SETI Investigates Strange Signal From Star

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 31, 2016 11:48:12 AM


A strong signal detected over a year ago from the Hercules constellation is now being assessed. While astronomers doubt that it came from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization, they think it's worth having a look (if only to quell the rumors).


The Mysterious Blip


In May 15, 2015, a strong signal was detected by the RATAN-600 radio telescope in Russia. The transmission came from the direction of a star called HD164595, located around 95 light-years away from Earth in the Hercules constellation, and astronomers think this “strange” signal is worth investigating…for aliens?


To back up a bit: One interesting detail about the star is that it is pretty much like our Sun: it’s 99% the Sun’s mass and has a temperature only 12 Kelvin hotter than the Sun. It’s metallicity is almost the same as the Sun’s, and it’s only 100 million years younger. In terms of universe figures, that’s not a big age gap.


What’s even more intriguing is the fact that the signature detected came at a frequency consistent with that of an intentional transmission, sparking astronomers’ interest enough to circulate the readings with their peers and sending at least two research groups from SETI the (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) looking to the skies to track the star.


Studying the mysterious signal also made its way onto the agenda for the IAA (International Academy of Astronautics) SETI Permanent Committee’s meeting in Guadalajara, Mexico, which is set for this September 27th.

Probably Not Aliens


As many publications have already noted, if the signal did come from an alien beacon, it would have been from a Kardashev Type II civilization (the kind of culture that can harness the energy from a whole star).


Read more: http://bit.ly/2ce8BO8


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New Artificial Retina

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 31, 2016 11:41:26 AM


Following a major fire which gutted the building on 18 August, the site owners of the former Chicago Rock at Wellington Street have appointed demolition contractors who have started on site over the weekend. The area continues to be cordoned off to minimise any risk of harm to the public.


The importance of ensuring public safety also means the road closures affecting Wellington Street, New Street and Westway will remain in place for up to two weeks.


Responsibility for the safe demolition of the building, providing a safety cordon around the site during and after the work, together with related traffic management issues, rests with the building owner.


A number of nearby buildings including Wellington House and retail premises within the cordoned off area remain closed. Barnsley Council is doing all it can to support businesses affected by this situation. A number of traders have been successfully assisted in moving temporarily to alternative trading locations including The Civic in Eldon Street and market stalls.


Historic England has completed an archaeological scan of the site to capture important information about the historical significance of the site.

Barnsley Council will continue to provide regular updates on this situation


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Homes that repair themselves

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 16, 2016 12:36:34 PM


On Monday 22 August Rotherham Council will be working with Don Catchment Rivers Trust on a community clean up.


DARPA has just launched the Engineering Living Materials program, with a vision to create building materials that grow on-site. The materials would be used to construct buildings that repair themselves and adapt to the environment.


The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has certainly had its hand in making the gizmos and gadgets we enjoy into a reality. The agency is still hard at work blazing the trail for the tech of the future, issuing challenges for the creation of the most advanced things on this Earth.


It has issued a new challenges, this time in the field of construction. DARPA has just announced the Engineering Living Materials program, a program to develop building materials that grow on site, repair themselves, and even adapt to the environment. “The vision of the ELM program is to grow materials on demand where they are needed,” said ELM program manager, Justin Gallivan, in a press release. “Imagine that instead of shipping finished materials, we can ship precursors and rapidly grow them on site using local resources.”

From Fiction to Fact


While this seems like a tall order, some of the precursor technologies are already here. There have been great strides in the field of 3D-printing, with finished products appearing from scratch. This sort of printing has actually transitioned to living tissue.


Other than 3D printing of living tissue, there has also been self-repairing concrete, biologically sourced structural materials made from inexpensive feedstocks, packing materials derived from fungal mycelium, and building blocks made from bacteria and sand. So, get excited about the inevitable Youtube channel of self-reparing condos.


See full story: bit.ly/2bb0Nux


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Reported assault in Barnsley

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 16, 2016 12:36:34 PM


Police in Barnsley are asking witnesses to come forward after a 26-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted close to the town centre.


The incident happened at about 1.25am on Sunday 7 August when the woman was walking along Pontefract Road towards Cundy Cross. An unknown man is believed to have approached her from behind before assaulting her, causing minor injuries to her face.


The man is described as white, about 5ft 6 ins tall, of slim build, with short, cropped fair hair. He is believed to have been wearing light coloured jeans and a plain red t-shirt.


Officers investigating the incident want to hear from you if you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area at around that time.


They are also keen to speak to a couple who they believe the woman and the man walked past, close to The Mount pub in Pontefract Road.


Did you see anything suspicious? Were you the couple near to The Mount pub?


If you can help, please call 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk quoting incident number 424 of 7 August 2016.


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Stopping organised crime in Sheffield

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 16, 2016 12:14:03 PM


In just over six weeks, 21 people believed to be involved in organised crime, armed criminality and drugs offences in Sheffield have been arrested, charged and remanded in custody as South Yorkshire Police intensifies the crackdown on those who choose to live on the wrong side of the law.


The positive action taken by SYP sits alongside the Force’s current Organised Crime Group (OCG) campaign, designed to raise awareness and increase people’s knowledge of organised crime and armed criminality, and to offer reassurance and advice as to how the public can help by anonymously reporting suspicious activity and behaviour through the charity Crimestoppers.


The campaign launched on 25 July, and each week has focused on different members of the community who are affected by OCGs, including business owners and elderly residents, as well as targeting the members of organised crime groups themselves, which is the focus this week. Click here for more information and to watch our animated video about Tony the OCG member.


Sheffield Superintendent Shaun Morley said: “Twenty-one people who are suspected of being involved in criminal behaviour and activity in our city are currently charged with various offences and are in custody. “I hope this sends out two very clear messages; the first to the law abiding members of the public who do not deserve to be blighted by individuals who choose to live this type of lifestyle, that we are taking robust action and I want to offer my personal assurance this will continue.


“The second message is to those involved in, or who know a loved one or family member associated in criminal activity, or anyone who is thinking about taking this route, that it will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can to ensure the streets of Sheffield remain safe and those partaking in criminality are brought to justice.”


Of the 21 charged, ten men have been charged with firearms offences, five men with possession of an offensive weapon and assault and five men and one woman with possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Last month also saw the Force hold a three-week firearms and knives surrender as a strand of the OCG campaign, encouraging people to hand in any weapons to ensure they could never fall into the wrong hands and into criminal circulation. Thirty firearms were surrendered in Sheffield, along with a range of ammunition and bladed weapons including samurai swords and machetes, further adding to the blitz on crime in the city.


Supt Morley added: “There are a vast array of both overt and covert operations in progress to enable us to reduce the number of OCGs, and I hope with the action taken over the last six weeks, the public have an increased confidence in South Yorkshire Police that we are doing our utmost to tackle criminality in the city.


“If you have any information regarding gangs, the use of firearms or any suspicious activity in your area, I would urge you to please report your concerns either to the police on 101, or anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”


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Park Road School Demolition, Wath-on-Dearne

THE QUEEN OF VILLAGES

Taking soil samples after the school was demolished. Checking for contamination especially asbestos which was plentiful in the wooden huts school section.

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Newhill Hall c1900

THE QUEEN OF VILLAGES

Distance shot of Newhill Hall, Wath-upon-Dearne taken around 1900

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Henry Payne Of Newhill

THE QUEEN OF VILLAGES

Another glimpse into the 1950 auction of the Henry Payne estate in Newhill, Wath-upon-Dearne.

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Discovery of key component of HIV virus

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 12, 2016 12:25:05 PM


Scientists from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and University College London have discovered an essential feature of the HIV virus that it uses to infect cells whilst avoiding detection by the immune system. This discovery, published in Natureopens in new window, presents a new drug target and the opportunity to re-evaluate existing treatments for HIV to improve their efficacy.


HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it has to copy its RNA genome into DNA in order to infect cells. Previously, it wasn’t known how the virus acquires the building blocks of genetic material it needs, called nucleotides. Importantly, it also wasn’t known how HIV does this without setting off the cells alarm systems that are poised to detect foreign DNA.


HIV is surrounded by a protein shell called the capsid. It has now been found that HIV hides within the capsid while it builds DNA. The interdisciplinary team used a hybrid approach that involved discerning the atomic structure of the capsid in different states and creating mutant versions of HIV viruses to see how this altered infection. This allowed the researchers to discover iris-like pores in the capsid that open and close like those in the eye. These pores suck in nucleotides needed for replication at great speed while keeping out any unwanted molecules. This helps to explain why HIV is so successful at evading the immune system.


After they identified these capsid pores the team then went on to design an inhibitor molecule that could block them – hexacarboxybenzene. Once the pores were blocked by the molecule, the HIV virus was unable to copy itself and became non-infectious.


Hexacarboxybenzene cannot cross the cell membrane of human cells to gain access to the virus, but the researchers suggest that drugs could be designed in the future with similar properties but able to enter the cell. Another option is to look at drugs currently used in treating HIV, called reverse transcriptase inhibitors, to see if there are ways of improving their transit through these pores thereby enhancing their activity.


Senior author, Dr Leo James at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology said: “We used to think that the capsid came apart as soon as the virus entered a cell but now realise that the capsid protects the virus from our innate immune system. The channels we’ve discovered explain how the fuel for replication gets into the capsid to allow the viral genome to be made.”


Lead author, Dr David Jacques at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, said: “We have already designed a prototype inhibitor that directly targets the channel. We predict that this feature may be common to other viruses and will be an attractive target for new antiviral drugs, including new treatments for HIV and related viruses.”


Dr Tim Cullingford, Programme Manager for Chemical Biology at the MRC, said: “This collaborative work between Leo James’s laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge and Greg Towers at UCL really illustrates the value of taking an interdisciplinary approach to discovery research. The combination of atomic-level structural work with virology has enabled them to make a finding that will shape the direction of future work in this area.”


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Funds For Wilthorpe Park

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 12, 2016 12:25:05 PM


Wilthorpe Park is set to receive funding to further develop its facilities after Barnsley Norse has been named as its official sponsor.


The organisation is the first to sign up to the council’s Park Partners scheme which encourages local businesses to support the future development of Barnsley’s parks. As part of the partnership, Barnsley Norse has contributed £2,000 which will go directly to the Friends of Wilthorpe Park to help them maintain and improve the space for residents to enjoy.


The group plan to use the funding to improve the entrance to the park, purchase plants, flowers and an information board which lists the park’s wildlife. The board will be used to encourage schools to visit the park to learn more about the outdoors, local wildlife and habitats.


Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities, said: "We're delighted that Barnsley Norse is supporting one of our local parks. Wilthorpe Park is an important local space that brings the community together. In supporting the park, Barnsley Norse is recognising the value of the borough’s green spaces and the excellent work of the volunteers who help to maintain them."


Pat Braithwaite, Friends of Wilthorpe Park volunteer, said: “We’re so pleased to be part of this partnership. We’ve some really exciting things planned for the park and are looking forward to working with Barnsley Norse to keep improving it for local people.”


Jo Taylor, Operations Director at Barnsley Norse, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Barnsley Council and the Friends of Wilthorpe Park. As a business we’re committed to contributing to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for those living and working in Barnsley.


“The park is a great community resource enjoyed by many and we’re thrilled to be in a position to support the volunteers who do such an amazing job in maintaining and improving this beautiful open space.”


Wilthorpe Park

Greenfoot Lane, Wilthorpe, Barnsley S75 2QW

Wilthorpe Park is on the A635 about one mile from Barnsley town centre.

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Park facilities

Children's play area up to age 11

Mini football pitch

Junior cycle track

Extensive shrub/ flower beds

Friends group

The park doesn’t have its own car park.

Getting to the park

If you’re travelling by car, you can park on nearby streets.

Buses 94,95, 95a 96, and 96A pass near the park.

For bus times, call the South Yorkshire Traveline on (01709) 515151 or visit the Travel South Yorkshire website.


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Treating autoimmune diseases

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 12, 2016 12:14:49 PM


New research from the University of Dundee, and funded by Arthritis Research UK and the MRC, has shown that targeting a specific group of enzymes could be a viable strategy for treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, which affect millions of people.


Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system, which defends the body against disease, is convinced that our healthy cells are foreign. As a result, the immune system then attacks the healthy cells.


Researchers led by Dr Simon Arthur in the School of Life Sciences at Dundee examined the way that a drug called dimethylfumarate (DMF), which is licensed in the UK as Tecfidera, works. DMF is primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis but has also been shown to be an effective treatment for psoriasis, both of which are autoimmune diseases.


The team found that DMF is effective because it blocks the action of a particular group of enzymes called E2s, some of which are active in inducing inflammation.


“This is significant because previously the pharmaceutical industry has been sceptical lupus about the viability of targeting these enzymes as a means of treating diseases,” said Dr Vicky McGuire, lead author on the study.


“We have found that DMF is actually already targeting these enzymes with very positive results. This follows on from previous research from the University’s School of Life Sciences that showed that another drug, BAY 11-7082 also works by inhibiting E2 enzymes. However, unlike BAY 11-7082, DMF is approved for clinical use.”


Dr Arthur added, “This suggests that more selective inhibitors of E2’s may be well tolerated and validates these enzymes as targets for future drug development.”


Dr Stephen Simpson, director of research and programmes at the charity Arthritis Research UK, said he was excited by the results of the study they cofounded.


“Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriatic arthritis can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, causing extreme pain and fatigue that can make even everyday tasks incredibly difficult,” he said. “We welcome this research in helping identify pathways in these types of conditions that may offer targets for new and effective treatment”


The results of the research are published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.


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Three bailed in connection to Tommy Ward murder

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 01:03:36 PM


Three men who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday 10 August have been bailed, pending further enquiries.


The men, aged 23, 30 and 35, were arrested in connection to the death of Tommy Ward, who was found with serious injuries on Thursday 1 October 2015 at his home in Salisbury Road, Maltby.

Mr Ward sadly died as a result of his injuries on Tuesday 23 February this year. The investigation into his death continues and anyone with information should call 101.



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Burglary at Barnsley charity shop – did you see anything?

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 01:03:36 PM


Police are asking you to get in touch if you witnessed the reported burglary of a charity shop in Barnsley town centre last month.


At around 1.30pm on Saturday 23 July, it is reported that an unknown man entered the Cancer Research UK charity shop in Market Street, Barnsley town centre.


It is alleged that the man took a quantity of money and when challenged by staff, he fled the scene, running through another shop onto Queen Street and Eldon Street.


The man is described as being white, in his late thirties, with short dark hair. He is believed to have been wearing a blue and white long-sleeved shirt.


Officers believe the man in the CCTV images (pictured) could hold useful information for the investigation and are appealing to anyone who recognises him to come forward.


If you can help with enquiries, please call 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk quoting incident number 656 of 23 July 2016. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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Pokémon Go fever grips Rotherham

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 12:53:44 PM


Since Pokémon Go launched this summer, various creatures have been appearing in Clifton Park and Museum - and visitors have been trying to catch 'em all!


With 15 Pokéstops and three gyms located in Clifton Park and the Museum area, Rotherham is proving to be a real hot-spot for fans of the latest craze.


Wedding guests at the Museum even had an unexpected gate-crasher when one of their bridesmaids caught a Pokémon in her hands – you just never know where they will pop up next!


If you’d like to explore further when playing the game at Clifton Park Museum you can see Nelson the Lion who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, the Somme exhibition, the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum or pop into The Granary Café and have a cup of tea and a tasty treat! (You may have to share with a Pokemon though!).


Libraries around the Rotherham borough have also seen fans capturing the Pokémon Go creatures hiding amongst the book shelves. As Rotherham Libraries have over 70,000 books in their stocks, there are plenty of places to look, explore and loan a book too!


Social media users have been posting their discoveries online to share their findings and a Facebook group ‘Pokémon Go – Rotherham Area’ has been set up and has attracted an amazing 720 likes. The page has avid fans sharing hints, tips and pictures about the game.


Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, Cllr Taiba Yasseen, encouraged people to take part in the game in Clifton Park Museum or their local library. She said: “It’s good to get out and about in the summer holidays and have fun, and whether you’re playing Pokémon Go in Clifton Park and Museum or your local library, you’ll find there are plenty of other things to do and see as well.


“There have been sightings of ghost Pokémon’s near Marco the Bear in the Museum and you can find Pokémon creatures at the various Pokéstops in the Museum and local libraries.”


Cllr Yasseen added that Pokémon players should remember to stay safe and be aware of their surroundings: “Younger fans should play with their friends or family. And players should always be aware of, and respect their surroundings while playing.”


The NSPCC has produced a parents’ guide to Pokémon Go which gives tips and advice for keeping children safe on Pokémon Go.


Visit NSPCC Parents guide to Pokémon Go : bit.ly/2aYV22G


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Campaign launched to break the silence on suicide

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 12:41:13 PM


Rotherham Council has launched the first phase of a suicide prevention campaign in an attempt to encourage men to speak out about suicide.


Supported by South Yorkshire Police, NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), the campaign aims to get middle aged males talking about their concerns and encourages them to think that no matter how bad things feel, there is hope.


Nationally men aged 45 to 59 had the highest suicide rate in 2014 for the second year in a row . This trend is reflected in Rotherham and that is why the campaign is targeting men to try and 'break the silence on suicide'locally.


Campaign materials carrying the 'Don't let silence kill you' message are being distributed across the borough using various print and online channels to help maximise the reach. In addition there will also be campaign materials encouraging friends and family to spot the warning signs and to speak out about their concerns as many people in suicidal situations just want to feel that they are not alone.


Councillor David Roche, Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health said: "We know that the majority of men who take their own lives aren't known to mental health services so we are encouraging anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or feeling the pressure to talk to someone before it is too late. It is vitally important that everyone knows where they can seek help and that friends and family are also encouraged to recognise warning signs so they can also play their vital part in breaking the silence on suicide."


Dr Russell Brynes, GP Lead for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at NHS Rotherham CCG, added: "These days, thankfully, men find it easier to talk about their emotions. However, it is still very worrying that suicide rates, especially among middle aged men, remain disturbingly high. Suicide is not inevitable, it's preventable, and our aim is to spread this message far and wide to as many men as possible.


"Just as there is no one single cause there is no simple cure, but we know that if we help men to access prevention services we can begin to make a difference. This campaign can address some of the issues that hinder men from seeking help, providing hope and encouragement for us all."


People can feel suicidal for any number of reasons which can often relate to stressful life events such as the loss of a job, family breakdown and conflict including divorce, debt, imprisonment and bereavement but for many people, it is the combination of factors which is important rather than one single factor so people are being encouraged to look out for changes in behaviour not just circumstances.


The Rotherham branch of the Samaritans takes 14,000 calls every year from people who are having suicidal thoughts or struggling with their mental health. They are known for helping people through tough times and can help people to explore their options, understand their problems or just be there to listen. They have welcomed this local campaign and they too urge anyone who is suffering to seek help


Christine, Director of Rotherham Samaritans said: "It takes a lot to pick up the phone but the important thing to remember is that we are there to help and don't judge anyone. Chances are you are not alone with what you are going through and we are here. If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, don't bottle them up. However you feel, whatever life's done to you, talk about it."


Rotherham's suicide prevention group is fully committed to supporting anyone who is at risk of or affected by suicide. This campaign is the first of a series to be rolled out over the next twelve months including a campaign aimed at young people.


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Two new retailers in Rotherham

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 12:25:27 PM


Rotherham’s High Street has welcomed two new retailers – Maia Interiors and the Sweet Escape Dessert & Ice Cream Parlour.


The two new independents join Rotherham High Street just as representatives from the town helped to launch this year’s Great British High Street competition in London.


Rotherham’s Retail Investment Manager Bernadette Rushton and Regeneration Manager Simeon Leach were invited to the national launch event to speak before business leaders and the Minister for High Streets Marcus Jones.


The pair spoke about Rotherham’s experience in taking part in the competition last year, winning the Town Centre category and what the success has meant for the town. Rotherham – which impressed the judges as well as receiving thousands of public votes from local people - was the only one of the seven category winners from 2015 to be invited to speak at the launch event.


The two new retailers also mean that all units on High Street are now occupied – the first time in a number of years the street has benefited from a 100% let.


Bernadette Rushton said: “It was great to be invited to the launch event of this year’s Great British High Street competition. Our speech was very well received and we were congratulated on our success by government representatives and business leaders.”


Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, added: “It’s fantastic to see that Rotherham is being recognised for the great work we are doing and I’m delighted that it coincides with another two unique independent businesses opening in the town centre. I wish these new ventures every success for the future.”


Maia Interiors, located at 34 High Street, is the town centre’s 4th pop-up shop and the final shop to be let on High Street thanks to funding from the Association of British Bookmakers. Maia Interiors stocks a range of quality gifts and homeware including candle holders, canvas prints, vases and ornaments designed to spruce up your home.


Owner Deborah Wylie said: “It’s always been my dream to run my own business and the pop-up shop has given me the perfect opportunity. I am thrilled that the scheme has given me this chance as I would not have been able to open otherwise.”


Meanwhile the Sweet Escape Dessert and Ice Cream Parlour, located at 23 High Street, was recently opened by young entrepreneur Tomasz Ugniewski.


The business prides itself on hand-making a mouth-watering range of cakes and desserts such as the delicious Cocoffee and Shaky Shaky cakes, ice cream sundaes and very popular waffles and crepes with a variety of toppings.


Customers can choose to either eat-in in the tropical style café area or take their treats away. And as the eaterie is open seven days a week, fancying a sundae on a Sunday is no problem either!


“I’m really pleased to be opening my new business in Rotherham town centre and look forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the delights on offer,” said owner Tomasz.


The pop-up shop occupied by Maia Interiors was funded jointly by the Association of British Bookmakers and the Portas Pilot Initiative, which recognises and rewards towns finding innovative ways to revitalise town centres.


Pop up shops offer dedicated retail space for budding entrepreneurs considering starting a new retail venture, with flexible lease terms available for 12 months as well as free and subsidised rent periods. Financial assistance to fit-out the premises and free business advice and training from retail experts is also included.


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Walk Well Barnsley

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 10, 2016 12:14:21 PM


There’s an opportunity for families to stretch their legs and improve their health with a family walk at Elsecar on Thursday, 26 August, from 1pm.


Organised through the Walk Well Barnsley programme, the hour long walk starts and ends at Playmania, Elsecar Heritage Centre and includes free access to the indoor adventure and play centre.


The walk is on flat ground and is pushchair accessible. Families can walk at their own pace and don’t need any specialist clothing or footwear – just flat shoes or trainers. All abilities are welcome to take part.


More information on the walk and how to book is available on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Walk-Well-Barnsley


Alternatively places can be booked with Rebecca Bibbs on 01226 433351.


Walk Well Barnsley provides short, free, organised walks across the borough with the aim of getting people more active. There are plenty of walks aimed at families, many of which include free entry to visitor attractions at the end.


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Have your say on the future of Rotherham public health services

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 09, 2016 05:27:09 PM


Rotherham Council is consulting on the future of public health services and wants to hear your views on what is important to you over the next five years.


The consultation which opened on the 18 July follows a government announcement to reduce the amount of money it gives the Council to fund public health services each year between now and 2020. The implications of the reductions were considered at the Cabinet/Commissioners’ decision making meeting last month and it was agreed to consult on ways to spend less whilst still maintaining a good level of service.


The consultation provides information about current services and asks public opinion on whether the Council should maintain or reduce the level of funding for each of these services. In some cases there are statutory services that have to be delivered but it may be that these can be delivered in a different and more cost effective way so it is important to get a view on what matters the most to people.


In addition, anyone participating in the survey will have a chance to comment on the extent to which they agree with the service principles and say what they consider to be the most important things that could be done differently.

Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Public Health said: "Public Health commission a range of services to reduce health inequalities and support people to live longer, healthier lives. As with other councils, Rotherham receives a specific Public Health grant from the Government which has unfortunately been cut so we now need to pause and consider how to address the immediate funding shortfall. For the financial year 2016/17, the Council has managed to meet the cut to its Public Health Grant however, we will not be able to continue to fund the same levels of service in future years. As a result, we have to look for ways to spend less on public health whilst maintaining a good level of service and this is your chance to influence future service delivery."


The Government has cut £1.3 million from the Rotherham Public Health Grant this year (2016/17) and there will be further cuts to the Rotherham Public Health Grant each year between now and 2020. As a result of the Government cuts in the Public Health Grant budget, the Council is intending to make equivalent savings to public health services.


The consultation will be open until 15 September 2016.


Speak Out HERE! : bit.ly/2axV6IA


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Missing Sheffield Man - Can You Help?

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 09, 2016 05:25:01 PM


Alan was last seen at around 10am this morning (Tuesday 9 August) leaving his home address in the Shiregreen area of Sheffield.


He has not been seen or heard from since, which is very out of character. Alan was wearing navy blue tracksuit bottoms with white trainers and a grey t-shirt. He is believed to be carrying a silver walking stick.


Alan is known to frequent the Firth Park and Ecclesfield areas of Sheffield, but officers believe he could be using buses to travel elsewhere in the city.


Have you seen Alan? Do you know where he might be?


Please call 101 quoting incident number 450 of 9 August 2016.


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Weapons removed from streets

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 09, 2016 03:36:48 PM


Over 180 weapons are now in police possession and unable to fall into criminal hands following a three-week surrender in South Yorkshire.


South Yorkshire Police launched the surrender to provide a method for people to dispose of any firearm or knife safely and quickly, with no fear of being prosecuted for possession.


Leading the surrender, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Whittaker said: “More often than not firearms can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms, leaving today’s owner without a licence and illegally in possession of an unwanted firearm.


“The surrender gave people an opportunity to be able to hand it in without fear of prosecution for possession, rather than dispose of it unsafely where it could potentially fall into the wrong hands and be used for criminal gains.


“I am pleased with the number of weapons handed in during the three-week period. One less firearm on the streets is one potential less victim of crime, and to remove 65 firearms from potential circulation in our county is a tremendous effort, and I want to thank everyone who used the opportunity to protect their family, friends and residents of South Yorkshire.”


In total, there were 50 firearms handed in, which equates to 8 surrendered in Rotherham, 5 in Barnsley, 30 in Sheffield and 7 in Doncaster. In addition, a further 15 firearms were collected from around the region.


The types of firearms surrendered included shotguns, pistols, and BB guns as well as air rifles and handguns and over 200 rounds of ammunition. There was also 120 knives handed in which included samurai swords.


DCI Whittaker added: “Those who choose to arm themselves and commit crime are responsible for damaging our communities and are a blight on society, and I want to make it very clear that the use of firearms and knives in South Yorkshire will not be tolerated.


“If you have any information regarding the use of firearms or any suspicious activity in your area, I would urge you to anonymously contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, who will treat your call with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.”


The weapons surrender began on Monday, 11 July and ended at 00.01 yesterday (Tuesday, 2 August). Immunity was provided against prosecution for possession at the time the weapon was handed in, however all the weapons will undergo forensic testing and if they are found to have been used in previous criminal activity, it will be investigated by police and there could be potential prosecutions.


The surrender was the first strand of the wider Organised Crime Group (OCG) campaign the Force launched on Monday, 25 July, designed to aise awareness and increase people’s knowledge of organised crime and armed criminality, as well as offering reassurance and advice as to how the public can help by anonymously reporting suspicious activity and behaviour. The OCG campaign will continue until Autumn time.


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Local Student Presented with Prestigious Award

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 08, 2016 01:45:40 PM

A student from Dearne Valley College has been selected from thousands of nominations to win a prestigious award at the National BTEC Awards in London.

Bethany Pritchard, who is currently on a Level 3 Health & Social Care course, attended a reception at the House of Commons along with her College Tutor and other guests, before being presented with her award at a glitzy, Hollywood-themed ceremony hosted by Radio 1 Presenter Gemma Cairney at the Royal Horticultural Halls.

The awards event which is hosted annually by Pearson, the awarding body who owns BTEC qualifications, recognised student success from each sector and featured a video message from Dragon’s Den favourite, Peter Jones, performances from fellow BTEC students and inspirational speeches from award-winning entrepreneur, Zoe Jackson MBE and British Adventurer, Ash Dykes.

Bethany was nominated after overcoming a number of barriers in her personal life and displayed determination to succeed, leading to fantastic results and securing herself a coveted place on the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Cadetship programme.

Alongside her studies, she has also dedicated much of her time since the age of 14 to volunteering for a local Dementia charity, and plans to pursue her ambitions of studying Mental Health Nursing at University whilst also establishing an independent charity with her father to facilitate social events for patients with Dementia and their Carers.

She said of her award: “My journey on the BTEC course to date has given me a fantastic insight into my future career as a Mental Health Professional. I'm a firm believer in hard work and striving to achieve to the best of my ability, and to be recognised for this on a national level is a huge honour for me; I will treasure it!”

For more information about the courses that Bethany has studied on, or any of the courses or Apprenticeships that Dearne Valley College has to offer, visit www.dearne-coll.ac.uk. If you would like further advice or information, contact the team on 01709 513355 or at learn@dearne-coll.ac.uk

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Take centre stage with Barnsley Youth Theatre

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire August 08, 2016 01:51:48 PM

Barnsley College Youth Theatre is looking to recruit new members aged eight to 16 to join their Thursday evening group during the autumn term.


The Youth Theatre offers opportunities for young people interested in acting, singing, dancing and directing to develop their skills in a range of theatre techniques, perform live shows, meet new people and have fun.

Youth Theatre Leader Kelsie Ford said: “The youth theatre this year has been amazing and the kids are loving the projects that we have been working on. The group is about what they want to express in terms of performance; I give them a stimulus and they create the rest.


“For the autumn term, we will be looking at creating something festive to showcase as a Christmas treat. This is a brand new project and we would love to welcome new members to join our fun and creativity.”


Enrolment will take place in the Atrium at Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane campus starting on Monday 22 August to Tuesday 29 August, 9.00am to 5.00pm and until 7.00pm Wednesday 30 August to Thursday 1 September. There will be a chance for late enrolment from Monday 5 September 8.30am to 4.15pm.


Theatre sessions will run on Thursday evenings at 6.00pm to 8.00pm from 8 September and costs £50 a term per child.


For more information on Barnsley College Youth Theatre and enrolment details please contact Kelsie Ford: k.ford@barnsley.ac.uk.


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