The INFORMER
Todwick Parish Council Newsletter
No. 84
December 2009
TODWICK PARISH COUNCIL WISHES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS and a SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Stephen Hill, Chairman, Todwick Parish Council writes:
It gives me much pleasure to write to you on behalf of the Parish Council. At this time of the year we all tend to look back and reflect on what has happened over the last twelve months.
The Parish Council is a close link to Rotherham MBC for the village and there is a constant two-way flow of information on all matters concerning the Village. We are very fortunate in this respect to have our Clerk Rod Walker, who knows most of the officers and departments of the Borough Council. Without his expertise our tasks would be so much more difficult. We must also thank our Village Handyman, Julian Marples who keeps us clean and tidy the year round, as well as keeping an eye on many other things.
As a Council we aim to plan for the future of the village and what we can do to improve its facilities and enhance all our lives.
We have this year had several major items to deal with and some are still ongoing. The proposed A57 improvement will have a major effect on the Village. The demolition of the old Cricket Pavilion once a familiar sight and no doubt with happy memories for many. For the future we hope to work towards the provision of a comprehensive, modern and secure Pavilion to cater for various sports.
We have made strenuous efforts regarding the flooding incidents at the corner on Goosecarr Lane, next to Storth Lane and the Recreation Ground. We have found culverts and drains long forgotten and had very useful meetings with the Borough Council's Drainage Engineers. We are now part of a detailed and budgeted scheme for comprehensive works to restore and improve the system.
Also worthy of note must be the hard work constantly done by everyone involved with the Village Hall, which has become the heart and soul of our community. There are numerous groups, clubs and activities available and the facilities are really first class. The allotment gardens are constantly improving and we have a waiting list for plots.
We have at last, with the exceptional talents of the Historical Society, devised a first class Coat of Arms for the Village, encompassing Todwick's history that we hope will soon be in a prominent place.
The numerous events that have taken place throughout the year, all done freely and with enthusiasm by many people because of their love of the village. Forgive me if I have omitted any events and happenings that this year has seen. Be assured that we will continue to do our utmost to further enhance and keep improving Todwick.
It only remains therefore, on behalf of everyone on the Parish Council, to wish all most sincerely, A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Stephen R. Hill
Chairman Todwick Parish Council
PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS BRIEFLY
Todwick young people meet the Parish Council
A number of young people were in attendance at the October 2009 Parish Council Monthly meeting and explained their request for the provision of a skate boarding facility at the Goosecarr Lane Recreation Ground. A supporting letter and other information from Mr. Lee Massa, 5 Todwick Villas was handed to the Clerk. Councillors White, Gregory and Northall referred to the separate meeting recently held with the young people and explained the requirement for significant funding. The Council would be looking for a commitment from those making the request and at the way in which they conducted themselves generally in the village.
The young people also expressed a wish to see other facilities provided such as a youth club and coffee shop. Computer facilities had previously been requested but Councillor White had given details of those already available within the village hall.
Bryan Ferris is Todwick's New Parish Councillor
Bryan Ferris has become a Councillor on Todwick Parish Council and has signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Councillor Ferris had been provided with copies of the Council's Standing Orders and a Briefing Note for New Councillors.
Your Todwick Parish Councillors
Bryan Ferris |
5 Guildway, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 773853 |
Stephen Hill (Chairman) |
4 Mill Close, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 772001 |
David Gregory |
49 The Meadows, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 771307 |
Jean Leah |
91 The Meadows, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 771082 |
Ken Mathieson |
26 The Pastures, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 515023 |
Eileen Northall |
30 The Pastures, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 770050 |
John Palmer |
78 The Meadows, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 771257 |
Clive Pantry |
85 The Meadows, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 771024 |
Brian White |
18 Mill Fields, Todwick |
Tel. 01909 770817 |
Clerk to the Council is Rod Walker |
10 High Street, South Anston |
Tel. 01909 566 639 |
TPC Meetings
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.
Results of the Monthly Meetings including the Financial Statements are published as Minutes a few days after the meeting and are available on www.todwick.org.uk - Todwick web site. If you do not have access to a computer and Internet, do not be without the information, go down to the Village Hall on a Monday morning to the Computer Club and use the computers there. Contact first John Gabbitas 01909 773863 who will be able to help you.
Cricket Pavilion
The cricket pavilion, after discussion with the Cricket Club has now been demolished. The cricketers are now using the football pavilion.
PC Tina Jones
One of Todwick's long-time local Community Police Officers has now retired. Todwick sends best wishes to Tina for all her advice and support over the years and wishes her a very happy retirement.
AROUND THE VILLAGE ...
Art Exhibition at the School on 4 November 2009
The children's exhibits were fabulous from "first day attending school 4 year olds" - doing self-portraits, to a wonderful variety of art from the children in all the other years. The pictures were excellent and it was a hard job deciding "the most promising artists"... see www.todwickjandi.org click onto Gallery and see the pictures. During the afternoon the wood carver demonstrated the art of woodcarving with a chain saw and then set fire to it! He gave the result to the school which you can see in the pictures and also now in the school grounds.
Todwick Ramblers Club
On Monday 9th November 2009 the Club held its 3rd Annual General Meeting, with 15 members attending. A review of the past 12 months indicated that the Club had achieved its principal function to provide a minimum of 2 rambles per month, giving a mix of local rambles around Todwick and various other rambles taken further afield. Membership is still growing steadily. Following on from last winter's successful venture, 3 further illustrated talks have been arranged to take place on 26 November 2009, 25 February 2010 and 25 March 2010. The first of these illustrated talks will be looking at the History and development of X-rays by Dr Christine Ferris will take place in the Village Hall on Thursday, 26 November 2009 at 7.30 pm. The cost of admission is £2.00 for non-members £1.00 for members and will include light refreshments afterwards. Enquiries to Jim Tompkin on 01909 770700
Todwick News
Todwick News is your monthly Parish magazine containing notices of forthcoming village events, reports from village groups, details of church-related activities and much more. Keep in touch with village life on a monthly basis and help to support your historical 11th century Church by subscribing to Todwick News. For hard-copy annual subscriptions (£3.50 for 12 issues) please contact Roy Hesketh (tel. 01909 770937) and for email subscriptions (£2.50 for 12 issues as PDF files) please contact Geoff Downs email: todwicknews@f2s.com.
WI welcomes new members
Ladies are you looking for a new interest? Make new friends? Todwick Women's Institute (WI) is looking for you. Start the New Year by paying us a visit. The WI meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 pm in the Village Hall, Kiveton Lane, Todwick.
Contact Secretary: Janet Cocking, 97 Station Road, Kiveton. Tel 01909 771344.
Village Hall news
With some sadness we have to report that during the last four months there have been three acts of vandalism at the Village Hall - one attempted break-in and two separate thefts of lead from the roof. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover all the costs associated with replacing/repairing the damage caused. It has to be borne by the Village Hall and while we are spending hard earned money raised on replacement items it cannot be spent on developing activities for you to enjoy. We ask that villagers remain vigilant and if when passing the Village Hall anything untoward is seen or noticed we urge you to report the matter to the police or to our local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator (Norman Anderson). To assist in safeguarding the premises, the Parish Council have recently agreed to give financial support to installing a comprehensive CCTV system, which, by the time of reading this article, may already be in situ.
Turning to activities, don't let the Winter months get you down, why not join one of a number of "keep fit" activities on offer:
- For the energetic - Fridays 7 pm and Saturdays 11 am - Zumba (hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away)
- For those young at heart - Tuesdays 10 am - Active Always (a gentle exercise class for the over 50s)
If there is an activity you would be interesting in starting or joining please let us know either by contacting us through the Village Hall website or by dropping us a note with your interest, name and contact number into the Village Hall letterbox. Further details on all activities can be found on the Village Hall website www.todwickvillagehall.co.uk.
The Trustees and Management Committee of the Village Hall wish to express sincere thanks for the support given to the Village Hall during 2009 and we look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year. Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS IN TODWICK
Saturday, 28 November 2009, 2 pm - 4 pm - Todwick Village Hall Christmas Fayre
There will be an opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto and the
raffle, which has had its first prize kindly donated by our very own local Carol
Aston Carpets, will be drawn at 4 pm. The Management Committee is grateful to
all local companies and individuals for their kind donations of raffle prizes.
Also sincere thanks to all those who have purchased raffle tickets - there will
be many seasonal prizes to be had and raffle tickets will be on sale until just
before 4 pm on the day so it's still not too late for you to purchase yours if
you have not already done so!
Saturday, 28 November 2009, 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm - Christmas Jazz Supper Party
Why not start your Christmas partying early by attending the Christmas Jazz
Supper Party to be held in the Todwick Village Hall on Saturday, 28 November
2009, 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm.
The Silver Leaf Jazz Band will entertain
you and play and sing easy listening/well known tunes in the traditional New
Orleans style... you can dance if you wish!
Make up a party of family and
friends and book your table. Bring your own wine/drinks and your own supper.
You can also make a telephone order to the Cyprus Gardens Pizza Shop across from
the Village Hall. Bookings on a first come, first served basis. Some seats still
available... So don't delay! Cost £9.00 per person... please support your
Village Hall.
All proceeds after expenses will go towards the
maintenance of the Village Hall.
Contact organiser: Sheila Pantry, email:
sp@sheilapantry.com or 01909 771024.
Sunday, 6 December 2009, 10.15 am Christingle and the "Shoebox" collection in the Church... all are welcome.
Saturday, 19 December 2009 from 10.00 am - 12.00 noon outside the Post Office - Christmas Carols... come and join in if you wish. Refreshments.
A number of Christmas Services will be held at the Church see notices also on www.todwick.org.uk
The Informer is funded and published four times a year by Todwick Parish Council. We do not use sponsors or offer advertising space. Our policy is to inform people about news and events that are of local interest. Editor is Sheila Pantry.