Mum turning neglected allotment into SEND safe haven

ONE mother has made it her mission to create a safe space for parents of kids with additional needs. On an allotment she had waited seven years for Rachel Harrison has built The Education Patch, a space for SEND children to learn about growing food, wildlife and composting. Rachel told the Chronicle that when the allotment was given to her it was filled with rubbish like ‘stoves, microwaves and mattresses’. It has been a struggle...

School ‘a shining example of what can be achieved’

A THURNSCOE school has been praised as the ‘heart of the village’ while it gears up to celebrate its centenary. The Hill Primary Academy has put in the work to go above and beyond for its pupils and families, recently adding a family room for pastoral care. The addition to the school allows families to meet with professionals, access advice, take part in nurture programmes and attend workshops - all in the familiarity in their...

How campaigner Mick is breaking stigma of suicide

A SUICIDE prevention campaigner has been working relentlessly to break the stigma and get people talking. Mick Rowe, 53, founded Suicide Sucks after her brother, James, took his own life at 27 years old in 1996. She said that it took years to comprehend but a couple of years ago she decided she wanted to do something about the stigma around suicide and so her organisation began. Her first project was making a documentary by...

School goes over and above for its pupils

LACEWOOD Primary’s enrichment activities have shown the school’s willingness to go above and beyond for its pupils. One shining example of this is the school’s involvement in environmental projects - like its collaboration with the initiative ‘Kids Plant Trees’ to transform the school grounds into a place where nature and education come together. As a result of this the school’s pond has become both an outdoor classroom and a reflective space. This gives th

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Proud Of Barnsley is no longer accepting entries

2025 Nominations have now closed

OUR search to find Barnsley’s unsung community heroes has now officially opened for 2025.

You can nominate someone you think is worthy of special recognition for a highly coveted Proud of Barnsley award.

The glittering presentation night will, once again, be at the Barnsley Metrodome Arena on Friday, November 14. And there are awards in a variety of categories including:

Young Superstar
School of the Year
Children’s Champion
Sporting Achievement
Exceptional Achievement
Carer
Fundraising Team
Community Hero
Love Where You Live
Green Hero
Volunteer
Charity Group
Triumph Over Adversity
Hospital Hero
Community Group

You can nominate someone you know by emailing brief details to: proudofbarnsley@barnsley-chronicle.co.uk or using our online form.

Barnsley Chronicle editor Andrew Harrod said Proud of Barnsley continues to grow bigger and better each year.

He added: “Every year, we think we have reached the pinnacle in terms of the number and calibre of nominations.

“Then once the nominations start coming in, we always end up being astounded that there are so many people still out there whose hard work would probably slip under the radar were it not for the Proud of Barnsley Awards.

“Proud of Barnsley is all about shining a light on this good work and making sure their efforts do get noticed and appreciated.”

For the first time last year, Chronicle readers were able to help play a part in choosing the winners thanks to an online public vote which resulted in more than 10,000 votes being cast.

The public vote will return this year – and the results merged with the verdicts of a panel of judges who will assemble just a few days before the awards night to select the winners.

Dan Jarvis - MP for Barnsley Central

Barnsley North MP, Dan Jarvis says Proud of Barnsley has become one of the town’s most important events in the 14 years since its launch. and continues to grow every year.

He added: “These awards provide us with a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of exceptional people in our town.

“As a local MP, it is a privilege to attend local events and witness the incredible stories of selflessness, dedication, and determination that Proud of Barnsley nominees display first-hand.

“The very best of our community is showcased at these awards.”

Proud Of Barnsley