THE spectacular British Army’s Red Devils will be in Barnsley for the first time at the Penistone Gala next month.
Hundreds of people have been flocking to the event, which takes place at the Penistone Showground, for years.
However, it did not take place last year due to a number of reasons - including a lack of volunteers.
But organisers have vowed the event will return better than ever on the weekend of June 7 - and the Red Devils will make sure that rings true when they arrive in the town on the Sunday.
The world famous Red Devils are all serving members of the Army Parachute Regiment and their military training allows them to push the boundaries when it comes to displays.
Volunteer Jill Goddard told the Chronicle: “It will be the first time they have dropped in this area and they are unlikely to come again so a massive thing for Barnsley.
“They are coming with a full team of eight parachute jumpers, 7,000ft flag and smoke to do a full display.
“They bring a stand with VR headsets for kids to see what a skydive is like and they will do a demo of a parachute pack-up too.
“It is subject to weather conditions on the day.”
Tickets are available at www.penistonegala.com.
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Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsPenistone Grammar School 'open' to getting a permanent knife arch installed on siteIt's following a 'successful' trial there last week
A secondary school in South Yorkshire tell us they'd 'be open' to getting a permanent knife arch installed on their premises - after a 'successful' trial last week
Penistone Grammar School - which has around 2,000 students - allowed pupils there to walk through the 'airport style' metal detectors recently - thanks to funding from South Yorkshire Police
Staff there invited South Yorkshire Police down on site last week - with a knife arch - following the tragic death of Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School in February
Katie Crook from Penistone Grammar School is determined to make sure no dangerous weapons - like knives - get brought onto the school grounds
The Associate Vice Principal is hopeful the initiative could be extended in future - if they can secure more funding from South Yorkshire Police & Barnsley Council:
"Students absolutely loved the day with the knife arch
"It's something I think would be a strong
but it's imperative that we communicate any forthcoming plans effectively with parents and carers
"Any new initiative would have to start properly from the new academic year - we'd never launch something midway through a school year - so hopefully we can do something more with this from September onwards
"Recent events have really prompted us as a school to review all of our policies and procedures - to make sure we are a proactive school that takes a preventative approach to knife and dangerous weapon crime
"It's not just the piece of equipment - the knife arch - that will of course be a deterrent and preventative measure - but actually it's that presence and culture of working closely with police teams that we're really keen to develop."
A teenage boy has since been charged with murdering 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose - & is next due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court in April
First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.
AN art group which has been running for 19 years and managed to raise more than £74,000 for charity is bringing an event to Penistone.
Hens Teeth Art will be bringing back their popular annual event – Art at the Altar – to St John’s Church this week.
Running from Friday to Sunday, the event will platform at least 50 returning local artists and craftspeople with a variety of stalls.
A percentage of all sales go to charity, with the group choosing to support the Trussell Trust Foodbank and Penistone Food Buddies in the past two years and having donated funds to Barnsley Hospice, Barnsley Foodbank Partnership and support workers during the ebola crisis over the years.
However, this year, in honour of founder Gillian Tyler who died this February, they will be donating funds to CJD Support, a national charity supporting people suffering with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
MAJOR work which will improve stations and tracks along a well-used train route has been praised by an MP.
The ‘Penistone Line’, which starts at Barnsley Interchange and makes its way through Dodworth, Silkstone Common and Penistone stations on its way to Huddersfield, will benefit from a raft of work.
Labour - in its budget - confirmed the previous Conservative-led government had pledged to upgrade the line but did not properly cost the policy, so it has been included in the Levelling Up Fund.
The line currently faces capacity constraints and reliability issues due to its single-track sections.
In Parliament, MP Marie Tidball supported Paul Davies, MP for Colne Valley, in asking about next steps for the Penistone Line project.
Marie said: “This line is a vital transport link connecting Kirklees, Barnsley and Sheffield, which also serves several rural communities including Penistone, Brockholes, Honley, Dodworth and Silkstone Common.
“I welcome the commitment to ‘grasping the nettle’ and ensuring our transport system is improved across Penistone and Stocksbridge by upgrading this line.
“I know the difference improvements to the Penistone Line will make to people commuting from our towns and villages to work, accessing city centres across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire at the weekend, attending college and sixth form and travelling across the rural parts of our constituency for vital health services.
“I recently held a constituency meeting to hear how you want this upgrade project to benefit our constituency and I look forward to meeting with ministers to ensure this vital project is progressed.”
The Chronicle understands track layouts and signals will be the first to see work, with plans for a half-hourly service - effectively doubling the current schedule - to follow.
The upgrade project will address several challenges currently facing the route, with its inadequate infrastructure resulting in overcrowded trains, restricted frequency of services and long journey times.
Currently, only one train per hour runs and the average journey time is about an hour and 15 minutes from end to end.
Ms Tidball added: “These investments seek to upgrade transport links to improve regional connectivity, delivering transport infrastructure that puts passengers at the heart of rail services and delivers economic growth to the region.
“The Conservative government made numerous empty promises to upgrade our line, but hadn’t allocated any actual money so the project could go ahead.
“This Labour government knows the difference that good local transport routes makes to opportunities for our constituency, better connecting Dodworth, Silkstone Common and Penistone to Barnsley, Huddersfield and Sheffield.”
BARNSLEY is set to host the British Sumo Federation Championships later this year.
Saturday May 31 will see the return of national level sumo wrestling to Barnsley when the British Sumo Federation (BSF) hosts their annual national open sumo championships at Penistone Grammar School.
The BSF has been the home of sumo in the UK since 1985 and has a proud 40-history of developing national and international champions in men’s and women’s sumo.
Sumo has also been growing quickly in Barnsley over the past year with Barnsley Sumo Club hosting the town’s first ever sumo tournament in December 2024.
The BSF Championships will see the country’s best sumo wrestlers going head-to-head to be crowned British Number One across different weight categories in men and women’s competitions.
Richard Riggs, from Higham, is the vice president of the BSF.
He told the Chronicle: “Barnsley was selected to host this year’s BSF Championships as a real growth area for our sport.
“Sumo is booming in the town and what better way to capture that enthusiasm for Japan’s national sport than to bring the country’s best and brightest sumo talents back for more exciting and hard-hitting action in the ring?
“Sumo is a sport unlike any other and is open to everyone regardless of size, shape, age or sporting ability.
“Despite the stereotypes, sumo bouts are fought with impressive speed, strength and agility.
“Matches can be won and lost in mere seconds making the sport the ultimate in precision tactics, composure in the face of adversity, and balance of mind and body.
“These championships will be the biggest and best yet.
“We are expecting to see some incredible sumo and hope to reach a new audience of sumo fans and athletes as we continue to grow our sport here and across the UK.”
For more information about the Championships or sumo wrestling in Barnsley, visit www.britishsumofederation.co.uk or email vpnorth.britishsumo@gmail.com.
GRAIHAGH Turner finished on the podium at the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships.
Running in a Rotherham Harriers’ jersey, the Penistone teenager was third in the under 17’s category in the race at Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire.
Her time was 17-00 and has rubberstamped her involvement in the Inter County Championships held later this year.
Seven Penistone Footpath Runners members took part in the Wormstones five mile race on New Year’s Day with George Parr finishing seventh in a time of 37-55.
The first lady back for Penistone was Lesley Parker in 49-05.
The Penistone parkrun had to be cancelled due to the bad weather.
Penistone members did enjoy success at the parkruns which did go ahead.
The First and second ladies at the Barnsley parkrun were Suzanne McGill and Emma Moore.
Lesley Parker was first lady at Concord in 23-43.
There were second places for Emma Stead (Cusworth Hall) and Tom Fryers (Castle).
Alan Knox ran his 100th parkrun at Barnsley.
STATIONS and tracks along a well-used train route which passes through Barnsley will benefit from a multi-million pound funding package which will improve the frequency of services.
The ‘Penistone Line’, which starts at Barnsley Interchange and makes its way through Dodworth, Silkstone Common and Penistone stations on its way to Huddersfield, was included in the previous government’s long-awaited ‘Network North’ rail investment scheme.
The £48m investment will lead to ‘significant improvements’ in the performance and reliability of services and last week the new Labour government confirmed the promise will be taken on.
Labour - in its budget - confirmed the Conservatives had pledged to upgrade the line but did not properly cost the policy, so it has been included in the Levelling Up Fund.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “I’m so pleased our new government has committed funding to upgrade the Penistone Line, which so many people across our communities rely on to travel across our region.
“I know the difference this will make to those using the line to commute to work, access our centres at the weekend, go to college and sixth form, and travel across the rural parts of our region.”
The upgrade project will address several challenges currently facing the route, with its inadequate infrastructure resulting in overcrowded trains, restricted frequency of services and long journey times.
Currently, only one train per hour runs and the average journey time is about an hour and 15 minuets from end to end.
These slow journeys are said to be a ‘significant inconvenience’ for travellers and deter commuters, who have to rely on car travel instead.
The funding confirmed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) means these issues plaguing passengers can finally be addressed, and the line can be upgraded.
Other funding commitment for local transport included an additional £200m for local transport through City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), bringing total local transport spending for metro mayors in 2025/26 to £1.3bn, as well as an additional £650m funding for local transport beyond CRSTS.
Ms Tidball added: “The announcement forms part of a wider slate of investment in rural transport and infrastructure revealed in last week’s budget.
“These investments seek to upgrade transport links to improve regional connectivity, delivering transport infrastructure that puts passengers at the heart of rail services and delivers economic growth to the region.
“The Conservative government made numerous empty promises to upgrade our line, but hadn’t allocated any actual money so the project could go ahead.
“It is greatly welcomed that our new Chancellor has made sure she has fully-funded the project in the budget.
“This Labour government knows the difference that good local transport routes makes to opportunities for our constituency, better connecting Dodworth, Silkstone Common and Penistone to Barnsley, Huddersfield and Sheffield.”
PENISTONE Footpath Runner Andrew Pearson had a storming run at the Snake Lane ten-mile road race.
He claimed first place in the men’s over60 age category which had a field of 78 runners and his time of 1-04-01 was enough to break the club over60 record by more than three minutes.
There were three other Penistone runners taking on the well-established ten-mile race which is held in Pocklington in East Yorkshire and is renowned for being relatively flat and fast – making it ideal for runners preparing for spring marathons.
They were Shaun Swallow (1-10-53), Rob Davies (1-15-32) and Nick Whittingham (1-38-00).
Kingstone Runner Linda Walton was third over55 woman.
Alistair Wilkie was first back for Barnsley Harriers with Angie Slater first woman from the club with a nine-minute PB.
Three Penistone runners took on the challenging Doctors Gate Fell Race which is 12.7 miles in distance coupled with 3,300 feet of ascent.
The course traces the historic pack horse route from Old Glossop to its junction with the Pennine Way, ascending to landmarks such as Higher Shelf Stones and Lower Shelf Stones. Those completing the route were Jon Hallam (2-36-59), Simon Pike (2-40-07) and Chris Hodgson (2-44-51).
Penistone’s Steve Owen took on the Stockport Trail Half Marathon and placed fourth in the men’s over55 age category with a personal best time of 1-45-53.
Barnsley AC’s Josh Bird travelled to Spain to run in the 40th Seville Marathon on Sunday.
He finished as sixth British runner in a time of 2-29-33.
At the Leicestershire Half Marathon which takes place in Loughborough, Barnsley AC’s Lee Spensley completed the 13.1 miles in 1-45-00.
TOM Fryers from Penistone Footpath Runners claimed second spot at the arduous Ian Roberts fell race which starts and finishes in Marsden.
The six-and-a-half mile moorland race is a notoriously difficult one over boggy ground.
Clubmate Richard Cottam was fourth in 50-07 and secured first in the over40 category.
Damian Kilpin was eleventh and that secured the club second spot in the team competition.
Barbara Haigh was second over70 female and Ray Brown was the top over80 male.
Tom’s brother James Fryers was fifth in the Brough Law fell race in Northumberland with a time of 40-47.
It was also enough for top spot in the under 21 competition.
Penistone’s Simon Pike took part in the Howarth Hobble and finished the 32 mile mixed course in a time of 6-51-14.
Teammates Harriet Drouin (8-02-01) and Rachel Liptrot (9-18-20) also took part.
Husband and wife John and Dawn Broom competed in the Tameside 5k and both performed well to achieve good times.
John dipped under 20 minutes in 19-51 and Dawn registered 21-57 which gave her second place in the ladies over60 age category.
Andrew Taylor completed the Chester 10k in a time of 57-20.
Kelvin Bowskill, Loida Lopez and Keith Gordon all completed the Kimmy Killer 10k.
The 200th Penistone parkrun was held over the weekend with the home club celebrating first gender places for Jade Crosby (Penistone) and Suzanne McGill (Barnsley).
Second gender places were taken by Andrew Heppenstall (Penistone) and Hannah Shaw (Rother Valley).
Three runners achieved parkrun milestones, they were Jane Cockerton (300th parkrun at Hillsborough), Dianne McGuinness (200th parkrun at Penistone) and Bill Phillips (50th parkrun at Penistone).
Four-year-old Thom Cottam completed his first ever junior parkrun at Hillsborough finishing in a time of 14-45.
Sister Matilda also competed taking a full minute off her personal best time.
Age-graded runs of the week were Andrew Heppenstall (78.66%), Ian Neville (77.41%), Suzanne McGill (21-17), Flynn Rogers (76.61%) and Damien Kilpin (74.38%).
New Barnsley AC member Taylor Hughes broke the 40-minute barrier for the first time and set a new PB of 38-36 at the Nottingham 10k on Sunday.
At Mansfield Parkrun there was a first-place finish for Dave Brooksbank in a time of 19-50.
Shortly behind him was second finisher and first female in Vicky Shaw with 19-56.
Dave Findlay ran an overall Parkrun PB of 21-09 while Gail Colville’s time of 21-12 was a course PB.
Gail, Dave and Vicky also had the top three age-grade percentages with 88.99, 84.54 and 78.34 respectively.
Naomi Drakeford finished first female at York parkrun with 18-48.
There was a course PB of 17-36 for Wayne Singleton at Lydiard Parkrun.
Gemma Thickett celebrated her 50th parkrun at Penistone with an overall Parkrun PB of 21-42.
Faye Lund completed her 25th parkrun at Cusworth Hall in a time of 27-16.
PENISTONE Church won on penalties after a 1-1 draw at home to Handsworth in the NCEL League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday evening.
Sam Scrivens put Church in front then, after an equaliser, goalkeeper Adam Lawlor saved a penalty in the 5-4 shoot-out win.
Co-manager John Whitehead said: “It was a pretty edgy affair for both teams.
“We cancelled each other out a little bit. We defended pretty well but weren’t firing going forwards.
“You can’t fault the desire and determination. We just lacked quality for large periods of the game.
“Scriv’s goal was an outstanding finish then they threw everyone forward in the second half and we conceded a really poor goal when they were down to ten men due a sin bin.
“You won’t see a better ten penalties, even the one that was saved. Lawlor made a great save and we’re in the hat.”
PENISTONE now finally has access to a banking hub after the space officially opened last week.
Based at the Resource Centre, the hub will be open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
A spokesperson for Penistone Town Council said: “Penistone Town Council would like to welcome the community to the new banking hub.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to facilitate this for the community.
“This is based at the Resource Centre in Penistone town centre and will be open 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, where you can deal with your banking needs.
“Here you can deposit and withdraw cash free of charge.
“Enjoy convenient hassle free banking on your doorstep.
“Daily bank representative’s will also be available from May with a sound proof pod to discuss private matters.
“The friendly team are here on hand, to assist and support.”
Plans to turn a partially Grade II listed Penistone heritage site which has been derelict for years have been submitted for approval, following extensive consultation.
Fairbank Investments Ltd, a property and land company which has been working with Axis Architecture, has put forward proposals to develop Penistone’s historic coal drops, signal house, and former railway siding site.
The plans aim to revitalise the site, transforming it into a development comprising retail and office space, combined with a hospitality venue and contemporary business units.
As previous owner of the former David Brown factory on Green Road in Penistone, Fairbank Investments regenerated the site by turning it into a business park with offices and warehouse space.
The business says its proposals for the coal drops site encompass a comprehensive redevelopment plan, which blends historical preservation with modern amenities.
At the heart of the project is conversion of Grade II Listed Coal Drop Arches into retail spaces.
The development also includes over 4,000 sq ft of premium restaurant and bar space.
This hospitality venue will feature an outdoor terrace with access from the Trans-Pennine Trail, as well as a reception lobby and lounge area.
A new-build office block, spanning approximately 9,000 sq ft, will offer workspace.
Complementing this will be four contemporary hybrid business units, providing flexible spaces designed to accommodate a range of office and light industrial uses.
Redevelopment will also include conversion of the original signal house to provide versatile opportunities for business or community use.
Antony Green, director of Fairbank Investments, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring forward this ambitious project, which reflects our deep commitment to Penistone’s heritage, economic growth, and community development.
“Through this carefully planned redevelopment, we aim to create a thriving business hub while preserving the town’s historical essence.”
Led by Andrew Pedley, the Real Estate team at Blacks Solicitors in Leeds acted on behalf of Fairbank on the acquisition of the former railway site in Penistone and continues to provide advice on its development.
PENISTONE Footpath Runner Suzanne McGill was first woman at the Ambles Revenge on Sunday.
It is an eight-mile route which starts in Oxspring and heads over farm tracks, fields and country lanes to Green Moor and back. Unlike in previous years, the weather was kind and there were no long sections of mud.
The race was sold-out for a third successive year, with 350 entries.
Majka Kunicka, also of Penistone, finished in third place.
Penistone’s Richard Cottam was third overall and Paul Johnson from Barnsley Harriers fourth, with Tom Fryers from Penistone in fifth place.
There were age category wins for Penistone’s Barbara Haigh (first over70 woman) and Stuart Woodhead (first over65 man), Barnsley Harriers’ Steve Frith (first over70 man) and Penistone’s Bill Phillips (first over75 man).
Lois Lopez claimed second place in the women’s over50 category and Valentina Wright was third in the same category.
Barnsley AC’s Lennon Hughes finished 30th in 1-02-52.
At Ribble Valley 10k in Lancashire, Barnsley AC’s Morgan Thompson ran his second fastest 10k time of 34-04.
Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsPenistone domestic abuse campaigner: 'I've pushed myself to breaking point reliving everything'Claire Throssell MBE says her new book will go into detail around coping with grief & domestic abuse
A Penistone woman - who lost her two sons over a decade ago at the hands of her abusive partner - is aiming to help 'grieving' parents
12-year-old Jack & 9-year-old Paul Sykes - died in a house fire in 2014 started by their dad - Darren Sykes - who also passed away
Claire Throssell MBE has just finished writing a book about how it's affected her - she hopes it'll help others:
"To write a book as honest and as open as I've been with this one about my experience of domestic abuse takes a lot out of you
"There is no book out there that tells you how to live without your children
"Now I know why that is - there have been times when I've been writing this and I couldn't see what I was jotting down because of the tears
"It's been incredibly difficult to write
"If it saves a life or makes a difference to just one person
then it will have been worth all the tears and almost reaching breaking point for
"It will help a lot of people who feel trapped in domestic abuse
but it will also help all the grieving parents with coping mechanisms on how to live without your children - as hard as it may be."
Claire handed in a petition at Downing Street - which had been signed by over 100,000 - in a bid to change the law around 'unsafe child contact'
Her book is set to be released in October this year
PLANS to transform a historic cricket club’s crumbling facilities are finally set to come to fruition following months of disputes after an MP stepped in following a wrangle over planning permission.
Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, helped Penistone Cricket Club to effectively secure approval for their new pavilion.( The original Queen Street pavilion which dates back almost 60 years was deemed no longer fit for purpose due to its perilous structure’s state.
Following many months of fundraising, the club which has been running since 1867 sought planning approval for an all-new replacement.
However Dean Burton, president of the Penistone Cricket and Sports Club, contacted Marie for assistance with overcoming planning application hurdles.
The MP supported the club by quickly liaising with the Environment Agency, which facilitated the club in resolving a previously-lodged objection.
Dean said: “Having submitted for planning approval for a new pavilion at the club, we received an objection from the Environment Agency, whom over a period of weeks we could not contact to understand the objection and overcome this.
“Timescales of a resolution were critical for us to attract the funding we required to progress with the pavilion and time was running out.
“Having tried all options available to us I contacted Marie to see if she would be able to assist.
“Marie responded positively, within hours, and offered to escalate the matter with the Environment Agency on our behalf.
“Just 24 hours later the Environment Agency were in contact to arrange discussion to progress the issues and, working with them, we were soon able to resolve the objection to progress the planning application to a successful outcome.
“Without Marie’s intervention we might still have been waiting.”
The new pavilion will allow the club to better serve its membership, as well as enabling the grounds to realise their full potential as a community asset.
The grounds are used by three adult teams and multiple junior teams with a thriving playing staff of 210, while the club’s membership is over 500.
Its facilities also serve as a vital community resource, with the grounds being used by local schools including Springvale Primary School and Penistone Grammar School.
Marie told the Chronicle: “Penistone Cricket Club has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, with their membership expanding massively and becoming one of the key offerings for sport in the local community.
“I’m so proud of the work club members have done to raise the funds to make the improvements needed.
“I’m glad to have been able to help Mr Burton and the club in resolving his planning issues at the cricket club.
“I’m here to serve our communities and will always try to support constituents who gets in touch with me in any way I can.
“I look forward to visiting the new pavilion when it is up and running, and hopefully I’ll be able to come and watch the club in action when the season restarts.”
VOLUNTEERS behind the Penistone Gala event have vowed its return to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
But it’s set to return in June, and volunteer Jill Goddard says the event will be bigger and better than before.
She told the Chronicle: “We’ve got a few new people to volunteer this year.
“We’ve had an awful lot of support from Penistone Town Council which is great.
“In recent years the gala has reduced in size but we’re working really hard to make it much bigger.
The event will take place on June 7 and 8 - and Jill is adamant it’s something for the whole of Barnsley to be excited for.
“I joined because I’ve grown up in Penistone,” she said.
“We’re trying to make it something for the whole of Barnsley, not just Penistone.”
The theme this year will be ‘Pride in Penistone’.
Jill added: “The theme is also accessible for everyone to partake, so bright colours and sparkles, alongside the other interpretations of what makes people proud of Penistone, it is truly open for interpretation.
“The weekend will be jam packed, the Penistone round table will be leading on our Pen Fest in the market barn on the Saturday, with family
“Friendly acts in the afternoon, followed by Brit pop in the evening.
“We still need more trade stands and food stalls who can apply via our website.”
PENISTONE schoolboy Charlie Herbert is an English champion kickboxer.
The 14-year-old, who competes for Barnsley club The Combat Academy, won the International Combat Organisation’s (ICO) K1 title at 52kg.
Charlie said: “I’ve been training for eight years now, starting when I was six. I tried football but didn’t enjoy it, but I took to kickboxing immediately.
“I hope to go on and win an ICO world title.”
Professional kickboxer Gasan Gindra said: “This crowns a fantastic year of achievement for us at The Combat Academy. Charlie delivered an outstanding performance to beat a tough, heavier, bigger and older fighter who was a late replacement for the original opponent. Charlie stayed composed under pressure and showcased sharp boxing skills with some spectacular head kicks helping secure a unanimous victory.”
Charlie is sponsored by his school Penistone Grammar and Penistone Scaffolding for gala fights.
Potential sponsors should contact Mick Crossland at TCA as should those interested in kickboxing training.
Visit thecombatacademy.org.uk or call 07927 134366 or locate The Combat Academy on Facebook.
PENISTONE Church are due to visit Knaresborough Town in the semi-final of the League Cup on Tuesday evening.
Both sides are in mid-table going into the final week of the league season.
Church won 1-0 at home to lowly Ecclesfield United on Saturday.
They are ninth the table with two league matches remaining.
Coach John Whitehead said: “During the first half it was difficult to watch, we looked laboured. We weren’t moving the ball quick enough, we were lethargic and too predictable.
“The only positive we could take from the first half was that ‘keeper Adam Lawlor has kept us in the game with several excellent saves.
“There were some choice words at half-time, then we went out in the second half and, from the first whistle, we were good. We were more aggressive in our play, we played with a bit of purpose and with intent.
“The difficulty in the second half came when the heavens opened and the pitch resembled a swimming pool but the lads stuck to their task, they showed great endeavour and determination. We then changed our system, we brought Tom Brennan off the bench, he got us a goal, and it gave us the catalyst we needed to go on and win.
“We had the chances to make it two or three but we were happy with the win as it played out.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game but the guys took on board what was said at half-time and showed some heart and character and for me it just shows that it means something to them.”
Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsSouth Yorkshire school dealing with 'significant rise' in concern over county lines drug gangsStaff at Penistone Grammar School tell us it's something they're having to monitor closely
A South Yorkshire secondary school tell us they've been dealing with 'significant increase' in calls from concerned parents around county lines & the 'threat' of child criminal exploitation
It's where gangs target young people to help them get illegal drugs from one area to another
Katie Crook - who's the Associate Vice Principal at Penistone Grammar School - says it's a trend they've noticed since the start of academic year in September of 2024:
"We're very much aware of our setting and the close proximity to the train station
"Wider intelligence with our local police informs us that there are active gangs potentially that could target our students
"That's something we've got to be acutely aware of
"I think one of the issues that Barnsley is facing at the minute - and I include Penistone in that - is vaping
"But what we know about vapes is that they can be a gateway drug
"That concerns us greatly - if students can buy vapes in the wider community
then what else are they going to be exposed to
we are of course right in the middle of some big cities
and there's access to Leeds and Barnsley too - where gangs and county lines definitely operate
"We've worked really hard in creating a strong reporting culture here around how many students are affected by things like vaping or other matters out in the wider communities
“We know that child exploitation is happening across the country and this includes South Yorkshire
Any child can be at risk of grooming and exploitation
so I encourage everyone to know and spot the signs that a child could be being exploited
“These include a sudden change in mood or behaviour
skipping school or going missing regularly
bring secretive about who they are talking to
into ‘friendships’ by convincing them that they are their friend
they gain their trust and manipulate them by buying them gifts
they convince them to carry out crime including hiding or transport stolen goods
and even recruiting other children their age
“Every child deserves a happy and safe childhood and we are committed to rooting out those who choose to harm children in our county
We have dedicated child exploitation teams working across the four districts of the county
They work in close partnership with local authorities
Our specialist officers are trained in supporting child victims and investigating exploitation crimes to ensure we bring perpetrators before the courts and safeguard children from harm
Our multi-agency approach enables us to deliver training to staff at children’s care homes
taxi licensing firms and hotels – some of the settings we know criminals target to facilitate their exploitation
“Our officers carry out regular visits to schools
engaging with staff and young people about any issues or problems relating to exploitation of concern
If you think a child or young person who you know is being exploited
please report it to us by calling 101 or visiting a police station and speaking to an officer in person
“We know that not everyone will feel able to report directly to us so you can also share what you know anonymously via the independent charity
Contact them for free via 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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As theaters full of cushy recliner seats, food service, and the IMAX experience slowly become the norm for moviegoers, some fanatics still seek out a more classic, no-frills experience. Along Shrewsbury Road in Penistone, England
an unassuming single-screen theater keeps cinematic nostalgia alive
While Penistone Paramount Cinema screens both major blockbuster movies and regular historic classics, it also has a program of live events, including recitals on a Compton organ. In 1913, the building was established as a "lecture and recreation" space for one of Britain's many Carnegie Library buildings
The auditorium was equipped to double as a dance hall; complete with a sprung floor
and the ability to remove all the fitted seats before dances
but the mechanism for the sprung floor can still be seen in the basement
establishing the space as a cinema. The theater's Art Deco architecture has survived renovations
with the period plasterwork still complete
Inside, the star of the show is the Compton organ. The instrument was originally built by the John Compton Organ Co. in 1937. It was first installed in Birmingham’s Paramount Theatre, where it entertained audiences for over 30 years. In 1988, it was bought by a private cinema owner and installed in the Regal Cinema at Oswestry in Shropshire
After four years at Oswestry, it was brought to the Penistone Paramount Cinema by organist Kevin Grunill. The instrument was restored in 2000 and again in 2013. Most recently, the organ accompanied a brass band concert and provided a musical backdrop for the first-ever silent vampire movie from 1922, Nosferatu
The cinema's projection box also received an upgrade over the years
but the original Gaumont film projector is still on display inside
See the cinema's website for show and tour hours.
crumbling 110-year-old theater retains the authentic retro charms of Showa-era cinema
A vintage media store and safe haven for cinema buffs who love 16mm films shown on vintage projectors
The remnants of what was once the largest film studio on the East Coast are hiding in plain sight
this cinema still uses film reels and screens revivals of Shōwa-era hits and classics
Kuala Lumpur’s historic single-screen cinema
This historic silent film-era theater is now a community playhouse with a chilling visitor
The last gas-lit cinema in the United Kingdom
This century-old independent movie theater with an iconic Art Deco neon sign survived a devastating fire in 2016
PENISTONE Cricket Club will be playing in Division One next season and could be joined by Monk Bretton despite neither team completing their matches last weekend
Widespread abandonments left a number of teams getting the calculators out to see how their final weekend would be shaping up
Penistone are now confirmed as one of three teams to go up
Captain Tom Exley said: “It would have been nice to win on Saturday and go up but it’s a fair achievement
It’s the highest we will have been since moving across from the Huddersfield league
“We did set up to go as high as possible and now we want to consolidate and then look to move up again
“Chris Matthewman has been brilliant and scored a lot of runs
“Matt Scholey has been Mr Consistent for us and taken a lot of wickets
"We will look at how we can strengthen now
"We go into Saturday wanting to finish on a high and get 12 points."
They will need to make up two points on third-placed Hallam 2nd XI
The £16.5 million plans to transform Huddersfield Open Market look set to go ahead after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed funding in this week’s Budget
Under plans revealed by Kirklees Council in the summer the existing market hall is to be revamped to include an events space with stage and big screen while an outdoor area called Market Yard will be created in Brook Street with stalls and permanent retail units
Also approved in the Budget were plans to improve the Penistone Line rail link which runs through Lockwood
Track and station upgrades will lead to improved performance and reliability for train services between Huddersfield
There’s currently just one train an hour on the northern line
Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal and Colne Valley MP Paul Davies jointly welcomed what they described as “transformative funding” for Huddersfield
They said they’d worked directly with ministers to secure funding for the market and added: “This investment will support local businesses
create jobs and encourage more foot traffic
enhancing Huddersfield’s economy and community vitality.”
Huddersfield Open Market – read more about the latest plans for the market HERE
Funding for the Penistone Line would address “long-standing issues that have plagued the service” such as inadequate infrastructure
impacting commuters and those who rely on public transport
secured by previous Tory MPs Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) and Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury)
was valued at £48 million and Ms Uppal and Mr Davies said the Labour government’s “fully-funded upgrade offers certainty and relief for communities that rely on the line for affordable
The Budget also confirmed continuing funding for the multi-billion TransPennine Route Upgrade
Ms Uppal and Mr Davies said: “These historic investments are a victory for our region
faster and more reliable transport options; revitalising our local economy
Huddersfield Open Market and the TransPennine Route Upgrade will bring significant
reducing travel times and promoting sustainable growth
“This Budget marks a new chapter for Huddersfield and Colne Valley
and we’re proud to see our efforts pay off with commitments that will uplift our communities and transform our region.”
Transformed Huddersfield Open Market to be less ‘food hall’ and more business incubator
PENISTONE Church lost 2-0 at Tadcaster Albion on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time then, after Liam Johnson was sent off early in the second half, Church conceded again.
Church have only won one of eight since November. They are seventh, four points off the play-off places.
They have nine games to play while all the teams around them have at least one game in hand on them.
Co-manager John Whitehead said: “The first half is something we can’t reflect on with much confidence.
“We seem to be playing within ourselves and there is a fear factor. The players don’t want to make a mistake or cost us a goal.
“We had a sin bin then rode it out but a minute later we conceded.
“We all know we can do so much better.
“We had some choice words at half-time and we expressed ourselves after the break.
“It was a very controversial and soft red card and I don’t think the official in the middle was possibly up to scratch.
“We were dominant with ten men and had them on the ropes but couldn’t take our chances then got suckerpunched from a short backpass and our goalkeeper gave a penalty away.
"We were a lot more like we need to be in that second half.”
Church are now due to host second-placedThackley on Saturday.
They are then due to play two more games in February, six in March and the season is set to finish on April 5.
THE future of an historic local building has been safeguarded and waterproofed for future generations after a complete roof replacement.
Penistone Town Hall houses the Penistone Paramount Cinema, Penistone Masonic Lodge 1462 and local business Matthew Rico Fitness.
Council offices were opened in 1914 alongside the Carnegie Free Library, which had opened a year earlier.
The much-loved local landmark, which is an important piece of Penistone’s heritage, had suffered from many roof leaks over the years.
Specialist contractors removed the existing roof and installed a new one with the work now complete.
The roofing works were part of the Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, which aims to enhance community facilities and ensure high streets and town centres are thriving.
A council spokesperson said: “We've already invested £5million into our six Principal Towns and ten Local Centres, with another £30million planned over the next five years.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, added: “I’m sure Penistone Town Council and the staff and customers of the Paramount Cinema will welcome the completion of these works.
“This is one of the key landmarks in the town and an important piece of its heritage.
“Replacing the roof of the Town Hall and the Paramount shows our commitment to safeguarding Barnsley’s treasured public places.”
The works at the Art Deco-style Penistone Town Hall were carried out by M.A.M. Roofing (Services). They involved installing extra roof timbers, new roof coverings, lead work, fascias, guttering and rainwater pipes.
The new roof itself is of reproduced Welsh slate, in keeping with the original materials.
The Paramount cinema remained open during the works.
Chair of Penistone Area Council, Councillor David Greenhough, said: “We are delighted the works to our much-loved and historic Town Hall have been completed: “Cinema, the arts, and community projects from Penistone and the surrounding area will continue to find a welcoming home in this newly-conserved local landmark."
Plans for the wider refurbishment of the building to extend its public use are at the early design stage.
A SCHOOL has been educating its pupils on the dangers and consequences of knife crime.
Penistone Grammar School hosted a knife crime awareness day on Wednesday following the tragic death of Harvey Willgoose last month.
A recent Freedom of Information request showed the number of young people under the age of 18 were reported to the police for taking knives into schools between 2022 to 2024, across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Sheffield saw the highest number of incidents, recording 37 between 2022 and 2024.
In the same period, Doncaster saw 30 incidents, Rotherham 22 and Barnsley 14.
Katie Crook, assistant vice principal at the school, told the Chronicle the school is working to teach its pupils about the impact.
She added: “At Penistone Grammar School safeguarding is paramount to everything we do.
“We have worked collectively and collaboratively, with a plethora of agencies, to ensure that we are an outward facing school that actively educates our students on the wider dangers in today’s society.
“As designated safeguarding lead I believe that educating students about the risks they may be exposed to within the wider community is pivotal to ensure they are enabled to make good choices to keep themselves safe.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events in recent weeks regarding the incident within a Sheffield school, and whilst we are confident that we do not have any knife related problems within our school, we are a proactive leadership team who will continue to work with our local policing teams to adopt a preventative approach on the issues.
“The knife awareness day was very well received by our community and has been impactful for students in terms of their wider understanding.”
Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsPenistone pub undertakes major refurbishment to boost bookingsThe refurbishment was partly funded through a rural business grant from Barnsley Council
Cubley Hall in Penistone has undertaken a £25,000 refurbishment
with the aim of increasing bookings by 30 per cent in 2025
The refurbishment was partly funded through a rural business grant from Barnsley Council’s enterprising Barnsley programme
which worked with local suppliers for the upgrades
is now ready to welcome guests with improved facilities
The main bar and conservatory areas have also been refreshed with upgraded seating and décor
explained that the improvements are crucial for meeting the evolving needs of customers
“The significant improvements we’ve made to our beautiful old country house venue will enable us to better meet the needs of customers
host a wider variety of events and attract more bookings,” he said
we’ve been working hard to rebuild the business after Covid and the economic pressures we’ve all faced since then
These upgrades have tackled some very stubborn
practical issues which have basically been holding us back
“With increased flexibility in terms of layout and some tech upgrades
we can now say ‘yes’ to many more bookings
We’re ready to reboot and restore our events calendar back to pre-Covid levels.”
has transformed a derelict country house and 4.5 acres of land into a popular community pub and events venue
which hosts over 70 weddings and parties annually
also features a monthly folk night with live bands
Its owners aim to increase wedding and party bookings to over 100 a year and expand its live music calendar by adding more UK touring bands and tribute acts
business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley
said: “Cubley Hall has built a strong business over 42 years
playing an active role in its community and gaining a UK-wide profile as a wedding and events venue
easy access to the M1 and good transport links
means Cubley Hall competes on a regional and national level for bookings and brings new money into the local economy
“This timely investment in the fabric of the building and its facilities is designed to help Cubley Hall flourish further
The rise in bookings and enquiries has already resulted in the creation of three new jobs and additional opportunities for the existing 60-strong workforce to develop their skills
CRUCIAL public health services in Barnsley will benefit thanks to a huge investment which has been ring-fenced to help those in need
The town will receive £19.7m to help drive key health services from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children’s health
sexual health clinics and other public services across Barnsley
“This funding is the biggest real-terms increase
after nearly a decade of reduced spending under the last government,” she said
“Public healthcare that I received at local GP surgeries in Penistone and Barnsley Hospital allowed me to thrive and go on to represent the people of Penistone and Stocksbridge at Westminster
“We’re privileged to have access to world-class health services
“But I hear time and time again on the doorstep that the people of Penistone and Stocksbridge can’t get the help they need quick enough
it needs to be backed with the right funding.”
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Penistone Road in Sheffield has now reopened
We would like to thank the public for their patience and their cooperation
13 DEC 2024BookmarkPenistone Road (Image: Google)Bomb squads were deployed to a Sheffield road after a 'suspicious item' ws found
Penistone Road near Parkwood Springs was closed today (Friday
The closure stretched between Neepsend Lane and Montgomery Terrace
South Yorkshire Police issued the following statement at 2.06pm
it said: "Please be aware a road closure is in place on Penistone Road in Sheffield due to the discovery of a suspicious item
The road is closed between Neepsend Lane and Montgomery Terrace
"A cordon has been established and the army’s Explosive Ordnance Team (EOD) are currently en route to the scene. We are advising people to avoid the area and plan an alternative route if possible
Get all the latest and breaking Sheffield news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
Penistone Road in Sheffield has now reopened.
We would like to thank the public for their patience and their cooperation.
BARNSLEY clubs enjoyed success at the Travellers Six road race held around the undulating windswept roads of Denby Dale on Sunday.
Barnsley AC’s Naomi Drakeford took more than a minute off her time from last year’s Travellers Six, finishing as first woman in a time of 38-18.
Linda Walton, of Kingstone Runners, was first over55 woman.
Penistone Footpath Runners’ women packed well to finish as first women’s team. The three counters were Suzanne McGill, Jade Crosby and Lois Lopez. McGill also picked up first place in the women’s over45 age category.
First runner back for Penistone, out of 31, was James Fryers in fifth place overall.
There were top three age group finishes for Lois Lopez (first over50 woman), Bill Phillips (first over75 man), Barbara Haigh (first over75 woman), Ian Neville (second over55 man), Shaun Swallow (third over55 man) and Seuranie Johnstone (third over35 woman).
Barnsley Harrier Fiona Davies was first over50 woman and Steve Frith first over70 man.
Barnsley AC’s Kris Brown completed the Sherwood Pines Festive Standard Duathlon in a total time of 2-43-14. The event included a 10k run (47-58), a 30k bike ride (1-21-53) and a 5k run (27-48).
The final South Yorkshire Cross Country League fixture took place at Graves Park in Sheffield.
Penistone’s Heidi Morley placed 13th in the under 11 girls category with 7-02 and Flynn Rogers was eighth in the men’s under 17 race in 31-38. Barnsley Harrier Alan Ford was first over45 man.
Penistone’s husband and wife John and Dawn Broom took part in the Telford 10k which is recognised as one of the fastest in the country.
Dawn took second place in the women’s over60 age category in a time of 44-30. John recorded 41-30.
Barnsley AC’s Josh Bird set a PB by more than a minute, finishing in 31-38.
Penistone’s Harriet Drouin took on the challenging Moors the Merrier fell race which is over 21 miles in distance and involves 4,100 feet of climbing.
She finished in 43rd in a time of 5-12-00.
Two runners reached milestones at the Barnsley ParkRun this week.
Ian Neville completed his 600th ParkRun and John Downing his 500th.
Both have been doing the 5k weekly races – the majority of them at Locke Park – since 2011.
Barnsley AC’s Naomi Drakeford finished as first woman at Barnsley in 19-52.
A SCHEME to revitalise district shopping destinations as a knock-on impact of the town centre’s Glass Works regeneration has enhanced more than 500 shop fronts.
Principal Towns – the council-run initiative which set out plans to improve Cudworth, Hoyland, Wombwell, Royston, Goldthorpe and Penistone – has resulted in millions being spent on local centres.
A progress report revealed more than 500 shop frontages have been spruced up, while ‘significant improvements’ have been made to Hoyland Town Square and Wombwell High Street.
Mapplewell Village Hall and New Lodge Community Centre have also undergone refurbishments thanks to the investment.
A report said: “Recent projects included major roofing replacement works at Penistone Town Hall, while repairs and refurbishment at Wombwell Football Club are also being carried out.
“The scheme is expected to be completed by next year.”
Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsPenistone woman aims to change the law around 'unsafe child contact'Claire Throssell's two young sons died in a house fire in 2014 - in a blaze which was started by their dad
A South Yorkshire woman insists 'she won't be ignored' - in her efforts to make it illegal for people with a history of domestic abuse - to be allowed contact with children
Claire Throssell - from Penistone - lost her two son's - 12-year-old Jack & 9-year-old Paul - in a house fire started by their dad - Darren Sykes - who also died in the blaze ten years ago
Claire's handing in a petition at Downing Street - which's been signed by over 100 thousand people - in a bid to change the law around 'unsafe child contact'
"We initially went down in 2019 and handed in a petition which had 44,000 signatures
"Now we've got over 100,000 signatures
which means it has to be debated in Parliament in a fair
and I will go down that street again - even if I have to crawl down it - to make sure nobody has to go through what my boys did
"Abuse doesn't stay with the abuser - it stays with us - the victims - and it will remain with me for the rest of my life
"I said to the government that I'd come with a bigger petition
"If it doesn't get accepted in the House of Lords
then I'll keep coming back until the law changes
The boys' dad had been allowed access to the children as part of an unsupervised court ordered visit - even though concerns had been raised about his abusive past
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/child-first-safe-child-contact-saves-lives
Rachael Mayston and Dawn Broom all wore their England Athletics Masters vests at the Great Birmingham 10k
Dawn took third in the women’s over60 category in a time of 44-13
Andrew finished 96th in a time of 37-20 and 13th in his category
Rachael came home in 43-15 to earn herself 13th-placed position in her category
The latest fixture of the South Yorkshire Road League took place in Worsbrough
The route contained some tough inclines as it gradually climbed up to Birdwell
before dropping down the main road to the finish
Barnsley AC’s Kai Sunman won the race with 26-33
21 seconds ahead of team-mate Gareth Cooke in second
Ruby Sykes and Naomi Drakeford were the first two women in times of 29-32 and 30-34 respectively
Chris McNicholas ran 31-55 to finish as first over60 man while Kerry Storrar was third over50 woman in 37-11
First back for Penistone was George Parr in a time of 29-14
while first Penistone women home was Suzanne McGill in 32-41
Kingstone Runner Linda Walton was second over55 woman
Barnsley Harrier Alan Ford was second in his age category and tenth overall
with Katie Roberts first back for the club’s women in 144th
Vikki Skipper was once again first woman over65
Barnsley Harrier Kelly Ford finished in 32nd place in 7-56-48
Two Barnsley AC members made their marathon debuts
Tayla Brons finished the Prague Marathon in 3-56-41 while Chris McNicholas headed to Milton Keynes Marathon in order to get a good for age time for London Marathon next year
He was comfortably under the 3-37 requirement
finishing in a time of 3-17-54 as fifth over60 man
Barnsley Harrier David Hanks came 31st in 86-54
Penistone’s Jemma Williams finished in a time of 62-58
earning sixth position in the women’s race and second in the over40 category
Also taking part was Kirsty Rogers who finished in 83-09
Kingstone Runner John Downing was first over70 man
Shaun Clarkson was the first Harrier back and also second over65 man in 38th overall
Barnsley Harrier Jessica Holt was fifth overall and second woman in 27-20.