CONTINUING our look back at stories from the Barnsley Chronicle that caught our eye in 2025. Now we’re into the summer - and what a busy summer it was....
July
Barnsley’s own daredevil Father Darren Percival took his fundraising exploits to new heights in July.
St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth has been facing structural issues that are particularly affecting the west window masonry, roof and plastering.
It’s anticipated that around £750,000 is needed to fully restore the building to its glory - and Fr Darren has taken part in a series of fundraisers to help save the 19th century building.
Earlier this year he had his legs waxed for charity and raised £2,500 in the process.
But in July he took on his biggest challenge yet in a bid to raise around £380,000 to repair the window.
He abseiled 101 metres down Liverpool Anglican Cathedral - taking his mission to new heights alongside Richard Brook.
Barnsley Pride returned this month to celebrate its 15th year in the town centre.
This year’s Pride event started on the main stage in Mandela Gardens, with craft and music sessions in the Civic also available.
There was also an 18-plus stage in The Garrison, and the group has a sponsorship with Urban Burger, who are putting money they raise back into Barnsley Pride.
The event was well-attended, as it always in, showcasing what the town has to offer.
An ambitious scheme to support thousands of Barnsley families was launched, offering parents a voucher to pay for thier child’s uniform.
Secondary school children received a £100 voucher and primary school kids a £50 voucher.
The council say that the scheme will help families across the borough.
A total of £2.5m will be spent on that scheme, while a further £300,000 will be used to support year 11 pupils.
Around 3,000 of those pupils will receive stationery items and health and wellbeing kits.
The scheme has now been rolled out and has been deemed a success by the council.
August
A striking new mural depicting Billy Casper in the iconic Barnsley film Kes caught the eye of residents - including Dai Bradley himself.
Shot in Barnsley in 1968, Ken Loach’s acclaimed British drama focuses on Billy - played by Dai - who is a troubled working-class boy who attempts to break away from his bleak existence by taking up falconry, training a kestrel that he finds on a nearby farm.
The film is already etched in Barnsley’s history thanks to a statue made by Graham Ibbeson, which is located outside the Alhambra.
But the latest mural, on the Victoria Garage in Cudworth, certainly caught locals’ eyes.
Barnsley’s oldest resident celebrated yet another birthday in August as she reached the grand old age of 107 - and she was showing no signs of slowing down.
When Kathleen Richmond was born World War One was just months away from ending and David Lloyd George was the Prime Minister.
Since then, she’s lived through 22 Prime Ministers, five monarchs and even England’s World Cup win in 1966.
Kathleen opened her card from the King and was visibly emotional and overwhelmed - and she had 15 of her friends and family in attendance for a huge party at the home.
Teenagers across the town received their GCSE results in August and it led Deacan White to a place at the prestigious Eton College.
As part of the application process, which involved a thorough series of written assessments and interviews, Deacan had to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, an openness of mind and character, and the willingness to step outside his comfort zone.
He earned his place and is now studying at Eton and he praised his former school, Barnsley Academy, for all their hard work and support over the years.
September
Legendary cricket umpire and Barnsley icon Dickie Bird OBE died on September 22.
The Barnsley man played cricket for both Yorkshire and Leicestershire before retiring aged 31.
He made his name as an umpire, taking charge of 66 Test matches and dozens of one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.
Dickie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1986 and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for his services to cricket and charity.
Throughout the years, Dickie has donated £1m of his own money to children’s charities across the region.
He pledged more than £100,000 to Barnsley Hospital’s Tiny Hearts Appeal.
He was also awarded the Freedom of Barnsley in 2000.
A statue was erected in the town centre in his honour in 2009, depicting his famous stance whilst an umpire.
Young superstar Molly Cartwright landed herself a starring role in Hollywood’s largest horror movie franchise - but she wasn’t even old enough to watch the film in cinemas.
She plays the part of Shannon Smurl in The Conjuring Last Rites which hits silver screens across the globe in September.
It is the ninth film in The Conjuring Universe - the highest-grossing horror franchise in history having made a combined £1.6bn against a budget of £155m.
Molly said she was amazed that she landed the part and she practically lived in Watford for three months while filming.
A young professional scooter rider has won a prestigious international competition - and has his sights set firmly on becoming world champion.
Charley Dyson has been riding since the age of five after getting a scooter as a Christmas gift.
In September, he won at the Extreme Barcelona scooter park final, a momentous victory for the young athlete.
He won a cash prize of £2,000 and a medal to mark his impressive achievement.
Overall, Charley was crowned champion against more than 40 talented riders who entered the competition.
