WHAT'S ON: Catcliffe

PARISH COUNCIL: At the recent meeting there were no members of the public present. Cllrs Cooper, DeVeaux and Vickers declared pecuniary interest in a donation request from Friends of Catcliffe. In Matters Arising, the potholes were marked as actionable, lighting repairs had been completed and the planning decision for Langtree Developments had been deferred. The meeting was informed that the Highfield View land acquisition had been deferred by the commissioners for review, court action was underway regarding the unauthorised dog kennels off Mappins Road, the Residents Centre on Chapel Walk had been reviewed by the commissioners and they had approved the RMBC cabinet decision to close the facility. Changes to local bus services were noted. Matters reported from members were a pothole at High Hazel Crescent, various instances of fly-tipping, waste issues at High Hazel/Nunnery Drive.  An update on the Biffa site and the fly-tipping there was discussed. The gate had once again been broken and rubbish still littered the site. The dog fouling on the Recreation Ground is to be monitored by Cllr Marsh following complaints from football teams using the ground. In Memorial Hall, the fees schedule provided by the architects was approved, design option C for the parking layout was approved and Procurement Issues will be discussed with TAD who will be invited to the next meeting. A confidential session was then declared following which it was declared that Cllrs Cooper, Hughes and Roddison be appointed to the Staffing Committee. Its brief is to review all staffing arrangements and staffing needs in light of the imminent closure of the hall for refurbishment. All decisions will be actioned by the clerk. Problems were discussed with the newsletter distribution following numerous complaints from residents claiming not to have received a copy. The clerk will do a review of the current distribution arrangements. Following notification of the Youth Service Consulatation, no comments were raised. Following the donation request from Friends of Catcliffe, Cllrs Cooper, DeVeaux and Vickers left the room and in their absence it was agreed to donate £200 on provision of a formal grant application. This is to be used towards the Christmas event at the Kiln which is a partnership between the church, parish council, Friends of Catcliffe and Heritage UK. Following the recent death of ex-councillor McIntosh, it was agreed to donate £50 to a suitable cause nominated by his widow. It was noted that the Housing Panel would review outstanding issues regarding the fencing at Highfield View. The fencing at New Brinsworth Road/Rotherham Road will also be discussed following a site visit to be arranged. A skip is to be sited on March 21 with details finalised nearer the date.  There were no relevant issues for the village following the Area Assembly. In Planning Applications, there were no adverse comments and two Planning Determinations were granted. Cllr Hughes agreed to donate an Easter egg to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.  The next meeting will be March 2.

MEMORIAL HALL: There are several activities throughout the week including Scouts, yoga, Weight Watchers and indoor bowls. Check with organisers for details.  See www.catcliffeparishcouncil.com or contact the clerk 07985 327377. The hall is available for bookings; requirements can be discussed with the clerk.

INDOOR BOWLS: Following a successful trial period, sessions will continue from 7-9pm every Tuesday. Two mats are available to play short mat bowls. Equipment is available but players are welcome to use their own. Contact Bob Deveaux 01709 370176.

CATCLIFFE SCHOOL: School news at www.catcliffeschool.org.uk or contact the school 01709 828598.

ST MARY’S CHURCH: Contact Revs David or Helen Bent for details of services and activities 01709 363850, www.therivers-team.com.   

COFFEE POT: The coffee morning attendance continues to grow at St Mary’s Church every Tuesday 10am.

SERVICE: In celebration of their 25 years of marriage, Pete and Jan DeVeaux reaffirmed their wedding vows at St Mary’s Church.  The service was conducted by Phil Barringer and included a PowerPoint presentation of events during the couple’s marriage. Close family and friends from the Coffee Pot and Friends of Catcliffe attended the service. Following lunch at the Thirsty Flame, other family members and friends attended the celebrations.