Oct 23, 20232 min read

Devastation in Catcliffe: Storm Barbet Brings Flooding Woes

Storm Barbet has come and battered the UK. Whilst you’ll have heard about flooding up in Scotland and around Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire hasn’t been given the same attention. It left residents feeling abandoned by the authorities.

Woman and man using a canoe during UK Flooding

Back in 2007, Catcliffe was devastated by flooding. I was only a young child, but I remember my own house flooding in the neighboring village, but we didn’t have it anywhere near as bad as Catcliffe. Following the floods, the Environment Agency and Rotherham Council spent £15 million on an anti-flooding scheme designed to protect several Rotherham villages from seeing the same devastation again.

The problem is it has happened again. It’s happened again and it's worse than before. Whilst other areas of Rotherham did flood, it managed to avoid most of the villages that had previously seen bad flooding in 2007. Catcliffe however wasn’t so lucky. On Saturday (21 Oct) 250 homes were evacuated as the River Rother burst its banks and the village found itself once again struck with disaster. As I’m writing this Catcliffe is still very much underwater. Most residents can’t get to their homes to begin assessing the damage, the water is still far too high.

You can fully understand why residents are so angry. After what happened in 2007 this was never supposed to happen again, especially not so soon. People living in Catcliffe struggle to move out not just for sentimental reasons but because they simply can’t sell their houses. After these floods have hit again it’s going to be even harder. Flood defences were set up in Catcliffe but they evidently weren’t enough. Talking to some of my friends in Catcliffe it seems that flood barriers weren’t used correctly meaning the village, which is a natural floodplain, has been sacrificed once again. It’s simply not good enough and quite rightly they want the Environment Agency to do more.

Whilst the water level of the river is starting to drop the same cannot be said for the standing flood water. It will need pumping as it did in 2007 but that hasn’t started yet leaving residents even more frustrated. They literally cannot do anything about it. They can’t get to their homes to try and salvage anything. Once again South Yorkshire is left to fend for itself, but this is people's lives. A TV can be replaced but sentimental items can never be replaced.

Many people in Catcliffe will have already been struggling. These are people I went to school with, I know the Cost-of-Living Crisis was already an issue for many. Now with their homes destroyed too these people are desperate for help yet it doesn’t seem to be coming. I’m not saying the people of Catcliffe deserve special measures, they deserve the same measures that other areas of the country are getting. Over in Doncaster just 20 minutes away, sandbags were being delivered to protect the villages that have a high risk of flooding. Catcliffe didn’t get that.

The true impact of these floods won’t be truly known for a while yet but the people of Catcliffe deserve answers as to how this could be allowed to happen again.

January Trends: New Year, New Habits

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16 January 2025

Paul Francis

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January is a month of fresh starts, big plans, and lofty ambitions. After the indulgence of December’s festive season, people around the world embrace January as a time for reinvention, setting new goals, and trying out popular trends. Whether it’s about health, finances, personal growth, or community involvement, January is brimming with activities to shake off the winter blues and kickstart the year.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular trends people dive into during the first month of the year.

1. Veganuary: Going Plant-Based for a Month

Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The movement has gained traction in recent years, inviting participants to adopt a plant-based diet and avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

For some, it’s about ethical considerations for animals. For others, it’s an environmental decision or a chance to improve their health. With more vegan options in supermarkets and restaurants than ever, January has become a prime time to explore this plant-based trend.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to go all-in, try "Meatless Mondays" or explore plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.

2. Dry January: A Break from Booze

After the revelry of the holiday season, Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol. The challenge isn’t just about abstaining but also about reflecting on drinking habits and exploring sobriety’s physical and mental benefits.

Many participants report improved sleep, better focus, and weight loss after a month without alcohol. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the growing world of non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free wines.

Fun Fact: Non-alcoholic drink sales spike in January, with more brands innovating delicious alcohol-free options.

3. New Year’s Resolutions: The Classic Goal-Setting Ritual

No January trend list is complete without mentioning New Year’s resolutions. From getting fit to learning a new skill, millions of people commit to self-improvement at the start of the year.

Common resolutions include:

Joining a gym or starting a fitness program.
Eating healthier or starting a new diet.
Saving money or tackling debt.
Picking up hobbies like painting, cooking, or coding.

Reality Check: Studies suggest most resolutions fizzle out by February. Small, actionable goals tend to be more sustainable than sweeping changes.

4. The 10,000 Steps Challenge

Fitness is a top priority in January, and walking challenges like hitting 10,000 steps a day have become wildly popular. Whether it’s for weight loss, cardiovascular health, or just clearing the mind, walking is an accessible activity that many embrace during the colder months.

Tip for Beginners: If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, start small—5,000 steps daily can still make a significant difference.

5. Financial Clean-Up: No-Spend January

After December’s holiday splurges, many people use January to reign in their spending. A “No-Spend Challenge” is a growing trend where participants commit to only essential purchases for the month.

This minimalist approach helps reset financial habits, build savings, and encourage mindful consumption. Apps and planners are often used to track progress and identify areas to cut back.

Money-Saving Tip: Meal prepping and cutting back on takeaway coffee are common starting points for budget-conscious Januarys.

6. Mindfulness and Mental Health Focus

For some, January isn’t about physical challenges but mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises see a surge in popularity as people seek to start the year with a calmer mind.

Apps like Headspace and Calm see their highest downloads in January as users set intentions to prioritize mental health.

7. Decluttering: The “New Year, New Space” Movement

There’s something about starting the year with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering trends inspired by the likes of Marie Kondo or the “Swedish Death Cleaning” method encourage people to purge their homes of unnecessary belongings.

Many take this as an opportunity to donate unused items to charity, making the process as rewarding as it is practical.

8. Joining Community Challenges

January also sees people getting involved in community-focused activities. From volunteering to neighborhood fitness groups, the month is about connecting with others while working on personal goals.

Popular initiatives include charity runs, book clubs, and skill-sharing events. Social media hashtags like #NewYearNewMe help connect like-minded individuals worldwide.

9. Self-Education and Skill Development

Many people take advantage of the quieter January period to pick up a new skill. Online courses, language apps, and educational platforms experience a boom as people commit to expanding their knowledge.

Learning goals might include mastering a new instrument, taking up baking, or even delving into professional certification.

10. The Winter Wellness Movement

Finally, winter wellness trends like cold water therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin D supplementation became popular in January. These practices aim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep energy levels high during the darker months.

Did You Know? Cold showers have been linked to increased circulation, improved mood, and even better immune response.

Final Thoughts: Embracing January Trends

January is a time of transformation, whether you’re adopting a new habit, exploring a challenge, or simply setting intentions for the year ahead. While not every trend will stick, the month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters most and take steps—big or small—toward a better year.

The key to navigating January trends is to pick ones that resonate with your values and goals. Whether you’re giving up meat, ditching alcohol, or simply clearing out a junk drawer, every little effort counts toward making the new year brighter.

Here’s to a January full of meaningful starts!