Young motorists “at risk” as Christmas drink driving begins, says police
Police have urged drivers not to "blow it this Christmas" as part of their latest crackdown on drink and drug driving.
The programme, delivered by South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, takes place annually across a four-week period.
This year's edition is running alongside Safer Roads Partnership’s new campaign #NoneForTheRoad.
Young people in particular are being warned to think before they drive.
Safer Roads manager Joanne Wehrle said: “Our casualty data is saying that our 17-24 year olds are more at risk and involved more in road traffic collisions, be that as drivers, car users, passengers and riders.
“So they’re the age group that we’re trying to target for the majority of the year really, but also as part of the drink drive campaign.”
She continued: "Every year we have new drivers coming through, so we have a new cohort that we need to educate. Numbers are going in the right direction, but there's still more we need to do because of the new drivers coming on all the time."
Throughout December, the police will be carrying out roadside stop sites and pulling drivers aside if they are suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drivers caught intoxicated behind the wheel can expect to face six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least one year.
Part of SYSRP’s campaigning has included a move over to TikTok, where the organisation is keen to target the young people who are statistically most at risk.
During last year's December crackdown, 764 drivers were breathalysed when stopped by officers. Of these, 75 were found to be over the drink drive limit. Additionally, 397 drivers were tested for cannabis and cocaine across Yorkshire and Humberside and 63 or these tested positive. However, due to the Christmas lockdown last year, less people were driving so these numbers were lower than previous years. But every year in the UK, 200 people lose their lives and 9,000 people are injured in a drink-drive related collision.@sysaferroadsThe best present you can give to your loved ones is staying safe this ##christmas If you’re having a drink - leave the car at home ##nonefortheroad♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Research has also found that drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a collision if they set off after having a drink, even if within the legal limit.
Superintendent Lydia Lynskey, South Yorkshire Police’s lead for the Operational Support Unit, said: “There is no way to know how fast your body will process alcohol and everyone is different. Please think before you get in a car. Is it really worth it?
She continued: “We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.”
PREVIEW: Doncaster Rovers vs Mansfield Town
Doncaster Rovers will be out for revenge in their second round FA cup fixture vs Mansfield Town on Saturday, following their defeat at the hands of Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday in the Papa Johns Trophy. Manager-less Doncaster have been on a woeful run of form this season, with only 13 points to their name so far. On Thursday afternoon, they sacked their former player and manager, Richie Wellens, after just 199 days at the club. In a statement, they wrote: "Doncaster Rovers can confirm that Richie Wellens has left the club with immediate effect. We would like to thank Richie for his efforts while with Rovers, and wish him well for the future." With just one league victory since 16 October, the Rovers currently sit 23rd in the third tier. All but one of their points this season have come at the Keepmoat Stadium, and they have only counted three wins since the season began. Currently 15th in the fourth tier, Mansfield Town have racked up four wins in their last five games, and are one of the on-form sides in League two. However, their away form this season has failed to impress, with only two wins so far on the road. Manager Nigel Clough will surely be hoping for a cup upset this weekend, but could Wellens' sacking give Rovers the 'new manager bounce'? Only time will tell.
Peddler Market returns to Kelham Island this weekend
Peddler Market will return to Kelham Island this weekend for a Christmas special. The two-day event, which starts this evening, marks the 56th market in the Peddler Warehouse. Over 20 different traders are set to attend, selling a variety of street food including wood-fired pizza, macaroni cheese, sweet baked goods and Pan-Asian fried chicken. Newcastle's Redheads Mac 'n' Cheese is among those lined up to trade for the first time since before the pandemic. A member of the company said: "We had so many messages all year round asking when we will be back at Peddler Market and finally we are back after a long two years!"
Mac ‘n’ Cheese topped with crispy pancetta, cracked black Pepper, chives and parmesan, via @redheadsmacncheese on Instagram
Bowers Boutique stall at Peddler Market, September 2021, via @bowersboutique on Instagram
Police make series of raids in Sheffield drugs and dangerous dogs crackdown
South Yorkshire Police have arrested 33 people and seized 12 dogs as part of their Operation Duxford crackdown this week. More than 370 officers made high visibility uniformed appearances around Sheffield on Wednesday to reassure the public that police were listening to their concerns. Teams made arrests for a range of crimes including domestic abuse, possessing indecent images of children, and burglary. The District Commander for Sheffield, Chief Superintendent Shelley Hemsley, said: "Operation Duxford is about shining a spotlight on the sort of policing activity we carry out every day." Early morning raids on Wednesday also led to officers seizing 500 cannabis plants as well as Class A and B drugs to the value of £8,000. Around £14,000 in cash was also recovered. Officers teamed up with members of the RSPCA to raid an allotment in Darnall under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Concerns about the conditions at the allotment led to 12 dogs being recovered. They are now being cared for by the RSPCA. Police have urged anyone with concerns to report them by calling 101 or their local neighbourhood policing teams.
PREVIEW: Sheffield United travel to Cardiff this weekend hoping to boost their play-off chances
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United take on Cardiff city away this Saturday in his second tie in charge of the Blades.
United are currently placed 13th in the league and are hoping to win three consecutive league games for the first time since December 2019.
Heckingbottom took charge of the side with a four and a half year deal after Slavisa Jokanovic was fired by the Blades last week.
His reign as Sheffield United manager got off to a successful start as they dismantled Bristol City at Bramall Lane last weekend, with goals from strikers Rhian Brewster and Billy Sharp.
This victory moved United ten points clear of the relegation places in the second tier.
Heckingbottom will now be hoping his team can compete for a spot in the playoffs and looks to use this run of form as a springboard to later season success.
Cardiff head into their encounter with the Blades having lost seven of their last eight league matches on home soil, failing to score on six occasions in the process.
However, New Cardiff boss Steve Morison has made an immediate effect with 10 points from his first six matches as the Bluebirds temporary manager, including a 2-1 win at Luton Town last weekend.
Sheffield United will be faced with a Cardiff side who they have failed to beat in each of their last six encounters, last winning in Cardiff 12 years ago.
The Blades’ have some injury concerns with last Sunday’s goal scorer Rhian Brewster and midfield general Oliver Norwood picking up slight knocks in the fixture.
There is some good news concerning Scottish midfielder John Fleck, as he practiced in the Sheffield United facility this week.
This is following the 30 year old Blades veteran being rushed to hospital after collapsing during United’s 2-0 away win at Reading on November 23rd and missing United’s victory over Bristol City at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United boss, Paul Heckingbottom expects a tough test from a reinvigorated Cardiff side saying on Thursday: “We know they're tough opponents, they started the season fantastically and then had a big dip.”
“I think they'll be up and at us and they're going to try make things as difficult as possible for us”
The 72 football writer, Sebastian Jones said of the fixture:
“I think Wes Foderingham will keep his place in goal and the back three of Davies, Basham and Egan will remain. The rest of the line-up will probably stay more or less the same.”
“I do think Sheffield United will win this one, I think Cardiff have slipped. The Blades are hoping for that ‘new manager bounce’ under Heckingbottom.”
PREVIEW: Tykes look to kickstart season against Huddersfield this weekend
Barnsley are looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday, in the Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town at Oakwell.
With an unimpressive 0-0 draw vs Peterborough United last weekend, the Tykes are 23rd in the Championship, 8 points away from safety, and new manager Poya Asbaghi is yet to see his team score as Barnsley boss.
Last Saturday’s fixture saw Barnsley’s dismal season continue, as they were dominated in the possession battle in what was only their second clean sheet of the season.
Particularly concerning is leading marksman Cauley Woodrow’s form as he only has 3 goals so far this season and is without a goal in his last 10 games.
Belgian striker Aaron Leya Iseka, could make his return at the weekend, with the former Anderlecht and Toulouse star missing the Peterborough game due to illness.
This positive sign may mean no major changes to the team, aside from the potential return of Callum Brittain at full back after injury.
History shows that Barnsley have favoured playing their Yorkshire neighbours, the last time Huddersfield won at Oakwell being in November 2012.
Huddersfield come into the fixture 8th placed in the league but their playoff chances took a hit after a frustrating 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough last Saturday.
Barnsley defensive stalwart, Michał Helik said to the media on Thursday:
“We still feel like we stay in the league and we are fighting for this. I personally expect another clean sheet to start building some momentum”
“I think we have confidence; it is a little bit tough if your results are not there to be confident, but I think under a new coach he is telling us to have confidence in every game we have, so we are believing in him and I think we will bring that confidence to this game and try to show it on the pitch.”
Seb Jones, writer for The 72 and Tykes Blog, said:
“There might be a few attacking changes, especially as Callum Brittain and Aaron Leya Iseka will both be back. I think Devante Cole will drop out and Jordan Williams at right back as well.
“Huddersfield have been playing well this season and play a very counter attacking style of football under Carlos Corberán. It has taken time for them to get the players in and get the system in the players minds. Something has obviously clicked for them.”
https://youtu.be/weC1Se6UkqQ
Tim Cooper’s new book celebrates the spirit of Sheffield’s people
Sheffield's story of independence and revolutionary spirit has been celebrated in a book that held its launch last night. Tim Cooper's 'The Story of Sheffield' tells the tale of the Steel City from its industrial origins to its reinvention as a centre of education, innovation, and creativity. Dr Cooper, 60, said when he first came to Sheffield "It was collapsing in a heap", but now it is considered one of the best city break destinations in Europe. Over 40 people attended the event, which was online due to social distancing. The writer began the launch by inviting the audience to join him in raising a glass and apologised for the lack of canapes. The book, which took 5 years to write, was commissioned by The History Press as part of their 'Story of' series. Dr Cooper, who completed his PhD in medieval and modern history at the University of Birmingham, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Sheffield from 1990-1995 said the commission "came out of the blue." He was chosen because of the local Sheffield history tours that he runs, as part of the Global Campus Programme at the University of Sheffield. Over the years, Dr Cooper said that he had read numerous histories of Sheffield, but that what was missing from them is that they always seemed to get off track about Sheffield itself and Sheffield's people. In 'The Story of', Dr Cooper, wanted to keep the people of Sheffield very central to it. He focused on the working people, as "very few cities, are so solidly, culturally, working class" he said. "I wanted to tell their story" He added. The book was released on the 19th of November. 'The Story of Sheffield' can be found in all major bookstores.
Pop-up bookshop encourages visitors to “pick up a book, and have some tea and cake”
A pop-up bookshop selling works by four independent Sheffield publishers has set up shop in the Moor Market for two weeks. The Sheffield Independent Publishers’ (SHIP) pop-up bookshop is open for business, occupying four stalls, one for each publisher taking part, from 1 December to 14 December. Published work from And Other Stories, Longbarrow Press, The Poetry Business and Vertebrate Publishing will be sold at the pop-up with the aim to support Sheffield’s independent publishers. “It’s good to support each other, especially at this really important time. “Come down, pick up a book, and have some tea and cake" said Lorna Brogan from Vertebrate Publishing. The publishers taking part in the event will be selling a variety of genres including poetry, fiction and outdoor guides. Stefan Tobler from And Other Stories said: “It’s fun for [the publishers] but also it’s just a really nice chance for people to see what’s being published here in Sheffield.” https://soundcloud.com/chelsea-cheetham-138262702/ship-popup-bookshop-at-moor-market Listen to the full interview with Stefan Tobler here. One particular book was spoken about with excitement by the publishers. “Beastmaking” by Ned Feehally, published by Vertebrate Publishing, is a book dedicated to training and climbing and currently sits as their best selling book. Mr Tobler added: “This is just a nice chance for people to understand what we’re doing and see the breadth of the work we do.”
The pop-up bookshop is located inside the Moor Market.
Sheffield youth homelessness charity launches Christmas appeal
South Yorkshire based charity Roundabout has issued a plea for the public to donate spare decorations to help homeless youths get in the "festive spirit". As part of a special Christmas appeal, Roundabout has also invited public members to either donate money directly or buy a gift from their Amazon Wishlist to help make Christmas a special occasion for the young people they work with. Jess Hudson, Roundabout’s Community Fundraiser, said Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for young people without a home. “A lot of people we work with don’t have those close family and friends support networks that others have at Christmas. “We try and really make sure that they have a gift to open on Christmas Day so they feel special and value,” she said. The charity has set out what public donations can help provide young homeless people with this Christmas. Examples range from £7.50 for a festive meal, £15 to ensure they have a special day, and £30 to help keep a family together with a meditative session. Items included in the Wishlist include wash sets, board games and gift cards.
Ms Hudson said the events of the pandemic have resulted in the breakdown of family relationships, with rising numbers of young people getting in touch with the charity. She said: “With the pandemic family relationships have become strained, and that often hits breaking point at this time of year.” The youth homelessness charity works with over 300 young people aged 16-25 across South Yorkshire every day to help provide them with the shelter and care they need. “Our Christmas campaign is really just about trying to raise that awareness and trying to get as many gifts to people as possible,” said Roundabout’s Community Fundraiser. If you would like to support Roundabout this Christmas, visit https://www.roundabouthomeless.org or call 0114 253 6753.Give the gift of a brighter future this Christmas 💙 Whether you donate so we can keep young people safe, or give a gift for a young person to open, you’ll be helping to make Christmas a special occasion for vulnerable young people we support. Thank you 🥰https://t.co/YMYnL5ixHW pic.twitter.com/pregl8piMN
— Roundabout (@RoundaboutSheff) December 1, 2021
“Amazing staff” make Sheffield United FC’s prostate cancer fundraiser a huge success
Almost £5000 has been raised by staff from Sheffield United Football Club as part of a yearly fundraising challenge for Prostate United. The fundraiser challenged participants to run or bike anywhere between three and 25 kilometres everyday. It was started by Rotherham United's Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary in 2018, encouraging other clubs to take part. Nathan Winder, Sheffield United's Lead First Team Strength & Conditioning Coach, said: "We have rallied around and got more people involved. "It's been a really big success this year. There's been 40 football clubs involved and individuals from different sports as well."
Nathan Winder, Lead First Team Strength & Conditioning Coach
Team members Nathan Winder, Paul Evans, Lee McMahon and Iggy Szuba cycling for the fundraiser
Yorkshire County Cricket Club sacks multiple staff members amid racism scandal
"We can confirm that Martyn Moxon, Director of Cricket, and Andrew Gale, First XI Coach, have left the Club today, in addition to all members of the coaching team." Yorkshire County Cricket Club said in a statement released today. Moxon had been signed off from work due to a stress-related illness while Gale had been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing since November 9. The total number of departures is 16, including six members of the backroom medical team provided by Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic, and that an interim medical team is in the process of being appointed. The club is aiming to appoint a new Director of Cricket in the next few days. This is the latest development in the racism scandal that has hit the club, as former player Azeem Rafiq's made explosive allegations of institutional racism against them. Mr Rafiq recently gave harrowing testimony to the DCMS parliamentary committee. Yorkshire Chair Lord Patel said: “Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust." More to follow.
Living Advent Calendar returns to Dore after lockdown success
The Dore Living Advent Calendar is set to take place again this month after its success during lockdown last year.
Throughout December, Dore residents and businesses will decorate their front windows with Christmas scenes to celebrate advent.
A new window will be revealed every day on the countdown to Christmas.
Margaret Peart, the organiser of the Living Calendar and a Committee Member of Dore Village Society (DVS), said of last year's event: "It was a very positive thing at quite a bleak time.
"The feedback we got was very positive. Because of the circumstances and the restrictions we were under, it was a really good thing to be part of."
This year, 27 windows will be revealed, meaning some advent days will have multiple displays.
One Advent day one, 33 Church Lane presented their Christmas window, before Dore Dental Care uncovered their Festive scene yesterday.
Tonight, the Methodist Church will reveal their advent widow.
Rev Gail Hunt was "delighted" to be involved in the Living Advent Calendar again this year.
She said: "The church stands in the centre of the village and the people are keen to live out their faith in the community.
"Our window reflects the light of Christ which shines even in the darkest days."
Last year, there were 41 advent windows. The calendar trail was eight miles long and stretched from Totley Brook Road to Brickhouse Lane.
The trail this year is not as long but DVS hope it will still encourage the community to get out the house.
Margaret has creative an interactive map to guide you around the Living Advent Calendar.
https://twitter.com/DoreVillageSoc/status/1465639939903827969?s=20
She said: "You don't have to do the advent walk in order. You can make up your own trial. that is the great thing about it."
The Living Advent Calendar wants families to work together and be creative.
Last year, there were a range of window designs. Some were created by younger members of the family, while other people went for a more artistic approach.
Margaret said it was hard to pick a favourite 2020 window: "We had a cycling Santa wearing a La Vuelta T Shirt. We also had a fantastic Van Gogh 'Starry Night' styled window. There were some peace angels and one drawn by a younger person of father Christmas asleep in bed.
"There were loads and loads. Everyone was my favourite."
Sue Unwin, a Dore Resident who is involved in the Living Calendar again this year, said: "It's quite exciting spotting people driving, walking and cycling by checking out the windows.
"I volunteered last year. My window was two peace doves with olive branches in the beaks facing each other. It was great to focus on something creative in such a difficult period."
"This year, the main image on my bedroom window will be climate related."
The window scenes will be on display until January 1 2022.
Margaret wants to encourage other villages to get involved.
She said: "I think it is a really fantastic thing to do. If any other community wanted to do it, it is not that onerous to set up.
"Once you've got your participants they get on with their own windows. You don't have to produce a theme or organise them in any way.
"It's a really nice way to get a community involved with each other."