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.

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: Meet the first Tuesday of month at Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall 1.30-3.30pm.

BIG LOCAL: November 14 – 10am-4pm: a visit to Creswell Crags to include cave tours and activities at the Crag’s visitor centre.

ROTHER VALE COMMUNITY BAND: Practise on Saturday mornings 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 should be held 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, December 3 and 10 10am-noon to produce a range of seasonal-themed items including free decorations, an advent calendar and a festive book fold using the internet, books and magazines to identify different designs and techniques. To find out about further learning opportunities, or to book a place, 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: Martin Howis gave a photo of a full class of children in Thurcroft Junior School in approximately 1980, with many well-known names. This can be found on School Photos page two. Pat Fortune has sent in several pieces of literature which were sent to NUM members during 1984/85 including letters from J McGregor, Mr Uttley, the then manager of Thurcroft Pit, and one from D Weldon, president of Thurcroft Colliery Club (Bottom Club), explaining the difficult circumstances the club found itself in. These can be found on page three, section 1984/85. Photographs and newspaper cuttings are always wanted. Contact Fred Gething 01709 542461, [email protected], thurcroftcolliery.weebly.com.

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

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

LITTLE SAINTS TODDLER GROUP: Moira and Irene assisted the young children as they played with the Happyland school, farm and played with toys on the playmat.

FRIDAY CLUB: Moira, Irene, Marie and mums assisted the young ones as they  coloured in and painted Halloween face masks and pumpkin masks. Others painted skeletons or made black bats with wings to hang up.

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