Barnsley man organises collection for Ukrainian refugees
A Barnsley businessman is organising collections to send to his family in Poland to help Ukrainian refugees. Henryk Matysiek has set up collection points across Barnsley and Sheffield for people to drop off items to help Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. Mr Matysiek said: “We want the right things such as clothes, bedding, food, toys, even mattresses and beds because that’s what they’re short of.” “Anything that you think may help people who have nothing.” https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6903633162455314432/ The 59-year-old was born in the UK and wants to help his family in Poland to support Ukrainian refugees in any way they can. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have poured over the Polish border in the last few weeks, many of them children and babies. Mr Matysiek has been appealing over social media for help with his collection: “It’s kind of snowballed a bit. I’ve got people to help me but we need a storage point because there might be quite a lot.” This collection is the latest in South Yorkshire’s response to the Ukraine crisis which has seen people take to the streets in protest and organise charity campaigns in solidarity with the crisis. The businessman was prepared to drive the collection over to Poland himself but with such a big response he has secured help to take the supplies across Europe. He has high hopes for how far his campaign can go: “We are trying for more, how long is a piece of string, how far can we go.” Sheffield residents can drop off donations at Subway in Parkway Retail Park from 8-8pm on Monday or at Wortley Private Club on Reading Room Lane. Barnsley residents can leave their supplies at 23 Cutty Lane from 3-9pm. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6904020802514034688/
“you call someone a dog they act like a dog”: Black Northern Women host Sheffield conference to support black women
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Black Northern Women are hosting a conference to enable black women and their allies to connect with one another. The event will be taking place on the 5th March at Sheffield Hallam University. Black women and those who wish to support them are being encouraged to attend. The theme is “break the bias” which represents the struggle that many black women face in regards to discrimination and misogyny. Carol Stewart, 55, the co-founder of Black Northern Women, spoke about how discrimination reduces the morale of black people. She told Sheffield Wire: “you call someone a dog they act like a dog.”
Carol Stewart
Angie Le Mar
‘Problematic’ online slot machine gambling usage on the increase despite relaxing of COVID restrictions.
Ex gambling addict urges people to 'just talk to someone' as new data published by GOV.uk shows a huge surge in online slot gambling. Studies show an increase in usage, bets placed and long periods of activity. The average total number of UK sessions had increased monumentally by 17% from 16,832,862 in March 2019, when COVID restrictions were first introduced, to 41,527,216 in December 2021.
Recovered Sheffield gambler, Adam Wood, experienced first hand what online gambling can do to people’s lives. The 24-year-old was in £70,000.00 worth of debt. During December 2019 he was placing bets as high as £400.
Adam Wood- Ex gambling addict
Man jailed for five years after violent attack in Crookes
A man has been jailed for five years today, after violently assaulting a 61-year-old man and leaving him with a collapsed lung and two fractured ribs. Ian Askey, 48, of Upper Greenhill Gardens, Matlock, attacked another man at the JET petrol station in Crookes on the 8th December 2021. The leader of the investigation, Acting DS Lee Freeman of South Yorkshire Police’s Sheffield CID team said: “This was a completely unwarranted assault that left the victim badly hurt. This type of incident will not be tolerated, and we are glad this sentence has been handed to Askey for what he did.” The incident took place within the petrol station when Askey walked in and stood close to the victim, before the victim asked Askey to keep his distance as he was not wearing a mask. Askey retaliated by at first stepping back, before punching the victim in the face, and continuing to assault him on the floor for several minutes. The victim suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and several cuts and bruises on their face. Aksey left in his vehicle before being stopped and arrested. Askey was originally due to stand trial, however pleaded guilty closer to his trial date. Acting DS Freeman said: “By admitting guilt close to the trial, we are also pleased that the victim has been spared re-living this nasty incident in a courtroom. We hope it brings some sort of closure for him so that he may now continue with his life.”
“It’s such a shame for the community”: Halfway football pitches destroyed by off road vehicles
Vandals have ruined a Sheffield football pitch by driving over it in off road vehicles. Due to this, local youth football club Halfway Juniors have been forced to cancel their home football matches, disappointing many young children. It is the latest act of destruction on Halfway school pitches which has been defaced almost weekly by problem drivers. Tracey Dickinson, welfare officer at Halfway Juniors, said: "This just keeps happening. And it's not like it's just a one off. It's like a weekly thing and we are getting sick of this now. It's such a shame for the community." The club has been forced to call off eight games in the last few weeks as a result of the problem. She added: "There is potentially 15 kids in each team and then there's their family and friends that come and spectate. It's a lot of people to disappoint."
Halfway Juniors members (Photo: Courtesy of Halfway Juniors)
Councillor Downing
Sheffield Festival of the Outdoors returns for 2022
In March, Sheffield will celebrate the Festival of the Outdoors throughout the city.
Events include the International Climbing Festival, the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival and the Howard Street Duel, a mountain bike race in the city centre.
There are events for everyone, from beginners to experienced adventurers, and those who don't fancy getting active, such as art exhibitions and craft events.
Mark Mobbs, marketing director for Sheffield Council's Outdoor City campaign, said: "This is a really great showcase of what Sheffield's all about.
"We’re the spiritual home of climbing, we’ve got some of the best mountain biking and then there’s incredible access to walking and running. It’s amazing but all of it’s intertwined with the culture of a big city and that’s what we’re trying to bring to the festival."
Festival goers can go straight from kayaking in the River Don to Pollen Flower Market, or from night orienteering in Kelham Island to enjoying True North's Peaky Climbers, a beer brewed specially for the festival.
Not only this, but the diverse range of events encourage everyone to get involved, Mr Mobbs said: "‘It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is, there’s something for you to get involved in."
The festival's events are accessible to all, with groups like Cycling 4 All taking part. The organisation is providing a chance for people with disabilities to try adapted trikes at the festival. Tom Collister, the organisation's co-ordinator, said: "We want everyone to experience the feeling of the wind in their hair."
Although the Festival of the Outdoors benefits locals, it has placed Sheffield on the map as a world renowned outdoor city. The city will host international events like the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival and the International Climbing Festival.
Co-organiser of ShAFF, Anna Paxton said: "It’s a way of connecting adventurers around the world and in Sheffield itself."
Ms Paxton hopes we can regain the momentum and enthusiasm for the outdoor city lost due to the pandemic. She said: "I hope we can get that energy and excitement back."
To see the full programme of events, visit the Sheffield Festival of the Outdoors website here: https://www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk/festival-of-the-outdoors
Doncaster Knights secure crucial away victory over Ealing Trailfinders
Doncaster Knights retained their position at the top of the RFU Championship table with an impressive 25-17 win away from home against Ealing Trailfinders. Fly-half Billy McBryde scored a decisive try for the Knights in the 75th minute to deny hosts Ealing a losing bonus point. It was a hard-fought victory for the Donny men, with third-placed Ealing providing a stern test for the league leaders. The Knights opened the scoring with a try from Maliq Holden in the 13th minute, collecting well from a clever chip-kick from Sam Olver. After Ealing had hit back through a try from David Johnston on 25 minutes, the visitors ensured they went in at the half-time break ahead as winger Maliq Holden finished his second try of the day. With each side reduced to 14 men as Raymond Sid and Kyle Evans were sent to the sin bin for Ealing and Doncaster respectively, the home side were able to score the first points of the second period as Luke Daniels touched down for a try. Raymond Sid again reduced the Knights’ lead with a try, the visitors had their work cut out to deny Ealing a losing bonus point. Their pursuit of this goal ultimately proved successful, however, as Billy McBryde ran almost the length of the field to score the match’s pivotal try after intercepting an Ealing pass in his own half with just five minutes of action remaining. Doncaster Knights will resume their RFU Championship campaign at home to Cornish Pirates on Saturday 12th March at Castle Park.
“It’s exactly what we need and what we are fighting for” – Barnsley 3 – 2 Middlesbrough
Barnsley continued their impressive recent form after holding on to a 3-2 home win over play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough. The Tykes made it three wins from four to put themselves within sight of safety, six points behind fellow strugglers Reading with a game in hand over the Berkshire side. The home side raced into a three-goal lead just after half-time thanks to Mads Juel Andersen and a brace from Metz loanee Amine Bassi. Middlesbrough replied through Andraž Šporar and a late own goal deep into stoppage time from Liam Kitching, but fall to eighth, two points behind Luton in sixth. Barnsley raced into an early lead after Andersen thumped home a header from a teasing Bassi cross. Provider soon turned goalscorer ten minutes later, as Carlton Morris laid the ball to Bassi just inside the box and he slotted in with a cool left-footed finish. Boro attempted to hit back quickly but Isaiah Jones volleyed over before second-half substitute Folarin Balogun struck the bar as Chris Wilder's side turned up the pressure. However it was Bassi, dubbed the 'Moroccan Messi' by the Oakwell faithful, who lived up to his moniker to add a third, holding off an attempt from Anfernee Dijksteel to wrestle him to the ground and squirm a finish under the despairing Joe Lumley. The away side reduced the deficit to two on the hour mark after Jones teased a foul from Rema Vita inside the box, resulting in a penalty which the Slovenian Šporar easily dispatched. Wilder's men began to dominate, with Balogun hitting the woodwork again with a curling left foot effort, before the pressure finally told and Liam Kitching was forced to divert a dangerous low ball from Dijksteel into his own net. It proved to be too little too late for the visitors, as Oakwell erupted into celebration of a huge win. Tykes boss Poya Asbaghi was delighted with his team's performance and character against a high-flying opponent. "We'd talked about going out aggressive and really trying to take control of the game and I think we accomplished that," Asbaghi said.
"It was well deserved going into half-time with that lead and we wanted to go out in the second half and try to chase the third goal, which we did.
“Overall, during 90 minutes, it’s a really good performance – first half is brilliant, and it’s an impressive performance from the lads to earn us three points.”
Mads Andersen echoed the sentiments of his manager, with the Dane citing the win as a huge confidence boost before the remaining games.
“I am very happy,” asserted Andersen. “It’s exactly what we need and what we are fighting for, so I’m confident in the next games coming up. “It will give us big confidence, especially in scoring goals, which is important to win football games. I’m a little unhappy with conceding two goals, but we’ll take the win.” Barnsley travel to Derby on Saturday, in a season defining game, while Boro welcome Tottenham on Tuesday in the FA Cup 5th round.
Doncaster sex offender avoids prison sentence
A Doncaster man escaped a jail term at Sheffield Crown Court today after admitting to sending explicit messages to online profiles of girls he believed to be 12 and 13-years-old. In April 2020, Cael Jones, 28, of Hall Gate, Doncaster, was caught by undercover police using fake profiles on Kik - an online messaging service - to catch sex offenders. After receiving a message from one of the accounts telling him she was a 12-year-old girl, Jones sent an explicit photograph and then explicit messages to the account, which included graphic sexual details. Another account used by police posing as a 13-year-old girl received further explicit messages from Jones. In June 2020, police officers exercised a search warrant and arrested Jones, who gave them a full account of his actions. Jones pleaded guilty on two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and one count of attempting to engage a female child in sexual activity excluding penetration at Doncaster Magistrates' Court before today's sentencing. Representing himself in Sheffield Crown Court, Jones said: "I was not aware of what I was doing and I know what I did was wrong." He also denied getting any sexual gratification from the messages. His Honour Judge Slater told Jones he would avoid a prison sentence due to his remorse and the fact he was "ready, willing, and able" to work with probation officers. Instead, the Judge handed down a community order of three years, including a rehabilitation programme for up to 65 days. Jones was also banned from ever working with children, and his computers will be regulated for the next five years. Judge Slater told Jones if he breached the conditions of the order, he would be called back to Crown Court and face jail.
“People are worried their children will get hurt” – campaign to clean up Mount Pleasant Park from drug users
Drug needles have been found in Mount Pleasant Park, sparking concerns for children’s safety and prompting a Labour council candidate to launch a petition. Nighat Basharat started her petition to the council after local residents got in touch with her to voice their frustrations about persistent fly-tipping and drug use at the park on Abbeydale Road. She said: “It’s the fear. Residents told me when they go out and see groups of youngsters standing on the corner near the bushes they just walk away. The only reason they could have been there was for using drugs. “They told me people don’t feel comfortable using the park anymore because they feel intimidated and are worried that their children will get hurt." Used drug needles and paraphernalia have been found on pathways in the wooded areas of the park, some with blood on them. Local resident Shaheryar Chishty said: “It discourages people from bringing their families here, they don’t feel safe or comfortable.” “It’s not right that we can’t take our kids to play here without the fear that if we take our eyes off them for a second they could get hurt by these things.”
Used Needles found at the park
Mount Pleasant Park
“Hearts are breaking”: Sheffield Council stand with twinned Ukrainian city Donetsk
Three Sheffield councillors have praised the "friendship" between Sheffield and Donetsk in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Coun Terry Fox, Coun Shaffaq Mohammed and Coun Douglas Johnson released their statement on the 25 February, and said their "hearts are breaking" for people in the country. They criticised Russian leader Vladimir Putin's decision to attack Ukraine. Shaffaq Mohammed, councillor for Ecclesall and leader of the Sheffield Liberal Democrats, said: “There is a historic link that goes back many years. Our city councillors have been there. It’s basically a friendship. We exchange visits and we exchange cultures.”
Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed
Sheffield Park, Donetsk
Councillor Douglas Johnson
New Barnsley budget means tax increase for all
The 2022-2023 budget for Barnsley Council was approved last week, resulting in a 3.5% council tax increase. The main increase in spending is for adult social care, which is responsible for 2% of the tax rise. The remaining 1.5% is for core services, such as road maintenance and bin collections. The rise will mean residents of a property in Band H will be paying over £700 more than they would have in 2018. Councillor Steve Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “I hope people will understand the challenges that we face as a council, but by making significant investment in services and in local communities then we can see that people are getting real value for money”. The net budget for day-to-day running of Barnsley is £211mil. And there is a further capital revenue budget of £56.2mil for investments. A major part of the budget is the immediate £10mil being invested in principal towns and village centres surrounding Barnsley, as part of the £30mil kickstart scheme. This means these areas will hopefully see the same improvements that have been seen in the town centre, according to Counc Houghton. Although an extra £2mil has been set aside for highway repairs, there has been a public response claiming this may not be enough.
Despite the backlash Counc Houghton said: “This year's budget is an investment budget. We’ve kept away from losing large numbers of jobs and having to cut services, hopefully those days are behind us. “Now we’re into making Barnsley better, and even better than it’s been in previous years.” You can see the full budget report here.Checked the budget. They are spending £5m on council properties and £2m on a “Youth Zone” (whatever that is). So don’t hold your breath for the highways money to be spent!
— Richard Armitage (@rjarmitage) February 24, 2022