The Rotherham Pulse

17/11/2022

A Christmas market will see a children’s book author who aims to “broaden their horizons” in partnership with a town library this next month. 📕📗

Danny Rotherham, 80, a children’s author who goes by the name ‘Mr Danny’, has collaborated with the Thorpe Hesley Library to set up a stall with his books at the market on 3 December between 4pm to 7pm.

Mr Danny said: “The Christmas market will be a lot of fun. There will be things for everyone of all ages.”

When asked about whether enough children in Rotherham read, Mr Danny said: “I have the impression not, from feedback I get from the library and from the school.

“That’s one of the reasons for writing the books is to try and encourage the children to read.

“I think it is extremely good in that it broadens their horizons.

“In one of the books I introduce leprechauns – explain why they are supposedly at the end of rainbows, why supposedly there is a pot of gold, how they got put there.

“I found that there are great lessons to learn from mythology and I feel that children would benefit from investigating further.

“Every book has some truth; it is designed to gain children’s interest in looking further. I call it education without learning.”

A Rotherham Christmas market will see a children’s book author who aims to “broaden their horizons” in partnership with a town library this next month.

17/11/2022

"If I came across this kind of situation, I would be mortified.": a library assistant at Thorpes Hesley Library has responded to the series of indecent exposures in 🚨👤

The incidents have been occurring in and around areas of Thorpe Hesley and Scholes village between August and October.

Police had heard from victims that a man had committed a lewd act by exposing himself before he ran off when the victims shouted or called for help.

Naeema Quaisar from the library, added: “I just found out last night. I was a bit surprised that this is happening for real.

“If it has been happening since August, it is really bad.

“They should have done something by now and this is just making people more worried about it because it’s been happening for so long.

“And they still don’t know who that person is, and they haven’t caught him yet.”

Several women have been targeted by a series of indecent exposures by a lone man in Rotherham.

16/11/2022

A woman from Rotherham who worked in a charity shop in the town and volunteered for Rotherham Dementia Carer Support has won the award of ITV’s Fundraiser of the Year. 🩺🏆

Sandra Blockley, 78, said: “When it came down to the last moment, it was absolutely amazing for me. It’s an honour to win this award.”

Ms Blockley started raising money over three decades ago after she lost her 19-year-old daughter who died of cervical cancer.

Ms Blockley said: “I am passionate about all the things I’ve done because it’s affected my life. I volunteered every week except Sunday and I opened my charity shop from 8am in the morning to 3pm in the afternoon.”

A woman from Rotherham who worked in a charity shop in the town and volunteered for Rotherham Dementia Carer Support has won the award of ITV’s Fundraiser of the Year.

16/11/2022

Rotherham Titans continued their inconsistent run of form as they lost 19-14 at home to local rivals Sheffield Tigers. 🏈

Tigers started the game well when former Titan Jamie Broadley found himself in acres of space before scoring the opening try to put his side up.

Just 10 minutes later, the Tigers’ advantage was increased as fly half Mark Ireland nailed a 3-pointer after Roth had been penalised for not being 10 metres from a previous penalty.

Rotherham Titans continued their inconsistent run of form as they lost 19-14 at home to local rivals Sheffield Tigers.

16/11/2022

A new strategy called ‘The Borough That Cares’ will be launched on Carers Rights Day next Thursday.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and key partners will launch this strategic framework to ensure carers in Rotherham stay mentally and physically healthy, and economically active, for longer.

More than 30,000 carers are providing unpaid care in for someone who otherwise couldn’t manage without carers’ help. As carers have been affected disproportionately during the pandemic, it is important to create a borough that cares for its carers.

Councillor David Roche, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet member for Adult Care and Health, said: “This strategy can’t come at a more pertinent time, and shows our commitment to working together as a team to identify, acknowledge, and support our carers in Rotherham.”

A new strategy will be launched called 'The Borough That Cares' on Carers Rights Day next Thursday.

16/11/2022

EXCLUSIVE: Chaotic bus cuts have led to a frustrated student allegedly being told she will be kicked off her course if she is late again. 🚌

Aleena Sajid, 20, waited for the 115 First bus which did not turn up making her late to her class for the second time at the Rotherham Titans Rugby Club set up through the Rotherham Jobcentre. 🚌👥

The 115 First Bus service among others has had timetable changes from 2 October and further ones from 30 October. These cuts and rescheduling have left commuters struggling.

Ms Sajid claims that her tutor told her after her second lateness this would be her “last chance.”

She said: “My tutor told me face to face that if I’m late one more time there’s no need to come back to class.

“I’m stressed and worried because I lost my job recently and because of less experience I can’t get any job so the Jobcentre put me on a course and if I’m thrown out of this course there’s no way I can earn money.”

Chaotic bus cuts have led to a frustrated student allegedly being told she will be kicked off her course if she is late again.

16/11/2022

Several women have been targeted by a series of indecent exposures by a lone man in Rotherham. ❌⚠️

The incidents have been occurring in and around areas of Thorpe Hesley and Scholes village between August and October.

Police had heard from victims that a man had committed a lewd act by exposing himself before he ran off when the victims shouted or called for help.

Investigations Officer Juliet Cooper, from Rotherham PVP, said: “The women who have reported this individual to us all say they were in somewhat secluded areas, near woodland or on country lanes.”

Several women have been targeted by a series of indecent exposures by a lone man in Rotherham.

16/11/2022

In a first of its kind project, British Sign Language (BSL) displays have been installed in Rotherham at Flash Lane Playground and Hollings Lane playing field. 🙌

Chairperson for Rotherham Deaf Connections, Sophie Walker, has also praised the signs as someone who works with deaf children and is profoundly deaf herself.

She said: “Something like this would have helped me growing up in getting some friends. I struggled with friendships growing up because while I can speak quite well now and people can understand me, I wasn’t good at speaking then. It was very like babbly and nasally at least that’s the term people would use. People would just be like I don’t know what she’s on about and walk away. So having a sign like this even though I know it’s just like the alphabet and some basic sign language it would have gone a long way.”

British Sign Language (BSL) displays have been installed in Rotherham at Flash Lane Playground and Hollings Lane playing field.

16/11/2022

The ongoing bus problems happening in Rotherham have sparked outrage and disturbance amongst passengers and daily commuters. 🚎

These problems have been present for the majority of this year, but route changes, cancellations and timetable alterations have increased massively in the last few months.

At the start of October, Rotherham bus services were affected severely with 19 services receiving either timetable or route changes.

Perhaps the more damning statistic is that 17 services have been either permanently or temporarily withdrawn.

The ongoing bus problems happening in Rotherham have sparked outrage and disturbance amongst passengers and daily commuters.

09/11/2022

Rotherham United Football Club recorded a historic victory against local rivals Sheffield United to deny them from going top of the Championship.

The win, which was already crucial for the Millers, was made even more so by the fact they hadn’t triumphed at Bramall Lane for 42 years.

The Blades who came into the game fresh off a huge 5-2 win over fellow league leaders Burnley, opted to stick with the same team.

On the other hand, the Millers’ squad was seriously depleted with six first-team players missing through injury meaning changes had to be made.

Rotherham United recorded a historic victory against local rivals Sheffield United to deny them from going top of the Championship.

09/11/2022

A man has been charged for the murder of a 60-year-old man that occurred outside a courier company outlet in .

On 2 November, 60-year-old Philip David Woodcock, was stabbed near a FedEx outlet in Rother Way, Hellaby.

The perpetrator, Ronald Sekanjako, 48, of Bellhouse Road, Sheffield, faced additional charges of actual bodily harm, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

A man has been charged for the murder of a 60-year-old man that occurred outside a courier company outlet in Rotherham.

09/11/2022

A new community fridge has been set up to provide free food for those in need in . 🍞

The fridge which has taken some time to get fully set up is currently located at Little Yorkshire on Wales Road, Kiveton Park.

Joy Wright, a director at Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust, said: “Kerry Lowe and I met through using Olio and Kerry has been a distributor for quite a while. She had talked about a community fridge and we spoke about it for a while.

“It’s a really positive situation and It has taken months to launch it.”

Kerry Lowe, a staff from HSBC, said: “The community fridge is there to save food from landfill and to serve the community. Our ethos is bellies, not bins.’’

The community fridge will be available between Tuesday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm where people can have a cup of tea and grab some free groceries.

A new community fridge has been set up to provide free food for those in need in Rotherham.

09/11/2022

The bookshop opened in August 2020 on College Walk near the Rotherham Interchange, and was one of 23 locations across the UK.

People are allowed to bring home up to three books for free and have been encouraged to swap or donate their own books.

The charity has collected over £7,000 in monetary donations so far.

Sheila Etches, Lead Volunteer at GET Free Books Rotherham said: “It’s a positive thing for Rotherham and the people of Rotherham have been very generous despite the economic situation.

“I think it was a strange concept for people to grasp how it was actually free.

“While [people] have got access to the library so easily, it’s so far away from Rotherham town centre that they struggle to get to it.

“We aren’t a Waterstones, and we aren’t a library, but we do the best with what we’ve got.”

A charity bookshop in Rotherham that has relied on donations to run has seen a decline in visitors due to bus cuts.

09/11/2022

A £2 price cap has been enforced on buses and trams in to combat the cost-of-living crisis.

The initiative that launched on 1 November was part of a planned national cap and has applied to all of South Yorkshire.

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “As we head into winter, I know just how many people in South Yorkshire are worrying about feeding their families, heating their homes, and affording the very day to day basics as the cost of living continues to spiral.

“When I took office as South Yorkshire’s Mayor I made fixing our buses a priority, not just for me but the thousands of people let down every day by our broken bus system.

“Because for far too long our buses have been unaffordable, unreliable, and now – in the face of sweeping service cuts – inaccessible for far too many across our region.

“I am doing everything I can with the limited powers and money that I have available to protect our services, on behalf of our communities.

“But it is not enough and I find that hugely frustrating."

A £2 price cap has been enforced on buses and trams in Rotherham to combat the cost-of-living crisis.

08/11/2022

A 15-year-old girl is looking to connect with local mental health groups after teaming up with a national social enterprise to combat loneliness in the community.

07/11/2022

A woman has collected toy donations for children this Christmas 🎄🎅

Roxanne Taylor, 31, said: “I think Rotherham toy appeal is a great cause, especially right now, with more and more people struggling to find the money for basic things.

“I can’t imagine waking up as a child and thinking ‘Santa must not like me’ or that they’ve been ‘bad’ because you know he came to everyone else.”

This year’s Rotherham Toy Appeal will be launched on Monday 7 October at Parkgate shopping.

Ann Levick, co-ordinator for the appeal said: “The purpose for launching this appeal is that we want to ensure that no child wakes up on Christmas morning without getting gifts.”

A woman from Rotherham has started to collect toys and other items to donate to Rotherham Toy Appeal in time for Christmas.

07/11/2022

A 15-year-old girl is looking to support mental health groups at her social space. 👥🛋

The enterprise called The Friendly Bench provides social spaces in the form of benches across the country which are free to use, fully accessible and inclusive.

When speaking about the origin of the business, founder and CEO, Lyndsey Young said: “I thought of the concept back in 2016 after I had been working at the Royal Society for Wildlife Trust where the aim was to get children more engaged with nature.

“I was also involved with eco-therapy which further inspired my idea to create a place to get people out socialising right on their doorstep.”

Some of the benches are funded through the national lottery and some are self-funded by other organisations who like to show their support.

A 15-year-old girl is looking to connect with local mental health groups after teaming up with a national social enterprise to combat loneliness in the community.

07/11/2022

A woman has walked over hot coals today to raise money for Rotherham Hospice. 🔥

The Fire Walk is being launched by Rotherham Hospice to raise money to ensure that patients and their families and carers are able to continue to have access to the services of the hospice.

Sally Kilgariff (COO), said: “I’m looking forward to the event, it is something that will take me right out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing to do.

“Whilst I’m excited, I’m also a little anxious but I know there will be training beforehand. I’m sure my family and friends cheering me on will see me through.”

Ms Kilgariff has set a target of £500 on her fundraising page and she has raised £680 so far.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust will take part in her first Fire Walk on 7 November at Rotherham Golf Club, Thrybergh.

07/11/2022

People on Facebook have spoken up regarding bus cuts in . 🗣

Baz Beaumont said: “Part of the council tax goes towards the buses. I honestly believe the people in Rotherham are getting an extremely poor bus service at the expense of Sheffield and Doncaster.

“In fact, I will say since Rotherham services went back to being in operation from Sheffield it has gotten worse.”

Christine Roderickson said: “Bring back bus service 114, its bad for everyone including young people, old people and families. As winter is coming, the lack of buses makes people and families housebound in winter which will boost gas and electricity bills.

“This causes more hardship. I know times are hard for everyone but companies don’t care about people anymore. Rotherham is just a forgotten town.”

In the Facebook group Rotherham Forum, people shared their thoughts on the ongoing bus problems such as service cancellations in Rotherham

02/11/2022

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has partnered with With You to provide support for victims of substance abuse in Rotherham.

With You will provide adults and young people with the opportunity to access drop-in services without an appointment or referral as part of the Rotherham Alcohol and Drug Service (ROADS).

The initiative aimed to remove barriers to treatment and create a greater understanding of recovery and treatments available.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of With You, said: “We are delighted to be able to support young people and adults across Rotherham with drug and alcohol support when needed.

“Offering non-judgemental, compassionate support to people affected by drug and alcohol use is core to a happy and healthy community.”

A programme to support people affected by alcohol and drug abuse in Rotherham will be launched through the council’s partnership with a mental health charity.

02/11/2022

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council will start recruiting people to support looked-after children in Rotherham as part of a major investment in children’s residential care.👥

About 30 new jobs are being created.

Simon Breeds, Children’s Residential Operations Manager at Rotherham Council said:

“The Council is making a substantial investment in high-quality children’s residential care homes in Rotherham and we’re looking for people who want to make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children in our borough.”

​Since February 2020, Rotherham council has already launched three children’s residential homes that could provide services for up to eight children each. According to Ofsted, these homes opened so far have been rated as good.

Rotherham council will start recruiting people for a range of roles to support looked-after children in Rotherham as part of a major investment in children’s residential care, and about 30 new jobs are being created.

02/11/2022

South Yorkshire Police has warned the public to "enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly" this weekend. 🎆🔥

Over 150 firework-related incidents across South Yorkshire have been recorded in less than a week, since 28 October.

Most of these involved young people throwing fireworks and eggs in public areas.

Chief Inspector Lee Carlson, who has been leading the Dark Nights operation, said: “We know the majority of people want to enjoy Bonfire Night and are not out to cause issues.

“There are a small minority of people that are intent on causing trouble and don’t seem to understand how serious it is to let off fireworks in a public place.

“Not only is it illegal but really dangerous not just to them but to innocent people that could be passing by.”

The police have warned the public about the dangers of firework safety ahead of Bonfire Night this weekend.

02/11/2022

A man set up a fundraiser to pay for his horse's MRI scan🐴.

Ben Meadows, 28, who owns Rupert, produces horses on the side of his job as a manager of a car dealership in Doncaster.

He set up the fundraiser as he noticed Rupert was unwell despite having expensive X-rays and now he will need more scans.

He said: “Unfortunately, I fell in love with him and wanted to help him so I’ve taken on this burden, and it is absolutely crippling me.

“If Rupert was a nasty horse and if he kicked everybody and bit everybody this would be a lot easier but he’s just so lovely, we just want to help him.”

A Rotherham man has set up a fundraiser to pay for an MRI on 3 November for his horse, Rupert.

02/11/2022

A 60-year-old man has died after he was stabbed near a FedEx outlet in 🚑🚨

The incident occurred at 9:39am today where the police were called to the FedEx in Rother Way, Hellaby.

A 48-year-old man from Sheffield has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken into police custody.

The victim was in critical condition before he was pronounced dead at the scene despite help from emergency services.

A 60-year-old man has died after he was stabbed near a courier company branch in Rotherham.

02/11/2022

The Commercial Director of Stagecoach has refused to share statistics regarding reduced bus travel. 🚍📉

Many bus services across have already been cut and there have been significant timetable changes across the country amid the claims from Travel South Yorkshire that the bus services are no longer profitable enough to run.

John Young, commercial director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said:

“The pandemic has accelerated long-term changes to our economy and communities, including in people’s travel patterns.

“With less people travelling by bus and the cost of running buses rising significantly, it is inevitable that some changes need to be made.”

He explained that the short-term extension of Government support has been provided to ensure the continuation of bus services that have a sustainable long-term future.

The commercial director of Stagecoach Yorkshire has cut services claiming it’s due to “less people travelling by bus” but then refuses to share the statistics of this.

01/11/2022

A delivery worker was bitten on the arm by a dog who jumped the fence just after 11am on Strauss Close in Maltby last week.

The delivery worker, a 53-year-old man, required medical treatment for the wounds on his arm.

PC Jameson said: “If the dog had been in a well-secured garden, it would not have been able to jump the fence and attack an innocent worker, just doing his job.

“During August we had another two delivery workers bitten, and in one case the dog was deemed too dangerous to be returned to the family and euthanised.”

A delivery worker was bitten on the arm by a dog who jumped the fence just after 11am on Strauss Close in Maltby last week.

01/11/2022

A new defibrillator has been installed outside a school in Rotherham after a resident raised concerns that the nearest device was previously inaccessible.

Rita Layden, a local resident, worked together with the Bramley Grange Primary School to purchase the defibrillator as one of their students required one on-site at all times.

Councillor Lewis Mills, who part-funded the project said: “We hope that nobody ever needs to use it but it’s there for anyone that does.”

A new defibrillator has been installed outside a school in Rotherham after a resident raised concerns that the nearest device was previously inaccessible.

01/11/2022

A family in Rotherham have set up a Halloween display in their garden in remembrance of their grandad.

Visitors are welcome to the garden and all donations will be put towards the Woodlands Care Home.

Charlotte Barber, 28, said: “I suppose I feel a lot closer to him doing this and helping his memory live on, but also helping other people that are in the same situation that he was in.

“So being able to give back and help doctors and nurses that have helped my grandad, it is quite rewarding.”

26/10/2022

We visited the Haunted Objects Museum in this week for Halloween 👻 While the museum is now closed, there have been unexplained sightings at the poltergeist house that have yet to be answered.

24/10/2022

Rotherham were inflicted a heavy 4-2 defeat at the hands of local rivals Hull City who have been revitalised under new management.

Winning the last two games meant the Millers were full of confidence ahead of the game but their East Yorkshire neighbours proved to be too much for them on the day.

The result makes it back-to-back wins for the Tigers’ caretaker manager Andy Dawson after they sacked S***a Arveladze last month amidst an awful run of form.

Rotherham were inflicted a heavy 4-2 defeat at the hands of local rivals Hull City who have been revitalised under new management.