Your Wentworth Valley Community Newspaper July 2009
Braithwell Wheelbarrow Race
Cricket
01709 532323
Page 16 Wickersley Blog
page 6
page 9
Community Bramley traffic Wickersley Plan launched scheme imposed Rotherham Borough Council is due to advertise a traffic regulation order (TRO) to correct the description of the one way direction on Main Street in the previous order. Work is now taking place to prepare detailed designs for the amendments. Further regulation orders required to introduce the other elements of the scheme, such as the parking places and waiting restrictions, are to be advertised in the autumn. The authority decided to to retain the current one way direction on Main Street, in May. The existing contraflow cycle lane is also to be retained and the following amendments are proposed: * Improving the appearance of the street including enhanced materials used on the footways within the one way section of Main Street and around the junction of Cross Street and Main Street. * Creating approximately two or three short stay parking spaces on either side of the existing loading bay near the Master Brewer pub. This will require the
bus stop to be relocated from in front of the Master Brewer pub to in front of the Spar shop. * Providing an additional bus stop on the west side of Howard Road near to its junction with Main Street with associated double yellow line waiting restrictions. * Improving visibility for drivers exiting Westfield Road onto Church Lane by removing two parking spaces on Church Lane to the south west of this junction. * Providing an improved pedestrian crossing facility on Cross Street by widening the footway opposite the existing build out on Cross Street to provide a narrowed crossing point. * Providing a sign on Main Street to direct heavy goods vehicles travelling towards the A631 Bawtry Road to use Cross Street. * Changes to the ‘map type’ sign on the A631 Bawtry Road to provide additional information regarding the weight restriction present in Bramley village. “I recognise this as the
scheme that Gerald Smith is seeking to impose upon the people of Bramley i.e. not the scheme that his staff recommended, nor the one that the people of Bramley voted overwhelmingly for,” said Rob Foulds of the Bramley Action Group. “Nor is it the one that the Council’s Chief Executive was expecting, nor the one that our MP John Healey was expecting, nor the one that the elected Councillors wanted, nor the one that Bramley Parish Council wanted - but yes, the one that Gerald says we should have. “In reality, this scheme is simply putting right what the Borough Council instated wrongly at its first blundering attempt - it is not addressing the needs of Bramley people.” The Group claim that not one sentence of correspondence has passed between Cllr. Smith and any of the elected representatives of Bramley (there are over 20 - MP, Ward Councillors and Parish Councillors), before he made his decision on the TRO.
The Wickersley Community Plan was launched by the Steering Group at a special event at the Wickersley Community Centre earlier this month. The event was attended by service providers including the Police as well as representatives of the Wentworth Valley Area Assembly (WVAA). A buffet was provided as well as children’s entertainment and a performance by a choir from Wickersley School and Sports College. “The Wickersley Community Plan Group has, over the past year, undertaken a number of consultation exercises with the Wickersley community. In the future they hope to work in partnership with service providers to develop actions that will meet the needs and aspirations identified,” said Janice Curran, Community Involvement Officer at WVAA.
The Steering Group has laid the groundwork, and is now keen for members of the community to get involved and carry the plan forward. Over the next few months the plan will be drawn up and be made available in electronic format. “The next thing is to encourage participation. People can see where we have got to and where the plan is going. People have complained in the past that there is no structure for them to raise issues. Now service providers have looked at what we are aiming to achieve and recognised that they can work with us. We are at a critical stage of the plan but now we need more input from the local community,” said Kevin Chalk from the Steering Group. “People want to see action, and positive outcomes. Once they see that things are happening I am sure they will get behind us.” KH
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July 2009
Events Calendar
9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 18 19 20 21 22 25 aug 4 8 25 25 july
Cheese, Wine & Reading
Wickersley Library, 19:15 - 21:00 An evening of reading, drinking & nibbling! You bring the book; we’ll bring the wine & cheese!
Maltby Town Council Surgery
Maltby Festival Sports Day
Edward Dunn Memorial Hall Every Friday 14:00-16:30 Everyone welcome
Coronation Park 9:00 - 16:00 Everyone welcome
Wickersley Writers Workshop
Maltby Crags Women’s Group
Wickersley Operatics Society
Wickersley Community Centre Every other Tues, 13:00 - 15:00 Tel Margaret: 01709 543991
Crags School Community Room 9:00 - 11:00. Every Wednesday Term Time. Speakers, Crafts etc. For info: 07817 405255
Wickersley Community Centre Tues 18:30 - 21:30 Thurs 19:30-21:30 Open to all over 16yrs
Teddy Bears Picnic
Tea, coffee & biscuits served
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9
It’s a Knockout Tournament
Outokumpu Sports & Social Club, Rotherham, 11:00 Charity Event For info: 01709 307128
19
Wheelie Good Street Sports
Maltby Manor Fields Skate Park 10:00 - 13:00 All Welcome BMX bikers, skateboard jumpers & in-line skate dare devils
25
15
Silverbirch Childrens Centre Flanderwell, 11:00 - 14:00 Open Day All Welcome
20
10
16
SUPERTOTS
Parish Centre (next to METS) Morrell Street, Every Tues/Thurs 9:00 - 11:00, 1st session 50p Tel: 07817 405255
Maltby Main Vs Worsborough Bridge Athletic Muglet Lane, 15:00
25
21
Wickersley Parish Council Meeting
11
Community Centre, 286 Bawtry Road, 19:00
13
Baby Love
Wickersley woods, at the entrance off airmount close, 12:00 noon
18
Maltby Town Council Meeting
Edward Dunn Memorial Hall, 18:30 All Welcome
22
Folk and Acoustic Night The Three Tuns, Stainton 20:00 Folks, Blues, 60s, Anything acoustic Call John: 01709 813530
4
The Three Tuns, Stainton Motown Classics Fantastic Girl Group
18
Wickersley Old Village CC Vs Darfield CC
Northfield Lane, Wickersley 13:00
25
Maltby Miners Welfare CC Vs Rossington Main CC Muglet Lane, 14:00
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Entrepreneurs win Prince’s approval
Three local entrepreneurs have received funding from the Prince’s Trust to set up a new handyman service, Maltby All Trades. Ian Tippett,25, Jamie Smith,21, and Paul Nicholson, 26, have also completed business courses with the local Chamber.
Jeremy Neal Funeral Director
They anticipate start-up next month and will be providing services themselves as well as operating as an agency for local tradesmen. Work will range from gardening to a full range of maintenance tasks. “No job will be too small,” say the team, “And we aim to serve the whole community.” (See ad below)
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
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.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 3
July 2009
Community News
Rotherham failed to communicate with Maltby It’s official! More should have been done, by RMBC, to ensure that the residents of Maltby were made aware of the impending opening of our new Services Centre, on 15 September 2008 last year. More should also have been done to warn of revised site traffic arrangements. Having followed the Maltby Services Centre project since its inception, I was astonished that its impending opening did not rate an advert or a single mention in the local papers. Surely, what was sold to us as a nationally innovative scheme to bring the bulk of local services into ‘a one-stop shop’ ought to have merited picture stories and an item on Calendar. On the Centre’s opening day most people were evidently bewildered by the unannounced change. Subsequently, strong evidence emerged to suggest that RMBC’s Press Office had slipped up. I was sufficiently cross about the matter to put in a formal Stage One complaint to Rotherham Borough Council in the hope of getting them to rethink their communication with outlying areas. What came back was not the anticipated apology but a pathetic “we-send-stuff-out-but-can’tmake-papers-publish-it” response from the Press and Publications Officer. It added that an interview about the opening had been carried on Rother FM, a station which, according to Ofcom, has no coverage in Maltby. Clever placement, that! I wrote a careful letter explaining my reasons for asking to move my complaint to the next stage. Stage Two RMBC complaints are investigated by a named senior officer. I was invited to Rotherham to meet her but, as I was incapacitated by injury, the beautifully
turned-out lady and her assistant came to my house. Despite the clarity of my letter, I was questioned, at length, about my complaint, my responses being written down by the assistant. Assured that the investigation would be thorough, I was promised a written
letter’s phrase “I can only reiterate what was said in the original response” really stuck in my craw. I was anxious not to waste public money so, after a lot of thought, I wrote a detailed reply outlining unresolved issues but offering conditional acceptance of the
response by mid-November 2008. This did not arrive and apology after apology delayed matters well into the New Year. In mid-February 2009, I felt forced to issue an ultimatum seeking a reply within ten working days. This brought both a letter and a last minute phone call. The named senior officer made an informal offer of another meeting with a different senior officer but her
second officer meeting. Although my letter was acknowledged, a whole month passed without any meeting arrangements being made. I broke the deadlock by writing to move my complaint to Stage Three. Back came the gobbledigook response “I am sorry that you have not been contacted to make the necessary arrangements. I can assure you
that this was not intentional”. Stage Three was held at the Town Hall in mid-May. After a long wait on a hard chair, my complaint was heard before a panel of three Councillors with a solicitor, three senior officers, and two admin staff in attendance. The ratio of nine “them” to one “me” seemed unfair but, as my husband had insisted on attending as my “friend, adviser or interpreter”, things were balanced up a bit. More than once, I had to remind myself that I was not in the dock but was only trying to improve things for my friends and neighbours. What was unexpectedly gratifying, however, was that the panel of Councillors had obviously read all the complaintrelated papers including my latest written submission, which was an expanded and more accurate version of the decidedly skewed official summary of my complaint. When both the Councillors and I began to pose pertinent questions to the senior officers, the latter began to look just a little uncomfortable. I could almost swear that, at one point, the po-faced solicitor had to stifle a giggle. I left the hearing feeling encouraged. I had been listened to and I was not surprised to receive the official letter reporting that my complaint had been upheld. In addition, this advised that the panel had made recommendations to beef-up the process by which local communities are to be told of significant future developments. The panel also apologised, on behalf of the Council, for the delays in resolving my complaint. I am inclined to frame the document as “sorry” is such a rare word in local government these days. by Alice Rodgers
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July 2009
Community News
New homes under environmental microscope Maltby Environmental Group’s monthly meeting, held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 24th June at the Edward Dunn Memorial Hall, took the form of a working session on the Rotherham Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Revised Options Document. The group was supported by an invited member of the Borough’s Forward Planning team. The Core Strategy will set out the broad planning
framework for the Borough to 2026 by choosing the towns and settlements for new development. It will also set out the broad amount of new development required and the strategic policies to make this happen. The current target for new homes by 2026 is 24.482 and the meeting examined three possible options to enable this target to be achieved or almost achieved. One important consideration
was their likely impact on the Maltby and Hellaby areas where infrastructure is already over-stretched. Members hoped that brown field sites would be cleared wherever possible to meet the taxing target and all members expressed the view that green field sites should not be developed until other alternatives has been exhausted. The group also looked at the need to earmark sites for
industry and again felt that brown field was infinitely preferable to the use of farm land. The Hon Sec drew attention to the fact that copies of the Core Strategy Revised documents are available for both reference and loan from both Maltby Library and Maltby Services Centre. Anyone interested in the future of Maltby is encouraged both to read and to comment on these before the end of July.
Facelift for local monuments Maltby Town Council has undertaken restoration work on two historic memorials in Maltby Cemetery. One of the stones marks the resting place of Edward Dunn who died on 8th April 1945. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Rother Valley at the 1935 general elections. Prior to that he was an official of the NUM, and was actually Branch Secretary at the time of the Maltby Pit disaster. He also served as an Alderman and worked tirelessly for the people of Maltby, particularly in the areas of
education and social welfare. The Town Hall is named after him. The other monument belongs to the iconic Unknown Miner (below) who’s body was found after the Maltby mining disaster on 28th July 1923. His body was recovered from the mine but not identified. “We are pleased and proud to be able to contribute to the preservation of Maltby’s history,” said Cllr John Kirk. The work is being carried out by local stonemason Steve Winks. Steve can be contacted on 07970326724
Rescue at Falls Two anglers turned into heroes last month when they rescued a drowning woman from a South Yorkshire river. Neil Kirton, aged 43, and Pete Rayner, 36, were just about to pack their tackle away on the banks of the River Don at Sprotbrough Falls just before dusk when they heard screams for help. They looked across and realised a woman had fallen into the fast-moving water near the weir and her friend’s attempt to save her was going badly wrong. Neil, who lives in Maltby, realised the pair were both in deep trouble and jumped in and swam to the women. The other woman, believed to be 21 and from the Balby area, was unable to save her 19-yearold friend and the current had taken her to the opposite bank where other people came to her aid. Ambulance crews called to the scene gave everyone a check up but no-one needed hospital treatment. By the time the Edlington fire crews arrived at the Falls the drama was over. Watch Manager Ade Bugol issued a warning to other people after it emerged the woman had fallen in after drinking at a barbecue. Neil said, “I think anybody else would do the same if they’d been where we were”. Coun. Iain St. John, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Sport for Rotherham Borough Council, added: “We are asking people not to swim in lakes, rivers or canals or any stretch of open water. We realise it might be very tempting in this hot weather, but it is not worth the risk. Those who ignore these warnings and opt to swim in water on Council-owned land are also flouting the local by-laws. Offenders can find themselves risking prosecution and facing fines of up to £500. By Mia Bell
Maltby Forum
Steve Winks with John Kirk
The next public meeting of Maltby Forum will take place at the Wesley Centre at 9.30 for 10am on Saturday 11th July. The meeting will include an update regarding local concerns about the proposed Maltby Academy, a progress report on the car parking issues associated with Maltby Leisure and Services Centre and the formal launch of the Maltby Services Centre User Group. There will also be an informal group work session entitled ‘Is Maltby we getting all the public information it needs?’ Everyone will be welcome and there is no charge for admission.
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July 2009
Community News
Community House opens to high praise Maltby residents were out in force last month at the re-opening of a community centre they refurbished themselves. People living on the Cherry Tree estate, in Maltby, watched as the ribbon was cut at the facility by housing firm 2010 Rotherham’s chief executive Keith Lowry. June Madden, who chairs Cherry Tree Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “We would like to thank everyone at 2010 Rotherham for their help with the Community House.” She added the centre was a particularly valuable resource for young people on the estate. It is also the venue for community meetings such as the Maltby Learning Forum as well as bingo, parties and sales. The Youth Community Group began as an off-shoot of the Birks Holt Tenants and Residents Association (TARA). The youth group has improved facilities now such as a pool table, designated messy area for the younger children and air hockey. As well as these facilities there have been several successful events such as Halloween Party, Promotion of the Good Neighbour Agreement, Sponsored Walks and the group Christmas Party. June has been so inspired by the children within her Community that she has recently been opening the house for an extra hour or so in the week for the them. The TARA are running a successful tuck shop during youth group which has brought invaluable money into the once suffering TARA to help them with paying bills and basic expenses. Regular events and
parties also contribute to the income of the association. The Youth Community Group, which currently has 14 members, is forging better relationships with 2010 Rotherham Ltd and its partners, including South Yorkshire Police, Youth Workers, RotherFed (Rotherham Federation of Tenants & Residents) and Neighbourhood Wardens. All the young people have signed a behavioural agreement – any reports of an individual being involved in anti-social behaviour would mean they had to leave the group. The young people themselves are full of enthusiasm for the group. “It keeps you out of trouble!” says Kennedy, eight, Beth, nine, and Jessica, 12. “It gets you off the streets,” says Luke Buttle, 13. 2010 Rotherham Housing Officer Rebecca Whorton said: “By offering young people opportunities to learn new skills, make friends and work positively with ourselves and other agencies we hope to decrease criminal damage and youth nuisance incidents, the root cause of which is often just boredom.” Any other TARA wishing to set up a similar scheme in their area can speak to Neighbourhood staff at their local housing office. In addition, RotherFed can offer two Criminal Record Bureau checks for volunteers and free child protection training. Please contact RotherFed on 01709 822258 for further information.
Maltby Festival week got off to a great start earlier this month when Lord Scarbrough opened the event on the Gala Day held at Muglet
Lane Fields. The Day offered a host of sporting events and competitions as well as displays by local community groups.
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July 2009
Community News
The annual Braithwell Wheelbarrow race took place earlier this month in brilliant weather with a great crowd of onlookers. The Braithwell Wheelbarrow Committee also know as the ‘Wheelie Binners’ did a fantastic job of organising the event. They thank Lord Scarborough for presenting the prizes on the evening also thanks go to Peter Franklin and the specials police, the Red Lion and the Butchers Arms of Braithwell, the Plough at Micklebring, Braithwell Post Office, thank you to Pipers Papers, Maltby for donating two raffle prizes and everyone else who donated prizes. The usual large enthusiastic crowd cheered on their favourites, from the childrens’ races through to the men’s final which had a record number of 17 teams entering with a prize of £100.
The winners were: Infants, under 7s - Jack Proudley, Braithwell & Mitchell Burton, Tickill Juniors, under 11s - Ben Middleton, Belton & Ryan Maw, Belton Girls, under 15s - Katie Burton, Tickhill & Amber Dunstan, Braithwell Boys, under 15s - Lyle Copley, Maltby & Oliver Connelly, Maltby Open, 16 & over - Jonathan Maxfield, Burton & Gary Crompton, Crowle
Brad heads for Kasapin from Platform 2 A local student is going to Ghana for ten weeks on a voluntary government project, Platform 2. Brad Coleman from Maltby will be doing construction work in a rural village Kasapin, building facilities such as a new school and library for their community. He is also going to be undertaking lessons at a local school where he will be teaching the children English, Science and Maths. “Platform 2 is a new government-backed volunteering programme that gives young adults from less advantaged backgrounds the opportunity to live, work and learn about life in poorer countries,” said Brad. What makes Platform2 special and exciting is that it is aimed at unlocking the potential and developing the skills young people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to volunteer abroad. As part of the scheme, volunteers are given the chance to make a real difference to poor people’s lives, as well as promoting wider development awareness on their return to the UK. Over the next three years, Platform2 will offer 2,500 British 18-25 year-olds the chance to participate in a ten-week volunteering work programme in a developing country. Although the cost of the flight and accommodation is funded by the Department for International Development Brad is hoping that local businesses can contribute to the cost of travel to Manchester and London where he will undertake day courses and meet his fellow volunteers.
“It is about making the right choices to give people less fortunate than me the opportunities I have had,” he said. If you would like to help Brad can be contacted on 01709 817000
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July 2009
Community News
Date set for Maltby Horticultural Show The Maltby Horticultural Show will take place on 22nd August at the Edward Dunn Hall. Stalls are planned for the event as well as children’s entertainment. In line with tradition budding artists from local schools are invited to submit horticultural-related artwork, using any medium. All pictures will be exhibited and winners selected. There will also be a maltby news - sponsored writing competition for all school children with the title “Why I like gardening...”. Young gardeners are invited to submit 150 words on their favourite hobby. All contributors will receive free seeds provided by Sutton Seeds, and the age group winners gardening tools. In related news plans are afoot to form a
Maltby Horticultural Society (contact the maltby news to express interest). Given the number of allotments and well-kept gardens in Maltby this is sure to be a success. Again all applicants will receive free seeds from Suttons. The plan is for the new Society to take over the running of the Horticultural Show from the Town Council. The new Society aims to invite speakers to meetings across a range of horticultural disciplines from flower arranging to specialist growing, as well as organise trips to significant sites of interest. “Hopefully the Society will help community spirit and become a social event in itself,” said Cllr John Kirk. Members will pay a small annual subscription fee to be set at the first meeting.
Competition celebrates Everything under one roof at the fantastic progress garden centre
Maltby Garden Fruit and Vegetable Centre is a wellknown landmark on Braithwell Road, but once inside it takes on a Tardis-like feel. A fantastic array of fresh vegetables are laid out just inside, with many exotic varieties alongside the staples one might expect. Peter has been on the site for 48 years, and has over 40 years experience in the
trade. The company provides over 30 local hotels, pubs and restaurants residential homes and schools with fresh produce, as well as providing affordable quality produce for retail customers. A recently refurbished general store is situated at the rear. The horticultural side of the business has also grown of late with the addition of new covered areas where a vast
arrange of flowers, plants and shrubs are in bloom. This time of year hanging baskets are a huge favourite with customers with hundreds flying out of the door over just a few weeks. Choose from different sized baskets. The company also provide a funeral floral service, coffin arrangements are a speciality. They also supply church flowers and pedestals.
A group of entry level literacy learners have now achieved a national qualification, each one of them has also produced either a poster or leaflet on a subject of their choice. All of the learners started with a low level of literacy for many reasons, including dyslexia or bad experiences at school. With the help of a WEA tutor, all the learners have progressed fantastically and have become more confident with literacy. “The group have achieved Level 1 and some Level 2,” said course tutor Jan Allott. “Their commitment has
been fantastic, they have all supported each other and, I think, have made new friends.” The roll-on-roll-off programme has run for a full academic year. The group all praised Jan for her friendly approach to the classes. “We all supported each other, and it has made a huge difference to all our lives,” said one student. Similar courses will be starting again in September so if you feel you could benefit from joining a free literacy course please contact Gill Lawrence on 01709 709208.
why grow your own? Suttons have a great range of products for those who are beginner gardeners or who want to grow vegetables quickly and easily
Why not visit our website
www.suttons.co.uk to see more
It’s so easy to
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July 2009
Comments & Letters
Editorial The launch of the Wickersley Community Plan earlier this month at the Community Centre will hopefully be the next step of the integration of a community voice in the structure of public governance. The next step is for people to come together and make sure that their concerns are incorporated into the Plan, and that the community takes control of solutions and planning for the future. This is not only about communicating with service providers, but also about anchoring local democracy at community level. The Wentworth Valley Area Assembly can also be used to ensure that as many formal conduits as possible are opened. There seems to be enthusiasm at the upper echelons of representation, but that needs to be tested by the voters who have their own ideas about what is best for their community. Much is made of consultation and “listening to the voters” both at national and local level. Now here is an opportunity to test the “upward flow” of information. So far the experiences of the people of Bramley and their local Action Group indicate that not everyone is listening. This does not mean the community should stop speaking. As one individual connected to the Bramley Group said recently, “There is no fat lady singing here yet!”
• SLIMMING WORLD Sir, Advertising does work! Slimming World wants to thank the maltby news for a fantastic response to the advert we placed in the paper. Maltby and Broom groups across Rotherham had the highest new members joining their groups after seeing the advert.
Many thanks, Jovita Langley Consultant
• JAKE SAYS “THANKS” Sir Thank-you to everyone that helped to raise money for my sensory room. In total you helped to raise £1775! This will help to finish off my sensory room that mummy and daddy have worked so hard to make for me. Hopefully there will be enough money to buy the mats for the floor and a touchscreen computer and the other bits and pieces to make the room complete. Once finished the room will help me with my progress so that I can learn to sit up, crawl and walk and do everything else that other little boys and girls my age can do. Thank-you again for all your support.
Jake
• THEY AIN’T WON YET Sir
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
The latest Legal Notice from RMBC is a classic attempt at smoke-and-mirrors by attempting to appear to do something that will appease the “restless natives of Bramley” (Gerald’s words not mine) yet at the same time not doing specifically what the overwhelming majority of consultation respondents clearly demonstrated, i.e. returning Bramley back to two-way traffic. No doubt they will include this latest piece of work in their log of listening and responding to the community. They may wield political power over us, but they have neither respect, support or a political or moral majority in Bramley/ Wickersley and elsewhere across Rotherham. So the battle goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on - and eventually the Numpties in Town Hall Towers will realise that victory only comes when one side admits defeat - so they ain’t won yet!!
Don Buxton via-email
pounds proving it is a good idea (via a consultation process) and they will ride rough shod over the local community in order to justify this. According to the school the proposal is backed by all but a few of the staff, according to the unions 90+% of the staff are against it. If we say they are both exaggerating and take a rough guess in the middle it still gives around half (I managed to work that out without a BTEC but with the benefit of a grammar school education). What will happen to the staff? We all know that the teachers will be alright but what about the others? Caretaking, catering even the library can be sold off to a private company. Reassurance may be given that it will not but this is the same reassurance that was given forty years ago when the Grammar School closed. Maltby was chosen by the council some years ago because it was a failing school with an ineffective head, two OFSTED inspections saw that and the local community knew it. The council felt that the local people would welcome the new approach. Sadly, for them, when the head left the school improved overtaking many schools in the area with their results in the summer of 2008. This was due to the hard work of the new head, the staff and the support of the local community. Andy Pickles of UExplore is an extremely successful and very wealthy local businessman who is known for his philanthropic approach to the local area but he has stated that he cannot afford to put up the money for his sponsorship of the academy and will, instead, introduce people who will offer services. But who is to value these services? He speaks of working with Microsoft but, and he may wish to correct me here, if Bill Gates and co wanted to sponsor an academy they would; not wait to be asked. He speaks of not getting involved in the running of the school that will carry his name? Surely that is not how he became so successful. We keep being told that this is a new sort of Academy, that will act differently but this is a huge risk that many people are unwilling to take. In a few years time my children will reach an age where I have to start looking at secondary education. Do I want them to go to an Academy, after all Academies are known for being failing schools that have been rescued? I think like many in Maltby I will be looking further afield leaving a failing Academy to cater for failing pupils. People of Maltby you must face the facts. Rotherham Council has sold you and your community out. Once privatised the Academy can never return to the public domain – if the money runs out, and in the current climate it is possible, then what will happen to the school. Everyone else can turn away, the staff can seek employment elsewhere but the Maltby community are stuck with this decision forever, and that’s a long time.
I would like to respond to the blatant propaganda activities and manipulative exploitation of Maltby Comprehensive School pupils via the management team of the school, ‘U-xplore’ and their ‘red chair’ campaign. This is the latest gimmick in a desperate, damage control exercise by the school to try to win over parents and pupils into believing that the proposed “Academy Trust” is a good idea. There is a strong feeling in the community that Maltby comprehensive school should not become a business, which is what an “Academy Trust” essentially is. Academies do not come under the local education authority rules and they can pretty much do what they like, including transplanting the existing governing body with their own choice of people and it says this clearly on the ’u-xplore’ website. Slowly but surely the people of Maltby would become powerless in having their voice heard at MCS. Many of the existing Academies are failing, there is one down the road in Sheffield which only last week was given notice to improve. Is this what we want for our children in Maltby ? For the last few years, due to the sheer hard work of the pupils and teaching staff, standards and grades at MCS have risen steadily and contrary to suggestions in other publications, I would argue that MCS is already a school that we can be proud of, so why put this hard earned improvement at risk by allowing control of the school to go to profit-driven businessmen and their hard-nosed accountants? Can anyone honestly say that they believe that such unqualified and inexperienced people could run a school properly, and put the children’s education first? I seriously doubt it. I believe passionately that a good education is vital so that children can have the skills they need to live decent, productive and healthy lives. It is downright immoral that my own and other Maltby children would be used as commercial ’guinea-pigs’ so that ‘u-xplore’ can make money out of them and their education be a secondary consideration. Indeed, MCS pupils were taken out of their regular lessons to take part in this ’red-chair’ farce - is this just the thin end of the wedge? Parents would get taken to task pretty quickly if they were to remove their kids from lessons without good reason. Shame on those at Rotherham council who decided to pass the academy trust proposals and to sell generations of Maltby kids down the river, abandoning their civic duty to ensure that they get a good education. Once this school goes out of local authority control it can never go back. The protest group’s website address is useful for finding out what these proposals really mean for the Maltby community and its children. www. maltbyacademydistrust.co.uk
Jack Lincoln by e-mail
Yours faithfully
• STUCK WITH AN ACADEMY An opinion was asked about the Maltby Academy that is going to open in January 2009. I say going to open because it will, regardless of what public opinion states, or what is best for the local community. Rotherham Council have put themselves in a position where there is no going back, they will spend tens (even hundreds) of thousands of
• DISTRUST OF ACADEMY PROPOSALS Sir In the interests of journalistic balance,
Mrs M. Gannon. by email Please address letters to the editor, 13 Blyth Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 8HX. Full name and address should be included.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 9
July 2009
Community News
Wickersley School links up with Bangladesh partners School visit aimed at increasing and enhancing sport across the world Wickersley School and Sports College’s Kerry Graham has recently returned from a trip to Bangladesh where she was accompanied by Headteacher Mr Hudson. Here we publish extracts from her Blog along with some photos of the trip. The British government’s bid to host the 2012 Olympics was successful for many reasons one of which was that it was one of the few bids that promised to enhance and increase sport across the world, but particularly with children and particularly in developing countries. As a result 150 schools worldwide have been linked to 150 schools in this country; 21 of those 150 schools have been linked to 21 schools in Bangladesh and we are one of the schools chosen to be part of that group. Our ‘brief’ is to work with a school in Bangladesh to enhance opportunities for sport education and to enable that sport education to impact positively on education across the school. All the schools in the project are Government Schools and not private and our main link school is the Aliya Madrassa in Dhaka the capital city of Bangladesh; Dhaka is one of the most populated cities, and Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries, in the whole world. After a long flight including a stopover Kerry arrived in Bangladesh.
The journey to the hotel was an experience in itself! Traffic was really bad. Locals say that traffic is not always bad but I only saw evidence of bad traffic the whole time we were there! I would say there are about five lanes of traffic on each side of the road although vehicles do not stick to the lanes. They weave in and out and constantly beep at each other. It appears that whoever beeps the loudest gets to move to where they want to! I was quite excited about our first day of official work! We set out to the British Council offices where we met our interpreters that would accompany us on all other visits for the remainder of the week. Our interpreter was called Samiul. He was a lovely young man just finishing off his studies at University. We listened to many speeches that briefed us on the background to Sport in Bangladesh and our partner link schools. Speeches were made from Masud Hossain (Project Manager - British Council
Bangladesh); Martha Gibson (Acting Director of the British Council in Bangladesh); Brigadier General Shawkat Hossain (Director General at the Academy for Sport Education of Bangladesh) and Darren Coyle (Project Manager - British Council London). On the fourth day Kerry visited Dhaka Aliya Madrassa (a boys’ school). The library was perhaps the saddest place to visit because it was full of dusty books that looked like they had been stored there for years. The books had been sent from Calcutta fifty years ago and the school were very proud of them. Sadly the students were not allowed to take the books out of the library and they had to go and read them in the library; something it was clear none of them actually did! Next we went out to their playground across the road from the school. It was a very large walled space that I can imagine would be quite useful for sports activities. There were cars randomly parked round the edge though I struggled to understand why. There were some local boys playing cricket with what looked like a very strong and well developed technique to me. They had limited equipment; a tennis ball covered in electricity cable tape to make it harder, one bat and three wooden sticks for the stumps. Finally we went to visit
the student accommodation that was provided for those at University level. The rooms were small and cramped with four students on average in each room. Sleeping facilities did not look anything like what you or I would be used to. However, having said that the boys were very eager to show us around and seemed very proud of what they had in their rooms. During this day the electricity also went off which was actually a frequent occurrence. It would go off for two to three hours at a time and staff at the school had no way of fixing it. They just had to wait patiently until it came back on! On Thursday we set out to visit a girl’s school in Dhaka city with two other English colleagues. We had felt that because our partner school was the exam centre that we hadn’t had much opportunity to meet with students of school age. Therefore we requested a
visit to another school which was organised quite quickly for us. This day I have to say was one of the best days while we were in Bangladesh. We had no idea what was in store for us but the school we visited had planned and performed a big cultural show with a mixture of dancing, singing, music and poetry recital. From the minute we stepped off the mini-bus I felt warmth from the girls. They had the most beautiful faces I have ever seen and so glowing with happiness. After the signing of the official accord Kerry met sports leaders organising activites for younger children. There was a mixture of throwing and catching games; relay games and some singing and dancing. You can see from some of the pictures how much the students were enjoying themselves. Unfortunately the event did not last long enough for me. We were on a tight timescale as we had to go to the British Council offices for lunch before returning to our hotel to check out. It was only when I went back to school, after a long journey home. That I had the chance to fully reflect on the
whole trip. I was shocked at the level of poverty I witnessed and how things I take granted are not readily available over in Bangladesh. My best memory I would have to say is how happy everyone seems. The students beam with smiles and just seem so happy to have been given this opportunity to meet with British people. They don’t appear to have many material possessions but yet they have love and friendship from all around them. I think we could learn a lot from our Bangladeshi colleagues in terms of the true
meaning of hospitality and welcome. Kerry is now back at Wickersley no doubt listening to her husband’s explanation of how he somehow didn’t text her, and how bad the traffic was when he arrived late to pick her up at Doncaster station! pictured above: boys play improvised cricket Pictured left: Kerry Graham dancing during a visit to a girls school.
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10 www.maltbynews.co.uk
July 2009
Community News
Redundancy, fair or not? seek both voluntary redundancies and to redeploy staff with a suitable alternative position. ‘Suitable’ is assessed by looking at all aspects of the position offered, including the nature of the work, the skills, experience and qualifications required, the location and the all important salary. An employee is entitled to a trial of at least 4 weeks (longer by mutual agreement) without losing the right to a redundancy payment to see if the alternative position is acceptable. The flip side of this is that if you refuse a position that an Employment Tribunal assesses as a suitable alternative, you may lose the right to a redundancy payment. With effect from April 2009, the rigid provisions to the 2002 Employment Act’s Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures have been abolished. This means that your redundancy is not automatically unfair if an employer fails to follow one of the steps outlined above. Instead, employers should follow a basically fair procedure. If selected for redundancy you are entitled to be paid up until your last day of employment, including accrued holidays not taken. In addition, you are entitled to at least 1 week’s notice for every full year served; more if that is in your contract. These payments are made after the deduction of income tax and national insurance. In addition, you are entitled to a redundancy payment provided that you have at least 2 full years service (although you can claim unfair dismissal by way of redundancy after 12 months service). These payments are worked out by a formula
set down in law, involving length of service and age. Again, there may be a term in your contract that entitles you to a bigger payment. Redundancy payments are usually made without deductions for income tax and national insurance. An employer may also make provision for ‘out placement’, in effect paying for redundant former employees to attend training and assistance in seeking work. You may be able to get this payment as cash instead. You should also clarify your reference, normally these are pretty standard and basic, stating when you started, the job you did and when you left. 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.
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clarify your reference
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With so many job losses at the moment it can be tempting to think that the whole world is not fair. When an employer decides to make someone redundant he must do so for the correct reason and act in a correct fashion, otherwise it could be treated as an unfair dismissal. A genuine redundancy arises when a business closes, the place in which the business operates closes or there is a reduction in the work force required either at the business as a whole or at the workplace. The fact that redundancies are likely should be communicated to the whole staff, preferably in writing. The employer should then identify a ‘pool’ for redundancy selection. If there is a reduced need for drivers for example, then the pool for selection would be all the company’s drivers. Those identified as being at risk of redundancy should be informed individually, again, preferably in writing. Selection criteria should be agreed in advance with workforce representatives as far as possible. The criteria should be fair and as objective as possible, including such areas as length of service, disciplinary record, qualifications and absence record. They should avoid subjective scoring on such matters as appearance and attitude. Staff should then be consulted about their individual scores, at which time they should have the opportunity to challenge their scores. It is a best practice for employers to
MCS scoops top award
Maltby Community School have been awarded the University of Warwick Platinum Award for Excellence in Enterprise Education. MCS is one of only a handful of schools that have received this prestigious Award which recognises excellence in Enterprise. The school is a Specialist School in Business and Enterprise. MCS are doing lots of businessrelated activities within school such as the Prom Fayre, Big Red Chair, competing in Enterprise competitions and attending Enterprising events such as the recent Innocent Enterprise Event. There is now an Enterprising culture that runs throughout MCS and the school is working towards preparing students with the skills they need to success in work and life.
Schools join in the Big Sing Four of our Primary Schools took part in a showcase event at Magna this month. The ‘Big Sing’ involved 1,200 Key Stage One and Two children including choirs from Bramley Sunnyside, Hilltop Special School, Maltby Lillyhall and Wickersley St Albans. The event was organised by Rotherham’s School Music Service and the Get Sorted music academy, in co-operation with Sing Up, a Gateshead-based company, which has received government funding to bring the national Sing Up programme to the region. For some months now its musicians have taken Rotherham teachers through a series of workshops. Choral work, vocal techniques and composing have all been included. These lessons have subsequently been put to good use with hundreds of children learning new songs.
www.maltbynews.co.uk 11
July 2009
Community News
From Maltby to Wembley Last month the girls of Lilly Hall Junior school made history in South Yorkshire, representing the North of England, competing to become the Champions of England at Wembley. The girls played at Watford’s football ground on first to decide which of the teams would play for the cup and which would play for the shield. Lilly Hall battled hard to compete to play for the cup, however unable to win any of their three games which meant they were then competing at Wembley for the shield. Armies of supporters arrived early in the morning of the day that everyone had been waiting for. They flooded outside the school, mounted their coaches eager to celebrate with the girls in their victory at Wembley. Excitement roared across the girls coach as they approached the stadium, in true Wembley fashion like any Final day. Surrounding the coach were streams of yellow and black flags held by the supporting fans and proud parents as the coach
drew into view. Team captain’s Frances Kitching and Libby Challinor led out the team who were relying on their guidance to lift the spirits of the other girls in order to produce a great performance. The game lasted 12 minutes with a quick turn around at half time. The team had to work as hard as they could in those vital 12 minutes to secure the title of third best team in England. The fans gave cheers of encouragement to the girls when they made chances on goal. Frances Kitching won the game when she received a ball from Libby Challinor, firing into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Frances’ proud father said “My children have given me many proud moments in my life, one being my son leading the international team out with David Beckham, and now my daughter scoring the winning goal at Wembley. She
was brilliant and so was the team.” The girls’ success has been recognised by the presentation of the Maltby Civic Service 2009 Community Award which was presented by the Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP. As a reward for their great achievement the girls have also been invited to dine with Lord Scarbrough at his stately home later this week. By Grace Kitching
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Is this another performance I see before me Bramley Sunnyside Junior School have show that “all the world’s a stage” in a link up between local schools and the Royal Shakespeare Company that has seen pupils performing in Rotherham and Stratfordupon-Avon. Last month pupils from Bramley Sunnyside Junior School and four other local schools joined forces with the Inspire Rotherham project, Yorkshire Forward and the Open Mind Theatre Company for a Shakespeare-inspired drama festival at Rotherham’s Civic Theatre. Each participating school has taken inspiration from a different play and has produced a version of that play which was presented in just twenty minutes. The plays were linked by presentations of some of Shakespeare’s best loved sonnets. Bramley Sunnyside Junior School preformed Macbeth. It is hoped these two projects will help provide a basis for a annual primary drama festival to run from next year. Councillor Shaun Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services said; “We have seen through the earlier work that using the resources provided by Shakespeare’s plays is proving an inspiration
to younger children and the staff who work with them. “I am sure the productions by these schools will be an inspiration to others to look at new and innovative ways of developing communication skills through the Inspire Rotherham project. “This project aims to “raise aspirations” and although some people might think primary schools children would not understand Shakespeare – these children prove that in Rotherham, our primary school children can and are using texts to put on a wonderful performance to prove it.” Inspire Rotherham was launched earlier this year and aims to raise the literacy and communications skills of all young people from birth through to age 11. The scheme also encourages people of all ages to use and develop those skills in imaginative ways. It is being backed by Yorkshire Forward which has agreed to put almost £3 million into the project. Ruth Adams, Assistant Director of skills for Yorkshire Forward, added “This type of activity lies at the very heart of the Inspire Rotherham Project and gives a creative edge to the core skills of literacy and communications we are looking to ensure every child in the region develops.”
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July 2009
12 www.maltbynews.co.uk
Community News
Prom at last! It was Prom Night at last! Thursday 2 July was the date that all the year 11 students of Maltby Community School, had been waiting for. The countdown started a couple of months before and everyone was getting extremely excited. All the girls were hiring dresses, buying dresses, making sure they weren’t wearing the same as their friends but making sure that they matched their date’s suit. For the official last day of school, it was a time to be enjoyed by all and they could forget about all the stress they had been put through with the
exams. The girls looked amazing and the boys looked fabulous, even the teachers made an effort. The prom was held in the Holiday Inn, limos were parked all around with the guests climbing out one by one looking like glamorous celebrities. The night was filled with fun, music and wonderful dancing. The only time when the dance floor wasn’t filled with excited people dancing was when the food was served and when Emily Buckler & Tom Bryan were crowned the prom Queen and King. By Mia Bell
July 2009
www.maltbynews.co.uk 13
Community News
14 www.maltbynews.co.uk
July 2009
Community News “Significant improvement” at Sir Thomas Wharton Community College The Governors, Headteacher and staff were delighted with Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector’s judgement that the college had made “significant improvement” in recent examination results. Following a very successful OfSTED inspection from 20-21 May 2009, the inspectors praised the “strategies for improvement” employed in the school that are “resulting in a growing sense of purpose and optimism.” There has been progress in all areas identified in the previous inspection as issues for improvement and the college no longer requires a notice to improve. The staff at Sir Thomas Wharton College have worked relentlessly to eliminate weaknesses over the last year, with considerable success. They have given freely of their time to provide students with opportunities both to raise the standard of their work and to experience a wide variety of additional activities, as recognised by the Inspectors: “A high proportion of students take part in an impressive range of enrichment activities from across the curriculum.” The students are a credit to the school at all times and their behaviour was exemplary during the inspection. They readily shared their views with the Inspectors who concluded that “Students feel safe in college and enjoy lessons” and that they believed “that staff are available and helpful when they need someone to turn to.” Mary McCorry, Headteacher, (right) said “I am delighted with Her Majesty’s Inspectors’ acknowledgement of our efforts and “the progress already made in improving standards and achievement while preparing for the successful mid-year transfer to the new building.” We have endeavoured to
raise not only academic standards but also expectations across all aspects of school life so I was particularly pleased that the inspectors indicated that it is their judgement “that capacity to improve further is good.” This really highlights the consistent and sustained practices which we have adopted. We will not, however, be slowing down in our efforts to move the college forward and we will be acting swiftly to address the issues identified by the inspectors that will effect further improvement.”
Environmental award for school build A BUILDING firm has won a top award for their commitment to protecting the environment whilst constructing Edlington’s new secondary school. VINCI Construction UK Ltd were praised for their eco-friendly practices while building the Sir Thomas Wharton Community College in Edlington. The firm received a gold award for the Edlington school at the Considerate Construction Awards Ceremony in London. The school was judged to be in the top three per cent built in the country this year, in terms of how they helped to reduce their carbon footprint during the construction phase. The sites was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme which adheres to an eight point Code of
Considerate Practice. Methods they used to reduce the carbon footprint included limiting the transport of suppliers, on-site recycling and heat and light control. The new building was also recognised for good neighbour relations and keeping a well-presented site during construction. Gary Thomasson, VINCI Yorkshire and Humber Area Manager, said: “We are delighted that the effort and determination of the team on Doncaster PFI has been recognised by the presentation of such a prestigious Award. “VINCI are committed to continually improving our standards on site and raising our performance, and the Considerate Constructors Award is an excellent way to reflect this.”
As a considerate contractor, we aim to positively contribute to the built environment of the communities in which we work. The Company recently received a Gold Award in recognition of an exceptionally high score achieved on this project as part of of the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
St Thomas Wharton Community College, Edlington
www.vinciconstruction.co.uk
VINCI Construction UK forms part of VINCI, the world’s leading concession and construction group
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July 2009
Community News
Official opening and Prom Night at Sir Thomas Wharton A spectacular two hour celebration attended by pupils, staff and VIPs marked the official opening of the newly built Sir Thomas Wharton Community College at Edlington. Nick Seddon, Regional Director of Vinci the consortium leaders that won the build contract said “It was great to be involved in a partnership with the school and the community.” Over a period of 82 weeks 1,652 workers from 65 organisations were involved in the building of the school. “Many of those working on the site were local sub-contractors,” said Nick. Jason Lyne, Site Manager added “It was one of the best sites I have ever worked on. There were naturally initial concerns from the community about the impact on the town of the build. Although there were lots
of challenges in the end everyone seems to be happy. “ The £22m build came in ahead of time and on budget. Steve Chew, Assistant Director of Children and Young Peoples Services at Doncaster MBC said “We are delighted with the impact the school has had on the pupils, reflected in the recent Ofsted report.” Architects Race Cottam were also delighted with the outcome. “As part of the Vinci consortium which won the bid in 2001 we have enjoyed an exciting time,” said Mark Copley. “The key has been the great partnership between ourselves, Vinci and the school. “ During the opening the pupils put on a number of performances throughout the school to entertain visitors, while Jac Boyce and Emma Smith introduced speakers.
Pictured are Rean Downne, Rhianna Carter, Adrianne Petch and Heather Muirfield performing a Y8 work “Hey You” based on status and relationships.
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16 www.maltbynews.co.uk
July 2009
Sport
Wickersley’s season just gets better It was a heady start to the month for Wickersley Old Village C.C. when after securing a berth in the Whitworth Cup Final, they then saw off early season surprise package Wath at Northfield Lane. The Cup Semi-Final at Treeton was expected to be a tough call, as the home side have dominated the league this season. Batting first Shahid Hussain and skipper Jonathon Trower made a solid start before Trower fell for 27. The bad news for the home side was that this brought Scott Cunningham to the crease. He had sealed the win against Hallam in the quarter final with an unbeaten century. Now he and Hussain set about the Treeton attack in what proved to be a match-winning stand. Hussain top-scored with 81, while Cunningham again proved immoveable with an unbeaten 75. James Bentley weighed in with 27, in a total of 267. When Treeton batted Cunningham proved just as dangerous with the ball removing four of the top order, for 35 runs off nine overs. Hussain was not to be outdone snatching two for 55, as Treeton spluttered to 190, the innings being held together by Stephen Foster’s 98. Wickersley will now face Houghton Main or Whitley Hall in the final. In the league Wath arrived bristling with danger, especially in the shape of much-travelled Lesroy Weekes who has been in outstanding form with the ball. Having decided to bat Wath posted
221 off 49 overs, Steve Reynolds top scoring with 74. The damage was done by Greg Norton, taking six for 52 off 15 overs. A superb unbeaten 104 from skipper Trower ably assisted by 66 n.o. from Liam Heathcote saw Wickersley home for the loss of just three wickets. right: Scott Cunningham below: Wickersley Old Village CC prior to the game against Wath
Whitworth Cup Wickersley Vs Treeton