WOMBWELL Town celebrated ‘the greatest day in our history’ by beating neighbours Dearne and District in the play-off final in front of 1,498 fans but will now look to have even better days in the future.
The two clubs, who are five miles away from each other, competed in front of a crowd which was more than double Town’s record attendance.
Jordan Kershaw and Oliver Fearon put them 2-0 up then, after Bayley Lowe pulled one back before half-time, Fearon netted again early in the second half. Jamie Austin scored late on but Dearne had a man sent off and could not level.
The Wombwell club now join Penistone Church in the NCEL Premier.
Town manager Karl Rose: “It was an absolutely amazing day. I am delighted for everyone involved with the club.
“I thought it was a well-deserved win. We bossed the first half and I was disappointed we were only one goal up.
“Credit to Dearne, they never stopped. They put us under pressure. We were ecstatic to hear the final whistle.
“It’s the greatest day in the club’s history. The turn-out was unbelievable.
“It was absolutely rammed and the atmosphere was great. Fans on both sides sang for 90 minutes.
“From when we first set it up to getting 1,500 is a dream. The day went without incident. That’s down to a lot of planning by our volunteers and the respect shown by both sets of fans.
“We just missed out on the title but went again and beat two good teams in the play-offs.
“They never stop running and they’ve got hearts the size of dustbin lids, with a little sprinkle of skill in there.”
The Wombwell club’s ultimate aim is to reach at least the Northern Premier League, where Shaw Lane AFC once played before folding.
Rose said: “This season has taken us to a different level. You look at the potential there. We’ve had crowds of about 400, 600 and 1,500 in the last three games. We can kick on. We want the community to be invested in us.
“Straight away we’re thinking about next season. We want to challenge at the top. We don’t just want to sit in that league.
“We will be in the FA Cup next season too which is a dream come true for us.
“We have had five full seasons, if you take out Covid, and we’ve got four promotions. Who is to say where we can we go in the next five years if we keep improving on and off the pitch? It’s the best group of players we’ve had down here. We will look to improve on that.
“I want to steer the club as high as we can go.”
Rose believes Dearne can bounce back next season. He said: “I am sure they will be right up there. That will have hurt them but they have to use that heartbreak to build and come back.
“You look at the strides they have made and they will be looking to win the league next year, and there’s no reason they can’t. They have great players, coaches and a very good set-up.”
Meanwhile, Wombwell Town reserves finished their title-winning league season with a 3-0 win over Royston in County Senior Division Two.
Town reserves will now host Grange Moor Saints in the Sheffield FA Saturday Trophy final on Saturday.
WHILE Barnsley FC complete their Oakwell season against Shrewsbury on Saturday, two other clubs will be facing each other to become one of the highest-placed in the borough.
Wombwell Town host Goldthorpe club Dearne and District – who are separated by about five miles – from 3pm in the NCEL Division One play-off final.
A crowd of well over 1,000 is expected with the winner joining Penistone Church in the Premier Division as the highest non-league Barnsley clubs.
Town finished second in their second season at that level while Dearne came fourth in their maiden NCEL campaign, then both won dramatic semi-finals on Saturday. Dearne have won their last seven games and Town eight of their last nine with one draw.
Karl Rose, the former Barnsley player now in charge of Wombwell Town, said: “It’s a humdinger of a final.
“For the local community, it gives them something to look forward to and get behind and it should be a great game for neutrals as well.
“We will enjoy the day, celebrate our great season with the fans and volunteers and we want to finish it off.
“They have massively invested in the community. They have loads of kids’ teams, like us, so the two clubs are always playing each other from under sevens all the way up to the first team.
“It shows what building a foundation does. People are following both clubs because they see the bigger picture.
“For Dearne to get to a final in their first season is phenomenal. They have hit form at the right time like us.”
Dearne manager Zeph Thomas added: “It’s a massive game for the local area. It will be a fantastic occasion and a good advert for football in the area.
“We are underdogs. They beat us twice convincingly in the league. We will need to be right on it. Karl was my gaffer at Frickley. I know he will have his team well-drilled and hard to beat. They were unlucky not to go up automatically.
“There is no pressure on us. We just need to keep doing the same things.
“All the pressure is on Wombwell who have been at it for a couple of seasons.”
Town came from behind to beat visitors Ilkley Town 2-1 thanks to goals by Edward Agnew and Jordan Kershaw, in front of a club record crowd of 603.
Rose said: “We finished 18 points above them in the league table but it didn’t mean anything.
“I tried to tell the lads not to play the occasion but in the first half, we were too safe. Ilkley got on top and we gave a daft goal away from a corner.
“There were some frank words at half-time and we told them to take the handbrake off – ‘let’s go down swinging if we go down.’
“In the second half, the lads were tremendous to a man, won their battles and played better football.
“The fans were queuing down the hill before the game. There was a real atmosphere and a proper roar when the goals went in.”
There were 923 at Featherstone Rovers’ ground where Dearne beat Wakefield 1-0 thanks to Jamie Austin’s 94th-minute goal against ten men.
Thomas said: “It was an amazing day. We couldn’t have asked for a better one.
“The game was a bit scrappy and both teams were nervous. I thought we edged the first half then they had more control in the second but never troubled us.
“They had a player sent off and we put pressure on. Jamie Austin did what he does best and the scenes were unbelievable. We had a couple of hundred fans there and they were singing all game.
“I told the lads I wouldn’t change this team for anyone. They are a proper team. That goes a lot further than being able to sign a lot of players through the season like Wakefield have. I don’t think they have the team spirit we have.”
Wombwell Town have been promoted from NCEL Division One after a 3-2 play-off final win over near neighbours Dearne and District in front of a record crowd of 1,498 on Saturday.
Jordan Kershaw and Oliver Fearon put Town 2-0 up then, after Bayley Lowe pulled one back before half-time, Fearon netted again early in the second half.
Jamie Austin scored late on but Dearne could not level.
WOMBWELL came together in style to mark the end of the 2025 Great British Spring Clean with an event on Saturday.
Local councillors, volunteers from the Wombwell Womblers, the South Area Caretaker Team and South Yorkshire Police joined forces to pick over 40 bags of litter and fly-tipping from around the Woodhead Lane car park.
In addition, the South Area Team organised a family picnic and Easter Bunny trail for local children to enjoy.
A statement from Wombwell councillors Brenda Eastwood, Robert Frost and James Higginbottom said: “This year’s Great British Spring Clean in Wombwell has once again been a huge success with volunteers, council services and partner agencies coming together for a whole host of events across the ward.
“This has included family events, community engagement and lots of litter picked - cumulating in the big event in Wombwell Woods on Saturday.
“We would like to say a big thank you to all who’ve been involved but especially to the volunteers who have supported and our South Area Caretaker Team for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.”
WOMBWELL Town and Worsbrough Bridge meet on Friday in an all-Barnsley clash which could be repeated in the play-offs in the coming weeks.
Town – who host the derby from 7.45pm – are third, with six games to play while they are 12 points clear in the top five play-off places and eight off the only automatic promotion spot.
Bridge are seventh, four points outside the play-offs, with four games left.
Worsbrough manager Lee Morris said: “It’s a big Barnsley derby.
“We could be playing them again in a few weeks in the play-offs.
“I thought Wombwell would win the league at one point but it looks like they will finish in the play-offs.
“I have managed a lot of their players and they are a big strong team. If we adapt to that, it will be a good game.
“It will be entertaining for the locals and neutrals but, for managers, I might have a few more grey hairs afterwards.
“It will be a tough game for us but, if we get something out of it, we have a good chance of the play-offs.”
Wombwell Town boss Karl Rose added: “It should be a great game.
“Even with nothing on the line it would be a big game but both teams are hoping to get promoted. The pressure is off us because we’re pretty much nailed on to be in the play-offs.
“We drew 3-3 with them earlier in the season and we’re expecting another good game. Worsbrough have been on a great run after a poor start.
“They would be up there challenging for the title if they started better.
“Dearne are in the mix as well so there could be three Barnsley teams in the play-offs which would be great.
“Bridge have some very very good players. They have not gone on that run for nothing.
“We know what derbies are like. We all know each other. There is an added edge.
“Every time we’ve played, there has been friendly banter but it’s not crossed the line.”
Town won 3-0 at lowly Yorkshire Amateur on Saturday. Oliver Fearon scored twice and Cian Guest once.
They are eight points behind leaders Horbury Town – who have played two more games – and three behind second-placed Wakefield who have played the same amount of games as the Wombwell club. Rose said: “Wakefield should win the league now. We have had too many daft results at home.
“Better budgets get you better players and better teams and better results.
“For us to still be in the fight going into the last month, we’re delighted with that. We haven’t completely given up hope of the title. We would need to win all of the last six games. We’re trying to finish as high as we can.
“If we miss out, we will lick our wounds and have a massive crack at the play-offs when no one will be relishing playing against us.
“We’ve only lost one of 14 which was against a very good Wakefield side.”
Bridge lost 3-1 at home to title contenders Wakefield on Saturday, a second successive defeat.
Keelan Grist levelled in first half stoppage time then Wakefield netted twice after the break.
Morris said: “I think Wakefield will probably win the title so it was never going to be an easy game.
“We played well but were punished for some mistakes and deserved to lose in the end. We knew this would be a tough spell. We played Horbury and Wakefield twice so it would be a tough ask. We should have beaten Harrogate last week but some nights are not your nights.”
Worsbrough did not win any of their first nine games.
Morris said: “We would never have believed we could have been in this position after the start we had.
“We’ll do everything we can to get in those play-offs and, whether it happens or not, it’s been a terrific season.
“I think we’re close to the record for points tally and highest finish the club has had. It’s exciting.
“I can’t praise the players and the staff enough. We haven’t got a budget to sign players so my lads have been playing through injury. It’s been a long, tough season and I am ready to get my swim shorts on when it finishes but I hope that’s not for an extra couple of weeks because we get in the play-offs.”
Dearne and District are in the final play-off place.
Dearne fell behind but Taylor Nicholson levelled just before the break.
They then won 3-0 at Armthorpe on Tuesday, with goals by Curtis Wilkinson, Jamie Austin and Bayley Lowe.
Dearne, who are in their first season at this level, need ten points from their remaining five games to secure a place in the play-offs.
They have a game in hand on the two teams directly below them.
THERE were strong performances from Barnsley club runners at the Wombwell 5 this week.
Kingstone Runners organised the race, which starts and finishes at the go-kart track, with more than 400 competing.
Bert Beaumont, from Darfield, was the oldest in the race aged 82 while his grandson Zachary El Darsh was the youngest at 16.
Bert won the over80 men’s category in 48-54 and was 326th overall, and Zachary finished 296th in 45-54.
Barnsley AC’s Gareth Cooke finished second overall in a time of 26-48.
Naomi Drakeford was just 16 seconds off the long-standing women’s course record of 28-33, set by Jill Ingman in 2003. She was first woman in a PB of 28-49.
There was an age category win for Helen Morgan in the over55 women with 33-49. Alan Nutton (over40 man), Dave Brooksbank (over65 man), Beth Massey (over50 woman) and Kevin Manley (over70 man) all placed second in their age categories.
There were PBs for Gavin Walker (28-51), Tommy Fidler (29-31), Gregg Harrison (32-44), Gemma Thickett (34-31) and Laura Mills (44-28).
There were also PBs for Jess Manley, Antonette Wilson, Catherine Stone, Andy Bell, Claire Clarke, Gareth Wilkes, Craig Parker, Mark Davis and Louise Broadhurst – all running their first five-mile race for the club.
Nineteen Penistone runners took part in the Wombwell race.
The event formed part of the club’s championship. First back for the club was James Mumford in 30-03, just missing out on dipping under the 30 minute mark but claiming third spot in the men’s over40 age category.
Suzanne McGill’s 31-58 broke the club’s women over45 record. She was also third woman overall and first in her age category. The other record-breaker was Andrew Pearson who took the club’s men’s over60 record in a time of 30-26. Andrew also picked up first place in his age category. Other Penistone runners making the podium in their age group were Ian Neville (second over55 man) and Lois Lopez (third over50 woman).
The Penistone women’s team just missed out on the podium in fourth.
Penistone’s George Parr won the Hoppits Hill race.
He crossed the line first after a good tussle with the runner-up.
Barnsley AC’s Jenson Young set a PB at York 5k, finishing in fourth place with a time of 15-07.
Penistone’s Andrew Heppenstall came 17th overall at the Media City Half Marathon in Manchester. His time of 1-17-18 also gave him third place in the men’s over40 age category.
ATHERSLEY Rec’s next match is a Barnsley derby at home to Wombwell Town on Tuesday – a fixture with significance at both ends of the table as the NCEL Division One season builds to an exciting conclusion.
Athersley Rec have lost seven in a row and won one of their last 15 matches since October.
That leaves them 17th, three places and seven points clear of the relegation zone with 11 games to play.
Rec lost 4-1 at home to top ten side Maltby Main on Tuesday.
The visitors went 2-0 up and, after Carter Tingle pulled one back for Athersley, scored two more.
Rec do not have a game this weekend while Wombwell host Swallownest on Saturday before the derby.
Town are third, nine points off leaders Horbury Town – who are in the only automatic promotion place but have played four extra games – while they were overtaken by Wakefield this week.
The Wombwell club, who are unbeaten in the league in 2025, then saw their planned game at South Leeds on Wednesday evening called off due to a waterlogged pitch
Dearne and District drew 2-2 at home to leaders Horbury on Tuesday, ending a five-game winning run but leaving them unbeaten in seven.
Dearne fell behind but went in front through Justin Circuit and Jamie Austin then Horbury levelled.
Dearne are fifth, in the lowest play-off place, two points ahead of sixth-placed Worsbrough Bridge who have played an extra game.
Bridge fell behind at Shelley on Tuesday evening but Harry Spooner and Lloyd Smith had them 2-1 up at the break.
Shelley levelled early in the second half and the game finished 2-2.
WOMBWELL Town stayed in the hunt for the one automatic promotion place with a 1-0 win at home to leaders Horbury Town on Tuesday.
In the top-of-the-table clash, second-placed Town netted midway through the second half with Eddie Agnew getting the winner. Town have 64 points from 29 games, with 13 to play, while they are ten points behind Horbury but have three games in hand.
The Wombwell club are unbeaten in 2025, having won their last five games with four clean sheets.
Manager Karl Rose said: “It’s a massive win. Horbury edged the first half, winning a lot of headers and second balls. We knew we play a high-intensity style and teams struggle against it in the second halves. We were outstanding in the second half, got a quality goal and weren’t ever in danger of conceding.
“We had great support from the fans and there was a huge roar when we scored.
“We knew it was a must-win. At one stage we were 17 points behind Horbury and now it’s ten, with games in hand.
“We can’t take anything for granted but, if we win a few more, it makes it really interesting. There is a quarter of the season to go and there will be twists and turns. Wakefield are in the race as well because they have a lot games in hand. We have to go and back it up in our next game at Selby now.”
Town had won 2-0 at home to Nostell MW on Friday. Agnew and Liam Owen scored. They are now due to visit ninth-placed Selby Town before hosting Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Sheffield Senior Cup on Tuesday.
They have been put back in the competition after losing to Maltby who fielded an ineligible player.
Dearne and District are a point and a place outside the play-off places, with a game in hand, after a 4-1 win at lowly Appleby Frodingham on Tuesday. Bayley Lowe and Jamie Austin scored twice each for Dearne who have won their last two.
Silkstone United won 2-1 at home to Wombwell Main and overtook them as the top Barnsley side in the County Senior Premier Division.
Silkstone are now sixth, a point clear of Wombwell, with both having nine games left.
Barnsley Town lost 3-1 at home to lowly Swinton reserves in Division One.
They remain third but have lost their last three games.
There were 8-1 wins in Division Two for both Elsecar Main at Youdan and Royston at Dronfield.
There were doubles for Royston’s Sam Muxlow, Matthew Roberts and Connor Rushforth with James Gillespie and Josh Lovell also netting.
PLANS to turn a former Wombwell bank into the largest house of multiple occupation in the entirety of Barnsley - where a total of SEVENTEEN people could live - have been submitted to Barnsley Council.
The four-storey building is situated on High Street and was formerly the Natwest branch.
The ground floor of the studio is currently used as a tattoo parlour, but plans have recently been submitted to the council to turn the upper three floors of the site - which are currently vacant - into a 17-bed HMO.
The rooms would each be ten metres squared - meeting the national and council requirements for a shared house - and there would be shared dining facilities.
A planning report states that the plans should be approved by the council as it would boost the local economy and add more living space to the area.
The report added: “The proposed change of use will enable the creation of affordable, fully serviced residential accommodation managed by the owners of the building.
“It will add to the local residential offer in what would otherwise be vacant/redundant upper floor accommodation offering no contribution to the local economy and the vitality and viability of Wombwell’s centre.
“It is proposed to convert and slightly extend at the rear the redundant upper floors of the building into 17 en-suite residential rooms, that average out at over ten metres squared each.
“The premises have no parking spaces and this will remain the case after the extension due to the location and nature of the building.
“However, immediately abutting the site is a substantial municipal car park and this is complemented by the adjoining public parking areas off Mayflower Way and Summer Lane.
“The proposals seem compatible with local and national planning policy and design guidance in a suitable central location to make full use of local amenities and public transport.
“It would bring back into use what would otherwise be redundant accommodation that contributes little to the local economy.”
If the plans are given the green light by the council’s planning board, it would make it the largest HMO in Barnsley.
The current largest in the town is also based in Wombwell, with a 13-bed HMO situated on Station Road.
Coun Robert Frost, who represents the Wombwell ward, has expressed he and his ward councillors - Couns James Higginbottom and Brenda Eastwood - are concerned with the plans.
He told the Chronicle: “We have concerns that there is an oversupply of HMOs and flats in the area which contravenes the local planning policy.
“Within the area they are on Park Street, Station Road, Kelvin Grove, Summer Lane, Barnsley Road, and High Street.
“There is no plan for waste storage which would require a lot of bins and there is minimal outside space
“There are proposed to be 17 residents without any parking spaces.
“The application says that the property backs on the council owned car park, but this is for shoppers and visitors to Wombwell and is often full so to be used for residential parking may deter some shoppers from coming to Wombwell.”
Ten neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with public consultation due to end on November 27.
A target decision date has been set for December 9.
Worsbrough Bridge won 5-1 at home to fellow top half side Maltby Main on Saturday to move into the NCEL Division One play-off places.
Maltby took the lead but Alex Kemp levelled then, in the second half, Josh Brown put Bridge in front and Connor Glavin netted a penalty.
Worsbrough have won their last four and only lost one in 20, after not winning any of the first nine this season.
They are now up to fifth, the lowest play-off place, with 13 games left.
Wombwell Town had won 2-0 at home to Nostell MW on Friday.
Eddie Agnew and Liam Owen scored for Town who are second.
Athersley Rec lost 3-1 at leaders Horbury.
They have lost their last three and won one in 12.
They are 13th with 36 points from 28 games.
TWO CLUBS about five miles apart with ambitions of being among the highest-placed ever Barnsley teams will face each other on Saturday.
Dearne and District, based in Goldthorpe, host near neighbours Wombwell Town from 3pm in Northern Counties East Division One.
Dearne, who are in their first NCEL season, and Town, in their second, are both unbeaten in the opening weeks.
They have both previously stated that they want to go several leagues higher.
Dearne’s manager Jason Blunt left last week and his former assistant Nick Buxton is overseeing the team currently.
Dearne not only face Wombwell on Saturday but they then visit Worsbrough Bridge on Wednesday in another Barnsley derby. Buxton said: “We are hoping for a crowd or 700 or 800 on Saturday. Wombwell bring a lot of fans and it’s only down the road. It would be great to have a massive crowd for a big game. Wombwell have had a really good start and look to be one of the best teams in the league.
“We got a magnificent result on Saturday, and it is massive to get some momentum at the start of the season.
“Then we play Worsbrough which is another local derby. Three or four points would be fantastic.”
Town boss Karl Rose added: “It’s five minutes up the road so it adds extra spice. A lot of the fans and players know each other. Some of our junior players have siblings playing for Dearne.
“It will be 90 minutes going at it hammer and tong then we’ll have a drink together.
“They have got their ground sorted, built from the bottom up and they are on a similar trajectory. It is good for the community and youth teams. They are doing a fantastic job. They won a tough league last season so they are used to winning games which breeds momentum and confidence. They have started well and will fancy themselves at home against us.
“It will be tough. We’ve had a dream start with three wins in three tough games and we want to carry that on.
“It’s an opportunity to put a bit of distance between us and the pack early doors and give ourselves a buffer further down the line.”
Dearne won 2-1 at Wakefield AFC on Saturday, moving onto seven points from three games. Bayley Lowe and Oliver Yates scored.
Town made it three wins from three games this season when they beat Club Thorne Colliery 2-1 on Saturday at home. The visitors netted in the fourth minute but Jordan Kershaw levelled then Owen Sykes won it.
After the game at Dearne, Wombwell Town are due to visit Yorkshire Amateur in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Worsbrough won 4-3 on penalties at Appleby Frodingham in the League Cup on Tuesday. Kane Swinburn scored. Bridge visit Thorne on Saturday.
Athersley Rec continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-0 win over Appleby Frodingham.
Nathan Perks, Alfie Bakes and James Woodhouse scored for Rec who have seven points from three games.
Athersley were then beaten 8-0 home to Brigg Town in the League Cup on Tuesday. Rec are due to visit Armthorpe on Saturday in the league.
Penistone Church lost 2-1 at home to Charnock Richard in the FA Cup on Saturday. Church took the lead through Nathan Keightley but were beaten.
Penistone won 1-0 over Goole in the Premier Division on Wednesday.
Sam Scrivens netted midway through the second half.
They are now due to visit Knaresborough Town on Saturday then host Winterton Rangers on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the County Senior League Cup started on Wednesday.
North Gawber lost 3-0 at Bentley Village. Wombwell Main won 6-0 at home to Dronfield. New team Elsecar Main lost 13-0 at Hemsworth MW.
Next Wednesday, Silkstone United host Penistone Church reserves and Dodworth MW visit Swinton Athletic.
TWO parks in Wombwell are set to be upgraded after the council signed off on new investment worth more than £100,000.
The Section 106 panel, which allocates funding to community projects financed from developer contributions on housing sites, has approved projects to upgrade play facilities at the Everill Close and Summer Lane public parks and open spaces.
The latter will receive £40,000 worth of improvements whilst Everill Close will receive £70,000.
Planned improvements include the refurbishment of the games areas, children’s play areas and the creation of a mini orchard at Everill Close.
Wombwell’s three local councillors, James Higginbottom, Robert Frost and Brenda Eastwood, told the Chronicle they are delighted with the plans.
They said: “We are very pleased that these improvements have been funded and look forward to seeing the works take place.
“Our parks and public open spaces are invaluable resources for young families and young people to enjoy and we are proud that we are investing in these community assets.
“Thanks must go to Barnsley Council’s parks services for their work in making these projects happen.”
A WOMBWELL nursery which cares for more than 70 children has been plunged into Ofsted’s lowest category after an inspector found children placing ‘knives on their face close to their eyes’ while staff remained oblivious.
Little Ducklings, on Hemingfield Road, was inspected by the education watchdog once again on September 12 with inspector Jane Tucker rating the school ‘inadequate’, the lowest of the organisation’s four metrics.
It had been plunged into the inadequate rating in December 2022 and it has not managed to be rated higher than ‘requires improvement’ since.
The latest report, which was released to the public earlier this week, has raised serious concerns around the nursery.
It states: “Staff do not consistently organise routines well.
“Pre-school children sit at the table for a significant period before food arrives and this impacts on their behaviour.
“They bang cutlery on the table, turn their plates upside down and place knives on their face close to their eyes.
“Children with SEND wander the room eating food, which creates a risk of choking.
“Babies become bored and restless as they wait for their peers to finish handwashing routines.
“Some babies fall onto their bottom from low rise chairs, which upsets them.”
The report adds that children with special educational needs are not always receiving the support they need.
It added: “The support in place for children with SEND is inconsistent.
“Designated leaders and key persons work with other professionals to create individual learning plans.
“However, handovers between key persons and other staff, especially at mealtimes, are not effective.
“Children with SEND do not always receive the support they need at this time.
“This leads to their distressed behaviour.
“Furthermore, leaders do not share concerns about children’s development with parents as they identify them.
“This means children who may require additional support do not get the help they need promptly enough.”
Inspector Jane Tucker did find some positives during the inspection.
The report said: “Babies repeat words spoken by staff, such as ‘water on’ as they wash their hands.
“They put their paper towel in the bin, showing their early independence.
“The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
“There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.”
Leaders at the nursery have been given an eight-point improvement plan that they must complete by December 11.
The Chronicle approached the nursery for a comment but they failed to respond.
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Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsMurder investigation launched in Wombwell The woman in her 50s was found unresponsive
A murder investigation is underway in Barnsley following the death of a woman
Police were called by the ambulance service yesterday (10th December) following reports a woman had been found unresponsive at an address on Summer Lane
A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene
A 58-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder
Senior Investigation Officer Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cartwright said:
“Although we are in the early stages of our investigation
we have a team of detectives working around the clock to understand the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death
“If anyone has any information about this incident
Please quote incident number 229 of 10 December 2024 when you get in touch
“You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/”
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Wombwell Town and Worsbrough Bridge were both beaten on Tuesday evening
Town lost 4-1 at home to Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Sheffield Senior Cup quarter-final on Tuesday
The visitors went 3-0 up after 27 minutes and
although Jordan Kershaw pulled one back early in the second half
Town – who play two divisions below Stocksbridge – were put back into the competition after losing in the previous round to Maltby who had fielded an ineligible player
Worsbrough Bridge’s five-game winning run came to an end as they went down 2-1 at Armthorpe Welfare on Tuesday
Harry Spooner cancelled out an early home goal but Armthorpe scored again in the second half
It was just a second defeat in 22 games for Bridge who are still in the NCEL play-off places
They could be overtaken by Dearne and District if they win tonight
PROPOSALS have been put forward to stop motorists waiting at any time at a Wombwell industrial estate following concerns from a local firm
is home to a number of business and commercial units
Some have on-site parking available for staff and visitors but the council believe there is currently an issue with off-street parking
which details proposals of a ‘no waiting at any time’ restriction
says that all of Newlands Way and parts of Meadowgate will be impacted by the scheme
It states: “Motorists continue to park on both sides of the carriageway
these parked vehicles are causing problems for heavy goods vehicles accessing/existing the business units when making turning manoeuvres
“Indiscriminate parking on both Newlands Way and Meadowgate is forcing motorists into the opposing carriageway to manoeuvre past parked vehicles
creating the potential for vehicle conflict with oncoming traffic
vehicles park on the footways resulting in obstructions to pedestrians.”
It comes after Cranswick Foods aired their concerns to council bosses
told the Chronicle: “Following feedback from businesses on Valley Park Industrial Estate
our traffic team has been working on a scheme to address indiscriminate parking on the surrounding roads and ensure safe access can be maintained at all times
“That scheme is now subject to formal legal consultation so that residents and businesses can have their say on the proposed restrictions
“These will then be considered by cabinet before a final decision on the scheme is taken.”
Anyone wishing to object to the scheme should contact the council no later than November 8
Wombwell Town missed out on the NCEL Division One title on the final day of the league season and will now join Dearne and District in the play-offs
with Jack Dando and Edward Agnew bagging braces before Adam Stubbs pulled back for Rec who finished 18th
That left the Wombwell club second on 94 points because Horbury Town beat Maltby 4-1 to take the only automatic promotion place
Town now host Ilkley Town in the play-off semi-final on Saturday with the winners taking on either Wakefield or Dearne - who play on the same day - in the final on April 26
Fourth-placed Dearne won 5-2 at home to South Leeds in their final league game
Jamie Austin levelled with a penalty before completing his hat-trick with Jake Phillis also on target
Finley Durkin and Jake Squires put Bridge 2-0 up but they conceded twice late on
WOMBWELL Main won 2-1 at home to Hemsworth in the County Senior League Cup quarter-final
Ryan Wingrove netted both home goals to put Main in the last four
Dodworth MW won 2-1 at Penistone Church reserves in the Premier Division
North Gawber lost 6-0 at Sheffield Union in the Division One
Elsecar Main won 4-1 at home to Sheffield Medics in Division Two
THERE is one week remaining in the NCEL Division One season with three Barnsley clubs still in the promotion race
guaranteed a place in the play-offs and still in with a chance of automatic promotion
Dearne and District will definitely be in the play-offs while Worsbrough Bridge are four points outside the top five going into their final two games
The league season ends on April 12 with the play-off semi-finals set for April 19 and the final on April 26
Wombwell Town won 3-2 at home to second-bottom Appleby Frodingham on Saturday
They are four points off leaders Horbury Town with a game in hand
and behind second-placed Wakefield on goal difference
at Armthorpe on Saturday then Harrogate Railway on Tuesday before completing the league season with a Barnsley derby at home to Athersley Rec
Their manager Karl Rose said: “We have three absolutely massive games left
“It’s very much a three-horse race
“All we can do is win our three games
“At one stage we were 18 points behind Horbury and we clawed them back
“Pressure comes into it and your mind plays tricks on you
“When you think something is done and dusted in football
amazing things happen and that’s why we love it
“We would have taken this at the start of the season and it’s been an amazing season
“We are guaranteed a top three finish and at least a home semi-final in the play-offs
“We are the top-scorers with 102 goals and have the second most clean sheets and the fewest losses.”
Town fell behind on Saturday but Niall Smith and Owen Fieldsend netted at the end of the first half then Jordan Kershaw added a penalty just after the interval
Appleby scored again seconds later but were beaten
They were fighting for their lives and that result sent them down
“It was just about getting the three points
Everyone expected a big win but Appleby had been on good form and it was a lot tricker than it looked
“We were disappointed with the sloppy goals we gave away but happy to win and score three
“We have had a lot of midweek games in the last few months so it’s nice to have a break this week.”
Dearne and District secured a place in the play-offs with a 4-0 win at Selby Town on Saturday
Justin Circuit opened the scoring then Jamie Austin added a late brace with Taylor Nicholson also on target
Dearne – who joined the league this season – are fourth and are highly likely to finish there then visit whoever comes third in the play-off semi-finals
Manager Zeph Thomas said: “The boys have been excellent
“They deserve to be in the play-offs and the table doesn’t lie
“When I spoke to the chairman about this season
it was about consolidating and getting used to the league
“But we’ve surprised a lot of people including him
We will have no pressure on us which helps
“We’ll try to win the last two league games
get as many points as we can and keep confidence high while making sure everyone gets minutes
“We’ll have an away game in the play-offs but we’ve travelled well this season
four points outside the top five play-off places
They won 2-1 at relegated bottom club Yorkshire Amateur on Saturday thanks to a Chris Simpkins brace after they fell behind
Bridge are now due to visit another relegated club in second-bottom Appleby Frodingham before completing their season at home to mid-table Armthorpe
they realistically would need to win their last two games and hope fifth-placed Ilkley – who have a far better goal difference – only collect one point
Bridge – who did not win any of the first nine games of the league season – could also break their club record for the highest points total at NCEL level which is 73
They are currently on 69 with two games left
Manager Lee Morris said: “It’s not in our hands
We just have to take care of what we can and hopefully somebody does us a favour
“There have been many twists and turns in the race and hopefully there are another couple of them
“Even if we picked up a couple of wins in the first nine games
“75 points would be a club record and we’re on for the club’s highest finish
“Even if we don’t make it to the play-offs
it’s still been an unbelievable season
But we will give everything to get in the play-offs.”
Morris said: “It’s never easy going to bottom of the league when they have nothing to play for
We struggled against them and the windy conditions didn’t help
“We weren’t good enough in the first half but then we were much better in the second half.”
Athersley Rec collected a point from two home games this season
They lost 2-1 against Swallownest on Saturday
having taken the lead through James Woodhouse just before half-time
They then drew 1-1 against Harrogate Railway on Tuesday
Alfie Bakes put Rec ahead at the break but the visitors levelled on 77 minutes
They could finish anywhere from 12th to 17th
A LOCAL councillor joined volunteers to clean up his ward last week
Coun James Higginbottom took part in the session on Monday
He said: “I was out this morning at a community clean up event with the South Area caretaker team and local volunteers on Wells Lane
Wombwell Main won 2-0 at Sheffield City to move up to fourth in the County Senior Premier Division
Ryan Wingrove got both goals for Main who are the highest-placed Barnsley side
Dodworth MW lost 4-0 at Stocksbridge Park Steels reserves
Barnsley Town lost 4-3 at Kiveton Park in Division One
They have taken just a point from five games and have slipped down to sixth place
Seventh-placed North Gawber’s five-game winning run in the league ended with a 5-1 defeat at home to Athersley Rec reserves
Royston won 2-1 at home to Sheffield Medics in Division Two
Blade McNicholas and Sam Muxlow scored for Royston who are now second
five points off the leaders with a game in hand
A WOMBWELL theatre performer who has spent years travelling and studying abroad is returning home for a new show she’s set to direct
an upcoming musical comedy production by the Wombwell Amateur Operatic Society
will be the first show Isobel Oliver-Haste has ever directed as she returns home from her university studies in Barcelona
Joining the group when she was only eight years old
Isobel has grown to adore the stage and achieved first-class honours in her recent performing arts degree
“I still remember seeing her on stage for the first time,” Jo Owen
“She was just this little girl with a big
“As she got older she did various parts with us and has been in all sorts of shows and pantomimes.”
Her directorial debut will take place at the George Street Theatre in Wombwell and is set to run from November 20 to 24
“This is a show we’ve never done before,” Jo added
“So it’ll be really interesting to see her take on it - it’s a new venture for us and her.”
HUNDREDS packed into St Mary’s Church in Wombwell last week to remember the life of a community hero who everyone in the town recognised
having lived an incredible life that made her a kind of local celebrity
Working as a teacher at both Barnsley Girls’ High School and Barnsley Sixth Form College
Joan made an impact on countless young people’s lives
but it was the work she did after her retirement that really made her stand out
she would hold regular services and was involved in organising many funerals
where she would visit the family of the deceased and build a personal connection with them
she also took on work with a variety of community groups like the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery and Mothers’ Union
she belonged to it,” said her best friend Helen Bellamy
“She was a part of the community everyone knew
“Her dedication to Wombwell was amazing - she did whatever she could to help.”
Helen said that people from across Wombwell turned up to help Joan after she’d given so much of her time back into the community
“People just started turning up at her house to visit and look after her,” she added
and they turned up at the nursing home - it was just about meeting her and helping with whatever needs she had
“A team developed who didn’t know one another before
but now were learning about each other and exchanging phone numbers
with Helen having the ‘enormous privilege’ of helping to organise
“There were well over 150 people at the funeral - I had 150 service programs printed out and it wasn’t enough
“She was someone who once you know her you were friends for the rest of your life.”
Wombwell Town won 4-0 at home to lowly Louth Town on Saturday
moving them up to third in NCEL Division One
Worsbrough Bridge won 1-0 at home to second-placed Ilkley Town
Lloyd Smith got the winner for Bridge who are eighth and five points off the play-offs
Athersley Rec‘s game was called off at Glasshoughton was due a broken leg for Harrison Landon
Dearne and District ended a four-game losing win with a 3-3 draw at home to Club Thorne Colliery
The visitors went 3-1 but Jamie Austin and Thomas Needham secured a draw
Wombwell Town are still in the hunt for the NCEL Division One title after a 4-0 Barnsley derby win over Worsbrough Bridge
Oliver Fearon bagged a brace with Cian Guest and Eddie Agnew also on target for Town who scored twice early in each half
a point behind second-placed Wakefield and eight behind leaders Horbury Town with two games in hand
There is one automatic promotion place and four play-off places
Worsbrough are four points outside the play-off places in seventh
But their next two matches are against the bottom two as they visit relegated bottom club Yorkshire Amateur on Saturday then
Their final match is at home to mid-table Armthorpe
Dearne and District are fourth after winning 2-1 at home to Nostell MW
Justin Circuit and Jamie Austin won it for Dearne who are six points clear in the play-off places
They were 2-0 down at half-time then came back to 2-1
UPDATE: Polce are no longer looking for Kyle Allen
POLICE have renewed their appeal for help to find a Barnsley man wanted in connection with burglaries and attempted burglaries across South Yorkshire
is believed to have been in Wombwell and central Barnsley in recent days
He is also wanted in connection with reports of attempted shoplifting and making threats to damage property in Barnsley on October 30 and alleged incidents of theft of a motor vehicle and assault
burglaries took place between October and December 2024
Police are keen to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Allen recently or knows where he may be staying
He has wavy black hair and is clean shaven
quoting crime reference number 14/221415/24
You can also submit information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org
seven points off Horbury Town who are in the only automatic promotion place
Town have a game in hand on the leaders but would need Horbury to drop points in two of their three remaining games to have a chance of catching them
They are behind second-placed Wakefield on goal difference
YOBS who ruined local football clubs’ pitches by churning up fields with off-road vehicles following last weekend’s heavy snow - causing an ‘obscene’ amount of damage - will be dealt with appropriately
‘idiots’ cut down the fence at Netherwood Academy and drove a car onto its football pitches before shredding up the Astroturf
The pitches are hired out by Wombwell Town Juniors and are used by more than a dozen teams - but the damage looks to have put a halt to forthcoming fixtures
Vandals have been plaguing the borough and targeting fields by using off-road vehicles in recent months
but a spate of incidents were recorded across the town on Sunday and Monday
told the Chronicle: “We’ve been hiring out the pitches at Netherwood every night for winter training and then on a Sunday for the matches
“It’s our first match back for our junior teams on Sunday but at the minute we’ve now got 17 teams with nowhere to play
“We’re trying to work to find somewhere else but if we don’t have a ‘plan B’ then they’ll have to be cancelled
“We’ve worked so hard to get where we are
“We pay a lot of money for those pitches and they’re absolutely brilliant - it’s just so annoying that we’re having to deal with things like this
“It’s an additional cost to the club
“We only have a limited amount of money and it’s not right that we’re having to spend it on this - it means that we’ll be without something else.”
Unlike issues elsewhere across the town - which have involved quads and motorbikes - the vandalism at Netherwood was reportedly done by a four-by-four car
“To purposefully cut down the fence just to go onto the field is just ridiculous,” she added
“When people have gone to look at the damage it’s clearly from cars’ tyres
A spokesperson for Netherwood Academy told the Chronicle that they have been in contact with the police regarding the incident
They added: “We were very disappointed to see the damage caused to our fence and playing fields
“We are sad that this damage has caused distress and inconvenience for our staff and students
as well as for Wombwell Town Juniors who use the fields
and we are working to restore the area as soon as possible
“We have reported the break-in to the police and they are now investigating the matter.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the incident has been ‘filed’ pending further information coming to light
Inspector Rebecca Richardson has urged anyone with any information to get in touch
She said: “We know that off-road bikes are a concern for our communities and we understand the distress
nuisance and impact they have on residents and those who earn a livelihood from their land
“We also know that those who use off-road bikes in an antisocial manner are often connected to wider criminal activity
“In additional to patrols and operations
across Barnsley warning signs have been erected in hotspot areas that act as a first warning to motorists that if they are caught driving in an antisocial manner their bike will be seized
“We continue to strive to create a safer area for you to live and work
but we are stronger with your help and continue to urge anyone who sees antisocial off-road bikes to report it to us
“This intelligence helps us understand how and when those involved are committing these acts and respond.”
told the Chronicle: “Once again those who use off-road vehicles illegally in our community demonstrate to right minded folk just how utterly selfish they are
“Someone will know who has done this
“Do the right thing and report them to South Yorkshire Police
“Thankfully no-one was hurt but why should others have to suffer just so they have their fun?”
added: “I am utterly appalled at this senseless act of vandalism
which will only serve to prevent local kids from being able to access sports facilities
“I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to report that to South Yorkshire Police.”
AS soon as one Wombwell-based lorry driver returns home for the weekend he instantly gets to work supporting the community
Eddie Harper spends his weeks travelling around the country delivering packages and is only at home for the weekends
as soon as the 64-year-old steps through the door
his free time is devoted to the local community
goes out litter-picking on his own and recently saved a war memorial from the old Nuwell shopping centre which is now in the Reform Club
told the Chronicle: “He literally finishes work around 3 o’clock on a Friday and from that time till Sunday evening when he leaves
“He creates weekly videos for local businesses
encouraging people to shop locally and he regularly participates in litter picks and street cleaning around Wombwell
“Anything to do with Wombwell he gets involved with
“Even when he’s at work he’ll be posting every single day on the Wombwell Wise Facebook group and does daily words of love and inspiration to keep everyone happy
“He gets a lot of good feedback.”
While Eddie doesn’t do this for recognition
and is simply trying to do what he can for the community
his work has turned him into a bit of a local celebrity
“I’ll go for drinks with him at the weekend and he will always get stopped by people,” Peter added
“They always want to chat with him and will ask for pictures
“He’s just Eddie from Wombwell
but it’s now like he’s a celebrity.”
For his unwavering dedication to the community of Wombwell
Eddie has been nominated for the Love Where You Live award at this year’s Proud of Barnsley
Eddie said: “It all started about two years ago when I became an admin for the Wombwell Wise page
“Each post is checked and I was seeing posts about different groups needing volunteers
“So I started going out and doing videos for them to raise awareness and I started getting involved myself.”
Eddie got himself involved with St Mary’s Church
where he helps host Remembrance ceremonies
“It’s a great place - I moved here in 1987 and fell in love with the place and the people
“People here will always speak to you
even if it’s just to tell you to get lost
“I’d love to get involved more but I’m away so much I don’t have the time
“When my son told me about this nomination it brought a tear to my eye
“He said I deserve it for all I do for Wombwell
but it’s like a hobby for me - just a hobby that does good for the community
LOCAL councillors joined volunteers and partner organisations for a community day of action in Wombwell
Taking place on Bartholomew Street and the surrounding areas
engaging with private tenants and outreach work with police officers
Robert Frost and Brenda Eastwood said in a joint statement: “We were pleased to join volunteers
council services and partners for this day of action in the Wombwell area
engaged with residents and met with South Yorkshire Police officers as they went about their daily duties
we will continue to work hard to make Wombwell the cleaner
greener and safer place we all are proud to call home.”