Chief reporter Jack Tolson delves into the Chronicle Archives of September 2008
DANCER ON SONG FOR IDOL SUCCESSA DANCER from Barnsley has for through to the regional finals of a national talent competition - as a singer.
Steph Crossland, 21, of Smithies, is one of a handful of 10,000 applicants to get through to the next stage of Idol 2008.
The contest is open to singers and dancers and Steph entered as a singer.
She said: “I think I’ve got more chance of winning as a singer, even though I’ve danced forever.”
She studied dance at Barnsley College and went to a stage school in Nottingham.
Mum Diane, who runs Monk Bretton WMC, said: “Her dad and I can’t believe it.
“We’ve got her through dance college, which cost an arm and a leg, and she ends up singing anyway.”
Steph has danced from the age of three but took up singing at 13.
This is the first time she has entered any competition.
She said: “I liked the idea of this one because it’s not on TV.
“I’d hate to be on X Factor or something then people see me if I didn’t get through.”
TOP GUIDE DOG WALTER HAS SOMETHING MORE TO WAG ABOUT
WALTER was already a top dog in Barnsley - but now he has the certificate to prove it.
The labrador-cross-retriever has been highly commended as part of the Guide Dog of the Year awards.
Partially-sighted owner Natalie Yarrow nominated him to recognise his valuable work, in particular getting her to and from work in Barnsley.
Natalie, who lives in Rotherham, said Walter had coped brilliantly with all the changes around the town over the past 18 months.
She said: “When I first came to Barnsley the town centre was alien to me but Walter just took it all in his stride.
“Since then it’s changed a lot with a new bus station and buildings coming down everywhere.
“I’m quite reliant on him being alert and paying attention to everything around us.
“But he’s a lot more than just a mobility aid, he’s a personal companion as well.”
POLICE CALLS MAY SOON GO TO 101
A NEW phone number to call the police could be on its way to Barnsley.
Sheffield is piloting 101, a 24-hour number for calls less urgent than 999 calls.
Council and police bosses will be meeting in the next two weeks to look at the possibility and cost of expanding it throughout South Yorkshire.
101 could potentially replace the Safer Neighbourhood Team ‘golden line’ numbers.
Andy Brooke, district commander for police in Barnsley, said: “My opinion is it is something we should do.
“I think it would have a lot of benefits to the public.
“It’s an easy number to remember and it’s a 24-hour service.”
