Introduction FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THORNE AND MOORENDS
Hello and welcome to your newest edition of Thorne Local.
The clocks have gone forward, the nights are getting lighter, and the days should start to get warmer.
We are back again with some brilliant local news stories and of course lots of fantastic business offers from in and around the local area of Thorne and Moorends.
This issue we showcase a local army veteran who has launched a support group - Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI).
Phab Doncaster created a weekend to remember at Bendrigg Trust with 46 children, young people, families, and carers all spending the weekend enjoying canoeing, climbing, zip lining,
MEET THE STAFF
biking, sports, the sensory room, archery and more.
We also speak to Sally Robinson, a local British flower grower who has been growing beautifully scented seasonal flowers on her sustainable flower farm since 2020.
As always, if you have a local feel-good story or have an upcoming event you would like more people to know about, pop us an email and we will be happy to help!
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Local army veteran launches support group - Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI)
Thorne & Moorends Local spoke to Sam Grundy who launched Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes to find out more.
Sam told us: “I’m from Thorne, an Army veteran, and part of the Royal British Legion (RBL) as the Poppy Appeal Organiser for our local branch.
“Even though I’m a part of that organisation I felt there needed to be a bit more in the area for veterans in other parts of the Doncaster area. There are currently breakfast meetings, Fit Forces and other coffee meet-ups, however, it’s difficult to attend these due to public transport or the timings.
“So I thought I would start one myself. After brainstorming for quite a while and trying to find the right place to host it and the right name….. the NAAFI drop-in was launched in February 2025.
“NAAFI is recognised by any military person, veteran and family, so it seemed apt to use it.
“Reverend Tim Mitchell is the chaplain for our RBL branch, so when I asked if I could use the church he was more than happy to help.
“It’s not a charity, it’s separate from the RBL, it’s a project that I wanted to start to not only to help other veterans but for myself too.
“I understand how important it is to have a safe space to go and have support for mental health but also to reminisce about our days in the military, to have the banter and sometimes dark humour over situations we might have been in.
“It’s 22 years since I was in Iraq but it feels like last week, that’s my PTSD doing that, so to have the drop-in with people that totally understand means so much.”
They meet at St Nicholas Church every Tuesday morning 10am-noon, but the 3rd Tuesday of every month is at the later time of 11.30am-1.30pm.
A weekend to remember at Bendrigg Trust
With a little organisational help from community group Phab
Doncaster, 46 children, young people, families, and carers all spent the weekend enjoying canoeing, climbing, zip lining, biking, sports, the sensory room, archery and more
Phab Doncaster is a community group that puts sessions and events on for children and adults with or without disabilities.
They pride themselves on primarily providing sessions that are suitable and adaptable for everyone to access, including those with severe complex needs, wheelchair users (PMLD), those with severe challenging behaviours and children who are on end-of-life plans.
Laura, Co-chair, Phab, told Thorne Local: “This weekend has been truly inspirational, being able to share it with our amazing individuals, many for whom it was their first time away
from home or a hospital setting. The smiles say it all, and it was certainly an emotional weekend. Everyone deserves the chance to be part of our community.”
Phab Doncaster are doing a sponsored walk on the 27th April to raise vital funds for their group, to enable them to provide more sessions, events and residentials and to support more individuals and families.
Volunteering
Did you know you can volunteer with Phab Doncaster through Doncaster Volunteer Bank or you can scan the QR code and sign up today.
From Seed to Bloom: A Local British Grower’s Passion for Flowers
Sally Robinson, a British flower grower, children’s author, illustrator, and columnist from Hatfield has been growing beautifully scented seasonal flowers on her sustainable flower farm since 2020
After losing her job in Covid, Sally started a cut flower patch to help with her mental health. She grew so many flowers that she could give flowers away to friends and family that were affected by the after effects of lockdown to cheer them up.
Sally now grows a wide variety of British flowers using organic principles, which means no pesticides and with pollinators in mind.
Creating beautiful bespoke bouquets for the public to purchase in her on-site studio, she also runs creative workshops, and more recently was appointed as the membership lead on the board at Flowers from the Farm, a trade association supporting and promoting British flower growers across the UK.
It’s a cause very close to her heart with her mission to make people aware of the benefits of buying from local suppliers. We spoke to Sally to find out a bit more.
Why are you interested in flowers?
Flowers represent everything I love - the beauty of nature, connection, creativity, and sustainability. They have this wonderful way of marking life’s moments, whether joyful or challenging. I’m especially passionate about British flowers because they support local biodiversity, reduce the carbon footprint, and reflect the changing seasons. Growing flowers became a form of therapy and purpose for me, blending my love of nature, art, and community.
What flowers are best to plant in April through to June?
Spring and early summer are perfect times to sow hardy annuals and plant out tender annuals after the risk of frost has passed.
In April, you can sow hardy annuals like cornflowers, nigella, and calendula directly into the soil.
May is ideal for planting out dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, and sweet peas. By June, it’s still a great time to succession
sow quick-growing annuals like cosmos and sunflowers to ensure blooms later in summer.
Where in the garden is best to plant?
Most flowers thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. I always recommend choosing an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day and avoiding overly exposed, windy locations. Improving your soil with compost and organic matter is key - flowers are like us, they perform better when well-nourished and comfortable!
Where is the best place locally to source flowers from?
The absolute best place to source flowers locally is from British flower growers like myself: www.fieldgoodflowersyorkshire. co.uk and other members of Flowers from the Farm.
If you are not local to myself, you can head over to the website and type in your postcode to search for a grower near youwww.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk
Supporting local growers ensures you’re getting the freshest, most sustainable blooms, often with varieties you won’t find in supermarkets and free from harsh chemicals that are generally sprayed on imported flowers.
World Book Day 2025
Back in March, it was every parent’s favourite day… World Book Day! Here are the top six costumes from our readers who sent in a picture of their child via our Facebook page.
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WHAT’S ON
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO EVENTS THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND YOU
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT FROM ONLY £30+VAT
Family Fun Day
Saturday 31st May
Swanlands Fisheries, Thorne All4Dunscroft Community Group in support of Stevie T’s Junior Angling Club. Bouncy castle, face painting, tombola, hot food, sweet treats and more
Doncaster
Brick Festival
Saturday 7th June
The Dome, Doncaster
This celebration of all things LEGO is open to fans of all ages. Booking tickets to secure your place is strongly advised brickfestivalevents.com
Sponsored Walk
Sunday 11th May, 10am Town Fields Pavilion
The Thorne Rural Lions are hosting a sponsored walk in aid of Doncaster Children’s Hospital.
This five-mile route starts from Town Fields Pavilion to Lakeside, around the lake and back to the start.
www.thornerurallions.com musicline02@yahoo.co.uk
Ghost Hunt
Saturday 7th June
Old Thorne Workhouse
Dare you spend the night here? Will you be brave enough? Hot and cold drinks and snacks provided. To book visit: ticketlab.app/event/29611Ghost-Hunt-Old-ThorneWorkhouse-tickets#
IN YOUR STARS
WHAT DOES THE COSMOS HOLD FOR YOU?
AQUARIUS
(20th Jan-18th Feb)
A heart-to-heart with a friend will bring clarity and a new perspective you may not have seen. Be open and honest with your feelings.
PISCES
(19th Feb-20th March)
Adventure and fun await in your love life. Plan something exciting with your partner or explore new connections if you’re single.
ARIES
(21st March-19th April)
Focus on your goals today and for the rest of the month. Bold decisions bring positive change. Trust your instincts and take action!
TAURUS
(20th April-20th May)
Your patience is about to pay off soon. The effort you’re putting in now will lead to long-term rewards. Stay grounded.
GEMINI
(21st May-20th June)
Social connections are going to bring you exciting opportunities. Open yourself up to new ideas and enjoy the fresh energy around you.
CANCER
(21st June- 22nd July)
Take time for self-care today and remember how far you have come. Emotional balance is key. Clear your mind, and the answers will come.
LEO
(23rd July-22nd Aug)
Your creativity is getting you recognised at the moment. Let your passion shine through. Share your talents with others and inspire greatness.
VIRGO
(23rd Aug-22nd Sept)
One thing going wrong doesn’t mean you can forget how far you have come. The future is still looking very bright.
LIBRA
(23rd Sept-22nd Oct)
You need to balance your personal and professional life. Harmony comes when you set clear boundaries. Find peace within yourself.
SCORPIO
(23rd Oct-21st Nov)
Intensity in your relationship is about to rise and you need to be ready. Use your understanding to navigate emotions and find resolutions.
SAGITTARIUS
(22nd Nov-21st Dec)
Your friends are your rock and have been there for you through everything. Spend time with those who lift you up, and enjoy their company!
CAPRICORN
(22nd Dec-19th Jan)
You need to take a break from work. Whilst you are smashing it, remember your family and friends, their support will inspire new strengths.
