WHAT'S ON: Thurcroft

KIVETON PARK INDEPENDENT ADVICE CENTRE: A drop-in session, with no appointment necessary, will be held on Thursday 2-4pm at the Welfare Hall in Thurcroft. To contact (office hours) 01909 773966.

THURCROFT PARISH COUNCIL: Meeting on February 25 chaired by Jed Nightingale. Minutes of the January 28 meeting were approved. James Dibaj of RMBC updated members with the latest position relating to the Strategic Team Group offer, when it was resolved that the parish council approves to proceed to contract with Strategic Team Group on the basis of its existing offer. Laughton Common update: consultations and site meetings had been held and seen various play areas with strong playground equipment. A meeting to be held on March 2 in the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall regarding the playground equipment. Discussions ensued regarding the neglected condition of the road, classed as a B1 road leading up to the old reservoir but had maintained Cumwell Lane. This information had been passed over to the Rights of Way. Fly-tipping: more complaints have been made from the Brampton area, this is an ongoing problem. Also regarding the Dumpit sites to change their policy and let people with their items in. A meeting to be held on March 10 1pm in the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall, with a PCSO. Fire risk assessments have been completed at the GBMH. It was resolved that details of the Age UK Rotherham–EngAge Rotherham Project be noted and literature received and circulated. It was resolved that a request for financial assistance from Jessica Dee Walker, Wales High School, be referred to the Annual Grants meeting. It was resolved that events from Rotherham Hospice be noted and publicised. It was resolved that Cllr Hindle be appointed as the council’s YLCA representative and all correspondence be referred to him for consideration. Quotes were requested for broken windows and fire doors. Brampton en le Morthen: request for Christmas lights to be extended in the area were approved. Special thanks to lollipop lady Kelly White, not only as a crossing lady but for giving doggy bags to pedestrians walking their dogs. Cemetery: complaints have been made with people using illegal space round their loved one’s setting, and using single plots for more than one urn. The next Parish Council meeting is on March 31 6.30pm.

THURCROFT WELFARE COMMUNITY HALL BOWLING CLUB: The club is looking for new members. The club has qualified bowling coaches and provides all equipment along with free training sessions on Saturdays from May to the end of August 10.30am-noon. The club has 12 teams and also 12 club trophies to play for over the season, usually on a Sunday. Once people have registered with the British Crown Green Association and the South Yorkshire Crown Green Bowling Association (£32.10) for the first year, they only pay club fees which are currently £45 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Contact club secretary Alan Bucknall 01709 542050.

CRAFT GROUP: 47 members attended – six were sewing, two knitting, two crocheting, two making jewellery, two putting card kits together, two quilling, seven using die cutting machines, two quilling, three working on parchment, 10 on decoupage, seven putting general cards together and two stamping verses.

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA MEMORY CAFÉ: Meet on first Tuesday of month at Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall, Green Arbour Road 1.30-3.30pm.

ROTHER VALE COMMUNITY BAND: This is a brass band set up to provide an opportunity for anyone who wishes to play or learn to play a brass instrument. The band practices every Saturday at Thurcroft Parish Church 9.30-11am. The band will provide members with a brass instrument and expert tuition for a weekly subscription of £2, call Pam 07759 496810. To book the band to play at events, call Pam 07759 496810. Visit www.rothervalecommunityband.com or follow Facebook Rother Vale Community Band.

THURCROFT FRIDAY CIRCLE: The next meeting is on March 11 in the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall, Green Arbour Road 2pm. There will be a talk on Mediaeval Tudor Gardens.

THURCROFT LIBRARY: Chatterbooks Monday 3.30-4.30pm, School Road.

THURCROFT COLLIERY AND VILLAGE WEBSITE: Mrs J Chritchlow of Sheffield has sent some paper cuttings of her grandfather Henry Bennett who was also  grandfather to Gordon Bennett after whom Thurcroft Village Hall is named. She explained that he had died after receiving a retirement and birthday gift of £14 from Mr E Gilmore, superintendent of the Pit Head Baths on his 80th birthday. The full report with the funeral notes can be seen on Pit Photos, page 4, under the two Pit Head Baths photos. Photographs and newspaper cuttings are always wanted, contact Fred Gething 01709 542461, [email protected], thurcroftcolliery.weebly.com. All material sent in will be returned to the sender.

THURCROFT WALK AND TALK: The next walk is on March 9, approximately five miles from Thurcroft to Brampton en le Morthern and back to Thurcroft, led by Jo Woodham.

ST SIMON AND ST JUDE’S PARISH CHURCH: The Lent Group is held on Wednesday 11am after the service and will run for the next four weeks. Coffee morning will start today in church 10am. The car boot/table top sales start again in March.

THURCROFT WELFARE BAND: The band will be attending the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships in Bradford tomorrow and Sunday. The band practices each Tuesday and Thursday 7.15pm.