Barnsley chief reporter Jack Tolson takes a look back through the archives from 2000
BARNSLEY PEOPLE GO PARTY CRAZY
SPECTACULAR fireworks lit up the skies of Barnsley as people went party crazy to welcome in the new millennium.
Eye-catching displays across the borough could be seen for miles around as most folk chose to celebrate from the comfort of their own homes.
Barnsley joined the chain of light which stretched the length and breadth of the country.
Early evening, business was brisk in the town centre’s pubs although it was never quite as hectic as the average Friday or Saturday night.
All those rumours that some pubs would be charging as much as £100 just to get through the doors couldn’t have done much for business.
And as the midnight hour approached, many of the streets - and watering holes - were empty.
The revellers had gone home to join in the fun at the countless parties and get-togethers.
Everything ran smoothly and the atmosphere remained friendly throughout the evening with hardly any incidents needing police attention.
In all just nine people spent the night in the cells.
MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS ARE DELAYED FOR THE CHILDREN OF DELL AVENUE
BETTER late than never...
The millennium was put on hold for children who live on one street in Grimethorpe.
Residents of Dell Avenue delayed their millennium street party for more than 80 hours - holding it instead on Tuesday afternoon.
Parents decided they wanted to hold the party later than everyone else - they thought it would give the children something extra to look forward to.
More than 20 children were treated to an afternoon of fun and games at Manor pub.
As well as a disco and entertainer, there were presents and keepsakes given to the kids.
Organiser Margaret Parry said: “Everyone had some sort of event on New Year’s Eve.
“We fancied doing something a bit different.
“Everyone could enjoy the fireworks and stuff on the eve anyway without having to organise something themselves.
“This gives our children something in addition to that.
“It’s like two parties for the price of one.”
TANKED-UP FISH FIND THAT CLUB IS THE PLACE TO BE
AN RSPCA inspector wasn’t codding when he was asked to investigate a complaint that a noisy nightclub was no place to keep a tropical fish tank.
The animal welfare charity received a tip-off that the environment at the Egyptian-themed nightclub, Pharaoh’s, was too noisy.
Inspector Graham Petty went to the Wellington Street club to investigate and was given a tour by owner Barry Smith.
He left a happy man after being given evidence there was enough sound-proofing to make sure the racket didn’t disturb the fish.
Barry said: “We showed him the tank which was made of bullet-proof glass.
“You’ve seen it in films when someone smashes a tank and the water floods the place - well we didn’t want that to happen in our club.”
