Street Dance, King Edward VII Lower School, S10 5RG, 6.15pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Chaucer Business and Enterprise College, S5 8NH, 3.30pm, ages 13-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Hackenthorpe Community Centre, S12 4JB, 5pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 6pm, all ages. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Steel Inn, S2 1QR, 6.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, age 8-16yrs, Heeley Institute, 4-5pm, £1. Activity Sheffield, tel. 0114 2053724.

Jay Love School of Dance, children’s combination class, sequence, freestyle, line dancing and street, qualified IDTA teachers/CRB checked. St Paul’s Church Hall, Wordsworth Avenue, S5 9JJ, 4-5pm. Tel. 0114 2466412.

Harthill Modern Jive & Latin Dance Club, beginners or experienced dancers welcome, no partner required, Harthill Village Hall, 7.45pm. Info. tel. 01909 770114. derrekleigh@trunkles.wanadoo.co.uk

Street dance classes, ages 6-12, Rotherham Youth Dance Network, Henley Community Centre, Oates Close, S61 1TP, 5-6pm,, £2 per session. For more info. 07790 821181. info@rotherhamyouthdance.co.uk or www.rotherhamyouthdance.co.uk

New street dance classes, ages 12-16, Rotherham Youth Dance Network, Treeton Youth Centre, Front Street, S60 5QP, 7-8pm, £1 per session. For more info. 07790 821181. info@rotherhamyouthdance.co.uk or www.rotherhamyouthdance.co.uk

Dance To be Fit, St Thomas More Community Centre, 56 Margetson Cr., S5 9NB, 10-11am, £2. A variety of steps and styles to keep fit. Tel. 0114 3279727 for more info.

Adult Beginners Street Dance, Hype Dance, Earl Street, S1 4PY, 8.30-9.30pm, 0114 2706757.

Sequence dancing, Norton House Country Club, Norton Lane, 8.30pm, door. Dtls 2745433.

Easy sequence social tea dance, Wisewood Methodist Church, Ben Lane, 12.30-3pm. Dtls 2339584.

Sequence Dance, Stannington Community Centre, 7.30-10.30pm, tel. 2337290.

Sequence Dancing for all ages, Ebenezer Church, South Rd/Greenhow St, Walkley, 1-3pm, tel. 2341464.

Sequence dancing, live organist, Hillsborough Park Bowling Pavilion, 11-1.30pm, tel. 07921-520015.

Sequence Dances, 7.15-10.15pm, Learners Dances, 10-11.30am, Newton Hall, Cowley Lane, Chapeltown, tel. 2466588 or 07964 630211.

50/50 Social Dancing, to live music, Parklands Ballroom, Wheatley Hall Rd, Doncaster, 11.30-3pm, tel. 01302 884707. Prcds Donc Royal Inf Scan for life Appeal.

Line dancing, with Josie, Hillsborough Tabernacle Church, Procter Place, 12.30-3pm, beginners & intermediates. Dtls 2341135.

Blitz Modern Jive Dance Classes & Social, begs welcome, no partner required, at Parklands Sports & Social Club, Wheatley Hall Rd, Doncaster, 7.30-10.30pm, tel. 07808 067601.

Learn to Jive Dance, Treeton Community Centre, Pit Lane, Treeton, Rotherham. Beginners and experienced Jive Dancers welcome. Two lessons are included in the evening plus dancing in between. 7.45pm, £5 entry. For more information call Richard 0114 254 8218 or Jane 07855 690257.

Blitz Modern Jive, keep fit, Crookes Wmc, Crookes, 7.30-10.30pm, beginners welcome, Nick, 07828 669826.

Rock n Roll & Swing Dance Classes & Social Night, no partner required, beginners welcome, Woodseats Wmc, The Dale, (off Chesterfield Rd), 8-11pm, adm. £6/5, tel. 07905 162256.

HEALTH

Aerobics, Old Sharrow Junior School, S7 1DB, 2pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Jogging, Coronation Park, S35 0HS, 6pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Circuit Training, Wisewood SCSC, S6 4BH, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Activities, Joseph Stone Centre, S20 5EB, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Tinsley Community Centre, S9 1WZ, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Aerobics, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 10.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Health Walks, Totley Library, S17 4DT, 10.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Wisewood Methodist Church, S6 4SB, 10.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Activities, Concord Sports Centre, S5 6AE, 12pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Walking, Gleadless Medical Centre, S14 1PQ, 12.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Aerobics, Millennium Hall Polish Club, S11 8PY, 12.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Circuit Training, Handsworth Methodist Church, S13 9BN, 1pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Salvation Army Woodhouse, S13 7JW, 1pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, St Aidan’s Church, S2 1UF, 1pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Shiregreen Community Centre, S5 0RN, 2pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Hub Club, Springs Leisure Centre, S2 2AL, 4.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Activities, Skye Edge Community Centre, S2 5FX, 5pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Activities, Stubbin Community Centre, S5 6LY, 6.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Play, Highfield’s Adventure Playground, S7 1BJ, 3pm-8pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Play, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, S3 9DN, 3pm-8pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Rehab 2 Reshape Pilates, Rossington Holmescarr Enterprise Centre 10am & 11am. St James Pool 4.45pm & 5.45pm. Suzanne Davies MFHT, tel. 07787158180.

Oughtibridge Jogging Group, Coronation Park, 6-7pm, free. No previous running experience needed, all abilities welcome, walkers welcome. Come and join our friendly group for a chance for a jog and a good chat on route.

Zumba with Katy, fun-filled,latin based rythm fitness class, Chaucer Business College, Wordsworth Avenue, Sheffield 5. (next to new Asda), 7-8pm. Tel. 0772 5322386 or just come along. Bring trainers, comfy clothes, water and lots of energy. (If 1st college car park full, park in 2nd car park or behind Learning Zone opposite).

Sheffield Shamblers Health Walk, meet at Chapletown, 3 miles easy walk for beginners. Full details tel. 07977 690100. www.shamblers.org.uk or email organisers@shamblers.co.uk

Mum and Baby Yoga, get back in shape after your baby, 12pm, casses held in Hunters Bar. Limited spaces, 10 week course. Contact Nicola 07739490143/www.pregnantyogini@hotmail.com or visit us at www.pregnantyogini.com.

Ashtanga & Mysore style Yoga, get fit and find calmness for the mind. We cater for all levels from beginners to intermediate. We teach classes early morning mysore from 7am, at the Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club and most days of the week in Walkley, Sharrow and Hathersage. For details contact Nicola 07739490143/yogini@yoga-sheffeild.com or visit us at www.yoga-sheffield.com

Weight watchers, 9.30-11am, zumba, 6-7pm, martial arts, 6-8pm, Beighton Welfare Recreation Grounds, all welcome, function rooms available, tel. 01142699802.

Beginners Hatha Yoga/satyananda Yoga, classes involve postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation and tools for coping with anxiety, depression and stress. Ebenezer Hall, Greenhow St, Walkley, 6-7.30pm. Sheffield Satyananda Yoga School, 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Yoga, relaxation and health, Beginners yoga and meditation, classes run through WEA (Workers Education Association), Heeley Institute, Hartley Street, Heeley, 10-12pm, concessionary fee for those on benefit. Call Hannah: 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Intermediate Hatha Yoga/satyananda Yoga, classes include, asana, pranayama, yoga nidra and meditation. Ebenezer Hall, Greenhow St, Walkley, 7.45-9.15pm. Call Hannah 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Zumba, 8-9pm, Slimming World, 5-6.30pm & 7-8.30pm, Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Walesmoor Avenue, Kiveton Park, S26 5RF. Info 01909 770357. www.kpwvillagehall.org.uk

Beginners Iyengar Yoga Classes, Sheffield Yoga Centre, 270 Burgoyne Road, Walkley, Sheffield, S6 3QF, 8-9.15pm, places available on drop-in classes and for 5 and 10 week courses. Details tel. 0114 2346475. sheffieldyogacentre@tiscali.co.uk

Bootcamp Training, Endcliffe Park, Ecclesall Road, 9.30–10.15am, £4 per session. Tel. 07881803228. www.eccyroadbootcamp.com

Slimming World, St Saviour’s Church Hall, Mortomley Lane, High Green. 10am, 5pm or 7pm. Call Lindsay on 2845866.

Pilates, Hype Dance, 67 Earl Street, 6-7pm. Tel. 0114 2706757. info@hypedance.org.uk

Zumba Fitness. Victoria Hall, Chapel Walk, Sheffield, 11.30 - 12.20. Tel: 276 6747.

Satori Yoga Sheffield, fresh new Hatha Yoga class, Broomhill, 6.30pm. For more details call Jo Boltt on 07742410846. www.satoriyogasheffield.co.uk

Pam’s Keep Fit, for the not so young, The Victoria Hall, Chapel Walk, 10.30am, tel. 2585364.

Slimming World, Sheffield United Academy, Firshill Crescent entrance, Shirecliffe, 7pm, Tel. Christine, 2817860.

Slimming World, St. Michaels Church, Lowedges Rd. 10am. Wendy 0777309517.

Slimming World, Cross Sythes pub, Norton, 7pm. Jayne 01246415512.

Slimming World, The Bawtry Hall Christian Conference Centre, South Parade, 4-5.30pm. Tel. 01909483392.

Slimming World, St. Columba, Manchester Rd, Crosspool. 6pm. Tel. 2351865.

Slimming World Group, St Saviour’s Church Hall, Mortomley Lane, High Green, Sheffield at 10am, 5pm and 7pm. Tel. 2845866.

Weight Watchers, & launch of new ProPoints plan, Memorial Hall, Forbes Road, Hillsborough, 6.30pm, tel. 2346155.

Weight Watchers, The Sheaf Pub, Fraser Road, Millhouses, 10am. Contact Tracey 2346155.

Weight Watchers, The New Propoints Plan, Manor Social Club, 10am, St Marks Church, Broomhill 6.15pm. Contact Karen Oxley 07849344735.

Health Walks, Stocksbridge, meet various venues 10.30am, tel. 2830572. Totley, meet Totley Library, Baslow Road, 10.30am. Gleadless, meet Gleadless Medical Centre, Gleadless Road, 12.30pm. Ecclesfield, meet Mill Road Surgery 2pm. Richmond, meet in lobby at St Catherine’s church, Richmond Road 2pm.

SPORT

Football, Mount Pleasant Park, S7 1BG, 4pm, ages 0-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Handball, Mount Pleasant Park, S7 1BG, 4.45pm, ages 0-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Basketball, Mount Pleasant Park, S7 1BG, 5.30pm, ages 0-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, S36 1EG, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Bawtry Road Cricket Ground, S9 1UA, 1.30pm, ages 16+. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Table Tennis, Hinde House Secondary School, S5 6AG, 3pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Football, Newfield School, S8 9JP, 4pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 4pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Boxing, Hinde House Secondary School, S5 6AG, 5pm, ages 13-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Dodgeball, Westfield Sports Centre, S20 1HQ, 5.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Netball, Meersbrook Park, S8 9FL, 6pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Football, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 6.30pm, ages 0-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Table Tennis, Handsworth Grange School and Community Sports Hall, S13 9HJ, 7pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Shaolin Kung Fu, The Fitness Club, Surrey St, 7.30-9pm, tel. 07960 531968.

Tao Kung, Longley 4G, 41 Southey Avenue, 6-7.30pm, £1. Tel. 0114 2332984.

Shito Ryu/Shukokai Karate, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Penistone Road, 6-7.45pm. 8th Dan tuition with 48 years experience, no joining fees & just pay has you train, all welcome 6 years plus.

Tetsudo Martial Arts, more than just kicks and punches, practical self defence, build fitness and confidence. Explore our developed and noble art form. Beginners, St Marys, Walkley, 8pm start, 1st class free, £4 after. tel. Adam 07739352636 or email sheffieldtetsudo@gmail.com for full details.

Little Ninja’s Karate Classes, age 5-7yrs, The Burton Street Project, 57 Burton Street, fit4AllGym sports hall, 5-6pm, first lesson free. Please contact Debbie or Stan Knighton on 01142853303 or email debbie@sku.org.uk

K1 Kickboxing, MMA/Multi skilled self defence for all, Powers Martial Arts centre, 6am-10pm. 01142 336756/07831763688.

Wing Chun Kung Fu, Edward Dunn Memorial Hall, Maltby, 7.45-9.15pm. Tel. 07584573521.

Boxercise, St Thomas More Community Centre, 56 Margetson Cr., S5 9NB. 6.30-7.30pm, £2. Tel. 0114 3279727 for more info.

Basketball trials, The Junior Sharks basketball club invites any boys Y6-Y8, All Saints Sports Centre (GOALS), Norfolk Park Road Sheffield S2 2RU, 5-6.30pm, £2.50. Further details stevepg51@yahoo.co.uk or www.juniorsharks.com

Wing Chun Kung-Fu class, Vestry Hall, 54, Cemetery Rd. (nr Waitrose), 7-9pm. Dtls 07958047651.

K1 kickboxing class, ages 4-12, Powers Martial Arts Centre, Stannington, Sheffield, 4.30-5.30pm. 07831763688.

WTF Taekwondo, 393 Club Langsett Road, 6.30-8pm. 6 Dan, 07768702348.

Kyo hoon Taekwondo, fight training, 5 years to adult, Trinity Fir Vale Methodist church, 6.30-8pm, £3.50. Contact Master Andy Fisher on 07773674001, runs on a shift pattern please call for details.

Circuit Training, stomach/abs class, St Peters Church, Lister Ave. Gleadless, 6.15pm, £4.50. Info. Philip 07709198392.

Wado Ryu Karate, & Self Defence, beginners classe, 5yrs+, Chapeltown Martial Arts Centre, 6-7pm. Tel. 07960 178575.

Thursday, February 23, 2011

GENERAL

Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society, Particle physics - Stuff a talk by Roy Gunson, Swinton Working Men’s Club, Station Street, Swinton, S64 8AU, 7.45pm, free for members, visitors welcome, admission £2. www.msas.org.uk

Healing, held at Sheffield GMB office, Norfolk Street, 6pm. Tel. 07533060974 for further info.

Sheffield Philatelic Society meetings, World War II Alied Material by Daphne McMillan at United Reform Church Norfolk Street, Sheffield. 7:15 start. New members welcome. For more information email secretary@sheffieldps.org.uk or visit www.sheffieldps.org.uk

Your Art, art group for beginners and experienced artists, Jesus Cenre, Broomspring Lane, Broomhall, S10 2FB, 1.30-3.30pm. Contact Liz tel. 07740774173.

Lunchtime Talk, Ruskin on Education, Millennium Gallery, Arundel gate, 1-1.45pm, free, no need to book.

Mosaic Class, The Old Junior School, South View Road, S7 1DB, 7-9pm. For more information or to book, tel. Lu 07854983197. creativeactionnetwork@googlemail.com

Improvers Spanish Course, The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, S1 4FW, 5.30-7.30pm, six weeks, £70. For info. or to book tel. 07985 903655. email jayne_mambo@hotmail.com www.spanish-in-sheffield.co.uk

Follow the Birds Family Trail, Ilam Park, 11-4pm, 50p per trail. Collect a family trail from the shop or visitor centre and follow the birds to solve some clues along the way. To book a place call 01433 670368.

Display of paintings, Sheffield in the 60s by local artist Conrad Lorenz, in the Priory Lodge Hotel, Wostenholme Road, Nether Edge. (Acrylics , oils, large and small).

Exhibition, Display of work by Heeley Art Club, The Farm Kitchen, Heeley City Farm, 10-4pm, free. Showing work from members using a variety of different media. Contributers include Keith Oakes, Chris Houlton and Doreen Treweek.

Exhibition, Radhika Agarwala, Heartbeat Gallery, The Orchard Centre, 14-18 West Bar Green, S1 2DA, 11-6pm.

Exhibition, Radhika Agarwala, Heartbeat, The Orchard Centre, Westbar Green, S1 2DA, 11-6pm.

Exhibition, The Royal Photographic Society’s 154th International Print Exhibition, The Gallery, The Civic, Hanson Street, Bansley, free. Tel. 01226 327000.

Exhibition, Julie Newton - Persona Revisited, photographic work, The panaorama. The Civic, Hanson Street, Bansley, free. Tel. 01226 327000.

Exhibition, The Blk Art Group, Graves Gallery, 10-3pm, free.

Under the Sea, Learn to Crochet with Ruthie Ford, Millennium Gallery, Arudel Gate, 2-4pm, £60/£54, to book tel. 0114 2782655.

Exhibition, China: Journey to the East, Weston Park, 10-4pm, free entry.

Exhibition, The Family in British Art: 16th Century to Now, Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, 10-5pm, free entry.

Exhibition, Under the Sea, Millennium Gallery, Arundel gate, 10-5pm, free entry.

British Lung Foundation Breathe Easy Support Group meetings, St Catherines Church Hall, Richmond Rd, 2-4pm.

Coffee Morning & Book Swap, Hollinsend Parish Centre, 9-11am, all welcome.

Lunchtime Organ Concert, with Kevin Grunill or guest organist, St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Penistone, 1pm, £3. Tel. 07944 566972.

Sheffield ME Group weekly drop-in, The Mercure Hotel, Sheffield city centre, 2-4pm. More details, Alex, tel. 0114 230 3269.

Wales Art Group, Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Walesmoor Avenue, Kiveton Park, S26 5RF, 7-9pm. Info 01909 770357. www.kpwvillagehall.org.uk

Jesus Centre, Broomhall. Your Art 1.30-3.30pm, Liz 07740774173.

Are you looking to improve your English language skills, or does your child need extra support to pass their English GCSE? Contact Amy on 07795323271 or email agallilee@gmail.com to get one-to-one English Language tuition from a GCSE English teacher to suit your individual needs. Located in Crookes area.

Noodle Performance Arts Ltd, introduction to performing arts, age 6-10, term-time 4-5.30pm. Details tel. Nikki 07984 461711. www.noodleperformancearts.com

Lip Reading classes, Stocksbridge Library, 9.30-11.30am and 12.15-2.15pm. Tel: 07717742483.

Training Restaurant, in the bar at Burton Street Foundation, 57 Burton Street, Hillsborough, 12-1.30pm. Two courses plus coffee, £5. Pre-booking not always necessary - or call Angela on 0114 2332908. All proceeds go towards supporting people with disabilities.

Computer Drop In Workshop, Parson Cross Forum, St Thomas More Community Centre, Margetson Crescent, S5, 1.30-3.30pm, free. Tel. 0114 3279727 for more info.

Meditation Group, run by Christine Weymouth, Whitham Road Spiritualist Church, 7.30pm.

Art Class, Coterie Gallery, Adult, 10-12pm & 6.30-8.30pm, Computer Class for beginners, adult, 1-3pm & 3-5pm, free, Paces Campus. Info. 0114 2844444.

City of Sheffield Teachers’ Choir, welcome new members, St Mary’s Church, Bramall Lane, 7-9pm.

Edwards Street Youth Group, Edwards Street, 4.30-6.30pm, age 13-16, free.

The Sheffield Healing Centre, Friends Quaker House, St James Row, Sheffield, 10-12pm. Dtls 0114 247 0482/287 9705

Painting & drawing, Gallery12a, 10-12am, 1-3pm, 3.30-5.30pm & 7-9pm. telephone 01302 738377 or 07505057601, Email firthrosemary@hotmail.com.

Knit & Knatter, (or crochet) St Mary’s Church Hall, South Rd, Walkley, 12.30-2.30pm, £2 inc refreshments. Dtls 07960-512206. Prcds church roof restoration.

Sheffield Ghost Tour, 7.30pm, outside Town Hall steps. Adult £5, oap/student £4, u13s £2.50. 0114 2203269. www.steelcityghosttours.co.uk

Life Drawing Class, Walkley Community Centre, 7A Fir Street, 1-3pm. All abilities welcome, first class free. Dtls 2678729.

Al-Anon Support, for relatives, friends of alcoholics, Cemetery Rd Baptist Church, Napier Street, 7.15pm. Dtls 020-7403-0888 10-10pm.

Sheffield 13 Brass Ensemble, rehearsals, Southern Light Community Church, Woodhouse. 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. Telephone 0114 269 2333.

Sewing Class, Broomhall Centre, Broomspring Lane, Sheffield. 1-3pm, Dtls (0114) 272-9105.

Adult group singing lessons, build confidence, learn techniques, improve voice have fun with others like you and share the cost, 7- 8pm, Dore & Totley United Reformed Church Hall, tel: 2367564.

Knit and natter, all ages welcome, a weekly get together where we can share knitting tips and have a good old natter, 10-12, at the Beighton Lifestyle Centre Cafe, High St, Beighton, tel: 2132160.

DANCE

Street Dance, Brushes Community Centre, S5 6QE, 4pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Scowerdon’s Community Centre, S12 4TL, 4.30pm, ages 13-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Stradbroke Community Centre, S13 8LT, 5.30pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Street Dance, Scowerdon’s Community Centre, S12 4TL, 6pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Sequence Dancing, Darnall & District Comm Assoc, The Centre, Darnall Road, 1-3pm, tel. 2396980.

Jay Love School of Dance, children’s combination class, sequence, freestyle, line dancing and street, 3.30-4.30pm. Children’s beginners class, 4.30-5.30pm, qualified IDTA teachers/CRB checked. St Paul’s Church Hall, Wordsworth Avenue, S5 9JJ. Tel. 0114 2466412.

Junior and Adult Break dance, Hype Dance, 67 Earl Street, 5.30-7.30pm. Tel. 0114 2706757. info@hypedance.org.uk

Beginners Ballroom & Latin Class, Grapevine Centre, Northcote Road, Heeley Green, 8pm, Tel: 0114 2398080.

DA Texas Stompers line dancing, Davy’s Sporting Club, Darnall, 8-11pm.

Line dancing, with tuition, Norton House Country Club, Norton Lane, 8.30pm, door. Dtls 2745433.

Beginners ballroom & Latin class, Nazarene Church, Northcote Rd, Heeley Green, 8pm. Dtls 2398080.

Line Dancing class, Albert Club, Christchurch Road, West Melton, 12-3pm. Further info. please phone 01709 589 132 or 07921 453 556.

Line dancing, with Josie, Scout HQ, Trippet Lane, 12.30-3pm, beginners & intermediates. Dtls 234-1135.

Line Dancing, with Sheffield Cityliners, Speedwell Rooms, Staveley, 1-3pm. www.cityliners@btinternet,com or 0800 0434531.

Line Dancing, with Sheffield Cityliners, Walkley Social Club, 7-11pm. www.cityliners@btinternet,com or 0800 0434531.

Line Dancing, old favourites & new, 1-3pm, Burlesque & cabaret dance for beginners, vaudeville, exotic cabaret style dance, 8-10pm. Chapeltown Community Centre, Burncross Rd, tel: 2885829/2883886.

Line Dancing, Parish Hall, Top Road, Barnby Dun, Donc, 7.30-9pm, tel: 01302 890153.

Line Dancing, St Aidans Church Hall, Adlard Rd, Wheatley Hills, Donc, 1-3pm, tel: 01302 349230.

Begs Line Dancing, improvers line dancing, 12.15-1.15pm, 1.30-3pm, Victoria Hall, Chapel Walk, tel: 2766747.

Western partner dancing, St Leonards & Jude Church Hall, Barnsley Rd, Scawsby, Donc, 8-10pm, tel: 01302 84931.

Salsa & Latin In-Line Dance, Parklands Social Club, Wheatley Hall Rd, Donc, 6.30pm, tel: 01302 843501.

Salsa-Jazz/Salsasize, Norton Free Primary School, 7.30-8.30pm, 07902122958.

Blitz Modern Jive, beginners welcome, Crookes Wmc, Crookes, 7.30-10.30pm, Nick: 07828 669 826.

Tap & Modern Jazz and Street Dance, Dancemasters School of Dance, St Margarets Chruch, Jenkin Rd, from 4pm, tel: Jayne 2491624/07732 986550.

Dancing, ballroom, popular sequence, rock & roll, singles & couples, The Lonsdale Hotel, Intake, Doncaster, 8-11pm. Dtls 01924 360449.

HEALTH

Aerobics, Firth Park Clinic, S5 6NU, 6.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Deepcar St John’s Church, S36 2QX, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Circuit Training, Sam Jones Health Club, S20 7JJ, 11.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Beighton Welfare, S20 1EA, 10am, for adults, Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, The Michael Church, S8 7LD, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Aerobics, Woodseats Methodist Church, S8 0GU, 10am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Aerobics, Firth Park Clinic, S5 6NU, 10,30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Walking, Lowedges- Tenants Meeting Hall, S8 7HL, 10.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics, St Columba Church, S10 5PL, 11am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Gym, Tinsley Green, S9 1SG, 11am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Aerobics, ISRACC, S11 8FP, 11.15am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics, King’s Centre Christian Church, S11 9EH, 11.30am, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Shiregreen United Reformed Church, S5 0NX, 12pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, St Catherine’s Church, S13 8NA, 12.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Circuit Training, Handsworth Methodist Church, S13 9BN, 1pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Unit 3 Meadowhead Christian Fellowship, S8 8DX, 1pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Chairobics and Games, Woodhouse Library, S13 7JU, 2pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Hub Club, Hinde House Secondary School, S5 6AG, 4.30pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Hub Club, Newfield School, S8 9JP, 5pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Activities, St Swithan’s Church. S2 1JP, 5.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Jogging, Graves Park, S8 8QE, 6pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Step Aerobics, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 6.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Jogging, Millhouses Park, S7 2QQ, 7.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Play, Highfield’s Adventure Playground, S7 1BJ, 3pm-8pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Play, Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, S3 9DN, 3pm-8pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Slimming World, new 3pm group, St Peters Church, Reney Avenue, Bradway, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. Alison tel. 07815 046569.

Rehab 2 Reshape Pilates, Town Fields Sports Club, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, 6pm. Suzanne Davies MFHT, tel. 07787158180.

Slimming World, Hillsborough Tabernacle Church, Proctor Place, Sheffield 6, 10am, 12pm, 5pm & 7pm. Tel. Christine, 2817860.

Soup and Serenity, at Gyaltsabje Buddhist Centre, relaxing guided meditation followed by a bowl of soup in the World Peace Cafe, 12.30-1.30pm, suitable for everyone, £3.50 per class including soup.

Chairobics and Games, St John’s Church, Deepcar, 10-11.30am, £2. Come along and meet new friends, all abilities and ages welcome. Try something new exercising in a chair followed by a game of Boccia. Refreshments included. First session free.

Belly Fit through Belly Dance, Cantley Community Centre, Goodison Boulevard, Doncaster, 7.30-8.30pm. Fun, low impact exercise dance class, all ages from 16+. Pay as you go. Tel. 07909 223010. Contact siobhan.bellydancer@gmail.com

Millhouses Park Jogging Group, 7.30p-8.30pm, meet at the Café entrance, free, all abilities welcome.

Yoga & Meditation, early morning class, at Broomhill Methodist Church, 7.3-8.30am, £5 per class. Contact Sheffield Yoga School: tel. 0114 2338340 or email info@sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Pregnancy Yoga Classes, in Walkley, experienced and qualified teacher. Contact Hannah at Sheffield Yoga School: tel. 0114 2338340 or email info@sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Keep fit with Rita, 9.30-10.30am, all ages welcome, 50plus activity sheffield 10-12am, zumba, 7.15-8.15pm, Beighton Welfare Recreation Grounds, all ages all parties catered for, tel. 01142699802.

Yoga, relaxation and health, Beginners yoga and meditation, classes run through WEA (Workers Education Association), Heeley Institute, Hartley Street, Heeley, 10-12pm, concessionary fee for those on benefit. Call Chris 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Intermediate Hatha Yoga/satyananda Yoga, classes include, asana, pranayama, yoga nidra and meditation. Ebenezer Hall, Greenhow St, Walkley, 6-7.30pm. Call Hannah 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Pregnancy Yoga, exercise to tone, strengthen and energize, breathing techniques to use during labour, relaxation to nourish you and your baby, no experience necessary, suitable from 16 weeks onwards. Ebenezer Hall, Greenhow St, Walkley, 7.45-9.30pm, £6. Call Hannah 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

New Early Morning Yoga and Meditation class, Broomhill Methodist church, Fulwood Rd, Broomhill, 7.30-8.30am. Classes involve: posture work, breathing techniques and meditation practice, qualified and experienced instructor, beginners welcome. Contact Chris, tel. 0114 2338340. www.sheffieldyogaschool.co.uk

Tai Chi, Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Walesmoor Avenue, Kiveton Park, S26 5RF, 11-12pm. Info 01909 770357. www.kpwvillagehall.org.uk

Beginners Iyengar Yoga Classes, Sheffield Yoga Centre, 270 Burgoyne Road, Walkley, Sheffield, S6 3QF, 6.10-7.25pm & 7.30-8.45pm, places available on drop-in classes and for 5 and 10 week courses. Details tel. 0114 2346475. sheffieldyogacentre@tiscali.co.uk

Zumba class, St Margarets Church, Jenkin Road, Sheffield, S9, 7-7.45pm. Any ability, any age. Please contact Jayne on 07732 986550 for further information.

Zumba Fitness Class, Worrall Memorial Hall,10-11am, £4. Tel. 07949 126312 or just turn up.

Zumba Fitness Class, Wharncliffe Side Community Centre, 7-8pm. All fitness levels. Tel. 07949 126312 or just turn up.

Health Walks, Firshill, meet outside Firshill School, Orphanage Rd, 10am. Frecheville, meet at Library, Smalldale Rd, 10am. Grenoside, meet in Community Centre C/P, Main St, 10am. Lowedges, meet at Gresley Road meeting rooms, 10.30am. Wisewood/Wadsley, meet at Wisewood School, Community Sports College, off Laird Rd, 10.30am. Hillsborough, meet at Hillsborough Arena, formally known as the old running Track, off Middlewood Rd, 10.30am. Manor Fields Park, meet York House, City Road, 12.30pm. Shiregreen, meet at F.E.F.A Resource House, 153 Foxglove Rd, 1pm. Parson Cross, meet at the pavilion, Parson Cross Park, off Buchanan Rd, 1pm. Whiteley Woods, meet outside Forge Dam café, Whiteley Lane/Brookhouse Hill, 2pm. Hackenthorpe, meet at the Christ Church junction Donetsk Way/Sheffield Rd, 2pm.

SPORT

Boxercise, Fir Vale Sports Centre, S4 8GB, 6.30pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Football, Goals Soccer Centre, S2 2RJ, 11.30am, ages 16+. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Boccia, Gilbert Court Sheltered Accommodation, S2 5QQ, 2.30pm, for adults. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Basketball, Newfield School, S8 9JP, 4pm, ages 0-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Verdon Recreation Centre, S3 9QS, 4pm, ages 8+. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Tapton Secondary School, S10 5RG, 4.30pm, ages 0-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Westfield Sports Centre, S20 1HQ, 4.30pm, ages 8-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, King Ecgbert Secondary School, S17 3QN, 5pm, ages 0-12. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Netball, High Storrs Secondary School, S11 7LH, 6pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Football, King Ecgberts Secondary School, S17 3QN, 6pm, ages 8-18. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Multi Sports, Phillimore Primary School, S9 5EF, 6.30pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Football, Broadfield MUGA, S8 0XQ, 7pm, ages 8-15. Activity Sheffield tel. 0114 2734266.

Tetsudo Martial Arts, more than just kicks and punches, practical self defence, build fitness and confidence. Explore our developed and noble art form. All levels, Woodseats Methodist, 8pm start, 1st class free, £4 after. tel. Adam 07739352636 or email sheffieldtetsudo@gmail.com for full details.

Martial Arts and Tai Chi, for beginners, discover the amazing fun of Lishi, Heeley Institute, Hartley St, near Heeley City Farm, 7-8pm. tel. 07740870848. Email Paul sheffield@lishi.org

Circuit class, all abilities, men and women welcome, The Old Sharrow School, South View Road, 6.15-7.15pm, £2 per session. Tel. 07715697310.

Martial Arts Classes, The Workstation, 6.30-9.30pm, weekly classes covering a range of disciplines.

Karate, Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Walesmoor Avenue, Kiveton Park, S26 5RF, 6-7pm. Info 01909 770357. www.kpwvillagehall.org.uk

K1 Kickboxing, MMA/Multi skilled self defence for all, Powers Martial Arts centre, 6am-10pm. 01142 336756/07831763688.

Adult Sport Activities, (inc. table tennis, badminton, boccia, bowls). St Thomas More Community Centre, 56 Margetson Cr., S5 9NB 10-12pm, £2. Tel. 0114 3279727 for more info.

Hotshots School of Basketball, boys & girls 6–11, All Saints Sports Centre, 5–6.30pm, £2.50. (during term time).

Ladies Badminton Club, seek a few more players, non competitive, beginners welcome, Central Hillsborough, early evening, details tel. 0114 2397225.

Carpet Bowls for Beginners, Centre in the Park, Norfolk Heritage Park, 1.30-3.30pm. For more info. 286 0400. Free cuppa, please wear clean, non marking footwear.

Tetsudo Martial Arts, practical self defence, beginners welcome, Woodseats Methodist Church, S8 0GU, 8pm. Info. tel. 07739352636. www.sheffieldtetsudo.co.uk

Kyo Hoon Taekwondo, 5 years to adult, Trinity FirVale Methodist Church, Firth Park Road, 6.30-8.30pm, Child £3, dult £3.50. Contact Master Andy Fisher on 07773674001.

Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, 8-9pm. Combined Fighting Arts, phase 2, 7-8pm. 284 Shalesmoor, (entrance off Acorn st.). Tel. 0114 2397216, 07780650408.

Circuit Training, stomach/abs class, Jack and Jills, School Lane, Stannington, 7pm, £4.50. Info. Philip 07709198392.

Multi Sports, Back 2 Sport session for adults, Ecclesfield School Sports Centre, 7-7.45pm £1. Details call 273 4266 or visit www.sheffield.gov.uk/activitiesforadults

Shaolin Fists International Kung Fu, The Fitness Club, Surrey St, 7.30-9.30pm, tel: 07960 531968.

Beginners Kickboxing, Knox Boxing Gym, 77 Sidney Street, 8.30-9.30pm, 07775 914155

Black Dragon Kickboxing Club, beginners class 6-7pm, Graded, experienced students 7-8pm. Wadsley Church Hall, Worrall rd, Sheffield. Please phone to book your place 07831 601984.

Climbing Club, learn to climb or hone your climbing skills, all abilities catered for. The Foundry, 45, Mowbray St. 7-9, ages 11 - 17, £12, tel. 07818043915 or visit www.greatadventures.co.uk

]]> 1.3193471 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:34:09 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/rambling_your_guide_to_sheffield_barnsley_rotherham_and_doncaster_1_3755747

W/C Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ramble After 50 for Sheffield Singles, walks every month. New walkers welcome. Dtls Moya 07999845638.

Peak Walking Group, regular Sunday walks in the White/Dark Peak areas, varying mileage of between 7-10 miles, including weekends away. Circular walks starting at 10am. Contact Ellie Prince on 01246 853155 or Margaret on 01302 351658, (www.peakwalkinggroup.co.uk).

Sheffield Red Rope. Socialist walking club. Fortnightly Sunday walks. Dtls (0114) 268-6409.

Rotherham Rambling Club, SUN. Worksop Golf Club, Pudding Hill Wood, South Lodge, Truman Lodge, Clumber Bridge. Meet: Clumber Park Hotel, (SK649747). Start 10am. 13miles/mod. Leader: Garry Cox. Tel: 01709 542382.

The Barnsley & Penistone Ramblers, SAT. Barnsley Boundary Walk. Meet Carlton CP (SE411105). 9am. 10miles/mod. Ldr: L Hartley. Tel: 01226 740045. SUN. Bradfield. Meet Birdwell CP (SE348003). 9am. 11 miles/mod. Ldr: G Rawson Tel: 01226 792331.

Dearne Valley Ramblers, SUN, A Ridgeway Stroll. Car Park behind the Bridge Inn, Ford, Ridgeway Moor. Postcode S12 3YD (SK402804). 10am. Choose from 3.4 or 4.4 miles, or walk the whole 7.8 miles. Ldr Brenda Collins, 01709582222/07956000694.

The Wednesday Rambling Group for Retired Males, WED 29 FEB. 9.41am Tram to Middlewood from Cathedral. Start Middlewood finish Malin Bridge. Ldr Noel Clarke. Details 0114 2403510.

Clarion Ramblers, Sun Longshaw Working Party.

Halcyon Ramblers, Sun 0945am start SK233810 Hathersage Station approach road, Hog Hall, Eyam Moor, Bretton, Cockey Farm, Offerton Hall return by river 9m. tel. 01433 651679. Wed 0945am start SK216875 Cutthroat Bridge layby, ramble in area 5m. tel. 01433 651679. www.halcyonrambling.co.uk

Good Companions, Sun 0850am No272 bus to Fox House, Stanage Edge, Green’s House, Hathersage, Fox House, 10m. Ldr Anne Mazur will meet bus at Fox House.

Sheffield Co-op Ramblers, Sun 0850am No272 bus to Bamford turnaround, circ/9m/stren. Ldr Len Jacklin.

Ramblers Association Sheffield Group, Sun 900am no273 bus to Ladybower Inn SK204865 start 9.25 Derwent Edge, Dukes Road, Bradfield 10m/lin/mod. No dogs. Ldrs Margaret Armitage & Ruth Ashford. Tues 9.14am tran to Edale SK123853 start 9.45 Hollins Cross, Lose Hill, Townhead, Hope, Navio, Bamford 7m/lin/mod. Ldr Christine Hewitt. Wed 9.40am noX17 bus to Stone Edge SK342671 start 1040 Holymoorside, Linacre Reservoirs, Millthorpe, Totley 11m/lin/mod/ No dogs. Ldr Philip Cooke. www.sheffieldramblers.org.uk

Sheffield CHA, Thurs Interchange X17 bus 9.40 to Chesterfield Cavendish Street (1018) round walk via Crooked Spire, Tapton Golf Couse, Brimmington Common, Ringwood Park, Chesterfield Canal 9-10m. Ldr John Harker. Sat Castle Square Supertram blue route 1000 to Malin Bridge (1020) linear walk via Rivelin Valley & Rocks, Wyming Brook finish Lodge Moor 8m. Ldr Margaret Nicholls. Plus Section Sat Sheffield Station 9.14 Manchester train to Hathersage (9.32) Leam, Stoke Ford, Wolf’s Pitt, Offerton, Hathersage 10m. Ldr Alyson Braddick. www.sheffield-cha.org.uk

HF Sheffield Group, contact point tel. 0114 2586789. Sat(A) 9.30am Dore Station, Rowsley, Edensor circ/8-9m. Ldr Sue. Wed 9.53am Doncaster train, Conisborough, Cusworth 6-8m. Ldr Celia.

Net-Walk, Fresh Air Friday starts 9am, free. About 4 miles up the Porter Valley and back from Endcliffe Park, returning to the park café for a optional drink on completion. All welcome. Meet at the café 9am, rain, snow or shine with suitable clothing, footwear and business cards. To book or for more details tel. 07985 038265. email: faye@keepyourfork.co.uk www.keepyourfork.co.uk/net_walking

Sheffield Shamblers, Sun Wentworth Castle, meet at 2pm at the CP near Wigfield Farm, 7m. Route: Dove Valley Trail, through Broom Royd Wood, Worsborough Reservoir and return. Full details tel. 07977 690100. www.shamblers.org.uk or email organisers@shamblers.co.uk Every Wednesday, Health Walk, meet at Chapletown, 3m easy walk for beginners.

Sheffield Wanderers Walking Group, Sun Langold/Hodsock Priory. Langold Country Walk, circular route of 8m along public footpaths, bridleways and some roads passing through woodlands and open countryside, passing through Langold Country Park, the 16th century Wallingwells and end up at Hodsock Priory, to view the Hodsock snowdrops. Meet at Hodsock Priory CP, Blyth, Nr Worksop, S81 0TY at 10.00 for 10.15 start. No public transport to get to the start of this walk. For more details of Hodsock Priory go to www.hodsockpriory.com/snowdrops. Thur, Woolley Woods (daytime), 6m walk from Meadowhall along the disused railway line to Ecclesfield and on through Concord Park and Woolley Woods to return to the start. Almost flat for the entire route. Meet at the Meadowhall Interchange CP off Barrow Rd at 10.45 for 11.0 start. New walkers always welcome but booking is essential tel. 0114 2331174. e-mail sheffieldwanderers@yahoo.co.uk

KELL Brook has vowed to repair the sport’s reputation after the “absolutely terrible” scuffle between Dereck Chisora and David Haye.

The unbeaten welterweight, who takes on Matthew Hatton at Sheffield Arena next month, has branded the brawl in Munich on Saturday night a “disgrace”.

The British pair clashed in the post fight news conference after Chisora was beaten by Vitali Klitschko. Haye and Chisora squared up to each other, with Chisora accusing Haye of “glassing him” before saying at least four times that he would shoot the former WBA heavyweight champion.

Chisora was detained on Sunday but released without charge, while Haye left the country before authorities were able to question him. Chisora offered an unreserved apology for his part in the incident and Haye offered a lengthy explanation of his actions while stopping short of saying sorry.

Brook, nicknamed ‘Special K, told The Star: “I thought it was absolutely disgusting and absolutely terrible for the sport.

“I don’t want the fans or the people to think that all boxers are like that. They disgraced themselves and I would never conduct myself like that.

“Hopefully Matthew and I can boost boxing when we face each other. We are two nice guys. We will do our fighting in the ring. Outside the ropes, we will conduct ourselves in the proper manner.”

Dom Ingle, Brook’s trainer, added: “Kell’s fight can get boxing back on track. What Chisora and Haye did was bad and it is the type of thing you see in wrestling.

“People look up to guys like David and Dereck so for them to behave like that is terrible and it sets a bad example to kids.

“It has not scarred the rest of the sport because ninety nine per cent of boxing is good. If anything, in my opinion, it has blemished their personalities and careers.”

Top promoter Ricky Hatton also condemned the scrap but said it was “rare” incidents occur like that at shows.

Sheffield Steelers 5 Fife Flyers 1

BEATING up the smallest kid in the class brings little satisfaction when you have been well and truly bashed by classmates your own size.

But, in fairness, Steelers can only take on those that are put in front of them and they at least had the satisfaction of a ‘first half’ spanking of bottom club Fife Flyers, last night.

After being taken down by leaders Belfast Giants and third place Nottingham Panthers earlier this month, a re-shaped Sheffield outfit were handed an easier opponent at iceSheffield: the steeply descending Fife Flyers, who have won four matches in regular time out of 42 this term.

It enabled coach Ryan Finnerty to rest import goalie John DeCaro and unleash the full force of all his import skaters.

Steelers, with Geoff Woolhouse a spectator in goal, took only seven minutes to go ahead when Jonathan Phillips scored his second in four games.

At 15:41 the match seemed over as a contest when Neil Clark, thoroughly enjoying a spell back in the side, scored from Jason Hewitt and Mike Ramsay.

It was Ramsay who twisted the knife at the start of the second period.

He combined with his new linemates Hewitt and Clark to make it 3-0 and then set up Clark for his second of the night.

A fifth goal arrived at the half-way point from centreman Jeff Legue, after set up play from his wingers Colt King and Luke Fulghum.

And that was it! The home side eased their foot off the pedal in the second half of the evening.

Bizarrely the final goal came from the Scots, former roller hockey left winger Steve Gunn spoiling stand-in goalie Woolhouse’s shut-out hopes with a goal produced after good work from former Steeler Dan Ceman and d-man Tim Maxwell, at 54;42.

The win puts Ryan Finnerty’s team on 70 points, seven behind Belfast, with four games in hand.

Steelers have more three more Scottish adventures ahead - they play Braehead Clan on Friday, Fife again on Saturday and Edinburgh Capitals at home on Sunday (5pm).

SHARKS reject Justin Dobbins could be returning to Sheffield sooner than expected.

The Star understands that Friday night’s opponents, MK Lions, are in the process of signing the centre in time for the match at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield.

Dobbins, who joined the Sharks during the summer after a year at BBL rivals Worcester Wolves, was released by the club last week to create room for the return of point guard Ryan Patton.

The 6ft 9in American had impressed during the early part of the season, but a combination of a back injury and an illness had left him struggling for full fitness.

With player-coach Atiba Lyons deciding his team needed strengthening in the guard positions, he brought in fans favourite Patton and allowed Dobbins to seek new employment.

The move worked during last Friday’s victory over Guildford Heat with Patton impressing.

However, the Ohioian said he needs more games to be back to his best: “I’ve been working out and training with the guys but there’s no substitute for actually playing.

“The adrenaline starts to flow and gets you through and I made sure I hung in there. It was great to be back playing in front of the Sheffield fans.”

A victory over the Lions would help in Sheffield’s bid to get as high a play-off seeding as possible.

The Sharks are sixth in the BBL table with MK seventh, just two points behind.

EMILIANO Sanchez has returned to the UK to step up preparations for the new season after winning the Argentinian Championship.

The Sheffield favourite, from Buenos Aires, held on to his 11-point lead over defending champion Norbert Magosi in the final round in Bahia Blanca.

He totalled 223 points from 13 rounds and did not win a final, but consistency took him to his third title after a 10-year gap.

Now he is back at his Yorkshire base to prepare for Sheffield’s season, which starts on March 22 against Belle Vue at Owlerton.

Said Sanchez: “It is a big honour for me to win the title for a third time. It was very demanding over 13 rounds but I am very pleased to come out on top. Now I hope I can keep this form going into the new season.”

]]> 1.4270946 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:41:23 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/why_playing_at_a_stadium_like_the_keepmoat_hurts_1_4270945

OFF to Doncaster at the weekend for a South Yorkshire derby game in the Northern Rail Cup at the Keepmoat Stadium. The clubs play in different divisions of the Championship so competitive games don’t come around often – which for me is fine.

Don’t get me wrong I want the Dons to earn promotion this season. But a trip to the Keepmoat hurts – it shows Eagles fans how life could have been.

The Dons play their rugby league in one of the best stadia used by the game. A purpose-built venue for the fans of team sports. It’s part of a complex that includes a second pitch surrounded by a running track. Vitally in the Keepmoat you’re close enough to the action to risk a secondary injury when the tackles go in.

On the way to Doncaster I’ll pass the Eagles ‘home’ for more than 20 years – Don Valley Stadium. Probably the greatest municipal ‘folly’ in this country.

The pitch is fine - it’s had lots of care lavished on it by Rotherham United in their time as a lodger while the New York Stadium is under construction – but before you find the grass you have to traverse the wasteland of a running track.

The track may be the only stretch of tarmac in Sheffield without a pothole but it’s a barrier between the fans and the game.

Back in the Cold War the Russians didn’t need to build the Berlin Wall. They should have just put in a running track - same result … isolation.

Don Valley Stadium is part of the ‘legacy’ of the World Student Games of 1991 – current debt to the people of Sheffield £234million. That’s a lot of cash for a posh swimming pool (Ponds Forge) and a stadium with 20,000 plastic seats most of which are never polished by a bum.

One then local politician said the WSG was Sheffield’s ‘window on the world’ – well someone put frosted glass in it.

The 1990-91 season saw Sheffield Eagles move in and they seem to have been trying to get away ever since.

Sheffield International Venues, who run Don Valley, are keener on the Eagles this season.

In the past the rugby league seemed to rank just slightly above computer fairs and model car racing.

Could it be because SIV’s bit on the side, Mr Miller of Rotherham, is moving out?

It’s a marriage of convenience for both parties with the Eagles hoping to ‘play away’ as often as they can – but the boys at Bramall Lane have offered only three dates so far this season.

The Eagles have eight games planned for DVS and five more ‘venue to be confirmed’ so all concerned had better take the long view - you can’t do anything else with the pitch so far away.

DONCASTER Rovers slumped to their first home defeat in six league games against Blackpool on TUESDAY night as the Seasiders completed a league double with a 3-1 win in the return at the Keepmoat Stadium.

It was a setback for Rovers in more ways than one. For given their poor away record the vast majority of the wins that manager Dean Saunders feels the team need to retain their Championship status are expected to have to come from games played at the Keepmoat Stadium, it is imperative that their home form remains good.

Blackpool played well on the night and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Manager Dean Saunders was later than usual coming out to speak to the media post-match - I think it was around 10.20pm - which didn’t give me much time to compile a back page piece before the 10.30pm or so deadline.

Prior to the game I had been told off the record that long-serving Mickey Walker had been rushed to hospital, where he underwent heart surgery after collapsing at the training ground the previous afternoon.

I’ve known Mickey for many years in his various roles as youth team manager, assistant first-team manager, caretaker manager and, in recent years, director of football, and no matter what job he was doing at the time he has always been both personable and approachable. I was relieved to be told that Mickey would be okay, even though he would have to take things easy for a few weeks.

WEDNESDAY: DONCASTER Knights were put to the sword by a lively Nottingham side in their rearranged Championship clash at Meadow Lane, going down 40-14. It was Knights’ first game for three weeks and it showed in a poor first half which saw them come in 23-0 behind.

They hadn’t helped their cause by making unforced handling errors and giving away numerous free-kicks, though team boss Brett Davey did have cause to complain over some of the referee’s decisions.

Knights played much better in the second half and the final score-line looked like being far more respectable until Nottingham took advantage of PJ Gidlow’s yellow card to post two late converted tries.

Adding to Knights’ disappointment was a serious knee injury sustained by second-rower Dan Smith in his first start for the club after a long battle against a career-threatening neck injury.

The Dons got their 2012 campaign off to a winning start with a 48-10 win at Gateshead in their opening Northern Rail Cup Pool B clash. Centre Lee Waterman scored four tries on his competitive debut for the club.

THURSDAY: THE Bentley Ladies’ Thursday Charity Darts League presented their 2011 nominated charity, the Gynaecology Unit at the DRI, with a cheque for £1,300.

Rovers’ hopes of avoiding the drop received a boost as Portsmouth were docked 10 points after going into administration.

FRIDAY: I watched 2011 Super League champions Leeds Rhinos regain Rugby League’s World Club Challenge crown with a 26-12 win, which belies how close the match was, over Australian champions Manly Sea Eagles at Headingley. Although Leeds could have bettered the 21,000 capacity crowd by moving the game to Elland Road, as they have done in the past, the atmosphere generated justified the decision to play at home.

SATURDAY: IT was a red-letter day in Doncaster Knights’ history as their impressive Castle Park complex staged its first ever live televised game.

And thanks to a fair following from Rotherham, and some hard work by the club in promoting the match, the game attracted a bumper 4,000 plus crowd which, to the best of my knowledge, is a ground record.

A lot of people no doubt will have been seeing Knights play for the first time, either live or on television. But unfortunately neither the result, a 15-14 win for the Titans, or the game itself, will have done much to encourage many newcomers to give the Doncaster club another try which is a shame because most games at Castle Park are much more free-flowing and entertaining than this scrappy affair.

I watched half an hour of the match, which kicked off at 12.05pm, on Sky Sports, before recording the rest and setting off for Doncaster Rovers’ Championship derby against Leeds United at Elland Road - a stadium which has seen better days.

Regular readers of this column may remember that I knocked myself out on my last visit to the ground after walking into a low solid concrete support beam during the half-time break.

There are warnings plastered all over the said supports, in what is still a very small media room for a club of United’s stature, not that I would ever make the same mistake twice.

I was amazed at the number of media people in the packed room who remembered the incident.

I didn’t realise, nor it seemed did some other journalists, that Rovers had kicked off with only 10 men. It was only when I saw Pascal Chimbonda (who apparently was told to take off his tights) emerge out of the dressing room that I noticed the visitors were short-handed.

The main talking point after the game, however, was the bust up in the tunnel.

Exact details of what had happened were hard to find as neither team, who were both questioned by the West Yorkshire Police, were prepared to comment. But from snippets of information I was able to pick up by hanging around until nearly 6.30pm, it was clearly a fairly serious incident with a number of punches being thrown.

Boxing legend Chris Eubank was ringside at Rotherham’s Magna Centre to see his son Chris Jnr beat Doncaster middleweight Jason Ball on points in only his second paid contest. Big things are expected of Eubank, who spent three years training in tough American gyms prior to turning professional late last year, but he didn’t embarrass Ball.

SUNDAY: THE Dons left it too late to seriously challenge visiting York City Knights in their second Northern Rail Cup clash at the Keepmoat.

But at least their second half rally earned them a losing bonus point which could yet prove crucial in their bid to finish in the top four if they can win at least one of their two remaining games.

SHEFFIELD’S Jessica Ennis has been confirmed in Great Britain’s 39-strong squad for next month’s Indoor World Championship in Turkey.

The Millhouses-based athlete will defend her pentathlon crown in Istanbul after an excellent start to the season, which saw he set a world-best time last weekend in the 60 metre hurdles.

Sprinter Dwain Chambers is also hoping to defend his world indoor 60m title.

British indoor record holder Holly Bleasdale will compete in the pole vault, while UK indoor long jump record holder Shara Proctor, 4x400m specialist Christine Ohuruogu, 60m hurdler Tiffany Porter and triple jumper Yamile Aldama are also part of the team that will travel to Turkey.

ALASTAIR Cook confirmed he would be staying on for the Twenty20 series after captaining England to a one-day series whitewash over Pakistan.

Kevin Pietersen’s second successive century, a career-best 130 off 153 balls, led England to a four-wicket win in the fourth and final one-day international in Dubai today.

It came after Cook’s first failure of the series but, having registered two centuries and an 80 in the first three matches, he will now stay on as cover for a couple of minor injury worries in the squad.

“I’ve been asked to stay on,” Cook said. “It’s not often you get to hit the ball as well as I have in the last week and a half so it’s important to keep playing. It’s been a really good week and a half for us. We’ve played some excellent cricket. Pakistan had an excellent record. Everyone can be proud of what they’ve done.”

SHEFFIELD FC were held to a 2-2 draw by New Mills at the BT Local Stadium last night after letting slip a two-goal lead. It was a game that Mark Shaw’s men should have won but then could have lost following a controversial ending. Jason Bradley marked his home debut by giving Sheffield a fourth minute lead.

The former Owls youngster swivelled on the edge of the box to strike fine effort into the bottom corner after a cross the right. James Knowles flashed another effort just wide of the post before Club doubled their advantage on 21 minutes when Nathan Modest pounced on a rebound after the visitors’ keeper had pushed away Conor Higginson’s low drive.

New Mills got one back eight minutes from the break when Carlos Meakin steered home a cross from inside the six-yard box.

It stayed that way into the second minute of stoppage time when the visitors snatched the equaliser.

Club failed to deal with a cross into the box and when it was turned back into the middle Deakin was there once more to tuck the ball away through a sea of legs with Sheffield keeper Dan Whatsize unsighted. The game ended in controversy after New Mills thought they had scored the winner.

Whatsize mis-hit his goal-kick. Ben Deegan just outside the box chested the ball down before slamming it back into the net only to find the referee had blown the final whistle a split second earlier.

TERRY Curran believes that Sunday’s derby could be a turning point in the Owls’ season.

He feels that they certainly need to win if hopes of automatic promotion are to be kept alive.

Curran played for both Sheffield clubs but he is a Wednesdayite - he says it was the only reason he dropped out of the old First Division and left Southampton to join the Owls in the third tier.

“The home team should have the advantage,” said the man who starred in Jack Charlton’s promotion-winning 1980 side.

“But United are on a terrific run while Wednesday have lost their last four in the league and cup.

“It’s a good opportunity for Wednesday to get back on track, and if they want to get automatic promotion they have to win.

“It puts them under a bit more pressure, on top of the pressure that goes with a derby.

“So doubtless Gary Megson will be doing everything to make sure he gets the utmost from them.”

Curran believes that different factors have contributed to the Owls’ few setbacks this season: “I think they’ve been unlucky at times. But luck doesn’t get you results.

“And teams are going to raise their game when they play Wednesday, but they have to overcome that.

“At Exeter the other team scored two wonder goals from free kicks. However you prepare for games, there’s nothing you can do to legislate for goals like that.

“Teams such as Charlton and Stevenage have been well organised, and when you’re the home team you have to push forward while the opposition can just try to catch you on the counter attack.

“Wednesday have had chances where they haven’t won games: Chesterfield was a prime example. Wednesday were looking like the team who were going to score, then the other side got a penalty through a rash challenge.

“When you get goalscoring chances you have to take them. All the strikers, not just Gary Madine, have hit a bad patch. That will be disappointing to Gary Megson and he’ll be doing his utmost to try to get them out of it.”

A win for the Owls at Hillsborough on Sunday would put them only two points behind United, though the Blades still have two games in hand.

“This could be a turning point for Wednesday,” says Curran. “This is a game they can’t afford to lose.

“I think they’ll take the game to United but will have to be prepared for the counter-attack.

“I also think United will want to get through the first 20 minutes without conceding a goal and hope the home fans get on their team’s back.

“It’s going to be a tough game. United are playing well and Ched Evans is scoring goals for fun. Danny Wilson has done a tremendous job there.

“It’s down to Wednesday and Gary Megson to get themselves motivated for Sunday.”

Curran, who scored in both games against United in 1979-80, will be attending this Saturday night’s Hillsborough reunion dinner for the team who beat the Blades 4-0.

But he cannot attend the derby. He coaches at Doncaster Rovers’ centre of excellence and has a match on Sunday.

SHEFFIELD United will not ban their players from using social media ahead of Sunday’s Steel City derby.

The decision comes despite several members of Danny Wilson’s squad expressing their irritation at messages posted on Twitter during the aftermath of October’s meeting with Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane.

However, United confirmed last night they have no intention of issuing a diktat preventing staff from using such sites before their visit to Hillsborough.

“We always encourage interaction between the football club and its supporters,” a spokesperson for United’s communications department said. “We view these mediums as a very positive tool. So long as everyone involved uses it in a professional, responsible and respectful manner then we don’t have any problems with it whatsoever.

“With this in mind, nobody is prohibited from getting involved if they so wish.”

United, who enter the game second in the League One table, will move eight points clear of their third-placed rivals should they win this weekend’s eagerly-anticipated contest.

But Wednesday, who came back from two goals down to snatch a draw when these teams met earlier this season, know a home victory would increase the pressure on United when they play the first of their two matches in hand against Scunthorpe next week.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town, who slipped to fourth when they were beaten by Wilson’s side eight days ago, make their first outing under new manager Simon Grayson when Exeter City travel to the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday.

Wilson said: “Whatever happens, nothing is over in this division by a long chalk. There is still a large number of games to go and a lot of points to play for so we’ve got to stay concentrated and focused.”

THIS is a ground where Rotherham have ventured with some trepidation in recent years. Not surprising really as no Millers side had won there since 1988 and in the subsequent 10 visits up to last night since then had managed just two draws and suffered eight defeats.

Well, they still struggle to win in this part of Kent but at least they earned themselves a draw, a well deserved one, and in the final half-hour - in which they were well on top - they looked by far the likeliest side to win it including right into stoppage time when, from a corner, Jason Taylor’s header flashed right across goal with no one able to get a touch.

It stretches their unbeaten run to four matches but they will feel they may just have missed an opportunity in this second half.

Missing from the Millers side which drew at Burton were Richard Naylor and Kieron Cadogan.

Naylor came off a few minutes from time on Saturday with what manager Andy Scott said was a rib injury which was affecting his breathing although he had indicated yesterday that the experienced central defender was okay - as were the rest.

Cadogan, the winger on loan from Palace, wasn’t in the squad for the first time since he started four games ago and it meant a recall to the starting line up for top scorer Lewis Grabban.

Gillingham, starting the night with five straight defeats in the league, had home debuts for young defenders Jack Evans and Connor Essam who both got their first starts in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Port Vale.

With the string of defeats behind them, Gillingham started edgily but might have had a second minute boost from defender King’s header from a free-kick but Taylor dived full length to push it away.

The home side have been conceding a few goals lately and the youngster Essam showed true bravery when he threw himself in front of a thunderous volley by Harrad from 15 yards.

Taylor then had a shot blocked from a corner but then Rotherham could have fallen behind on two occasions.

From a long goal kick, it was a Mullins header that sent the lively Kuffour in behind the defence. He looked sure to score but his shot deflected off the challenging Rhys Taylor and bounced agonisingly wide.

Then the Rotherham keeper’s speed off his line paid dividends again.

A long ball from Evans sent Tomlin clear. Taylor came out to block as Tomlin tried to knock it past him and from the loose ball, Weston struck his effort wide from 20 yards.

There was an air of vulnerability about Gillingham’s defence and Rotherham exposed them with a good move.

Revell found Griffiths who slipped a cute ball inside the right back for Wood. He drove it across low but Taylor couldn’t get away a first time shot and then, when he tried to take control, was unable to do so and Jackman scrambled the ball away. Rotherham then should have been in front - and one of their own players appeared to prevent the goal.

Bradley overlapped and produced a fine cross to which Harrison rose superbly and put a header on target. It was on its way in only for Grabban, about two yards out, to help the ball into the net using an arm - the ‘goal’ was ruled out and Grabban was booked.

Gillingham, lifted by going towards the vociferous ‘home’ end in the second half, had a spell of pressure in which Mullins, twice, Griffiths and Raynes, all produced vital bits of defending inside the area.

Rotherham sent on veteran Paul Warne, his first appearance of the season, for Harrad who couldn’t get into the game. Warne scored the Millers goal in a 1-1 game here nine years ago which gave Rotherham one of those draws garnered since 1988 and the veteran certainly made an impact, lively and always on the go and might even have had a goal.

Rotherham emerged from a spell on the backfoot to go on and dominate the final half-hour. The busy Wood drifted a centre to the far post but Grabban’s header travelled across the goal face and Warne was just beaten to it.

When Grabban had space, he had the chance to play the ball in early for Warne. However, he delayed and the opportunity was lost.

As Rotherham’s threat grew and grew, Revell hooked an effort wide and then set up a half-chance for Wood whose volley was blocked by King.

Rotherham sensed they could back up their defensive work by snatching a winner and Wood almost got reward for his endeavours but saw his header deflected over.

GILLINGHAM; Gazzaninga; Evans, King, Essam, Jackman; Whelpdale, Weston (Lee 72), Payne, Tomlin; Kuffour, Kedwell. Subs: Richards, Martin, Montrose, Hawkes.

ROTHERHAM UTD: R Taylor; Bradley, Raynes, Mullins, Griffiths; Grabban, Harrison, J Taylor, Wood; Revell, Harrad (Warne 57). Subs: Warrington, Tonge, Cresswell, Pringle.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northants).

Attendance: 3,248

Bookings: Mullins, Grabban

CRAIG Davies’s sharply-taken tenth goal of the season wasn’t enough for Barnsley as Chris Hughton’s impressive Birmingham kept up their challenge for automatic promotion.

The much-changed Reds gave a pleasing account of themselves against the high-flying Blues and Davies was denied a second goal by the woodwork, but the visitors look the real deal.

Despite Saturday’s Oakwell victory against Portsmouth, Reds boss Keith Hill opted for five changes to his starting line-up for last night’s clash against a Birmingham side who were bang in form and unbeaten in 10 Championship games.

David Perkins was out with a knee injury, while also dropping out of the starting XI were Jim O’Brien, Scott Golbourne, Andy Gray and Stephen Foster.

In came Jay McEveley, Matt Done and Chris Dagnall - all promoted from the bench - while 17-year-old midfielder Paul Digby and recent signing David Cotterill were both handed Barnsley debuts.

It was perhaps no surprise that the promotion-chasing visitors were quickly on the offensive, and they got themselves a fortunate opening goal after just eight minutes.

Chris Burke latched on to Marlon King’s cross and, although his curling shot looked to be heading over the crossbar, Reds skipper Rob Edwards got in the way and diverted the ball past Luke Steele with his head.

The Reds maintained a good tempo and levelled in the 18th minute.

And Cotterill was the architect. Hill will have been delighted to see his new capture turn neatly down the flank before sliding in a lovely low cross for striker Davies to convert easily from eight yards.

Within another nine minutes Birmingham had struck back to retake the lead, this time with a real cracker.

Morgaro Gomis produced a bit of trickery to play in Keith Fahey in, and the Blues midfielder crashed home a great left-foot shot off the post from 25 yards.

Still the Reds continued to probe for a second leveller, and hot-shot Davies came agonisingly close when his curling shot bounced back out off the crossbar with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill clutching at thin air.

Into the second half and the Reds were still striving to impose themselves on their loftier opponents, with Korey Smith trying his luck, unsuccessfully, from long range.

It was Blues left-back David Murphy who threatened next, as his floated free-kick from way out on the right somehow deceived Steele and almost dropped in at the far post.

Similarly at the other end, the Reds almost profited from more fortune as Birmingham’s Jordon Mutch nearly sliced sub O’Brien’s corner-kick into his own net.

It was the impressive Burke who was the creator supreme for Birmingham’s killer third goal with just 12 minutes left.

The Reds’ back four had worked tirelessly all evening, but Burke’s pace created space down the left and he whipped in a cracking cross for sub Nathan Redmond who finished from a tight angle just five minutes after entering the fray.

The atmosphere fell immediately flat inside Oakwell.

Barnsley (4-4-2): Steele 7; Wiseman 6, McNulty 6, Edwards 7, McEveley 6 (Golbourne 73); Cotterill 7 (O’Brien 61, 7), Smith 5 (Tonge 73), Done 7, Digby 6; Dagnall 5, Davies 8. Subs not used: Preece, Gray.

Birmingham (4-5-1): Myhill 7; Spector 6 (Ibanez 89), Davies 7, Caldwell 8, Murphy 6; Burke 8, Mutch 7, Gomis 6 Redmond 73, 7), Elliott 7, Fahey 8; King 5 (Rooney 73). Subs not used: Doyle, Jervis.

Goals: Davies 18 (Barnsley); Edwards og 8, Fahey 27, Redmond 78 (Birmingham).

Referee: Carl Boyeson.

Bookings: Cotterill, McNulty (Barnsley); Spector, Mutch (Birmingham).

Attendance: 9,555.

TONIGHT will give Chesterfield’s management team an inkling as to how Notts County will play when they host the Spireites on Saturday.

County surprisingly sacked Martin Allen after their 3-0 defeat at Hartlepool on Saturday and then appointed ex-Blades man Keith Curle as boss.

Tonight the Magpies take on weekend cup heroes Stevenage in a League One game at Meadow Lane so Chesterfield will have an extra close eye on any style changes the new man implements.

Curle, who had been assisting Neil Warnock at QPR, was last a manager in 2007. He was sacked after just 15 games at Torquay United, nine of them lost.

Prior to that, less than a year at Chester City and two years at Mansfield Town feature on his CV.

Spireites boss John Sheridan will be hoping right back James Hurst (ankle) responds to treatment and David Davis recovers from a bout of flu from which he has been suffering since his excellent performance against the Owls.

Jamie Lowry could be considered for the right-back spot if Hurst does not recover and Jimmy Juan (calf) could be in the running for a return to midfield if Davis is ruled out.

Left-back Gregor Robertson is unlikely to be risked after picking up a hamstring injury on Saturday.

That means Liam Ridehalgh will continue in his favoured left-back slot, with Dean Morgan and ex-Magpie Craig Westcarr battling it out for a starting slot.

Chesterfield won 3-1 at Meadow Lane in the first game of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy run.

SHEFFIELD United strikers James Beattie and Chris Porter enhanced their claims for prominent roles in the squad which travels to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend during yesterday’s resounding Central League success over Stoke City.

Both men were on target as Chris Morgan’s side dispatched the visitors 6-1 in the re-arranged Central Division fixture at Shirecliffe.

Elliott Whitehouse, oscored twice as a young City squad crumbled alarmingly after the interval.

KEITH Fahey scored his first goal since August as ruthless Birmingham stretched their unbeaten run to 16 games to move up to third in the Championship as Barnsley were brushed aside 3-1 at Oakwell.

In-form Blues showed no signs of fatigue in their 44th game of the season as they followed up their impressive FA Cup draw at Chelsea with a deserved victory against Keith Hill’s side.

Chris Burke set the ball rolling with an early opener which was deflected in off Tykes skipper Rob Edwards and the impressive Fahey was also on target in the first half after Barnsley’s leading scorer Craig Davies’ 10th goal of the season had brought the home side level.

Substitute Nathan Redmond sealed the points for Chris Hughton’s side with a third goal after great work from Fahey and Burke to leave Blues five points behind second-placed Southampton with a game in hand.

It took Blues just six minutes to take the lead, with Marlon King capitalising on a mistake from Jim McNulty on the touchline and cutting the ball back for Burke, whose goal-bound left-foot shot was deflected in off the head of centre-half Edwards.

But the Tykes were level 18 minutes in, when debutant David Cotterill looked to be upended in the penalty area but after referee Carl Boyeson waved play on the winger picked himself up to cut the ball back for Davies, who drilled home with a clinical right-foot finish.

Burke was giving Tykes left-back Jay McEveley a torrid time and the winger fired over the bar before the impressive Fahey swivelled and fired the visitors back in front with a venomous left-foot drive from 20 yards which in off the far post.

Barnsley’s leading scorer Davies was proving to be a handful for the Birmingham defence and the summer signing from Chesterfield had his head in hands 10 minutes before half-time when his measured right-foot strike rattled the crossbar.

Barnsley were struggling to contain Burke and the former Cardiff man foxed McEveley with an exquisite piece of skill but his cross was deflected away from King as the striker prepared to pull the trigger.

Blues midfielder Jordon Mutch had a lucky escape when he sliced a tame corner from the right just wide of his own goal.

But Hughton’s side gave themselves some breathing space with a third goal 13 minutes from time after a brisk break which involved Fahey and Burke, the two best players on the park.

Irish midfielder Fahey was the architect, with a raking long-range pass into the path of Burke and he crossed to the back post where the onrushing Redmond finished emphatically with his left foot just four minutes after coming on as Blues sauntered to a fifth consecutive away win.

Att: 9,558 .

Ref: Boyeson .

Teams:

Reds:Steele McEveley Edwards Wiseman McNulty Done Smith Cotterill Digby Davies Dagnall.

Substitutes Preece Golbourne O’Brien Tonge Gray.

City: Myhill Murphy Caldwell Spector Davies Burke Mutch Gomis Elliott Fahey King

Substitutes: Doyle Pablo Redmond Rooney Jervis.

Read Neil Goulding’s assessment tomorrow in The Star.

ROTHERHAM UNITED chalked up a goalless draw at mid-table Gillingham tonight.

It was a hard earned point after an undistinguished game in Kent but three would have been better for a side lurking outside the play off group.

Shaun Harrad had been in the thick of things at both ends of the field as Rotherham tried to impose themselves on early play.

Millers defender Johnny Mullins picked up a booking on 32 minutes after an unfair challenge on Chris Whelpdale.

Four minutes later he was followed in the book by Lewis Grabban

While The Gills had more shots on goal, it was fair that Rotherham went in the dressing room on equal terms, although the 57 visiting fans would have liked to have seen more quality efforts on Argentine goalie Paulo Gazzanigas.

Rhys Taylor, meanwhile, had made two excellent saves in that first half.

Andy Scott brought on Paul Warne as substitute for Harrad, 11 minutes into the second half.

Both sides were having plenty of corners but the final touch was missing.

Midfielder Sam Wood briefly threatened the home goal as the match wore on.

Rotherham plodded on, but there was no breakthrough from either side.

Att: 3,248 .

TEAMS:

GILLINGHAM; Gazzaninga; Evans, King, Essam, Jackman; Whelpdale, Weston, Payne, Tomlin; Kuffour, Kedwell. Subs: Richards, Martin, Montrose, Hawkes, Lee.

ROTHERHAM UTD: R Taylor; Bradley, Raynes, Mullins, Griffiths; Grabban, Harrison, J Taylor, Wood; Revell, Harrad. Subs: Warrington, Tonge, Cresswell, Pringle, Warne.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northants).

*Don’t miss Les Payne’s analysis in Wednesday’s Star.

TRANSPORT bosses are planning to expand a scheme across the whole of Sheffield in which bus operators share the running of routes and offer tickets which can be used on any firm’s vehicles.

Currently, the Optio initiative involves ‘orange’ 120 services between Fulwood and Halfway, and a ‘red’ 52 route from Hillsborough to Woodhouse via Crookes.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and operators First and Stagecoach are proposing to run the scheme citywide from September.

Mick Jameson, chairman of the board of South Yorkshire councillors overseeing the PTE, said the idea is seen as a better alternative to ‘quality contracts’ for making improvements.

Quality contracts would have seen control of services taken out of bus companies’ control with the PTE setting routes, timetables and fares. But firms including Stagecoach threatened legal action against the move.

Coun Jameson said: “There would be some difficulties with legal challenges. But under the Optio scheme, we can work with operators to deliver much improved services.”

But Nick Howard of Sheffield Pensioners’ Action Group – whose members include a large number of bus users – called for existing problems to be resolved before the scheme is expanded.

He said: “I regularly use the 120 and there are problems with reliability. It’s meant to run every five minutes but you can be waiting 20 minutes and then three will turn up. Such problems need to be ironed out.”

An internal PTE email, seen by The Star, said: “Although we did receive complaints from customers following the launch of Optio Orange, these significantly reduced for Optio Red and we have learnt from these early phases. More positively, we have now also undertaken research along the red and orange corridors which shows improved patronage and satisfaction.”

David Young, SYPTE director of customer experience, said: “We are talking with operators about expanding the joint scheme.”

]]> 1.4267952 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/spending_cuts_on_cards_but_tax_frozen_1_4267962

ROTHERHAM Council is proposing spending cuts totalling almost £9.8 million in its budget – but council tax is set to be frozen.

The authority’s plans for 2012/13 are expected to be approved by the ruling cabinet tomorrow and must then be passed by the full council. Some 200 jobs are to be lost.

Proposals involve saving £3.5m from neighbourhoods and adult services, £2.8m from the council’s resources department, £2m from environmental services and £1.6m from children’s services.

Money is also being saved by not giving staff incremental pay rises for the coming year – although pay will be restored to the level it was at before a 1.15 per cent reduction was implemented last year.

If the council tax freeze is approved, the council will qualify for a one-off government grant of £2.35m.

The budget also recommends a 1.15 per cent cut in councillors’ allowances and no staff pay increments.

Rotherham Council says despite planned cuts it will protect spending on safeguarding children and helping special needs youngsters.

Work with vulnerable adults and families will also be protected.

■ Bolsover Council has also announced a council tax freeze for the coming year.

PROMOTER Ricky Hatton believes his bumper bill in Sheffield next month will give British boxing a boost.

‘The Hitman’ stages what will be a sell-out night at Ponds Forge on Saturday March 24.

British boxing made headlines for the wrong reasons at the weekend when David Haye and Dereck Chisora brawled at a press conference.

Hatton said: “What happened in Munich wasn’t right, but there are thousands of shows every year and incidents like that are rare.

“Hatton Promotions Sheffield card next month will be fantastic. Fans at the arena and watching on TV will only have good things to say about British boxing afterwards.”

In top of the bill 12 rounder Ecclesfield hero Ryan Rhodes faces Belarussian sensation Sergey Rabchenko for the vacant European light-middleweight crown.

Gary Buckland will make his first British super-featherweight title defence against Paul Truscott.

Undefeated Steel City ticket sellers Adam Etches, Scott Jenkins and Richard Towers will be among the prospects in action.

Hatton added: “Ryan against Sergey is a battle between two of the world’s best light-middleweights and Gary’s fight will be a barnstormer.

“Either fight would be good enough to stand alone on a card. To have both on the same show is a right treat.

“They are going to be breath-taking fights where the action will be non-stop.

“Sheffield is a boxing boom city at the moment and every time we promote there it is sold out.”

YOUTHFUL Elsie Pix is living proof you can stay active whatever your age.

The young-at-heart 100-year-old celebrated her milestone birthday with an open house and a visit from the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Coun Sylvia Dunkley.

A former keen dancer, great-grandma Elsie still loves to cook and see her friends while living independently in Wisewood, Sheffield.

Her daughter-in-law Janet Pix said: “If she had a secret to a long life it would be staying active. She always says she has a good diet and has always tried to be active.

“She used to go dancing at Sheffield City Hall on a lunchtime until a few years back when she had a stroke. We are all really proud of her.”

Elsie has lived in Sheffield all her life. She used to work as a school lunchtime supervisor and has two children, two stepsons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The birthday girl ‘loved’ meeting the mayor and enjoyed a family meal in Hillsborough on her birthday.

Janet said: “She had all her friends from the church group over for the open house, we made a buffet and she loved meeting the mayor, who gave a talk about her chain of office and spoke to everyone – it was fantastic.”

Meanwhile, fellow centenarian Mary Burke celebrated her big day with relatives who flew into Rotherham from all around the world.

Friends and family came from as far away as America to join the 100-year-old’s special birthday mass before a party with buffet and drinks.

Mary, who lives at Silverwood Care Home, was also joined by the Mayor of Rotherham, Coun Shaun Wright, and care home staff.

She was presented with a telegram from the Queen to commemorate her special occasion.

Sharron Quinn, care home manager, said: “We all love celebrating each resident’s birthday but a 100th is particularly exciting, as this is our first since Silverwood opened 15 years ago! So all the staff made sure Mary had a day to remember.

“Mary is a wonderful lady and we were very pleased to be celebrating with her.”

SHEFFIELD Wednesday and Reading have confirmed a loan move to Hillsborough for winger Michail Antonio.

The deal will run until the end of the season.

The Owls’ interest in the 21-year-old first emerged in November after he finished a loan spell at Colchester.

He kicked off his career with Reading in 2008 as a trainee and has since had loan spells with Cheltenham, Southampton as well as the U’s.

He scored for the Saints in their JPT final triumph of 2010 against Carlisle and made 39 appearances for the South Coast side in all competitions, claiming seven goals.

After returning to Reading, Antonio featured on 24 occasions for the Championship club last season.

He was loaned to Colchester last August and made 15 appearances, scoring four goals.

Antonio has made a total of 97 senior appearances in his career and could make his debut against Sheffield United on Sunday.

Tenants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of returning management of their homes to Sheffield Council.

Some 88 per cent of those who participated in the ballot were in favour of the move, compared with 12 per cent against, on a 55 per cent turnout.

The change, which will see current arms-length management organisation Sheffield Homes wound up, will not take effect until 2014 and the council has promised extensive consultation with the city’s 42,000 council households about how homes are run in the future.

For full story, see tomorrow’s Star.

FORMER NUM presdient Arthur Scargill has won a partial victory in a legal dispute with his union.

A judge has ruled Mr Scargill’s contract of employment with the union was legal and enforceable.

The judge at Sheffield County Court found Mr Scargill was entitled to a car allowance of £12,000.

Byut he judge rejected Mr Scargill’s claim his phone bills should have been paid by the union.

The judge has also ruled the 74-year-old former union leader had been denied benefits of union membership for a period and awarded him £1,000.

The judgement is continuing, following a two-day hearing in Sheffield last week.

]]> 1.4269462 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:50:38 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/wait_for_family_of_murdered_teenager_1_4269404

TRAGIC teenager Casey Kearney’s family will have to wait for a second post-mortem examination of her body before they can bury her.

Casey’s inquest opened today, where coroner Nicola Mundy heard another forensic examination of the 13-year-old’s body will be carried out on Thursday on behalf of the defence team involved in the trial of the woman accused of Casey’s murder.

Casey died of stab wounds at Doncaster Royal Infirmary last Tuesday, after calling for help from the town’s Elmfield Park earlier that day.

Hannah Bonser, aged 26, of St James Street, Doncaster, is due at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday charged with murder.

For more on this story, see The Star tomorrow.

Two players who were emerging as potential major figures in Sunday’s big clash at Hillsborough face a desperate battle to even make the game.

Jermaine Johnson, outstanding for Sheffield Wednesday in recent games, and Kevin McDonald, who has become a huge midfield influence for Sheffield United, are both under treatment for injuries picked up on Saturday.

Neither has been ruled out and will be given every chance to make it, but both appear to be major doubts at this stage for the big promotion showdown.

By coincidence, the two of them went off within a minute of each other in their respective games at the weekend.

McDonald was replaced in the 24th minute of the 2-1 win over Preston when he pulled up with a thigh injury.

Manager Danny Wilson confirmed that he had injured a hamstring and said, rather ominously, “He felt it go straight away and that’s not a good sign.”

“It’s unlikely he’ll be okay for Sunday but we’ll know more and have a better idea later.”

Johnson went off in the 25th minute of Wednesday’s derby at Chesterfield, with the initial diagnosis being an injury to the medial knee ligament.

Boss Gary Megson, like Wilson with McDonald, was reluctant to rule Johnson out at such an early stage and also adopted a policy of wait and see.

“We’ll see how it settles down; it could be just a knock, but we’ll have a proper look and take it from there,” he said.

The flying winger has been a key figure for Wednesday since getting his chance in January. He had started just one league game until he made a goalscoring impact when going on as a substitute in a 2-1 home win over Hartlepool on January 21.

Since then he has scored three more goals, including some outstanding ones, and re-emerged as a key attacking force.

In fact, Megson said he felt that Johnson going off had a lot to do with them failing to penetrate Chesterfield’s defence in the second half, as they had done earlier.

“He certainly gives you that pace and penetration as an individual,” said Megson.

McDonald’s impact and influence on the Blades has been growing in recent times.

He did not earn a regular place in the side until mid-September but has now forged a strong midfield partnership with Michael Doyle. McDonald’s range of passing is integral to the way the side wants to play under Wilson and he has blossomed under the manager’s tutelage.

United have begun talks over a new contract with the midfielder.

Meanwhile, both clubs will be anxiously awaiting the medical bulletins.

]]> 1.4267686 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:55:00 +0000 http://www.thestar.co.uk/lane_boss_eyes_loan_signing_1_4267670

SHEFFIELD United manager Danny Wilson has refused to rule out another foray into the loan market.

Wilson, who signed Brighton striker Will Hoskins on a temporary deal last month, said: “There’s an opportunity and we’ll see who exactly is available but there’s no rush.

“The players who have come in recently have done fantastically.

“It’s a credit to their professionalism that they were ready when called upon because it isn’t always an easy situation to be in.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Blackwell, one of Wilson’s most recent predecessors, has admitted he is ready to return to football after taking time out for “family reasons.”

Former United defender Keith Curle has taken charge of League One rivals Notts County.

DONCASTER Rovers’ attacking midfielder Habib Bamogo will miss Saturday’s home game against Peterborough United.

Bamogo, who was starting his third successive game for Rovers, limped off with a hamstring injury midway through the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Leeds.

“I thought he did well while he was on the pitch,” said Rovers’ boss Dean Saunders. “I don’t think it is too bad. He will be out this weekend but there could be a chance of him playing against Brighton the week after.”

Left-back Tommy Spurr, carried off following a clash of heads in the closing stages of Saturday’s game with concussion, will be assessed today and may not train but he is expected to be fit for the Peterborough game.

Saunders gave his players the day off yesterday to get over their ‘disappointment’ of losing a two-goal lead.

Some were due to train today while others will feature in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Lincoln City at the club’s training ground.

The club, who will be dealing with the incident ‘in house’ said yesterday that they will not be making any statement on the trouble which flared in the tunnel at the end of Saturday’s game at Elland Road.

Saunders felt the incident served to detract from what he felt had been another good performance by his side.

“It was a game that we deserved to win and it is probably the best organised we’ve been as a side since I’ve been here,” he said yesterday.

“We created a lot of chances and in addition to the two goals we also hit the post and the crossbar. There was a bit of luck involved with two of their goals and we are just not getting the rub of the green at the moment.”

Saunders made several changes to the side beaten 3-1 at home by Blackpool in midweek and said that he had been happy with the results.

“We brought Simon Gillett in to stop Robert Snodgrass getting a lot of crosses in and I thought it worked well. I felt that we needed a bit more size and strength in midfield against Leeds so we brought in Giles Barnes.

“He’s got a lot of things that you look for in a footballer; it has just been a case of trying to get him to fit in with our formation at times.

“I also thought Mamadou Bagayoko did well. A lot of players struggle when they first come over here; it takes time.

“But I was pleased with him; he scored two and could have had a third.”

SHEFFIELD’S new boxing hero was back down to earth yesterday.

Two days after winning the WBC international superbantamweight title in a show watched by two million TV viewers, Kid Galahad, aged 21, was back working behind the till of the family newsagents in Worrall.

“I am happy to help out,” beamed the boxer, whose real name is Abdul Barry Awad.

“I am so happy after the win (against Nottingham’s Jason Booth at the Magna Centre, Rotherham). Booth was quite dirty, he tried to hold on to me trip me up and headbutt me several times. I’d never been up against that sort of thing before. But I’d been warned and avoided him. The 12 rounds were a very good learning experience for me.”

MOTORISTS have been warned of severe penalties if they fail to respond honestly to speeding charges - after a Rotherham pastor was jailed.

Joao Mafuta, aged 42, a pastor at a Rotherham church, was jailed for two months after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice at Sheffield Crown Court.

He was recorded breaking the speed limit twice in November 2010 by speed cameras - but claimed he was abroad on both occasions.

Barry Smith, manager for the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, said: “Whilst the majority of drivers that are caught speeding will complete the paperwork honestly there are a number of drivers that do not.

“These cases are fully investigated and if found guilty of perverting the course of justice the driver is likely to receive a higher fine and more stringent penalty than if they had admitted to speeding in the first place.”

YOUNG hair stylists Jessica Woolley and Stephanie Cooper have been demonstrating why they’re a cut above the rest.

Jessica, who is 16 and lives in Chapeltown, and Stephanie, who is 17 and lives in Mexborough, are both students at the Headlines Elite Academy in Sheffield.

The two took top honours in the academy’s competition challenge to create a new trend in hairstyles.

Jessica, who took first place and won an iPad2, took her inspiration from a porcelain doll, while runner-up Stephanie, who won a pair of state-of-the-art Swiss hairdressing scissors, created what she described as an eye-catching copper ‘firebomb’.

Academy manager Kay Bothamley said: “What was particularly remarkable was Jessica has only been working as a trainee stylist for six months.”

VOTES are needed for a community project seeking to transform a rundown Sheffield playground.

A scheme to upgrade the Grammar Street playground, Upperthorpe, is on a Yorkshire-wide shortlist competing for funding from the Transform Your Patch campaign.

The campaign is seeking to regenerate more than 160 outdoor spaces around the country with help from environmental charity Groundwork and financial support from soft drinks manufacturers Britvic and PepsiCo.

A total of 15 outdoor spaces in Yorkshire and Humberside will be chosen, with Sheffield’s choice battling against rival projects in Leeds, Halifax and Hull.

The campaign is concentrating on four types of community facility – playgrounds, picnic areas and parks, skate parks and five-a-side football pitches.

Sheffield folk are being asked to get behind the Upperthorpe programme by voting at www.transformyourpatch.com – if enough support is received it could be selected as a ‘super’ project, which will receive extra levels of funding.

The campaign is running for nine months, from February to October.

Sir Tony Hawkhead, Groundwork chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with the Transform Your Patch campaign.

“Our charity’s goal is to create real change for the future on a regional and national level. We’ve carefully selected projects matching the interests and the needs of communities across the length and breadth of the UK, so as many people as possible benefit.”

A FORMER gay bar which has been closed for about two years could reopen.

The former Fuel nightspot, Eyre Street, would be open daily from 10am until 6.30am, featuring entertainment, including drag acts, podium dancers and a monthly strip show, according to plans submitted to Sheffield Council.

The application will be discussed by the council’s licensing board on Thursday.

No objections have been received to the proposals from O’Brien Leisure, Omnia One, Queen Street, Sheffield.

The plans also involve a kitchen inside the premises to sell food.

The applicant has offered to fit a CCTV system, refuse to serve anyone who is too drunk, have door staff working from 9pm and ask revellers for proof of age if they appear to be aged under 21.

FROM Halfway in Sheffield to halfway across the world, Mueti Moomba is a political radio star.

The dad-of-three runs his own internet-based Zambian politics show from his study and is making front page news in the South African country.

And he regularly scoops Zambian journalists with his interviews of leading politicans, sport celebrities or high-profile people from his home nation.

Mueti, aged 34, said: “I began the show because I think there’s always been this perception that people who leave their own country forget their roots and have no connection to what’s going on there.

“That’s not true and in Sheffield alone I know there are close to 150 Zambian families.

“I wanted to let people from around the world know about Zambia issues.

“Politicans can phone in and talk about their plans but they will also be held to account if people call and ask questions.”

By day Mueti is the manager of Fulwood Lodge nursing home - but every Tuesday night and Saturday morning he takes to the airways as Political Crossfire.

Guests have included Zambia’s top policeman Inspector General of Police Dr Martin Malama, British Olympic athlete Marilyn Okoro and veteran broadcaster Dennis Liwewe, ‘The Voice of Zambian Football’.

A former professional football star is also lined up to appear.

Mueti, of Norgreave Way, said: “I have had the majority of the Zambian Government’s cabinet on and as I am completely non-partisan I have interviewed several opposition leaders.

“I even get phone calls from people in Zambia and they are able to ask questions.

“I’m not a journalist by any stretch of the imagination but I think I’m doing pretty much a professional job.

“I do find it easier to get these interviews than some professional journalists in Zambia.”

Although the show has taken off since it launched in September, there are some downsides.

Long calls abroad can cost a fortune and it takes up much of Mueti’s spare time. Yet there is hope he could become a Jeremy Paxman of Zambia in the future.

Mueti added: “At the moment I’m doing the show out of passion and spending quite a lot of money to do this.

“I’ve often thought of contacting the BBC but I always chicken out.”

n Log on to www.blogtalkradio.com/politicalcrossfire.

VOLUNTEERS gathered to plant more than 100 new trees in a Sheffield park as part of a national project to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The event in Greenhill Park, Low Edges, saw 105 saplings planted, including blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel, silver birch, rowan, common oak and a royal oak.

Sheffield Friends of the Earth are working with the Woodland Trust on its Jubilee Woods Project, to plant six million new trees during 2012.

Friends of the Earth members worked all morning under the direction of Tim Shortland, Sheffield Council’s community forestry manager, to ensure the young trees were properly situated.

The free tree pack provided by the trust is designed to create a wooded area which will be ideal for attracting wildlife.

Volunteer Maureen Edwards said: “It was a lovely day out and I finally managed to plant an oak tree, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“The trees are next to a batch which were planted 15 years ago, so there will be a nice contrast in growth - and they will be joined by more trees which are to be planted by a local school group next week.”

The trust is also creating hundreds of new woodlands as part of its jubilee campaign, along with 60, major 60-acre woods.

CHURCH volunteers are urging business people to help them revamp a school by donating equipment.

Helpers at Hope City Church in Sheffield are redecorating the main hall at Pipworth Community Primary School, Woodthorpe, and giving two courtyards there a makeover.

The church has volunteers but needs hire equipment and materials to finish its work.

Project co-ordinator Dan Houghton said: “We’re hoping to have it all done in 24 hours, a bit like the television show DIY SOS.

“Pipworth is in a bit of a deprived area and we wanted to run a project that would make a tangible difference.

“Any local businesses that want to get involved can be a big help by donating materials and hire equipment.”

The school makeover will be carried out in May.

n To donate equipment, materials or money call Dan on 07712 391 333.

SOUTH Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has followed South Yorkshire Police in putting up its council tax precept - to avoid cutbacks caused by government funding cuts.

Members of the Fire Authority yesterday agreed to put up their portion of council tax by 3.95 per cent - giving the brigade an extra £1 million to spend.

The decision will cost each South Yorkshire household between £1.60 and £2.40 extra a year on their council tax bill.

Householders with Band D properties will now pay £62.54 to the Fire Authority - a rise of £2.37 and equivalent to less than five pence extra a week.

At the meeting members also agreed a budget of £57m for next 12 months.

And they voted to reject a one-off government incentive payment to freeze the council tax precept.

Speaking after the meeting, chairman Jim Andrews said the council tax rise was ‘effectively an insurance policy’ to help secure long-term funding and safeguard against risks to the emergency service.

He said: “The authority faced a difficult decision because the Government grant was for one year only. If we had accepted it, this time next year we would have faced either putting up council tax by a double increase, or making further cuts to the service.”

Mr Andrews added: “This was not a straightforward decision.

“No authority wants to put extra costs on to hard-pressed council tax payers, but on balance we felt an extra 5p or less a week was a worthwhile price to pay if it helped to secure the future of the fire service.

“Its success or failure is measured in minutes, and we will not take risks with public safety.”

The authority is currently restructuring operations after losing 10 per cent of government funding in 2011/12.

a CAR and quad bike have been seized in a crackdown on nuisance vehicles.

Police took the quad bike from a 25-year-old man on Fern Avenue, Staveley, after officers found it had no insurance.

The car - a BMW - was seized from a 39-year-old man on Works Road, Hollingwood, when he was found to not have a driving licence.

And a 29-year-old man was warned for allowing his children to ride mini-motorbikes in Brearley Park, New Whittington.

police officers will be calling into shops in Clay Cross to talk to traders and customers about issues affecting their community.

The ‘shop drop’ scheme is aimed at making it easier for residents to raise concerns.

Officers and community support officers (PCSOs) plan to visit all the shops on High Street and Market from Thursday, March 8.

PCSO Andrew Cocking said: “Many people don’t have time to come to formal meetings so this form of interaction with officers is ideal.”

Members of the Dinnington-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice volunteer support group got their teeth into a fundraising challenge.

The group raised £56 at a cake sale in South Anston Methodist Church as part of the hospice’s Love To Bake campaign, where people are encouraged to bake a cake to sell in aid of the charity.

One of the people instrumental in making Rotherham’s Clifton Park Museum a success has been honoured by the Queen.

Joyce Williams, a founder member of The Friends of Clifton Park Museum, has been invested at Buckingham Palace after she was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list, in recognition of the work she has carried out on behalf of the project.

A special event was also held at the twice-nominated ‘museum of the year’ to celebrate Joyce receiving the honour.

Friends, staff, councillors and ex-members of staff who have worked with Joyce and the Friends over the last 12 years were present.

Rotherham Council said Joyce has been ‘vital in almost all the fundraising and friends’ activities at the museum, and often instigated and led on the delivery of projects’.

A council spokeswoman said: “Without her, many of the initiatives which have made Clifton Park Museum such a success would not have been possible.”

Joyce was one of the six founders of The Friends of Clifton Park Museum in 1998. She later served as group chairman.

FASHION designers in Sheffield will be showing off their creative talents.

Organised by students from Sheffield Hallam University’s events management course, Thread Bare is at SOYO, Rockingham Street, on Sunday, from 8pm.

Developing designers, professionals and artists will be displaying their wares.

Proceeds are going to charity Barnardo’s. Entry is £3.

SHEFFIELD’S comeback kings Pulp are continuing their reunion with a headline charity show in London.

Pulp’s reformed line-up of Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve Mackey and Mark Webber will perform at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, March 31.

Pulp are one of five acts chosen to play the annual shows which raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The other headliners are Example, Jessie J, Jason Manford and Florence and the Machine.

CHURCH leaders are to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight by visiting Sheffield city centre shops to thank them for selling Fairtrade products.

Fairtrade Fortnight, from Monday until Sunday, March 11, is when people are encouraged to buy Fairtrade goods.

The Reverend Vernon Marsh, Sheffield Methodist District chairman, said: “Fairtrade is a way of ensuring farmers and growers in the developing world get fair prices for their produce.”