DISTRICT NEWS: TICKHILL

What’s happening in and around your village ....

BELLS RING OUT FOR HER MAJESTY: The sound of the bells of St Mary’s Parish Church rang out across the town on the evening of Saturday, June 4 prior to the Songs Through The Decades Platinum Jubilee Concert that was held to celebrate the 70 glorious year reign of Queen Elizabeth 11. Tower Captain Sharon Patton and the team of Andy Wood, Neil Evans, Helen Nichols, Graham Hunt, Ross Havenhand, Katie Havenhand, Annabelle Prebble, Mike King, Andy Shone and Beverly Blower were in the bell chamber peeling out the impressive chimes in tribute to our much loved long serving monarch. The concert brought together members of the community who were able to raise their voices in harmony as a part of the newly established Tickhill Community Choir that had been rehearsing for several weeks and that had been fine tuned by St Mary’s choirmaster John Marsden BEM. Tickhill Male Voice Choir and other local musicians took part in the celebration. The evening included the singing of a popular programme of well-known and loved music from throughout Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11’s historic long reign in the Songs Through The Decades sing-along. A retiring collection gave the congregation the opportunity to help the people of Ukraine in their life or death fight against their Russian invaders. The fun celebratory events that that were held across the town over the four day Bank Holiday gave residents the opportunity to enjoy themselves and to make their own memories of this historic time in all of our lives. The town’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations had got underway on Thursday, June 2 with the lighting of the Queen’s Jubilee Beacon. There was a healthy turnout of excited Tickhill townsfolk of all ages to view the lighting of the beacon that was sparked into life to mark the start of the celebration events to commemorate the historic once in our lifetime 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. Tickhill was one of around 3500 beacons that were all lit at the same time across the United Kingdom. The main beacon involved the sculpture Tree of Trees on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London. Beacon lightings also took place in all 54 capital cities of the Commonwealth of countries. Tickhill Town Council organised the location and lighting of the Tickhill beacon, a portable two metre high steel pole standing on tripod feet with the flame on top powered by propane gas, that was located next to the iconic Buttercross monument in the heart of the town. Mayor of Tickhill Cllr Peter Walker did the honours helped by the recently co-opted Cllr Christopher Taylor. Nick Fletcher, Member of Parliament for the Don Valley constituency was amongst the gathering. The much anticipated enlightening experience produced a disappointing damp squib moment for some members of the crowd that had gathered in the town centre at 9.45pm in the evening, as the size of the beacon was less than impressive and some expressed their disappointment through negative derogatory comments. A spokesperson said on behalf of Tickhill Town Council: “I do not think that anyone realised until it was taken out of storage, where it had been since it was last used at a community celebration, just how small the beacon would be. Whilst the beacon may not have been as big or as impressive as everyone hoped for, including Tickhill Town Council, it was fantastic to see the community coming together in celebration of our Queen and it was wonderful gesture by everyone that attended. Instead of being so negative let us all be thankful with what we have and maybe put our efforts into funding a bigger more impressive beacon for the next event.” The town’s major celebration was to be The Big Jubilee Lunch or Picnic in the Park that was organised by Tickhill Town Council (TTC) and other community groups at the Tithes Lane recreation ground on the afternoon of Sunday, June 5. The inclement weather did however dampen the spirits of townsfolk when the free admission family fun day programmed to run from noon to 6pm that was due to be officially by Mayor of Tickhill Cllr Peter Walker sadly had to be cancelled. A spokesperson for TTC said: “Unfortunately due to the horrendous weather we have made the decision to cancel today’s Big Jubilee Lunch. Thank you so much to all of the organisers for all your hard work and effort. Such a shame but it is just not safe or sensible to go ahead with the event that was to be held on what is now a muddy grass playing field at Tithes Lane. So much hard work over many months has gone in to organising the event and hopefully we may be able to organise something else at a later date.” The Songs of Praise service of hymns and songs hosted by Tickhill Churches Together, which was due to close the Big Jubilee Lunch outdoors at Tithes Lane, was held instead in St Mary’s Parish Church.

POPULAR SHOP REOPENS: The former Taylor’s of Tickhill store in Market Place that is a Nisa outlet has re-opened to the public. The shop closed temporarily on Sunday, April 17 for a complete internal and external refurbishment after the new owner took over the premises from the Taylor family dynasty that retired from the business having traded in Tickhill for the past 75 years. Nisa also supplied goods to Taylor’s for many years. Nisa was founded in 1977 with the aim of being a partner for retailers and wholesalers. In May 2018 the Co-op completed its acquisition of Nisa Retail Limited. Today Nisa is a £1.45 billion turnover company, which exists to provide benefits to approximately 1,400 partners, operating almost 4,000 stores that an independent outlet needs to survive and grow in the grocery marketplace. Most noticeable on the outside is the new decorated shop front that is painted grey; there is an automatic electric operated door that doubles as a pavement level wheelchair friendly access. In big white letters the name of the shop is Nisalocal – then in smaller letters on a yellow background Taylor’s of Tickhill. Prior to the official opening a spokesperson for the shop said: “We are pleased to announce that we will be opening our brand new Nisalocal (Taylor’s of Tickhill). We would like to give everyone a warm welcome to see the fantastic transformation to our shop. We look forward to seeing you all. There will be light refresements at the opening, which will include a variety of our popular Indian food to try.” Members of the Taylor family including Roy and his wife Celia and their son Christopher and his wife Julie carried out the grand reopening. It was head of the Taylor family Roy who cut the ceremonial ribbon that officially declared the new store open to the public. In front of a large gathering of townsfolk along with the new owners Roy wished the business every success in their new venture – a sentiment that was met with cheers and applause from the excited gathering. After trading was resumed a spokesperson for the shop said: “The owners and staff of Nisa (Taylor’s) would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that supported us at our grand open day. It was a wonderful turn out and our first day was very busy and we cannot wait to carry on. Thank you to the people of Tickhill we are now open for business.”

OPEN THE CASTLE GATES: The big wooden gates will be swung open to allow members of the public to gain access to historic motte (mound) and bailey (courtyard) Tickhill Castle, located adjacent to the Mill Dam in the Lindrick area of the town, on Sunday, June 12 from 2pm to 4.30pm. The hidden jewel in the crown of South Yorkshire can be viewed once again when the 11th century Norman built gate house, water filled moat, drawbridge, what remains of the castle and outbuildings and its spacious landscaped grounds are thrown open to the public at the not to be missed once a year afternoon session. This year’s big event will celebrate the 70-year Platinum Jubilee reign of Queen Elizabeth 11 and it has been organised the Moss family that occupies the substantial stone built house, that is not open to the public, that lies within the castle grounds. Barry and his wife Deborah Moss rent the property from its owner the Duchy of Lancaster (Her Majesty the Queen) and as part of their rental agreement the property must be open to the public at least once each year. Admission to Tickhill Castle that includes a history guide sheet per family that is worth £2 – is £4 for adults and £2 for children from four to 16 years of age. Refreshments will be available. Members of the public visiting Tickhill Castle must be aware that this is an ancient monument; the grounds are uneven with steep slopes and potential rubble that could be hazardous underfoot. Caution is required at all times. No pets are allowed.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Members of Tickhill and District Lions Club will be in attendance at the Classic Car Show that is taking place at the nearby Rossington Welfare Sports Ground on Sunday, June 12 from 11am to 5pm. The Family Fun Day event has been organised by VC Classics and it is supporting The Serenity Appeal.

MOTHERS’ UNION UPDATE: Mothers’ Union (M.U.) Tickhill branch coordinator Helen Curtis has advised members that their Summer Tea Party, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, is probably going to be rescheduled to Thursday, July 28. Helen said: “The proceeds of the tea party will benefit the M.U. charity Away From It All. The Jubilee Summer of Hope Campaign focuses on Women in Leadership and one of the things suggested for us to do is to grow a sunflower and reflect on the strong, inspirational women who may have influenced you. The sunflower has many meanings across the world; different cultures believe it means anything from positivity and strength to admiration and loyalty.”

COUNTRYWOMEN CELEBRATE JUBILEE: The ladies of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association celebrate Queen Elizabeth 11’s Platinum Jubilee at their party on Thursday, June 9. The fun and games get underway at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) in the Methodist Schoolroom and include bingo and royal quiz, free raffle. There will be light refreshments from the 1950’s and a glass of non-alcoholic fizz or soft drink to toast Her Majesty. Those ladies attending are invited to wear red, white and blue or something from the 1950’s. Members are encouraged to bring with them memorabilia or photographs from 70 years ago. Members will also be able to share their reminiscences from the Coronation that took place on June 2 1953.

FUHRER’S RELATIONS: The retired gentlemen of Tickhill and Bawtry Probus Club will learn more about Adolph Hitler at their meeting on Thursday, June 9. Guest speaker Eric Farthing entitles his talk Hitler’s British Relations when he steps up to the lectern in the lounge at Tickhill Cricket Club, Alderson Drive at 10.30am where the doors open at 10am. Probus secretary Adam Skinner and his colleagues welcome new members. More information can be obtained from Adam on 01302 745900.

STEVE LEADS: Tickhill and District Footpath Group head for Old Edlington and Lake on Monday, June 13. Steve Abdy leads the party off from their meeting place that is Old Edlington Church at 7pm.

IT’S HYMN AGAIN: John Marsden BEM who is the choirmaster and organist at St Mary’s Parish Church is the guest of Tickhill Methodist Ladies’ Fellowship on Tuesday, June 14. John will be tickling the ivories during his Organ Recital in the lounge of the Northgate building at 2.30pm. All Ladies will be made most welcome.

BLOOMING GOOD: Members of Tickhill Methodist Ladies’ Fellowship were delighted that they raised £252 for Tickhill in Bloom, that plants up the town’s colourful beds, borders and baskets throughout the year, at their recent charity event.

TAKE YOUR PICK: Townsfolk along with members of the public from all across the surrounding area are flocking to Tickhill to pick their own strawberries. The strawberry fields at the Richard and Judy Brittain owned Eastfield Farm, Doncaster Road have been declared officially open for the soft fruit picking bonanza that always proves to be a mega popular event for many thousands of people of all ages.

 

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