Bless this town!

Several of the town’s churches are involved in their own initiative called Love Rotherham with similar aims to promote and celebrate the good in our town.

One of the churches giving its support is Herringthorpe United Reformed Church on Wickersley Road.

Church leader, Matt Stone, summed up the churches’ approach, saying: “We want to declare, loud and clear, that we love Rotherham — because God loves Rotherham.

“We believe Rotherham is a great place to live, work, raise a family and call home.

“For this reason, we want to bless Rotherham in everything that we do.”

Matt said the church expressed its love for Rotherham in many different ways.

He explained: “Alongside our regular Sunday morning worship, the church is home to a wide variety of activities which take place every day of the week and supports members of the local community throughout every stage of their lives.

“Two years ago, we launched Ducklings nursery which runs every weekday morning and our parent and toddler group, Cheeky Chicks, takes place every Tuesday.

“The church also hosts a whole range of activities for schoolchildren including weekly kids and youth clubs as well as a monthly Messy Church and regular holiday clubs outside of term time.”

Herringthorpe is also home to two very active Scout and Guide groups.

The 30th Rotherham Scout Group meets at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, which it is marking with an anniversary camp, a birthday party, a sleepover and special parade service.

During the same week, past and present members of the group will be invited to join in the celebrations at an open evening on October 22.

Group scout leader Rachael Ridsdale said: “The 30th Rotherham has come a long way over the past 50 years.

“It started with just eight boys from the church Sunday School and today we have grown to nearly 100 active members including a thriving beaver colony, cub scout pack and Scout Troop which gives a chance for girls and boys to enjoy a full range of scouting activities.”

Meanwhile, the 54th Rotherham Guide Company, which is home to Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, meets every Tuesday evening.

The church aimed to provide a friendly place for people to meet, Mr Stone said.

Every Wednesday, up to 60 people gather for a home cooked meal in the church lounge at its “Meet and Eat Café” which was launched last year.

Café leader, Ray Smith, said: “Many of those who attend live alone and it provides a great opportunity for people to make new friends in a safe, warm and inviting environment.”

The church hosts a Monday Club for older people to meet socially and listen to a speaker, a monthly men’s breakfast and a weekly social group.

The church is also regularly used by local groups, including a dance school, a rock choir, the Rotherham Choral Society and many others.

For more information or if you would be interested in helping at the Meet and Eat Café, visit www.hurc.co.uk or call the church on 01709 373355. Also see http://loverotherham.org/