ejelliot's Space http://ejelliot.posterous.com Most recent posts at ejelliot's Space posterous.com Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:35:00 -0800 Tennis club wins Sheffield club of the year http://ejelliot.posterous.com/tennis-club-wins-sheffield-club-of-the-year http://ejelliot.posterous.com/tennis-club-wins-sheffield-club-of-the-year

By Edward Elliot

 

A TENNIS club which provides free coaching to children capped a successful season by being awarded Sheffield’s top trophy.

 

Stocksbridge Tennis Club received the Sheffield and District Club of the Year at the district’s annual dinner on Friday, November 11, where they also collected trophies for winning the Men's Fifth Division and the Late Summer Men's First Division.
 

Martin Jackson, club chairman, was then presented with the award at his 60th birthday party the following evening by head coach Chris Annable.

A surprised and proud Mr Jackson praised club members for their role in achieving the title, as well as Stocksbridge Town Council for supporting summer schemes introducing youngsters to tennis.

“The club prides itself on playing as many adult teams as possible to give all members the opportunity to play in teams,” Mr Jackson said.

“Coach Chris Annable has inspired many youngsters to play more and helped motivate and improve older players.

“Some of those youngsters are now senior club players and are also coaching a new wave of youngsters.”

On the court, the Men’s A team strolled to the Fifth Division summer title with eight wins from nine before pipping Graves A to the Late Summer Men’s championship at the end of September.


Bob Buxton, president of Sheffield and District LTA, who presented the honour, told guests it reflected Stocksbridge’s efforts in encouraging and promoting tennis, as well as their on-court successes.

He said: “Apart from winning two titles, Stocksbridge were one of the first clubs in the area to achieve Clubmark status [a quality standard for clubs with junior sections].

“They have an extensive coaching set-up for a relatively small club, have increased the number of teams competing in the last few years, both senior and junior, and have provided free tennis for youngsters in the summer holidays by obtaining funding assistance from the local council.”

 

The club, on Linden Crescent, overcame competition from 38 other clubs in the district to secure the award at the ceremony at Baldwins Omega restaurant in Ecclesall.

 

Mr Annable, who also coaches at a number of other clubs in the region, said he was delighted to be involved with a family-orientated club that was now being rewarded for years of hard work.

 

He said: “We may not have the facilities or funding of other clubs in the area but members more than make up for it with enthusiasm and hard work.”

 

“Stocksbridge is now getting its reward for this hard work and I feel privileged to be involved with such a great little club and its equally great members.”

The club welcomes men and women of all ages and abilities. For more information visit stocksbridgetennisclub.org.uk or call Mr Jackson on 0114 288 8462.

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:25:00 -0800 Musician gives students a moment to Sabre http://ejelliot.posterous.com/musician-gives-students-a-moment-to-sabre http://ejelliot.posterous.com/musician-gives-students-a-moment-to-sabre

By Ed Elliot

 

A MOBO-NOMINATED artist treated music students to an intimate performance after they helped him record part of the video for his new single.

 

Maverick Sabre, who is up for Best Newcomer at the award’s ceremony in Glasgow, called upon youngsters to help film the video for I Need by visiting five colleges in five different cities, including Norton College, Sheffield.

 

The Hackney-born vocalist, 21, real name Michael Stafford, also hosted a question and answer session giving students an insight into being successful in the music business during the visit on October 4.

 

“The music industry‘s changed, it’s a lot quicker,” he said. “It’s easier to get known but harder to have a long career.

 

“If it wasn’t for YouTube I wouldn’t be where I am.”

 

The shaven-headed singer-songwriter, who has worked with the likes of Lethal Bizzle and Plan B, chose his name by searching a thesaurus for words which matched his initials; Maverick for “thinking outside the box” and Sabre for “putting on a hard front.”

 

He told students that he always wanted to better himself but was critical of television talent shows.

 

“You look at X Factor and you see a singer who is all right, nice voice, nice stage presence and they can’t believe it when the judges say ‘no’,” he said. 

 

“They think they’re the next Aretha Franklin.” 

 

Raised in Ireland, Sabre was unemployed for a year and said his career was saved by airline company Ryanair whose cheap fares allowed him to travel back and forth to London.

 

Martha Pedler, a music student and violinist since the age of nine, performed with Sabre for the video.

 

The 20-year-old, for whom this was the first recorded performance, said. “I only found out I was doing it on Friday. I didn’t know how big he was but he was a really down-to-earth guy.”

 

Tom Galton, student and guitarist, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and was very impressed by the sound achieved. I enjoyed meeting people from a professional background.”

 

Sabre also visited colleges in Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester and Norwich as part of the project.

 

Neil Anderton, course leader at Norton, said: “The event was a huge success and allowed our students an insight into the industry.

 

“Students were buzzing with excitement but rose to the challenge and worked very professionally.”

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:18:00 -0800 Untitled http://ejelliot.posterous.com/103942856 http://ejelliot.posterous.com/103942856

By Edward Elliot

 

A FORMER netball coach has been recognised for more than three decades of community work with an award from the council.

 

Catherine Cotterill, 52, was awarded the Autumn Stocksbridge Citizens Award by Stocksbridge Town Council for running the town’s netball club for the past 31 years.

 

The PE teacher, who acted as treasurer and secretary as well as coaching and umpiring in the role, said she knew of the award but was completely shocked when council clerk Teresa Bisatt contacted her to say she had won it.

 

Catherine said: “I’m really honoured to get it; it was a complete and utter surprise.

 

“I love netball and have thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching at the club. It was a very difficult decision to give it up.”

 

The club, located on Linden Crescent, train and play at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield during the winter months and are now coached by Lorraine Tazzyman.

 

Lorraine nominated Catherine for the award and said she had no hesitation in doing so as the recognition was long overdue.

 

She said: “A lot of people in the town and surrounding areas owe Catherine an awful lot.

 

“She has worked so hard and been incredibly selfless for so many years and everyone at the netball club was devastated when she said she was retiring.”

 

The Citizens Award Scheme was launched by Stocksbridge Town Council in 2005 and gives people the opportunity to nominate local residents who make a significant contribution to the community.

 

Mrs Cotterill was presented with a certificate and £50 worth of gift vouchers by the mayor of Stocksbridge, Councillor Martin Brelsford, at the town council meeting on Thursday, October 13.

 

Coun Brelsford said: “Giving out this award is one of my favourite duties as mayor. The community needs people like Catherine and I was delighted to present the award, which she thoroughly deserves.”

 

If you wish to nominate a person or group contact Stocksbridge Town Council on 0114 288 7895 or email stocks.council@btconnect.com.

 

Details of previous winners can be seen on the town council website, www.stocksbridge-council.co.uk.

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:14:00 -0800 Historic cinema loses listed building bid http://ejelliot.posterous.com/historic-cinema-loses-listed-building-bid http://ejelliot.posterous.com/historic-cinema-loses-listed-building-bid

By Edward Elliot

 

A HISTORIC former cinema built just after the First World War has failed in an attempt to gain listed status.

 

The Palace Cinema in Stocksbridge, constructed in 1920, was denied the status due to modernisation of the original build and a lack of special architecture.

 

Stocksbridge Town Council wrote to English Heritage earlier in the year stating that the building is of local historic and architectural interest and should therefore be protected from unsympathetic renovation or demolition.

 

However, after a full inspection of the building on Thursday, October 6, the application was turned down.

 

Mayor of Stocksbridge Coun Martin Brelsford said he was disappointed by the decision but not surprised.

 

“We thought it was worth an attempt,” he said. “But we were aware that English Heritage has very high standards.

 

“Of course, we are disappointed but it doesn’t change a great deal. The cinema building will remain and, although it’s not protected by status, it’s up to the people of Stocksbridge to look after it.”

 

In a letter to the council, English Heritage said the cinema had undergone a number of significant alterations which had undermined its special interest in the national context.

 

It said: “Although the building retains some attractive detailing, this is standard rather than special for its date.”

 

The Palace, on Manchester Road, first opened its doors on May 12, 1921, a year after it was built, and seated up to 1,000 people.

 

Just over 45 years later the cinema closed and became a bingo hall before being turned into a shopping mall in 1989 that is still in use today.

 

Jennifer Staniforth, 64, of Coultas Avenue, Deepcar, grew up in Stocksbridge and has fond memories of visiting the cinema.

 

“I went there regularly with my friends as a girl,” she said. “I don’t see why it can’t still be used as a cinema because the town doesn’t have one anymore.

 

“It would have been nice to get the building listed because it is a special place to me, but as long as it is still there then I’m happy.”

 

England currently has around 375,000 listed buildings, with 1,200 of these located in the city of Sheffield.

 

Nick Ward, 27, of New Road, said: “I can’t remember the building being used as a cinema but it definitely stands out because of the way it looks.

 

“I’m not particularly bothered about the status but I think it is a nice landmark for the town and a reminder of the past.”

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:03:00 -0800 Untitled http://ejelliot.posterous.com/103926661 http://ejelliot.posterous.com/103926661

By Edward Elliot

 

WITH little more than four months remaining until the start of the Olympics, athletes are stepping up their training as Britain prepares to host its first games since 1948.

 

Yet, with London staging the event, it is not only athletes who will represent the UK this year.

 

The London 2012 organising committee has called upon people from across Britain to help with the running of the games, including many young people.

 

One such youngster is 17-year-old Jake Cook, from Handsworth, Sheffield, who will take part in the Olympic torch relay as reward for his community role as a young ambassador in which he delivers sports classes to school pupils, including disabled children.

 

Around 90,000 people were recommended for the 8,000 positions and Jake, who has been a volunteer for three years, said he was delighted to be chosen.

 

We might never see the Olympics again. I’ll be even more excited when I get the uniform,” he said.

 

“My family couldn’t believe it. They’ve all booked the day off work and they can’t have a conversation without mentioning it.”

 

The first year sports and exercise science student at Norton College was nominated for the role last May by Karen Leaver, specialism development officer for the Forge School Sport Partnership, whom he accompanies to schools and coaches alongside.

Karen said: “Jake is a very, very good sports leader and an incredible personality, but also very bright and knowledgeable about sport, and is good at inspiring others to take part.

“You can’t help but like him.” 

The flame will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on May 19 and travel within ten miles of 95 per cent of the UK population before reaching the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium on Friday, July 27.

 

Football and boxing fan Jake, who unsuccessfully applied for tickets to attend the games on two occasions, is due to carry the torch on Tuesday, June 26.

 

Corey Davis, head of sport and dance at Norton College, who teaches Jake, said he was reserved and modest about his achievements and this opportunity was all down to him.

 

“People like Jake are fantastic role models for younger children in the community and I’m certain that he’s a fantastic role model for other sports students in college,” she said.

 

“We’re very lucky to have him.”

 

The college will celebrate the games by holding its own Olympics at the English Institute of Sport at the end of March.

 

Every sport student at Norton will participate in the day which will roughly follow the programme of the actual games, albeit with slightly moderated events.

 

Another student who will gain a close-up experience of the games is 16-year-old Helen Law.

 

The Tanbridge House School pupil from Horsham, West Sussex, has been chosen as a ball-girl at the Paralympics volleyball, which will be held at ExCel in London’s docklands, as reward for a school project.

 

Helen, who will participate along with 15 of her schoolmates, is excited at the prospect of being involved in a global event and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 

She said: “I think the Paralympics is an extraordinary event which encourages people with disabilities to overcome challenges and achieve their potential without discrimination.

 

“The Olympics not only celebrates sporting achievement, it is also about determination and respect and encourages people, especially young people, to overcome adversity and strive to achieve their potential.”

 

More than 80 Tanbridge pupils applied for the places and the chosen 16 were interviewed and took part in team-building activities as part of the selection process.

Headteacher Jules White said: “I am delighted that our efforts to support the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been rewarded with this fantastic opportunity.”

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Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:01:00 -0800 Untitled http://ejelliot.posterous.com/99728923 http://ejelliot.posterous.com/99728923

Edward Elliot

A 91-YEAR-OLD man, who had a history of falls, died after he tumbled into the road and was run over by a bus, an inquest heard.

James Pitchley, of Manor Park Drive, Sheffield, fell under a wheel of the 25A bus in Charter Row, Sheffield, on Friday, May 6 last year and suffered a number of injuries, including a broken upper arm, before he died five days later.

A statement from Dr Thornton, Mr Pitchley’s GP, said his patient had had several falls at his home due to his age and poor control of his type 2 diabetes.

The inquest heard that Mr Pitchley had just got off the bus, which connects Woodhouse to Bradway, at around 12.35pm. He then lost his footing and fell against the side of the vehicle, which drove over his left arm as it pulled away.

Craig Waldron, the driver of the First-operated bus, said: “There was a slight bump and a shriek; a split second between the two.

“A gentleman was lying face down with his hand above his head and his legs on the pavement.”

Police told the inquest that the vehicle was in good working order and its condition had not contributed to Mr Pitchley’s fall.

Bus passenger Neil Storey, who witnessed events from his seat, said in a statement: “He was leaning on the walking stick. He wobbled and toppled into the side of the bus.

“There was no one near the male at the time - it just looked like he lost his balance.”

A statement from Thomas Ashman, a student, who also witnessed the incident, described Mr Pitchley as being “conscious but in a lot of pain and shock.”

Mr Pitchley, a retired lorry driver who was originally from Southwark, was taken to the Northern General Hospital in the city following the incident but died of a fat embolus brought on by his injuries.

Assistant Deputy Coroner, Donald Coutts-Wood recorded a verdict of accidental death, in front of Mr Pitchley’s sons, Melvin and James, at the Medico-legal centre on Tuesday, January 3.

Mr Coutts-Wood described the outcome of the accident as “desperately unfortunate.”

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Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:45:00 -0800 Sheffield Wednesday 4-4 Huddersfield Town http://ejelliot.posterous.com/97159782 http://ejelliot.posterous.com/97159782

By Edward Elliot at Hillsborough

 

JORDAN Rhodes fired four goals, including a last-gasp equaliser, as Huddersfield drew 4-4 with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

 

Scotland international Rhodes struck twice inside the first 16 minutes to put the Terriers two up but goals from Rob Jones and Reda Johnson restored parity.

 

Second-half strikes from Ben Marshall and Chris O’Grady looked to have won it for Wednesday but Rhodes completed his hat-trick 13 minutes from the end before silencing the home crowd with a leveller in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

 

Despite dropping two points at the death, Owls boss Gary Megson refused to dwell on the disappointment and felt his side suffered at the hands of a top-class striker.

 

“You’ve probably seen everything there in one 90 minutes,” Megson said.

 

“We’d lost it, won it and eventually drew it so there’s a lot, and I mean a huge amount, of positives.

 

“Jordan Rhodes, in my opinion, is the best striker outside the Premier League and he will play in the Premier League - his finishing was marvellous."

 

In a high-tempo opening, Rhodes missed a golden opportunity in the early stages before making amends in the 12th minute.

 

Winger Gary Roberts wriggled free on the left and produced a pinpoint for cross for the Terriers’ top-scorer to head in off the underside of the crossbar with the aid of a deflection.

 

Roberts was again the supplier four minutes later, delivering to the near post for Rhodes to glance his second into the top left-hand corner past stranded Owls goalkeeper Stephen Bywater. 

 

Wednesday striker O’Grady came close to reducing the deficit with a blocked effort at the other end before the hosts drew level with two goals inside three minutes.

 

Marshall robbed Terriers’ full-back Jack Hunt to pick out the head of skipper Jones for the first after 26 minutes and left-back Johnson slid home the second moments later following a goalmouth scramble.

 

The hosts introduced Ryan Lowe at the interval and their attacking intent was rewarded as Marshall turned the tie in their favour 18 minutes after the restart.

 

Following another mistake from right-back Hunt, the impressive Stoke loanee raced into the Terriers’ penalty area to calmly slot past keeper Ian Bennett.

 

The Owls then looked to be in complete control 16 minutes from time when O’Grady connected with Chris Lines’ searching free-kick to loop home a header but three minutes later Rhodes poked instinctively past Bywater to complete his hat-trick and set up a tense finish.

 

And just when it appeared Wednesday had held on to three precious points, Rhodes latched onto a pass from substitute Jon Parkin to stab the ball into the bottom left-hand corner and salvage a draw for the West Yorkshire side.

 

Huddersfield manager Lee Clark admitted that he enjoyed the entertainment of the game and also reserved special praise for Rhodes.

 

“It has been a magnificent football match by two groups of players showing tremendous character for their clubs and their supporters,” Clark said.

 

“We kept getting chances and when you’ve got someone in the form of our striker [Rhodes], at this moment in time, if you give him the service, nine, nine-and-a-half times out of ten it will be in the back of the net and that was the case.

 

“The people of Yorkshire tonight can be proud of their teams.”

 

 

Sheffield Wednesday: Bywater; R. Johnson, Jones, Batth, Tavernier; Marshall (Bennett 90), Lines, Semedo, Prutton, O’Grady, Watt (Lowe 46)

 

Unused substitutes: O’Donnell, J. Johnson, Morrison

 

Huddersfield: Bennett; Naysmith, Bruce, Clarke, Hunt; Roberts, Miller, Gobern, Ward (McDermott 71); Novak (Parkin 83), Rhodes

 

Unused substitutes: Colgan, Woods, Arfield

 

Goals:

Sheff Wed: Jones (26), R. Johnson (28), Marshall (63), O’Grady (74) Huddersfield: Rhodes (12, 16, 77, 90+7)

 

Bookings:

Sheff Wed: Watt (45+3), Batth (50), Lowe (78), Lines (90+1), Semedo (90+3)

Huddersfield: P Clarke (21), Bruce (52), Miller (74), Gobern (84) 

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