01709 532323
Your Wentworth Valley Community Newspaper August 2009
Skating to Fame
The Big Interview page 9
Page 16
Winthrop Park page 6
Wickersley residents turn out to consultation on new homes
The consultation show on Rotherham MBC’s Local Development Framework (LDF) arrived in Wickersley last month, and was swamped by concerned residents. Wickersley Cllrs Sue Ellis and Peter Thirlwall were also in attendance collecting signatories to the Parish Council’s objection to the proposed Option Three which would see 1,770 new homes built in Bramley and Wickersley. “In the past RMBC has failed to meet its building targets, so it is absurd to inflate the number of new builds as they have done in Option Three,” said Cllr Ellis. Almost 500 people added their names to the protest petition. In response to local concerns, the deadline for comments on the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Revised Options Document has been extended yet again. This provides a welcome opportunity for the many residents, who have missed out, to become involved in long term decisions about how best to meet the Borough’s future housing and employment land needs. Responses can now be sent in up to the end of August. By applying for Growth Point Status and to achieve ’top-down’ regional (Government) requirements to provide more housing , Rotherham MBC is now seeking to build some 25,000 homes between 2008 and 2026 (10,000 more than the previously planned 15,000 homes). Option Three, however, features a total of 33,965 homes!
“That number of houses would ruin the amenities we have here in Wickersley,” said Mrs Pat Mason. There was also criticism of the consultation process. “There has been very little contact with the people of Wickersley,” said Ann Thornton, another resident. Much additional “employment land” is also being sought. Together, it is envisaged that these increased requirements will take up much brown field land and that they will put very considerable pressure on the Borough’s Green Belt. Many concerns have already been expressed about the proposals. Has Rotherham behaved foolishly in deliberately seeking to expand at such a rapid rate? Will the Borough’s schools, roads, public transport infrastructure, community facilities, utilities and drains have the capacity to meet the additional need? This latter issue was raised by another local resident Sarah Kennedy. “We asked about infrastructure, but the Council Officer said that would be considered at a later stage. Wickersley schools are already full, so where will children of the new households go to school? The Officer also seemed to suggest that Wickersley would be considered a prime site by developers.” Consultation documents are available at www.rotherham.gov.uk. Paper copies of the Consultation Documents are also available for both inspection and loan from local libraries.
2 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Events Calendar
10 10 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 22 26 29 30 31 sept 1 1 5 12 aug Multi-Sport Camp
Rotherham by the Sea
Be Cool in the Pool
10th - 14th August All Saints Square, open from 9.30 For details drop into visitor centre
10
SUPERTOTS
Maltby Community School extensions field, Lilly Hall Rd 5-7yrs: 10am - 12 noon 8-13yrs: 10am - 3pm £2 half day, £4 full day £18 per week
Parish Centre (next to METS) Morrell Street, Every Tues/Thurs 9:00 - 11:00, 1st session 50p Tel: 07817 405255
Wheelie Good Street Sports
Maltby Crags Women’s Group
17
Maltby Manor Fields Skate Park 10:00 - 13:00 All Welcome BMX bikers, skateboard jumpers & in-line skate dare devils
22
18
until 2nd September 2009 Maltby Sports Centre Free swimming for those aged 16 yrs and under tel: 01709 813511
10
Edward Dunn Memorial Hall, 18:30 All Welcome
19
Edward Dunn Memorial Hall Every Friday 14:00-16:30 Everyone welcome
14
Wickersley Community Centre Tues 18:30 - 21:30 Thurs 19:30-21:30 Open to all over 16yrs
20
Rock in Rotherham Musical Festival
Wickersley Old Village CC Vs Hallam CC
Northfield Lane, Wickersley 13:00
Folk and Acoustic Night
Wickersley Writers Workshop
The Three Tuns, Stainton 20:00 Folks, Blues, 60s, Anything acoustic Call John: 01709 813530
Wickersley Community Centre Every other Tues, 13:00 - 15:00 Tel Margaret: 01709 543991
29
1
Rotherham Fun Fest
Wickersley Operatics Society
Maltby Town Council Meeting
Crags School Community Room 9:00 - 11:00. Every Wednesday Term Time. Speakers, Crafts etc. For info: 07817 405255
26
Maltby Town Council Surgery
Tea, coffee & biscuits served
1
Rotherham Town Centre, 15:00-22:30, £7 on the door Proceeds to Rotherham Hospice www.rockinrotherham.co.uk
30
16
Maltby Miners Welfare CC Vs Wath CC Muglet Lane, Maltby 13:00
22
Maltby Main Vs Hallam Muglet Lane, Maltby 15:00
31
Miners’ Musical Medley
Maltby Main Vs Parkgate Muglet Lane, Maltby 15:00
Herringthorpe Playing Fields 11:00 - 16:00 Over 20 different activities Free Admission
5
Coronation Park, Maltby 13:00 - 15:00 Free Entry
12
Bartholomew & Sons Funeral Directors est 1891
Serving Maltby and surounding areas for over 40 years. For a caring, professional service 24 hours a day
812158 & 363706
The Funeral Home, Coleridge Road, Maltby S66 7LT Pre Payment Funeral plans available.
Jeremy Neal Funeral Director Office & Chapel of Rest
Maltby Independent Funeral Service 17 Morrell Street Maltby S66 7LL
01709 815959
Pre paid funeral plans available
24 hr service Dedicated to Dignity, Care & Respect www.rotherhamfunerals.co.uk
www.maltbynews.co.uk 3
August 2009
Community News
S-Factor wows the Magna Local and Family History Weekend Maltby Local History Society will be contributing resources to a Local and Family History Weekend on 22nd and 23rd August, to be staged at St Bartholomew’s Church as part of its Patronal Festival. There will be displays of photographs and documents including the earliest known list of employees at Maltby Colliery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the church, the parish and its families. The event will be open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and from 2pm to 4pm on the Sunday. Further information is available on 812035.
This year’s S Factor proved a resounding success as some local talent thrilled an enthusiastic audience at Magna last month. S factor is a singing and dancing competition where students from Kelford and Hilltop schools compete against each other. This year marked the fourth anniversary of the event, which was attended by a crowd of over 500. Judges were Jonathan Wainwright from Hallam University, Chris Hopkins from U-explore and Mick Connel one of Hilltop’s school advisors. The winners were - 1st Laura Gregory (Hilltop) singing The Rose 2nd - The Ting Tings (Hilltop) - Stephen Read, Thomas Harrop, Christopher Revill, Carla Fretwell, Autumn Simpson Clayton, Bryoney Price
singing That’s Not My Name 3rd - Glen Makin (Hilltop) singing Goodmorning Judge. All three acts have won recording time at The Music Factory to record their songs and gift vouchers. Special mentions went to Ellie Blackburn (Kelford), Joe Wiggett, Emily Critchlow and Andrew Dearden (All from Hilltop) The night was a real celebration of the effort all the students put in to over come their disabilities and it was a truely inspirational night full of tears and laughter. Clockwise from top left: Laura Gregory, Glen Makin with judges, Stephen Read and then as the Ting Tings - Stephen Read, Thomas Harrop, Christopher Revill, Carla Fretwell, Autumn Simpson Clayton and Bryoney Price.
4 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Community News
Rotary take round walk for charity aims Members of the Rotary Club of Rotherham organised and took part in one of the walks in this year’s tenth Rotherham Walking Festival last month. Over 40 walkers led by club Past President John Wadsworth set off on a six mile ramble around Whiston and Wickersley, using part of the famous Rotherham Rotary Roundwalk course. Historical comments were provided by Len Wilson and John also gave some facts about the Roundwalk and Rotary. A shower of rain was soon shrugged off when the sun came out as the walkers filed through this cornfield near Royd’s Moor on the way back to Whiston (right). The Club also staged a Charity Concert at the Rotherham Arts Centre entitled “An Evening with Benjamin Frith.” Guests in the packed auditorium included the Mayor Cllr.
Shaukat Ali, Rotary District Governor Peter Manton and Past District Governor Mohammad Ali. Locally born concert pianist Benjamin Frith has acquired an international reputation, and demonstrated why in playing a variety of sonatas and other pieces from Haydn to Wagner. Concert organiser Michael Sumption said the event should raise around £1360. This will be divided between the Rotherham Gamma Scanner Appeal, and the Rotary Foundation “End Polio Now” campaign. Along with international partners, the Rotary Polio Plus vaccination programme has now limited endemic polio to four countries. It currently needs to raise $200 million, to be matched by the Bill Gates Foundation, to make the final push to eliminate this crippling disease.
Riding club out to be good neighbours
home improvements • Over 20 years experience • One of the oldest local companies still trading • New lead free window systems • Soffits , facias and guttering • Replacement glass service • Finance available • Composite doors • Home extensions • Garage conversions • Design and build service • Conservatories • Windows • Doors • Certass approved installer • 10 yr insurance backed guarantee • Bow conversions • Patio doors • French doors • Bi-fold doors
For more information call or visit our website
0800 311 83 48 www.doublesureltd.co.uk
Horse riders who have taken over a farm field for showjumping events have been given just over a year to prove they can be good neighbours. Despite opposition from residents living near the field in Tickhill, officials of Maltby Riding Club persuaded Doncaster councillors to give them temporary planning permission to change the use of the land from agricultural to equestrian. A similar application was rejected last December but, this time, councillors agreed to grant permission until September 2010 when the usage will be reviewed. The decision did not go down well with residents of Lancaster Crescent, some of whom attended the planning committee to hear the outcome after writing 40 letters of objection. They have been angered by traffic problems and disturbance on Sundays caused by large numbers of horse boxes and trailers using
Lancaster Crescent to get to the field. Maltby Riding Club has previously been able to use the field for 28 days a year to hold events without planning consent providing that all showjumps are taken down. Their latest application was for permission to allow them to leave the showjumps in situ for the entire summer and use the land for grazing horses. About a dozen residents attended the meeting to press for refusal, with town councillor Frank Frith stating some people living in Lancaster Crescent had to go away for the days when shows were on because of the inconvenience. On one day of a competition in 2008, they counted 374 extra vehicle movements on the street, which led to near misses, and this year that had increased by nearly 60 per cent to 588.
“That is a clear indication that events will get bigger and more unacceptable environmentally,” said Mr Frith. Louise Elliott, speaking for the riding club, said membership had increased since they moved to Tickhill but there was no intention of increasing the number of events. After the decision, she said: “We want to work with the community, because we are there now and we might as well get on. We don’t want animosity and we would like to work with them rather than against each other.” The club is planning a charity show on August 23 to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to thank them for taking one of their young members to hospital following a fall a few weeks ago. See next month’s news for more coverage of Maltby Riding Club.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 5
August 2009
Community News
Corrie star Michelle says Maltby slimmer is streets ahead! Britain’s sexiest soap siren Michelle Keegan met one of Maltby’s most stunning slimmers when she swapped the Coronation Street cobbles for a national slimming competition. Phil Hare lost an amazing 4st 1.5lbs winning him a coveted place in the semifinals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2009. Gorgeous Michelle, who was named Sexiest Female at the British Soap Awards 2009 and Best Newcomer in 2008, attended the event at Slimming World’s head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, and was wowed by Phil’s amazing weight loss. The 22-year-old actress, famed for playing tearaway David Platt’s feisty ex-girlfriend Tina McIntyre in the ITV1 soap, says: “I am stunned by what Phil has achieved. He looks so fit and healthy that I can’t believe he was ever 4st 1.5lbs heavier. One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet so many inspirational people and Phil is one of them - the way that he’s changed his life is really amazing.” Phil attends the Maltby Slimming World group which runs every Monday at 17:00 at Full Life Centre, High Street. His fellow members voted him their local Man of the Year making him eligible for the national stages of the annual contest, which recognises the exceptional weight losses among the growing number of men attending Slimming World groups. Slimming World, the UK’s leading weight loss organisation, has around 10,000 men attending groups, 75 male
White rooms charity event A Woodlaithes hair salon is staging a charity evening in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. The whiterooms@woodlaithes will present a hair and fashion show at Carlton Park Hotel on Tuesday 1st September between 7pm and midnight. “MacMillan is a very much needed charity which is highly valued by all who have been unfortunate enough to need it. These nurses are angels and a breed of their own and rely totally on donations to give this fantastic care and service, who would you call at 4am if you needed help?” said salon owner Amanda Jebson. “The staff of the white rooms are organizing the event and contributing all their time, effort and skill to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan.” Tickets cost £7.00 and can be purchased from the white rooms@woodlaithes tel: 01709 532323, Muse shoes in Wickersley, SprayT’ann Rotherham Rd Maltby and from KS fashion boutique in Wellgate who will be showing their latest collections from teenagers to mature adult, or by contacting the maltby news or wickersley news. There will be many stalls where people can buy goods or receive information and consultations examples of stalls that will be there who are all contributing to the cause are. 1/ the white rooms will be available for consultations, freebies, skin testing, selling products and general hair care advice. 2/ Birkdale clinic - advice on cosmetic surgery, Botox etc. 3/ SprayTann, skin testing and advice products for sale.
4/ Muse shoes with their latest collections. 5/ A new gym opening at Woodlaithes 6/ Virgin Vie - accessories, home ware 8/ Cup Cakes Plus many more There will be two hair and fashion shows, a dance troop, the singer Tristen Drew a silent auction and a raffle with many prizes which include: 2 tickets for Sheffield United 2 tickets for Sheffield Wednesday 10 tickets for Owlerton Stadium Greyhound VIP Suite An original sculpture £20.00 discount at the Earl of Strafford restaurant £20.00 discount at the Pastures Lodge Mexborough Two passes to Pleasure Island Family Theme Park One night accommodation at the Ibis hotel for two people with breakfast £10.00 meat voucher from smiths of Wickersley One complimentary night’s stay at the Brentwood Rotherham Morrisons wine and chocs Many restaurants meals for two Cosmetics, Paul Mitchell hair care Tigi hair care L’oreal hair care The white rooms Plus many many more of these fantastic prizes.
Slimming World Consultants and eight men-only groups. Phil says: “I was thrilled to be Maltby’s Man of the Year and to represent my Slimming World group, who have all supported me on my weight loss journey. Losing weight really has transformed my life and meeting Michelle Keegan was an extra bonus - she was really impressed with my weight loss. I hope it shows other men in Maltby who want to lose weight that it is achievable - if I can do it anyone can.” Slimming World Consultant Jovita Langley, who runs the Maltby group, says: “I’m so proud of Phil. He’s a great advocate for Slimming World. Men are often worried about walking into a Slimming World group because they see slimming clubs and “dieting” as “women-only zones”, but Phil’s proved that’s not true.
“Men who are brave enough to join their local Slimming World group are often surprised at how many other men are there already and how welcoming everyone is. Even better than that, they’re shocked at how much food they can eat and that they really can lose weight without going hungry. They love the freedom and flexibility they get at Slimming World. No food is banned and they can still enjoy all their favourite meals like steak and chips, curry or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, all while losing weight successfully. That, combined with encouragement to become a bit more active and the support of the group is all Phil needed to achieve his personal target weight.”
For more information about Jovita’s group call her on 01709 816482.
Local and Family History Weekend Maltby Local History Society will be contributing resources to a Local and Family History Weekend on 22nd and 23rd August, to be staged at St Bartholomew’s Church as part of its Patronal Festival. There will be displays of photographs and documents including the earliest known list of employees at Maltby Colliery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the church, the parish and its families. The event will be open from 10am-4pm on the Saturday and from 2pm to 4pm on the Sunday. Further information is available on 812035.
6 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Community News
Winthrop Park wins Royal approval Volunteers win top service award for creation of bio-diversity and Nature Therapy site Volunteers from a Wickersley park went to Buckingham Palace last month to pick up the voluntary sector’s most prestigious award. Winthrop Park has won the highest UK merit award - The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award is the equivalent of being awarded an MBE to a charity or voluntary group. “It recognises the hard work and dedication of our growing numbers of volunteers and the proven positive impact we have achieved on
The volunteers transformed land from a contaminated sewage works into a park, providing nature therapy for elderly and disabled people. They planted more than 15,000 plants, shrubs and trees, and removed 26 tons of toxic earth to make the area safe. To demonstrate the positive impact of Nature Therapy on well-being and healthcare, Winthrop Park was created to provide facilities for the elderly and
Here are a few vital statistics on how Winthrop Park was created: • 18 tons of dumped scrap metal and fly tipped rubbish removed from site. • Over 2,500 self-set sapling trees removed by hand to make pathways and boarders. • 26 tons of contaminated soil and rubble removed off site. • 92 tons of landscaping materials and soil brought in to rejuvenate the site. • 145 tons of tarmac, block pavers, and concrete to lay disable access pathways. • As a Charity we raised over £187,000 to complete the work so far.
the environment, well being, and the community,” said David Bowser who along with wife Carol and Pauline Lee attended the presentation. “It is a privilege and honour that Her Majesty The Queen should recognise the work of a small charity in South Yorkshire as champions of excellence in the work we do,” David added. Robert Wright, Winthrop Park’s manager, said the trip had been “a day to remember”. He said: “It was brilliant to be inches away from the Queen.”
disabled. This former contaminated Sewage Treatment Works was an environmental black-spot, and following months of hard work and bio-environmental recovery this site was opened for free public access in August 2005. Recently hailed as a blueprint and world class example of bio-diversity and Nature Therapy, Winthrop Park daily provides visitors with practical support and interactive demonstration of the power of nature to change lives. KH
• Volunteers have played a major part in this urban park being created. • Over 15,000 plants, shrubs, and trees planted. • Over 9,000 spring bulbs set. • 325 sq m of lawn laid
Martin returns to take the helm at Rotherham Borough Council Rotherham Borough Council has a new Chief Executive. Martin Kimber, currently Executive Director of Environmental Services at Wigan Borough Council, has been appointed to the role, subject to formal ratification at the Full Council meeting later this month (July 22).
He will take over from retiring Chief Executive Mike Cuff, who joined Rotherham Borough Council in 2004. Said Martin: “I am delighted with the opportunity to join Rotherham, and to to build on the great work of my predecessor Mike Cuff. “Yorkshire people are the most friendly I have ever met. I am sure
together we will go from strength to strength.” Martin is no stranger to South Yorkshire. He is a former Assistant Director of Planning and Transportation at neighbouring Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, where he spent six years until moving to Wigan Council in 2002.
He has a BA in Social Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning. He is also a Corporate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Martin (53), is married with one daughter, and currently lives in Bury. His start date in Rotherham has yet to be confirmed.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 7
August 2009
Community News
The Queen pays tribute to SAFE@ LAST with prestigious Award Volunteers from Children’s Charity SAFE@LAST attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last week as part of the celebrations after the local charity was awarded this years Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard. SAFE@LAST has received the Award for its work with vulnerable young people from South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North East Debyshire who are at risk through running away either from what they are running from or where they are running to. SAFE@ LAST provides services for the 1 in 9 children in South Yorkshire who run away from home or care. SAFE@LAST provides preventative work, a 24 hour helpline (0800 335 SAFE), a MISPER (Missing Persons) Scheme and an emergency refuge for young people who are 16 and under. Four volunteers from the charity who had previously won SAFE@ LAST’s Volunteer of the Year award enjoyed a day out in London visiting Buckingham Palace to celebrate the achievement. Volunteers who attended were Sue Norton who supports the charity by working on the helpline as well as supporting fundraising events, Danielle Fitzpatrick who volunteers on the helpline and delivers preventative work in schools, Pam Forbes who volunteers in the SAFE@LAST office on a frequent basis providing admin support and Dane Howard
who also works on the helpline. Sue Norton said of the day “I thoroughly enjoyed the totally elegant experience of visiting the palace. The whole event had a wonderful atmosphere and it was magical to be inside Buckingham Palace. We didn’t have the opportunity to speak to the queen but she walked close by us and looked beautiful. We were all proud to have been asked to represent SAFE@LAST and all the volunteers at the charity that this award recognises.” SAFE@LAST will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal. These will be presented by Her Majesty’s representative in South Yorkshire the Lord-Lieutenant David Moody at a special ceremony arranged by the Lieutenancy office. Group representatives have also received an invitation to a Royal Garden Party event at Buckingham Palace in the summer. The Award is overseen by the Office of the Third Sector, in the Cabinet Office. Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said, “Volunteering binds communities together and builds a stronger and kinder society. Often these unsung heroes go about their work without much recognition, that’s why I’m particularly pleased to see their efforts recognised and rewarded by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.” More than 700 groups around the UK have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, over the seven years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. For more information about
Maltby Wool Shop Showcases Autumn and Winter Collection Unravel your creative side at Knit & Stitch this autumn. Knit & Stitch in Maltby High Street will be hosting an open day & coffee morning on Wednesday 26th August between 10am and 4pm. The new autumn and winter collections will be revealed including exquisite new yarns from Italy & New Zealand as well as a collection of quilting fabrics introducing this years Christmas projects - Stockings, Santa’s sacks & advent calendars. There will be a chance to talk to one of the workshop tutors and discover more about the new term timetable which begins in September. Kathleen Knight comments “We are excited to be introducing a brand new timetable for the autumn with textile craft classes suitable for all levels. Whether you want to learn to knit and crochet or make a patchwork quilt, create
handmade Christmas decorations or learn to dress make, there really is something for everyone” In addition to the showcase of events, there will be special offers & discounts on selected fabrics and yarns exclusively for this day. With the craft industry booming during this economic downturn, there has never been a better time to get involved with a new craft hobby. So pop along for a yarn and a look around the newly refurbished store in Maltby to see if your creative side can be unravelled. For more information and a timetable of workshops, visit any of the Knit & Stitch stores - 92 High St, Maltby, 01709 817944 or The Corn Exchange, Market Place, Doncaster Market, 07840 420390 or email info@ uknitandstitch.co.uk
SAFE@LAST, the services it offers and how you can help visit safeatlast.org.uk Young people wishing to contact SAFE@LAST can call on their 24hour confidential helpline on 0800 335 SAFE. For details of all this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service winners and information on how to nominate a group that really makes a difference, visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov. uk where a nomination form can be downloaded.
Thanks for your email. Our most significant and exciting event this summer is the BIG Sleepout which is back for its third year and going to be bigger and better than ever. The actual event takes place is October but is launched next week and we will be actively seeking supporters to sign up over the summer. I am hoping to send out more information about this next week – when is your deadline.
8 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Comments & Letters
Editorial The Rotherham Local Development Framework, dealing with the building of new homes and work space has caused controversy across the Borough. The glossy brochure produced by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is full of the jargon beloved of planners and architects, even down to its subtitle Core Strategy Revised Options published in May of this year. The document provides three options, and a “Baseline” plan showing the Council’s interpretation of the current Regional Spatial Strategy which focuses on development in Rotherham’s urban area and the Principal Town of Dinnington. Under this Bramley and Wickersley would see 173 new houses and Maltby and Hellaby 243. The latter also gets two hectares of employment land. This is now Option One in the new document, which envisages 23,886 homes and 221 hectares of employment land. This option means 408 hectares of land would disappear from the Green Belt. Option Two sees development along “Transport Corridors”, and leaves the Wickersley new homes figure the same, but increases Maltby and Hellaby new housing to 1,472 homes and 29 hectares of work space. This option more than doubles the amount of Green Belt land used, this means 30,175 new homes across the borough by 2026. Finally and more worryingly we have Option Three with 1770 homes suggested for Wickersley and Bramley with the Maltby and Hellaby figures unchanged. In this option 33,965 dwellings would be provided, 70% of which would be on greenfield land. It is vital that residents respond to these plans before the deadline at the end of the month. Wickersley Parish Council mobilised their residents for the presentation at the Community Centre, and the other Councils affected must try to do the same.
The Maltby News and The Wickersley News 13 Blyth Road Maltby Rotherham S66 8HX contact: 01709 819566 email: kevin@maltbynews.co.uk website: www.maltbynews.co.uk
Published by Joker Publications Ltd at their registered office, Unit 6, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB. Company No. 6504103. Printed by Sharman and Company Limited on recycled newsprint. Distributed by Compass Distribution Tel: 07969 757206 web: www.compassdistribution.co.uk e-mail: alan@compassdistribution.co.uk
• CONCERN ON FILMING Sir
I am a concerned parent of a child at Maltby Comprehensive School. The concerns that I would like to express at the moment are over the filming of our children by a media company, to be used for what they term “promotional use”. The problem that I have is that firstly they do not say how they intend to use this film and secondly I am not so sure that it is being or has been done legally. They started filming without any permission from parents then upon realising their mistake sent out forms to parents not asking for permission to film but stating that if you did not agree to the children being filmed you must sign and return the form. I am positive that this should have said that you must sign and return the form if you agreed that your children could be filmed. This form was worded in a way that implied that they already had permission unless you actually wrote to disagree. I have always been led to believe as a junior football manager that permission must be gained before children can be filmed or photographed and not be presumed just because the child or children are in your care at that moment, this is also the impression of my wife who has been a school governor for a number of years and also used to run a playgroup. Our concerns only got worse when we had pupils telling us that they had been told that the film was to be sent to France to show how good our education system was, and that children were being pulled out of lessons to be filmed. I myself think that this is just more propaganda for the school becoming an academy and although I am not getting into that in this letter That is not a good idea either.
Glyn Jones Address Witheld Sir
We now have an online petition requesting that the Prime Minister looks into the proposed academy that has been given the go-ahead without the proper consultation of Maltby people. The petition can be found at http:// petitions.number10.gov.uk/MaltbyAcademy/even if you signed the paper petition you can still sign this one as this one is aimed at the Prime Minister and not those that allowed it to go through Please also forward this to all your friends and colleagues so that they may do the same.
S.E.M.
• I DON’T WANT MY
CHILDREN GOING TO AN ACADEMY...SIMPLES. Sir
I want to talk to someone regarding the LEA handing over our local secondary school to a Private company in U-XPLORE in January 2010. And as a parent was NOT given notice of this or given the choice if I want them to continue at the school when it changes (WHICH I DON’T). As they have NOT reassured me that it is in the best Interest of my children and even if they will in fact be even taught by fully qualified teachers as I hear this could happen and I want the council to move them and as it means further afield I want them to supply transport as this move is NOT though choice. When I signed them up to the school it was an everyday normal run of the mill school, which never done me, or any other members of our families
any harm but now IF it is handed over to them businessmen in U-XPLORE, well that’s NOT CHOICE.
Mrs. K Derriman 19 Millicent Square, Maltby, Rotherham. S66 7JD
• IDENTITY FRAUD Sir
Not long ago, I was playing on the South Yorkshire Police website when I turned up the mapped month by month recorded crime data. I wanted to find the figures for Maltby so I scrolled down the alphabetical list of local settlement names and found that this went straight from ‘Hyde Park’ to ‘Manor’. Enquiries for the villages of Hellaby, Bramley and Wickersley revealed that they had also been omitted. I fed a local postcode into the system and pressed “go” and that brought up a mapped blob called “Wentworth Valley”. Now anyone can make statistics look better by the somewhat dubious tactic of combining posh and poorer areas and calling them something unrecognisable. What faced me appeared to be a case of “Community Identity Erasure with Intent to Defraud” and, what is more, the crime I suspected was both expert and organized. Could anything be done combat it? In the face of challenge, the Chief Constable would doubtless plead that the “Wentworth Valley” fraud is an RMBC responsibility. Sadly, Rotherham Borough has a track record of offences against local identity. The nonsensical “East Maltby” was devised to bring in external funding and the new double barrels “Matby/Hellaby” and “Bramley/Wickersley” are a fudge allied to a plot to diminish their Green Belt. A technical appendix to the RMBC Local Development Framework’s rather niftily entitled “Sustainability Appraisal of Core Strategy Revised Options” document includes the following gem of local government-speak about Bramley/ Wickersley. “The settlement has two separate town centres, a retail park, an excellent bus service and has easy access to the strategic road network”??! So how come the Rotherham numpties dubbed this area “Wentworth Valley” and lived to tell the tale? The truth is that the Area Assembly boundaries, which have from their inception been allied to Parliamentary Constituencies, had to be re-drawn. Wickersley, Bramley, Sunnyside, Hellaby and Maltby were grouped together but the new area crossed constituency boundaries so some nerd came up with a “cut and shut” name. This combines the Wentworth constituency title with the Valley bit of Rother Valley. It dangerously defies geography by being neither close to Wentworth village nor in its valley. The Area Assembly, the Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Team are stuck with this silly handle which makes any information they publish far less accessible to local people than it ought to be. The Wentworth Valley cut and shut is now spreading from its statutory base and it has even hit this noble publication. Please can someone come up with a way to kill it off before we all forget where we live?
Alice Rodgers, Maltby
GROUP • BEREAVEMENT Sir
On the 30th July we all enjoyed a barbecue, it was a lovely evening and the
weather was kind to us. The event was held at the home of Rev Peter and Rev Dhoe Craig-Wild at Maltby Vicarage, Blyth Road. A big thank you to the Branch Committee of the Mothers’ Union for cooking and baking - well done, a brilliant job. If anyone, male or female, who has lost a loved one would like to attend our group all would be welcome. It is very informal, we have a chat and express our different opinions on how we are coping, we are all in the same situation. These monthly meetings do help to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. In September a cheese and wine evening and a quiz will be held. If you require further information contact Peter or Dhoe on 01709 812684. I can assure you these meetings are very good and also help everyone. Eventually you will see a light at the end of the tunnel and realise life is for living. Thanking Peter and Dhoe and the Branch Members.
Kind regards Dorothy Straw Address supplied
• MESSAGE FROM MALTBY TOWN COUNCIL
Sir I would like to inform your readers that access to the official Maltby Town Council website can be made via the URL www.maltbytowncouncil.gov.uk where you will find copies of agendas, minutes, news and forthcoming events. I would like to point out that the council is no way connected to www. maltbytc.forums-free.com which is usually found by entering Maltby Town Council into the search engine Google. Maltby Town Council is not responsible for any views expressed on any site other than www. maltbytowncouncil.gov.uk
Yours Mrs J M Andrews, Chair Maltby Town Council
www.maltbynews.co.uk 9
August 2009
Community News
Events overtake a period of consolidation When Sue Ellis was elected to the Chair of Wickersley Parish Council she gave fulsome praise to her predecessor, and mentioned the tradition of Wickersley to rotate its Chair in recent times. In choosing Sue the Council seems to have once again settled on a safe pair of hands with the community’s interests at heart. “The Billingtons were great Chairs, Bob Mason a couple of years ago was a great asset. My predecessor Gordon Forster has put in a lot of effort, and a special mention should go to George Cuthbert who has stepped down after 12 years on the Council. But you do need to have time. That is the great thing about Parish Councils. People know you, see you in the shops and around the village and they ring you if they have a problem and you need to get things sorted. When I had a young family it was not the right time for me, but now I am delighted to be Chair.” That should be no surprise when we examine her background. “I have lived in Wickersley for 20 years now, but if I go back to my first job I was a police officer in the Metropolitan Police. From that I went to work as a Social Worker in the London Borough of Greenwich, and then came here to start my family.” Sue comes from a very political family, both her parents were councillors, and her father was John Ellis Labour MP for Bristol North West and later Brigg and Scunthorpe. “Politics was always around the house and I suppose voluntary work and being a representative for the community and ensuring communities spoke was something that our household believed in,” said Sue. “I didn’t join the Labour Party until I was 27, I think I had some kind of rebellion that I was not going to follow in the footsteps of my father. I came to it by myself through the unions at work and becoming a workplace representative and a regional representative at a time when the Greater London Council was in place and to say the least there was lots going on.” Sue says she has always believed that we should start off from a level playing field. “I know it doesn’t always stay level, but everyone should have a chance to fulfill themselves.” This is why she became involved in local politics in Wickersley. “This is a real community despite first appearances. When I first came up here and saw the dual carriageway going through the heart of the village I did ask myself, what is this village of Wickersley, but actually as always it is about
the people. They know Wickersley, and they feel part of this community. They feel a part of the village, although it has to be said it doesn’t look like a village from the outside.” She confirms that the churches do a great job in helping this sense of community. “There are three churhes, and this is where I first got this sense of community when they asked me to come and speak to them.” Sue has been involved with the Parish Council for over 16 years, and says she loves the immediacy of working in that position. “Things tend to get done very quickly at local level, except perhaps for Wickersley Library which took 60 years I
it. Sometimes they don’t see how its been done, but they appreciate the results, whether it is less litter, better parks or other areas where we can have an impact.” Looking to the future Sue said in her inaugural piece in the Parish newsletter that this was going to be a period of consolidation. The Council is still paying for the new Library and Community Centre, as the sale of the old Village Hall land has not gone through yet, partly because of the current economic climate. “We are not exactly strapped for cash but we are on our limit, so I envisaged us ticking over. The Community Centre project took up an
think,” she joked, More recently of course she has represented a ward on the Rotherham Metroplolitan Borough Council. “I enjoy the immediacy of Parish Council work, but I liked my time on RMBC because I think if you have good policies and good procedures you get good outcomes time and time again. Obviously at Parish level our financial turnover is much less, in our case around £80,000 per year, and you make decisions there and then and people see the results. Well everyone appreciates
enormous amount of time, particularly for the Clerk and the whole Council. I thought we would be in for a quiet year. But things happen, and the Local Development Framework has come along and although it is the Borough’s plan and their consultation everyone is very interested in it as we saw from the turn out at the presentation (see front page). When you discussed it with people they realised that housing in Wickersley is quite expensive and there has to be some provision of affordable housing. They understand that we border agricultural land and they like that, but they
also understand about commuting issues. All-inall they understand the issue of land zoning.” Sue is sure that the consultation has worked in as much as the Parish Council is keeping an eye on things. The Council has offered to facilitate public meetings and has communicated that to RMBC. “To me the LDF shows the difference between the Parish Council and RMBC. They say they have sent out information which somehow members of our community had not seen or were unaware of. The fact that then the publicity which the Parish Council put out got a huge response from notice boards in the places where people would see it shows how effective a smaller council can be especially when it knows its community. This sparks memories of the Bramley Traffic consultation where the Parish Council view was, and still is, seriously at odds with RMBC. “Perhaps the best thing a politician can say is “We made a mistake” and put things right. Sometimes this happens sometimes it doesn’t. There are councillors who change their minds and don’t see it as a weakness. I understand when people say “Why bother they don’t listen”, But if you don’t take time to lodge complaints they can’t react, and there are still plenty of councillors who will listen, and you have to hope that things will change. When RMBC does do big things, they can’t get it right all the time. Re-cycling was a good example, in that instance the plan was tweaked once it was in place.” There is other work on-going with the Borough which includes the new playground equipment. “These are bigger projects than we envisaged, we are working well with the Borough on this, and it helps that we know the location and how people use it. We have a problem with the Youth Shelter, but we are consulting locally and we want to do this properly by asking residents to decide where this will go. This is real local democracy.” The Gorse and the Wickersley Woods will also see more events. “We are keen for people to use the facilities we have here in Wickersley, and I think these events work well and encourage use.” “Unlike other entities and public bodies Parish Councils have been around for many years and will be around for many to come,” said Sue. Their big project, the Community Centre is going from strength to strength, and the relationship with RMBC ensures that Wickersley residents interests are being protected and are in good hands.
Campaign launched for Independent Councillors Campaigning Independent Councillor Pete Thirlwall is calling on local people to stand up and be counted to help reform local politics by representing their communities as Independents in the Council Chamber. “Long before the current expenses furore I had been attacking the expenses and junketing culture that exists in politics” said Pete “ in the past months despite only having 2 Independent Councillors we have forced the ruling Labour Group to give up power in 1 area assembly and have unveiled just some of the scandalous behaviour that goes on”. “Many people are rightly disgusted by the actions of politicians, so if you are over 18 years of age you have the right to stand for election and can help change the culture of Rotherham politics for the better. You don’t have to be a member of a controlling political party” said Pete Currently the Independents need one more Councillor on the Council to form a group which would mean they would have to be given seats on a politically proportionate rate. “ The more free thinking Independents
we have the more we can change the political culture in Rotherham from feeding themselves corn to making sure the people of Rotherham receive the best possible services available to them” said Pete. Fellow Independent Councillor Ben Slade said “We need to get back to it being a privilege to represent your area, and get away from the party political councillors who only represent their political party and not the people that elected them. What’s best for Maltby is not necessarily best for Thorpe Hesley , or Wath, or Harthill. More Independents means more open debate about what’s best for Rotherham’s many different communities” Any future Independent Group would be formed around a group of core principles. Here is just a hand full of the things we stand for: Represent Our Communities There would be no party whips so our Councillors would vote with their
conscience on what was best for their area Honesty and Openness People deserve to be told the truth at all times in a straight forward way with no evasion, spin or manipulation of the truth. Fairness We will treat everyone with dignity and respect, not allowing who you know or where you come from to alter anything. Challenging, Campaigning and Championing We will fight any unjust treatment or decision. Not At Your Expense Our Councillors will only claim expenses to do the job and money they have actually spent and that can be evidenced.
Our Independent Councillors will serve you but not at your expense. Pete is calling on anybody who is interested in representing their area to get in touch and if they are not entirely sure how to go on he has assembled a team of experienced campaigners to help train up and mentor prospective candidates including Sue Brown former PA to MP Jimmy Boyce with vast experience of dealing with local problems, former councillor Irene Furnell who also as a former council worker has an extensive knowledge of how the council works and former councillor Michael Sylvester who has vast experience of successful campaigning including being part of the team that stopped the council’s plans for large scale housing at Thorpe Hesley. When you eventually get elected Ben and Pete will be there to help you out at the Council. “If you want to stand up for your area get in touch and if it’s a case of you not being too confident let us know as we have the people to help” said Pete “In fact if all you want to do is get a better deal for your
neighbourhood you’ll make a better councillor than most of the current councillors!”. Anybody wanting to know more can contact Pete by: Phoning 01709/541111 or email at peterthirlwall@talktalk.net And for those who agree with our aims and objectives but don’t aspire to be a councillor, you can help in many other ways such as campaigning or leafleting.You could also send us your thoughts, be our eyes and ears on issues in the area that you live and let us know which council services you think are letting you and others down Most importantly you can help by casting you vote for an Independent Councillor at the next election. If you are disillusioned with the major political parties, as many people are, you can now cast your vote for a sensible alternative without having to resort to voting for the extremists parties. We can beat the system, so come on you good people of Rotherham, let’s give it a go, what have we got to lose.
10 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Community News
Public statement from Maltby Town Council Chair Maltby Town Council leader Jenny Andrews has issued a public statement on the settlement of the Council’s tribunal case with former Town Clerk A committee had already been appointed by the Council which had the delegated authority to settle the claim by the former Clerk & Financial officer. The committee in place at the time of settlement consisted of Councillors J Andrews, A Laird, C McMahon, P Scholey and C Stringer. The committee therefore had the authority to settle the matter and I reported to the last Town Council meeting on the outcome. The Council’s legal adviser, Mr Serby of Wake, Smith and Tofields Solicitors, repeated to me the advice he had given
to the previous committee members. His own unequivocal advice plus the advice of the council’s barrister was that the council would almost certainly lose if the claim went to Tribunal. This was because of the appalling way in which the former clerk and financial officer had been treated by Councillor Slade and his eight colleagues which was compounded by the decision of the Adjudication Panel to suspend Councillor Slade which significantly weakened the council’s position even further. Mr Serby’s clear advice was that
it was in the best interests of the council to reach an out of court settlement. This was because there would be additional legal costs in preparing for the hearing + the solicitors and barrister’s fees for attending the hearing which were likely to be over £20,000.00. The committee appointed to deal with the claim met on 24 June 2009. Councillor Laird was the chairman of that committee but stormed out of the meeting before the business could be discussed. I advised the committee of the
comments I had received from the council’s legal advisers and, on the basis of that advice, the committee agreed on a majority vote that it should settle the claim on the terms recommended by the council’s legal adviser. The decision to settle was made by a properly constituted committee of the council with delegated authority. The decision was not made by myself in isolation. Mrs J M Andrews, Chair MTC
Muse shoes on the march The popular Muse shop in Wickersley is spreading its wings and expanding into Sheffield. Owner Emma Woodcock, who opened the Hastings Court shop in February 2007 has recently created a new shop in Campo Lane in the heart of Sheffield’s Cathedral Quarter. “We will be maintaining our philosophy of providing gorgeous, quality products which are generally not available on the High Street,” said Emma. She has done this by sourcing ranges herself, and developing a reputation amongst manufacturers which means she is able to stock lines which few shops outside of international cities can match.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 11
August 2009
Community News
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Ring 0844 2253240 or visit www.thejunctionrotherham.co.uk Beswicks the Cleaners (telephone 01709 546548) Claire Kilner owner of Beswicks the Cleaners took the opportunity of using the Junction in helping to find an extra pair of hands. Claire formed the company just over 12 months ago and has seen her business rapidly grow and develop. Claire says: “The Junction gave me the support I needed just when I needed it, which allowed me to carry on operating my business and earn money!” Claire goes on to say:” Both Noreen Skinner and Carolyn Potts set up both the job description and advertisement, interviewed a number of candidates on my behalf (including very specific questions that I set). The Junction worked at finding me the person with the right skills and the right personality to fit in with our company. We are very happy with The Junction
What can The Junction do for you? Do you find it easy to fill that vacancy? Do you have the right recruitment expertise? Do you have the time? If the answer is “No” to any of the above then call The Junction we can help.
MPC Northern Group (telephone 01709 812503) MPC Northern Group have been providing specialist surveying services for 20 years. MPC provide specialist asbestos surveying services and insurance validation surveying across the UK from their Maltby head office. Carolyn Potts, a business adviser of The Junction, was out introducing herself and The Junction when she first met with MPC Northern Group. Jackie and Bill Perratt have grown their team to 11 in Rotherham and 3 in Glasgow and
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August 2009
12 www.maltbynews.co.uk
Community News Last month saw a night of glitz and glamour as children and adults from schools across Rotherham attended the towns version of the Oscars – the Roscars. This year the event was held at St Bernards Catholic High School in a circus style tent complete with daring people dressed up as classic characters such as Shrek, Tinkerbell and Cruella de Ville to name a few. The event celebrates and rewards media work by young people from primary, secondary and special schools across Rotherham. This year it was hosted by children’s television presenter Dave Benson Phillips who certainly kept the audience entertained throughout. Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd also made an appearance to present an award and have photos with many fans. Look North sponsored the TV News category. Over 700 people attended
the event which included many attendees from Maltby Community School. This year was the first year Maltby had entered the Roscars with both entries coming from the A Level Media class, which is the first ever class to experience A Level Media at the school. The two entries were movie trailers made by four students and appeared in the Film:Fact or Fiction and Film in a Foreign Language categories. The entry for Film:Fact or Fiction, made by Grace Goodwin and Tammy Golightly, came runner up in that category just loosing out to Hilltop School. However Maltby’s entry in the Film in a Foreign Language category, made by Matt Cheetham and Jennifer Bower, came first with their production “Bourreau”. The winners were rewarded with a glass
award, certificate and a computer programme worth £300 for the Media Department. Winner Matt Cheetham said after the event “We had a great night and we’re so excited to have won!” Maltby’s Hilltop Special School won “Film:Fact or Fiction” Key stage 5 and their film was called “A Fragment of Sleep”. Dawn Fletcher, head of Media Studies at Maltby Community school, commented on the night saying “It was great to see the students win and to see how much they supported each other.” The night was a complete success which was made better by the win from Maltby. It’s fair to say that following the win, next year will see more entries and more wins from the many talented people at Maltby. By Sophie Howard
August 2009
www.maltbynews.co.uk 13
Community News
Good news for Colliery Maltby Colliery’s parent company Hargreaves Services said it was confident about the future as it reported a strong performance from its energy and commodities division. It also revealed that it was considering further “strategic investments” in Maltby Colliery. The group said it was pleased to announce that it expects to report results that are in line with market expectations. Net Debt at May 31 was slightly lower than market expectations at £69.2m. In the energy and commodities division, the UK operations continued to perform very strongly with profits and volumes ahead of internal expectations. Gerry Huitson, Managing Director of Hargreaves’ Production Division said: “Hargreaves is committed to continuing its programme of investment to upgrade both surface and mining equipment at Maltby. “This will minimise the risks of production
disruption - and will support our plans to extend mine life to the targeted 2025 by allowing longer panels of coal to be mined” The production division has performed in line with expectations in the second half. The face change at Maltby Colliery was completed in January and production has already increased to the budgeted levels with the new face equipment performing “very well”. In a statement the Hargreaves board said it was “confident about the prospects for the group and is actively considering opportunities to deploy its strong operating cash flow to accelerate growth and investment. These opportunities in the short term will focus on coal operations, renewables and further strategic investments at Maltby.” Maltby Colliery was bought from UK Coal for just over £30m in February 2007, safeguarding nearly 500 coal mining jobs.
The only way is up
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Things can be strange in Maltby as we know but surely this is a step too far! If you have any curious photos send them in.
14 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Community News
Compromise agreements in employment Maltby Show What Are Compromise Agreements? They have only been around for about 15 years, but have been becoming increasingly common for reasons that will become apparent.They are legally binding documents used to end employment on a mutually satisfactory basis. They can also be used when someone is changing roles and is being paid a lump sum to compensate for a reduction in salary. The agreement will set out the amount the employee is to be paid and give a breakdown of what the payments are for. This is important for two reasons; it clarifies payments for, for example notice and severance, so that all parties can se that the statutory and contractual entitlements of the employee have been at least met, and will also clarify the tax position as severance payments and notice payments have different tax treatment. Do I have to pay tax on any amounts paid ? No....and yes. Notice pay and accrued holiday pay are paid subject to income tax and national insurance (although if you receive a payout at the beginning of the tax year it may be worth contacting your tax office to see if a change in your tax code is possible that would reflect your likely income for the remainder of the year). Severance, or redundancy paid is normally paid gross. Gordon Brown will only come looking for a share if HMRC judge that the payment was disproportionate to the salary and benefits package being received. Most agreements, however, will contain a tax indemnity clause that states that the employee is liable for any tax should the taxman come calling.
Why are Compromise Agreements increasingly common? Two reasons. Firstly people are increasingly likely to challenge any decision to make them redundant or downgrade them and employers are seeking to protect their position. It is possible to make someone redundant, pay them their contractual and statutory entitlements and still loose in tribunal as the process was unfair. A compromise agreement prevents that happening. Secondly, there has been a large increase in redundancies and downgrading of staff, which employers are again at pains to protect themselves against litigation over. What do Compromise Agreements contain? Apart from the payments received and the tax position, there is normally a list of claims which the employee is debarred from bringing. Separately, the employee confirms that he does not have any ongoing claims. In addition, there will be a confidentiality clause stating that the terms of the agreement and any negotiations surrounding the document are to be kept confidential. Again, should the tax man query a lump sum hitting your bank account, you are able to disclose it then. Normally there will be a clause stating that neither party is to make derogatory statement about the other. Sometimes the duty of confidentiality of an exemployee that is either explicit or implicit in every contract of employment will be restated. In addition, there may be a list of ‘posttermination covenants’, in effect restrictions on the actions of a former employee.
There may also be an agreed reference and details of any ‘outplacement’ provision. Does that mean that my former boss can restrict my future employment? Yes, and curiously hairdressers and, err, solicitors provide some of the interesting case law in this area. Courts instinctively dislike limiting anyone from making a living and such clause are interpreted contra preferentem, which is Latin for prove it. A court will firstly look to see if a business has a legitimate interest to protect. The next consideration is the nature of the restrictions; how long they last for, the geographical area covered and what the ex-employee is prevented from doing (working for a competitor, recruiting former colleagues, contacting former clients for example). In all of this, the court will use that most frequent of legal considerations, reasonableness. How much does it cost? To you gov, nothing. As these agreements are drawn up by the employers and protect them, they contain a clause stating that they will pay your legal costs for having it explained to you. A solicitor will also have to sign to say that the have advised you. In the rare event that an employer does not pay the amount due or provides an incorrect reference the solicitor will treat this as a separate matter and charge accordingly. (There may have been a free lunch but dinner will be on you). The above article does not constitute advice in any form. No reliance should be placed upon it by any readers. Tierney & Co accept no liability for any reliance upon it for any loss or damage suffered as a result of such reliance.
If you have any legal issues, the best advice we can give you is to consult a solicitor. For all your employment law (and other legal) needs, please contact Ian Clay at Tierney & Co on 01709 709000.
and memorial appeal
Maltby Horticultural Show is set to take place at the Edward Dunn on Saturday August 22nd. The event will also feature a bouncy castle for kids behind the building. As always there will be great interest in the Children’s Colouring competition. The age groups will be ages five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten. Any materials can be used for your effort but it must be on A4 paper. On the back include your name and address, date of birth and address to claim your certificate. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third. Get your entries in to the Edward Dunn. Moves are afoot to create a Maltby Horticultural Society as outlined in last month’s maltby news. Everyone who signs up for the Society will receive free seeds from the maltby news. The town council are also asking residents of Maltby for their ideas for a permanent memorial to the men who lost their lives in the Maltby Pit Disaster of 1923. The council is particularly keen t to trace living relatives of miners who lost their lives. People are asked to contact the Town Hall, with their ideas for what form the memorial should take. Telephone: 01709 814060.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 15
August 2009
Community News
Major glazing contractor chooses Hellaby Rotherham’s finest hail Greenberg provide a comprehensive range of glazing services awards kudos A major glazing contractor has chosen South Yorkshire as the location for their new national headquarters and call centre operation. Greenberg Glass and Glazing Ltd will be based in a modern 11,000 Sq Ft unit at Kea Park Close, Hellaby, Rotherham, and will also hold operational glass stocks, and offer supply and cut services. The company will employ 30 people initially, with plans to increase this number to 80 by the end of the year. Greenberg provide a comprehensive range of glazing services, from emergency property securing and re-glazing to new works contract glazing. They service a wide variety of properties from domestic and retail through to commercial and industrial premises, and include; British Heart Foundation, Rowlands Pharmacy & GT Retail amongst an impressive list of current clients on the emergency side. On the contract side of the business, they have recently been awarded the specialist glass packages by Kier for the Presidential and Junior executive suites to the new Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, and a new 22 metre long, toughened glass window display, for Slaters Menswear in their flagship store in Manchester, on behalf of Nexus retail interiors. In addition to the Rotherham headquarters, Greenberg will operate initially from two regional branches in Leeds and Nottingham. They are already looking at opening a major facility in the North West and expect to ultimately operate from five regional centres across the country with the Rotherham head office and call centre forming the main hub. Greenberg Glass and Glazing Ltd has been formed, following the purchase of Greenberg Glass and EG Glass Ltd, by a management team led by John Askew, previous owner and managing director of EG Glass Ltd. Mr Askew explained the reasoning behind the new venture; “We realised that we needed a centrally located location for the call centre and head office, primarily servicing South Yorkshire and with excellent connection to the motorway network. The Sheffield / Rotherham area was chosen after considering Leeds, Nottingham, and West Midlands as its central location gives good coverage to the North, South and
East of the country. Another major consideration is the quality of staff which, from previous experience we knew to be available in this area.” Greenberg were helped to find the ideal location in the area by the Advanced Manufacturing: Sheffield Region team; a joint project set up by Creative Sheffield and Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) with Yorkshire Forward funding. The team’s senior business development manager, Joe Anwyl welcomed Greenberg’s decision to locate here; “It is great to welcome a nationally renowned company like Greenberg to our area. Their high quality products and service fit well with the other first-class manufacturing companies which we have in the Sheffield / Rotherham area, and with their expansion plans we see a positive future for Greenberg. Their decision to locate here is also testament to the excellent skilled workforce that we have in the area.”
Solaglas Windowcare have continued their success with their shortlisting as a finalist for a prestigious award for innovation in human resources practice, following on from winning the Overall Award at the 2008 Rotherham Business Awards. The company battled it out with business big boys McDonald’s, Barratts Developments and Zenith Optimedia for the Best Talent Management award in the HR Excellence Awards and Solaglas Windowcare’s Ian Davy has spoken of the impact the firm’s success in their hometown has had on the company. Ian, Managing Director at Solaglas Windowcare, said: “Winning the prestigious Overall Award at last year’s Rotherham Business Awards, and two category awards, was a huge achievement for the company and gave us a great sense of pride. “At our recent Employee Communications Day, the senior management team highlighted that we are an award-winning company and spoke about the need to maintain our high quality service – whether that is over the phone to policyholders or with domestic or commercial clients in the field. “We have displayed the trophy and certificates in our reception area as a constant reminder
to employees of the standards expected of them every day. It also highlights our credentials to the many business visitors who visit. It’s important they know that they are dealing with a premier business, and indeed, they also want to deal with successful companies.” The 2009 Rotherham Business Awards ceremony takes place on Friday 23 October and Ian was quick to encourage companies to enter this year. “There are two benefits to entering. Firstly, there is the kudos and motivating factor of winning (or just even being shortlisted) – let alone the experience of attending the event itself. “Secondly, and just as importantly, the process means you are analysing different elements of your business – particularly in those areas where you surpass customers’ and clients’ growing expectations. It also allows you to highlight initiatives that put you in a leadership position in your sector and of course identify gaps in your businesses.” Companies wishing to enter the 2009 Rotherham Business Awards should contact the Chamber on 0844 414 5100. The deadline for entries is Friday 18 September.
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16 www.maltbynews.co.uk
August 2009
Sport
Wickersley’s Ryan skates into the big time Ice cool Wickersley skater Ryan Sharp showed he can cut it in the big time after skating to success in a national ice dancing competition. Ryan, aged just 14, a pupil at Wickersley School and Sports College, won the British Junior Boys Solo Dance Championship final, which took place at iceSheffield in Attercliffe, Sheffield. His medal and trophy is taking pride of place alongside those already won in the Premier Boys’ Ice Dancing contest in 2008 and the Novice Men’s Solo Dance awards in 2006. Ryan’s mum Elaine introduced Ryan to skating at Doncaster Dome at the age of eight but he soon graduated to iceSheffield “He’s done
really well and worked very hard for this – we’re so pleased for him.” Ryan had to dance three times during the three-day competition in Sheffield. On the first two days he danced a samba and a cha-cha-cha, before the third day saw him steal the show with a winning free dance performance to the track Live and Let Die by Guns ‘n’ Roses. Ryan trains at iceSheffield before school, starting at 7.45am each day. Next month He will be taking part in the National Indoor Skating Association’s IJS skating competition, where skaters from across the country can qualify for the NISA British Championships at iceSheffield in November. At the British Championships,
judges will decide which novice, junior and senior skaters will be selected for the 2010 European and world championships and 2012 Olympic Games in London. Ryan’s coaches Andrew Symkoski, Jimmy Young and Dawn Peckett are confident Ryan will graduate to the British squad over the next few years. The search is on, however, for a partner for Ryan who can match his own technical excellence for the pairs competition. So far only one skater based in the south of England is a viable candidate. Anyone interested in sponsoring Ryan should call 07813215333. KH
Koch seals Wickersley’s fate in Whitworth Cup A brilliant unbeaten century from Whitley Hall’s Donovan Koch, playing his last major final, sealed Wickersley Old Village’s fate in a thrilling Whitworth Cup Final at Phoenix at the beginning of the month. A fierce game was played out by the old rivals, with Whitley Hall capturing their fourth Whitworth Cup. After winning the toss Wickersley opted to make first use of a good looking pitch. Openers Jonathan Trower and Shahid Hussain put on an ominous 90 before Hussain was run out by Chris Verity. Thereafter wickets began to fall at regular intervals with only James Bentley and Liam Heathcote reaching double figures in stands with the skipper. Nevertheless Trower looked capable of anchoring his side to a decent score, before Whitley Hall skipper Alex Fletcher brought himself on and almost immediately had Trower stumped by Sam Chatterton standing up. The celebrations following the wicket suggested Whitley Hall knew this was a severe blow to their opponents. Fletcher was able to trust his youngest bowlers Ben Webster and Jorden Bethel
who weighed in with five wickets between them, Wickersley being bowled out for 203 off 43.1 overs. This looked like being enough, however, when the Whitley Hall response began. Despite re-jigging their batting order, with the dangerous Fletcher waiting to see how the innings developed before deciding where he would bat, Wickersley soon had them in trouble. In a fierce opening spell Greg Norton had a couple of good shouts for lbw denied before trapping Chris Siddall in front of his stumps, and then clean bowling Jorden Bethel. This brought Fletcher to the wicket, but he fell to an inspired Jonathan Davies and a catch by James Bentley. This meant Whitley Hall’s three batsmen had failed to trouble the scorer. Koch received a great reception as he went in, and Wickersley were not to see the back of him before the end of the game. In a stand of 188 with veteran opener Andrew Bethel Koch broke Wickersley hearts as he turned back the years with a display of power hitting. He was deservedly named man-of-the-match.