WHAT'S ON: Tickhill

CLEAN FOR QUEEN: The people of Tickhill are being asked to support the Clean for the Queen campaign that will coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June. When Queen Elizabeth came to the throne litter was not the problem that it is today. Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals and cigarette butts have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and sense of pride. Now the people of Tickhill, along with those across the country, are being encouraged to show their gratitude to Her Majesty by cleaning up where they live. Individuals, volunteer groups, local councils, businesses and schools all have an opportunity to do their bit. A Clean for the Queen weekend is being held on March 4-6. Interest in being a part of the special event can be registered at www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk.

BOWLERS WELCOME: Members of Tickhill Bowling Club are looking forward to the start of the new season on the crown green at the Tithes Lane recreation ground. The club has around 40 members. As well as their own tournaments the club competes in four of the Doncaster and District Bowling Association leagues plus cup competitions. Regular player Tony Bradbury was elected as the new club secretary at the recent AGM. Contact Tony 07711 649453, [email protected].

ATTRACTING TOURISTS: Tickhill Town Council and Richard Young, DMBC’s business development tourism and visitor economy officer, are looking to work together to help promote Tickhill. Among the proposals is a new map of the town that highlights historical dates and buildings, an updated map that shows footpaths around the community plus details of businesses, shops and eating places that could all assist with putting the town on the map as a tourist destination. The Visit Doncaster website could also include information about major events in Tickhill.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Townsfolk can look forward to the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday on April 23. There will be a special event during the day followed in the evening by a service in St Mary’s Parish Church.

FRENCH CUISINE: Meg May from Mexborough’s Montideli Delicatessen and Cappuccino shop is the guest of Les Francophiles de Tickhill at their meeting on February 3. Meg will present a demonstration and tasting of French cuisine with new recipes. 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Northgate. Contact Edwin Simpson 01302 742714, www.lesfrancophilesdetickhill.co.uk.

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE: Townsfolk have an opportunity to join the committee that produces the monthly St Mary’s Parish Church magazine. Following the stepping down from the committee of Ken Emberton after over 20 years, a volunteer is needed to join Elaine Millard, Rosemary Chappell and Dorothy Britton who get together for an hour once a month on a Monday afternoon at 4.30pm to co-ordinate the production of the popular publication. Contact Elaine 01302 743842.

CYCLING SCARECROWS: The Tickhill Together group of volunteers led by John Marsden is planning this year’s annual Scarecrow Festival on April 30. This is the same day that the second annual Tour de Yorkshire professional cycle race passes through the town.

EASTER SINGING: Residents who enjoy raising their voices are being sought to join in the singing of the traditional Easter rendition of Olivet to Calvary that is taking place in St Mary’s Parish Church on March 25 7pm. Practise sessions take place at the 27 Sunderland Street home of choirmaster John Marsden on Fridays throughout February.

BIKERS PLANNING: Plans are being made to organise the popular Tickhill Grand Prix cycle race event later this year. This could be the third year in succession that the series of Tickhill Velo-organised and British Cycling-supported criteriums will have been held on a closed road circuit around the town. A decision has yet to be made whether the popular race that attracts riders and cycling enthusiasts from around the country could be held on the weekend of August 6-7 or the weekend of September 17-18.

WOODLAND WALK: Townsfolk could have their own woodland walk in the near future. An area of land called Wildwood located off Sunderland Street at the side of the A1(M) that has been untouched for the past 50 years has been newly acquired on a five-year lease. It is hoped that this land could have a path around it for walkers and nature lovers. Tickhill Countryside Group members and other organisations could help with the upkeep and maintenance of the land that will be allowed to grow naturally.

RUBBISH SERVICE: Householders are concerned that the collection of household waste and recyclable items by DMBC has not been acceptable over the past few weeks with bins, boxes and bags not being emptied on the allocated day by the local authority. The delayed roadside collection has led to rubbish blowing around the streets. DMBC is aware of the problem and has advised local town and parish councils that the situation will be back to normal this month.