Aroundtown Magazine May/June 2025 Edition

MAY/JUNE 2025

www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

Est. 2004

BARNSLEY | ROTHERHAM

South Yorkshire’s Premier FREE Lifestyle Magazine

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Welcome

contents

to the May/June edition of Aroundtown Magazine.

Nobody can say running a

magazine is boring. Every

day is different and we

embrace being able to go out and

see things first-hand.

For this edition, it was a drive to picturesque

Hoylandswaine to meet the owners of Milk From the

Hills. If you’d have told us we’d be meeting robots that

milk the cows we’d have told you to pull the udder

one, but it was certainly an eye-opener into how 21st

century has transformed farming life for this family.

After sampling their milkshakes and ice cream, we

can’t wait to take our own families back and hope you’ll

enjoy a visit too.

We also had a trip to Darfield to meet 91-year-old

Albert Kiddy, a champion field archer from the Dearne

Valley. It was inspiring to hear the story about how

his whole family – his late wife, two daughters and

granddaughter – have all excelled in this niche sport.

Then it was back to Rotherham for a double date

with two remarkable women who are doing all they can

to save pets in a pickle. One makes amazing jams and

chutneys to raise money for animal charities, and the

other has dedicated her life to saving animals without

taking a penny for her work.

It was encouraging to see Forge Island coming to

life when we popped down to meet the owners of the

steak and seafood restaurant that is opening soon. We

saw the fitters working to transform the unit into what

promises to be something really special for the town.

With the promising weather we have enjoyed,

let’s hope we’re in for a fruitful summer and that this

edition encourages you to get out and see what’s on

your doorstep.

Cheryl, Amber and the team x

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For all advertising and editorial

enquiries, please call

01709 331020 or 07940 842408

Director/Advertising Cheryl Collinson

cheryl@aroundtownpublications.co.uk

Editor Amber Stainrod

amber@aroundtownpublications.co.uk

Designer Leanne Keetley

Administration & Accounts Karen White

Contributors Andrew Watson, Sally Cunis,

Chris Moody, James Ward

Cheryl Collinson Consultancy Ltd trading as Aroundtown,

Unit 26 Moorgate Crofts Business Centre,

South Grove, Rotherham S60 2DH


This is a privately owned magazine not connected with any

other publishing, magazine or newspaper group. No part of

this publication may be reproduced in any way or stored in any

retrieval system without the consent of the publisher.

Aroundtown Meets

04 James Hill

??

Fashion,

??

Health & Beauty

06 Think Pharmacy First

14 Bold & Breezy Prints

Homes & Gardens

52 Pistachio: The Shade of Summer

62 Magical May & Joyful June

Food & Entertainment

66 Sweet Summer Bakes

70 How to Survive a Wine Buying Trip

Features

24 What’s On this Summer

31 Nah That’s Reyt Good

32 Adoptapaws UK Rescue

46 Buy a Brick for Homeless Veterans

History

26 Worsbrough Mill’s 400th Anniversary

48 The Underground Army

Sport

72 Dearne Valley’s Champion Archers


MEETS

meets

James Hill

of Milk From the Hills

He’s the Millennial dairy farmer who is shaking

up farmer South who Yorkshire’s is shaking milk supply with a growing

number up South of Yorkshire’s farm-fresh milkshake vending

machines. milk supply with a

growing number of

farm-fresh milkshake

At the press of a button, you

could be enjoying cold, creamy milk

vending machines.

that only hours earlier had been

robotically milked from a Holstein

At the press of a button, you

Friesian cow in Barnsley.

could be enjoying cold, creamy milk

But while this legen-dairy idea

that only hours earlier had been

goes a long way towards being more

robotically milked from a Holstein

climate smart, it’s also saved the

Friesian cow in Barnsley.

fortunes of James Hill’s family farm in

But while this legen-dairy idea

Hoylandswaine.

goes a long way towards being more

When faced with the decision of

climate smart, it’s also changed the

whether to sell up or relocate in 2017

fortunes of James Hill’s family farm in

for the welfare of their herd, fourthgeneration

dairy farmer James had

Hoylandswaine.

The Hill family have been tenants

to take the bull by the horns to bring

at Kidfield Farm, on the Cannon Hall

the farm in-line with the 21st century.

Estate, for almost 80 years.

The Hill family have been tenants

James’ grandad Roy moved on

at Kidfield Farm, on the Cannon Hall

site in 1947 with his uncle Fredrick,

Estate, for almost 80 years.

taking on the tenancy from the

James’ grandad Roy moved on site

Spencer Stanhope family after

in 1947 with his uncle Fredrick, taking

the war.

on the tenancy from the Spencer

They had three cows to start with,

Stanhope family after the war.

soon doubling to six, and all were

They had three cows to start with,

milked by hand. Milk was sold on

soon doubling to six, and all were

the end of the farm lane or taken

milked by hand. Milk was sold on

the seven-and-half-mile journey to

the end of the farm lane or taken

Barnsley Market on horse and cart.

the seven-and-half-mile journey to

Roy’s only son John joined the

Barnsley Market on horse and cart.

business in the late 1970s and would

Roy’s only son John joined the

eventually take over running it with

his wife, Val. Her family were also

dairy farmers, based at Midhope

near Langsett.

John and Val’s only child, James,

had other plans. He’d seen how

tying and intense the demands of

business in the late 1970s, much to

dairy farming could be, having to get

the disappointment of his mother

up before dawn to milk the cows.

who’d wished John would follow his

Some of his earliest memories are of

sisters off to university.

helping his dad in the milking parlour

But he loved life on the farm and

before school.

would eventually take over running

After leaving Penistone Grammar

it with his wife, Val. Her family were

School, James went off to Harper

also dairy farmers, based at Midhope

Adams University in Shropshire

near Langsett.

in search of pastures new. On

John and Val’s only child, James,

graduating with a degree in

had other plans. He’d seen how

agriculture and marketing, he

tying and intense the demands of

gained an internship in Georgia,

dairy farming could be, having to get

America at the global farm machinery

up before dawn to milk the cows.

manufacturer, AGCO.

Some of his earliest memories are of

He then moved to AGCO’s UK

helping his dad in the milking parlour

branch at Stoneleigh Abbey Park,

before school.

the national agricultural centre, in

After leaving Penistone Grammar

management roles.

School, James went off to Harper

Back in Barnsley, life on the farm

Adams University in Shropshire

was changing.

in search of pastures new. On

“The old milking parlour meant

graduating with a degree in

Dad could only milk eight cows at

agriculture and marketing, he

a time. It wasn’t safe for him or the

gained an internship in Georgia,

cows and was no longer sustainable.

America at the global farm machinery

I asked Dad where he saw his future

manufacturer, AGCO.

going and he said if he could come

He then moved to AGCO’s UK

out in his slippers and see the cows

branch at Stoneleigh Abbey Park,

then he’d be happy,” James says.

the national agricultural centre, in

Excuse the pun, but there was

management roles.

no But time back to cry in Barnsley, over spilt life milk. on James the

chose farm had to step soured in to slightly. help the farm

grow. “Dad After was six a bit years lost. with Our AGCO, herd were he

moved all still milked back home by hand. in March But the 2018. old

milking This meant parlour John meant could he could only

concentrate milk eight cows on their at a time. arable It crops wasn’t at

Silkstone safe for him and or Hoylandswaine. the cows was John no

is longer more sustainable. at home on a tractor, having

been “He a was three-times talking about world selling champion up or

ploughman, moving to a new competing farm. I since asked he Dad

was where 14. he saw his future going and

he The said wheat, if could barley, come maize, out grass in his

and slippers beans and they see grow the cows makes then up he’d 85

percent be happy,” of the James cows’ says. diet; the rest

goes Excuse to market. the pun, but there was no

time Coming to cry over back spilt to the milk. farm, James James

and knew his he parents had to step looked in to help modernise the

things farm survive. so that After they six could years all with enjoy

farming AGCO, he and moved family back life. home in

March They 2018 invested to take in two the robotic reins of the

milking herd. machines and built a new

shed This to meant house John them. could The concentrate robots work

round-the-clock, on their arable crops easing at Silkstone. the labourintensive

John is more task at of home milking on 130 a tractor, cows.

having Seeing been it in a action three-times is udderly world mindblowing.

champion Naga ploughman, Munchetty, competing Denise

Welch since he and was Tess 14. Daly (James went

The wheat, barley, maize and

through beans they a stage grow of at naming Silkstone the makes cows

after up 85 TV percent presenters) of the queue cows’ up diet; to the be

milked, rest goes a bit to market. like waiting for a bus.

Coming The cows back choose to the when farm, and James

how looked often to modernise they’re milked, things with so the that

Hills they believing could all enjoy that happy, farming relaxed and

cows family produce life. the tastiest milk. And

they He get invested fed while in two being robotic milked, milking so

they machines know and there’s built a a treat new in shed it for to

them, house too. them. The robots work roundthe-clock,

“Our average easing yields the labour-intensive

have risen

since task of we’ve milking had 130 the cows. robots. Some

cows Seeing get it milked in action up is to udderly six times mindblowing.

and our Naga highest Munchetty, yielders Denise produce

a

day

up Welch to 18,000 and Tess litres Daly over (James the ten-month went

lactation through a period,” stage of James naming says. the cows

after Welfare TV presenters) was a major queue consideration up to be

for milked, James. a bit There like waiting are sensors for a bus. in the

milking The cows cups choose that detect when when and how there’s

no often milk they’re left in milked, each teat, with automatically

the Hills

detaching believing that so it’s happy, not uncomfortable

relaxed cows

for produce the cow. the The tastiest machine milk. And then they selfcleans

get fed and while disinfects being milked, the cow. so they

know The there’s milking a machines treat it for also them, give

James too. and his team an insight

into “Our the average health of yields their have herd. risen Using

biometric since we’ve data had for the each robots. cow, Some the

cows get milked up to six times a

4 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

MEETS

machines can detect bacteria in the

milk, check the temperature of the

milk, and monitor a cow’s behaviour,

such as if she’s been eating or

moving less than normal. James

gets an alert to his phone for any

discrepancies so that he can deal

with issues promptly without being

tied to the farm 24/7.

The cows also have top-of-therange

beds to sleep on. Their new

shed is kitted out with specially

designed cubicles and ‘mattresses’.

This new system has replaced the

former loose straw bedding which left

the herd prone to mastitis.

“Cows are creatures of habit so

you often find them in the same bed

each day, which makes it a lot easier

when you’re trying to locate a certain

one from over a hundred cows.”

Next on the agenda is investing in

another milking machine as well as

robots to clean around them and to

feed the cows.

What would Grandad Roy think if

he could see the farm now?

“When we put the first vending

machine in, it was on the old sheep

dip and I did wonder what Grandad

would have made of it. But he was

always forward thinking and wasn’t

averse to trying new things.”

Milk from the Hills’ vending

machines are a relatively new

addition to Kidfield Farm, but they’ve

proved to be the cream of the crop.

They installed the first one in October

2022 and a couple of months later it

went viral on social media, with up to

40 cars in the car park at one time.

They’ve now got six more sites

where their vending machines are

based: Barnsley Market, Blacker

Hall Farm, Cannon Hall Farm,

Farmer Copleys, Penistone Fruit

and Veg, and Snap Fitness gym

in Stocksbridge.

The machines dispense plain milk,

milkshakes, and protein milk into

reusable glass bottles. They have

four regular milkshake flavours –

banana, chocolate, strawberry and

vanilla – and two additional flavours

that change every Monday.

“People go wild on a Monday

waiting to see what that week’s

flavours are going to be. My favourite

is white chocolate bueno and it’s one

of our most popular flavours. We had

the busiest weekend of all time when

that was on recently. But I can’t say I

get the urge to drink our milkshakes

that often as I’m surrounded by

the smell of them from 5.30am

every day.

“We started with just a rack of

flavoured syrups and now I’m having

to build a mezzanine level in the barn

they’re stored in as we’ve got that

many.”

Litres of raw milk are gently

pasteurised in small batches each

day; the slower heating process

and quick cooling helps it retain

its creaminess. It’s also nonhomogenised

so the cream rises to

the top.

A third of their milk goes into

the vending machines, which are

replenished every other day or daily

at weekends. The other two-thirds

are sold to Longley Farm in Holmfirth

to make their cream, yoghurts, butter

and cottage cheese.

At the farm, there are also vending

machines for ice cream and frozen

yoghurt, along with local produce

like cheese, eggs, butter, snacks,

sweets and homemade bakes.

There’s even a line of merchandise

with cow-themed pants, socks and

hats that can be dispensed – James

has definitely milked his marketing

degree there.

Of course, Milk from the Hills

is not a one-man-band. James

is supported by a growing team

including herdsman Andrew, two

dairy operatives, a team of part-time

staff, and his wife Alex.

The pair, who met down in

Warwickshire, got married on the

farm during the pandemic and have

a daughter, Phoebe, who will be two

in the autumn.

Alex is the epitome of a modern

farmer’s wife. She left behind a

career in teaching to get stuck into

farm life and now has a heap of roles

from payroll, HR and admin, to being

chief bottle designer and the creative

brain behind their social media

accounts.

In the future, she’d love to be able

to bring her teaching experience

to the farm and open a classroom

where kids can learn about life as

a dairy farmer – aided by Margot

their fibreglass cow that people can

practice their milking skills on.

But in the meantime, her next

project is doing up a 1960s ice

cream trailer that will be going in their

new picnic and playground area.

They’ve recently collaborated with

Cannon Hall Farm to create a new

ice cream range using their milk.

Their ice creams and milkshakes

will be going on tour this summer

via their big, refrigerated trailer.

James will be setting up shop in

Barnsley’s Glass Works Square

during the summer months and you

can catch him at Penistone Show

in September.

They’re also planning an open

day later in the year for visitors to

look around the farm and see how

their milk goes from cow to cup in a

handful of hours.

“They’re still busy days on the

farm and I’ve had a lot to learn but

things have become so much more

economical over the last six years.

It means I can have a family life too

and not miss out on seeing Phoebe

grow up or being able to take

a holiday.

“Phoebe loves to put her wellies

on and trek around the farm so it’s

nice that she’s growing up in that

environment. Mum and Dad still

live in the cottage next door, too, so

Dad has got his wish of being able

to come out in his slippers to see

the cows.”

Find out more at

www.milkfromthehills.

co.uk


HEALTH & BEAUTY

You&your

health

With Good Measure Pharmacy

Think pharmacy first for minor ailments

Did you know that there are

seven minor health conditions

that can be treated immediately

by local pharmacies without

seeing a GP?

Last January, the NHS launched the

Pharmacy First service which means community

pharmacies across the country can now

diagnose and treat ailments like sore throats,

water infections and shingles.

The new initiative hopes to free up millions

of GP appointments every year, meaning GPs

have more time and space to see patients with

more complex conditions. In South Yorkshire,

there have been over 90,000 Pharmacy First

consultations since last January.

By thinking ‘pharmacy first’, you’ll find it

easier, quicker and more convenient to get the

medical help you need and bypass the 8am rush

to book an appointment with your GP.

What conditions can be

treated by Pharmacy First?

Pharmacies that have signed up to the

scheme can treat seven minor ailments.

These include:

• Ear infections (under 18s)

• Infected insect bites (over 1s)

• Impetigo (over 1s)

• Shingles (over 18s)

• Sinusitis (over 12s)

• Sore throat (over 5s)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

(women aged 16-64)

What happens with

Pharmacy First?

If you have symptoms that suggest you may

have one of these conditions, you can walk into

a pharmacy and have a consultation with the

pharmacist. Patients can also be referred via their

GP or 111.

Depending on the pharmacy, you can either

have an in-person or online consultation.

If done in-person, this will be conducted in

private in the pharmacy’s consultation room.

The pharmacist may perform an examination or

request access to your medical records.

If you choose to have an online consultation,

you’ll usually answer a short questionnaire about

your symptoms and general health before the

video call. You’ll be asked to link this to your NHS

app, if you have it, so that your GP health record

can be updated.

Pharmacists will then recommend the best

course of action. This might be medical advice

about how to self-manage symptoms. But if

medication or treatment is needed, this can be

prescribed and dispensed immediately. This

is usually antibiotics or antifungal medicines,

depending on the condition you are diagnosed

with. However, alternative treatments may be

advised to reduce antibiotic resistance.

If you’re exempt from prescription charges,

then your medicines will be free, otherwise normal

prescription charges will apply.

Should the pharmacist be unable to help,

or you have any red flag symptoms, you will be

referred to your GP surgery or A&E.

All Pharmacy First consultations and any

prescribed medications will be added to your

NHS health record which you and your GP

can view.

Why should you think

‘pharmacy first’?

Pharmacy First is part of a wider expansion

of healthcare services that will give people more

choice about their healthcare. But it’s also to

empower pharmacists to use more of their skills.

Medicines are a pharmacist’s strong point.

We’ve had medical training for a minimum

of five years, with a compulsory pharmacy

degree followed by post-graduate training in

primary care.

I graduated from Aston University in the 1980s

and did my post-graduate training at hospitals in

Birmingham. Before starting my own practice in

2012, I spent over 20 years working in hospitals,

retail pharmacy and even prisons.

Members of the public should feel assured

that the healthcare advice they receive

from pharmacists and their teams will be

second-to-none.

If you go to a GP surgery for a minor ailment,

you’ll likely see a physician associate. These

roles must be supported by a doctor to diagnose

and cannot prescribe medicines as they

aren’t regulated.

Convenience is also a major draw to the

Pharmacy First service. Four in five people can

reach a pharmacy within a 20-minute walk.

Many pharmacies offer extended opening

hours in the evenings and at weekends, so you’re

more likely to get a consultation appointment to

suit your other commitments. And with the offer of

online consultations, like we do at Goodmeasure,

you don’t even need to leave the house if you’re

too unwell.

Since launching, pharmacies have mainly

seen people for sore throats and UTIs, but the

service is open to anyone who has symptoms

of one of the above conditions. It is also hoped

that the service will be expanded to include more

conditions in the future.


As a distance selling pharmacy we can only

offer online consultations.

You can find out more about

Pharmacy First on our website www.

goodmeasurepharmacy.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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NHS Pharmacy First Scheme

Skip GP wait times with quicker care for 7 minor ailments

Online consultations with medically trained

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Medication prescribed and dispensed immediately if required

Private and NHS health services

• Flu and Covid vaccines

• Oral contraception (initiation and continuation)

• Weight loss clinic with face-to-face consultations

• Total health check including blood pressure,

cholesterol and diabetes

• Chiropodist

See our appointment availability online

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Vaccinations, antimalarials, and health advice

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Book your vaccine online

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Ear

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Sign up online

www.goodmeasurepharmacy.co.uk

or call 01709 780 788

WE SPECIALISE IN

Corns, calluses and cracked heals

Corns and calluses are thick patches of hardened

skin on specific areas of the foot. Dry and

thickened skin around the heel can cause the skin

to crack and become painful. Our clinicians are

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Lacuna Fungal Nail procedure

A fungal nail infection can make the affected nail

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Using a safe and effective Wilde Pedique UV Gel treatment this

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We would like to welcome Foot Health Practitioner

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Appointments now being taken

5 STAR REVIEWS

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Since booking regularly visits, you have helped keep my

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Vickie, for the excellent care you give.”

Vickie Perrie DipCFHP MPSPract

Osteopathy clinic also on-site

For appointments, call

01709 286 298 or book online at

www.wickersleyfootclinic.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm

York House, Bawtry Road, Wickersley S66 2BL

Parking to the rear

Wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Barnsley’s latest

hub for families

Whether you’re a

parent looking for help

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early language skills, or

mental health support

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new family hub.

In April, Barnsley Family Hubs

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branch at the market. This new

drop-in space is the seventh

location in the borough with

other family hubs in Athersley,

Grimethorpe, Penistone, Thurnscoe,

Wombwell and Worsbrough.

Family hubs play a vital role

in Barnsley Council’s Great

Childhoods Ambition to improve the

lives and futures of our children and

young people. These local support

centres offer a range of services

from pregnancy through to early

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That might be help with infant

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children. They focus on providing

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families, addressing potential

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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under-fives, such as stay and

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Adding to the offer, the Barnsley

Market family hub is also home

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supporting more people on their

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Since its soft opening in

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Voice, Waythrough, Barnsley

Premier Leisure, vaccination

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The market family hub can be

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@BarnsleyFamilyHubs.

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Why try exo booster?

• Perfect for a special event or ongoing

skin health improvement

• Treatment includes dermalogica's exclusive

7-day professional dose of booster serum to

powerfully firm, smooth and rejuvenate your

complexion like never before

• Clinically proven to reduce the

appearance of wrinkles by 86%

• Improves skin texture, tone, and

hydration without the need for injectables

• Strengthens the skin barrier and enhances

resilience for a healthier, more radiant complexion

• Suitable for all skin types

OPEN Tues and Fri 9.30am-6pm

Thurs 9.30am-8pm | Sat 9.30am-3pm

24B BRIDGE STREET, SWINTON,

ROTHERHAM S64 8AP

01709 587264

Book

Online

Here

Treatments

start from

£220

Dedicated to bringing

you the most advanced

treatments for 27 years

Healthy, Beautiful Feet start here…

Our professional medical pedicure is designed to give you smooth, healthy feet,

by qualified podiatry professionals who understand foot health beyond just beauty

Hard Skin & Callus Removal Say goodbye to dry, cracked heels & corns.

Medical-Grade Nail & Skin Care Keep your feet fresh and infection-free

Upgrade Your Experience! Add nail polish application or

a warm wax therapy treatment for the ultimate finishing touch

Maintain Your Results with our expert-recommended at-home medical-grade treatments

Other treatments:

• Ingrown toenail treatment/surgery • Verruca treatments • Fungal nail • Nail reconstruction

Archies Flip Flops

feature arch support for

ultimate comfort and foot health

They are so comfy you’ll never

want to take them off!

Westfield and other

health schemes accepted

Book now for the best feet of your life! Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm

WOMBWELL FOOT CLINIC

3 Prospect Terrace,

Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0BF

www.wombwellfootclinic.co.uk

01226 755611

wombwellfootclinic@gmail.com

BRINSWORTH FOOT CLINIC

161 Brinsworth Lane,

Rotherham, S60 5BX

www.brinsworthfootclinic.co.uk

01709 360851

brinsworthfootclinic@gmail.com


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Curly hair care

With Chris Moody of Moodyhair

If you have naturally curly,

coily or wavy hair, ditch the

straightening irons and

embrace that texture.

But if the thought of going au natural makes

your toes curl, let us answer your common

questions and concerns.

“My curly hair is always so dry

and frizzy. What can I do?

Dryness and frizz are common for curly hair.

The hair’s structure makes it harder for natural

oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft.

When textured hair loses moisture, the hairs

separate and go their own way, leading to frizz.

That’s why your hair looks better when it’s wet.

Look for products that contain high moisturiser

content, especially formulated for curly/textured

hair. Shampoo your hair slowly and let the

product work. In most cases, all the goodness

is actually in the shampoo more than the

conditioner, but always make sure to use a good

quality conditioner to lubricate and detangle

your hair.

Invest in a leave in-conditioner or curl cream.

This stops too much internal moisture being lost

from the hair. Gently comb through to ensure a

good distribution of product.

Always blot - never rub! Use a light oil,

medium-hold mousse or curl activator cream

and if you have time allow to air dry. If you want

a little more volume and lift, gently dry with a

diffuser attachment, allowing the warm air to

move underneath the hairs. Try not to touch it too

much, just gently move the hair around so the

warm air can circulate.

“Curly hair is better left

unwashed.”

There is some truth that curly hair doesn’t

typically need to be washed as frequently as

straight hair. Remember that curly hair doesn’t

usually get ‘oily’ but the idea that you shouldn’t

wash it is a myth.

Healthy hair needs a clean, healthy scalp.

Product build-up, oil, and dirt can accumulate

and cause issues if not washed away. Plus not

washing may also mean not detangling which

can become a real issue in longer, thicker hair.

Watch your hair. If it feels oily or you notice

significant build-up, it’s time to wash it. The

frequency will vary from person to person based

on their scalp’s oil production, products used,

and lifestyle.

“My curls look messy

and uneven.”

Curly or textured hair is wonderfully imperfect.

Its beauty is in its individuality.

Celebrate that no-one else on the planet has

hair quite like yours - isn’t that amazing!

To maximise your gift, try these quick tips:

Get a regular haircut. A good shape and

regular trims keep the hair in the best condition.

Detangle curly hair when it’s wet and has

conditioner or detangling spray in it. This provides

slip and reduces friction. Use a wide toothed

comb or specialised wet brush.

Use a leave-in cream or natural oil such as

Argan, Apricot or Jojoba/Avocado/Coconut for

thick or frizzy hair. Apply to damp hair in small

sections and smooth down from roots to ends

while gently wrapping around your fingers to

form coils. Leave to dry naturally before gently

teasing through.

Natural curly hair has a unique beauty and

has never been more in the spotlight, so take

a little care and wear your beautiful curls

with pride.

High Quality Cutting,

Finishing and

Creative Colour

moodynews

Free Hair

and Scalp

Diagnostic

Consultation

Offer ends

4th July 2025

24Hr online booking now available at www.moodyhair.com

Moodyhair, Garden Street, Darfield, Barnsley

Tel: 01226 752098 Email: info@moodyhair.com Web: www.moodyhair.com

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moodyhair

Follow us on Instagram @moodyhairsalon


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

Thank you to all our patients for being part of our journey

If you suffer with heel pain,

we are the people you need to see

We use different methods of healing heel pain

Exercises, Massage, Strapping, Orthotics and Laser

Helping you get rid of foot pain and stay active

We accept most health schemes

Westfield, Simplyhealth & Healthshield

Carmen E Hancock BSc (Hons) Podiatry

Gift Vouchers Available • Late Appointments

Mon-Tues 8:30am–7:30pm, Weds-Thurs 8:30am–5pm, Fri 8:30am–12:30pm

25 Snape Hill Road, Darfield, Barnsley S73 9JU

Tel. 01226 759660

www.carmenhancockchiropody.co.uk

Unlock Crystal-Clear Hearing

at your Local Independent

Hearing Specialists

Free

Hearing Test

(Worth £89)

Exclusive offer for

Aroundtown readers

Ends 30/06/2025 -

quote Aroundtown

when booking

BLOCKED EARS OR HEARING

www.hearingexcellenceclinic.com

FEELING MUFFLED?

• Ear wax removal service

• Prices start from £59 (covers one or both ears)

• Latest micro suction treatment

• Comes with our unique Wax clear guarantee,

Day Street, Barnsley, S70 1NW.

so if it takes more than one appointment to

clear Tel: your 01226 ears you 899005 only pay once

WE OFFER A FULL RANGE OF

PRIVATE HEARING SERVICES

INCLUDING:

• Premium hearing tests.

• Latest advanced hearing aid solutions.

• Hearing aid trials.

• Full range of bespoke hearing protection

products.

Paul is one the UK`s most renowned private

Audiologists with over 22 years’ experience and a

registered member of the Health and Care

Professions Council.

You can either book online or call one of our clinics:

www.hearingexcellenceclinic.com

Hear it from our clients, see over 200 five-star Google reviews

Remedy House, 24 Wilkinson

Street, Sheffield, S10 2GB

Tel 0114 4701213

Day Street, Barnsley, S70 1NW

Tel 01226 899005

Edwards & Walker Opticians. 16

Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BZ

Tel 01302 963873


Your summer

starts at

hair & beauty

Quench your skin’s thirst

glow up

Be beach ready

and worry-free

with V Wax hot waxing

for intimate areas

with our

Hydro facial

• Covers all areas from

bikini shaping to complete

hair removal

• Great technique, quality products

and a good old giggle will put you at ease

A non-surgical facial that deeply cleanses,

exfoliates and hydrates for a radiant,

glowing complexion.

Relaxing and pain-free multi-step process of cleanse, peel and

powerful personalised serum to treat a range of skin concerns

• Acne and congestion – unclogs pores, removes excess

oil and bacteria, calms inflammation and fights breakouts

• Fine lines and wrinkles – gently exfoliates skin’s top

layer to reveal fresher, smoother skin

• Hyperpigmentation – a combination of Hydro and Collagen

Lift restores even skin tone, improves texture and firms skin

Also suitable for the body including neck, arms, legs and tummy

Post-Hydro glow after just ONE* treatment

*A course of treatments may be required to maximise results

Before

Before

Summer starts with a

fresh set

We specialise in acrylic, SNS and

BIAB nails

Also offering Builder in a Bottle – a nail

enhancement technique that uses a gel-like

structure to strengthen and structure natural nails.

After

After

Exclusive Aroundtown offer

Two Hydro Facials for £100

£60 on first visit and £40 on second visit

Must be taken by Saturday 28th June 2025

hair & beauty

Open Tuesday to Saturday

107 Laughton Road, Dinnington, Sheffield S25 2PN

Tel: 01909 567733 Ample Free Parking

Find us on Facebook

at JUST Hair & Beauty Salon

Plan a personalised

proposal

If you’re planning to pop the

question this summer, have you

thought about the ring?

Instead of picking a generic engagement ring

from a high street shop, make your proposal and

commitment to your future bride extra special

with a bespoke ring designed by you.

At Infinity Jewellers in Bramley, they specialise

in beautiful made-to-order rings that tell your

story without words.

Imagine her face when you ask her to marry

you and she sees a ring you’ve created

especially for her. Nothing says romance better

than that.

Whether you’re planning a secret proposal for

your upcoming trip abroad or your bride-to-be

knows what cut, colour and characteristics she’d

like from a ring, the Infinity Jewellers team will

work with you to keep her style and personality

central to the design.

Infinity Jewellers offer in-person consultations

at their Bramley store where their design

consultants will listen to your story and discuss

designs, materials and customisation options

that capture your feelings and intent.

You can select every aspect of the ring, from

material and finish to the diamonds and

gemstones. Infinity Jewellers work with

international markets to ethically source their GIA

certified diamonds. They’ll help you select the

highest quality diamonds within your budget,

giving you much better value than a high

street jeweller.

For the ultimate sentiment, Infinity Jewellers

can even incorporate legacy jewellery into your

engagement ring – maybe your bride-to-be has

inherited her grandmother’s engagement or

wedding ring.

After your ideas have been refined, their

expert goldsmith will lovingly craft a unique,

custom engagement ring that can be ready

within four to six weeks.

Need something sooner? Infinity Jewellers

also have a range of premium quality

ready-to-wear engagement rings in stock.

And once she says yes, and the wedding

planning begins, you’ll know where to return for

your wedding rings.

Shelley and Craig did just that. They were so

impressed by their experience of engagement

ring shopping at Infinity Jewellers, they recently

returned for wedding bands.

“We went to choose an engagement ring and

didn't really know what we wanted but the staff

were so helpful, patient and understanding.

Nothing was too much trouble. They made us

feel really special. We have since returned and

purchased our wedding rings; they were perfect,

just what we wanted. Infinity Jewellers is a

brilliant place to go, far more personal than the

high street stores.”

As your local independent jewellers, Infinity is

there for every aspect of your family’s jewellery

needs. Their aftercare service includes regular

cleaning, repairs and advice about insuring your

precious items.

Propose with Infinity

www.infinityjewellers.co.uk

Aeon Court, 108 Main Street, Bramley S66 2SE 01709 931293


FASHION

Bold &

breezy

prints

From tropical motifs

to abstract flourishes,

discover the prints

redefining summer

style.

Summer fashion has always

thrived on colour, but this season,

it’s the prints that are taking

centre stage.

Turn up the volume with bold

patterns that speak louder than

words; think oversized florals,

painterly strokes, and animal print

reimagined for the modern wardrobe.

Whether you’re dressing for a sundrenched

getaway, city strolls under

blue skies or a summer wedding,

these eye-catching designs offer a

fresh way to express personal style

without saying a thing.

Our local independent fashion

boutiques have a range of fun,

wearable outfits in stock to inspire

your summer wardrobe.

Pink Boutique, Birdwell

Pink Boutique

Birdwell

Mother of the bride

& groom, guest and

special occasion

outfits in sizes 10-34

Booking an appointment

is essential, every lady is

special to us, so help us give

you the service you deserve

WHY WAIT?

Many ladies are buying

their dream dress and

spreading the cost with

payment plans available

All budgets catered for

Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm

228 Sheffield Road, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TF

(less than a mile from jct 36 M1)

Tel: 01226 743063

Pink Boutique Birdwell

Sandra Wenham

Read our

fabulous

reviews

Stylish

women’s

fashions

with something

to suit everyone

Sizes 8 to plus size

Labels include

Suzy D London

and Goose Island

Also home to

The Accessories Shop

• Lunar wedge sandals, trainers, and canvas pumps

• Bags and purses

• Jewellery and accessories

Greenscene Garden Centre, Side Farm,

Sheffield Road, Todwick, Sheffield S26 IDJ

Open Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm

07401 080 695 theclothesshoptodwick


FASHION

The Clothes Shop, Todwick

An Outfit For Every Occasion

Elegant Mother of the bride, groom and special guests,

possibly the largest selection inSouth Yorkshire

The Accessories

Shop, Todwick

Exciting New Collections in sizes 8-24

Call to book your one-to-one appointment

New Image, Sheffield

Let us help you find the perfect

outfit for your special day

Matching hats, fascinators, shoes and bags

Bespoke headpieces by Milliner Darcie Mae

A deposit will reserve your fabulous outfit

277 Middlewood Road,

Hillsborough, Sheffield S61TG

Car park atrear of store

Open Mon –Sat 10am-5pm, Late Night Tues till 7pm

Telephone 0114 2344880

Email info@new-image.co.uk

www.new-image.co.uk


OUT & ABOUT

Boxer Callum’s fight

against hunger

On Saturday 7th June,

Barnsley boxer Callum

Simpson will step into

the ring at Oakwell

Stadium for the biggest

and toughest night of

his career.

But trying to defeat the unbeaten

Italian, Ivan Zucco, for the European

Super Middleweight title isn’t his only

fight this summer.

Callum will also be fighting against

hunger as an official ambassador for

the Barnsley Foodbank Partnership.

“Barnsley’s backed me since day

one, and now it’s my turn to give

something back. Every tin. Every

pound. It all makes a difference. No

one in Barnsley should go hungry.

Let’s fight for the title. Let’s fight

for our people. Let’s fight hunger –

together,” says Callum.

The 28-year-old British and

Commonwealth super middleweight

champion from Barnsley will be

running a campaign to support

people in his hometown who may

need a helping hand to put food on

the table for their families.

In the run up to the fight at

Oakwell, Callum is encouraging

people across the borough to

support their local foodbank by

donating food staples or money.

Their most needed items are

tinned meat and fish, rice and packet

noodles, tinned fruit or veg, gravy

granules, dilute, and long-life UHT

milk. There are various drop-off

points across the borough including

Tesco stores in Darfield, Hoyland,

Penistone and Stairfoot.

Callum’s role as an official

ambassador comes at a time of

change within the charity, with the

appointment of new fundraising

officer, Andy Gaskell, and two new

trustees, local businessman Phil

Atkinson, and Father Darren Percival,

priest of Monk Bretton parish.

Find out more about Barnsley

Foodbank online at barnsley.

foodbank.org.uk. Or you can

donate to Callum’s campaign

at www.justgiving.com/

barnsleyfoodbank

partnership

Artisan

& Craft

FAYRE

Monthly

A showcase for small

independent and

home-based makers,

bakers and creators.

• 7 June • 5 July • 2 August

Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5PH

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

SPG EVENTS NW


WA7348 LV Aroundtown Summer Artisan190x137.indd 1 24/04/2025 11:34

G arden and

with a

inspiration

me time too

Shop and gardens – open 7 days a week: 9.00am-5.00pm

Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.00pm, Sun 9.00am-5.00pm

New decorative stone and

stepping stones, along with our

new stone gardens to inspire

Wonderful bedding and basket

plants, together with a full

range of made up and ready

to fill hanging baskets

Fantastic range of

vegetable plants and herbs

Compost, bark, manure,

and alpine grit

Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing meal, sipping your

favourite drink, or just soaking up the sunshine,

we’ve got the perfect spot for you

Full Breakfast Menu

Including sweet and savoury waffles and all-day breakfast pizzas

Main Menu

Daily specials, light bites, speciality sandwiches and jacket potatoes

Homemade stonebaked pizzas and Fish Friday

Delicious homemade cakes and famous scones

Home cooked Sunday Lunch

Don’t forget Father’s Day 15th June – a FREE pint for all dads

Bookings essential

Afternoon Tea

• Delicious finger sandwiches

• Freshly baked quiche of the day,

sausage roll, salad garnish and slaw

• Scones served with strawberries,

cream and jam • Trio of cakes

• Tea, coffee or soft drink

£19.95 per person

24hr notice required

On-site florist with

exquisite bouquets and

arrangements

Be inspired by this season’s

colour palette of creams,

greens and earthy tones

captured in our new range of

gifts and homewares

Pet shop

• Specialising in raw dog food

• Natural treats for dogs • The Heritage Collection

- stylish and durable dog collars and leads

Quiz Night

1st Thursday of

the month - 5th

June & 3rd July

Open the box

cash prizes

Doors open 6pm

Food served

until 7pm

Quiz starts 8pm

Entertainment

Back To ‘80s

Friday

9th May

Big hair, neon lights

and the best

throwback tunes

’80s style buffet

£25 per person

Book early

£10 deposit

The Studio

A versatile new modern space

perfect for any occasion including

Birthdays, Baby Showers, Christenings &

Weddings with an attractive garden area and

outdoor seating. Delicious food options,

resident DJ and much more ….

Italian Night

Saturday

7th June

A night full

of flavour, flair,

and fantastico

Italian food

Steak Night

Friday

18th July

£49 for 2 people

including a bottle

of house wine

Food served

until 8.30pm

Bar open until 11pm

Visit our new website www.greensceneltd.co.uk

or scan the QR code on the left

M1

M1 Jct 31

A57

Kiveton Ln

Todwick Rd

Red

Lion

Pub

WE

ARE

HERE

(on the A57

Ð only 5

mins from

Jct 31 M1)

OUT & ABOUT

Meet the new

marketers

At Rotherham Market

While Rotherham Market gets

a revamp, new traders are

continuing to join the indoor

market to benefit from the

flexibility and affordability of

running a market stall.

Here are two of the latest

stalls to open this spring.

The Styling Lounge

There’s a hair salon in the indoor market

once again thanks to experienced hairdresser

Paula Walton.

For the last 37 years, Paula has worked at

various town centre salons until more recently

when she worked from home. But when an

opportunity became available in the market,

Paula decided to relocate to bring a modern and

relaxing salon to the market hall.

Being based in the market means Paula can

maintain her reasonable prices. A ladies’ cut and

blow is just £15, a gent’s cut £6 and children’s

trim £5. She also offers a full colouring service,

along with curling, straightening and braiding.

The salon is open Monday to Saturday,

closed Wednesdays, with walk-ins and

appointments available.

Remi’s Gourmet

Treat yourself to a homebaked sweet treat at

even sweeter prices thanks to talented baker

Rameesa Noushad.

Having trained in catering and hospitality at

Rotherham College’s Wharncliffe Restaurant,

Rameesa started an Indian cookery YouTube

channel and Instagram account to teach other

people how to cook.

But after making cakes and desserts for family,

she’s recently been inspired to open her own

bakery stall in the market to sell her homemade

bakes. You’ll be spoilt for choice with brownies,

lemon muffins, carrot cake, bread pudding, and

good old fashioned school cake fresh on the

counter each day.

Rameesa also takes orders for decorative

birthday and celebration cakes at least one week

in advance.

The stall has full hygiene certification and

is open Monday to Saturday except Thursday

when she is on the outdoor market.

ROTHERHAM INDOOR MARKET

Open as usual during the redevelopment works

Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5pm

• Meat, fish and deli produce

• Baked goods

• Sweets and confectionery

• Clothing for all the family

• Nightwear and underwear

• Footwear, bags and jewellery

• Hair and beauty

• Flowers

• Cards and books

• Gifts and personalised items

• Pet supplies

• Phone sales and repairs

• Electricals and hardware

• Watches and clocks

• Fabrics and haberdashery

• Carpets

• Cobblers and key cutting

• Clothing alterations

• Newsagent

• Vapes and tobacco

• Cafes and takeaway food

• Household appliances

FREE SATURDAY PARKING in all council-owned off-street car parks

Rotherham Markets markets@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 01709 365021


OUT & ABOUT

Personalised

frame

Noonie’s

Crafts

Samsung phone

Hash’s Mobile

Phones and

Accessories

Shirt

Dress Flair

Father’s Day

gift ideas

from Rotherham

Indoor Market

Trainers

Greeting cards

Forget Me

Not Cards

Glass tankard

Melts and Memories

Pair Footwear

Leather wallet

P&P Cobblers

New fiction releases

Mike’s Famous Books

ROTHERHAM MARKETS

THE OUTDOOR COVERED

MARKET HAS MOVED

During the Rotherham Markets

and Central Library works,

the market can be found on

Effingham Street on the

following days:

STREET

MARKET

6 DAYS

A WEEK

Monday – General Market

Tuesday – Street Market

Wednesday – Antiques & Bric-A-Brac

Thursday – Rotherham Bazaar

Friday – General Market

Saturday – General Market

The indoor market will be open as usual

Monday to Saturday, from 8.30am to 5pm


OUT & ABOUT

A Sygnature menu

where steak meets the sea

Embark on a culinary adventure this summer as

the latest restaurant gets set to open down at

Rotherham’s Forge Island.

Syngature Dish will make waves

on Rotherham’s dining scene when

it opens towards June with a menu

that boasts succulent steaks and

freshly sourced seafood.

The concept is the brainchild of

brother and sister duo Dalu and

Sibbs Sikhosana who wanted to

bring a new flavour to Rotherham

inspired by their shared love of food

and cooking.

Coming from a food orientated

family, the siblings grew up in South

Africa which is where their passion

for food developed at an early age.

They have since both had

extensive careers in catering

and hospitality, with a combined

experience of over 30 years.

Dalu started as a pot wash in a

major pizza hut chain at the age of

18 and worked his way up the ladder

to front of house leadership and

management roles. He’s worked in a

variety of establishments, including

Italian, Greek and American diner

restaurants but his speciality lies

in seafood.

Sister Sibbs worked in hospitality

in Mexican restaurants and

steakhouses before enrolling on

the catering course at Rotherham

College in 2011 where she finessed

her skills in fine dining.

“I had a dream to own a restaurant

from a young age and I’m excited

that that dream is now coming true.

Sygnature Dish

“

brings a fresh

philosophy to

the plate: bold,

ingredient-driven

cooking that doesn’t

shy away from

indulgence.

”

The name is inspired by something

my husband asked me many years

ago. He said what is your signature

dish? And I told him, it is my beef

lasagne; the way I make it you

cannot get better,” she says.

Sibbs’ lasagne will be on the

menu, along with a variety of

dishes for seafood lovers and steak

connoisseurs. T-bone, sirloin steaks

and short ribs share the spotlight

with grilled prawns, mussels and the

catch of the day.

Can’t choose between surf or

turf? You won’t have to with their

build-your-own platters where you

can choose up to four items from the

main menu to share.

There will be vegetarian, vegan

and gluten-free options, along with a

changing specials menu.

The pair are also bringing their

Southern African heritage to the

menu with exotic spices imported

from South Africa and international

alcoholic and soft drinks such as

Fanta Orange, Green cream soda

and traditional Stoney-ginger beer.

Sygnature Dish brings a fresh

philosophy to the plate: bold,

ingredient-driven cooking that

doesn’t shy away from indulgence.

Their produce will be fresh from local

suppliers – and they know where

to go to for their meat, having run

successful African butcher’s shops

since 2009.

Their current shop in Rotherham

town centre, Sub Sahara African

Food Store on Effingham Street, will

be staying open. But the siblings are

excited to take on this new venture

after following the Forge Island

development since 2022.

The new steak and seafood

restaurant is in a prime spot on

the leisure site, adjoining the

Travelodge hotel.

From the first glance, Sygnature

Dish makes an impactful impression.

The fit-out has been completed by

Birmingham-based interior design

company Tailored Kollektiv, led by

former fashion designer and tailor,

Stuart Grieve.

Stuart has been inspired by

the siblings’ culinary concept and

favoured colour scheme to create an

elevated yet inviting vibe.

There will be 80 illuminated

hanging globes, curved partition

walls and delicate drapes for privacy

and a sleek marble bar. The focal

point will be a central olive tree,

along with a dramatic grid wall with

foliage brought up from Chelsea

flower market.

Sygnature Dish is on-track to

open in early June. It will be open

daily from 12pm until 9pm. Keep

up to date with its launch at

www.sygnaturedish.co.uk


OUT & ABOUT

Preloved, pearl

and personalised

pieces for everyone

Levi Charlesworth

Mexborough Branch Manager

Kath Bedford

Barnsley Branch Manager

MEXBOROUGH BRANCH

18 High Street, Mexborough S64 9AS

Tel: 01709 242 011

BARNSLEY BRANCH

2 Peel Street, Barnsley S70 2QX

Tel: 01226 284 458

www.brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk

Barnsley • Mexborough • Sheffield • Crossgates • Harrogate • Halifax • Selby • Rochdale • Leeds

DEER PARK FARM

Tea Room

Fully licensed tea rooms each with

their own individual style

We don’t serve fast food,we serve fresh food

as fast as we can with waitress service

• Breakfast • Light Lunches • Seasonal mains and specials

• Cakes and scones • Afternoon Tea Bookings (24hrs in advance)

• Yorkshire Deli Produce - Biscuits, cakes, chutney, jams and bottled beers

Deer Park Tap

Open 7 days 12pm - 9pm (last orders 8.15pm)

Dog friendly

• Rotating guest ales from Chantry, Thornbridge,

Little Critters and Bradfield breweries

• Guinness, Estrella, Carlsberg and cider on draught

• Wines and spirits • Hot drinks

Private parties catered for

including birthdays, baby showers and wakes

Quiz Night Alternate Wednesdays

14th & 28th May, 11th & 25th June

Spin the wheel and play your cards right. Cash prizes

Introducing

an exciting new food experience to the Tap

Discover our Secret Garden courtyard

Perfect to meet up with friends when the sun is shining

The Emporium

Explore over 20 independent ent

businesses over two floors

including antiques and bric-a-bracac

New

season’s fashions and jewellery ellery

Bags, purses, glasses and much more…

Perfect gifts for all occasions

Yorkshire inspired mugs,

jigsaws, chopping boards

candles and homewares

Father’s Day gifts and cards

The Deer Park Family would like to welcome

Russ & his team from The Beef Bar

Enjoy the best prime Angus steak burgers,

stonebaked pizzas and much more

Father's Day

Sunday15th June

Bring your dad for a quality burger and a good pint

It doesn’t get much better ….

Also home to Floral Chic Creations and Deer Park Farm & Country Store

SITE OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-5PM TAP MONDAY-SUNDAY 12NOON-9PM

DONCASTER ROAD, THRYBERGH, ROTHERHAM, S65 4BH

THE EMPORIUM 01709 854440 TEAROOMS 01709 850698 TAP 01709 850088

www.deerparkfarmrotherham.co.uk

Visit us on

Facebook

OUT & ABOUT

What’s On

this summer

Barnsley Garden

Party

Saturday 24th May 11am-4pm

The Glass Works Square, Barnsley

S70 1GW

Free music, dance, circus and

outdoor arts for all the family.

Delivered with support from Without

Walls.

Barnsley Live!

Saturday 21st June 12pm-10pm

Barnsley Town Centre

Free multi-venue music festival

held across 20 venues in Barnsley

Town Centre. Over 200 artists will be

performing throughout the day.

Raising money for Yorkshire Air

Ambulance.

Oughtibridge Gala

Saturday 28th June 1pm-5pm

Coronation Park, Forge Lane,

Oughtibridge S35 0GG

Entry £2, OAPS £1 kids 50p – pay on

the gate

Live entertainment. The Big Parade

led by gala royalty. Games, attractions

and rides. Scrufts dog show and

other competitions. Craft and gift

stalls. Food and drink pavilion.

Profits donated to local charitable

organisations.

AT WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE

May

Half Term

Saturday 24 May

to Sunday 1

June

th

st

KIDS

GO FREE

Get outdoors and play in the Forest of Bewilderment, or explore the beautiful blooms of the

Gardens. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Long Gallery, dine in the Camellia House, or discover secrets

untold on our new Duties and Delights Tour. There’s something for everyone this season at

Wentworth Woodhouse!

For more information, or to book, visit: www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk


OUT & ABOUT

Wentworth Village Day

Sunday 6th July 11am-4pm

on Wentworth Playing Field

Organised by the Wentworth Village Community

Association.

Performances by Thorpe Hesley Brass Band and

a folk duo. MASAS Astronomy Exhibition Solar

Sunday. Classic and vintage bikes. Dog show

Children’s rides. Fire engine. Craft and gift stalls

Raffle and tombola. Beer tent and refreshments.

Barnsley’s Big Weekend

Saturday 12th and Sunday 12th July

11am-4pm

The Glass Works Square, Barnsley S70 1GW

A packed line-up of free events and

entertainment

Saturday – Brassed On brass music

festival and Barnsley Pride.

Sunday – What’s Your Move sport

and dance day.

Wortley Beer & Music

Festival

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July

Wortley Men’s Club, Sheffield S35 7DB

Ticket prices and details to be announced

Over 60 cask ales, 25 ciders and perries and

a gin bar. Live music throughout the weekend

A variety of food options from local vendors

Raising money for Barnsley Hospice.

THE CENTRE - BRINSWORTH

Serving the community

Function Room Hire

Our modern

adaptable hall space

is the perfect setting

for all kinds of

celebrations. Whether

you are planning a

birthday party,

wedding reception or

funeral wake, our flexible booking options are

designed with you in mind. Buffet menus for a

minimum of 25 people with gluten free and vegan

options from only £6.50 children £5.00.

Bar facilities included

Meetings & Conferences

Room hire from just £17 per hour

Two meeting rooms to

hire plus versatile hall

space perfect for training

courses, meetings, and

conferences. Refreshments

and catering options

plus our onsite Café.

Family Fridays

23rd May, 18th July

and 29th August

Party in The Centre 5pm til late

Disco, karaoke and optional

fancy dress

Free entry everyone welcomee

Craft Markets &

Bric-A-Brac Stalls

Sunday 1st June 10am-2pm

Over 50 stalls to explore

• Handmade goodies and unique finds

• Support local crafters and charities

• Free entry and onsite parking

• The Centre will be open serving

food and refreshments

Craig Morris

Psychic Medium

Friday 13th June from 6pm

Book online or tickets

from The Centre

Village Fete

Saturday 12th July 11am-5pm

A free fun filled day for all the family

• Dog show • Car show • Children’s rides

and inflatables • Market stalls, lots of food,

drink and much more!

The Centre will be open all day until late

Café at THE CENTRE

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-3pm

Blue Light Event

Wednesday 13th August

• Breakfast & Brunch

with daily specials

• Sweet treats and speciality

hot drinks and bubble tea

• Afternoon Tea (24hr notice required)

Celebrating our fantastic emergency

services. Chat with the people who

keep us safe, sit in a fire engine

and explore the stalls

enquiries@thecentrebrinsworth.co.uk www.brinsworthparishcouncil.gov.uk/the-centre/

Brinsworth Lane, Brinsworth, Rotherham, S60 5BU 01709 916890 option 2


OUT & ABOUT

400 years

of flour

One of Barnsley’s best

loved heritage sites is

celebrating its 400th

anniversary this year.

King Charles I was on the throne

when Worsbrough Mill’s waterwheel

first started turning to produce

freshly-ground flour. Bread was a

staple then as it is today, and the

traditional method of milling hasn’t

changed much either.

However, it’s been trouble at t’mill

in recent years. Flour production

has ground to a halt twice since

2022; first for 15 months while £2.4

million engineering works were

carried out on the reservoir as

water levels were too low to feed

the wheel.

The millstones were only in motion

for a handful of months before

production had to stop again last

summer due to a critical fault with

the mill’s shaft. The five-metre-tall

upright shaft had become cracked

and warped, causing vibration to the

stone wheels and building.

But thanks to a campaign to raise

£40,000 for emergency repairs,

the future of Worsbrough Mill is no

longer at risk of complete closure.

And a year of celebrations is

currently underway to mark its

quatercentenary. There’s been a

new mural by architectural artist

Adam Briscoe, an official logo by

Barnsley College graphics student

Addison Batten, and videos and

soundscapes produced by the Next

Big Thing Youth Group.

The oldest parts of the mill, which

houses the waterwheel, date back

to 1625. But it’s thought there was a

mill somewhere on site as far back

as 1086.

In 1750, a mill house was built for

the miller and his family to live in,

but before that they’d live in the mill

itself. You might have noticed the

two fireplaces if you’ve visited and

seen the initials and dates inscribed

on the lintels.

The mill was modernised in the

1820s to improve output, before

a new mill was built next door

twenty years later. The new mill was

steam-engine powered but this was

scrapped in 1922 as trade for corn

and flour continued to drop off due

to a rise in cheap imported wheat.

Right up until the 1960s, the old

water mill continued to grind corn

and oats, mainly for farmers to feed

their animals.

Then in 1972 the West Riding

County Council began to restore

the mill as a working museum.

They replaced the former steam

engine with a rare 1911 Hornsby

hot-bulb oil engine that came from

Sykehouse Windmill.

When local government was

reorganised in 1974, the mill was

taken over by South Yorkshire

County Council who opened it to

the public two years later. The mill

and surrounding country park are

now run by Barnsley Council’s

museums service.

During the covid pandemic, it

was producing up to 300g of flour

a day, four times a week. The miller

transferred the grains to the mill’s

silos by a rope and pulley system.

Opening the sluice gates released

the water from the mill pond to

power the cast iron wheel which

turned the great millstones.

The organic flour, made with

grains specially selected from UK

farmers, gained a good reputation.

Deliveries were made to bakeries

and restaurants throughout

Yorkshire, as well as pallets of flour

sent out all over the country.

When the machinery is fixed and

working again, visitors will be able

to see the operating mill and explore

the site’s history and processes.

Along with seeing inside the mill,

visitors can enjoy a walk around

the expansive country park with

its Georgian reservoir, accessible

path, bountiful wildlife, and a small

adventure playground.

Worsborough Mill and Country

Park is dog friendly and free

to enter, though car parking

charges do apply. There’s a café

and toilet facilities on site which

are open daily. The mill shop is

open Thursday to Saturday 10am

until 3pm.

Worsbrough Bridge, Barnsley,

S70 5LJ. Find out more at

www.worsbrough-mill.com


OUT & ABOUT

TV heroes coming

to Gulliver’s Valley!

This summer, visitors to

Gulliver’s Valley can meet their

favourite TV stars for real life as

two special VIPs are heading for

some s-mash-ing fun.

Supertato, the world’s strongest and bravest

potato, will be at Gulliver’s Valley for one weekend

only on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June.

Then on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July,

spend your dollarbucks on tickets to meet

everyone’s favourite blue heeler, Bluey, who will

be bringing her imagination to the family-favourite

theme park.

Both characters will be making regular

appearances throughout their VIP weekends,

which is included in the admission price.

As always, there’s so much fun to be had at

Gulliver’s Valley.

Guests can take their pick from more than 30

rides and attractions, including Apache Falls,

Ghostly Galleon pirate ship, Lost Jurassic World

with animatronic dinosaurs, and Gulliver’s

Gears, which is home to the Grand Prix Racer

rollercoaster and a range of classic cars. There are

also two new editions to the Gulliver’s gears area

Turbo Tower and Crazy Planes which will take you

to new heights.

Tickets also include access to Mayhem Manor,

Gulliver’s Valley’s brilliant indoor activity area which

has climbing walls, an inflatable kingdom, soft play

area, mini golf, a build zone, and a role play town.

Book more than two days in advance to save on

ticket prices. Or why not extend the fun this spring

bank with a sleepover in a choice of family-friendly

themed dens and lodges at The Voyagers Village!

Book the ultimate staycation with their Eat,

Sleep, Stay deal which includes two days of

theme park entry, an evening meal, superb family

entertainment, a breakfast bite, and an overnight

stay on site.

There’s a wide range of accommodation options,

including Unicorn and Princess Suites, Pirate

Lodges, Captain’s Dens, Mermaid Dens, Fairy

Hideouts, Lost World Lodges and the Megalodon

Lodge.

For more information and to book your

tickets or short break, visit:

www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk

2025

SPECIAL

GUESTS

RESIDENT GUESTS

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Every day of the Season

Bing & Flop

Every day Until 15 th June 2025

Supertato

7 th & 8 th June 2025

Bluey

5 th & 6 th July 2025

FOR OPENING TIMES & PRICES VISIT ONLINE AT:

GULLIVERSVALLEYRESORT.CO.UK

Valley


OUT & ABOUT

We drive, you discover!

Nature

counts

It was a record year

for wildlife sightings

in 2024-25 according

to the Sheffield &

Rotherham Wildlife

Trust.

They received 7,626 wildlife

records covering 666 species during

the financial year through their Nature

Counts data collecting system.

The system enables the charity

to track the state of local nature,

monitor wildlife, and support

conservation efforts.

The public can submit wildlife

observations if they spot a bird,

animal or insect in their local area,

but data is also collected from

surveys, conservation partners, and

chance sightings by their staff and

volunteers on site.

The Trust manages 15 nature

reserves including Blacka

Moor, Wyming Brook, Greno

Woods, Centenary Riverside and

Kilnhurst Ings.

By using the Nature Counts

system, they’re turning these

observations into valuable knowledge

• Sales of Sport Trophies • Cups • Medals

• Shields • Tankards • Crystal • Glass

• Corporate Awards • Giftware and more...

Professional Engraving Service

for Annuals, Jewellery, Cookware etc..

that benefits both wildlife and people.

Every record helps them paint a

clearer picture of what’s happening

in nature. Are some species doing

better or worse or are there any

habitats that are changing?

Data shows that there was a

reduction in the diversity of species

recorded last year, with 121 fewer

species compared with figures from

2023-24.

The data guides the team on how

to manage their nature reserves and

protect wildlife. Recent conservation

projects include the delivery of

natural flood risk management

schemes on the Rother and

recording the return of otter along the

River Don.

You can support the charity in

their work towards a better future for

wildlife by recording your sightings

on their Nature Counts platform.

Whether you’re spotting birds in your

garden, counting butterflies in a park,

or volunteering on a survey, your

data can make a difference.

Find out more at

wildsheffield.com/sightings

The 1st choice for 1st place

Crane Forge, Spout House Lane, Bromley, Sheffield, S35 7EY

TELEPHONE: 01226 743561 MOBILE: 07713 322 414

EMAIL: info@rockinghamtrophies.co.uk

www.rockinghamtrophies.co.uk

Day trips made easy

Adults £20 | OAPs/Children £19

Sat 17th

Tues 20th

Sat 24th

Sun 25th

Mon 26h

Weds 28th

Sat 31st

Sun 1st

Tues 3rd

Sat 7th

Sun 8th

Weds 11th

Sat 14th

Sun 15th

Fri 20th

Sat 21st

Sun 22nd

Tues 24th

Sat 28th

Sun 29th

(unless otherwise stated)

May dates

Whitby Fish & Ships Festival

Buxton Market

Malton Food Festival

Bridlington or Scarborough

Whitby

Chester or Chester Zoo

Skegness or Ingoldmells

June dates

Blackpool

York or York Designer Outlet


Hemswell Market & Cleethorpes

Windsor Castle (£50 incl. admission)

Blackpool

Bridlington or Scarborough

Bury Market & Fish Tea (£36 each)


Mablethorpe

Goathland & Whitby

Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day

Macclesfield Treacle Market

Great value short breaks

Fri 18th July Tall Ships Aberdeen 4 days from £299

Mon 18th Aug Northumberland 5 days from £449

Mon 25th Aug Scotland’s Bonny Lochs and

Waterways 5 days from £379

Passports

ready…

See our

international

coach and ferry

trips online

Big plans?

Hire a Cawthorne’s coach

From 16 to 70 seats

Perfect for airport transfers,

race days, school trips, and

football away days

To book, call our box office on

01709 619832

Lines open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm

Or visit www.cawthornestravel.com

Pick-up Points: Aston/Swallownest, Crystal Peaks,

Sheffield Pond Hill and Rotherham town centre


OUT & ABOUT

A scenic walk

in Penistone

With Barnsley and Penistone Ramblers

Enjoy glorious panoramic views

stretching for miles on this lovely

circular walk around Penistone.

Distance: 7.5 miles

Start point: Car park to the rear of

Tesco Penistone, S36 9ED

From the car park entrance, take the path

to the left leading down to the Trans Pennine

Trail (TPT).

On reaching the TPT, turn left onto the trail and

continue for approx. 1.45km.

When you reach a track that crosses the trail,

turn left and continue for approx. 100m. Taking

the footpath to the left, follow the path until it

meets the road.

Follow the road down to the right for approx.

200m then take Hartcliffe Lane uphill on the left.

Follow this for approx. 900m until the path enters

Hartcliffe wood. Follow the path through the

wood for approx. 300m until you meet the road.

Take in the views from this position across

Langsett and the moors and reservoirs beyond.

Turn right and follow the road down for approx.

720m then take the second path to the right.

Follow the path down for approx.250m to a

small hamlet.

Here, take the track to the left which leads to

the main Manchester Road. Cross the road and

go down to the right for approx. 150m.

Follow the track to the left, heading along the

public footpath for approx. 1 km to Bull House

Hall and Church.

Turn right along the drive for 30m taking the

track to the left and follow for approx. 290m to

Bull House Mill.

After crossing the bridge over the river you will

find picnic benches at the side of the river, an

ideal spot for refreshments.

Continue to the right along the road for approx.

310m to the main road. Cross the road and turn

right for approx. 80m. Take the public footpath to

the left and continue for approx. 290m.

To the left you will see a gate, take this gate

and follow the field edge for approx. 430m where

a double stile leads off to the right. Take this path

that leads uphill for approx. 250m.

Pass through the gate and the path continues

up for a further 30m (do not take the drive

passed the house which is private land) here

take the path to the right.

Follow until you reach the drive, continue up

the drive to the left for approx. 450m until you

reach the main road. Turn left and follow the road

for 50m, then take the road to the right and follow

for approx.150m to Royd Moor Viewpoint.

Here you will find a walled viewing area with

seating and an information disc highlighting the

places and distances that can be seen.

On leaving, take the road to the right for 50m

then at the road junction take the road to the left

for 20m.

Where a path leads off over a stile to the right,

follow this path down for approx.800m where

it meets a path that leads around Royd Moor

reservoir. At this junction turn right and follow the

path keeping the reservoir on your left.

After approx. 480m the path meets the road.

Turn right along the road for approx. 150m to

Folly Farm. Turn left immediately after the farm

and follow the track down for approx. 450m.

At the bottom of the track a path leads off to

the right. Follow this path for approx. 500m over

several stiles eventually leading to a farm track

that bears off to the right. Follow for approx.

230m to the road.

Then take the road to the left for approx. 150m.

Where the road turns to the right, follow downhill

for approx. 180m.

At the junction turn left along the road and

continue for approx. 120m until you reach a path

which leads off to the right down the side of the

last house. Follow the path down for approx.

600m taking the stile to the road.

Turn right along the road to the main

Manchester Road turning left along the main

road for approx. 100m.

Across the road at this point is a footpath

between the houses that leads up to the TPT. On

reaching the trail turn left and continue back to

the starting point and car park.

Barnsley and Penistone Ramblers are one

of our region’s member-led walking groups.

They meet most Saturdays for a moderate

walk of between eight and ten miles. They

also run a fortnightly Wellbeing4U walk on

Wednesday mornings with easier, shorter

routes of around two miles.

Find out more at www.

barnsleypenistoneramblers.org.uk


OUT & ABOUT

Nah that’s

Sometimes you just can’t beat

a humble jam sandwich.

But it tastes even sweeter when you know the

moneyyou paid for the jam is going to preserve

animal rescue charities – and it’s stopping fresh

produce going to landfill in the process.

Nah That’s Reyt Good is a Rotherham-based

not-for-profit organisation that’s doing just that.

Mel Wilson-Rodgers and her husband Paul

spend hours in their kitchen making jams,

marmalades, chutneys, and pickles and have

donated over £45,000 to animal charities.

Their tasty product range is all made using fruit

and veg donated by generous allotment holders,

garden growers and wholesale suppliers who

happily gift their surplus yields.

The idea started over 20 years ago when Mel

worked in banking. She’d previouslyworked with

animals for over 15 years, first for the RSPCA before

becoming head vet nurse in private practice.

After leaving her veterinary career behind, she still

wanted to help animals who needed themost care.

Then an abundance of blackberries growing behind

her house gave way to a new nickname of ‘the

Jam Lady’.

“I made a load of blackberry jam and took some

into work for my colleagues to try. They went mad

for it, so I started selling it for a donation to charity.

Iended up with a shop on my desk with people

putting orders in. Then someone suggested I

should set up stalls at village fetes, and it took off

from there,” Mel says.

After taking early retirement three years ago to

care for her elderly parents, Mel has relished being

able to spend more time in thekitchen to keep up

with growing demand.

She and Paul usually make two batches a day in

their Bramley homekitchen, with three freezers jampacked

with produce ready to be turned into jams,

chutneys or pickles.

“I’ve been known to come home from the pub

with bags of rhubarb that’s someone’s brought

for me or find a load of oranges on my doorstep.

“When it’s beetroot season we make proper

pickled beetroot, which makes the kitchen look like

a bloodbath, but we can’t make it quick enough.

Same with our lemon and lime curds. They’re

spoken for as soon as they’re made.

“One of our supporters in a man called Les

who’s in his 80s. He’s got a one-acre allotment in

Dalton and most of what he grows he gives to us.

He grows tayberries that are a cross between a

raspberry and blackberry – and that’s one of our

best sellers in the summer months. But we’re only

as good as the produce we get given.”

Just like their jams, Nah That’s Reyt Good

spreads their donations far and wide amongst

many charities that support a variety of animals,

from cats and dogs to badgers, chickens,

hedgehogs and horses.

The gooseberry and pear jam or red grapefruit

marmalade you buy to put on your toast might go

towards saving stray dogs from euthanasia. While

the Caribbean banana chutneyyou’ve got for your

cheese and crackers might rescue chickens from

battery farms.

“The money is there to be given away, and that’s

the best bit. We can’t perform miracles, but we

can make a small difference to many charities. We

make annual donations to the RSPCA and South

Yorkshire Badger Group, as those are charities

close to my heart, but we ask our Facebook

followers to nominate other local charities they think

would appreciate our support.”

To keep the donation pot bubbling away, the

Wilson-Rodgers will be at various fetes and markets

this summer selling their wares. You can find

them at:

• Sunnyside Community Centre,

Saturday 31st May 10.30am-3pm

• The Centre Brinsworth,

Sunday 1st June 10am-2pm

• Fitzwilliam Road Fire Station,

Saturday 12th July 10am-3pm

They have a few outlets whereyou can buy them

from, such as the Yellow Broom in Bramley, New

York Tavern on Westgate, and Nana Flo’s Cafe in

Maltby. You can also buy online via Facebook or

email, with collection from Bramley. They regularly

post their latest line-up of preserves, with jars priced

at £2.20 for a small and £2.75 for a large.

Mel andPaul are always looking for more

supporters to donate produce, sugar or jars.

Again, get in touch via Facebook or email

ntrg01@yahoo.com to find out how to get

involved.


FAMILY

Adopt

don’t shop

With a growing number of animals waiting

for their chance of a forever home, the family

behind a Rotherham animal rescue charity

is urging people to consider adopting

instead of buying from breeders.

Adoptapaws UK Rescue

has rehomed almost

6,000 animals since

2017 and, like most

animal rescues,

they’re seeing an

unprecedented number

of animals needing

rehoming through no

fault of their own.

“We’re having to turn away

around 40 animals a week as we

just don’t have the capacity,” says

charity founder, Debbie Fryer. “Our

kennel bills are between three and

five thousand pounds a month.

Over winter we had 42 animals in

our care.”

Debbie and her husband James

rescue all creatures great and small,

from dogs and cats to gerbils and

guinea pigs, peacocks and ponies.

They opened their own rescue

after years of working with animals.

Debbie had started off working in

kennels aged 14 before qualifying as

a veterinary nurse. She

went on to work as a lead

nurse at Crooks Vets

in Rotherham for 13 years

before leaving to raise her

children.

She met James while

working in the pet and

aquatic centre at their local

garden centre, where

he was the manager.

Together they

went on to own

reputable pet

shops including

Pets are Pals in

Chapeltown and

Nature World in

Maltby.

Around 15 years

ago, they started

rescuing abandoned dogs

from abroad, mainly from Eastern

European countries like Ukraine

and Romania. But with the rise

of backyard breeders and puppy

farms in the UK, along with the cost

of living crisis, Debbie and James

were receiving more requests to help

animals from across the country.

“One day I decided I didn’t want

a business anymore; I wanted to sell

up and open a rescue. The drive and

passion I had for the shop went into

rescuing animals that desperately

needed our help,” Debbie says.

In 2023, Adoptapaws UK Rescue

became an official registered

charity. Debbie and James are both

volunteers and trustees and are

joined by two other trustees – their

youngest son Lewis and their friend

Vicki Baker.

“We don’t take a penny for the

work we do.

Everything we raise

goes towards our

kennel, vet and training

bills. But as long as the mortgage

is paid and our kids are fed then it

doesn’t matter if there’s not much

left at the end of the month for us.

The welfare of these animals is our

priority.

“We’re only a small rescue so we

can’t change the world but the more

we can do, the more we can give, the

more we will.”

Adoptapaws has been left with

a £25,000 hole in their budget after

rescuing 26 dogs from a house in

West Yorkshire five days before

Christmas. Their ‘Mad Friday’ and

the entire Christmas period was

spent caring for these seriously

neglected miniature breeds.

“What I remember most is the

overwhelming stench that hit us

when we walked in. The dogs had

been kept in cages in a cold, dark

house with no

running water or

electricity. The authorities

said the animals weren’t at risk as

the owner could get them water from

an outdoor rusty, broken tap.

“They were Lhasa Apso type dogs

and their fur was so matted they had

knots the size of tennis balls. Some

of the dogs couldn’t walk, some

had urine scalds as the matting

had fused their genitals to their

legs, others were constipated. They

all had ear infections, some had

hernias, most had dental problems.

“They’d been eating mouldy

dog biscuits and were severely

malnourished. When we first fed

them, it was like a mass brawl they

were that hungry. We had to do

around six feeds a day.

“Our kennels, Sandy Lane at

Bramley, were amazing, as was

the team at Green Vets in Sheffield.

The vet phoned me every day, even

on Christmas Day, for updates on

their progress.”

Thankfully, the dogs have made


FAMILY

a full recovery – bar the eldest male

who sadly died earlier this year – and

have since been rehomed.

Adoptapaws conduct rigorous

home checks before any animal

is adopted and make sure all

animals are matched suitably to the

adopter’s lifestyle.

All animals remain on their records

for life so they cannot be sold on or

given away should anything happen

to the new owner. Circumstances

and expectations can quickly

change, so Adoptapaws guarantee

that all animals they rehome can be

returned to them at any point.

“That’s why I wanted a younger

trustee on board. Lewis is 21, so

lifetime back-up will mean for the

animal’s whole life. Lewis is just like

me, always bringing poorly or injured

animals home. I was the same as a

child. I had every animal you could

think of, and I’d sit and study them

for hours. My mum used to say I

wasn’t like other kids who’d come

home from school and do their

homework or want to be out with

their friends.”

Whether an animal is rescued

from the pound, a home or the

street, they all go to ‘school’ twice a

week. Adoptapaws work alongside

animal trainers Invictus Squad who

assess the animals and provide

training sessions to get the animals

interacting and socialising before

being rehomed.

While there are animals that do

need a better life, the Adoptapaws

team do everything they can to keep

pets and their owners together.

They’re supported by the Jollyes

Rotherham store at Parkgate who

have set up a pet food collection

point where customers can buy food

to donate to Adoptapaws. Jollyes

also run the Billy Chip initiative in

store where the public can buy

a chip which is then given to pet

owners who are struggling to feed

their pets. They then exchange the

chip for pet food.

Debbie and the team will also

support the family, especially if

young children are at home, by

taking a food shop or providing

clothing and household items.

“There’s a difference between

families struggling and animals

being abused or neglected. The

hardest part is when a family is in

pieces because we’re walking away

with a pet they love dearly but cannot

afford to keep.”

To fund the selfless work they

do, Adoptapaws rely heavily on the

generosity of the public.

They have a charity shop on

Mexborough High Street which

Debbie’s mum Audrey runs four

days a week. All money raised

from the shop goes towards their

kennel bills.

They organise various fundraising

events throughout the year, including

their popular afternoon teas at

Richmond Park Community Centre

in Kimberworth.

Adoptapaws is also supported

by people like Mel Wilson-Rogers at

Nah That’s Reyt Good who donates

money raised from jam and chutney

sales.

You too can support the amazing

work they do at Adoptapaws by

sponsoring a dog. A monthly

donation of £5 or £10 will go towards

their mounting kennel fees and

vet bills.

Whether you’re interested in

adopting a pet or want to

fundraise for the charity,

find out more at

www.adoptapaws.org.uk

or follow them on Facebook.

Can you help Adoptapaws

get back on the road?

Just before we went

to print, we heard the

devastating news that

cruel and heartless

thieves had stolen and

destroyed Adoptapaws’

only van, leaving them

without a vehicle to

rescue and rehome the

animals they support.

The specialist van, which cost

around £30,000 when purchased

three years ago, had been at a

garage in Hillsborough for servicing.

On Wednesday 23rd April, the

charity’s trustees received a call

to say the van had been stolen

from the site overnight. It was later

found dumped in woodland with its

engine stripped out and contents

ransacked. It had been packed up

ready for a fundraising event at the

All About Dogs show in Newark.

The charity’s trustees believe it

& EQUINE

was a targeted attack.

“To say we are devastated

doesn’t even begin to cover it. The

van is a lifeline to the animals in

our care. We need that van every

single day as we never know when

that emergency call will come in.

Without it, we couldn’t have rescued

those 26 dogs on Mad Friday,”

Debbie said.

While offers for temporary

vehicles have been made from

other animal charities, Adoptapaws

need their own new van to

continue their invaluable work. It

will also need around £10,000 of

adaptations to make it suitable for

transporting animals, along with the

required DEFRA registration.

The charity has set up a

GoFundMe page to help them

overcome yet another obstacle.

You can donate here https://

gofund.me/cd0553a2 or via

PayPal by searching adopt@

adoptapaws.co.uk

Offering a bespoke, personal and caring service

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Dignity, compassion and care is always shown before,

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We also offer a collection service from your home

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home euthanasia where necessary

Fully transparent and highly professional service that leaves

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See our wall of remembrance online

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One of the UK’s most highly recommended and

reviewed Pet & Equine Crematoriums


FAMILY

Shaping

creative

futures

It’s a place where children once

roamed the halls with their

grammar school classmates.

And now Mexborough Business Centre is

continuing to provide a rich, cultural education for

young people in the town thanks to projects and

initiatives run by FOX Gallery.

The business centre’s art space is a creative

hub that encourages children, young people and

families to develop their love for arts and culture.

They organise various events throughout the

year aimed at developing the skills and

knowledge that will inspire the next generation of

Mexborough’s creative talent.

This May, FOX Gallery is taking part in

Doncaster’s Remake Learning Festival, hosting

free arts and crafts sessions at Mexborough

Business Centre during half term week.

On Friday 23rd May between 10.30am and

12.30pm, you could design a canvas tote bag

inspired by Frida Khalo thanks to a textile

stencilling session by Cre8tive You CIC.

Then on Friday 30th May from 10am until 4pm,

there will be drop-in draw-a-long sessions with

Phil Sheppard of the National Literacy Trust based

on the Iron Man by Ted Hughes – Mexborough

Grammar School’s most famous alumni.

FOX Gallery is also hosting their Marvellous

Mexborough workshop for 14 to 19-year-olds that

day. This session, which is on from 11am until

3pm, will be focused on investigating

Mexborough’s cultural heritage through film,

photography and games.

Helen Watson, creative director of FOX Gallery,

wants to spark creativity in Mexborough’s young

people, enabling them to take ownership of their

town and bring back its reputation of being an

affluent, creative and industrious place to live.

She’s excited to be leading on a new creative

pathway project later this year thanks to funding

from the government’s Levelling Up fund. The

public art project will be spread throughout

Mexborough’s town centre, celebrating the town’s

heritage and community spirit.

For further information about the Remake

Learning Festival events, call 01709 590005

or email info@foxgallery.co.uk

Let your business become

part of this historic building

Office and workspace with flexible

options to suit your business

Competitive rates

Business support

Meeting rooms

24hr access

Ample onsite

car parking

We also have businesses

open to the public:

• Old College Coffee Shop

Open Mon-Sat 9am-2pm

• Fox Gallery

Open Tues-Fri 10am-2pm

• Beauty and Aesthetics Clinic

• Hairdresser

• Hypnotherapist

• Slimming World

• Dance School

Mexborough Business Centre www.mexborough.biz

College Road, Mexborough, Doncaster S64 9JP T. 01709 590005


FAMILY

Fostering the power

of relationships

As Foster Care

Fortnight returns this

May themed around the

power of relationships,

Rotherham Council’s

fostering service is

looking to create new

bonds across the

borough.

Relationships are at the heart of

every fostering journey. Building

strong, trusting connections between

foster carers and children can make

a lasting difference in their emotional

wellbeing, sense of safety, and ability

to form healthy attachments in

the future.

Rotherham teenager Kelly has

transformed her life since living with

her foster carers, Bob and Dawn.

Before she met them, Kelly was

struggling at school and didn’t have

any aspirations. But thanks to their

support, she now has plans to do a

business degree at university and

work on cruise ships.

“Even though we aren’t blood

related, they are my family no matter

what and our relationship is

amazing. They are the only people

that have made me realise that I’m

not just a teenager in care but that I

can make a difference and I can be

the one to make a change no matter

what others say,” she says.

But it doesn’t stop there. Positive

relationships with birth families,

social workers, teachers, and other

professionals are just as important.

These connections create a

supportive network around the child,

helping to ensure consistency,

understanding, and the best

possible outcomes for a child’s

healing and growth.

Foster carer Daniel has

welcomed almost 30 children into his

family home over the last six years.

And as a father of four, he knows the

importance of maintaining a good

relationship with a foster child’s

birth family.


“It’s not our role as carers to

judge any reasons little ones are with

us. We’re here to make their time in

care feel safe and secure –

acknowledging their family helps

that. I love and care for them as a

father figure, but I never try to

replace any of their dads. For special

occasions we make cards and take

the children to buy gifts. We know it’s

difficult for both the children and their

parents, but by celebrating and

talking about feelings, we hope to

make it easier for the children,”

Daniel says.

Rotherham foster carers also

have access to support from social

workers, a therapeutic team, and the

wider fostering community.

Each new foster carer has an

induction programme to learn the

skills needed to foster, and has a

dedicated social worker and

placement team. Along with monthly

support groups, there is a buddy

system in place to pair new foster

carers with experienced ones.

One of Rotherham’s most

experienced foster carers is Christine

who has recently celebrated 50

years of being a foster carer. Since

starting in 1975 with her late

husband Peter, Christine has

supported more than 250

looked-after children, from weekend

stays to placements lasting five

years. She’s kept lasting

WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE

Wednesday 21st May 11.30am-1.30pm

Wentworth, S62 7TQ

Saturday 24th May 9am-10am

Clifton Park, Rotherham S65 2AA

relationships with many of the

children she’s fostered, creating one

big extended family.

“It’s mixed emotions when a child

leaves. You are sad, but they are

going on to their forever family, or

back to their own family. I like to say

that a little piece of my heart goes

with them. It’s not goodbye. I still see

so many of the children I cared for,

and with social media now I get

messages and photos and

Christmas cards. And I see them

grow up and be happy. What more

can I ask for?”

*Names have been changed for

safeguarding reasons

Could you foster?

The Fostering information stand will be at the following

locations throughout Foster Care Fortnight where you

can visit, have a chat and collect fostering information:

WOW EVENT

Saturday 10th May 10.30am-3pm

Rotherham town centre

ROTHERHAM HOSPITAL

Wednesday 14th May 11.30am-1pm

HospitalFoyer, Moorgate, S60 2UD

Or for more information about becoming a foster carer,

call 01709 357370 or visit www.fosteringrotherham.com

@FosteringRotherham

@FosterRotherham


FAMILY

The value of

higher

education

Higher education holds significant value in today’s

society, serving as a gateway to growth - personally,

professionally, economically and socially.

Whether aiming for a promotion,

changing careers, or simply

exploring new options, continuing or

restarting your education as an

adult provides the skills needed to

stay competitive.

University Centre Rotherham, the

town’s dedicated higher education

centre, wants to help upskill the

present and future workforces with a

range of high quality, valuable lifelong

learning courses.

Does a piece of paper

really matter in 2025?

In a world where industries and

technologies are evolving rapidly,

higher education has never been

as important.

By 2035, 88 percent of all new

jobs will require a HE qualification.

However, in South Yorkshire, less

than a third (30 percent) of working

age adults are educated to level 4

or above.

Having a higher education

qualification to your name can help

you enter the workforce at a higher


grade, improve your chances of being

promoted faster, and see you earn

significantly more than those without.

For those looking to switch careers,

higher education can provide the

credentials and knowledge needed to

make that transition smoother.

Employers are seeking candidates

who not only have the industry specific

qualifications, technical competency

and up-to-date knowledge that

highereducation provides, but also

the adaptability and pursuit of

continuous learning.

In 2024, almost 110,000 adults

enrolled onto a higher education

course. Alongside traditional degrees,

education providers like University

Centre Rotherham are seeing an

increasing demand for more flexible

pathways like vocational training and

degree apprenticeships.

Rotherham NHS Foundation

Trust apprentice, Daisy Leese, did

her level 5 apprenticeship through

University Centre Rotherham. Being in

university one day a week meant she

could fit her learning around her job

in the NHS. Throughout her studies,

Daisy received consistent support

and guidance from tutors, helping

her achieve a distinction in her final

endpoint assessment.

“I now have the qualifications I need

to progress to the next level. I have

also developed my confidence in my

own abilities and have realised I am

capable of more than I initially thought.

At work I am now more confident,

I take the lead on managing some

shifts and I allocate staff to tasks as

well as managing my own case load.

I also now teach other grades of staff

such as midwives and medical staff in

the skills of cannulation.”

Benefits beyond earnings

Higher education is not just about

learning academically. It teaches you

so many other invaluable life skills.

Doing a higher education course

pushes you to think deeply, analyse

issues, and find creative solutions, all

while putting your time management

skills to the test.

It’s also a great social experience.

You’ll make connections, build your

confidence, and find your community

at University Centre Rotherham.

For many people, higher education

is a way to rise above economic

hardship and create new opportunities

for themselves and future generations.

Plus, there are no words to describe

the pride and joy you’ll feel on

graduation day when you put your cap

and gown on and collect that piece of

paper you’ve worked so hard for.

When Naomi Hall was looking to

retrain in nursing as a mature student,

she didn’t have the right qualifications

to go straight to university. So, she

went to University Centre Rotherham

to do an Access to Higher Education

course in health science professions.

This one-year programme gives

students who don’t have a level 3

qualification the UCAS points needed

to advance onto level 4 courses.

Having been out of education for

a while, and with limited experience

with technology, Naomi found great

value in the level of support available

at University Centre Rotherham. She’s

since gone on to achieve a Master of

Medical Science in nursing studies at

the University of Sheffield.

“The librarians played a major role

in helping me with IT skills as I had not

used a computer or laptop before in

my life. They took time to understand

my background and helped me in

adjusting and adopting to different

teaching methods. Their willingness,

dedication, and support in helping me

to navigating both academic journals

and textbooks were highly influential

towards my academic journey.”

What learners find

valuable about University

Centre Rotherham

If you’re an adult going back

into education, you’re probably

looking for key things like flexible

learning options, affordable study

programmes, and a more supportive

environment.

University Centre Rotherham ticks

all those boxes and more. It opens a

world of possibilities in an inclusive

FAMILY

and welcoming environment where

everyone is one team.

Photography degree graduate

Sofia Bell was drawn to the smaller

class sizes and specialist facilities

at University Centre Rotherham. So

much so, she travelled from Swindon

each week for her lectures instead of

going to a university closer to home.

“You aren’t alone in it, and I think

that’s what differs this place from a

traditional university. Because of the

smaller class sizes, you network and

connect with everyone on the degree,

and here you’re not a number, you are

a person.”

Accessibility was the most

important aspect for Beth Hall when

looking at doing a PGCE to become

a teacher. By studying the part-time

course on her doorstep in Rotherham,

she was able to fit the evening

lectures around her full-time job.

“I’m lucky to have studied

somewhere where learning was so

easily accessible. Studying locally

made a huge difference for me. If I’d

have gone elsewhere, would I have

been able to get there in time after

work? Or would I have had to use my

annual leave to do a daytime course?”

Studying at University Centre

Rotherham also offers more value

for money than bigger universities.

Course fees are significantly lower

than the average university; full-time

courses are between £6,900 and £7,600

a year and part-time courses up

to £4,750 a year compared to the

national average of £9,250 a year.

And as many learners live at home

while doing their degree or HE course,

they save on maintenance loans or

living costs which can be a big chunk

of student debt.

What could you study

at University Centre

Rotherham?

At University Centre Rotherham,

higher education isn’t one-size-fits-all.

They offer a range of vocationalbased

higher education courses

like HNCs and HNDs, higher

technical qualifications, foundation

degrees, higher or degree-level

apprenticeships, and bachelor’s and

master’s degrees.

All of their HE qualifications are

accredited by partner universities

including Sheffield Hallam University,

the University of Hull and the

University of Huddersfield, giving you

access to top-quality courses closer

to home.

They’re also designed with

employability in mind, having

partnered with some of the region’s

most influential employers to look at

how best they can fill those skills gaps

in different industries.

Many higher education courses

have condensed timetables,

combined into one or two days a

week so students can fit their studies

in around other commitments like

families or work. There are also parttime

courses available that take place

during the evening.

From this September, University

Centre Rotherham will also be offering

HN Flex, the new, flexible route into

higher education.

Aimed at people who can’t commit

to doing the full HNC or HND over one

or two years, but still want to upskill or

retrain, HN Flex lets you cherry pick

certain modules that will enhance

your career.

They’re a great option for CPD at

work, or to help you progress into

a senior role quicker. You might be

a barber or chef and already have

the technical skills and qualifications

needed for your role, but want to

just do a unit in leadership and

management.

You’ll gain credits for each module

and can build them up over time if

required. There’s a selection of over

40 units that are all assignment based

with no exams. They’re a blended

learning approach with in-person and

online lessons, and each unit can be

completed around your lifestyle in

between three and 12 months.

As they’re modules and not full

courses, the cost is also bitesize

compared to the full HE course fees.

You can also start them at any time

throughout the academic year rather

than just September.

As you can see, there are so many

valuable benefits for embarking on

a higher education course. Very

few people regret going into higher

education – many regret not going

when they had the chance.

To find out if higher

education is of value

to your career, book

your place on our

next open event.

Wednesday 25th June 2025

4.30pm – 7.30pm

Doncaster Gate,

Rotherham S65 1DA

Tel: 01709 722806

Email: ucr@rotherham.ac.uk

BOOK YOUR

PLACE ONLINE


FAMILY

Get crafty

With Dawn Topliss

Make your own

Thank You Teacher

card and gift box

Teachers love nothing more than

a handmade gift so get prepared

for the end of the school year

with this art-felt card and gift box.

You will need:

A4 White and Purple Card

Patterned Paper & Topper

2 craft brads

Notepad block

Gems

Scissors, ruler, pencil, glue, embossing tool &

pokey tool

Method

1. For the drawer, cut a piece of white card

6” x 6”. Using your embossing tool and ruler,

score 1” in from each side. Snip tabs and glue

to make a box.

2. For the outer cover of the gift box, cut

another piece of white card 11” x 5.1/8”. Place it

horizontally on your mat and score vertically from

the left-hand side at 4.1/8”, 1.1/8”, 4.1/8”, 1.1/8”

and ½”.

3. Turn the card vertically and score 1” down the

long edge.

4. Snip all tabs up to the 1” score line and cut

off the last piece on the right-hand side. Fold all

score lines and glue tabs in place.

5. Cut four pieces of purple card 4” x 1” and

four patterned paper 3.3/4” x ¾”. Glue together

and use to decorate the sides of the box.

6. Cut two pieces of purple card 3.7/8” x 1” and

two patterned 3.3/4” x ¾”. Glue one of each to the

drawer front.

7. To make the handle, cut a piece of purple

card 1” x 2.1/2”. Fold in half lengthways and glue

together. Using your pokey tool, carefully make a

hole ¼” in from each side of the handle.

8. Use a brad through the handle and drawer

front. Now gently bend the handle and place a

brad at the other side. Glue your remaining purple

and patterned strips inside to cover the ends of

your bads.

9. To make the easel card, cut a piece of white

card 8” x 4”. Score and fold in half. Then score

and fold the front in half to create the easel.

10. Glue the card base to the top of your box

and mat and layer with purple and patterned

paper.

11. Make a stopper out of purple card and place

in front of the easel with foam pads then add your

sentiment.

12. Place glue on the easel only part of the card

and place on your chosen topper. Decorate with

gems in each corner.

13. Place a paper note block and pencil inside

the drawer or chocolates to finish.

Your Thank You Teacher Card and Gift Box is

now complete.

Happy Crafting!

The hands that guide you

in your hour of need

A third-generation Funeral Director, Dip. FD, MBIFD

National President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (2023/24)

Let us help you every step of the way

• 24 hour personal and compassionate service

• Floral tributes

• Condolence stationery

• Monumental masonry

• Catering

Our private Chapel of Rest caters for

multi-faith and non-religious services

• Ritual washing and dressing facilities

• Weekend funerals

• In-house pre-funeral ceremonies

• Repatriation to or from UK

Pre-paid funeral plans available

Our doors are

always open

88-90 Worksop Road, Swallownest, Sheffield S26 4WH 0114 287 5852

55 Bridge Street, Killamarsh, Sheffield S21 1AL 0114 228 0082


FAMILY

Capturing magical moments

that last a lifetime...

NEWBORN - BUMP SHOOTS - FAMILY PORTRAITS

CAKE SMASH - WEDDINGS - PETS AND MORE

Receive

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McLintock House, Summer Lane, Barnsley, S70 2NZ

hello@eternalmemoriesphotography.co.uk

www.eternalmemoriesphotography.co.uk

Eternal Memories Photography eternalmemoriesphoto24

More than 40 years of experience

providing legal advice in South Yorkshire

FAMILY LAW SOLICITORS

• Fixed Fee Divorce from £330

• Unmarried Couples

• Financial Settlements

• Children Law

WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE

• Will Writing

• Probate and Estate

Administration

• Lasting Power of Attorney

MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

• Delayed and Misdiagnosis

• Birth Injuries

• Hospital Negligence

• Inquests

CRIMINAL DEFENCE

CIVIL LIBERTIES

PROPERTY &

CONVEYANCING

PERSONAL INJURY

• Criminal Injuries

• Accidents at Work

• Road Traffic Accidents


Our family proudly serving your

family at your time of need for

From traditional religious

services to personalised

celebrations of life or

simple funerals

Private chapel of rest and

state of the art mortuary

Fleet of vehicles including our

100-year-old horse drawn carriage

Visit our unique Memorial Garden

The only one of its kind in the country

A peaceful setting to reflect and remember those no longer with us

New Letters to Heaven post-box

Ask us about memorial plaques, urn storage and ash scattering

Open 365 days

We also have an on-site function space for

funeral teas and services for up to 60 guests

Funeral plans available

Allowing you to plan the funeral you want

in advance. Our funeral director’s services

will be covered in your plan, which means

our fees will be fixed at todays prices and

protected against rising costs.

Create a lasting memorial

with our in-house masonry service

Timeless headstones, plaques and

kerb memorials in a range of finishes

Renovations of an

existing memorial

We carry out cleaning, repairs

and renovations

White marble and natural stone

can be brought back to a fresher

cleaner state.

Lettering can also be recut, and

older materials can be refaced and

lettering then added.

We also have a collection of

beautiful urns, memorial jewellery

and other keepsakes

On-site showroom and workshop

All work fully guaranteed and undertaken by

our experienced monumental stonemasons

Design your own memorial at

www.memorialsofelegance.co.uk

Welcoming you into our former family home

Wood Street, Swinton, Mexborough S64 8BA 01709 571 777

t 01709 555 534

See our full range of services online www.ctbutterfield.com

or email contactus@ctbutterfield.com

Also at Fellowsfield Way, Kimberworth, Rotherham S61 1NL

for a copy of our current brochure

FAMILY

A positive first

step into business

Starting your own business is a

bold and exciting step, and with

the right mindset you’re already

on the path to success.

However, if you’d feel more confident having

an advocate guiding you every step of the

way, free business support is available from

Rotherham Launchpad.

When Nicola Cameron decided to set up

her own mental health support service, she felt

empowered by Launchpad’s business advisors.

With lived experience of mental health, a

psychology degree, and years of experience as

a support worker, Nicola ventured into selfemployment

earlier this year, founding Positive

Steps Rotherham in February.

She wanted to offer one-to-one support to

people from her hometown who had lost their

confidence and independence due to poor mental

health. Keen to deliver a person-centred approach,

Nicola knew there was a need for a safe space

where people can be themselves without pressure,

judgement or expectations.

“I want people to feel they are more in control of

their own lives and have that independence and

confidence. What may be small to one person

could be huge to another and I get that; I know

how difficult life can be and the curveballs that get

thrown at us. We work hard to help people live the

life they want, which is hopefully brighter, easier

and less stressful,” Nicola says.

As well as encouraging their service users to get

out into the community by chaperoning them on

trips out, Positive Steps Rotherham can also help

with learning new life skills like cooking, prompting

medication, or maintaining the home environment.

“Already, we have had service users who are

now excited to go out and they want us to see

places they used to love going to. They’re more

settled and are grateful for the support we provide.”

Nicola says she’s grateful for the support she’s

received from Rotherham Launchpad after they

were recommended to her by a friend.

“Launchpad have been amazing and a fantastic

help every step of the way. I’ve had access to

support with HR and marketing, and I’m looking

at what other free workshops I can attend in the

near future. Launchpad also signposted me to

grants available for new businesses which helped

with things like promotional materials and a new

computer system. The advisors are always there if I

need them and I can’t thank them enough.”

Nicola is now joined by former colleague,

Gemma Wheeler, who shares her empathy and

compassion in validating people’s fears and

feelings. While the support they currently offer is on

an individual basis, there are plans to set up group

sessions such as craft and coffee mornings or a

walking group for their service users who want to

mix in a safe and controlled environment.

Positive Steps Rotherham supports adults over

18 in the Rotherham borough who have a mental

health condition such as bipolar, depression,

anxiety or schizophrenia. They accept referrals from

Rotherham Council’s adult social care team and

the NHS social prescribing service, with meanstested

funding available. They also accept privately

funded self-referrals.

Find out more at

www.positivestepsrotherham.com

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FAMILY

Legal

talk

With Elmhirst Parker Solicitors

Are

jobseekers

allowed to

use AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now

part of our everyday lives and

it’s inevitable that jobseekers

may want to use it to complete

job applications, draft CVs or

prepare for interviews.

But as with everything AI, it is important to

know when and how to use it appropriately.

This article looks at how to harness the

technology’s power without losing the human

touch needed in your job search.

Your responsibility when

applying for a job or drafting

your CV

Whether you use AI or not, you have certain

responsibilities when making a job application

or preparing your CV. One key element is to be

truthful. Honesty is always the best policy when

applying for a job.

In most instances, if you lie or bend the

truth, you will be found out. In a worst-case

scenario, if you are successful in landing the job

and are found to have lied, it is likely to lead to

summary dismissal.

What does ChatGPT have to

say?

Perhaps the best-known AI is ChatGPT. We

asked it:

“Should I use AI to complete a job

application or draft a CV? And is there anything

illegal in doing so in England?”

Here is what it said:

Using AI to help complete a job application or

draft a CV can be a practical way to ensure your

documents are well-written and professionally

formatted. However, there are some ethical and

legal considerations to keep in mind.

Benefits of Using AI for Job

Applications and CVs

1. Efficiency: AI tools can quickly generate or

refine content, saving you time.

2. Quality: AI can help improve the quality of

writing, grammar, and structure.

3. Customization: AI can assist in tailoring

applications and CVs to specific job descriptions.

Ethical Considerations

1. Honesty: Ensure that all the information

provided is accurate and truthful. AI can help

articulate your experiences and skills but should

not fabricate them.

2. Ownership: Be transparent about the use

of AI if asked. Some employers may appreciate

the initiative, while others may prefer purely

human input.

Legal Considerations in England

There are no specific laws in England that

prohibit the use of AI for drafting job applications

or CVs. However, general legal principles apply:

1. Misrepresentation: Providing false or

misleading information on a job application or

CV can have legal consequences, including

termination of employment or legal action for

fraud.

2. Data Protection: If using AI tools that process

personal data, ensure they comply with the UK’s

Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. Avoid

sharing sensitive personal information with

untrusted AI platforms.

Recommendations

1. Accuracy: Double-check all AI-generated

content for accuracy and relevance to your actual

skills and experiences.

2. Transparency: If asked by a potential

employer, be honest about the use of AI tools in

your application process.

3. Privacy: Use reputable AI services that

have strong data protection policies in place to

safeguard your personal information.

Computer-generated versus

human touch

The problem with AI-generated content is

it’s usually quite easy to spot by employers or

recruiters. As you will see in ChatGPT’s response,

there are many American spellings and unusually

sophisticated language.

Many applications regurgitate the job

description and sound generic. This immediately

raises a red flag that the candidate may not be as

skilled or experienced as they’re claiming to be.

In a pool of thousands of applicants,

employers are looking for the person behind

the job application and whether they feel they

can work well together. They’re often seeking

enthusiastic staff who have done their research,

understood the job description and know

something about the employer or industry without

relying on AI to do all the hard work.

However, AI is a useful tool to improve your

grammar, clarity and readability. Use it to review

and refine your writing rather than create your

application or CV.

AI could help with wordy CVs or applications,

highlighting your key skills and experience more

concisely. Some companies use AI-powered

applicant tracking systems to screen CVs,

scanning for keywords and phrases that match

the job description.

AI can also be a useful interview practice

tool. ChatGPT has an advanced voice mode that

can provide feedback on your delivery. Ask it to

conduct a mock interview for a particular role after

providing the job details and give feedback on

your answers. This can pinpoint weak areas that

you need to work on, building confidence for the

real event.

*This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide

information of general interest about current legal issues.

• Civil litigation

• Residential conveyancing

• Family and matrimonial

• Probate and estates

• Wills • Lifetime planning

Speak to one of our experts on

01226 282238

17/19 Regent Street, Barnsley, S70 2HP

(also in Royston, Selby and Sherburn-in-Elmet)

www.elmhirstparker.com


AROUNDTOWN

FAMILY

recognition

for Rotherham Families First

The charity behind Rotherham’s

Christmas toy appeal has been

given the royal seal of approval

with the King’s Award for

Voluntary Service.

Out of 281 charitable organisations to receive

the award in 2024/25, Rotherham Families First is

Rotherham’s only recipient of this prestigious

honour, which is the equivalent of an MBE

for charities.

Only 50 percent of charities that apply are

awarded the King’s Award, so it’s a real honour to

receive it.

Volunteers were officially presented with their

King’s Award on Tuesday 18th March by His

Majesty’s representative for South Yorkshire, the

Lord Lieutenant Dame Hilary Chapman.

Dame Hilary commended Rotherham Families

First on their uniqueness in providing anonymity to

families it supports.

“People in South Yorkshire are proud and find it

difficult to ask for help as sadly there is still a

stigma attached to it. Rotherham Families First

gives things we take for granted – toiletries,

bedding, clothing – while maintaining dignity,

privacy and respect to those who need help.

“As a nurse, I know how precious and

important those fundamental values are.

They’re at the heart of what this charity does.”

Rotherham Families First has been supporting

vulnerable families in the town since 2019, but its

roots go back 30 years. It was started by Ann

Levick who had run the Christmas toy appeal,

resources and summer holidays initiative for

underprivileged families as part of her job in the

council’s children’s and young people’s service.

Professional key workers act as a link between

those people who are without basics and their

requests for items. This might be clothing packs,

school uniform, bedding and household items,

toys and books, or baby items.

They’re also part of the South Yorkshire

Combined Mayoral Authority’s ‘Safer Place to

Sleep’ initiative which sees them provide new

cots, bedding and Moses baskets.

“I’ve seen the other end of that. Putting your

new baby safely to sleep in a new cot is a gift

money can’t buy; it’s very profound,” said

Dame Hilary.

In 2024, the resources side supported over a

thousand families or individuals in Rotherham,

while 2,061 children received a gift from the

Christmas toy appeal.

Dame Hilary had a tour of the charity’s unit at

Parkgate Shopping to see where donated items

are stored and organised ready to be sent out to

families – and couldn’t believe the level of work

the volunteers put in, down to checking every

jigsaw to make sure no pieces are missing.

“One of the most precious gifts is time. The

volunteers at Rotherham Families First all give that

and should all be very proud,” Dame Hilary said.

The Lord Lieutenant took the time to speak to

all of Rotherham Families First’s small team of

volunteers. Some help once a week, like Isaac for

work experience. And some are Christmas ‘elves’,

like youngest volunteer Charlotte, who support the

annual toy appeal.

Jennifer Mizon has been involved for 11 years

after retiring from the council’s children and young

people’s service. She washes all the donated soft

toys before they’re given out and writes each

Christmas toy appeal gift slip by hand.

“It’s really rewarding seeing all the donations

we get at Christmas and throughout the year.

People in Rotherham are so generous,” she says.

Billy Smith is another long-standing volunteer

who acts as treasurer. As operations manager at

Parkgate Shopping, Billy has been involved in the

charity for the last 14 years and was instrumental

in securing the unit at no cost when Ann was

given two weeks to move out of their former unit in

the town centre.

“In the last two years it’s come on no end, but

it’s heartbreaking that there’s still a need for it

today. We see people who have nothing

themselves but still want to help other people in

any way they can, especially at Christmas,”

he says.

And recognition must go to the woman without

whom all this wouldn’t be possible. But Ann says

it’s the special people in Rotherham who enable

her to keep doing it 30 years on.

“I can’t do it without the volunteers, can’t do it

without Parkgate Shopping, and I certainly can’t

do it without Rotherham people who come

together every year. The local businesses, the

churches, the schools, members of the public.

They go and they buy something because they

don’t want a child to go without on Christmas

morning. We are special people in Rotherham.

Celebrate it.”


To find out how to donate to Rotherham

Families First or become a volunteer,

follow them on Facebook or email ann.

familiesfirst@gmail.com

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FAMILY

Buy a brick to house

homeless veterans

Could you help homeless

veterans get off the streets by

donating towards a new halfway

house in South Yorkshire?

That’s the new appeal recently launched by

Help 4 Homeless Veterans. The South Yorkshire

charity plans to purchase a property that will help

them put a temporary roof over the heads of

more veterans experiencing homelessness.

The Buy a Brick project has a target of

£400,000 which charity CEO, Steve Bentham-

Bates, says will save them tens of thousands of

pounds in hotel fees each year.

Last year, the small charity spent more than

£80,000 supporting 73 veterans. But with rent

prices rising, they are now keen to move forwards

with their ambitious ‘halfway house’ plans which

will leave more money in the pot to continue their

wraparound service.

The charity supports the military community in

Yorkshire and the Humber facing homelessness

to get back on their feet.

They provide emergency stays in hotels or

B&Bs while their trustees help them to secure

social housing or private rented accommodation.

They can also support veterans with the first

month’s rent, housing bonds, and furniture.

Housing is just the starting point. They offer

therapy sessions at a farm in Messingham run


by Steve’s fellow RAF comrade, Jamie Quinn.

Over the winter months they also delivered food

parcels leading up to Christmas and doled out

£100 winter fuel payments for elderly veterans

who had lost their government fuel allowance.

But the new halfway house is 69-year-old

Steve’s final swan song before he retires from

the charity after ten years’ service. He joined as

CEO in 2015 following a 24-year RAF career and

a further 18 years in recruitment for The Regular

Forces Employment Association.

“We all want to leave our mark on the world,

but I want this to be the thing I go out on. I find

it so upsetting that the people we support are

almost always blokes who have served their

country but they’re now at their wit’s end talking

about suicide.

“We’re small enough to react quickly when

people are in a crisis; once we get verification

from military records, we can house people

fast. But this new house will make things even

smoother. If we can’t achieve it when our local

MP, John Healey, is the defence secretary and

is supporting our project then when will we?”

Steve says.

Help 4 Homeless Veterans already has around

£100,000 to put towards the property, thanks to

ongoing support from organisations like the Army

Benevolent Fund and the Veterans’ Foundation.

But they’re encouraging the public to get involved

by fundraising, donating or having a collection

pot in their business premises.

“There are over two million veterans in the UK,

but you wouldn’t know it as we don’t walk around

with our blazers or badges on. We’ve supported

over 1,100 veterans since the charity was formed

in 2010 and on average we help rehouse around

one person a week. We’ve got to have at least 12

months’ running costs in the bank to continue,

but one phone call could see two or three

thousand pounds go like that,” Steve says.

Despite government promises of ‘homes

for heroes’ and millions of pounds in funding

for initiatives like Operation Fortitude, the issue

of homelessness among veterans remains

a growing concern. Between three and four

percent of the homeless population are veterans.

Figures have increased by 14 percent in recent

years. Mental health, relationship breakdowns

and a lack of affordable housing is fuelling

these figures.

There’s also a culture of pride and selfreliance

amongst the Armed Forces community

which prevents many veterans from asking for

help when they need it.

Amber Guymer-Hosking knows all too well

how invaluable the support provided by Help 4

Homeless Veterans can be. She turned to the

charity in 2017 after being medically discharged

from the army due to PTSD and knee injuries.

Having joined the medical corps as a

teenager, she left the Army with no support

and no home to return to. As her mental health

declined, she found herself homeless with a

young baby. Help 4 Homeless Veterans rehoused

her in Mexborough where she stayed for two

years until she was mentally strong enough to

move back to her hometown of Lowestoft in

Suffolk. She’s now involved in the charity and the

plan is for her to be the live-in manager of the

halfway house.

“This new building will mean we can

immediately help someone instead of searching

for a hotel with availability. We can get veterans

off the streets quicker which will help with

their mental health issues that many veterans

suffer with.

“I’ve been there. I understand what they’re

going through. It feels defeating. Your pride and

ego disappear and you feel helpless. The support

we give is vital for veterans and it’s why I want to

give back.”

If you or your organisation wants to get

involved in the Buy a Brick project, contact

Steve for more information by emailing

ceohelp4homelessveterans@gmail.com. Or

visit help4homelessveterans.org

FAMILY

Show your

support

for Armed Forces Day

This June, join the

biggest celebration of

the military community

as Armed Forces

Day events return

to Barnsley and

Rotherham.

Armed Forces Day is your

chance to show your support and

appreciation for serving troops,

service families, veterans and

cadets from the army, air force, navy

and reserves.

Both our towns are hosting free

family events in their respective

town centres with military parades,

marching band performances, and

military-themed activities.

Barnsley Armed

Forces Day

Saturday 14th June

10am-4pm

The military parade will start at

10.25am from New Street, going

along Cheapside to the Glass

Works Square.

Throughout the day, there will

be armed forces themed activities

at the Glass Works Square including

an airsoft range, climbing wall, face

painting, and live performances.

Rotherham Armed

Forces Day

Saturday 21st June

10am-2pm

The military parade will start

at 10.20am from College Street,

heading through the town centre to

All Saints Square.

Here, there will be a parade

inspection, Act of Worship,

speeches and Cadet displays.

There will be a marching band

performance at 11.10am followed

by other live performances in the

Square until 2pm.

A Dakota flypast has also been

arranged at some point during the

day, so visitors can expect to marvel

at the historic WWII aircraft in the

skies over Rotherham.

All events are weather

permitting.

For more information visit

www.armedforcesday

.org.uk

Over 200 years creating

opportunities for people to meet

up and make friends, supporting

members in times of need

We host regular inexpensive social events

A NON-PROFIT, MUTUAL SOCIETY,

RUN BY MEMBERS FOR MEMBERS

EVERYONE WELCOME

Oddies Hikers

A free walking group everyone

welcome including our four

legged friends

All start times 11am

- call 01709 838673 to book

Millhouses Park, Sheffield.

Friday 23rd May - Meet at Park

café, Abbeydale Road South,

Sheffield S17 3LA

Cliffe Park, Dronfield

Wednesday 28th May - Meet at

café, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield

S18 2XP

Cusworth Park, Doncaster

Thursday 5th June - Meet in car park,

Cusworth Road, Doncaster DN5 7TU

Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

Monday 9 th June - Meet at Coach

House café, Parkside Road Sheffield

S6 2AB

Barnsley Social Afternoon

th

Thursday 29 May 2pm

A talk from one of our members,

photographer David Turner.

Everyone welcome

Members free, Guests £3.00

Boatman’s Rest, Edmunds Road,

Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley S70 4TD

Chippy Lunch

Friday 30 th May 12.30pm

Join us for lunch at The Plaice to Be

Rotherham.

Everyone welcome

Book by Friday 23 rd May

Pay direct to Plaice to Be

4 Bridgegate, Rotherham S60 1PQ

Become a

member from just

Like our page and we will keep you posted on what’s coming up

m

£25

a year

Sheffield Social Afternoon

Wednesday 18 th June 1.30pm

A talk by historian Eric Jackson

entitled “After You’re Dead” with his

enthralling tales of grave robbing.

Everyone welcome


Central United Reformed Church, 60

Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB

Oddfellows Summer

Outing to Cleethorpes

Thursday 19 th June 9am

Let’s walk along the front, have fish

and chips, an ice-cream and maybe a

paddle in the sea.

Everyone welcome

Bookings essential by Thursday 12 th

June Tel 01709 838673

Members £17.00, Guests £23.00

Pick-ups: 9am at Mecca Bingo

Corporation Street,

Rotherham S60 1NG

9.30am at Pond Hill (outside Penny

Black pub), Sheffield S1 2BG

Barnsley Social Afternoon

Thursday 26 th June 2pm

Kevin Lennox takes us on a travel

journey to Switzerland and the

Swiss Riviera,

Everyone welcome


Boatman’s Rest, Edmunds Road,

Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley S70 4TD

Call us on 01709 838673

or email lesley.walton@oddfellows.co.uk

40 Westgate, Rotherham, S60 1AS


HISTORY

The

underground

army

A significant part of the

First World War was fought

underground. But those who

dug the Western Front tunnels

critical to the Allied strategy

have rarely been recognised in

historical literature.

Until now.

South Yorkshire historian, Brian Elliott, has

published a new book titled Miners and the Great

War, looking at the contribution of British miners in

WWI both on the frontline and the home front.

With a generational connection to mining dating

back over 150 years, former teacher Brian wanted

to keep the story of coalmining going by looking at

a previously neglected area of mining history.

“Miners’ roles in the war hadn’t been written

about before and it’s a story that needed telling.

Miners were pulled in two directions: to join the

forces and serve their country, or to stay at home

and dig the coal needed to power the war.

“I found lots of stories that had never been told

before of people now long gone. In my childhood

growing up in Carlton, everyone I knew had a

mining connection. The slagheap dominated the

skyline, and we had a community that helped one

another. But times have changed and there’s not

so much of that available now,” Brian says.

Having already written over 40 books and 300

historical articles, Brian’s latest book, published

by Barnsley-based Pen and Sword, took 11 years

to complete.

Over that time, Brian researched the stories of

800 miners from across the coalfields, whittling

them down to around 100 mini biographies to

include in the book. His research took him near

and far, scouring newspaper archives, visiting war

memorials and the National Coal Mining Museum,

and doing battlefield tours in the Somme, Ypres

and Lochnagar.

Brian has also included a chapter on Silverwood

Colliery to show how mass deployment to the

army, navy and air force impacted the pits back

home.

About half a million miners served in WWI,

mostly as volunteers. One in five military volunteers

came from the coalfields, answering Lord

Kitchener’s call by signing up together in the many

Pals battalions.

“Miners worked underground with all their mates

around them. If one went to the recruiting office,

it’s unlikely he went on his own.”

Colliery workforces were decimated, with up to

one in three of a colliery’s employees swapping

their pit duds for khaki.

Mining was a dirty and dangerous occupation,

as Brian knows all too well. His father was a miner

at Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery in Carlton from

the age of 14. As a teen, he was fortunately off

shift when an explosion in 1936 killed 58 workers

at the pit.

“When my dad went to work, my mother was

always very anxious because she wondered if

she’d ever see him again. There were so many

accidents in collieries up and down the country.

“Joining the army meant that these young

lads could get out of it, see the world and spend

time outdoors in the countryside. They saw it as

a proper job, with a uniform and better pay, and

they’d only be away for a few months – or so

they thought.

“They didn’t know the conditions in the trenches

and tunnels would be even more dangerous.”


HISTORY

Other miners were specifically recruited to join

the Royal Engineers tunnelling companies and the

Royal Army Medical Corps.

By July 1916, there were 25,000 specially

trained British tunnellers working round the clock,

365 days a year. Hewers who dug coal manually

were enlisted to dig complex warrens of tunnels

under No Man’s Land where landmines would be

placed to blow up the enemy troops.

Military mining was intense – far more

dangerous than extracting coal back home.

Usually only armed with a bayonet or their bare

hands, or a small spade if lucky, these small

but strong tunnellers had to pick into the heavy,

oozing clay, risking being buried alive, drowned,

asphyxiated by lack of air, or poisoned by gas.

Generals also saw great value in the thousands

of miners who had first aid and mine rescue

training. They joined the RAMC as ambulance men

and stretcher bearers. But days into the war they

saw the true horror of the front line in battles like

Mons and Loos.

Harold Fitch was a 23-year-old miner from

Denaby Main Ambulance Corps who volunteered

for the RAMC. He was posted to France in August

1915 for the Mons debacle, then to Loos in

September 1915 where he was shot in the arm

and poisoned by gas. Fitch was discharged but

detailed to work on the hospital shift before being

fully discharged in 1919 aged 28. He won various

military medals for his bravery and comradeship.

“There was an in-built camaraderie amongst

miners to help others, no matter what. If someone

got hurt in the pit, you’d go and rescue them even

if you didn’t like them. Generals saw this as an

asset, and it resulted in so many gallantry awards

for miners. There were 51 miners who won the

Victoria Cross; no other single occupation had as

many,” Brian says.

Key miners such as hewers and haulage men

were exempted from conscription after the spring

of 1916. They were needed in Britain to fuel the

war effort and keep the country going – no coal

meant no power and no life.

But such was their demand for use in tunnelling

and in the medical services on the front lines that

even these, many thousands of them, continued to

be brought into military service, a process known

as ‘combing out’.

With almost 300,000 miners having left the

mines by then, employment was reduced at

every colliery from Scotland down to Wales. Pits

were staffed by older miners who exceeded the

age limit, those under 5ft3 who were too short to

join, or the very young and inexperienced school

leavers or unemployed who’d been recruited to fill

the empty positions.

Thousands of women and girls were also

brought in to work as ‘pit brow lasses’, with girls

as young as 13 sorting coal, operating weighing

cabins, or stacking timber on the pit top.

As the war went on, and the death toll rose,

height and age limits altered for miners, with lots

of older miners with over 20 years’ experience

combed out from the collieries to help the

war effort.

Back in Britain, mining communities were

mourning the huge loss of life from the bloody

battles of Loos, the Somme and Passchendaele.

But they were also having to contend with a rising

number of deaths and accidents at the pits.

Around 7,000 miners were killed at work during

the war.

Miners and the Great War also includes

chapters on miners who were captured as

prisoners of war or were conscientious objectors

who refused to sign up for religious, political or

pacifist reasons.

The latter faced far worse fates than imaginable,

an aspect of his research that Brian says he found

the most shocking.

“Any soldier who turned down a command

could be court martialled, sentenced to hard

labour at places like Wormwood Scrubs, or

even killed by firing squad. Some died of ill

treatment, but about 300 soldiers were executed

for desertion. They’ve all been pardoned now,

but there’s a memorial of a blind soldier at the

Arboretum in Staffordshire.”

If they did survive, ‘conchies’ were ostracised by

society; miners refused to work with them back in

the pits and trade union COs were treated badly

by the authorities.

As for PoWs, there was estimated to be

between two and five-thousand miners who were

captured in the war. Some were made to work

in German coal and salt mines in conditions far

worse than the UK. They were beaten with shovels

for not meeting targets or placed in solitary

confinement for refusing to work. Many died from

dehydration and starvation, while others gave

themselves injuries to escape the unbearable

conditions of the camps.

A Rotherham Main miner, Lance Corporal Oliver

Card, was killed while a prisoner at a camp near

Rheims. He was beaten with a stick by a sentry

for no apparent reason. When he tried to defend

himself, the guard then shot him. He was 22.

As Armistice eventually arrived, four years, three

months and two weeks after the Great War started,

then began the mammoth task of demobilisation.

With coal mining classed as a priority, miners

were some of those released from service the

earliest. But re-employment back into the collieries

proved problematic.

“Many miner soldiers went back to the pits if

they were able to, many with life-changing injuries

or missing limbs. They had to go back to work as

their disability pension applications were denied.

But while a lot did get their jobs back, others

couldn’t as new people had replaced them.”

Rotherham hewer Walter Ackroyd was shot in

the thigh in 1917, needing his leg amputating.

But remarkably, he managed to return to work

after the war, becoming known as the one-legged

miner. He worked down the pit as an underground

train driver – even with one leg – then became a

councillor after retiring.

As the Great Depression of the 1920s hit,

miners were in the trenches one minute and on

the dole the next. There was mass unemployment,

pits closing, poverty and people starving. Soup

kitchens were set up in industrial areas and miners

went on hunger marches.

By the 1930s, one in five miners was

unemployed – the same ratio of those who

volunteered to serve in WWI.

“The sad thing is miners were promised ‘homes

for heroes’ but miners formed a good proportion of

those on the scrapheap.”

Brian’s latest release serves a timely reminder

around Armed Forces Day of the unrecognised

heroics of this underground army.

The hardback book is available to buy

online at www.pen-and-sword.co.uk


FAMILY

A tribute to Rotherham’s

flying picket

Bruce Wilson

Following the sad passing of former miner, Bruce Wilson,

on April 10th, we’re resharing the article published about his

experience in the 1984-85 Miner’s Strike.

When we met last year, Bruce had us laughing

at tales of how he used his ingenuity and

determination to get past police roadblocks –

and sometimes speechless by the brutality he

experienced.

But what we remember most about Bruce was

how his memories were so vivid, and his passion

still so present, it felt like we were back there in

the epicentre of the strike action with him. It made

us appreciate the reality of what he and so many

others like him went through.

He spent the year picketing collieries up and

down the country, flying about with a band of

brothers in his trusty ‘battlebus’ a battered Triumph

2.5 TC.

With Bruce in the driver’s seat, he was joined by

younger brother Bob Wilson as co-pilot, two fellow

Silverwood miners Shaun Bisby and Daz Goulty,

and a Cortonwood miner ‘Captain’ Bob Taylor.

The escapades of these thirty-somethings were

meticulously documented by Bruce in both his

diary and on camera. His diary was an honest

account of the trials, tribulations and tricks that the

flying picketers went through during that long year.

“I never held back. If I threw a brick, I said I did.

We got sucked into dirty tactics as we were so

fed up of getting a beating. I have no regrets for

what I did. I’m the same person now as I was then.

Adversity was water off a duck’s back.”

He wrote of the wonderful highs, the comical

comradeship he and his fellow flying pickets

endured together. They had a Deed of the Day

medal, an old breaststroke medal that they

covered with an NUM sticker, that was awarded for

bravery or stupidity.

Captain Bob won it the most times for deeds

like losing his trusty flat cap when trying to evade

police, or having to sit in his purple nylon pants on

the way home from picketing after getting soaked

jumping in a ditch. He donated the medal to the

National Coal Mining Museum and it is now part of

their collection.

But there were also unbelievable low points.

Bruce’s brother Bob once had his house burgled

while picketing. They didn’t take the TV or anything

of value, but they did nick his NUM issued food

hamper.

One standout memory is of getting arrested

in Scunthorpe for obstructing the highways after

stopping traffic on the motorway. It was a hot

summer’s day and the convoy were playing

football to pass some time when a coach full of old

ladies was trying to get through.

“Me being me, I pulled out of the blockade to

let them through. I used to put paper over my

reg plate but it never stayed on. The old ladies

must have given the police my reg number as

the next thing we knew, a van load of riot police

turned up looking like Darth Vader with the full

visors on. They kicked the van doors open and

Bruce as photographed by Michael Donald

came charging at us with truncheons blazing. I

accelerated and set off. I wasn’t intimidated by

them. It was just a bit of fun to us.”

Bruce and the rest of the lads were eventually

arrested and found themselves 30 to a cell in

what he says was like the Black Hole of Calcutta.

Despite the cramped and sweaty conditions, they

did get a good meal out of it – stew and chips!

He also made a list of all the picket line police

personalities – those who were alright, those who

were half and half, and those who were hellbent

on ruling the strike. He remembers one officer he

really took offence to ramming a brand new police

Range Rover into a snowman that the miners had

built around a concrete bollard at Kilnhurst pit.

Yorkshire’s Flying

Pickets, edited

by historian Brian

Elliott, is available

to order from Pen

and Sword for

£11.99

www.pen-andsword.co.uk


FAMILY

Bruce and Brian at the National Coal Mining Museum, Jan 2024

Brian Elliott in Bruce’s Rawmarsh home in 2004

An emotive image from Dan Gordon’s film

Brian Elliot, the author

of the book published

from Bruce’s diary,

pays his own tribute.

Bruce may have lost his fight with

cancer but will be remembered for

his unfailing advocacy for miners

and their families during the strike.

His recent appearances in BBC

and Netflix documentaries will

endear him forever in the hearts

and minds of anyone who objects

to the great injustices that occurred

before, during and after one of the

most fractious industrial episodes in

modern British history.

What made the strike different

was that it was for jobs and

communities rather than wages and

Bruce listening to Arthur Scargill speak in March 2024

conditions. That is why Bruce and

his mates roamed far and wide; to

demonstrate what they stood for

and why pits should not be closed

for political reasons.

‘The miners will never be

defeated’ was a popular slogan of

the period and, even decades later,

Bruce never admitted the strike

was a loss. Rather it was ordinary

workers and their families standing

up — against overwhelming odds

— against a state that deployed

underhand, ‘dirty tactics’ that have

only recently surfaced more than 40

years later.

I first met Bruce in 2003 after

he contacted me about a diary he

had kept during the strike. I had

already published ‘The Miners’

Strike Day by Day’, based on Arthur

Wakefield’s writings about the

strike.

Arthur was almost at retirement

age when the dispute started,

so the prospect of another diary

from someone much younger,

and perhaps even more active,

appealed to me greatly.

So off I went to Rawmarsh to

meet Bruce and his wife Gay - and

their dogs! It was the start of a long

friendship, though in more recent

years our contact was occasional

rather than regular.

Bruce’s diary was a challenge

for me as it was on loose sheets,

but he had also collected a variety

of ephemera and was full of stories

about the strike. It took over a year

to compile.

Published by Pen & Sword in

2004 for the 20th anniversary of

the strike, Bruce and I began a

period of promotion including an

appearance on Calendar and an

interview with Tony Capstick on

BBC Radio Sheffield.

The book received excellent

reviews in the media and, more

importantly, was bought and

appreciated by many miners and

their families.

In recent years, especially

in the build up to the strike’s

40th anniversary, Bruce was in

demand by several documentary

film companies. One of the most

notable was Sheffield-based

filmmaker Daniel Gordon who was

making the film ‘Strike: An Uncivil

War’.

In 2023, Bruce and his mates

were filmed at Silverwood Miners

Welfare, a perfect location as it was

the scene of so many events in and

after 1984.

The film premiered last June at

Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre on the

40th anniversary of the Battle of

Orgreave, the most iconic date in

the strike, and won an award for

audience response in the Sheff Doc

Fest.

Unfortunately, Bruce couldn’t

attend the premiere but, in many

respects, he was the star of the

show and gained great respect

from so many who saw the film

when it was given national and

international coverage.

Sadly, the last time I saw Bruce

was in a packed room in Wombwell

Working Men’s Club in March

2024. This was a special event to

commemorate the start of the strike

which included a rare speech by

Arthur Scargill - I presented him

with a copy of the ‘Flying Pickets’

book for the occasion.

RIP my miner friend and thank

you for keeping the true story of the

miners’ strike alive for present and

future generations.


HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Magical May

& Joyful June

With garden designer, Sally Cunis

Rose “Lady of Shallot”

As the swallows return from

their winter quarters, the woods

are carpeted with bluebells,

celandines and anemone

nemorosa.

Trees and shrubs are now clothed in rich green,

the white and pink blossom of the fruit trees and

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Hardy geraniums make good ground cover

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Hardy geranium (Cranesbill)

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greenhouse to keep up the humidity, opening

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In the vegetable garden, carry on earthing up

potatoes, weeding between crops and thin out

Cistus purpureus Erythronium “Pagoda” Brunnera “Jack Frost”

Oriental Leopard’s Bane


HOME & GARDEN

Spring has arrived

We’re so excited we wet our plants

Redcurrants

Allium aflatunense

direct sown vegetables such as

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of tree work

undertaken

• TREE FELLING

• REMOVAL

• STUMP GRINDING

• TREE REDUCTION

• STORM DAMAGE

• HEDGE CUTTING

• CONNIFERS TOPPED

AND TRIMMED

Free

quotes

Trained in City & Guilds NPTC Level 3

in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue

and also Aerial Cutting of Trees

with a Chainsaw

• Fully insured

• Everything we produce is 100% Recycled

Call Mick on 01709 559100

or 07957 196054

Find us on Facebook

Specialising in

unusual hardy

perennials,

ornamental

grasses and

textured foliage

grown in our

four-acre historic

walled garden

Family run | Traditional propagation techniques

Peat-free compost |Naturally grown without chemicals

Open Weds-Sun 10am-4.30pm | 01709 963 735

Doncaster Road, Hooton Roberts, Rotherham S65 4PF

(opposite Earl of Strafford)

www.hootonswallednursery.co.uk


YORKSHIRE GARDEN ANTIQUES LTD

Discover our range of architectural garden antiques,

stone troughs, mill stones, statues and garden furniture

FIND US AT THE REAR OF CANNON HALL GARDEN CENTRE

BARK HOUSE LANE, CAWTHORNE, BARNSLEY, S75 4AT

OPEN 6 DAYS

Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat & Sun 10am-3pm (Closed Wednesday)

Also on-site museum, farm shop and cafés

Contact Lee. 07984 774448 yorkshiregardenantiques@hotmail.com

www.yorkshiregardenantiques.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

Valeside

Tree Care

• Tree removal

• Crown reductions-lifting-thinning

• Deadwood removal

• Stump grinding

• Hedge cutting

• Garden maintenance

• Log sales

City + Guilds qualified

Fully insured

Free

Quotes

No job too big or small

We are based in Ravenfield covering

all areas of South Yorkshire

DRIVE CLEAN SPECIALIST

Transform the

look of your

outdoor surfaces

and bring them

back to life.

• DRIVES

including

block paved,

imprint concrete

and tarmac

• PATHS

• DECKING

• WALLS

AFTER

BEFORE

OFFICE:

01709 533697

GED:

07775 644 983

JOE:

07717 530 590

EMAIL: enquiries@valesidetreecare.co.uk

www.valesidetreecare.co.uk

Maintain The New Look - All Year Round

Why not let us apply our high quality block paving sealer.

This process helps prevent the loss of sand and

enhances the colour with amazing results.

.

1000’s of

Delighted

Customers

Covering all postcodes within 5 miles of Rotherham

Tel. 07722 911744

Fudge’s Coffee Stop

Open 7 days

Monday to Saturday 8.30am-4pm

and Sunday 10am-4pm

The perfect pit stop

whatever the weather

Garden rooms

and log cabins

designed to fit your garden

Complete customisation

size, layout, windows and doors, finish

Option of full insulation and

electrical supply

Designed, manufactured and

installed by us

Longacre Garden & Leisure

Heavy duty sheds

Quality deluxe and premium sheds on site

Made to order in any size

3 roof styles – Apex, Hi-Pent and Pent

Installation included

Garden structures and furniture

• Gates • Arbours and benches

• Arches • Pergolas – wooden and aluminium

• Planters in various sizes

Decking, fencing and timber

Wooden or composite • All cut to size

New

outdoor

seating

Boots and

paws welcome

Serving

tea, coffee

and cake

Browse our sustainably

made gifts and homewares

Wellness candles and diffusers

Open 7 days Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm Sat 8am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm

Barrowfield Lane, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TP 0800 088 5834 • www.l-gl.co.uk


FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Sweet

summer

bakes

As World Baking Day arrives this May,

whip up some sweet treats with these

family-friendly summer baking ideas.

Peach pavlova

Ingredients

175g golden caster sugar,

plus 35g for the coulis

75g light brown soft sugar

4 large egg whites, room

temperature

1tsp cream of tartar

300g raspberries, blueberries or

strawberries

20g unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp clear honey

3 peaches, stoned and sliced

into wedges

300ml whipping cream

Method

1. Preheat the oven to

150C/130C fan. Draw a 22cm

circle on a large sheet of nonstick

baking paper, then flip and use to

line a large baking sheet.

2. Mix 175g caster sugar and

the brown sugar in a bowl and

set aside. Put the egg whites

and cream of tartar in a large

non-plastic mixing bowl and beat

to stiff peaks. While whisking,

gradually add the sugar mix a

spoon at a time until dissolved and

the meringue is smooth, stiff and

glossy.

3. Spoon the mixture inside the

baking paper circle. Use a palette

knife to drag up the edges from the

bottom to give height and make

textured ridges around the side,

leaving an indent in the centre.

4. Bake for 10 mins, then reduce

the oven to 110C/90C fan and

bake for another 1 hr 50 mins.

Turn off the oven and leave the

meringue inside with the door

closed until the oven is completely

cool – at least 4 hours or ideally

overnight.

5. To make your coulis drizzle,

mash 200g of your fresh fruit with

the remaining 35g caster sugar in

a bowl, cover set aside for at least

15 mins or up to 2 hours. Push

through a sieve to remove the

seeds then pour into a jug.

6. Heat a griddle pan over a

medium-high heat. Mix the melted

butter and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl,

then add the peach wedges and

turn to coat. Griddle in batches for

1-2 mins each side until charred.

7. Whip the cream, then stir

through the remaining honey.

Spoon into the meringue indent,

then top with the peach slices and

remaining berries. Drizzle with

some coulis and serve with the rest

on the side.

Lemon and blueberry

baked cheesecake

Ingredients

For the base

300g digestives or ginger biscuits

150g unsalted butter, melted

For the filling

600g full fat cream cheese or

mascarpone

200g caster sugar

30g plain flour

3 medium eggs

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of 2 lemons


175g creme fraiche/soured cream

For the topping

Lemon curd

Blueberries and lemon slices

Method

1.Preheat your oven to 220C/200C

fan. You will need an 8’’/20cm deep

springform tin.

2. Blitz your biscuits in a food

processor or bash them in a bag with

a rolling pin to a fine crumb. Pour

in the melted butter and mix or blitz

until combined. Press down firmly

into the tin and refrigerate.

3. Whisk the cream cheese until

loose then gradually add in spoons

of sugar and flour, making sure each

spoonful is fully incorporated before

adding another.

4 .Add in the lemon zest and juice

then gradually pour in the eggs while

whisking slowly.

5. Fold through the soured cream

or creme fraiche then pour into the

tin and level out. You could add in

fresh or frozen blueberries with the

cream if you like.

6. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes

and then reduce the temperature to

110C/90C Fan and bake for a further

25-30 minutes.

7. Leave the cheesecake to cool

in the oven with the door slightly ajar

for 2 hours.

8. Once cooled, cover with foil

and refrigerate the tin overnight for a

mousse-like texture.

9. Before serving, run a butter

knife around the edges of the tin then

carefully remove from the tin.

10. To decorate, smother with

lemon curd and top with blueberries

and fruit slices.


Join us for breakfast, lunch and

sweet treats and enjoy a fusion of

Turkish and English dishes

Ice cream biscuits

Ingredients

200g unsalted butter, softened

200g golden caster sugar

1 large egg

½ tsp vanilla extract or 1 lemon,

zested

400g plain flour plus extra for

dusting

To decorate

Ready-to-roll fondant or icing

sugar mixed with a little water and

food colouring

Sprinkles

Ice cream shaped cutters

Method

1. Preheat your oven to

200C/180C fan.

2. Beat the butter in a bowl until

soft and creamy. Beat in the sugar

then the egg and vanilla or lemon,

and finally the flour to make a

dough. If the dough feels a bit sticky,

add a little more flour and knead it in.

3. Cut the dough into six pieces

and roll out one at a time to about

5mm thickness on a floured surface.

Cut out your ice cream shapes and

peel away the leftover dough at

the edges. Re-roll any off-cuts and

repeat.

4. Transfer the biscuits to two lined

baking trays and bake for 7-10 mins

or until the edges are just brown.

Leave to cool completely.

5. Ice the biscuits using the

fondant or runny icing to look like

a cornet and ice cream top. If your

piping skills are good, you could

attempt the grid pattern on the cone.

Finish off with sprinkles like a proper

’99-er.

• All day breakfast • Hot and cold sandwiches • Omelettes

• Jacket potatoes • Soups • Burgers and wraps • Children’s meals

Turkish specialities:

• Sucuk sausage and eggs • Menemen tomatoes with eggs

• Turkish breakfast with veggie and vegan options

• Mediterranean salad • Chicken kebab marinated in aromatic spices

The perfect place for your next coffee and cake catchup

All your favourite barista hot drinks, Turkish coffee and smoothies

Selection of cakes and pastries including

Baklava and Pistachio Bliss Crossaint

Open 7 days 8am-2pm

A warm welcome with seating for 40 people

36 Brook Hill, Thorpe Hesley,

Rotherham S61 2PY

Takeaway orders welcome

Tel 07833 302419

• Dog friendly • Find us on Facebook

ROBIN HOOD

CRAFTED IN AUGHTON, SHEFFIELD

A MODERN TWIST ON TRADITIONAL INN-KEEPING

SUNDAY

food serv

rved

12-

2-8p

8pm

• Slow r

oas

asted

beef

ef

• Honey

roa

st gammonmon with

sausage meat

stuffi

uffing

• Roast

leg of Bakewellell lamb

• Turkey

br

eas

t with

chipolata a sausageage meat

stuffin

fi g

• Veg

gie nut and

cranbe

rry roast

All served with

homem

ade puds,

mash

potato

ato,

drippi

ng roa

sties

and

ve

getables

Full

men

enu also

available

• FISH

FRI

RIDA

DAY specia

cialit

lity fish

dishes

• Star

arte

ters

and

tap

apas

as

• Pub clas

assics

and

hea

eart

rty main

ins

• Vege

geta

rian

and

veg

egan

men

enu

• Burg

rgers and gril

ills

ls

• Spec

ecia

ials

boa

oard

Korean

Style

Chick

icken

Asian

salad

ad

Hallou

loumi

and

Falaf

lafel

Han

angin

ging g Keba

ebab

• Lunc

nch menu

wit

ith ligh

ghte

ter bites

Craft and cask ales,

Premium lagers and wines

Quiz Night Every Thursday

Irish Bingo, play your cards right,

open the box

with jackpots to be won

Book now for Father’s Day

Sunday 15th June

OPEN Mon-Sun 12pm-11pm • FOOD SERVED Mon to Wed 12-8pm Thurs to Sat 12-9pm and Sun 12-8pm

Main Street, Aughton, Sheffield S26 3XJ 0114 287 7468 5* Food Hygiene rating

E: info@robinhoodaughton.co.uk | www.robinhoodaughton.co.uk robinhoodinaughton


Tuck in to delicious, freshly

made food this summer

DRINK in

the Atmosphere

Unique blend of coffee

Summer drinks including iced

coffees and sparkling presse drinks

Try our Extended

Lunch Menu

Served 12pm-3pm

Cold and toasted sandwiches

Freshly baked savouries

Jacket potatoes

Kids picnic boxes

Be spoilt for choice with

our mouth-watering

SWEET TREATS

Summer Vibes

New seasonally inspired salads

Farmer’s platter with home-baked

pork pie

Falafel flat bread with hummus,

sweet peppers, pomegranate seeds

and cashew nuts

Warm goats cheese salad with

caramelised onion chutney, drizzled

with a balsamic glaze

Breakfasts served 7 days

til 12pm

Full English Breakfast

American pancakes with

tempting toppings

Maple syrup, blueberries and

smoky bacon or crème fraiche

with soft fruits

Breakfast sandwiches served all day

Counter changes daily with a

range of cakes, scones, tarts and

traybakes

All made from our talented baker

on site 7 days a week

OUTDOOR SEATING AREA

With ample seating plus some

undercover for the Great British

Summer

Made from nature’s

PANTRY

We grow our own herbs and edible

flowers in the Pantry Garden

Locally grown and sourced products

Open 7 days Monday to Friday 10am-3.30pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm

Find us at ELSECAR HERITAGE CENTRE next to the nursery

Book on Facebook

We’ve been

nominated


END OF SEASON

PARTIES

FOR GRASSROOTS TEAMS

JUNIOR TEAM PACKAGE

£10 per person

• Buffet • Free Juice • Free Room Hire • 10% Off at the Bar

SENIOR TEAM

ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

From £49.95 per person

• All Inclusive 2 Course Meal • All Inclusive Bar*

• Free Disco • Free Room Hire *challenge 25 in operation

For further information regarding our end of

season parties or to book please email

GSMME.hirotherham@kewgreenhotels.com

85 main street,

wentworth,

rotherham s62 7tn

tel. 01226 899026

Dog

Friendly

GEORGE&

DRAGON

wentworth’s traditional family pub

Food served Monday to Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-6pm

Speciality sandwiches, stonebaked pizzas,

pub classics and specials board

Vegan and gluten-free options

Cask ales and local breweries

One of the largest beer gardens in the area

with children’s play area

Outside bar open weekends and Bank Holidays

(weather permitting)

Father’s Day Sunday 15th June

Treat dad to lunch and a pint

Reserve a table don’t be disappointed

www.georgeanddragonwentworth.com

GET IN THE SPIRIT

at one of our

Bottomless Party Nights

Enjoy a delicious two-course meal

Sip away with 4 hours of bottomless drinks

from 8.00pm - 12.00am

Dance the night away with our resident DJ

From £49.95 per person (over 18s only)

Bottomless Britpop Party

Saturday 21st June

Battle of the Britpop as we celebrate the best of

Oasis, Blur, Pulp and The Verve

Bottomless School’s Out Party

Friday 18th July

Dance the night away to all your favourite tunes

and kick start the Summer

Bottomless Halloween Party

Saturday 1st November

Get ready for a night of spooky monstrous mayhem

with spooky beats

WEDDING SHOWCASE

Sunday 29th June 12pm-3pm

Explore our stunning wedding suites,

beautifully set and ready to inspire

your dream wedding.

Free Entry

Holiday Inn

Rotherham-Sheffield M1, Jct. 33

West Bawtry Road,

Rotherham, S60 4NA

T: 03333 209 348

ROTHERHAM.HI-EVENTS.CO.UK



How to survive

a four day wine buying trip

With James Ward of The Grape Kitchen

In my line of work, I am

quite lucky - some of the

time.

For the last two years, the Italian

Trade Agency have invited me to

visit the Vinitaly wine exhibition in

Verona. While four days of wine

tasting may sound like a fantastic

experience, it can take it’s toll.

Here’s a little insight on what

happens and how I survived it.

What is Vinitaly?

Vinitaly is a huge wine expo

where almost every wine producer

in Italy showcases their wines.

Imagine an exhibition space the size

of London’s O2 Arena; it’s like that

but made up of 18 pavilions within

the Veronafiere exhibition centre.

It’s a huge maze, with each

building representing a specific

region. It’s a one-stop shop to visit

producers from all over the country.

For me, it’s a great opportunity

to find new wines to stock and

an opportunity to catch up with

my current suppliers so we can

strengthen our working relationship

.

It can be very

overwhelming

Vinitaly attracts around 100,000

visitors from 130 countries. My first

year attending I had no idea what to

expect. Luckily, I made friends with

a guy called Marco from the same

buying delegation as me and he

took me under his wing. This proved

to be a very fortunate meeting, as

we now work very closely together.

The key to a successful buying

trip on this scale is to plan your

meetings beforehand so you’ve got

a schedule, without overloading

yourself as you will get sidetracked

when walking past a random stand

that catches your eye.

This year, Marco and I decided

to team up and meet the same

producers. If we both enjoyed the

wines, we agreed he would import

them to Manchester and I would

then take an amount off his hands

when it lands in the UK. That way,

the winery has two distributors in the

UK in two different markets but only

has to send one shipment.

How do you stay sober?

This is still one that I’m trying

to figure out. The key is to spit

the wine out, but sometimes you

just get carried away and there’s

always a party at a nearby winery

in the evening. I tried to utilise the

free soft drinks and bottled water

in the buyer’s lounge as much as

possible.

My Favourite Picks from

Vinitaly 2025

There are two wines that really

stood out to me this year – and the

good news is I’ve already managed

to get some over in the UK.

FUN PACKED BOTTOMLESS BRUNCHES

£49

per

person

£49

per

person

Saturday 14th June Doors open 2.00pm

Event starts 2.30pm | Event finishes 4.30pm

WHAT TO EXPECT

LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC

Sing along to classic & modern hits!

UNLIMITED PROSECCO, YEEHAW COCKTAILS

& DRAUGHT BEERS

Keep the drinks flowing!

DELICIOUS SHARING PLATTER

A Southern feast to satisfy your cowboy cravings

Saturday 19th July Doors open 1.30pm

Event starts 2.00pm | Event finishes 4.00pm

WHAT TO EXPECT

KEN LAMBERT DRAG PERFORMING LIVE!

Ultimate throwback brunch – packed with the best

tunes from the 80s and 90s

UNLIMITED PROSECCO & DRAUGHT BEERS

Keep the drinks flowing!

DELICIOUS SHARING PLATTER

A Colourful feast to satisfy your taste buds

01226 744700 Option 1 – Option 3 for events

events@tankersleymanorhotel.com | www.tankersleymanorhotel.com/events

Tankersley Manor Hotel, Church Lane, Tankersley, Barnsley S75 3DQ

Scan to book



Villa Sandi “La Rivetta”

Prosecco Spumante di

Valdobbiadene Superiore di

Cartizze DOCG 2024 brut.

RRP: £34.95

This was

my favourite

sparkling of the

trip. Prosecco can

get overlooked as

a sub-standard

alternative to

Champagne.

Prosecco is

generally cheaper

and less time

consuming to

make compared

to Champagne,

so that’s why we see it in the

supermarket for less than £10 a

bottle.

This Prosecco is a prime example

of how good it can be. It’s made

from Glera grapes harvested

from a selection of vineyards

called Cartizze in Valdobbiadene.

Everything about it is premium. It’s

complex, refreshing and just as

good as any Champagne for the

same price point!

Cantina

La-Vis

Muller-Thurgau,

Trentino DOC

2023.

RRP: £13.50

Cantina La-Vis are

based in Trentino,

right in the north of

Italy. Here, we’re

entering Dolomite

mountain territory.

This means the

vineyards tend to be

sat at higher altitudes

which makes it a bit

cooler, especially at night. This is

perfect for producing lighter reds and

crisp aromatic whites.

Muller-Thurgau is a grape

commonly found in Germany and

Austria but you can find it in these

areas of Italy too. The best way to

describe Cantina La-Vis Muller-

Thurgau is like a less intense Riesling.

You can expect wonderful floral notes

with hints of citrus, well integrated

acidity and a slight viscosity to it

which gives it great body.

Find out more at

www.grapekitchen.co.uk

From the vineyard

to your doorstep

Independent online wine merchant bringing fine and unusual

wines from around the world straight to your door

Shop by country, style or food pairing

Necessity Box £42.50

A mixed case of 6 bottles of red and/or white wines

Order online at www.grapekitchen.co.uk

Or call James on 075081 15181

Free same working day delivery to any South Yorkshire postcode

*On orders over £20 when placed before 2pm

32 Seater Fully Licensed

Family Owned Restaurant

LIGHTER LUNCH TIME

SPECIAL MENU

Thursday & Friday 12-3pm

Main, dessert and hot drink £13.00

GRILL NIGHT Thursday 5-8pm

Rump steak, chicken, salmon or

burger plus a bottle of wine only

£29 for two people

SUNDAY LUNCH

Choice of 3 roasts, seasonal veg and Yorkshire puddings £12.50

Delicious homemade DESSERTS all £6.00

Open Thurs & Fri 12-3pm & 5-8pm, Sat 5-8pm and Sun 12-3pm • Tel 07721 134509

The Alder Tree 29 Broadway, Swinton, Rotherham S64 8HD

www.thealdertreerestaurant.com

LA VIE EN ROSE DINNER

& WINE EXPERIENCE

Friday 20th June from 7pm

Enjoy a 4 course meal with each

course accompanied by a perfectly

matched Rose wine.

£64.00 per person or £200.00 for

2 people with overnight stay

and breakfast.

VINTAGE CAR SHOW

Sunday 13th July 12-4pm

Wortley Rotary Club’s annual event to raise

funds for local charities. Vintage cars,

classic motorbikes and other vehicles. Gift

and craft stalls, bouncy castle and much

more. Food and outside bar are available.

Adults £5 Children £2 or family ticket

£12 (2 adults, up to 3 children)

SOUL & MOTOWN NIGHT

Friday 4th July

Live act Chicago Joe & The Soul Divas with

everything from Otis Redding to the

Temptations. Followed by our DJ taking you

late in to the night with all the classics.

Includes a hot buffet.

£30.00 per person or £140.00 for 2 people

includes tickets, overnight stay and full

English breakfast

New for 2025 DINING ON THE TERRACE

Saturday 7th June. Arrive 6.30pm for 7.00pm

Enjoy a delicious Yorkshire platter on our terrace, overlooking our

stunning gardens with live music to create the perfect atmosphere.

Yorkshire cheese arancini, local Wagyu slider & truffle mayo, slow cooked

Wortley lamb in a Yorkshire Pudding, homemade bread & dripping butter,

cured meats & pickles. (Vegetarian option on request)

Eton Mess infused with Yorkshire Gin

£30.00 per person or £140.00 for 2 people with

overnight stay and full English breakfast

AFTERNOON TEA

Available every day 12-4pm

Cream Tea £6.95 per person

Includes a pot ot of tea,

homemade scone with

strawberry jam and clotted cream

Afternoon Tea

£22.00 per person

or £28.00 with a glass of

Prosecco or Pimms

Includes a pot of tea or freshly ground coffee, a selection of

traditional finger sandwiches, homemade cheddar and red onion

sausage roll, selection of cakes and desserts, freshly baked sultana

scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

24 hours’ notice for Afternoon Tea bookings

Tel: 0114 2882100 Email: info@wortleyhall.org.uk

Wortley, Sheffield,

South Yorkshire S35 7DB

www.wortleyhall.org.uk


SPORT

Dearne Valley’s

champion

archers

Artemis, Legolas and Robin

Hood might be legends of the

bow and arrow. But there’s

nothing mythical about the

South Yorkshire family that

has drawn five champion field

archers.

When Albert Kiddy first picked up a bow and

arrow in the early 1960s, little did he know that he

and his future offspring would all hit the target on

the international field.

Over the last 60 years, Albert, his wife, two

daughters and granddaughter have all held the

British championship title in field archery. They’ve

won medals at European championships and

Commonwealth Games, competed in World

championships and the Olympics, and twice won

England’s second-oldest sporting trophy, the

Scorton Arrow.

This historic sport has taken Albert and his

family across the world from their home in

Brampton, representing their country in America,

China, Europe, India, and the Caribbean.

Albert, now 91, says it’s been magic watching

his family follow on the sport he took up as a

young man. “I always expected them to win. We

spent hours out shooting. I’d come home from

work, have a slice of toast and get straight off to

the field course – I could eat properly when it got

dark. I remember taking our daughter Lynda onto

the field in her carrycot when she was a baby.”

He was encouraged to take up the sport in

1962 by a colleague at building firm Watfords of

Wombwell, where he worked as a joiner. John

Seddon was the reigning Yorkshire champion and

a member of Dearne Valley Archery Club.

Albert went down to the club with his wife Joyce,

a Darfield girl, to see what went off. He’d never

shot an arrow before, let alone held an arrow.

His only dabbling in sport was playing in goal for

his school football team at Brampton Ellis, and

winning the title of ‘Long Knock’ in the old South

Yorkshire game of Nispy in his early 20s before

joining the army.

Known as the poor man’s golf, Nipsy involved

hitting a small piece of lignum vitae hardwood,

taken from a bowling ball, off a brick with a stick.

Albert whacked it 180 yards to claim the win.

“The prize giving ceremony was a few weeks

after I’d been posted to Germany in 1954 and the

Barnsley League wrote to the officer in charge

to see if I could get a weekend’s leave for it. He

wasn’t impressed.”

Even so, Albert managed to get home for the

presentation weekend and has still got the eggcup

sized trophy over 70 years later.

At Dearne Valley Archery Club, he was a natural


SPORT

field bowman – as too was Joyce, who also joined

the club after someone shoved a bow in her hand

while she was spectating.

Just a few years after joining, Albert won the

Scorton Arrow, a target archery competition dating

back to 1673. Whoever hits the three-inch inner

target on a 48-inch straw boss at 100-yard range

first wins. On winning in 1965, Albert then became

the Captain of Archers, having to organise the

following year’s event in his name which he held at

Wentworth Woodhouse.

At that time, the winner also took home the

original almost-300-year-old silver arrow for a year.

But with it being worth a bob or two, Albert kept it

under his bed for safe keeping – and again when

he won it for the second time in 1967. Today’s

winners get a replica, with the original being

housed at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

In the 1960s he also became the first Grand

Master Bowman in the freestyle category,

recognising him in the top one percent of

competitive archers.

Albert says Joyce was even better than him;

she became Yorkshire, British and European

champion.

By 1969, the Kiddys were two Dearne Valley

archers of five selected for the British team at

the first world championships in America. Joyce

was the first woman to represent her country at

the world stage. But it almost didn’t happen for

the Brampton couple due to the fees needed to

compete.

“It was £300 to go. Joyce had reservations that

we could afford it and said we couldn’t go. But I

told her we’d worry about it when we got back. She

was glad she did as she finished sixth place.

“People sent money in, the club raised funds for

us all, and we had a cheque from Dr Alec Clark of

Beatson Clark who’d heard about us.”

Over the next eight years, Albert and Joyce

competed together at the world championships

four times, and three times at the Europeans.

After he retired in the late 1970s, Albert went on

to coach regionally, training younger people how

to flex their skills in field archery.

“Field archery is played outdoors in a wood,

a bit like being on a golf course. Each target is

different with terrain and position, but you’re also

affected by the wind blowing or the sun shining.

Lots of elements have to be right – hand position,

chin angle, your teeth and eyes – but the most

important part of the body is your mind.”

As their two daughters Lynda and Michelle got

older, they too followed their parents onto the field

course.

Lynda met her husband, Neil Oliver, through

archery – he shot for Rotherham’s Chantry team

and got onto the GB squad.

Younger sister Michelle competed between

2006 and 2017. She won a silver team medal at

the Europeans in Italy in 2011 and was British field

champion in 2006 and 2013.

The sport inevitably passed down to a third

generation with Lynda and Neil’s daughter, Amy

Oliver.

From a young age, Amy was a sharpshooter

and, while her relatives were all amateur

sportspeople, she turned professional. From

2006, she was a full-time target archer, training

at Archery GB’s base in Lilleshall, Shropshire,

where she was shooting up to 300 arrows a day

alongside strength, cardio and mental training.

Amy first represented her country in Sweden in

2006, travelling the world over the next 11 years

and winning a host of medals and accolades

along the way.

She won individual gold and team silver at the

2007 European championships in Croatia, only

her second competition. She competed at the

World Games in Taiwan in 2009, won silver at

the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and

knocked out the world’s number one, Deepika

Kumani, at the London 2012 Olympics, finishing

in the top 16.

In 2016, she became a double gold medallist

at the world championships in the individual and

team events – dedicating her win to her grandma

Joyce who died from breast cancer the same year.

After a successful career, Amy retired in 2017

just before her 30th birthday. She’s now a mum of

two girls and still does field archery as a hobby.

Their competing days might be over, but the

Kiddy family have built a legacy of their own. There

can’t be many other families where this many

members have excelled in the same sport.

Their story has been included in a new book

by Barnsley author Duncan Gawthorpe about the

sporting people of Darfield – Joyce grew up in the

village before she married Albert in 1956.

Duncan kindly introduced us to Albert and

when we met he was wearing his green British

Archery issued suit adorned with all his accolades,

including the two Scorton Arrow pins and his

Grand Master medal.

Even now at 91, he’s still involved in the club

that released his skills with a bow and arrow, as

president of Dearne Valley Archery Club.

His home in Brampton is filled with photographs,

bows and arrows – some still strung up as he no

longer has the strength to undo them. Many of

the bows were made by him, putting his carpentry

skills to good use and saving the family from

buying decent gear that could cost up to £800.

“Archery kept us poor as all our money went on

buying tackle. But we’ve had some happy days

and those memories are all I’ve got left now.”

To read more about Albert’s remarkable

sporting life – and that of others like him –

you can purchase a copy of Duncan’s book

‘Darfield: A Sporting Village’ from the Maurice

Dobson Museum in Darfield for £10.


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Aroundtown Magazine May/June 2025 Edition

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