WHAT'S ON: Tickhill

YOUTH ORCHESTRA SUCCESS: Talented Tickhill musician Johan Stone (15) has been awarded a place in the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain for the second year in succession. Johan was one of 750 musicians from across the UK who auditioned and one of 163 who were successful. His proud mother Kathryn said: “Johan had a wonderful time with the orchestra last year and so he wanted to re-audition. He got through and is looking forward to the first three-day residential workshop and the concert tour to Leeds Town Hall and the Barbican in London. The National Youth Orchestra is widely seen as the world’s greatest for teenagers and Johan will once again be joining the 76 female and 87 male teenagers from all over the country and will be a member of an exciting group of musicians that will be led by 17-year-old London girl Millie Ashton. Johan, who is the son of Kathryn and Angus, has been playing the French horn since he was six years old and he has been a student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester since he was nine years of age. His twin sister Beth, who specialises in playing the flute, is also a student at Chetham’s and their elder sister Ruth is also a talented musician and tutor of music.

TOUR PLANNING: Elected mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones has invited members of Tickhill Town Council, community groups, DMBC councillors and representatives from local schools to a Tour de Yorkshire roadshow at Doncaster Racecourse on January 13 5pm. Doncaster is hosting stage two of this year’s prestigious three stage race that on its way to the town centre finish will pass through Tickhill, Harworth, Bawtry and Austerfield. Ms Jones said: “We are passionate about making the Tour de Yorkshire one of the best events to be staged in Doncaster’s history. This meeting is a chance for members of the community to learn more about the fantastic opportunities for local involvement in the Tour de Yorkshire festivities, as well as tips on organising community events. The Tour de Yorkshire will be a truly great occasion. Let’s make the most of it.” For details and to book a place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tour-de-yorkshire-2016-roadshow-in-doncaster-tickets-19904717546.

ITALIAN SOCIETY: The Voglia d’Italia (Italian Society) – contact 01709 370895.

CAR PARK MEETING: The volunteers of Tickhill Together, led by chairman John Marsden, host a public meeting on January 12 that has been called to discuss the long-standing problem of car parking in Tickhill. The public St Mary’s Road car park is not adequate to cater for the number of cars that park every day in the town and vehicle owners fill roadside spots around the community. A survey has revealed that many of the cars in the car park belong to business people, shopkeepers and residents thus reducing the number of vacant spaces available to shoppers. The Tithes Lane Pavilion off Sunderland Street is the venue for the meeting 7.30pm.

COUNTRYWOMEN: Guest speaker Kathy Wilson will talk to the Tickhill branch of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association at their meeting on January 14 about The Walled Garden at St Catherine’s Then and Now. It starts 7.30pm in the Methodist Schoolroom.

DASH FOR CASH: Town resident Richard Clarke, who organised the inaugural Santa Dash around the community in aid of the Brainwave children’s charity, says that more than £5,000 was raised for the cause that helps youngsters living with disabilities. Doncaster’s Ben Parkinson, who was seriously injured while serving in Afghanistan, set the walkers, joggers and runners who were dressed up in Father Christmas suits on their way from the start at Tickhill Cricket Club. They went on to cover a 5K route before arriving back at the Alderson Drive pavilion. Richard is already planning the 2016 Santa Dash that will once again be run around the town in December.

COFFEE AND COMPANY: The latest Coffee and Company session takes place in the Parish Room on January 14 10-11am. The hour is aimed at anyone recently bereaved or feeling lonely.