This week's District News from our correspondents across the Rotherham borough
This week's District News from our correspondents across the Rotherham borough:
MEXBOROUGH & SWINTON
Ruth Booth-Rodgers
COMMUNITY TOUR: The Chief Executive of Rotherham Council recently visited the communities of Swinton and Kilnhurst as part of a programme of visits to neighbourhoods across Rotherham. The visit included a tour of the local areas, looking at a number of projects, including the ongoing improvement works to Swinton Precinct.
SWINTON TRAIN STATION: Due to support from Northern Rail, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, volunteers, including those from the Friends of Swinton Station, have been able to make a number of improvements to the environment around Swinton train station. These have included the development of a biodiversity scheme, involving wildflower seeding, new platform planters, a wellness bench, bug hotel, bee box, hedgehog house, bird feeders, plus bird boxes and some amazing local artwork. The Friends of Swinton Station community group is always looking for new volunteers to help out with maintaining the area, including watering the plants and weeding; email [email protected] for more information.
SWINTON LIBRARY: There's lots going on at the library; for wordsearch lovers there's a different one available each week during June and a coffee morning will be held on Monday June 15 from 2-4pm. On Friday June 19, local author Michael Fowler will be visiting the library from 10am-12noon to celebrate crime writing month, and a flower craft session will be held at 3.30pm.
SWINTON AND KILNHURST COMMUNITY FORUM: The next meeting of Swinton and Kilnhurst Community Forum will be held on July 13, from 5.45-6.45pm, at Swinton Lock Activity Centre. All are welcome.
ST. MARGARET'S PARISH CHURCH: The Town Fair held last Saturday on the church field proved really popular with visitors, despite the rain. On Sunday June 14, Thurcroft Welfare Band will be holding 'A Concert Around the World' in church at 2pm. Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on the door.
PYJAMARAMA EVENING: On Friday June 12, a Pyjamarama Evening will be held at Mexborough Library from 5-6.30pm. The session is suitable for children aged 4-8 years to come along in their pyjamas (optional) and enjoy an evening of story time, bug crafts, and fun. To book a place, either pop into the library or ring 01302 734556.
SWINTON STATION: Anyone travelling from Swinton Interchange by train or bus may have noticed how the platforms and car park areas have been improved with additional planting and artworks. For a number of years, the station has been part of a volunteer adoption scheme, supported by Northern Rail and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Swinton was selected by Northern Rail, along with only 3 other stations in the region, for a biodiversity enhancement scheme, supported by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Platform planters, a 'wellness' bench, and wildflower seeding were included in the project. Recently, a further generous grant from Northern Rail has enabled purchases to increase diversity in the planted areas, along with garden donations from local residents (these are always welcome). If anyone would like to get involved with the Friends of Swinton Station, you would be most welcome. It isn't a big commitment; jobs include watering the plants, topping up the bookshelves, and a bit of weeding. For further information please email [email protected].