WHAT'S ON: Around Rotherham

KIVETON PARK INDEPENDENT ADVICE CENTRE: A drop-in session, with no appointment necessary, will be held on Thursday 9-11.30am at The Arnold Centre in Rotherham (telephone for details). Contact (office hours) 01909 773966. The advice centre believes there is a demand for appointments on a Saturday for clients who are unable to attend weekday appointments due to employment, child care or transport issues so there will be a number of case-work type appointments on a Saturday. The AGM is due to be held on June 8 5.30pm at the main centre within Kiveton Park Library. This is a public meeting and anyone can attend. 

TALBOT LANE CHURCH: The Whit Sunday Morning service was led by Mr Clive Taylor. Bible readings were given from St John and Acts of the Apostles. In his sermon Mr Taylor referred to the promise of Jesus that God would send the Holy Spirit to teach the disciples once he had returned to heaven. He said that we don’t need to make an appointment with God, he will listen to us anytime. The Holy Spirit lives in us and acts as a guide to the right way. The death was announced of Rev Vernon Marsh, former minister of Talbot Lane and prayers were said for his family. The organist was Anne Miller. A Baptismal service of Warren Antony Webster was conducted by Barry Thomas. Baby Warren was presented by his parents Kelly and Phil Webster.  

ROTHERHAM CITIZENS ADVICE: Rotherham CAB has employed more debt advisers. The CAB won extra funding from the Money Advice Service which it is using to improve its debt provision. The CAB has two more debt workers and more support staff at the Rain Building next to the indoor market on Eastwood Lane, Rotherham. If people can’t get there they can see an adviser at one of 14 debt outreaches across the community. People can see a debt adviser on Thursday 9am-7pm at a debt drop-in at the Rain Building. The advisers can see people face-to-face or give advice by telephone. Contact 03444 111 444 or visit the office in the Rain Building.

ROTHERHAM SAFE HAVEN: The Rotherham Safe Haven at Talbot Lane Methodist Church operates on Fridays from 10pm until, if necessary, about 4am on Saturday. A small team of volunteers provides this temporary refuge for vulnerable people in the town centre, working alongside Street Pastors. The team could benefit from more volunteers, especially women. Contact town centre chaplain Barrie Thomas 01709 532203.

ROTHERHAM RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION: Gwen Smith welcomed 28 members to the May meeting at Broom Lane Methodist Church. She said that the May meeting is to be a coffee morning and requested members to donate items for the cake stall. Margaret read the minutes of the April meeting and Diana gave details of the forthcoming outings to Knaresborough on June 8, to Ripon and Markenfield Hall on July 27, and to Scarborough on September 17. The raffle was won by Jean Long, Margaret Hewitt and Pam Crane. She then introduced the speaker, Maureen Taylor, who works on the research and volunteer teams at Hardwick Hall. Maureen was dressed in 15th century costume and spoke in the character of the wife of Sir Walter Raleigh. She proceeded to tell the story of the very colourful life of Bess of Hardwick giving details of her birth at Hardwick Manor in Derbyshire in 1527, the death of her father when she was very young which left the family in ‘genteel poverty’, her life as a lady in waiting to introduce her to a possible wealthy husband and how she survived four husbands. Bess was a remarkable woman who became a successful business woman in a male dominated society having only Elizabeth l wealthier than her. Doreen gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the meeting. The society meets next on June 15, visitors are always welcome.

MARIE CURIE VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISING GROUP: A treasurer is needed for the group. Rebecca Bramley, local community fundraiser for the charity, said: “We know there are people living in the local communities across Rotherham who could give a few hours up every month to join other volunteers in fundraising for Marie Curie, and I would love to find them. With full support from me, they could join a really friendly fundraising group that would meet every four to six weeks, and help with any ideas to raise the vital funds needed for Marie Curie’s services. The treasurer role also requires them to use their financial skills to maintain the group’s income records and provide updates to members at meetings.” Contact Rebecca on 07525 392984, 01274 386190, [email protected].

ROTHERHAM METRO RAMBLERS: June 4 – choice of two walks: a moderate plus 15 mile Ashford in the Water circular walk covering Brusfield, Chelmorton, Flagg and Sheldon, leader Peter Blyton 01709 378860, meet 10am Ashford in the Water car park; a leisurely six mile circular walk around Hood Green, Stainborough and Wentworth Castle grounds, leaders Philip Ryder and Rosemary Boyle 01709 371266, meet 10am on side of road on approach to Strafford Industrial Estate, Gilroyd Lane, Stainborough. www.ramblers.org.uk/rotherham-metro

ROTHERHAM RAMBLING CLUB: Contact Sylvia Duncan 01709 374841, www.rotherhamramblingclub.co.uk.

CREATIVE WRITING: A new creative writing class runs for six weeks from June 2 10am-noon at the Something Special Crafty Tea Parlour in Old Town Hall, Rotherham. Cost £5 an hour or £10 a session. It is aimed at anyone interrested in creative writing.