WHAT'S ON: Tickhill

TICKHILL

NEW TREES PLANTED: Workmen from DMBC have completed the planting of three new trees at the Tithes Lane recreation ground to replace the three substantial mature trees that had to be removed after they were killed by being deliberately poisoned. The three new Golden Alder specimens that are protected by substantial wooden supports have been sited on the eastern boundary of the DMBC-owned playing field at the rear of the houses on the Herril Ings cul-de-sac. David Wynn, DMBC team leader for trees, woodland and countryside, selected the Golden Alder species that are expected to grow to a height of five-and-a-half metres. DMBC’s assistant director of environment Gill Gillies said: “This type of tree is fast growing and hardy and it is suitable for the ground conditions. The three new trees will eventually grow to the same height as the dead ones that had to be removed.

TOUR’S COMING: Tickhill town councillors and members of the public attended a meeting in the Tithes Lane Pavilion to discuss the forthcoming Tour de Yorkshire men’s cycle race and separate women’s cycle race. The second leg of the men’s three-stage road race passes through Tickhill on its way to Harworth, Bawtry, Austerfield and Doncaster on April 30 and DMBC’s Tour de Yorkshire Community Group leader Darren Simpson was on hand to explain how he will be coordinating the event throughout the borough on behalf of the local authority. It will be necessary on the big day for a programme of police-organised rolling road closures ahead of the riders to ensure their safety. Residents living alongside the route will be advised of parking and movement restrictions a month prior to the races. The town will be getting into the spirit on the day by staging its annual Tickhill Together-organised scarecrow festival, bands will be playing, schoolchildren will be cheering and waving, old bikes will be suitably decorated, blue and yellow themed bunting that is being knitted will be flying and the Tithes Lane recreation ground could be used as a public car park for the many visitors that are expected to be attracted to the town.

TALKING CANALS: Tickhill town councillor John Hoare talked to members of Tickhill and Bawtry Probus Club at their meeting on February 25 at the Millstone Hotel, Westgate, about Inland Waterways.

BIG DRAWS: The popular draw that takes place at St Mary’s Parish Church continues to hand out £275 a month to its members. The £120 first prize along with other awards of £80, £50 and £25 are on offer to club members who all pay £5 each month. The money raised each year helps St Mary’s Parish Church meet its considerable financial commitments. Numbers are still available and entry forms are in church and in Tickhill Library or from draw organiser Phil Thomas.

NEW CHAIRMAN: Richard Green was elected as new chairman of Tickhill Horticultural Society at the AGM in the Methodist Church Schoolroom, Northgate. Karen Booker and Dawn Collier are the new speaker finders. The society meets on the last Thursday of every month.

HOME IN FRANCE: Guest speaker Michael Gildersleve tells members of Les Francophiles de Tickhill (French Society) about The Little House in the Limousin at their meeting on March 2. The Parish Room, Northgate, is the venue 7.30pm. The society that holds its meetings on the first Wednesday of every month. Contact Edwin Simpson 01302 742714.

PICTURE THIS: Residents have been invited to attend a public meeting in the Parish Room on March 8 2pm at which interest in starting a Cinema Club in Tickhill will be gauged. Dorothy Colcutt has booked the Northgate venue and spoken to Rupert Atkinson, organiser of the long-running Bawtry Film Society, who has been invited. It is the intention to form a committee numbering four or five film enthusiasts. A decision will also be taken as to whether to show the films in an afternoon or evening. Contact Dorothy 01302 742140.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Townsfolk can look forward to the town’s celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday later this year. A blaze in a beacon in the grounds of historic Tickhill Castle could be lit on April 21 and a special concert is being planned in St Mary’s Parish Church on June 11. The annual Tickhill Castle open afternoon has been pencilled in for June 12 2-4pm.

SUMMER BASH: Tickhill and District Lions Club is making plans for its second annual Summer Bash. The big event is due to take place in a marquee at the Scarbrough Arms pub, Sunderland Street, on June 24.