Christmas Puddings awarded to runners in Sheffield
The annual Percy Pud 10km charity run awards runners with a Christmas pudding for all their hard efforts. This is the 28th year of the event, after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Over 3000 runners are expected to attend the event and £1,000 will be awarded to any male or female athlete who sets a new course record. Richard Dunk, the race organiser, said: “We wanted to create an event that was a bit different, and we needed a logo to go alongside the race that wasn’t too serious, so we came up with ‘Percy Pudding’.” This is his 20th year organising the event and he said there is always a good atmosphere on the day. Runners of all abilities will be taking part, but in 2019, triple Olympic medallist winner Eilish McColgan broke her own course record with a time of 31:48.
Merchandise and a race number from the Percy Pud race, 2019
Percy Pud 2021 Promotional Poster
Swimming championships make a splash at Ponds Forge
After a year off due to the pandemic, the Swim England National Winter Championships return to Ponds Forge this weekend. The short course meet is the biggest of the winter cycle and will feature some of England’s top athletes, including a number of Team GB Olympians who competed at the Tokyo 2021 summer games. The action kicked off at 9am this morning, with heats in the men’s 50m freestyle and women’s 100m breaststroke opening proceedings. Several changes have been made to the running of the event this year, due to the ongoing effects of Covid-19.
As well as placing limits on the number of spectators, qualifying times were adjusted to take into account restrictions on training and competition over the past two seasons.
“We’re actually having more swimmers at this meet than we’ve ever had before,” said Richard Bradshaw, Head of Talent for Swim England, adding that the goal this year was to make the championships accessible to as many swimmers as possible:
“We hope that [the meet] has really inspired swimmers to come back to training, to enjoy their swimming and given them something to really focus on at the end of cycle one.”
DONCASTER ROVERS: Richie Wellens sacked after a dismal start to the season
Doncaster Rovers fired former player and manager Richie Wellens yesterday after only 199 days at the club.
With only one league victory since October 16th, the Doncaster board decided to cut ties with Wellens after the club’s crushing 2-0 away defeat to the hands of Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday in the Papa John’s Trophy.
The move comes ahead of Doncaster’s second round FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town on Saturday, with U18 boss Gary McSheffrey set to take charge.
Former manager of Oldham, Swindon and Salford, Wellens was at the helm in Doncaster for just under 7 months after being appointed in May.
This is now the second time Wellens has been sacked this calendar year with the 41-year-old having been fired by Salford City in March.
Wellens won the League Two title with Swindon Town in 2019-20, but only managed to rack up three total wins this season, none of these appearing away from the Keepmoat Stadium.
In all competitions, Wellens managed Rovers for 26 games, winning 6, drawing 5 and losing 15.
According to BetVictor, the current bookies favourite to replace Richie Wellens are Jonathan Woodgate (5/1), Simon Grayson (6/1), Michael Flynn (8/1) and Graham Coughlan (10/1).
Doncaster Rovers issued a statement saying: “Doncaster Rovers can confirm that Richie Wellens has left the club with immediate effect.
“The club's board have taken the decision that a change is required at this time in order for a permanent appointment to be made in time for the opening of the January transfer window.”
"The club would like to thank Richie for his efforts and wish him well in the future."
Aaron Challoner, from the Forever Football DRFC Youtube Channel said: “I consider Richie Wellens to be a close friend of mine, but in a results based business, if we keep going the way we’re going then he wasn’t going to stay long.
“The Papa Johns Trophy (defeat vs Crewe) was the final straw.”
“I think Jonathan Woodgate would be a great appointment, because he’s worked with and built up a lot of young players, he would be an interesting appointment.”
“However, Nigel Adkins and Simon Grayson would be the most realistic we could go for.”
Doncaster city status consultation ends next week
Doncaster Council is asking for support in its fourth attempt to get city status in 2022. In honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, The City Status Civic Honours competition will provide the chance for towns to gain city status. Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: "We are a city in all but name, we act and feel like a city." The council's campaign, Going for City Doncaster, was established to gather public support to boost Doncaster in the running against competitors such as Warrington, Crawley, and Milton Keynes. Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said that city status would be "fantastic for the local economy, fantastic for inward investment, and great for jobs." Doncaster has a population of over 300,000 but has lost out in past bids to cities including Chelmsford, Preston, and Brighton and Hove. The grant of city status would not give Doncaster extra powers or funding. Doncaster Council has asked residents to share their thoughts on the bid using #GoingForItDN on social media. The deadline to submit the bid is on 8 December. https://soundcloud.com/maisie-marston/doncaster-city-status-vox-pops?si=a64c33e1c1cf46578f609700a7f49fe6
Sheffield photographer opens live music exhibition at The Dorothy Pax
A new photo exhibition showcasing the live music industry in Sheffield is up and running at The Dorothy Pax music venue. Sheffield-based photographer, Mal Whichelow, 68, (pictured with Barnsley-born singer Harriet Rose) has been ever-present at live music events over the past decade at a range of venues covering many genres. The exhibition will remain until January 12, 2022, however the photos will be rotated each week and available for sale as print copies. On opening the exhibition, Mal said: “It feels pretty good to have my work displayed. I’ve put it off for a while, but I think it’s time I put my photos out there in the real world rather than just online.”
EXCLUSIVE: Students occupy University of Sheffield building in solidarity with UCU strikes
A group of students has occupied a University of Sheffield building to show support for the Industrial Action taking place this week. The 17 protesters, who study at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels, entered the Jessop West Building on campus yesterday at 5pm. The full length of their intended stay has not yet been disclosed. The occupiers say: "We want managers to come to the table and except the demands of the UCU. They're fair and reasonable" The University and College Union (UCU) has been striking since Wednesday to campaign for better working hours pay and pensions, after further cuts have been made post-pandemic. Members have been gathering outside different buildings on campus, saying not enough changes have been made since the previous round of strikes, which ended in February 2020. Those currently in Jessop West, emphasise the importance of solidarity, saying they want to support lecturers in the same way that they have been throughout their education. "This demonstrates that students are really in union with university lecturers and staff; like they've been behind us in the past" In particular, they’re looking to highlight perceived injustices put in place by the University Management, and want the Student Union to act on the motion passed this week which calls for more widespread support. The occupiers also highlight the alleged gender pay gap and other financial inequalities, saying that a university who claims to be inclusive should not be offering different wages for those occupying similar jobs. Today is the last day of UCU's three day strike, and picket lines can be found across the Uni of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam campuses. See video below: UCU strikes across Sheffield campuses - YouTube
Meersbrook Makers to hold first in-person market this Saturday
It began online during lockdown to help local businesses stay afloat.
In the height of Covid, local business owner Danielle Parker-Jessop started the Facebook group Meersbrook Makers to connect local businesses and lockdown shoppers. It has since grown to over a thousand members, each hoping for a spot at the in-person market at Meersbrook United Reformed Church this Saturday. Organiser and owner of Miroo Jewellery, Mrs Parker-Jessop, 37, said: “There was so much demand, we could have filled the space five times. “All the makers are amazing. We were completely blown away by the quality.”
Over 20 makers will be taking part in the event, selling everything from prints and jewellery to cakes and bringing together the local crafting community.
Jodie Frost, 39, owner of handmade hat business Fizzieducks, said: “It's about local small businesses so everyone coming to sell at the market knows the area and the people, and is invested in making it a great community event.”
The local community has always been at the centre of Meersbrook Makers, as the organiser said: “A good amount of my income comes from markets, so last year when we couldn’t do them it was a real hit.”
Hence, the Miroo jewellery owner made the Facebook group “to help people who were missing the money.”
“It was definitely a boost. It was great to know you were selling locally and definitely had a positive impact.”
Mrs Frost said: “Fizzieducks didn't even exist this time last year and that's a lot to do with the encouragement, support and love from the Meersbrook Makers group.”
The makers hope that the market will remain a platform for the Sheffield craft community to grow.
Shoppers can find this weekend's market at Meersbrook United Reformed Church from 11am to 4pm.
For more information, click here.
PREVIEW: Rotherham United vs Stockport County
League One leaders Rotherham United will take on non-league Stockport County at the AESSEAL New York Stadium tonight.
The Millers are looking to extend their club record unbeaten run against the Hatters in the second round FA cup tie and continue their 17 game unbeaten run.
Stockport County are eager to reach the third round for only the second time since 2007.
RUFC currently have only one fresh injury concern, with 6 goal striker Will Grigg being reported to have lower back swelling.
Manager Paul Warne told the media that Grigg: “struggled throughout the first half (on Tuesday). There is a chance that he won’t be available on Friday”.
Seven goal midfielder Ben Wiles should be included in the starting line up after missing Tuesday night’s fixture where the Millers put in a gritty display to overcome Port Vale on penalties to reach the last 16 in the Papa John’s Trophy.
After coming on as substitutes on Tuesday, the deadly striker duo of Michael Smith and Freddie Ladapo should also start, especially with Will Grigg’s potential absence.
Smith and Ladapo have been integral to Rotherham’s success this season, with 21 goals between them in all competitions this season.
The Millers may also stick to their defensive backline of captain Michael Ihiekwe, Rarmani Edmonds-Green, Joe Mattock and Wes Harding.
Rotherham manager Paul Warne said on Thursday: “Sitting top of the league going into the two cup games is a great feeling and we want to embrace these games for what they are.”
“Hopefully it will be a great game on Friday night and we can enjoy the cup game for what it is.”
Warne knows the risk the Hatters pose however, the Conference side are currently on a seven game unbeaten run across all competitions and upset League One side Bolton to reach the second round of the competition.
Warne said: “I watched them against Bolton and I think they more than deserved their win and if they come here and play as well as they did that game, it wouldn’t shock a lot of people”
Seb Jones, who writes for football league publication The 72, gave his opinion on the fixture: “Stockport will be a test for Rotherham, however I see Rotherham winning this one fairly comfortably. They may put up a fight, but I see an easy Rotherham win in the end.”
https://youtu.be/U1sc9oAxvaM
Christmas food parcel appeal launched for elderly in Sheffield
A Sheffield charity has launched a Christmas food hamper appeal for vulnerable elderly people this week. Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) is asking the public to put one non-perishable food item into a parcel every day until 24 December, as part of a 'reverse advent calendar'. Ericka Hill, Communications and Marketing Officer, said: "Last year we were overwhelmed by the kindness of the public who donated many hampers and tins of food. In fact, we had enough food to support our services up until the summer."
"Fantastic support"The charity, which works with governing bodies around Sheffield, will give the parcels to people over the age of 65 in Sheffield, many of whom are isolated and struggle financially in times of need. Their Hospital to Home scheme supports over 3,600 older people throughout the year, picking people up from hospital in the charity's own vehicles and providing food hampers when they arrive home. On a recent referral, the Yorkshire Ambulance service praised the charity when staff member Julia Walker delivered a parcel to a man returning to an empty house. They said: "That's perfect, this gentlemen had nothing. Fantastic support." A Morrisons store in Hillsborough has also donated non-perishable food items for the reverse advent calendar campaign.
Ericka Hill said: "We love the idea of an advent calendar and how nice it is for each day of December to open a window and get something for yourself. "But Christmas is about giving, so it's a nice idea that you're not just receiving, you are giving too." You can see the full list of items required on SCCCC's website here. To donate a hamper, call 0114 2505293 to arrange a drop-off slot to the SCCCC office on Savile Street East, Sheffield.Huge thank you to our local @Morrisons #hillsborough for the kind donation of food for our #reverseadventcalendar campaign. Helping to support older people in #sheffield this winter. #community pic.twitter.com/khmZJy7vDm
— SCCCC (@sheffield4c) November 26, 2021
Over 140 knives deposited in Barnsley amnesty weapons bin in the last six months
STORY BY HENRY WILLIAMS A Barnsley business owner who has a knife amnesty bin outside his shop has collected over 140 knives in the last six months. Mitchell Cavill, the owner of Vape Store and Bargains Galore on Regent Street South, started the scheme four years ago. There are currently five bins in Sheffield and one in Barnsley, with the funds having just been secured for one in Rotherham and another for Sheffield. Mr Cavill said his aim is for there to be one in every village as "not everyone will be able to travel." Bins cost around £600 each. "If I can prevent one person from getting stabbed, that's fine by me," he said. Mr Cavill said that concerns about his children getting older and going out later led him to start the scheme. He says that he worries as his daughter is 12, coming up to 13, and for a lot of teenagers it's become a point of who has got the biggest knife. He adds that he knew something had to change when he witnessed knife crime first-hand himself. There have been three separate knife crime incidents in Barnsley over the last 18 months, whilst one occurred in Sheffield city centre only three months ago. The scheme is a no questions asked policy, "only time there's questions asked is if they're covered in blood." Mr Cavill said He added that he once had a man attempt to put a machete in the bin, who said that his son had brought it home. Once weapons go in the bin they are inaccessible, as the bins are locked and chained. Mr Cavill said that it's better for the weapons to be in the bin than just chucked in a hedge, "It could end up in the wrong hands." If you are concerned about anyone's safety, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Council’s emergency meeting failed as Stagecoach Yorkshire strikes are to go ahead
After the council’s emergency meeting this afternoon, Stagecoach Yorkshire have announced that they are taking industrial action. Strikes are set to take place from Sunday 28 November to Saturday 4 December in Sheffield. In Barnsley, Rotherham, Dearne Valley and West Yorkshire, industrial action will be from Saturday 27 November to Friday 3 December.
All Stagecoach bus services besides dedicated school buses will be cancelled, and Stagecoach advice that the public make alternative travel arrangements. Stagecoach said: “We have worked very hard to avoid this action and are extremely sorry for the disruption this will cause.”⚠️Industrial Action confirmed - South Yorkshire ⚠️
Full details can be found here including services run by depots not affected by the strikes:https://t.co/t7iU2WoJtF Supertram services are not affected by this action. — Stagecoach Yorkshire (@StagecoachYrks) November 26, 2021
The hidden crisis of furniture poverty
The social significance of furniture can be seen everywhere: adverts from Dfs and Ikea have been a near-permanent fixture on our tv screens for years, while many of us covet designer rugs and luxury leather chairs in interior design magazines. Tables, chairs, bookcases and beds serve more than their intended functions, allowing us to participate in wider society. But what about those of us who, through no fault of our own, suffer from a lack of furniture and cannot afford to buy any? Experts say that owning essential household items is important for people's dignity, self respect and happiness. Furniture poverty is defined by the End Furniture Poverty charity as “the inability to access, or afford to buy or maintain any household furniture or appliance item that is essential to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living.” It is seen as a sliding scale, with ‘furniture insecurity’ being when a household does not have the money needed to replace any essential item if it breaks. While ‘furniture destitution’ is when a household has none or very few of the basic items needed. Data from the Poverty and Exclusion project shows that in the past 30 years, the number of adults who are unable to afford household goods seen as necessities has risen dramatically. In 1990, 6.5 million people could not afford one or more essential items, but in 2012, 12 million were reported to have the same issue.
“It’s not just a table and chairs, it’s the time we spend together”.Shannon Gabbert, Centre Manager of St Vincent’s Sheffield, a furniture poverty charity, told the Sheffield Wire that media attention was focused on certain types of poverty. She said these were often those that were more visual, such as homelessness, and examples where the general public could relate their own experiences, such not being able to buy food. She said: “People have a better understanding of things like fuel poverty, where you can’t afford to heat your house, they also understand food poverty – everyone knows what being hungry feels like – furniture poverty is a bit different. “Most of us have grown up in a home where we have all the essentials we need, but there are some people who have nothing”, she said. “It means that someone can’t have a functional home, which has a massive impact on their day-to-day life”. Not only do those entering social housing suffer from furniture poverty -only two per cent of social housing is let as furnished, according to the End Furniture Poverty campaign – but research from the Poverty and Social exclusion project found that around 14 million people in the UK could not afford one or more essential household goods. These included basic items such as a washing machine, table and chairs, a phone and curtains.
Furniture poverty is a big problem in the UK. Credit Unsplash