WHAT'S ON: Thurcroft

DISABLED IN THURCROFT: A new group is being developed in Thurcroft to help disabled people or carers who find that the council doesn’t listen. Contact Derek 07817322563, [email protected] for more information. See Focus Disabled Rotherham entry in the Around Rotherham section.

ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA MEMORY CAFÉ: Meets first Tuesday of month at Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall 1.30-3.30pm.

BIG LOCAL:  November 3 – at the Big Local Shop, Green Arbour Road 4-5pm with Colin Salt and Mandy Wilson. November 14 – 10am-4pm: a visit to Creswell Crags to include cave tours and activities at the Crag’s visitor centre.

THURCROFT CRIME AND COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM MEETING: The meeting was held in June when the minutes of the last meeting were approved. It was reported that no drivers’ names were put forward with regards to Green Buses speeding through the village. The chair had received a response which was made available to the meeting, stating that buses were controlled at 45mph and all vehicles have a trackometer device fitted. It was agreed there was enough information presented not to carry this matter forward any further unless further complaints were received. Future of Thurcroft Crime and Safety Meetings – at the November 4 meeting a discussion took place with regards to the future of the group and was decided by members before a final decision was made to put an advert in Rotherham Advertiser to see if any more residents could be encouraged to join the group. A final decision would then be made at the next meeting. The chair asked the members present if they would like to continue with the group. The majority of the members present decided they would like to continue with Thurcroft Crime and Safety Group. Off Road Bikes – due to cutbacks there was no one at the council who deals with off-road motorbikes but had spoken with Will Wernham, environmental health officer, regarding the problems. Nigel Cooper, Rotherham warden, had managed to get some photos of the bikes. It was reported that they had been successful in catching three motorbikes using the pit top in which two were from Sheffield and one from Barnsley. Deer have also been seen on the site as well as other wildlife such as pheasants, grouse and newts. It was asked who the deer belong to. The chair to contact the Wildlife Trust to see if anything could be done to protect them. It was suggested inviting a representative to a future meeting. It was clarified that Big Local had never said that a motorbike track would go on the pit top and has asked Big Local to put this in their minutes to get the message out to the wider community to discourage bikers using the area. It was reported that the police are patrolling the area and the pit top is a hot spot area. In a recent operation they managed to seize four motorbikes. Transit vans coming from other areas have been seen unloading bikes. It was suggested an advertisement be put in the press to deter people going to the site. The chair to organise a walkabout with environmental health officer to look at some of the issues and how to move this forward. A newly elected member, Cllr Darren Hughes, to attend. A meeting to be held with Ms S Biggins from the Youth Club, which has 30-40 young people attending, and ask if she would talk to young people about the anti-social behaviour taking place on the play area. Any information received will be forwarded. The Area Assembly Team be asked to contact Andy Wright and his team to request that when they bring the youth bus on site they could take their litter away with them. It was agreed future Crime and Safety meeting take place quarterly unless an emergency meeting was needed beforehand. As the Thurcroft Environmental Group was setting up they would make sure information is circulated to this group and vice-versa. A consultation will be taking place shortly on the new play area. The chair reported that Peter Street, Charles Street and John Street were in need of a clean-up as they are in a poor state. A property on Katherine Road is a safety hazard due to how close the caravan was up the window. An email to the fire service to be sent. The meeting was informed that there is possibility that Brinsworth Police Station may close in 2016, and not sure where it would relocate. Questions asked where the police bikes were and when residents will see them being used. Chair to email Inspector S Hulley for a response with regards to police bikes. It was reported that a dog bin was missing on Ivanhoe Road near the field. Nigel Cooper to chase this up. Complaints have been received from residents regarding overgrown vegetation along walkways from Thurcroft to Brampton. Also with regard to overgrown trees outside Copeland Lodge to which one lady recently had her glasses knocked off as she was walking on the pavement. This could have been a more serious injury. The chair informed the meeting he had purchased some tree cutters and had cut back some of the overgrown trees. This was the second time had had done this and stated he would not do it again. Also asked if we could report this to Streetpride. The Forum is looking for new volunteers – people who live in Thurcroft and would be interested in becoming a member should contact Rother Valley West Area Assembly Team 01709 254145.

THURCROFT PARISH COUNCIL: The next meeting is on October 29 at Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall 6.30pm.

ROTHER VALE COMMUNITY BAND: Practise on Saturdays at St Simon and St Jude’s Parish Church 9.30-11am. New members will be provided with a brass instrument and expert tuition for a weekly subscription of £2. Contact Pam 07759 496810, www.rothervalecommunityband.com.

THURCROFT FRIDAY CIRCLE: The next meeting is on November 13 at Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall 2pm.

THURCROFT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: The society is now a free online history site. Contact Thurcroft Library 01709  546150 or call in at School Road.

THURCROFT LIBRARY: Adult and Community Learning is coming to the library with a free five week course on Christmas Crafts on November 12, 19, 26 and December 3 and 10 10am-noon. To find out about further learning opportunities, or to book a place for this course, visit the library or telephone 01709 546150. Every week get expert help on how to get into work. Sessions cover writing a CV, applying for jobs online, apprenticeships and interview techniques. Experts on hand to help with careers advice and applying for jobs. Free access to computers and internet. 10am-12.30pm free six week course for computer classes on Tuesday mornings, free to attend yet booking essential 01709 546150. Children’s Section – pop-in sessions for Rhyme Time, children to 5, Tuesdays 2-2.45pm. First Monday of month – Chatterbooks Mondays 3.30-4.30pm, except during school holidays.

THURCROFT COLLIERY AND VILLAGE WEBSITE: Photographs and newspaper cuttings are wanted. Contact Fred Gething 01709 542461, [email protected], thurcroftcolliery.weebly.com.

THURCROFT INDOOR BOWLS: Meet at the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall on Sunday and Tuesday 6.30pm to practise and compete at this and other venues during the week.

THURCROFT WALK AND TALK: November 4 – approximately four miles to Pea Carr Wood from Thurcroft Welfare Community Hall 10.30am, led by Jayne Freeman.

ST SIMON AND ST JUDE’S PARISH CHURCH: Rev Dr Michael Raykovic starts as team rector of Maltby and priest in charge at Thurcroft on November 4. His induction is on November 18 at St Bartholomew’s Church, Maltby. November 8 – Remembrance service 10am, followed by a parade to the Cenotaph for 11am. The car boot/table top sales start again in March.

THURCROFT WELFARE BAND: Next month the Senior Band will be playing on November 4 at Anston Brook Primary School, November 8 for Remembrance Day at Thurcroft Cenotaph 11am, November 28 at Harthill Church Winter fayre 1pm, and November 30 in a charity concert at the Consort Suite, Thurcroft 7.30pm. The band practises each Tuesday and Thursday 7.15pm. The Training Band trains on Saturday mornings. Both train at the Band Room at the top of West Street.