Aroundtown Magazine

19/09/2026

If you're off on an autumnal walk this weekend, our wildlife columnist Harriet Day says these are some of the animals you might encounter across South Yorkshire.

What's your favourite creature to see in autumn? Share yours in the comments and let us know where you love to go nature spotting across South Yorkshire.

Or read Harriet's latest 'Through the Binoculars' column here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/through-the-binoculars-in-autumn/

17/09/2026

Good genes? 👀
How about good graft?

From a handful of schoolgirls to a thriving women’s team competing in the third tier, Barnsley Ladies RUFC is proof of what happens when girls are given the chance to play — and women are given the space to thrive.

Strong women. Powerful women. Women who tackle, lead, compete and succeed while proving that there’s no single way a woman in sport is supposed to look, act or be.

Read our article about the club here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/tackle-like-a-girl-at-barnsley-ladies-rufc/

16/09/2026

Rotherham has a proud industrial past built on coal, steel and engineering — but its future is looking very different.

A new generation of high-skilled industries is taking shape across South Yorkshire, with AI, robotics, cyber security, drone technology, advanced manufacturing and digital engineering creating exciting new opportunities.

RNN Group has been selected as one of just five education providers in England to become a Defence Technical Excellence College, bringing £10 million of investment into skills, training and specialist facilities across the region.

The aim? To help local people gain the skills employers need, tackle skills shortages and create new career pathways.

Read more about what's planned here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/rotherhams-new-industrial-revolution/

Rotherham College | Dearne Valley College | University Centre Rotherham - UCR

15/09/2026

Ahead of this year's Black Diamonds Ball at Wentworth Woodhouse, which takes place on Saturday 10th October, we look back at how the great parties of the past depended on an extraordinary workforce operating largely out of sight.

From the Victorian butler who had his portrait painted to the chauffeur who worked for the Earl Fitwilliams for over 50 years, stories of these workers and others are being brought to life in Echoes of the House: Stories in Light and Motion, the latest exhibition currently on in the State Rooms until early November.

Read the full story here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/glamour-guests-and-hidden-stories-at-wentworth-woodhouse/

14/09/2026

From a Barnsley childhood dream to becoming one of Britain’s best-known Egyptologists…

In our latest Aroundtown Meets, we speak to Professor Joann Fletcher to discover the remarkable story behind her lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt.

From being captivated by Tutankhamun at just six years old, to exploring royal tombs, uncovering the stories of powerful women and using science to bring the ancient world to life, Joann’s journey is truly inspiring.

She shares why she never let other people’s doubts limit her ambitions, her passion for giving women in history the spotlight they deserve, and the surprising connections between Barnsley and ancient Egypt.

A fascinating conversation about curiosity, determination, history – and why history belongs to all of us.

Read it in full here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/aroundtown-meets-professor-joann-fletcher/

10/09/2026

Heritage Open Days starts tomorrow so in case you missed it in our July edition, here's a reminder of what free events are taking place in Rotherham and Barnsley over the next 2 weeks.

◼️Guided tours of Forge Island, Rotherham Town Centre and Clifton Park with Rotherham District Civic Society
◼️CWGC Tours at Rotherham Moorgate Cemetery with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
◼️Free access to Wentworth Woodhouse gardens next Friday & Saturday
◼️An open day at Thundercliffe Grange in Kimberworth next Saturday
◼️Heritage talks and performances at Elsecar Heritage Centre
◼️Exhibitions at RSPB Old Moor
◼️Open events at Hemingfield Colliery
◼️Darfield Museum look at three creative business women including Moodyhair founder Denise Moody
◼️An open day at Barnsley Main Heritage Group on Monday
◼️Wombwell Cemetery look at the high street's former shopkeepers
◼️Free entry to NT Wentworth Castle Gardens next Friday & Saturday
◼️An open day at Hoylandswaine Nail Forge next Saturday

Find out more about what's happening here

As the popular Heritage Open Days festival returns this September, find out what free events you could attend in Rotherham and Barnsley.

08/09/2026

If you’re looking for low-cost hobbies, why not join Rotherham u3a this autumn as the new membership year starts.

Whether you’re retired, unemployed or work part-time, becoming a member gives you access to over 30 activity groups ranging from sport and exercise to art and languages.

This Thursday, 10th September, they are hosting an open event at Parkgate Astro from 11am-3pm for people to find out more about what they do.

There will also be taster sessions for some of their walking sport activities, as well as performances by the ukulele, singing and dancing groups.

Find out more about Rotherham u3a and what's happening for the open day here https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/learn-laugh-live-with-rotherham-u3a/

07/09/2026

It's here... the autumn edition of Aroundtown! 🍂
We've been squirrelling away these last two months to bring you another jam-packed magazine featuring all the best of Barnsley and Rotherham.
As ever you're in for a treat as we share some fabulous stories from across South Yorkshire including:
🏺An interview with Barnsley-born Egyptologist, Professor Joann Fletcher
🏉The women bound by blood, mud and sisterhood at Barnsley Ladies RUFC
🪩A historical look-back at how servants at Wentworth Woodhouse powered the grand parties of the past
🎺The 40th anniversary of Thorpe Hesley Brass Band
🎨The new creative pathway programme aiming to celebrate Mexborough’s past while helping to shape its future
🦌Two seasonal nature articles from our wildlife expert Harriet Day
⚙️How RNN Group is powering Rotherham's new industrial revolution as a Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC)

Plus loads of seasonal inspiration for where to visit, eat, shop and save thanks to all our favourite local businesses.
Pick up your free copy from one of our many outlets across South Yorkshire or read it online.

02/09/2026

As it’s back to school week for kids across South Yorkshire, here’s a look at what the Aroundtown team looked like in their younger days.
Meet your all-girl team 🖤