News Archive: 2022

Have a very Happy and Enjoyable Christmas and New Year

Published: 23 December 2022

As Christmas fast approaches we all need to be very conscious that there are people who want to take advantage of us at this festive time of year. There are a number of precautions you can take to help protect yourself.

When out shopping, be aware of the people around you. Try not to put purchases on the floor whilst you look at other items for sale. The ones on the floor may not be there when you want to pick them up. Handbags / purses and wallets are vulnerable to be picked from your pocket or snatched. The culprits usually can run faster than you.

Shopping mall complexes usually have quite large car parks. If you take goods back to your car, you may be being watched when you lock the car and go away to find more items to buy. Consider moving your car to another parking slot in a different part of the car park. There is then less chance of your car being damaged and goods stolen. Remember to keep these items out of sight in the boot.

Whilst it may look nice to have wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, be aware that anyone passing in the street may see them through your window as they walk past.

When you leave your home, even for a short while, always try to make the place look as if you are still there. There are so many giveaways that prospective burglars can see.

If you can get a neighbour, relative or friend to make a visit to your home on a regular basis whilst you are away, it looks more as if it is occupied. If a neighbour will park their car on your driveway especially if you habitually leave your car there, that may also help.

Get some timers for internal table lamps or standard lights. Cheap to buy, easy to use. You programme them to come on and off when you would normally use a room or go to bed. There are other timers to switch other electrical items on and off.

Never put a board in a glass doorway under the letterbox to stop people from seeing the post mounting up.

Never leave keys around in the house – window keys, door keys, caravan keys. Invest in a good quality safe to lock away all valuables. Lock ladders & stepladders away in a shed or garage. Invest in a CCTV system. We could go on.

Most burglars are opportunists. They may look like anyone else in the street. You may even have said good morning as they have walked by, not knowing they are gathering information about who does what and when.

And finally, large cardboard boxes left out ready for recycling are an open advertisement to the burglar that you have a new state of the art TV or computer or… well whatever. Please don’t fall for that old trick.

So have a safe Christmas and New Year. Make sure you don’t leave yourself vulnerable to burglars.

Christmas Carol Concert at Sheffield City Hall this Saturday

Published: 15 December 2022

Featuring Black Dyke Band & Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus – Extra seats released due to phenomenal demand

This Christmas celebration is the perfect opportunity to experience the award-winning Black Dyke Band's rich heritage and unrivalled pedigree in the glorious brass band tradition, under the direction of Nicholas Childs, its Principal Conductor and Director of Music. The Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, directed by its Music Director Darius Battiwalla, will also take to the stage with some festive favourites, including a selection of carols and songs that involve audience participation.

Presenter Tom Redmond returns this year to introduce this Yuletide concert of seasonal specials including, In Dulci Jubilo, O Holy Night, The First Nowell, Do They Know it's Christmas, Ashwell Carol, A Christmas Finale & many more!

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch news

Published: 27 November 2022

Reports are coming in that a number of properties in the village have very recently suffered damage due to break-ins. The majority have been at the rear of the properties and in at least one case the occupier was in the property at the time of the offence.

South Yorkshire Police have asked that residents check their security arrangements. The method of entry in some cases is similar in that uPVC door locks have been bumped or snapped. In other cases, a rear window has been broken and the window key, left adjacent to the window used to facilitate entry. Although nothing of value has been stolen, the damage and mess left behind has been distressing. Some of the door locks were found not to be up to current standards and were easily broken. Please check your home security is fit for purpose.

Alexander Stafford MP Christmas card competition closing date

Published: 7 November 2022

Message from Alexander Stafford:

My Christmas Card Competition 2022 is entering its final few days, but there is still time to enter before the competition closes on 11 November 2022.

I have received some lovely entries so far, but there is every chance that you could still win the fantastic prize of a family ticket to Gulliver’s Valley, and the chance to see your child’s artwork on my Christmas card.

This will be sent to over 2,000 people, including constituents, MPs and even the Prime Minister himself!

Please do get your entries to my constituency office at 39 Laughton Road, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2PN by this Friday to be in with a chance to win.

Full details at my website https://www.alexanderstafford.org.uk

Local Rother MP Alexander Stafford launches Christmas Card Competition 2022

Published: 10 October 2022

The third Rother Valley Christmas Card Competition was launched today by local MP Alexander Stafford.

Open to all children aged 11 and under, the competition will run until 7 November 2022, after which all entries received will be judged and the winner and runners up announced.

More information: https://www.alexanderstafford.org.uk/news/alexander-launches-christmas-card-competition-2022

Alexander Stafford, Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, has been appointed Conservative Party Vice Chairman in the Government reshuffle

Published: 10 October 2022

Alexander Stafford has been appointed Conservative Party Vice Chairman in the Government reshuffle.

The Rother Valley MP, elected in 2019, has previously been a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and for former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Of his new role, Alexander said:

I am pleased to say that I have recently been promoted to the (unpaid) position of Vice Chairman for the national Conservative Party.

With a particular focus on policy, this new role will allow me to continue to make sure that Rother Valley's voice is heard at the highest levels.

But of course my role as the MP for Rother Valley will always take precedence - and I will do everything I can to make Rother Valley a better place to live, work and play.

Todwick Best Spring Front Gardens 2023

Published: 28 September 2022

Calling all Todwick gardeners and planners – young and old…

Now is the time to plant loads of bulbs in your front gardens – will give you years of joys and cheer all passing your garden.

The bulb catalogues are STILL arriving through our letter boxes and now is the time to start your planning for the forthcoming growing season in your front garden! The local garden centres still have bulbs for sale.

Springtime is a great season – for many the most favourite season as we come out of wintertime.

Join in this fun this year – get your children, grandchildren and others to help in the preparation. Perhaps the various Groups in the village may wish to make their own area in the grass verges, or put planters and troughs around spaces in the village.

Bulbs look after themselves – some planted years ago are still giving a good show from February onwards.

Todwick Jazz Supper Club News

Published: 15 September 2022

Wishing everyone a wonderful AUTUMN 2022 – but keep Covid-19 safe & well

HM Queen Elizabeth II and Todwick

Since late morning Friday, 9th September 2022, Todwick Church has been open with a condolence book, and a space for people to light candles, as we give thanks for the life of our remarkable Queen Elizabeth II. REST IN PEACE

TODWICK Church will be open during the day every day for people to pop in if they wish until the day after the Queen’s state funeral.

Todwick Jazz Supper Club

Jazz Entrance Ticket Price increase to start from October 2022.

Due to increasing travel costs for bands and for the first time in 20 years I am having to increase the Jazz entrance ticket price to £12 per person.

Please help keep Trad Jazz alive and support these wonderful jazz bands. Use it or lose it! The bands come from far and wide.

Please will you put your entrance fee in an envelope with your name on it… makes my life easier at 6.50 pm on jazz nights when everyone arrives at the same time.

Keep watching this space for new news.

Many thanks, Sheila

We have had some really good events recently – last month on Saturday, 13 August 2022 we were marvellously entertained by the clarinet playing Matt Palmer and the Eagle Jazz Band, with John Meehan – on drums, Richard Slater – trombone, Brian Lawrence – bass, Peter Brown – trumpet, Jack Cotterill – drums, Chris Etherington – banjo, and Andy Holdork – trombone.

More Saturday dates for your Todwick Jazz 2022 diary

Todwick Jazz Supper Club events start at 7 pm and finish at 10 pm. Supper break will be at 8.00 pm – 8.35 pm.

A booking card will be circulated this Saturday, 17 September 2022 for the 15 October 2022 event when the Dearne Big Band will entertain us again.

On 12 November 2022 we warmly welcome again Frank Brooker and the Happy Chappies. Frank on clarinet, Jim Wright on banjo/guitar, Rod McNamara on drums, Andy Henderson on trumpet and Graham Jones on bass.

Note that the Christmas Party Jazz event is on 3 December 2022 with Wil Robinson’s All Stars Jazz band. Contact organiser Sheila Pantry to book a table, Tel: 01909 771024.

Email: sp@sheilapantry.com Please let EVERYONE know that there is lovely jazz available around Yorkshire.

All profits after expenses from these events go to the Todwick Village Hall maintenance. The Todwick Village Hall Trustees and Management Committee are very grateful for this continued support.

We have a reasonably full house this SATURDAY 17 September 2022 BUT COULD SQUEEZE IN ONE OR TWO MORE PEOPLE.

Contact organiser Sheila Pantry to book a table, Tel: 01909 771024, Email: sp@sheilapantry.com.

Cash Points

In July 2022 Alexander Stafford, the Member of Parliament for Rother Valley was promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, during this transition phase of government. Previously Alexander had been a PPS at the Ministry of Defence This is the first time ever a South Yorkshire Conservative MP has become a PPS to the Prime Minister. This role will see Alexander assist in the day-to-day running of the Parliamentary side of the Prime Minister’s office including attending Cabinet meetings, always being with the PM in the House of Commons, assisting in the preparation of PMQs, & regular meetings with key officials at No. 10.

Alexander is currently asking if you know where your nearest CASH POINT is located and asks…

I know that more and more people are starting to use card payments and online banking services. Access to cash remains vital to the day-to-day lives of individuals that may be elderly or vulnerable in local communities across our country, and particularly to those in rural areas.

Everyone should have access to cash on their high streets, and banks, and cash machines. I am pleased that the chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged to protect our high street banks and I look forward to hearing the future proposals on how this will be supported. It is important that I speak to LINK and other banking services, to ensure that nobody is a short distance away from accessing cash.

If you rely on high street banks or cash points, please get in touch with me by filling in my survey see https://www.alexanderstafford.org.uk/campaigns/access-cash or emailing me alexander.stafford.mp@parliament.uk

Want to Keep up with the latest News and happenings in Todwick?

The very long established Todwick website www.todwick.org.uk – was one of the first village web sites to appear in the UK. It contains a constant stream of new information – now going back over 20 years. Information about the wide range of various Todwick groups and their activities, various events being planned by groups, reports from groups and much more….

Watch out for the forthcoming Christmas events being planned!

Todwick News

Published monthly by Todwick Church and edited by Dr Geoff Downs, 30 Kiveton Lane, Todwick, Tel: 01909 515444

Subscriptions – by email contact todwicknews@gmail.com

Printed subscriptions – contact: Roy Hesketh, 13 Osborne Drive, Todwick, Tel: 01909 770937

We need police stations in Rother Valley: Tell Labour’s Police & Crime Commissioner you back Alexander Stafford’s campaign

Published: 17 August 2022

Alexander Stafford, local MP for Rother Valley, is restating his repeated calls on Labour PCC for South Yorkshire to re-open police bases in Dinnington and Maltby. He has long campaigned for a more visible police force in Rother Valley’s towns and, as only the PCC has the power to do this, Alexander is taking the plea to him directly.

This week, Alexander launched a petition calling on South Yorkshire’s Labour PCC to re-open a police station in Dinnington and establish a physical enquiry desk on Maltby high street, to give residents there some peace of mind and a dedicated policing point of contact. The local MP is calling on his constituents to sign this petition, to send a clear message to Dr Billings that the situation as it is cannot continue and that residents will not continue to accept a lack of investment in their policing by the PCC.

The issue of police stations has been raised multiple times in Parliament by Alexander and the response has been clear: it is the responsibility of the PCC to make operational decisions. It is therefore important that the petition is shared widely and signed by as many people as possible to ensure that the case for police stations in Rother Valley is as strong as possible.

Recently the PCC has reopened a police station in Edlington, Doncaster, so the same should happen in Rother Valley. We have 361 new officers on the beat in South Yorkshire, taking our total number of officers to almost 3,000 and these new police stations could provide a perfect base for their work.

Alexander’s petition can be accessed and signed via this link: https://signup.backourcampaign.co.uk/rother-valley-police-stations

Commenting, Alexander said:

I have asked the PCC to consider police bases in Rother Valley time and time again, and the response I get is always that there is not enough funding.

I don’t buy this. If there is not enough funding, why did the Labour PCC hand back £2 million in unspent funding last year? That money could have been invested in Rother Valley, making our communities safer.

Mobile police bases have been promised and this would be a good start, but even these have yet to materialise, so I need anyone who believes we need a more visible police presence in Rother Valley to sign my petition and tell Labour that this situation isn’t good enough and that their PCC needs to get a grip of the problems here in Rother Valley.

Todwick Best Front Gardens and Scarecrows Trail 2022: Walking route or in a car and stopping at various things to see

Published: 22 July 2022

There are a number of scarecrows to view…

From Todwick Village Hall (corner of The Pastures and Kiveton Lane) you can go across Kiveton Lane and in a very short time go to see Mortains and continue down Rayls Road. Go onto Manor Way and onto Manor Close cul-de-sac go to see No. 5 – Alwyn Batty’s delightful Best winning patio front garden – lots of trees, shrubs, climbing plants and an array of flowering displays. Alwyn won the 2019 Todwick Best Front Garden Award. He is also commended for keeping up such high standards.

Go along Manor Way down towards Church View and see the Commended lovely cottage garden collection of a great variety of flowers at No. 6 Church View.

Cross onto the small swing park area… and there is the ancient Todwick Church. The Doomsday Survey of 1086 records: ‘In Tatewic... a Church is there and three acres of meadow’. This early 11th-century building of rubble red sandstone forms the nave of the present Church. The chancel, of limestone, and the porch were added in the 14th century, while the Perpendicular tower with its eight crocketed pinnacles was built in the late 15th century.

See the results of efforts of various volunteers who keep the church yard surroundings and the Mary Gregory memorial plot at the left-hand side of the Church Porch very tidy.

Continue in the church yard following the path from right of the Church door and go through the gate to the ginnel that opens in Kiveton Lane and go up to 142 Kiveton Lane to see Lesley and John Carr’s Highly Commended Front Garden that covers the extended verge outside their garden. Lesley and John have delighted many people passing by their interesting garden/scarecrow displays throughout the last few years. Through the seasons this ever-changing garden and decorations always makes people smile as they pass by. Do see also Lesley and John’s scarecrow Chuckles the Clown!

Just past the bungalows go into Rectory Gardens and see the scarecrow named Strawbob Squarepants at No. 7 Rectory Gardens.

Further up Kiveton Lane you may wish to note that just past the “Glades buildings” is Todwick’s Bluebell wood which is in full flower in May time – see also Robin Hood’s memorial plaque and trysting tree – all worth a visit… (see the bluebells in full bloom photos).

Now cross Kiveton Lane here and go back into the village taking the first left into The Meadows. On the right-hand side of the road stop at No. 68-70 and look at Roy Bowell’s always lovely front garden. Continue along The Meadows have a look at some of the bright floral front gardens on your way.

Still on The Meadows turn into the cul-de-sac to see at No. 85 Sheila Pantry’s Commended colourful front garden and also the two Gardening scarecrows and the ever-present Mr Plantpot. From Sunday 24 July 2022 onwards YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO GO INTO No. 85 BACK GARDEN AND SEE the colourful garden and the most wonderful scenery stretching for miles.

Next go up the cul-de-sac to 87 The Meadows to see the colourful UKRAINE bunting and the delightful scarecrow Miss Ukraine made by Rosemary Chambers… 2022 3rd prize winner… congratulations!

Turn back into The Meadows to 83 The Meadows and see Denise and Brian Summerhayes’ Oldest Swinger in Town scarecrow.

Below at No. 79 The Meadows is the Brian Mullins’ scarecrow Two Stevecrows of Crucible Frame! Brian’s scarecrow is the 2022 1st Prize winner… many congratulations

Walk across the road into Mill Close look at Venta Pound’s Prayer for Peace Scarecrows at the white bungalow located corner of The Meadows/Mill Close also look at the other lovely colourful gardens.

Come back to The Meadows and turn into Mill Hills and then turn right into Guildway and see some colourful gardens on your way. Go down Guildway and a short way down, turn left into Sandwith Road – on the bend of the road see some of the lovely flowering gardens until Guildway joins The Meadows.

A few steps turn down, turn left into Staniforth Crescent and enjoy the other flowering gardens in De Houten Close.

As you continue on Staniforth Crescent turn into St Paul’s Close and at No. 2 is Coraine Carney’s scarecrow called 100 years celebration of the BBC. This is the 2022 2nd Prize winner.

Continue back to Staniforth Crescent and stop where the road bend and look at the Commended colourful flowers – lots of lovely roses in the garden at No. 6 – continue along Staniforth Crescent until it joins The Pastures. NOW cross The Pastures to go up Barber Close and look for the Barber Blacksheep tableau – a collective effort by the Barber Close residents! Well done.

At this point you may wish come back to The Pastures and turn right to stroll up to the cottages on Goosecarr Lane always lovely and always colourful smallest front gardens.

Stroll back down Goosecarr Lane and continue on The Pastures and see Heaven is Homemade Vintage Tea Rooms with Rachael Watson’s The Queen.

Cross the road and at No. 13 The Pastures, Brenda Waller invites you to visit both her Commended Front Garden – also go into back garden. Brenda says try and count the rabbits that come into her garden from the field.

Next door at No. 11 The Pastures is Wendy Early’s The Queen Scarecrow.

Cross The Pastures and go up Paddock View to see no. 1A to see the Radford’s garden and also see Elis’s Spiderman scarecrow

You are now back to Todwick Village Hall and the end of the Best Front Gardens and Best Scarecrow trail 2022. If you feel inspired, then instructions on how to make scarecrows are on Todwick website click onto this website – takes 1.5 minutes to make a scarecrow.

My grateful thanks to everyone who has made wonderful efforts to help cheer Todwickians and others passing through our village on a daily basis. Hope these lovely gardens and fun scarecrows may inspire others in future.

Great appreciation to all the judges/photographers involved for their time and patience – about 700 houses to look at! And to the splendid efforts of all involved.

Hope you enjoy your walk/drive around some parts of Todwick during the Best Front Gardens and Scarecrow Trail starting this weekend on from 12 noon Saturday and Sunday, 23 and 24 July 2022 and continues into August.

Contact: Sheila Pantry OBE, Organiser, Tel: 01909 771024, email: sp@sheilapantry.com

Garden photos

Scarecrow photos

Extreme heatwave safety advice issued by RoSPA

Published: 16 July 2022

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued precautionary advice to the UK public in a bid to lower the rate of accidents most commonly associated with extremely hot weather.

In a first for RoSPA, leading policy spokespeople from across the charity’s focuses, such as road, leisure and home safety, have collaborated to produce essential safety advice in response to the current warm weather and incoming heatwave anticipated in the coming days. Heatwaves can often have catastrophic implications for the vulnerable, as well as those that don’t use caution when encountering extreme temperatures. A government monitoring report from 2020 revealed that were 2,500 heatwave-related deaths in the UK, a year that saw temperatures rise as hot as 37 degrees in some areas of southeast east of England.

The Met Office has released a statement to alert the public of the imminent Red weather warning that a large part of the British Isles will see, with the peak of heat arriving on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

As a result, RoSPA has responded with this advice and guidance.

Alexander Stafford MP new Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister

Published: 12 July 2022

On Friday, 8 July 2022 Alexander Stafford, the Member of Parliament for Rother Valley was promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, during this transition phase of government. Previously Alexander had been a PPS at the Ministry of Defence

This is the first time ever a South Yorkshire Conservative MP has become a PPS to the Prime Minister.

This role will see Alexander assist in the day-to-day running of the Parliamentary side of the Prime Minister’s office including attending Cabinet meetings, always being with the PM in the House of Commons, assisting in the preparation of PMQs, and regular meetings with key officials at No. 10.

Commenting Alexander Stafford MP said “Being asked to be the Prime Minister’s PPS is a great honour and allows me to promote Rother Valley at the very highest levels as well as to assist with the transition phase of the Government. To me it is important that smooth running of government continues whilst we elect a new leader, but it is also important that I take every opportunity to ensure Rother Valley’s voice is heard at the highest level.”

Nocturnal visitor to Todwick

Published: 11 July 2022

Successful Todwick Church Garden Fete held on Saturday, 2nd July 2022

Published: 5 July 2022

Good news – the final total of monies raised at the fete was £2090.36 (compared with £1926 last year).

An excellent result. Many thanks for your contribution in making it a success either as a stall holder or a visitor.

Please keep supporting the maintenance of our near-1000-year-old Todwick Church.

Where were YOU when HM The Queen came to the Todwick Art, Flowers and Music Festival on Saturday, 28 May 2022 held in the Todwick Church and Church Hall

Published: 30 May 2022

Following the very successful events held in 2017, 2018 & 2019 and to help raise funds for the maintenance of our beautiful old Todwick Church (dated 1086) a Todwick Art, Flowers and Music Festival was held on Saturday afternoon, 28 May 2022. The Queen also came and stood in the Entrance Hall welcoming people. A perfect life sized cut out of her made loads of people wanting to have their photograph taken with her. See photos below.

The event successfully raised £430.60 – if anyone could not attend and still wish to make a contribution – however small – please contact organiser Sheila Pantry (Tel 01909 771024 or email sp@sheilapantry.com).

There were lots of very interesting topical displays of flowers and planters made by individuals and groups were on display – some are still on view in Todwick Church. Various kinds of artwork from Wales High School (WHS) and individuals were on display – many thanks to staff, students and others. Also Todwick groups, individuals, teenagers and children made some very interesting flower arrangements, from small to large – some are still on display in both the Todwick Church and Church Hall – many were auctioned off… some of those are now displayed at the time of writing in Upper Chapel, near the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield… Todwick’s influence stretches a long way!

Lucy & Mabel Hextall put on a show of lovely-decorated children summer hats. John Richardson presented a lovely collection of plants for sale, and there were lots of other plants on sale.

Ken Hill sold entry tickets and helped generally. Sandra Barker, Chris White, Annie Drury and Anne Finney were the refreshment Ladies – keeping busy all afternoon. Many thanks to the ladies who looked after the refreshments… see photos.

At 3.30 pm the flower displays and planters were very professionally auctioned off by Tony Rusling with Anne Rusling keeping lists of sales. All proceeds going towards the maintenance of the Todwick Church.

A delightful afternoon programme of relaxing music was provided free of charge by the Dearne Big Band entertaining visitors whilst they are viewing the flowers, planters and artwork or having some refreshments.

Organiser Sheila Pantry really appreciated all the help by a small number of willing volunteers. Anyone who would like to help for an hour two at future events please contact her, Tel: 01909 771024 or email: sp@sheilapantry.com

Alexander Stafford MP presents 2000 signature strong petition to parliament calling on Rotherham Council to extend school provision at Waverley Junior Academy

Published: 23 May 2022

Alexander Stafford, local Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, will present his petition to Parliament this afternoon calling for extended school provision at Waverley Junior Academy.

The petition, signed by almost 2,000 people, gained traction after it became clear that 39 families, each living 0.5 miles from the school or closer, had been denied a place for their child at their local school. Alexander convened a public meeting for affected and concerned families and is calling on Rotherham Council to act now so that a solution can be implemented in time for September.

Families welcomed the suggestion of temporary classrooms being erected as an interim measure whilst a more permanent solution could be found between Howarth, the developer at Waverley, and the Aston Community Education Trust, who are responsible for Waverley Junior Academy.

Alexander is therefore calling on parliament today to urge Rotherham Council to pursue a temporary classroom stop-gap solution and apply pressure on the developer to meet their obligations in terms of school provision in the new community.

Alongside his parliamentary efforts, he is in contact with Rotherham Council CEO, Aston Education Community Trust CEO and the local lead at Harworth, with whom he is in the process of arranging a meeting.

Commenting, Alexander said:

The fact that 39 families have been told that they are unable to send their children to their local school is unacceptable and represents a failure of Rotherham Council to make an adequate assessment of the local need.

This has resulted in significant stress and disruption for local families at a time when this is just not needed.

It is disappointing because the Waverley development was a real step forward for the council in terms of developing brownfield land and attempting to build communities rather than just houses, but once again they have fallen short.

The council now needs to ensure they exert pressure on the developers to meet their obligations THIS YEAR, so that families’ minds can be put at rest.

Todwickian Patrick Wilson

Published: 17 May 2022

It is with great sadness that we report the burial on 17 May 2022 in Todwick Churchyard of long-time resident Patrick Wilson of The Meadows.

RIP Pat.

Successful Fun Todwick Garden and House Plants, Seeds and Tools sale held on Sunday, 3 April 2022 raised £136.00 for Todwick Village Hall maintenance funds

Published: 8 April 2022

Lots of bargains were eagerly snapped up by visitors who came to the above event.

Hopefully, we shall see some results on show when one of Todwick’s favourite events – Todwick’s Best Front Gardens and the Best Scarecrows are on show all around the village from Saturday, 23 July 2022. Details on how to make a scarecrow see below.

So Calling all Todwick gardeners and planners – young and old…

The seed catalogues are starting to arrive through our letterboxes and now is the time to start your planning for the forthcoming growing season in your front garden!

This year is very special with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to celebrate – so hopefully everyone will be making great efforts to create a Splendiferous show in your front garden – you may be the winner of Todwick’s 2022 Best Front Garden.

Calling all Scarecrow makers – yours may be the 2022 best Todwick scarecrow!

Two Todwickians, Brian Summerhayes and Brian Mullins, have kindly sponsored the prizes: 1st prize £40, 2nd prize £20 and 3rd prize £10 for the 3 best scarecrows.

Join in this fun this year – get your children, grandchildren and others to help in the preparation. Perhaps the various Groups in the village may wish to make their own special Group scarecrow.

Easy to make scarecrows instructions – easy instructions – takes 1.5 minutes to make a scarecrow.

Judges will be visiting all scarecrows BUT please do register your scarecrow with its name if possible, with Sheila Pantry, 85 The Meadows, Todwick S26 1JG, Tel: 01909 771024.

5000 vacancies and 200 visitors at Alexander Stafford MP’s highly successful Gulliver’s Valley jobs fair

Published: 23 March 2022

Alexander Stafford, local Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, recently joined forces with the DWP and Gulliver’s Valley to co-host the biggest regional Jobs Fair in recent years, the first ever in Rother Valley, and the largest DWP event since before the pandemic.

Over 25 employers and apprenticeship providers were present with stands on the day, including Gulliver’s, Greencore, McDonalds, British Army, Stagecoach, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) and Rotherham Hospital among others. Between them, the companies had over 5000 vacancies to fill, meaning that there was a real opportunity for Rother Valley residents to bag a lifechanging role at the fair.

Greencore and McDonalds reported booking in almost 40 interviews between them on the day alone, with other companies conducting interviews there and then, and educational advice was on offer from EDLounge and Rotherham College, meaning that there really was something for everyone.

Commenting, Alexander said:

It was a pleasure to work alongside DWP and Gulliver’s to deliver this fantastic event.

There are so many jobs out there at the moment, and plenty of opportunities across Rother Valley, whether you are a constituent looking for a career change or kick-start.

I was blown away to see over 200 people raring to go and get a job, and the wealth of local employers with vacancies available to them.

I look forward to joining forces with DWP again to get more of these events up and running at different locations in Rother Valley.

Mothers’ Day Treat – see the FANTASTIC Frank Brooker and the Happy Chappies – Sunday, 27 March 2022

Published: 22 March 2022

Doors open at 2.00 pm, band plays 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm, 30 minute break, then band plays 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm.

Big New Jazz Club Event in Barnsley at the Fairway Hotel in the beautifully refurbished Bluebell Conference Centre, located 0.8 miles from M1 Junction 37 on A628 Whinby Hill to Fairway Hotel at the roundabout with Elmhurst Lane on the last Sunday afternoon of the month. Takes about 25 minutes from Todwick to the Bluebell Conference Centre – see map.

Afternoon jazz each month started on Sunday, 30 January 2022 when a large audience was brilliantly entertained by the Washington Whirligig band – led by Dave Hepworth. On Sunday, 27 February 2022 Keith Shone’s Winston Pennine Jazz gave wonderful afternoon of delightful jazz.

Plenty of parking immediately at the Bluebell Conference Centre.

Tickets available beforehand cost person £10.00 each.

Contact Organiser: Sheila Pantry Tel: 01909 771024 or sp@sheilapantry.com

The adjoining Fairway Hotel offers food before the event starts and also after the event finishes. Phone 0871 200 2289 if you wish to book food.

Rother Valley Jobs Fair on 18 March 2022

Published: 17 March 2022

Alexander Stafford writes:

I am delighted to be working alongside Jobcentre Plus and Gulliver’s Valley to launch a Rother Valley Jobs Fair.

My event will take place Friday, 18 March 2022 between 3 pm and 7 pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for either a career change or jump start to come and speak to one of the many prospective employers from businesses across Rother Valley.

I am incredibly excited to be opening this landmark event for our area and hope people will come along – you may land the job you have always been looking for.

500 job vacancies on offer

The list is growing all the time, but already Gulliver’s, Greencore, Shepherds Distribution, Pearson’s, McDonalds, Woolley Brothers, British Army and Stagecoach have confirmed their attendance.

Between Gulliver’s and Greencore alone, there are 500 vacancies up for grabs, to suit a range of candidates, so if you are on the hunt for a job, this event is not to be missed.

Free CV and cover letter writing and career progression workshops

To complement the work of the Job Centre on preparing an effective CV and cover letter, the team from Google Digital Garage will be on hand, delivering workshops on how to spruce up your job application materials and how to advance your career.

Apprenticeship advice

If you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship, look no further. EDLounge will be in attendance to offer advice on apprenticeships and opportunities within the Sheffield City Region.

Jobs Fair details

Date:

Friday, 18th March 2022

Time:

3 pm – 7 pm

Location:

Gulliver’s Valley, Mansfield Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S26 5QW

I hope to see as many people there as possible. This is such a fantastic opportunity and with at least 500 jobs up for grabs, it’s not to be missed.

If you have any questions about the event, or if you have a business and would like a stand, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Email: alexander.stafford.mp@parliament.uk

Telephone: 01909 494952

Todwick Jazz Supper Club news

Published: 14 March 2022

On 12 March 2022, Dearne Valley Big band consisting of 12 musicians, 3 delightful singers conducted by their leader Loraine offered a brilliant evening of jazz and big band tunes that really impressed their Todwick audience.

We are now looking forward on 16 April 2022 to hearing/seeing Dave Pogson and the Spirit of New Orleans Jazz Band. 55 people have already booked but still a few seats left. Book now contact Sheila at sp@sheilapantry.com or 01909 771024

The following dates are really being looked forward to:

• 14 May 2022 – Dave Hepworth 1920s Jazz band
• 18 June 2022 – Savannah jazz band
• 16 July 2022 – Frank Booker and the Happy Chappies

Keep watching this space. Events start at 7.00 pm and finish at 10.00 pm. Supper break will be at 8.00 pm – 8.35 pm.

All profits after expenses from these events go to the Todwick Village Hall maintenance.

The Todwick Village Hall Trustees and Management Committee are very grateful for this continued support.

Contact organiser Sheila Pantry on 01909 771024 or email sp@sheilapantry.com

World Book Day – 3 March 2022

Published: 3 March 2022

World Book Day (WBD) changes lives through a love of books and shared reading and is celebrated annually on 3 March.

The mission is to promote reading for pleasure, and especially offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. WBD want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.

https://www.worldbookday.com/about-us

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch latest advice from South Yorkshire Police

Published: 28 February 2022

We have just been advised by South Yorkshire Police that burglaries and attempted burglaries are on the rise in the Rotherham South part of the borough. That area includes Todwick.

We would advise that when you leave home that all windows are closed and locked including upstairs windows.

Try not to leave the house or flat keys in the lock or near the outside door.

Any ladders outside your home should be locked away out of sight.

Whilst a little early for gardening, we recommend that garden tools are not left outside where burglars could use them to force open a door.

Finally, be aware of distraction burglaries. These come in many shapes and sizes. Usually 2 people are involved. Whilst one is distracting you with an enquiry or request for you to undertake a task, the other will enter your home and steal whatever is lying around.

Please don’t be conned.

STAY SAFE

Norman Anderson
Todwick Neighbourhood Watch

Todwick in early Spring 2022

Published: 28 February 2022

Big new jazz events opening in Barnsley

Published: 22 February 2022

At the Fairway Hotel Bluebell Conference Centre, located 1 mile from M1 Junction 37 A628 on the last Sunday afternoon each month.

Next event is on Sunday, 27 February 2022 – doors open at 2.00 pm, band plays 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm, 30 minute break, then band plays 4.00 pm – 5 pm.

There is a dance floor available for those who like to dance.

The well-known Keith Shone’s Winston Pennine jazz band will be playing.

The beautifully refurbished BLUEBELL CONFERENCE CENTRE can seat 200 people, it is well ventilated.

Tickets available beforehand cost person £10.00 each.

Contact Organiser: Sheila Pantry Tel: 01909 771024 or sp@sheilapantry.com

The Bluebell Suite, Fairway Hotel is located at Elmhirst Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 4LS… located a few minutes’ drive from MI Junction 37 on the A628 road.

Food is available at the Fairway Hotel pre the jazz event and afterwards.

Todwick Neighbourhood Watch News – February 2022

Published: 15 February 2022

We have been made aware of the recent attempted theft of a high-value vehicle in Todwick. A scanner was used to open the keyless vehicle and various personal effects that had been left in the car were stolen. Despite damage to the electronic gates control system, the people involved did not manage to steal the vehicle. We would remind everyone not to leave personal items inside the car. Handbags, vehicle keys, house keys, spectacles, plastic cards – many of which have a contactless facility, diaries – yes, these can show where you will be in the future and possibly away from your home. What a bonus for the burglar?

During what is left of the winter period, we would also like to remind you regarding vehicles parked outside – overnight. In the morning, please do not be tempted to start the engine and go back into the house whilst it is defrosting the vehicle windows. On your driveway it is an open invitation for an opportunist thief to relieve you of your transport. If the vehicle is on the carriageway, it is also illegal.

Stay safe...... and mobile.

Norman Anderson, Chair

Todwick Jazz Supper Club News

Published: 9 February 2022

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2022 – now Covid-19 restrictions have officially finished… but keep safe and well.

On 22 January 2022 Chris Howse and the Harmony Hounds really entertained us with a range of tunes from way back in the 1920s! The Harmony Hounds are a band of first rate musicians producing a sound which can best be described as a miniature version of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Many Thanks to the musicians for all their efforts in providing such an uplifting, entertaining evening.

All efforts are being made at Todwick Village Hall (TVH) to keep the Hall facilities, the chairs and tables all sanitized. Please feel free to wear a mask. Lots of sanitiser kits around the hall. Windows open, heating on and also ventilation fans. Very many thanks to Sue Wright, TVH Manager for all her efforts in maintaining such high standards.

Next event

Saturday, 12 February 2022 we have a FULL audience booked in to be entertained by Wil Robinson’s Southside All Stars. Be prepared to hear and see this group of wonderful musicians bringing jazz to a new level. The musicians are Wil Robinson on trumpet and perhaps flugelhorn, Eugene Farrar on trombone, Andy Wallis on reeds, Chris Walker - guitar and banjo, Kev Walker on double bass and Rod McNamara on drums.

More Dates for your 2022 diaries and calendars

Please help keep Trad Jazz alive and support these wonderful jazz bands. Use it or lose it! The bands come from far and wide – following dates are for your 2022 diaries and calendars…

From January 2022 all Todwick Jazz Supper Club events will start at 7.00 pm and finish at 10.00 pm. Supper break will be at 8.00pm – 8.35pm

• 12 March 2022 – Dearne Valley Big Band
• 16 April 2022 – Dave Pogson and the Spirit of New Orleans Jazz Band
• 14 May 2022 – Dave Hepworth 1920s Jazz Band
• 18 June 2022 – Savannah Jazz Band
• 16 July 2022 – band being confirmed
• 13 August 2022 – band being confirmed

Keep watching this space. All profits after expenses from these events go to the Todwick Village Hall maintenance. The Todwick Village Hall Trustees and Management Committee are very grateful for this continued support.

Something Really Different – Big New Jazz Club Event in Barnsley…

…at the Fairway Hotel in the beautifully refurbished Bluebell Conference Centre, located 0.8 miles from M1 Junction 37 on A628 Whinby Hill to Fairway Hotel at the roundabout with Elmhurst Lane…

…on the last sunday afternoon of the month.

Takes about 25 minutes from Todwick to the BLUEBELL Conference Centre – see map

Afternoon jazz each month started on Sunday, 30 January 2022 when a large audience was brilliantly entertained by the Washington Whirligig band – led by Dave Hepworth.

The next event is on Sunday, 27 February 2022 when Keith Shone’s Winston Pennine Jazz will entertain us.

Doors open at 2.00pm, band plays 2.30pm – 3.30pm, 30 minute break, then band plays 4.00pm – 5pm.

Plenty of parking immediately at the Bluebell Conference Centre.

Tickets available beforehand cost person £10.00 each.

Contact Organiser: Sheila Pantry Tel: 01909 771024 or sp@sheilapantry.com

The adjoining Fairway Hotel offers food before the event starts and also after the event finishes. Phone 0871 200 2289 if you wish to book food.

Please urgently contact Sheila as soon as possible, if once booked you have to cancel your booking for any of these events. We always have waiting lists for our jazz events! To keep up to date see jazz diary of events & news on this website.

Public notice of temporary road closures around Todwick

Published: 7 February 2022

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1)

PART OF A57 ASTON WAY/M1 ROUNDABOUT ASTON CENTRAL RESERVE OF A57 WORKSOP ROAD AND PART OF GOOSECARR LANE TODWICK SHEFFIELD

TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC AND TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TURNING MANOEUVRE)

NOTICE is hereby given that Rotherham Borough Council has made an Order the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along the parts of road specified in the schedule to this notice from Monday 7th February until Monday 14th February 2022 between 8pm and 5am each day.

The reason for the prohibitions is because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the three parts of road (Bridge joint repairs and management of non-motorway traffic).

SCHEDULE

(i) The southern side of the A57/M1 roundabout between the M1 junction 31 southbound entry slip road and the M1 Junction 31 northbound exit slip road (the alternative routes are: (1. for vehicles under 14′ 9″ in height or non-motorway users under 14′ 9″ in height via Kiveton Lane, 86059 Station Road, B6059 Wales Road, B6059 School Road, A618 Mansfield Road and Aston Way eastbound and 2. for vehicles over 14′ 9″ in height and permitted to drive along a motorway via M1 southbound and ‘U’ turn at junction 30 and M1 northbound to junction 31 slip road on to the A57).

(ii) Temporary closure of central reserve on A57 Worksop Road to east of A57/M1 interchange prohibiting a right turn in and out onto Worksop Road (the alternative route is A57 eastbound and then via (i)1 or (i)2. Vehicles wanting to access Hardwick village from the A57 east must either approach from the A57 in a westerly direction from the J31 roundabout or follow the diversion routes (i) or (ii) as applicable).

(iii) To prohibit any vehicle from travelling in any direction other than a southerly direction along Goosecarr Lane from its junction with Sheffield Road (old A57) and the A57 stop non motorway traffic using the A57 westbound at its junction with the A57 Worksop Road (access for residents only maintained via The Pastures up to Sheffield Road (old A57), no access onto the A57 westbound).

Dated this 4th day of February 2022

Bal Nahal, Head of Legal Services

Enquiries about the above be addressed to: Head of Legal Services, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham S60 1AE

Lack of books and fast deteriorating buildings at Wales High School

Published: 28 January 2022

Listen to BBC Radio 4 national broadcast by Head teacher at Wales High School (WHS) Pepe Di’Iasio who is also President of the Association of Schools and College Leaders.

The broadcast was at 1.30 pm on Tuesday, 25 January 2022 and be shocked to hear what an awful state of affairs exists at our local Wales High School. Go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0013rrp and then move the bar to 36.58 to hear the WHS Head Teacher speaking about lack of finance and the consequences and that no books are available to the students and school buildings with rooms that let the rain in.

All the Wales High School’s reserves, £750,000, have now gone.

The broadcast is shocking news and action and support is needed from local people and businesses. Can anyone help please? If so, please contact:

Pepe Di’Iasio
Head Teacher
Wales High School
Storth Lane
Kiveton Park
Sheffield S26 5QQ

Tel: 01909 771291

Email: pd@waleshigh.com

For more information please also visit: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rotherham-schools-financial-problems-laid-22694996

This news item is written by Sheila Pantry OBE from Todwick.

Rother Valley MP joins the government benches as PPS to the Ministry of Defence

Published: 24 January 2022

Alexander Stafford, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, has been promoted to join the Government Benches. He has been appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, a “PPS” to the Ministry of Defence. A PPS is an unpaid assistant to a Minister, and whilst not a direct member of the Government they are subject to parts of the Ministerial Code.

This is the first time a South Yorkshire Conservative has become a Government PPS in decades, and the first time a Member of Parliament for Rother Valley has been a Government PPS since the 1970s.

This role will see Alexander assist in the day-to-day running of the Ministry of Defence, working closely with Ministers, Civil Servants and Special Advisors, and giving him a better understanding of the work of the armed forces.

Alexander was appointed at the start of January to the role.

Alexander Stafford MP commented “It is a great honour to be appointed to this position and will allow me to gain a better understanding and insight into the work of the amazing men and women of our great armed forces. My main focus will of course be on ensuring that Rother Valley is a better place to live, work and play, but this new role will allow me to engage even more directly with the Government so that Rother Valley’s voice will always be heard.

Zach Collingham, Chairman of the Rotherham Conservatives said “We are so proud of Alexander’s well-deserved promotion. It is super that Alexander has an input at the very top table, helping to amplify Rother Valley’s voice. When he was elected Alexander promised to make sure that everyone in Government knew about Rother Valley, and this is just one more way he is achieving this.”

Note – Institute for Government on PPS: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/parliamentary-private-secretaries

Alexander Stafford MP outlines his views on council spending priorities for the coming year

Published: 21 January 2022

Alexander Stafford, local Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, has set out his views on Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s (RMBC) spending priorities for the coming year. Calling for greater investment in towns outside of Rotherham centre, he is focussed on improving transport and infrastructure across Rother Valley, investing in town centres throughout the constituency and taking steps to reduce crime and make our public spaces safer.

Beginning with transport and infrastructure, Alexander calls for greater road safety measures, particularly at the Red Lion roundabout on the A57 and outside schools in his constituency, one of which submitted a parliamentary petition calling for a permanent 20 mph speed limit around it’s perimeter at all times. Noting with sadness the fatalities which have occurred on Rother Valley roads in the last year, Alexander is calling on the council to act before any further loss of life is incurred as a result of dangerous roads and speeding vehicles. The local MP calls for a widening of the road between Dinnington and Todwick to alleviate the pressure on this road and the significant tailbacks which occur as a result at all times of the day.

A fervent campaigner for Rother Valley’s high streets, Alexander calls on RMBC to commit to resubmitting a bid for Dinnington High Street to the Levelling Up Fund this spring. Having already secured £4.5 million for Maltby from the Government’s Levelling Up scheme after a successful campaign, Alexander is now keen to ensure that all of Rother Valley benefits. With feedback on the Dinnington bid now received, Alexander looks forward to working with RMBC on strengthening the bid in time for the next round of applications, and in turn to working with them to kickstart those high streets, like Thurcroft, Kiveton Park, Harthill, Aston and Swallownest, which were overlooked in the first round of funding.

Reaffirming his belief in the need for a change in the public transport network in South Yorkshire, Alexander outlined the need for RMBC and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to work together to overhaul South Yorkshire’s public transport model. He has renewed his calls for a franchised model and hopes that this will be taken seriously after it was backed by Conservative Councillors at this month’s full council meeting in Magna.

Alexander has called on RMBC to protect green spaces when considering planning applications. Having spoken against a number of high-profile appeals, including at the Lambrell Avenue hearing in Kiveton Park and the Pitches development, he has achieved success in helping communities overturn inappropriate applications; however, he believes that RMBC must change their policy of removing land from the green belt to develop inappropriate housing, rather than utilising brownfield land to build the homes we need.

Commenting, Alexander said:

I welcome the opportunity to comment on RMBC’s spending priorities for the coming year and implore them to look beyond Rotherham town centre when considering investments.

Communities across Rother Valley have been left behind for far too long and I hope that the council will commit to investing in our high streets, our public transport network and our roads.

We need the council to come forward with a credible plan for the WHOLE of Rotherham borough, and that means Rother Valley getting its fair share too.

The text of Alexander’s letter can be found below:

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for inviting me to participate in the currently-ongoing consultation period for council spending priorities in the coming year. As local Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, I would like to take this opportunity to set out my views on what is needed across Rother Valley and what my constituents would like to see from RMBC in terms of investment in our area.

Roads and infrastructure

Road safety has been a very important topic to residents across Rother Valley over the last 12 months, and I am especially concerned about road safety in Aston & Todwick, where there were a number of accidents. As you know, there were a number of fatalities on our roads last year, and this is completely unacceptable. We need to prioritise road safety in the coming year, particularly around schools such as Aston Fence, who would like to see the implementation of a permanent 20 mph zone, and Laughton-en-le-Morthen, where speeding down School Lane is a significant danger.

I continue to have significant concerns about the A57 and the Red Lion roundabout in Todwick. I would very much like to see RMBC investing in this road, to increase the safety of the roundabout and to alleviate the very heavy traffic, persistent at all times of the day, between Dinnington and Worksop. The road needs to be widened here to accommodate an extra lane and ease the pressure of the traffic travelling in this direction.

There is a need to install traffic lights, both on this roundabout and on the motorway exit at junction 30 from the M1 northbound, because drivers here are increasingly becoming frustrated by queues and taking great risks to exit the roundabout. This is particularly apparent on the aforementioned motorway junction. There are traffic lights on all other junctions and the northbound exit needs to be controlled by traffic lights also.

Local open spaces and amenities

The safety of our public spaces is paramount and we must ensure that our high streets, parks and green spaces are safe and accessible to all.

I would like to see RMBC invest in better security measures around the market area in Dinnington, which has long been a blackspot for crime and antisocial behaviour. Businesses are being significantly affected and residents do not feel safe in the area at night.

Some of the smaller villages have been plagued by an upsurge in crime, for example Woodsetts, North and South Anston and Brookhouse, and I would like to see the council investing in preventative measures, such as signage and CCTV, as has been installed in Brookhouse, to increase the safety of vulnerable and often elderly residents.

Fly-tipping continues to be a problem, and I would like to see the council take steps, such as relaxing the stringent restrictions on access to local waste recycling centres, to alleviate this. I believe that the council puts up too many barriers to accessing these facilities and this actively encourages fly-tipping. Allowing more people to access tips would surely make more fiscal sense than footing the bill for clearing fly-tipping as regularly as is currently needed.

Business and enterprise

I would like to thank the council and officers for their ongoing work on the Levelling Up Fund bid for Dinnington high street. This remains the single biggest challenge in terms of business and enterprise in Rother Valley and the bid’s success would be transformative for the town and it’s residents.

In the interim, as outlined above, I believe that a number of measures around deterring crime and securing the area outside the interchange are needed.

I would also like to see investment on some of Rother Valley’s smaller high streets, which missed out on a Levelling Up Fund bid, including:

• Swallownest & Aston
• Thurcroft
• Kiveton Park
• Harthill

I am aware that the Council has introduced a Towns and Villages Fund, which I welcome; however, I hope that this is distributed equitably, so that vital funding reaches those areas that need it most.

Public transport infrastructure

The current public transport model is failing Rother Valley. The connections between our towns like Dinnington and Maltby are non-existent and links between towns and the rest of the borough are poor. Existing services are unreliable and infrequent.

There are a number of rural settlements in Rother Valley, such as Thorpe Salvin, Woodsetts, Letwell, Ulley et al., and even Todwick and Harthill, which miss out on vital public transport because any routes in these areas are or would be underused. For this reason, it is not commercially viable to run services here and therefore those residents lose out.

This cannot continue. The Rother Valley Transport Taskforce and all members are calling on the council to work with the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority to put in place a franchised system. This would allow funding to be diverted from busy routes, e.g. commuter routes, to fund essential but perhaps not busy routes connecting villages like Thorpe Salvin to larger towns such as Dinnington.

Not only would this improve business and enterprise in these places, but if the Council is to meet its climate targets, then it needs to provide a credible alternative to travelling via car. At present, public transport in Rother Valley is not a reliable alternative, hence residents cannot use it.

Planning

I remain concerned about the council’s policy of removing land from the green belt to develop inappropriate housing, rather than utilising brownfield land to build the homes we need.

The Park Hill development in Swallownest and Lambrell Avenue in Kiveton Park are examples of this. Those communities do not have the infrastructure to support extra housing on former green belt land and furthermore, the proportion of affordable housing in the Park Hill development is significantly under the recommended minimum.

RMBC should look to replicate the work it has done in developing Waverley, which has been much more about creating communities than simply building houses, and has utilised brownfield land to develop those areas for the future.

Kiveton Park Station

Continuing on the theme of public transport, I would like to see RMBC improve facilities at Kiveton Park Station, particularly parking, to encourage more customers to utilise this station.

I am aware that there is a the nearby depot has been considered previously as a potential site for increased parking facilities and I would welcome further exploration of this to vastly improve capacity for cars at the site.

Social care

Social care routinely comprises the highest proportion of council spending and whilst this is right, I am concerned that the services needed by my residents are severely lacking.

The provision of services and support for children with autism and other needs covered by and EHCP are severely lacking, with waiting lists far too often stretching into years. This is having a detrimental effect on the attainment of children in my constituency, which cannot continue.

Whilst I realise that there is some triangulation in this service, with schools and the NHS Foundation Trusts having a role to play, RMBC have a responsibility to support children and families with additional needs to have the same chance of success as their peers who do not have additional needs.

I would therefore like to see greater collaboration between RMBC, schools and hospitals and more money for Rother Valley to ensure that children born in Maltby, Dinnington or anywhere else in my constituency have the same chance of success as children born anywhere else.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Alexander Stafford MP

Alexander Stafford MP calls for creation of franchised public transport model in South Yorkshire

Published: 7 January 2022

Alexander Stafford MP, fervent campaigner on public transport, founder of the Rother Valley Public Transport Taskforce and Member of Parliament for Rother Valley, is calling on South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority leader, Mayor Dan Jarvis, to franchise public transport in South Yorkshire in an effort to overhaul and improve abysmal service.

As part of these calls, Alexander has announced that the creation of Transport for South Yorkshire is a core part of his transport plan for Rother Valley and feeds into the Government’s recently released ‘Bus Back Better’ national bus strategy. Transport for South Yorkshire will utilise the devolved transport powers that lie with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis, to integrate the bus network across the county.

Transport for South Yorkshire must achieve the following vital objectives. Firstly, Transport for South Yorkshire must preside over a fully-integrated, high-capacity bus network for South Yorkshire. In order to do this, Transport for South Yorkshire must set standardised, affordable bus fares across the county, to apply to all services and routes regardless of the private operator. This means that a ticket or pass can be used on any bus anywhere in the county. Additionally, the transport body must subsidise more affordable fares for eligible pensioners, children, and disabled people. Furthermore, Transport for South Yorkshire must centrally plan and control all routes, timetables, and funding, and all services must operate under Transport for South Yorkshire livery and branding as is the case in London.

Secondly, Transport for South Yorkshire must deliver more frequent bus services – one an hour is simply not good enough – and many more routes, with a mixture of routes which link up every town and village in our region, and then also super-fast direct routes between larger towns and cities. The transport body must pay for bus services at times and in areas where no commercial bus services are provided, or should make the provision of these universal service obligation routes by private companies contingent on the awarding of certain lucrative franchises. Thirdly, there must be clear performance targets and benchmarks to guarantee reliable service, with the option for the franchise to be removed from the underperforming private company if necessary. In line with this, there must be an easily accessible central complaints procedure for passengers with the right to an official response.

Fourthly, Transport for South Yorkshire must invest in the region’s physical and digital bus infrastructure, making bus travel easier and smarter. The body must introduce a clear, consistent network map and bus numbering system which can be easily understood and remembered. There needs to be a revamp of South Yorkshire’s bus stations, bus stops, and bus shelters, with new modern transport interchanges where necessary. Digitally, there should be a Transport for South Yorkshire mobile app where one can plan one’s route and track one’s bus; electronic bus boards at every stop which indicates the time until the next bus; and tap in and tap out contactless fare technology as operates in London and Manchester.

Finally, Transport for South Yorkshire must be in charge of a bold and ambitious regional transport strategy for the decades ahead, placing capital transport investment and sustainable green technology at the heart of transport in South Yorkshire. Once the bus network reforms have been implemented, Transport for South Yorkshire can look to integrate the Sheffield Supertram, local trains, and public bicycle hire schemes into the network.

More information: https://www.alexanderstafford.org.uk/news/alexander-stafford-mp-calls-cration-franchised-public-transport-model-south-yorkshire