DISTRICT NEWS: Aston, Aughton & Swallownest

5t AGE: We meet at 2-4pm every Tuesday for activities and friendship for the over 50s in the Heighton View neighbourhood centre.

ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUP: Meets every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at the William Layne Reading Room on Aughton Lane, Aston. Come and enjoy an informal chat with members. Everyone welcome. Just turn up or contact Elaine on 0114 287 4710.

ASTON CARNIVAL AUGUST 6: The Parade leaves Lodge Lane at the junction with Worksop Road at 11am and arrives at the Lodge Lane Playing Fields at noon. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Carnival.

ASTON-CUM-AUGHTON HISTORY GROUP: We are once again meeting in the William Layne Reading Room on Aughton Lane, Aston, on the first and third Mondays in the month from 7pm to 9pm and new members are welcome. Anyone interested can come to a meeting and try us out! The group does not meet in August but you will be welcome at our next meeting on Monday, September 5. However, you can come and see us before that at Aston Carnival on August 6 where we will have our albums of local photographs for you to browse and our books will be on sale.

ASTON LEISURE CENTRE: Rotherham Healthy Holidays is back for summer. Activities on offer are swimming, multitosports and fitness for ages five to 16 years. Dates are August 15-18, 22-25, from 10am to 2pm. To book a place contact the Leisure Centre 0114 294 2580.

ASTON LEISURE CENTRE - THE BIG SISTER COLLECTIVE: Places for Leisure are partnering up with Women In Sport and Hey Girls to deliver the Big Sister project, a programme designed to help all girls achieve their goals, whatever they may be. If your child is aged between nine and 15 years and looking for a way into physical activity, they can join in and access activities and sessions at the Leisure Centre. Places for Leisure are offering free six-month on-site memberships which include unlimited gym, which includes a 1:1 induction (11-15 year olds); unlimited swimming; selection of group workout classes; friendly on-site team to support you through your activity; free period products and advice; free access to Places Locker App and Virtual Studio which includes a Big Sister channel, chats and general advice.

ASTON LADIES CIRCLE: Would like to welcome any new members to our Tuesday evening social gathering, which meets from 7.30pm at the parish hall. We have speakers on various interesting, light-hearted and amusing subjects, suppers, entertainers and trips out. Come along and meet new friends – try us out free of charge for your first evening. If you like us, membership is £5 every six months, and £3 entry as and when you attend, which includes a free raffle ticket and tea and biscuits.

ASTON LADIES GROUP: Meetings are held at Aston All Saints Church Narthex on the third Monday of the month at 1.45pm. For further information about what they get up to at the meet-ups and when, please contact Val Dixon 0114 287 3214.

CHILDREN WANTED FOR READING CHALLENGE: This summer, children aged 4-11, can visit Rotherham Libraries to meet the Gadgeteers and to get involved in a science and innovation themed Summer reading challenge. Through taking part in the challenge, with free materials from our libraries and online, children will be able to join six fictional Gadgeteers. Through an exciting book collection and accompanying activities, the Gadgeteers will help to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them. To find out more about the planned activities contact Aston Library.

LAVA LAMPS!: At Aston library on Tuesday, August 9, 10am to 11am, A groovy experiment will be in store this week as we create our very own lava lamps! Come and join in the fun! Ages 5-11. Booking required, please call the library on 01709 254134.

ASTON LIBRARY: On Friday, August 12, the pop-up library is open between 10am to noon for International Youth Day/Pop Up Library. Everyone is welcome as we celebrate young people who inspire us and enjoy some fun and games too! We are having a pop-up library in the sunshine so come along and learn what we are all about - we will be making some summery crafts, reading stories and making some noise! Free all day, just drop in the Aston Library and Neighbourhood Hub.

BEFRIENDING SUPPORT FROM ROTHERFED. A telephone befriending service is available to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. Participants are matched with volunteers and once a week they ring and have a chat. Sometimes just knowing someone is there to talk can make the world of difference. If you know anyone who would benefit from befriending, please refer them to the Friendship Call Project via an online referral form:  https://forms.gle/Th7Jck4196g KwpTSA. For further information, please email: [email protected] or [email protected]

PROSPECTS: Prospects@Central, an inclusive service for those with learning difficulties meets in the Baptist Church on Worksop Road, Swallownest on the third Sunday of each month, starting at 3pm. It is an inclusive service for those with learning difficulties. They provide a relaxed and supportive time out with singing, simple Bible stories and drama, with cakes and drinks for those not in a hurry to leave. All welcome. If anyone needs further information, contact Marbeth on 0114 287 7287 or Elizabeth on 01909 772278.  

SWALLOWNEST LADIES GROUP: Meets on the second Monday of each month, 1.30pm to 3pm, in the William Layne Reading Room, Aughton Lane, Aston. New members will be very welcome.

EXCEL SUMMER KICKBOXING CLUB: At Swallownest Miners Welfare, Rotherham Road, Swallownest, S26 4UR. Ages six to 11 years, 9.30am to 1.30pm. Make new friends, learn new skills, build confidence, learn life skills, and earn skill stripes. Includes a martial arts white belt and healthy meal and snacks! August, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26. To book please call 0114 248 5188.