This week’s District News from our correspondents across the Rotherham borough

ABOUT ROTHERHAM

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

FREE SUNDAYS: The Preservation Trust at Wentworth Woodhouse is relaunching the South Yorkshire Sunday Scheme. The scheme gives free house and garden admission to families in South Yorkshire. A different postcode is chosen for one Sunday each month from March to October, after which residents over 16 years of age, living in that post code area simply have to go to the House with proof of their address. The postcode invite goes out to people living in postcode area S70 on Sunday August 16, 2026.

FREE SWIMMING: Children and young people aged 0-17 can enjoy free swimming sessions at the 4 Places Leisure centres in Rotherham throughout the 6-week summer holiday period. Adults accompanying children will be required to pay the normal admission charge. Young people aged 8 years and over who meet Places Leisure admission requirements can swim without an accompanying adult. Free inflatable splash sessions will be available throughout the summer holidays at Rotherham Leisure Complex, Aston-cum-Aughton Leisure Centre and Wath upon Dearne Leisure Centre. Visit www.placesleisure.org.

GREEN FLAG AWARDS: Celebrate places that are welcoming, well looked after and supportive of nature and wildlife and 5 locations within the Rotherham Borough have been recognised with one - Rotherham Crematorium and Cemetery in East Herringthorpe, Clifton Park, Greasbrough Park, Rother Valley Country Park and Ulley Country Park. Rotherham Crematorium and Cemetery has retained the award for a second consecutive year, after becoming the first burial site in the borough to achieve Green Flag status in 2025. Information about the Green Flag Award scheme is at www.greenflagaward.org.

RAWMARSH

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

THE HIGH STREET CENTRE: Bingo session Tuesdays 2-4pm. £5 for 3 games and there are prizes.

THE SALVATION ARMY: Tuesdays - coffee morning 10am-12.30pm, parent and toddlers 9.30-11am. Fridays - dementia support group noon-3pm. Sunday Worship 4pm. Contact [email protected] or call captain Sandra Chamberlain 01709 524653. Meet at Salvation Army church and community centre, Quarry Street S62 7DB.

RAWMARSH FOODBANK: The volunteers provide emergency food parcels and give advice about a range of issues, including finances, mental health, and housing, and signposting to other local services. One of the questions volunteers get asked is 'are you allowed to choose your own food?' and the answer is yes, a volunteer will tailor a food parcel as much as possible. Volunteers also try to accommodate dietary requirements. To volunteer, visit rawmarsh.foodbank.org.uk. Currently, the foodbank needs donations of tinned fruit, washing up liquid, shampoo, men’s and women’s deodorant, and shaving foam and gel. These and other donations can be dropped off at Tesco in Wath, Rawmarsh Library, the High Street Centre in Rawmarsh, and The Drop In Centre on Harding Avenue.

RAW PEOPLE: The community interest company provides mental health support, and holds regular sessions for residents, including a Women Supporting Women group every Thursday 7-8.30pm at The Drop-In Centre on Harding Avenue in Rawmarsh. Sessions in August include crocheting, mosaic making, and rock painting. Email [email protected] or telephone 07502754011.

COMMUNITY COURSES: Rotherham College will be running community courses at the High Street Centre for people who have been out of work for a while and want to retrain. Mondays - a course to improve wellbeing through crochet 10am-12.30pm and a creative art course 1.30-4pm; both courses September 14-December 7. On Tuesdays 1.15-3.45pm, a 'Stitch, Fit and Upcycle' course September 15-December 8, teaching people how to repair garments and tailor clothes, whilst improving numeracy. For information and to book, call Connor 07974392019 or Rona 07791754034 or email [email protected].

HIGH STREET CENTRE: Saturday August 29 - Grand Afternoon Tea at High Street Centre 2-4pm. For information and to book tickets £10, call 01709 719478 or email [email protected].

MASBROUGH

ST PAUL’S CHURCH: Sunday August 9 - 10.30am Mass led by Rev Phil Batchford. It was the monthly all-age service. Sunday August 16 - Mass 10.30am. August sees a couple of Saturday morning children’s craft events at St Paul’s Church - first Saturday August 15, then September 3 both 10am-noon - no charge, ideal for children 3-15.

MEXBOROUGH & SWINTON

Ruth Booth-Rodgers - Email [email protected]

MUSICAL STORIES: Concerteenies will be performing the musical story 'The Duck with No Luck' at Mexborough Library on Monday August 17 1.30pm. The event is suitable for children aged 0-7 years and their families.

CHARITY FUN DAY: Monday August 31 - Charity Fun Day at Mexborough Cricket Club, 9.15am start for first junior game. The event will include children's activities, hot food, junior tournament, senior cricket, a raffle. All funds raised to Project Youth Cancer and club's junior section.

LITTER PICK: Volunteers from Swinton Community Focus Group carried out a litter pick around Highfield Park and Horsefair Park, clearing over 25 bags of rubbish.

MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH GROUP: Mondays - 7-9pm Men's Mental Health Group at Swinton Lock Activity Centre, on Dunn Street S64 8AN. Suitable for all men, the talking group provides support and a place to listen and share experiences. No booking necessary.

CAKE STATION, SWINTON: The board game cafe was awarded a five star food hygiene rating and runs a number of regular activities, including the weekly quiz on Fridays 6.30pm, and consists of 30 questions and a cash prize of up to £40. A table for two costs £5 and a table for four costs £10. Pop into the Cake Station to book your table. The Unravel session on Sunday August 16 11.15am-1.15pm is for anyone wishing to spend a couple of hours crocheting or knitting. Bring along your own wool and needles to join in or materials are provided for beginners. Dungeon and Dragon sessions on Tuesdays 5.30-8.30pm - sessions £7.50, visit cafe to book a space.