The INFORMER

Todwick Parish Council (TPC) Newsletter
No. 100
December 2013

The Festive Season, is once again upon us and looking back, it is hard to believe that so much has happened in what seems such a short time as you can see in the various news items below. Todwick Parish Council is now as strong as it has ever been. We have Councillors taking on particular tasks, Recreation Ground, Allotments (now in much demand) The Village Plan, Village Maintenance, Public Transport, Youth Activities, to name a few. Thanks again to our exceptional Clerk Rod Walker, who keeps us on the lawful track and is a valuable source for contacts at Rotherham M.B.C. In October Rod reached an incredible milestone of 30 years service to Todwick we would certainly be poor without him. Many thanks are due to Councillors’ Wives, Husbands and Family members who help and support them. The Village Hall has its own Management Team and Trustees and no praise is too high for the immense amount of work that they put in, to run, manage, and continually improve facilities to enable activities and clubs for everyone to function. I can assure you, that we will be using our best efforts to continually improve Todwick for the benefit of all. So on behalf of Todwick Parish Council I have much pleasure wishing everyone.
A very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year. Stephen Hill, Chairman, Todwick P.C.

Todwick War Memorial – With the kind help of Ringway (the A57 contractors) who are supplying much of the labour and materials, we are developing the Village Hall Corner to house a secular War Memorial, a paved area with bench, a flower and shrub garden and a Christmas Tree. This is in response to numerous people who responded to the Parish Plan, many of whom suggested that they would like some area which defined the centre of the village, and many more who said they would like to have a Christmas Tree in Todwick. It also reflects the views of those who responded to the questionnaire sent out about the memorial, most of the responses being in favour. The project will satisfy those requirements and will at the same time put Todwick in the position of thousands of other villages nationwide in being able, next year, to commemorate the centenary of the Great War, when so many of our countrymen fought and died to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Of necessity the Christmas Tree and planting will be small to begin with but will quickly develop into a lovely centrepiece for the village which will give pleasure to Todwickians for many years to come.

Allotments – Do you want one, do you want to grow your own vegetables or flowers etc. There are always allotments coming available each year. If you want to enjoy the outdoor life, get some exercise cultivating a plot growing produce for yourself and not having to pay the Supermarket prices then call Bryan Ferris 01909 773853 and he will put your name on the waiting list.

Beautifying Todwick – TPC has organised the Autumn/Winter Planting of the flowers beds and gardens and will be having Summer plantings and hanging baskets in 2014.

A Litter Pick is arranged for 10 am, Saturday, 30 November 2013. Helpers are requested to meet outside the Newsagents, and devote a maximum time of one hour to help tidy our village. Litter pickers, gloves, safety vests, gloves and bags will be provided. Contact David Gregory on 771307 for any further information. We would also like to thank all the dog walkers who, whilst out, pick up litter, also those who keep their pavements and roadside clean. Every action helps.

Chesterfield Canal Trust (CCT) – TPC have agreed to support the Trust with a payment of £36.00. For some years there has been a link on Todwick web site re Chesterfield Canal Trust activities see www.todwick.org.uk/village/interests.html

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Timely Advice – Around December time, there is invariably a dramatic rise in theft of and from bags and purses whilst out shopping. Before you go out ask yourself if someone could take your purse, handbag, wallet, keys or mobile phone, without you knowing, when you are out shopping. It might be when you are looking at goods in a shop window or at a market stall. It might even be when you have just bought something, paid for it and not fastened your bag or put your wallet away in an inside pocket. If you put your handbag in a trolley, never, ever turn your back on it. Always make sure a shoulder bag is securely fastened and the opening flap is towards you. Thieves do not advertise themselves. They look just like any other person in the street. So please don’t leave yourself vulnerable to being a victim. Think how you would feel if you suddenly found your purse or wallet was missing.

Defibrillator – Todwick Parish Council recently purchased an external defibrillator for the village. We were fortunate enough to receive a free External Cabinet from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service which has been sited on the wall of the Village Hall close to the entrance gates for easy access. In the event of an emergency you should always telephone 999 and if they feel you need the defibrillator they will inform you of the location and access code. The Yorkshire Ambulance Service is running a Defibrillator Familiarisation Session at Todwick Village Hall on Thursday 12th December 2013 from 6.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. To give an idea of numbers please call/email Helen Greer-Waring, Tel: 774472, helengreer-waring@hotmail.co.uk to let us know if you are coming along.

Youth Matters – Todwick had two successful MegaActive Play Camps this year and it is hoped that we can repeat these in 2014. The camps are for children aged 5 to 15, and are sport based but aimed at children coming along and having fun. The weather is an important factor as Todwick do not yet have suitable indoor facilities in case of rain, but in the fine weather the children have a wonderful time. Dates for 2014 will be announced as soon as possible in the New Year.

The Youth Bus will be visiting Todwick each Thursday evening throughout the Winter (weather permitting) and parks just inside the Recreation Ground gateway from about 6.30 p.m. This is primarily for youngsters from 13 to 19 years and is free.

Kiveton Youth Club is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30 p.m. till 9.30 p.m. and all young people from the area are welcome. It provides activities of all kinds, or just a place to drop in and chat. Kiveton Park Youth and Community Centre is situated on Station Road, opposite the Infant School and next to the Railway Station. The exterior of the building is a little deceiving and certainly does not reflect the high quality of the work which takes place within it.

Calling all book worms – If you enjoy reading then there are several facilities in Todwick which may interest you, particularly if Father Christmas fails to bring you enough to read:

Telephone Box Book Swop – The Red Telephone Box which is situated on Goosecarr Lane, is packed with good reading material. The box is cleaned, tidied and re-stocked regularly so is a good source for the avid reader. It has featured in two – yes two – editorials in local newspapers.
The Mobile Library – The library comes into the village every Friday between 11.15 a.m. and 12.15 a.m. and stands on The Pastures outside Todwick Interiors. The staff are friendly and helpful and of course the service is free.
The Vintage Parlour Readers – The group goes from strength to strength, and our discussions are interesting and lively but friendly. We meet at the Vintage Tea Shop on the first Tuesday of each month at 11.00 a.m. and all enthusiastic readers are welcome. At our December meeting we will be discussing our current book which is an anthology of British Short Stories, and we will also be having Christmas Readings by the members and also tucking into a mince pie (or two)! There will be no meeting in January but we will start up again on February the 4th 2014.

Recreation Ground – We are looking to markedly improve the pavilion on our Recreation Ground and are making a major grant application to pay for the work involved. If we are successful work could start as early as next May. The reality of financial circumstances have directed us to extending and refurbishing of the existing building, since, despite its limitations the building is structurally sound. The finished project will provide two changing rooms complete with showers and two smaller changing rooms for match officials, one of which will primarily be a first aid room. There will be toilets close to the entrance but separate to the changing rooms and also secure and separate storage units for football and cricket equipment. The principal new feature will be an 8 metre by 4 metre room with kitchen facilities. It is envisaged that this room will be used for catering to the cricket teams but also be available for use as a Youth Club, a meeting room, classroom, etc – the possibilities are endless. Our main hope is that the re-vamped building will provide a base for the development of, as yet, unavailable sports in the village. For example a running club, or maybe a cycling club. Any one who has the desire and drive to start up a club is asked to contact David Gregory on: 771307, or Email dg54@sky.com. Expressions of interest would be very helpful to the grant application, so please do it now.

List of Todwick Parish Councillors:

Rebecca Carter, Cow House, Burne Farm, Tel: 07960 794991, Email: rstv@hotmail.co.uk
Bryan Ferris, 5 Guildway, Tel: 773853, Email: bryan.ferris@btopenworld.com
Stephen Hill (Chairman) 4 Mill Close, Tel: 772001, Email: professional@hills-estates.co.uk
Helen Greer-Waring, 81 The Meadows, Tel: 774472, Email: helengreer-waring@hotmail.co.uk
David Gregory (Vice Chairman), 49 The Meadows, Tel: 771307, Email: DG54@sky.com
Jean Leah, 91 The Meadows, Tel: 771082, Email: leah@jeanleah7.orangehome.co.uk
Eileen Northall, 30 The Pastures, Tel: 770050, Email: siggismum@aol.com
Clive Pantry, 85 The Meadows, Tel: 771024, Email: cp@sheilapantry.com
Brian White, 18 Mill Fields, Tel: 770817, Email: brianwhite222@btinternet.com

Clerk to the Council is Rod Walker, 10 High Street, South Anston Tel: 566 639, Email: jrw1947@btinternet.com

TPC Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, except August, in the Village Hall commencing at 7 pm. The open session, where Todwick residents can attend and raise local issues or ask questions, commences at 8 pm. Minutes of meetings appear a few days after the meetings on Todwick website.

Borough Councillor Gordon Watson holds a surgery between 6 pm – 7 pm before the monthly TPC Meeting in Todwick Village Hall on the last Tuesday of the month Contact: 6 Hillside, North Anston, Sheffield, S25 4AZ, Tel: 07881 268134, Email: gordon.watson@rotherham.gov.uk

Useful Numbers – Police information – Emergencies – DIAL 999

For prompt attention phone Central Switchboard DIAL 101 to report an incident.

Crimestoppers number is 0800 555111.

Our local Community Police Officer can be contacted at Dinnington Police Station 01709 832667 but do NOT leave a message. If your call is urgent ring the Central Switchboard 101.

DO report in any incidents or nuisance behaviour that you see to the above numbers.

Granny’s Vintage Tea Room

Granny’s Vintage Tea Room celebrated its 1 year anniversary on 9th October and would like to thank customers old and new for their continued support. A special thank you is extended to our lovely regulars (you know who you are!) who make working at the tearoom much more than a job, and thank you for the lovely messages, cards and flowers, we were extremely touched. Here’s to a successful year 2!

Helping the Less Lonely in Todwick

There are many older people who are lonely and living in isolation in Rotherham, this includes those who live in Todwick. This can affect their health and quality of life dramatically. Age UK Rotherham provides an individual Befriending package that offers companionship and the opportunity to talk to someone on a regular basis. A friendly volunteer could sit and chat, accompany you for an outing, or help build your confidence to join a local community activity. There is a small charge for this service. If you feel this service would be of help to you or you know someone that would benefit from it, then please contact Age UK Rotherham on 01709 386831 who will be able to discuss all details in confidence.

Todwick Village Hall – 2013: A Time of Change continues

Three Trustees namely Brian White – Chairman, Jean Leah – Secretary, Bryan Ferris all stepped down from their roles as Trustees at the October 2013 Meeting. Parishioners are very grateful for their dedication and hard work over the recent years in keeping the Village Hall an attractive place to use and also for the various projects that has ensured a business approach of all the many things that are needed to keep it viable.

The following were elected at the EGM in November: Chair – Helen Greer-Waring, Vice Chair – Tony Rusling, Secretary – Jenny Foulds, Treasurer – Norman Anderson, 5th Trustee – Janet Cocking.

The User group contacts are as follows: Active Always – Lynda Shepherd, Bowling Club – Christine Rodley, Brownies – Claire Boulton, Craft Group – Mari Gabbitas, Cricket Club – Liz Wainwright, Family History Group – Alan Turner, Girl Guide Rainbows – Joanne Bilsborough, Golf Society – Bryan Ferris, Historical Society – Alan Turner, Line Dancing – Brenda Waller, Over 60s – Ann Davey, Ramblers – Margaret Ware, Toddlers Group – Liz Wainwright, Todwick Parish Council – Eileen Northall, WI – Mary Pavey.

Contacts: Chair, Helen Greer-Waring, Tel: 774472, Email: helengreer-waring@hotmail.co.uk or Secretary, Jenny Foulds, Tel: 772200, Email: jenny.foulds@talktalk.net

The management of the Village Hall is carried out by the Trustees and Management Committee. The next management meeting is at 7.30 pm on the 13/12/13 at the Village Hall.

Todwick Village Hall is now on Facebook, have a look and like our page.

Did you know that among the weekly activities we have a Weight Watchers class on Saturday morning? 9.30 to 11.30. Why not come along and get in shape for the Christmas Party?

A Warm Welcome to Mark Archer – Village Hall new Caretaker and Bookings Officer contact on 01909 774353 (please do not call after 8 pm unless it is urgent).

Todwick Tea Towel

Your chances to buy the unique Todwick Tea Towel, Apron or Cushion Cover are diminishing rapidly as good numbers have been sold at this Summer’s events.

Once they have gone they are gone!

The potential heirloom tea towel on display for you to see in the Newsagency’s window and on sale inside £4.00 per item. Profits after expenses will go towards maintenance of Todwick Village Hall and Todwick Church.

Dates for your diary

Todwick Village Hall Christmas Fayre, Saturday, 7 December 2013 14.00 – 16.00. Come and Meet Father Christmas. Entrance fee: £1.00 for Adults, 50p for Seniors and Children

Jazz Supper Club Christmas Party night – Wil Robinson and Southside Jazz Band, Saturday, 14 December 2013 19.30 – 22.30 in Todwick Village Hall. Bring your own supper and drinks. Make up a party table. Easy parking. Entry £9.00 – all profits after expenses to the Todwick Village Hall Maintenance. Essential to book please contact Sheila Pantry for tickets and booking a table, Tel: 771024, Email: sp@sheilapantry.com

Christmas Trees and Carols, Wednesday, 18 December 2013 starting from the school at 5.30 p.m., children and friends from Todwick Primary will be taking light around the village on a lantern walk, pausing to sing carols at Christmas Trees at the Church, the Village Hall and finishing at the Tree at school at about 6.30 p.m. There will be warming refreshments and ALL will be welcome.

Christmas may be tough again this year

Things we took for granted we may not be able to afford. On the face of it you could think that this would be a miserable Christmas. But the true Christmas based on the true Jesus is not in the end about all the material things. It’s about opening the gifts of God that money can’t buy – love and peace. If you feel that your heart is half empty ask God to fill it with his love. If you feel your soul is restless ask God to breathe his peace into you. These are the real Christmas gifts. Money can’t buy you a Christmas full of love and peace. They are presents which only you can unwrap. Well, go on! Unwrap them.

For the first time in many years, we will be holding a Crib Service at 4 pm on Christmas Eve, in church. This will be a lively service of readings, a no-rehearsal nativity, and carols, particularly suitable for younger members of the family and including the Blessing of the Crib.

St Peter & St Paul, Todwick, wish you a Christmas of love, peace and understanding.

Revd Vicky Camber

Christmas Shoebox for the Homeless

Being homeless is unpleasant at the best of times but imagine what it must be like at Christmas when everyone around is celebrating with family and friends in a warm home and tables overflowing with hot food and Christmas presents under the tree .The Archer Project based at Sheffield Cathedral helps year round but you can provide some extra cheer by making up a shoebox for a homeless person. It may well be the only gift they get. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

All shoe boxes must be unsealed
Please enclose a Christmas card with a message, e.g. Merry Christmas from the Jones family
If possible include a Christmas cracker
If including chocolate please don’t put in the very large blocks – instead use smaller individual bars (this is a request from the Archer project)
And of course, no illegal substances or alcohol.

Examples of what would be very useful:

Tinned food (with a ring pull if possible) – soup, meat, fish, beans, meatballs, fruit, desserts, veg.
Mini variety boxes of cereals
Biscuits, pot noodles, cup-a-soup, squash
Toiletries – razors, shaving foam, toothbrush, toothpaste, spray-on deodorant, hair brush, shower gel (no soap please)
Hats, socks, gloves, belts

There will be two collection points in Todwick – the Church entrance porch and 81 The Meadows. Please call Helen on 774472 or email: helengreer-waring@hotmail.co.uk

Please have all shoeboxes to us by Sunday, 15 December 2013. Thank you, and Happy Christmas.

The Informer is funded and published four times a year by Todwick Parish Council (TPC) which does not use sponsors or offer advertising space. TPC policy is to inform people about news and events that are of local interest. All news, events and Informers etc are available on www.todwick.org.uk

Todwick web site www.todwick.org.uk is produced, updated and funded by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd.