WHAT'S ON: Catcliffe

MEMORIAL HALL: There are several activities throughout the week including Scouts, yoga, Weight Watchers and indoor bowls. Check with organisers for details. The hall is available for bookings; requirements can be discussed with the clerk. The hall is scheduled to be closed for use on May 31 in lieu of the proposed refurbishment. This will be confirmed once work schedules are approved. Contact parish clerk 07985 327377, www.catcliffeparishcouncil.com,  [email protected]. 

COFFEE POT: The coffee morning meets at St Mary’s Church every Tuesday 10am.   

ST MARY’S CHURCH: For details of services and activities 01709 363850, www.therivers-team.com. 

INDOOR BOWLS: Sessions continue 7-9pm every Tuesday. Two mats are available to play short mat bowls. Due to the proposed closure of the hall at the end of May, sessions will end on May 31 for the season and will resume once the hall is reopened.  Contact Bob Deveaux 01709 370176.

FRIENDS OF CATCLIFFE: The group appreciates suggestions for social events or community improvements. www.friendsofcatcliffe.org.uk or the Facebook page.

HISTORY GROUP: Memorabilia is still being collected for the history day on June 4 but more is welcome. Latest additions are transcripts of tapes made by former residents. Contact Arnie Ayres 01709 364089, https://brinsworthandcatcliffehistory.wordpress.com/about/ 

PARISH COUNCIL: Present at the April meeting were Cllrs Cooper, DeVeaux, Healy, Hughes (chair), Marsh, Roddison, Wilkinson and clerk Mrs Fellowes. A confidential session was called whereupon Mrs Deborah Fellowes was appointed to the role of parish clerk after which the meeting returned to open discussion. There were no members of the public present but it was resolved that for future meetings councillors should have name plaques and wear their ID badges for the benefit of any public attendees. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as were the minutes of the previous Staffing Committee meeting. In Matters Arising, no updates were available for the planning application for the takeaway at the Premier shop, the reported bollard had not yet been fixed, the History Day at Mere Brow is June 4 and is an ongoing process in planning. The fly-tipping site had been cleared but needs monitoring, a Tree Preservation Order had been put in place for the Langtree development site. Bank Reconciliation, Budget Monitoring and Monthly Accounts were all approved. The new clerk was approved as a signatory for the bank mandate and internet access. In Borough Councillors, matters raised included fly-tipping on Olivers Way, use of the hall and its insurance liability during refurbishment. All ward councillors were given best wishes for the forthcoming election and thanks given for their work and support. In Highways, the road closure and works on Poplar Way were discussed. In Recreation Grounds, the off-road motorbike issue had been referred to the police. Memorial Hall – members considered the report from TAD Architects and the application for the Public Works Board Loan. It was agreed to apply for a PWBL for the sum of £300,000 over 30 years at a fixed rate. It was further resolved that the proposals from TAD Architects be approved for the refurbishment of the hall. It was noted that dry safe storage needed to be sourced for archiving parish council documents during the refurbishment. Cllr Roddison to arrange for this via Rotherham Council, either through their storage facility or at the library. A proposal was made to consider an annual award for local children attending higher education. Councillors discussed the potential for a bursary for local children progressing on to university and decided to investigate options for future discussion.  The meeting was again declared a closed session when the recommendations of the Staffing Committee were discussed and approved concerning the temporary closure of the hall and staffing requirements. All employees to be written to accordingly. The meeting then returned to open session. In Planning Applications, councillors voted to object to the takeaway application at the Premier shop based on adequacy and safety of parking and additional vehicle usage. A formal objection will be made to RMBC.  Correspondence noted was the Local Plan consultation, a proposal from Brinsworth Parish Council to form a joint newsletter which was discussed and rejected, council tax billing and a SYPCC media statement. The date for the next meeting was deferred due to the premises being used a polling station on May 5.