Cathedral pilgrimage fundraiser for homelessness charities
Members of Sheffield Cathedral set out on a charity walk on Saturday, as part of fundraising effort to travel 100km (62.1 miles) on foot over the next week for two homelessness charities.
The mammoth journey of reflection and physical endeavour, starts from Vigo, where the group are tackling part of a section of the Camino de Santiago known as the Camino portugués, or Portuguese way.
The charities, The Archer Project and The Choir With No Name, who will benefit from the fundraising, work closely with the Cathedral, helping those affected by homelessness and marginalisation in Sheffield, and the UK.
The group said practicing for the walk with members from both charities brought "a reflection of the spirit of solidarity that runs through the challenge".
"It's about walking together as a Cathedral community, supporting each other, and raising awareness and funds for causes that matter," they said.
Sheffield Cathedral, The Archer Project, and The Choir With No Name have a close relationship; volunteers from the charities are walking the Camino with the ten members of the Cathedral community.
The group have been out with members of the charities to build up their walking fitness ahead of the Camino challenge.
The Archer Project is a Sheffield-based charity which offers a pathway of support to those at all stages of homelessness across the region.
For over thirty years, the organisation, which started as tea and toast from congregation members, has provided education, mental wellbeing, and healthcare support for thousands of people experiencing homelessness.
Lucy Wilks, the Deputy Head of Fundraising at The Archer Project, said: "The money will help us cover the costs to keep our doors open.
"From meals in the kitchen, to activities, and heating and lighting, it will make sure our doors are open whenever someone needs."
The charity aims to support people away from homelessness, and "towards living more meaningful and fulfilling lives", not simply finding accommodation.
The Choir With No Name is an independent UK-wide charity which runs choirs for people who have experienced homelessness and marginalisation.
Sheffield's Choir With No Name
The joyful, supportive communities created by these choirs, who meet once a week for a cuppa, a sing, and a hot meal, have performed across the country, including at world-class venues such as the Brighton Dome.
Their Sheffield-based choir, which is the charity's newest addition, rehearses in the Cathedral, and works in partnership with The Archer Project.
Rachel Clare, Head of Development at The Choir With No Name, said the Cathedral offers a sanctuary space for rehearsals, where members feel welcome, and safe.
"It is life-changing for our members - liberating, uplifting and life-affirming- to have the choir as a chosen family.
"It can make the difference between someone returning to homelessness or not."
By coming together in this Camino fundraiser, the charities have been able to strengthen their relationship, which is already a strong partnership.
Ms Clare said: "Collaborating together is the name of the game, it means we can come together to deliver, for the most vulnerable people in the city."
The group walking, who are currently on the Camino fundraising trip, said: "The choir is a constant reminder of the power of singing to bring people together."
Just three days into the groups' spiritual adventure up the Galician coast, the Give as You Live page has raised £4,214, which equates to 70% of their total target of £6,000, and will be split evenly between the two charities.
A spokesperson for the Cathedral said: "Together, these charities provide both the essentials of daily life and the things that give life meaning — dignity, creativity, community, and belonging."
The pilgrim team is led by by The Very Reverend Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, Tom Dagget, Director of Music, and Richard Taylor trustee of The Archer Project and member of the Cathedral Fabric Advisory Committee, who all walked a section of the Camino last year.
They are joined by people who represent elements of the wider Cathedral family, from music and schools, to chaplaincy, governance and congregation, as well as other walkers who want to support the charities, and experience the challenge.
At the end of their second day of walking, reports from the group, who had done between 30-40,000 steps on the first day alone, were of "kind and sunny weather" in Galicia.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St James, is a network of trails and paths that have been used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela for over 1,000 years.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Camino has multiple start points and trails, which all end in the capital of Galicia at the site of the shrine of the apostle St. James.
The group will be travelling north on the Camino portugués from Vigo, to Santiago de Compostela. Credit: Google maps
The oldest route, the 322km (200-mile) Camino Primitivo, or Original Way, was first used in the ninth century, when King Alfonso II travelled to Santiago to verify the relics of St. James.
The Camino francés, or French Way, is the most popular, with the Camino portugués the second most popular among the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the world who travel these paths each year.
As pilgrims travel along the trails, they collect stamps to verify their journey, with walkers being required to travel 100km, and cyclists 200km, to a earn a certificate once they have arrived in Santiago,
This has developed as a custom from the early tradition of collecting a Galician scallop shell as proof of completing the journey, which is now the symbol of pilgrims.
As well as Christian pilgrims on a journey of prayer, the Camino attracts hikers who are drawn to the physical challenge of the trails, and those who wish to experience the famous camaraderie and community amongst pilgrims.
Travelling between basic albergues- simple, dormitory-style hostels- pilgrims often experience a spiritual and material retreat from modern life, no matter their religious beliefs.
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Mayor unveils major £1.5bn transformation for South Yorkshire transport
At a packed-out Sheffield City Hall today, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard launched a bold new transport plan.
Mayor Coppard took the stage to announce a "once in a generation opportunity," calling today the "end of failed privatisation" with a vision that he hopes will "bring together a myriad of plans and proposals under one brand."
The South Yorkshire People's Network (SYPN) will be a community-led organisation set to bring back "pride, purpose and prosperity".
He announced large-scale transport reform, starting with the reveal of the SYPN and it's logo, a tracing of the route from Sheffield to Doncaster, and an orange and grey colour scheme, inspired by South Yorkshire's industrial heritage.
The event was hosted by Tanya Arnold and featured speeches from Simon Lightwood MP, transport minister and MP for Wakefield, former Olympian and Tour de France participant Chris Boardman OBE, and Barnsley student and MiCard holder Bailey Hargate.
Key stakeholders from around South Yorkshire were also in attendance, such as Living Streets, a charity that works to make roads safer for pedestrians.
Zack Viney, the charity's campaigns and public affairs coordinator, said: "It'll be great to see fully integrated transport, all while looking out for people's choice and freedom for them to walk and wheel around."
Following the announcement, Mayor Coppard said: "People are at the heart of the people's network, and it will deliver for its people."
During the event, he laid out the SYPN's timeline, coming as early as September 2027, with a new Magna train station at Rotherham, and a £350m investment in buses to make them "calmer and clearer".
He also wants to match Barnsley's MiCard scheme, announcing the SYPN's intention to make bus travel for U18s completely free by 2027.
From 2028 to 2030, the Mayor hopes to bring in a new e-bike subscription scheme with 900 e-bikes being introduced to Sheffield and the introduction of passenger flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Following this, South Yorkshire will utilise a £500m government scheme to introduce improved trams that will cater to the needs of the people, able to carry dogs and bikes while extending the tramlines to Rotherham.
Additionally, after 2030, the SYPN hopes to have hourly trains from Sheffield to Leeds and Manchester, while also improving rural and urban transport links and making all railway stations step free.
From 2040 and beyond, Mayor Coppard wants the SYPN to be the "envy of the world, because people deserve confidence when we step outside."
Radio 1 DJ heads to South Yorkshire in charity bike ride
Greg James will embark on a journey through towns like Dinnington and Doncaster in an effort to raise money for Red Nose Day, as part of his 2026 Comic Relief Longest Ride challenge.
He is travelling thousands of kilometres from Weymouth to Edinburgh across eight gruelling days before arriving in time for the Comic Relief telethon on Friday evening. The breakfast presenter has already raised over £190,000 for the charity.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1, he said: "I'm 80km into day four and the donations gave me a huge boost.
"I'm just so determined now, even though my legs are screaming at me."
The streets of South Yorkshire will be out in their masses to support Greg tomorrow, who's challenge is the longest ever for a Comic Relief fundraiser.
Facebook groups have been quick to advertise the event, urging schools and others to get onto the streets and cheer for one of Britain's most loved DJs.
Greg's route on Tuesday 17 March begins in Worksop before ending in York, totalling around 60 miles.
After being joined by Birmingham's Joe Lycett for today's leg, will a famous South Yorkshire counterpart be in attendance tomorrow?
Sheffield United Women celebrates disability inclusivity in headlining game at Bramall Lane
A special night of football under the floodlights at Bramall Lane between Sheffield United Women and Newcastle United Women celebrated inclusivity for disabled fans with the charity Level Playing Field.
Unite for Access works in collaboration with the Women's Super League to celebrate good access and inclusion at sports venues. This year's campaign took place from 28 February to 15 March.
Sheffield United Women's players wore white T-shirts with Unite for Access and Level Playing Field written on the front and back during warmups.
Players from both sides also walked out to little mascots holding the Unite for Access flag.
The club said on its website: "Sheffield United is proud to be involved in 'Unite For Access' - a celebration of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
"Disability can be a complex subject matter, and that is why we invite both disabled and nondisabled fans to engage with us through this important campaign and to ensure access and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do."
The special night of tribute continued with the Sheffield United and Newcastle United players, staff and fans standing for a minute of silence to pay tribute to 15-year-old goalkeeper Amelia Aplin, who passed away playing for Oxford United academy.
The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw. Both goals came late in the first half, with the home side taking the lead thanks to Simone Sherwood before Emily Murphy equalised for the visitors just less than five minutes later.
Sheffield United Women's head coach, Stephen Healy, said he was pleased with the point against a playoff contender but felt like they could have got more with the missed chances at the end of the game.
Healy said: "I'm yearning for those three [points] ultimately. [Newcastle United is] competing for that playoff spot, and it's another point on the board for us. So in terms of the work that we're doing, I'm really pleased with the girls and the performance that they put in."
This was the first game back for The Blades after the international break and their first league game since 1 February against Charlton.
Midfielder Mollie Rouse was frustrated to see chances being wasted and Connie Scofield's effort hit the post but was generally pleased with the progress: "Considering the lack of games we've had recently, it's a good result and our performance was good enough, and I think it's something to build on.
"This is actually the first time we've had the full first team bench this whole season, which is exciting, as a player starting and seeing people come on, knowing that we can keep pushing on," Rouse reflected on the squad depth, "We're having a three-game week, we need that depth."
Sheffield United Women will travel to Sunderland and Birmingham on 18 March and 22 March before returning to Bramall Lane on 28 March to host bottom-placed Portsmouth.
Sheffield FC reign supreme at commemorative community game
IMAGE: Graham Hogg
In a bid to enliven community spirit, fans were welcomed to Sheffield's "home of football" for free last weekend.
Sheffield FC partnered with ticketing organisation TicketsForGood in an effort to bring in as much of the community as possible.
CEO of TicketsForGood, Steve Rimmer, said of the partnership: "We want more people to feel like football, and live events more broadly, are something they can be part of."
The community match saw Sheffield FC, which is widely considered the world's oldest football club, beating Bradford-based side Thackley 2-1 in the Northern Counties East League.
This comes after Sheffield FC welcomed Jon McClure, Reverend and the Makers singer, as club Chairman in early March.
"This is not Wrexham. I'm not Ryan Reynolds. Let's get it clear, I'm in an indie band. I know my place in this world," Mr McClure told the BBC last week.
Ahead of the game, a spokesperson for Tickets for Good said: "Jon has long been one of Sheffield’s most passionate champions, so it feels fitting that he’s now involved with the club that sits right at the beginning of football’s story."
"Top man. They’re in good hands," one fan on X, formerly Twitter, reacted to the news.
Since the announcement of Mr McClure as Chairman, Sheffield FC have had consecutive wins, including a 3-0 result away to Eccleshall United.
And it seems that the Reverend and the Makers frontman was also able to Shine a Light on the club on Saturday: fans were kept on their toes but the winning goal was finally scored by Luke Mangham in the 90th minute.
Sheffield FC are set to face Horbury Town on St Patrick's Day in what could be another consecutive win since Mr McClure's arrival.
Lost 18th century headstone discovered at Sheffield church, locals working to find out more
Volunteers at a Penistone church have uncovered the hidden gravestone of a local young woman who died over 300 years ago.
The headstone was found at St John the Baptist Church in Penistone, buried underneath another stone and completely obscured from view.
It belongs to 19-year-old Hannah Howe, who died in 1770.
Richard Galliford, 74, who is the chairman of Friends of Penistone Church, said he was happy to have played a part in returning Hannah's gravestone to its rightful position.
"Every gravestone has got a story, it's got a life to tell," he said.
Mr Galliford started volunteering with the group and maintaining the churchyard to stave off the boredom of retirement.
Members of the volunteer group were cutting the grass around the stones when they noticed another large stone underneath one of the graves.
Mr Galliford realised this was not just a supporting stone, as the team had initially thought, due to a decorative border around the edge.
After identifying an engraving, he realised this must be someone's headstone, and asked a friend at the local fire station if they could visit the church and lift it as a training exercise.
Firefighters lifting the stone. Image credits: Friends of Penistone Church.
Mr Galliford explained that Hannah's stone is likely to have been covered up for at least 150 years, as many gravestones were moved when the vestry was built in the early 1800s.
Engravings on the headstone revealed that Hannah had lived at Hordron Farm, a short walk from the church itself.
The volunteers walked over to what they believe is Hannah's old home, now a remote and derelict farmstead.
Mr Galliford believes the Howe family were sheep farmers, raising livestock for the Penistone "beast market", which opened in the early 1700s.
He said: "I was trying to visualise the life of a 19-year-old in this very remote and bleak area.
"I was trying to imagine what a lonely life Hannah must have had. There are other farms in the area, but they're so far apart, she couldn't have had many friends."
Hordron Farm today. Image credits: Friends of Penistone Church.
Hannah's isn't the only headstone that has been discovered at St John's recently.
The volunteer group has also uncovered the grave of Joanna Swift, daughter of the local historical figure Reverend Henry Swift.
Rev. Swift was a popular non-conformist vicar, who preached in the area in the 1600s and was repeatedly imprisoned for his refusal to convert to the Book of Common Prayer.
His legacy lives on, with locals at the time building Bullhouse Chapel, the oldest continuous non-conformist chapel in the country, near Millhouse Green in Penistone.
What happened to Rev. Swift's headstone remains a local mystery; however, Mr Galliford believes it may have been damaged and disposed of by workers laying drains around the vestry in the 1980s.
"There are some amazing people buried in the churchyard, which you don't really think about," he said.
The current Reverend, David Hopkins, also spoke about the wealth of historical figures buried at St John's, including ancestors of William Wordsworth and the founders of Sheffield Wednesday.
He said: "You don't know who you're going to discover next."
You can find out more about the church's historical significance and local history in the area on the Penistone Pictorial's website.
Sheffield’s Greenhill community come together for Great British Spring Cleaning Week
A Sheffield-based environmental group has hosted their annual spring clean-up in Greenhill this week, with members of the community coming together to litter pick for Great British Spring Cleaning Week.
Poppy Smith, 33, has been a member of Greener Greenhill for three years now. The organisation is dedicated to doing their bit, keeping Greenhill clean and sustainable.
With her trusty sidekick daughter, Eleanor, Mrs Smith stood outside the Greenhill library handing out equipment and assignments to fellow community members.
She said: “To take pride in your area, across Sheffield we all have to do our bit.
“It’s all about being visible, it helps build the community spirit.”
She found out about Greener Greenhill when she first moved to the area, seeing a stand similar to her own and sparking up a conversation with a member of the organisation.
The litter picks happen twice a year, with the first taking place in March when the flower beds show signs of life.
The group works closely with other stakeholders in Greenhill, most notably the local library which is run entirely by volunteers
Greener Greenhill holds other events in the area, such as running repair cafes at St Peter's church.
These events bring local craftspeople come together to help reduce waste by repairing tools, electronics and clothes free of charge to avoid them going to landfill.
Neil Hicklin, 63, has been involved with the group since it started working in the community three years ago.
He said: "We have helped create a sense of identity through our Greenhill branding, and have helped create a better sense of community."
Greener Greenhill also helped commission metal statues made by Huddersfield-based artist, Jason Heppenstall, that now stand outside of the library.
Mr Heppenstall said: “It was lovely to make the pieces for the library.
“I wanted to add an element of fun to make everyone smile, everything I make is 100% recycled, fitting with the green Greenhill ethos.”
Spring themed lantern show lights up the night at nature reserve
Handcrafted lanterns were made by local volunteers to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and wildlife.
As the sun set at RSPB Old Moor on Friday and Saturday, families were welcomed to explore the darkness to spot lanterns of animals who reside on the site at springtime.
Organiser, Julian Mayston, said: "When you look around everything you see is actually built by volunteers, that's huge.
"It's just a fantastic way to open up the doors to the nature reserve to a new audience, getting see the nature reserve in a different way."
From dragonfly, kingfisher and even a dinosaur, each animal takes months of hard work for it to be ready and waterproof for the event.
The main structure is made of willow, as it is both light and flexible, then it is covered with layers of wet strength tissue and PVA to make sure it can withstand any rain.
"After waterproofing you have to do all the mechanisms inside, some of that will be working to help attach wings, but for this one it's working out how the wheels move," said the volunteer who operated the hedgehog. "So this has oval wheels that make the hedgehog wobble from side to side when it walks.
"Usually it takes a few months to go from the design stage to complete and it is from volunteers that do the work, which is amazing, so we get to come along on Wednesday or Sunday do to some arts and crafts."
Along with the trail, visitors took part in workshops and crafts to learn about the animals on display, and the importance of looking after the environment.
Children were encouraged to make paper lanterns which they could bring round the trail and take home with them at the end of the night as a souvenir.
"Our granddaughter loved all the activities and as well as lanterns," said one of the visitors. "I'd recommend it to anyone."
The younger visitors were also invited to write a wish on a paper leaf or butterfly to hang on a tree.
Below are those wishes, ranging from 'world peace', 'for all to be happy', and 'a cheese burger':
The money raised from the event will go directly towards the upkeep of the reserve, supporting vital conservation work at RSPB Old Moor.
Success of Sheffield’s second ice hockey team highlights passion for the sport in the city
There was a vibrant atmosphere at the Sheffield Steeldogs on Friday night as they celebrated their champions who had won the National Ice Hockey Cup two days previously.
The Steeldogs act as the reserve side of the Sheffield Steelers, and play in the division below (the National Ice Hockey League) at Ice Sheffield, 50 yards from the Utilita Arena.
That both of Sheffield's ice hockey teams pull in good crowds and achieve success demonstrates the popularity of the sport in the city.
One fan said: “The atmosphere [at the Steeldogs] is fantastic. I’ve been coming for about ten or eleven years, and after the first game I came to I was hooked.”
The matchday experience at the Steeldogs also offers a more family-friendly alternative to the noise and cost of Steelers games which can be off-putting to some.
Many fans told Sheffield Wire they enjoyed attending Steeldogs games more because of the price, the sensory benefits for those who have children with special needs, and the ability to access players.
Fans thoughts on why they attend Steeldogs games:
One fan said they don’t go to Steelers games because they can’t afford the cost, and find the Steeldogs matchday experience much better value for money.
He said: “I find the Steeldogs games a bit more passionate and gritty, it’s a lot more fun to watch. The fact that you’re closer to the ice and it’s more accessible makes it better for the little ‘uns as well.”
Another fan explained the issues their daughter with sensory issues faces at Steelers games, saying: “The arena is so much bigger, it’s so much louder, whereas it’s much more family-orientated at the Steeldogs so it’s easier to bring her.”
Access to players is another big advantage for fans attending Steeldogs games, with players always taking the time to speak to fans after the game.
A fan who attends every week, with her son who drums for the Steeldogs said: “It’s the highlight of her week.”
Her friend said: “Everyone’s so friendly, the fans are amazing, and the players, if they see the kids out and they want to say hello, they are so accommodating.”
While the Steelers remain Sheffield’s leading ice hockey outfit, fans of the Steeldogs clearly feel they are an exciting and accessible alternative, with their own capacity to entertain and provide success.
Oliver Coppard sets out the transport vision and brand for South Yorkshire
A new publicly-owned transport system, called the South Yorkshire People's Network (SYPN), is set to be announced.
Mayor Oliver Coppard described this as a "once in a generation" opportunity that will mark the end of the "failed privatisation of buses, with a vision that brings a myriad of plans, proposals and directives under one brand."
Key plans include a new design for South Yorkshire transportation, inspired by a molten orange and charcoal grey colour scheme alongside a new logo, a tracing of the route from Sheffield through to Rotherham.
He set out his 15-year-plan for South Yorkshire transport, starting in September 2027 with the creation of the Magna train station and extension of tram tracks to Rotherham.
From 2027, there will be a £350m investment in buses with the new colour scheme, which will also represent a unified system with simpler and more affordable fares.
Around 900 e-bikes will be introduced across Sheffield, with a subscription scheme to provide access.
There will be passenger flights to Doncaster/Sheffield airport by 2028, enhanced by better bus and tram transit links to connect all of South Yorkshire.
From 2030 to 2034, Mayor Coppard hopes to make the most of the governments £500m investment into trams to bring a new fleet capable of holding dogs and bikes.
Train links will also be improved by 2035, with plans established to make all stations step-free, trains running from Leeds to Sheffield every hour, and improved connections between rural and urban routes.
By 2040, the network aims to transform transport to Manchester, cutting travel times and make South Yorkshire transport a defining feature of the region and the "envy of the world."
“This season’s a grind”: Steelers react to a weekend of losses
IMAGE: Cerys Heslop
The Steelers' Head Coach said the team "lost the will" to beat the Giants on Sunday night after two losses in the double header this weekend.
The double loss means that the title is out of reach for the Steelers, whose focus now becomes the play-offs.
With a 16-point swing between the Giants and the Steelers, Aaron Fox admitted this weekend's games were going to be a challenge.
"This season's a grind," he said after the game on Sunday, before giving credit to the Giants for their performance on the rink.
"There should have been a fight to put us into the position to claw back into that hockey game. You need more from certain guys. It can't be the same guys every night."
Steelers fans on X, formerly Twitter, reacted bitterly to Fox's management.
"Where's your passion, accountability and heart, Mr Fox? Can you get the guys up for a 1 goal game? I didn't see much action from you!" said one user.
Another fan said: "Title firmly going back to Belfast without them really having to lift a finger to earn it."
The atmosphere was celebratory for the Giants on Sunday night, whose fans look forward to what could be their 11th trophy in eight seasons.
Head Coach Adam Keefe told the Belfast Telegraph: "Everybody was pulling the rope, saying the right things and doing the right things.
"I thought it was a business weekend for them."
A Giants fan on X called the four-point weekend "massive" for the team, adding: "Sheffield get battered everywhere they go."
The Steelers now look towards next week's game against the Nottingham Panthers, who are two points above them in the standings.
Recycling relief: Blue bins to get bigger in Sheffield with key household waste point closed
A petition has started after rising community frustration over a lack of excess recycling facilities.
This is following the closure of a recycling point outside of Waitrose on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield.
Sheffield City Council has recently announced plans to increase the size of recycling bins from 1 April.
Bins will now have a capacity of 240 litres, up from the current 140 litre limit.
This provides relief for residents, as one blue bin collection per four weeks makes recycling difficult.
Tessa Lupton, Green Party candidate for Ecclesall Ward, said: “In talking with my neighbours, I heard from people who want to recycle but have to drive several miles, taking bags of plastic trays and cartons to the Council’s household recycling sites.”
A Waitrose spokesperson said: "We remain fully committed to working constructively with the council and engaging in any future discussions."
They also said there has been no formal request from the council to reinstate the bins on Ecclesall Road.
Waitrose are not obliged to reinstate these facilities, but there are concerns around this setting a precedent for other supermarkets in the area, following trends of declining attitudes towards environmental support.
Mrs Lupton has started a petition, which has reached over 400 signatures.
The petition echoes the Sheffield Green Party’s stance, which calls for the supermarket to act swiftly to ensure recycling remains within reach for everyone near Ecclesall Road.
This reiterates Mrs Lupton's desire to “focus on the petition for the local residents’ sake.”
She believes reinstating these facilities would allow Waitrose to meaningfully contribute to Sheffield’s environmental goals while reaffirming its role as a responsible, community-minded retailer.
Sheffield City Council’s positive action on blue bins should relay any fears over the lack of accessible recycling, however debates remain over the long-term success of recycling in the UKs greenest city.
The public has welcomed these changes on social media, saying their blue bins are "Always full and overflowing. Bigger blue bins would be great."
Brown bins will also be able to include aerosols and plastic pots from 1 April.