This week’s District News compiled by our correspondents across the borough

DALTON, EAST HERRINGTHORPE & THRYBERGH

Ruth Booth-Rodgers - Email [email protected]

CLLR MICHAEL BENNETT-SYLVESTER: Michael has been helping with the poppy appeal at Tesco in Rotherham, and carrying out a litter pick around Cross Street and Doncaster Road. Michael passed on to the police information regarding anti-social behaviour in the area, submitted some work for the housing department at Rotherham Council, and passed on evidence to Sanctuary Housing regarding grounds maintenance on Whinney Hill. At the Improving Lives Select Commission, Michael received clarification around the issue of school maintenance for those schools under council control and asked what support is given to those affected by intrafamilial child sexual abuse. At last week's full council meeting, Michael raised questions, including regarding community skips, and the government's £100 energy payment, and spoke on a motion on education. The council has a webcast service to view meetings in the Council Chamber visit https://rotherham.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.

WOMEN'S WALKING GROUP: As a result of feedback around the lack of safe areas in East Herringthorpe for women to walk for exercise, Cllr Bennett-Sylvester, CMG Rotherham Crematorium & Cemeteries, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, and the local neighbourhood team had a meeting to discuss the possibility of the formation of a women's walking group at the cemetery. Volunteers will be needed, therefore an event will be scheduled in December to discuss the idea.

FOLJAMBE PRIMARY SCHOOL: As part of Wickersley Partnership Trust (WPT), the school is taking part in the trust's Outdoor Wear Appeal - WPT Uniform and Clothing Bank. The appeal has been launched to ensure all students who take part in outdoor activities and school trips can stay warm and dry. As such, the trust is looking for waterproof jackets and winter coats, hiking boots and trainers, sun hats, warm hats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof trousers, in all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at school reception, or email [email protected].

PROJECT LINUS UK - ROTHERHAM: The group makes quilts for local children and meets every Tuesday noon-4pm at St. Leonard's community Centre, Park Lane, Thrybergh. One of the volunteers makes kits so anyone can come along to a session, choose a kit and complete a quilt, which will then be taken to where it is needed. Anyone interested can come along to any session.

THRYBERGH PARISH COUNCIL: The parish council is looking for residents interested in becoming a parish councillor. Email [email protected].

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND LIGHT SWITCH ON: On Saturday December 5, Thrybergh Parish Council will hold a Christmas Market and Light Switch On event at Thrybergh Parish Hall 3-7pm.

PANTOMIME: On Saturday December 12, the pantomime Aladdin will be performed at Thrybergh Parish Hall on Park Lane in Thrybergh 1.30pm. Tickets £3 for adults, free for children. For information and tickets, email [email protected] or telephone 07519685505.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY: Rotherham Independent Volunteer Organisation is holding a Christmas Party on December 20 at Thrybergh Top Club 1.30-4pm. Tickets £1, available to buy from November 16 from the club or message RIVO via Facebook Messenger.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE: St. Leonard's Church in Thrybergh is holding their Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 21 1-3pm.

RAWMARSH & PARKGATE

Mrs Jill Rhodes - Tel 01709 210072 or email [email protected]

RAWMARSH FOODBANK: Volunteers are low on small jars of coffee, tinned fruit, washing up liquid, packet soup, shower gel. In September, the foodbank put out an appeal for donations to make up emergency food parcels. The response was amazing, with schools and churches donating Harvest Festival donations. 766.91kg of food was donated, equating to around 1,800 meals. Donations can be dropped off at Rawmarsh Library, the High Street Centre, The Drop-In Centre, and Tesco in Wath.

CHRISTMAS MARKET: The High Street Centre in Rawmarsh is holding a Christmas Market on Saturday November 14 10am-2pm. Free.

HIGH STREET CENTRE: Pathways to Work is holding employment support drop-in sessions at the High Street Centre in Rawmarsh on November 25, December 9, and January 6 and 20 10.30am-2.30pm. Will include CV support, advice, and job support, help accessing training. No appointment needed.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: At Salvation Army on Quarry Street on Saturday November 21 10am-2pm.

9TH ROTHERHAM SCOUT GROUP: Beavers were discussing the World Wars and the loss of animals, Army, Navy and Airforce people. What the red poppy represents was discussed and coloured poppies they had made were used to make a wreath. The Cubs had been rehearsing for the Parade, making poppy wreaths, they learned the story of the Cenotaph and also finished their session with some team games. Can all raffle tickets be returned as soon as possible?.

MEXBOROUGH & SWINTON

Ruth Booth-Rodgers - Email [email protected]

SWINTON LOCK ACTIVITY CENTRE: Volunteers set out last Monday to go around Doncaster to help the homeless. It is hoped this will be the start of a four month project with the aim of providing homeless people with sleeping bags, warm clothing, warm food and drinks, plus outreach information. The team helped a large number of people. The team are now aiming to leave Swinton Lock Activity Centre each Monday evening to visit communities around Rotherham; they need donations of hats, coats, gloves, scarves, sleeping bags, and thermos flasks, tins of soup. Donations to the centre on Dunn Street in Swinton, or the team can collect. Telephone 01709 578778.

SWINTON TRAIN STATION: The Mayor of Rotherham visited the station to open the new wellness area and mural, as well as unveiling the station's Gold Wildlife Friendly Station award. Swinton Train Station has developed into a wildlife friendly area which celebrates Swinton's heritage through artwork.

SWINTON COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUP: Volunteers carried out a litter pick around the Robin Hood car park, Horsefair Park, and surrounding areas. The group has organised a pantomime in Swinton - Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Saturday December 12 as a matinee performance at Park View function suite, Park Road, Swinton. Tickets £8, doors open 1pm and pantomime starts 2pm. Visit ticketsource.com.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON: Swinton Community Focus Group, with councillors and Rotherham Council, is holding a Swinton Christmas Lights Switch On event on Wednesday November 25, on Swinton Precinct 4pm.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: On Saturday November 28, a Charity Christmas Fair is at St. John's Methodist Church in Swinton 10am-2pm, with the aim of raising £2,500 for children's charities.

GRANTS AVAILABLE: Mexborough Pride in Place Board has launched a Community Grant Scheme, with micro grants from £250-£500, and medium grants from £500-£5,000 for residents, groups and organisations to apply for. The grants could be used to fund a community event, improvements to green spaces, activities for young people, or a community day out. Contact [email protected].

MEXBOROUGH NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK: Volunteers ave been carrying out litter picks in a number of areas, resulting in over 10 bags of rubbish being removed.

MEXBOROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON: Mexborough Events Committee Inclusive (MECI) has organised the annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday November 26 4-7pm on Mexborough High Street.

MEXBOROUGH CHRISTMAS MARKET: The Spirit of Mexborough are holding their Mexborough Christmas Market and Festivities event on Friday November 27 4-7pm on Mexborough High Street.

WINTER CRAFT FAIR: At St John's Church Hall, Church Street in Mexborough on Saturday November 14 10am-2pm. Entry free.