Your Wentworth Valley Community NewspaperJune 2009

Cricket Page 16Holiday DiscountReader Offer

page 5Thinbelina

page 9

Beautiful hanging baskets and seasonally planted verges, keeping children’s play areas safe, restoring the war memorial... these are just a few of the things that Bramley Parish Council spends your Parish Precept on. At the recent AGM, the Parish Precept of £77,000 was approved by Bramley Parish Councillors. Chairman Cllr Neil Fulcher explained that the Parish Council employs six staff whose duties include caretaking, opening and locking gates to the war memorial and play area, gardening, and grounds management with the gardening being supervised by Cllr Bradley. All of these are undertaken on behalf of parishioners. Other outgoings include the cost of the Clerk, Christmas illuminations, fi reworks celebrations, Parish Hall upkeep, sports facilities including the Multi Use Games Area, (with reduced hire rates for parish residents), cemetery facilities. Last year’s costs also included fencing to the recreation ground, as well as accountants and solicitors fees which are on-going costs which are met out of the precept payment, collected on the Parish’s behalf by Rotherham MBC. A new offi ce in the Parish Hall for the public to be able to visit is one of a number of improvements the Parish Council hopes to make in 2009/10. Others plans include more landscaping and planting around the village and in the

cemetery, a full parish website, plus possible capital projects if the sale of Centenary Hall is successful. The Parish Council intends to take full control of the cemetery and to manage it in-house. Cllr Fulcher had earlier criticised Rotherham Council for its intransigence and unwillingness to consult appropriately. There had been minimal consultation over the road “improvement” proposals on Flanderwell Lane, no consultation with neighbours over the pedestrian access at the end of Prospect Close, and no zebra crossing on Flash Lane. Footpaths on the Trees estate had been closed off to form development sites that Rotherham MBC then sold off and there was a lack of contact over the proposed Hellaby Parish. The chairman claimed that RMBC ineptitude and the lack of a planning decision for development of the community centre in Hellaby continues to cost the Parish Council considerable funds. The Parish Council pledged continued support for the Bramley Action Group in its ongoing challenge to the village centre traffi c management scheme. The chairman felt that Rotherham MBC were yet again proposing to impose amendments which did not have the approval of local people or local businesses. wickersley news staff

Bramley Parish Precept - where your money goes!

A Wickersley teacher has been nominated as a fi nalist in the North of England section of the National Teaching Awards 2009 to be held at the Cutler’s Hall, Sheffi eld later this month.Lizzie Harmer, from Wickersley Northfi eld Primary in Rotherham, will be competing in the Outstanding New Teacher category. “My mum nominated me, which is a bit embarrassing, but the Headteacher had to fi ll out quite a long form about me!” said Lizzie.She graduated from Warwick University and did her GTP at Sheffi eld Hallam, before joining the school to teach Class F2H last September.

The class is also up for a ROSCAR, the Rotherham “Oscars” for a short fi lm which the children produced. Headteacher Mrs Ruston said “We are very proud of Lizzie and are sure she can get to the national fi nals.” She added her thanks to everyone in the community who have helped with the “Lets Grow” vouchers which have enabled the children to undertake some gardening. “We are looking for volunteers to help with the gardening club, anyone interested should contact the school,” she added.

Lizzie with Georgina Borrill, Joanna Martin, Thomas Marshall and Finlay Ball next to their garden

Lizzie is top of the class

Events Calendar2 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

2018

june 11 13 16

22 27275

1911

19

1613

1

1816

2727

18

20 22

181824

16

4

18

24

17Wheelie Good Street

SportsMaltby Manor Fields Skate Park

10:00 - 13:00 All WelcomeBMX bikers, skateboard jumpers

& in-line skate dare devils

17

Maltby Town Council Surgery

Edward Dunn Memorial HallEvery Friday 14:00-16:30

Everyone welcome

Maltby Environmental Group

Edward Dunn Memorial Hall19:00, Non members

welcome

SUPERTOTSParish Centre (next to METS)

Morrell Street, Every Tues/Thurs

9:00 - 11:00, 1st session 50pTel: 07817 405255

Wickersley Operatics Society

Wickersley Community CentreTues 18:30 - 21:30 Thurs 19:30-21:30

Open to all over 16yrs

5411

Wickersley Writers WorkshopWickersley Community CentreEvery other Tues, 13:00 - 15:00

Tel Margaret: 01709 543991Tea, coffee & biscuits served

Wickersley Community Plan

Event DayWickersley Community Centre

11:00-15:00july 1Folk and Acoustic

Night The Three Tuns, Stainton

20:00 Folks, Blues, 60s, Anything acoustic

Call John: 01709 813530

Maltby MinersWelfare CC Vs

Rotherham Town CCMuglet Lane, 14:00

Hallam CC VsWickersley Old

Village CCCarsick Hill Road, Sheffi eld

13:00

John Reilly andFriends

Rotherham Civic Theatre,19:30, Tickets £15

e-mail: cayres@blueyonder.co.uk or Tel: 01709 363656

Midnight MemoryWalk

Rotherham Civic Theatre 19:30 Thurs 21st - Sat 23rd,

Call box offi ce: 01709 823621

One night with Elvis

Rotherham Civic Theatre 19:30 Tickets £15.50

Call box offi ce: 01709 823621

The Likes of UsBy Maltby Minors

The Wesley Centre, 22nd-24th June

Tickets £7tel: 01709 700768

Race for LifeHerringthorpe Stadium,

Middle Lane South, Book a place on 5km sponsored

run/walk on www.raceforlife.org

Summer on MaltbyCommons

Meet in the car park on Stoneywell Lane, 19:00 - 21:00

Guided Walk across the far and low commons of Maltby

Wentworth ValleyArea Assembly

St Francis Church Hall, Bramley 15:30

All Welcome

Maltby CragsWomen’s Group

Crags School Community Room 9:00 - 11:00. Every Wednesday

Term Time. Speakers, Crafts etc.For info: 07817 405255

Bartholomew & SonsFuneral Directors

est 1891

Serving Maltby and surounding areas for over 40 years.

For a caring, professional service 24 hours a day

812158 & 363706The Funeral Home, Coleridge Road, Maltby S66 7LT

Pre Payment Funeral plans available.

Jeremy NealFuneral DirectorOffice & Chapel of Rest

Maltby Independent Funeral Service

17 Morrell StreetMaltby

S66 7LL

01709 815959Pre paid funeral plans available

24 hr serviceDedicated to Dignity, Care & Respect

www.rotherhamfunerals.co.uk

One of Maltby’s most popular salons has achieved four star status with the prestigious Good Salon Guide. “We are delighted to be recognised by the Good Salon Guide, the only independent guide to quality standards in hairdresssing in the UK and Ireland,” said Sarah Sullivan, owner of Revive. The salon runs a loyalty scheme rewarding fi ve visits for a cut with a free cut. It also offers a reduction of 25% of your next visit when you

recommend a friend to the Queen’s Corner salon. “We are also continuing our ongoing training with Matrix,” Sarah added.During the month of June Revive is also offering a free cut with any colour process. Prom Princesses are also invited to check out a whole series of hair and beauty packages.

Revive awarded four star status

The Three Tuns pub is tucked away in the small picturesque village of Stainton. It has a lovely seated area outside for hot summer days and a cosy traditional feel inside. After a gorgeous week, I sampled the latter as I chose a miserable rainy Friday night to try the new menu. It was soon apparent that the staff are friendly, helpful and go out of their way to please. The atmosphere is mellow and relaxed which I’m told is different to a Saturday night when the pub hosts different popular entertainment acts. There is a steady fl ow of people into the restaurant until all the tables are full, but the noise levels still remain subdued so you can have a conversation with ease. Initially I was intending to limit myself to a main course however the starters caught my eye and I couldn’t resist the chicken strips with a sweet chilli dip, my dining companion had the melted mushrooms. For mains I chose a new addition to the menu, pork steaks with a pepper sauce accompanied by black pudding, chips and vegetables. While my fellow diner had the 8oz fi llet steak with potatoes and vegetables.We enjoyed a smooth Cabarnet Sauvignon which

was on offer at a very reasonable price of £7.95 from a well-balanced wine list. As we sipped our wine I spied two t-bone steaks coming to the table juxtaposed to ours and made a mental note to consider those on my next visit. Our starters arrived shortly after so it didn’t leave too much time to salivate over someone else’s food. My chicken was succulent, fresh, extremely tasty and fi lling, however with my healthy appetite I couldn’t resist sampling the melted mushrooms which were on a breaded base with a good helping of a garlic and cream sauce, yummy! The mains were hearty and full of fl avour. The fi llet steak looked big and juicy and my two pork steaks were meaty and perfectly cooked until tender, perfectly accompanied by the crisp black pudding. There was no possible way to fi t in a dessert as we were more than satisfi ed with the food we were served. However there is a great selection of sweets on offer which I’m sure are just as good as the other courses. We leisurely fi nished our wine and then moved out of the restaurant area and into the bar to continue our enjoyable evening. JB

www.maltbynews.co.uk 3June 2009

Community NewsEach Year the United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation UNESCO designates World Environment Day. It is celebrated in more than 100 countries and, this year, its theme is “Climate change and the broader consequences of environmental change”. So what, if anything, does it mean to us? Surely the issues it raises are too big and too complicated for individuals and for local communities like ours. The easy thing is to bury our heads in the sand and to let others take responsibility but it is possible both to think global and to act local. For nearly 20 years now, Maltby Environmental Group has taken the view that it is better to try to tackle environmental issues rather than to sit back and do nothing. Our remit is quite wide but, essentially, we concern ourselves with three key themes; the degradation and enhancement of our local built environment, local countryside and

wildlife issues and the contribution of a local view on development control and strategic planning matters. On the fi rst theme, our January meeting saw us walking round Maltby town centre looking for what was good and what was bad. We followed up with a detailed report and with letters to and consultations with a number of people and organisations including, Maltby Town Council, local RMBC councillors, South Yorkshire Police, the Safer Neighbourhood Team, dog wardens and RMBC staff concerned with recycling, bins, street cleansing and urban enhancement projects. We also wrote to Kevin Barron MP drawing his attention to the issue of non-biodegradable fast food over-packaging, a matter which contributes directly to the big

theme of Global warming. This year we have also been worried by the obvious, and Global warming associated threats, to trees, wildlife corridors and local biodiversity which are inherent in the extraordinarily entangled Maltby Academy and “Building Schools for The Future” proposals. We have made formal representations to RMBC which have been formally acknowledged but, so far, ignored. We also struggle with the obvious wildlife issues associated with “The Muddies” and we have done our best to support concerned local residents On planning matters, we gained huge public support for our, so far, successful campaign against the proposed green-fi eld and green-belt adjacent offi ce development

south of the A631 near Hellaby Bridge. We also keep a watching brief on the new Leisure and Services Centre Project and, from time to time, remind people of the need for a landscaping plan to address our communal loss of amenity trees when the site was originally cleared for development. A recent task was review and comment on RMBC’s draft Environment and Climate Change Action Plan. Our next meeting, at the Edward Dunn Hall at 7pm on 24th June, will focus on the RMBC Local Development Framework which will outline land allocation to 2026. There will be lots of other meetings about that and it is vital that as many as possible attend and contribute. Ring 812035 if you want to know more. By the way we are not doing anything special on 5th June because, for our group, every single day is World Environment Day. by Alice Rodgers

Think global act local

chicken strips with sweet chilli dip

Tasty Menu brightens a rainy evening

Community News

4 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

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A Maltby mum-of-two has donated life-saving bone marrow for an Italian man suffering from Non-Hodgkins Lymphona. Catherine Eyre, 27, is a trainee radiographer and has been on the National Bone Marrow Register for a number of years. “I was giving blood and was asked if I was prepared to go on the Bone Marrow Register, then recently I got a letter asking if I would give more blood to test. Later I received another letter saying I was a match for a man in Italy and asking whether I still wanted to go ahead. I agreed since it does not really matter where someone lives if they need the bone marrow. “While I was in theatre for one hour there was a courier waiting outside to rush the bone marrow to Italy.” Catherine travelled to Newcastle last month, with brother Tommy Reilly for support, after taking preliminary tests a few weeks earlier. The procedure left her exhausted, but happy that she had been able to help a stranger. Such generosity runs in the family, as her other brother Dr John-Jo Reilly, currently a Royal Navy Surgeon in Selly Oaks, raised

£25,000 for the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Nottingham while a student in the city. “I am so proud of all my children and what they have done,” said mum Shirley Carruthers. Bone marrow is the soft, jelly-like tissue that is found in the hollow centres of certain bones. It’s the home of what are called “stem cells” which are the building blocks of blood itself. These building blocks are: the red cells - which carry oxygen; the white cells - which fi ght infection, and the platelets - which stop bleeding. All these cells are produced by the stem cells and released into the blood stream via the veins and thin tissue surrounding the bone. Without the bone marrow, blood cannot be produced, so when things go wrong and the bone marrow becomes damaged, the patient must receive a stem cell transplant to survive. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are necessary when the bone marrow becomes diseased or damaged so that it cannot function normally. “Sometimes an appropriate donor can be

found within the patient’s immediate family as it is more likely that their “tissue type” will match. However, only 30% of donors are found this way, and this is when we rely on the British Bone Marrow Registry to fi nd another suitable donor. And this is the reason we really need people like your readers who are prepared to help save a life,” said Catherine.

If you are aged between 18 and 49 and have given blood, or are prepared to give blood then, providing there are no medical reasons that prevent you from doing so - you may well be able to become a bone marrow donor.

Visit www.blood.co.uk/pages/marrow_info

Maltby mum donates life-saving bone marrow

Catherine with brothers John-Jo and Tommy

A veteran runner is to present a painting featuring Maltby’s best loved areas to a group of athletes from St Quentin, north east France. Ray Matthews, 68, who painted the picture himself will be handing the piece to a group of 16 runners from Rotherham’s French twin town St Quentin in July. The painting which has taken over two months to complete features Roche Abbey, the Cenotaph and St Bartholomew’s church and will have a plaque attached to the frame with a short description in French of what they all are. Ray who has been running for the past ten years and taken part in marathons across the world said, “I put my heart and soul into this, I am incredibly proud of it.” Maltby Running Club took part in

a race on behalf of Rotherham in St Quentin last year and were made to feel thoroughly welcome by their hosts. Subsequently they invited their French counterparts to take part in the long established Abbey Dash. The fi ve mile race will feature other local running teams such as the Rotherham Harriers and the Kimberworth Striders and will help raise money for various charities. Ray who felt the St Quentin runners deserved something in return for their hospitality said, “ They treated us so well while we were there, they made us feel right at home. I felt it would be nice to do something for them.” Former boxer Ray took photographs of the three key parts of his painting then sketched them before painting.

He was given professional help by Wellgates Arts and Crafts who steered him in the right direction. Ray said, “We’ve had a good response already, 12 have been bought so far. I am not really an artist this was all new to me. It felt different to have to put on a commercial head.” by Chris Gayton

Ray’s gift for French visitors

www.maltbynews.co.uk 5June 2009

Community News

If your after something saucy in the bedroom or something grand for a day out, a Maltby corset designer may have the answer. Jayne Maxwell, 46, is a corsetiere and is trained in the traditional art of Victorian corsets and can make custom designs in any style or shape, from two boned to 18 boned corsets in any fabric you choose. Her underwear company ‘Thinbelina’ offers unique designs which can reduce a ladies waist by up to four inches, so if your looking for something special and weight watchers is not working this maybe the solution. Jayne has been making underwear for the past 18 months and a website showing off many of her handmade glamourous corsets and underwear sets went live recently. Jayne said, “Our corsets are one-offs. You know when you wear one of my designs no one else will have the

same one. We have one for every situation, weddings, the bedroom as well as burlesque and gothic styles.” After fi nding it hard to follow her dream locally Jayne, who could not even sew initially, has travelled far and wide to study courses on underwear making. She was inspired to become a corsetiere after seeing a fashion show and tried her fi rst designs out on her two daughters. Starting up a business in the current climate has been diffi cult, and ‘Thinbelina’ is a self-funded project but Jayne seems to reaping the rewards. She said, “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback. We’ve sold eight corsets so far, one particular person buying four of them.” Anyone wanting to fi nd out more about ‘Thinbelina’ should visit the webiste www.thinbelina.co.uk or call Jayne on 07734 385 382.

Unlock the door to gorgeous curves

Community News6 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

A ground-breaking Maltby health project aimed at young women scooped a major award at the 2009 Yorkshire and Humber Health and Social Care Awards at Sheffi eld City Hall earlier this month. Andy Buck, Chief Executive of NHS Rotherham said: “We are really proud of all our award winners and short-listed nominees, and I would like to congratulate them all for their achievements. These awards highlight the excellent work that is being achieved by NHS Rotherham, the care and dedication of our staff and the difference we are making to patients on a daily basis.” The awards were presented by ITV Calendar presenter Duncan Wood and Kathryn Riddle, Chairman of NHS Yorkshire and the Humber. Kathryn said: “These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of staff who work in health and social care across the region. These achievements are all thanks to the dedication of NHS staff working on the front line; doing excellent work and making sure people receive the best care possible.” The Maltby Linx Young Women’s Project, is a pilot scheme which has involved youth workers providing intensive support to young women to help them make positive life choices. The project has been operating since 2006 to support young women to achieve positive outcomes in their lives. Since the project began, the number of teenage pregnancies in the area has been reduced, as well as reductions in substance misuse and improved mental health. Improvements have also been made in school

Pioneering Maltby health project wins regional award

Teenage pregnancies and other issues targeted by health workers

MALTBY FORUM

Forthcoming Meeting of Maltby Forum.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 on the proposals for a 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 getting all the public information it needs?”

““

Teenage pregnancy is one of NHS

Rotherham and Rotherham MBC’s top priorities

Maltby Minors to perform “The Likes of Us”The Maltby Minors will perform the Yorkshire Premier of “The Likes of Us” at the Wesley Centre, Blyth Road Maltby, from 22nd to 24th June. It was the fi rst ever musical written by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1965, and until this year has been seen only twice, in a private performance at Lloyd Webber’s own Sydmonton Festival at his stately home in Berkshire on July 9, 2005, and three days later, for one night only at the Mermaid Theatre, where it was recorded for an album release.In September 2008, with the approval of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber it was launched by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and the Really Useful Group (RUG) to amateur theatre prior to its professional release.It is set in mid-Victorian London, and chronicals the life of Dr. Thomas Barnardo, a fi ery medical student who abandons plans to become a missionary in China when he sees the desperate plight of children in his own city. With the Industrial revolution in less than 50 years London has grown to house half the population of the UK, and it is not prepared. It is overcrowded and poverty is widespread. Orphaned and abandoned children, or just those of the poor are put to work from the age or 4 or 5 and many live on the streets. Half of all funerals in London are of children under 10. The story leads us to the formation of the famous childrens’ homes, and the organisation which bears Thomas Barnardo’s name today.

attendance and attainment, as well as reducing the number of young women who went on to become NEET, not in education, employment and training. Of the 96 young women supported during the project, only one became pregnant in the fi rst year, which is 1.04% of the group, compared to 5.4% of all 15-17 year old girls who become pregnant in Rotherham each year (Offi ce National Statistics, 2008). Statistically, the risk of teenage pregnancy in Maltby was considerably higher than for the borough as whole. NHS Rotherham Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinator Melanie Simmonds said “Teenage pregnancy is one of NHS Rotherham and Rotherham MBC’s top priorities as we aim to continue to reduce rates and achieve the national target set by the government of reducing teenage pregnancy by 50% by 2010. On average 257 under 18’s become pregnant in Rotherham each year so it is essential to provide the support and services to reduce these fi gures. Rotherhams’

strategy has three key objectives, which are to provide targeted support, increase access to contraception and increase the role of parents.” Due to the huge success of the Maltby project, a further three youth workers have been recruited who will provide this intensive support to young women in other areas of Rotherham. Melanie continued: “The youth workers will provide intensive support, aspiration and self-esteem raising activities and advice on relationships and contraception. Working as part of the Children and Young People’s early intervention teams, they will be placed with locality teams within areas of high teenage pregnancy, including Maltby, Kimberworth and Herringthorpe. “They are also working closely with school nurses, education welfare offi cers, children’s centre and social services. Being located alongside the locality teams, the workers will have access to a skill mix of police, youth inclusion workers, Connexions PA’s and senior youth workers.” NHS Rotherham and RMBC Children and Young People’s Service have been working with partners on a number of initiatives to reduce teenage pregnancy. The number of teenage pregnancies in Rotherham has bucked the national trend falling by 10.5% in the past ten years according to data from The Offi ce for National Statistics released earlier this year. “Rotherham has taken a partnership approach to teenage pregnancy and has been working very hard to ensure a reduction in the rates. We are pleased with these statistics as they refl ect the amount of energy that partners across the borough have put in to this important issue and we hope to see this success continue,” Melanie added Councillor Shaun Wright, Chair of the Rotherham Children and Young People’s Board, said: “This reduction is good news and shows that the extensive work we have put into this issue is moving Rotherham in the right direction. We know there is lots more to be done and we will continue to keep this as a key priority to improve the lives of children and young people across the borough.” All the regional winners, including the two from NHS Rotherham, will go through to the national fi nal which will be held in London on 8th July.

www.maltbynews.co.uk 7June 2009

Community News

Local WalkingFestivalThe pioneering Rotherham Walking Festival is set to return for a week-long celebration of all that is beautiful and tranquil in the borough. Celebrating a decade of bringing relaxing group walks to Rotherham, the free programme detailing all the events taking place as part of the festival, which kicks off on Monday, June 29, is now available from Rotherham Visitor Centre. Tourism and Marketing Manager, Joanne Edley, said: “The Rotherham Walking Festival was one of the fi rst of its kind in the country and I am extremely proud to see it going strong for the 10th programme. “The festival has continued to evolve alongside the redevelopment of the borough and grows in popularity with each passing year. With the inclusion of new walks, I am sure that this will be a festival to remember.” One of the 37 walks includes a trip around the stunning woodland of Roche Abbey as well as an historic insight into Rotherham Town Centre. Also new for 2009 is a Rotary Roundwalk around Whiston and Wickersley. Concluding on Sunday, July 5, the Rotherham Walking festival, which last year attracted over 1,000 people of all ages from as far away as Ayr, Devon and Wales, will once again offer a range of walks, from woodland to towpath to help people discover new areas and different sides to our beautiful corner of South Yorkshire.Tickets for the payable walks are available from Rotherham Visitor Centre. Tel: 01709 835904.

Free courses to give you an overview of how schools work and how children learn with emphasis on Literacy, Numeracy, Managing

Behaviour as well as Special Educational Needs are now

available.Wednesday’s 10th/17th/24th June at

Ravenfi eld Primary School1st/ 8th/15th July at MCS

From 4.00 – 5.30 pm

Hospital staff honoured at annual awards in RotherhamTHEY work in all corners of the hospital, carrying out a diverse range of jobs but these dedicated staff have one thing in common – they’re all Shining Stars. The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust employees, from porters and nurses to midwives and gardeners, were honoured at a glittering awards dinner at Aston Hall on Friday evening. Chief Executive Brian James paid tribute to the dozens of staff nominated and the handful of delighted winners. He said: “Our staff are among the best in the country and the Annual Awards pay tribute to their hard work and dedication. “Hearing the nominations and listening to how these members of staff, whether as individuals or as teams, go above and beyond on a daily basis was truly inspiring.” Midwife Rachel Davies received the Above and Beyond Award and then went on to win the Chairman’s Award. She was nominated by Rotherham mum and patient Julie Leake. Julie’s testimony of the care she received from Rachel was very moving. Julie spoke of how supportive and caring Rachel had been as she delivered Julie’s fi rst baby, Beth, who had sadly died. Julie became pregnant again

and requested Rachel deliver the baby, which Rachel was delighted to do, and changed

her shift in order to honour this request. Baby Emma is now a fi t and healthy nine weeks old. The “Thank You” Award was won by a number of individuals and teams. These included Cliff Fox and Phil Wake, theatre porters, who put patients at ease ahead of surgery and were nominated by a patient. X-Ray porters Steve Gould and Tom Brady, also won a Thank

You Award and were described as the

“backbone of their department” and praised for brightening patients’ days by singing and

creating a “feelgood factor”. Other Thank You Award winners included The Nursing Team from B4, staff from the Special Care Baby Unit, nursing staff from Ward A5, Sheila Bates, who works in Housekeeping on B2, and Carol Foster, A5 Ward Clerk. Sandra Green, from GU Medicine, took Learner of the Year, in recognition of the

tenacity and dedication she demonstrated to achieve her NVQ level 3. The Idea of the Year winner was chosen from the Trust’s Idea of the Month fi nalists and saw the award split between two winners. Dr Simon McCormick was chosen for his idea to provide activity packs for children waiting in A&E. The idea has now been fully implemented. Palliative care nurse Ann Harriman was picked for an idea to provide comfort packs for families of palliative care patients who may have to make a snap decision to stay overnight. The Making A Difference award went to specialist nurse Elizabeth Fairclough who set up a diabetic clinic for older patients, that has meant patients spend far fewer days in hospital. Elizabeth continues to work with the Department of Health on the development of a National Institute of Diabetes for Older People. Kim Ashall, Director of Services Improvement, said the Shining Stars evening was a tremendous success and feedback from those attending had been very encouraging.

Comments & Letters

8 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

The Maltby News and The Wickersley News13 Blyth RoadMaltbyRotherhamS66 8HX

contact: 01709 819566email: kevin@maltbynews.co.ukwebsite: www.maltbynews.co.uk

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EditorialThis month sees the Wickersley Community Plan Open Day to be held at Wickersley Library and Community Centre. The Steering Group appealed in last month’s issue for the whole community to get behind the plan and attend the meeting to ensure their opinions can be represented. This an opportunity not to be missed. It has been suggested that it is hard to pull the disparate community of Wickersley together, and certainly compared with some neighbouring towns and villages this may be perceived to be the case. Many residents however, may feel that there simply has not been the infrastructure in place for them to engage with decision makers. All that could change as the new Plan begins to take shape, and this month’s event is the start of a new era for the town. Interestingly schools in the area have shown that they can be a catalyst for this kind of engagement, as parents get involved in the education of their children, and enjoy regular updates of events at schools through newsletters. If this kind of community spirit can be extrapolated into the rest of the community via other groups we may be on our way. The wickersley news also has a role to play, and to that end we appeal to you to let us know about your groups and events. Let us all work together to make Wickersley a better place for all who live and work there.

OLD SCHOOL TIE TO ACADEMIC PRETENSION

Sir,

The Maltby Comprehensive School tie in the photo recently crawled out of a drawer at our house. It was purchased from Shirley’s Fashions on Muglet Lane in August 1991 and furnishes the earliest known evidence of the school’s pretension to ‘Academy’ status. It looks as if we haven’t really been kept in the dark after all!

Yours faithfully,

Alice RodgersBy email

ACADEMY WEBSITE

Sir Having been uninformed, confused, patronised, infuriated and exasperated (in that order) over the past few months re proposals for an academy at Maltby Community School, I was dubious, excited and apprehensive (in that order) to read the full page spread “Academy Update” in Maltby News, with the invitation Visit the Academy website www.proposedmaltbyacademy.org Naturally, I could not wait to visit. Having now done so, could someone give me a word to describe my feelings ? Well done, Mr Pickles - hope your software programmes are a bit more interesting than your website.

Brenda Abou El Ola

ART EXHIBITION AT FESTIVAL

Sir

During the week-long Maltby Festival starting July 5th a one-day art exhibition will take place on Tuesday July 7th. This exhibition is for local artists to show their work. The Maltby CDT have generously donated the Wesley Centre for the event, which will be open to members of the public from 2pm in the afternoon until 9pm in the evening. Nine local artists plus pupils from Maltby Community School have kindly agreed to take part in the event. The nine local artists are Stewart Platt, Maria Wilding, Ray Mathews, Liam Nolan, Melanie Gibbons, Andy Foster, Dave Brennan, Minnie Hardy and Dave Hardy. We are not sure how many pupils will be showing their work but we anticipate a good response. Mr Mark Potts has also agreed to show part of his collection of work by DJ Brennan. Overall the Festival Group are very excitied about this project, and are expecting a good response from the people of Maltby, proud of the work of their local artists.

Yours

D J Brennan(Maltby Festival Group

A DAY IN KEY WESTIf you drive south on US One,You’ll reach Key West and fi nd the sun,Beautiful, crazy, in-your-face,

The Conch Republic’s an amazing place.

Old Key West’s a true delight;Its clapboard houses painted whiteOr ice-cream colours, with carved wood gablesAnd verandahs with rocking-chairs and tables;Shady retreats for the quieter hours,Framed by palm-trees, decked with fl owers;Bougainvillea, vivid purple and red;Explosions of colour to turn your head.

But don’t leave yet, there’s a whole lot more,You should head right down to the Southern shore.Where the ocean’s a glittering turquoise-blue,Chill out, relax, and enjoy the view.On palm-fringed beaches, coconut-strewnYou can while away an afternoon.Marvel if you wish, from the pale-gold sands,At the fi shing skills of the pelicans,Synchronised diving into waters clearFrom the jagged piles of a storm-wrecked pier.

Duval Street, the artery of Key WestIs exuberant; it takes no rest;From Atlantic to Gulf, it’s a vibrant mile, That’s guaranteed to make you smile.You may just be tempted to stop and stareAt the colourful cast of characters there;Wealthy tourists from the cruises,Pleasure-seekers, beach-bums, boozers,Famous folk and politicians,Artists, writers, jazz musicians,Mouse-masked rickshaw- taxi drivers,Traders, business people, skivers,Buskers, drop-outs, tarts and drag queens,Aging rockers, hippies, has-beens,Student travellers, holiday-makers,Entrepreneurs, opportunity-takers,Snake-handlers, psychics and, full of chat,A man with a parrot and a pirate hat!

You’ll fi nd anything you seek;Night-club, brothel, chic boutique,Alfresco dining, dingy bars,

Subversive t-shirts, Havana cigars,Tacky souvenirs, designer bags,Stars and Stripes or rainbow fl ags,A factory where you can buyA fresh-baked slice of Key Lime Pie,Expensive galleries, gaudy art,All can be found at Key West’s heart.

Carry on down, for you’ll want to seeThe harbour with its chequered history.Imagine, as you stroll along its ancient decking,Scenes of gun-running, smuggling and wrecking;With Cuba only ninety miles away,It’s a maverick outpost of the USA.But these days the visitors all wishTo gawp at the catches of exotic fi shAnd the watchful sea-birds who wait to be fedOn a grouper’s tail or a snapper’s head.The harbour’s home to fi shing smacksWhich deliver the shell-fi sh for the fast-food shacksAnd the oyster bars where the wealthier dine,To enjoy the sunset and a dry white wine.There are glass-bottomed boats for reef-viewing trips,Masted schooners, sailing ships,Speed boats and jet-skis you can hire for a dayAnd luxury yachts to take your breath away.

It’s optional where you sip your booze;At the harbour or on a sunset cruise,In long-established seedy bars,Host to VIPs and stars,At Captain Tony’s or Sloppy Joe’s,Legendary locations where anything goes,At the Sunset Pier, which well before fi ve Every evening comes alive, As people gather for cocktail time,For pina coladas, margueritas with lime,Then to Mallory Square’s sunset celebration,Street theatre with crowd participation,Fire-eaters, jugglers, one-man bands,Acrobats putting their life in your hands,Skilful, daring, witty, brash,Competing, hustling for your cash.But best of all, the magnifi cent sightOf schooners silhouetted in the evening light.

Sun-kissed, storm-swept, fatalistic,Happy-go-lucky and hedonistic,Part Caribbean, part USAA split personality which goes its own way.Rebellious, fun and full of zest, You just have to love Key West.

By Nicky WeelikerWickersley Writers’ Group

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www.maltbynews.co.uk 9June 2009

Community News

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A team of travel specialists who formed a part of Apollo Travel – one of South Yorkshire’s best known travel agencies for over 30 years - has returned as Holidays First. Claire Willoughby, former Apollo director and Head of Direct for The Co-operative Travel has launched the new enterprise with a team of around 20 specialist travel advisors and customer services staff. But instead of opening up an expensive high street unit, Holidays First will offer a complete and personal travel service by telephone – thus keeping overheads low and holiday prices down. Commenting on the launch of Holidays First, Claire says: “Some people think I’m crazy starting a new business in the current economic climate, but travel is my passion and as Holidays First is based on a successful and proven business model I’m convinced it will be a success’. “I’ve assembled one of the best teams in the business and delighted that it includes Sarah Armitage and Julie Hargreaves of Maltby. Apart from being highly experienced, both share my love of travel and knowledge of the market; and, equally importantly, they are driven by a desire to delight each and every customer. “Our business is all about offering the right kind of holidays and providing a personal, knowledgeable and reliable service. Whether a customer is looking for a luxury round-the-world

cruise or a weekend for two in London, they can call upon Holidays First for a fi rst class holiday booking service from the comfort of home. We’re greatly looking forward to providing our Rotherham customers with a fi rst class service for every holiday they take.’’ Holidays First is a member of The Freedom Travel Group, a trading division of The Co-operative Travel which provides its members with the required ABTA and ATOL bonding necessary to protect customers monies in the event of any travel supplier failing. With Claire’s vast experience, the backing of The Co-operative and the support from The Freedom Travel Group, Holidays First offers the travelling public a fantastic booking service, all with the confi dence of consumer protection. Plus, for a limited period only, readers of the Maltby News and the Wickersley News are being offered an extra 5% off an extensive range of already discounted late holidays.

For all your holiday requirements, contact your local Holidays First Personal Travel Advisors in Maltby. Sarah’s direct line is 0844 209 4347 and Julie can be reached on 0844 209 4355.

Travel specialist to put Holidays First in Wickersley

Mortgage Advice Bureau, one of the UK’s leading independent mortgage brokers with over 500 offi ces nationwide, is pleased to announce the opening of a new offi ce located within Merryweathers Estate Agents in Maltby. Independent mortgage adviser Rebecca Jones commented, “I thoroughly enjoy providing fi nancial advice, as I am helping people realise their ambitions and dreams and are able to offer hopeful house buyers invaluable advice on how to purchase a home. The mortgage and housing market and general economy is experiencing a tough time, and in this turbulent time it is more important than ever that people seek independent and impartial advice. Despite current market conditions, I am still able to access thousands of products including exclusive deals, many of which are not available directly from lenders, and this equips me to meet most clients’ requirements. Whilst I am sure many people will have thought about their budget and monthly incomings and outgoings, seeing an independent mortgage adviser and being qualifi ed

for a mortgage prior to reserving your home, can put you in a much stronger position. I can also offer protection products from a choice of insurers, giving customers peace of mind, but equally importantly, making sure they are able to keep their home should the unexpected happen. Protection products available include redundancy cover, critical illness cover, income protection and buildings and contents insurance.” Rebecca continues “Good customer service is paramount. I conduct every mortgage as if it were my own. I ascertain my client’s needs, make recommendations as to what’s most suitable for them, arrange all the paperwork, manage the application and liaise with the lender throughout to make the process as smooth and stress free as possible. If you would like a mortgage review, please don’t hesitate to call as I would be only too delighted to help.” To make a no-obligation appointment please call Mortgage Advice Bureau on 01709 813000 call in to 44 High Street, Maltby, Rotherham or visit www.mortgageadvicebureau.com/merryweathers for more information.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is £95.

Community News10 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

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My name is Phil Hare, I am 49-years-old and my occupation is fi nancial adviser. I am a member of Slimming World group in Maltby, and would like to share my experiences there over the last year. My daughter, Kelly, and I decided to join the group in June of last year, this was following Kelly giving birth to my fi rst grandson. We believed by joining together we’d be able to help and motivate each other. Initially it was a little strange for me, being the only man in the group, although shortly afterwards another man joined. However, the group was very supportive and often made

jokes about men not being able to multi-task, and on occasions I felt disappointed that I could not have “a star week!”For me, the keys to my success have been support and exercise, mixed with a little self discipline and Muller Lites! Support has come from many areas, and not in any particular priority. Jovita’s humorous and enthusiastic leadership is only the start. She’s not a local lass and her accent and sometimes communication barrier helps keep your attention and often is another great source of humour, in a nice way of course.

I’ve already mentioned the group support. Most members contribute both with good and bad experiences, which is key for new members in particular whilst initially trying to get to grips with the concept. The biggest buzz though is sharing the success of the other members, especially those who have struggled previously, which confi rms the benefi t of staying with the group for discussion after the weigh-ins. Kelly and I talk regularly and try to motivate and encourage each other. Within the group also, there are other family members, mothers and daughters, sisters, and groups of

friends, one of about ten people, which again can be invaluable when trying to achieve your goals. The website is very useful also. I use this to check syn values in particular, which ensures you have your calculations right. With so many manufacturers providing healthy options (allegedly), its crucial to double check. I remember one comment from the group when a certain type of noodles were thought to be syn free, but actually were 5 syns. Personally, when I was going through a complacent phase, I thought a tin of mackerel fi llets seemed healthy enough. On a red day they were 31 syns, and a green day they were 21 syns! I must mention my wife also. Whilst we eat simply, I don’t worry too much about varied, fussy recipes, and I know its more diffi cult for Julie to shop now with me in mind, although hopefully, more healthy choices are rubbing off on both Julie and my son.

In terms of exercise, I have always been fairly active until about 15 years ago. This is when I had to stop playing local football and league badminton. I had cartilage trouble which resulted in its removal, and in view of my age, basically put an end to my competitive sports activity. I did try a little running and had various gym memberships for a while, but eventually stopped everything which resulted in my increase in weight, further knee trouble, and eventually a back operation to remove excess gell, which had become trapped between two of my discs. I was nominated the man of the year at the group and will try to win the national competition. Offi cially Maltby Group became the best group in the area for a second time! And what’s more everybody can do it, just come to Full Life Church Centre on Mondays 5pm or 7pm and Jovita will help you to get to your dream weight.

By Phil Hare

Phil slims down at Slimming World

www.maltbynews.co.uk 11June 2009

Community News

Community News12 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

MPs (including Jackie Smith right) have been belatedly found out, but what lessons can be learned for employers and employees? You may, like me, be fed up with hearing how the MP in front of the camera only claimed what they were entitled to do and always stuck to the letter of the rules. Not many of us are lucky enough to draw up our own rules. As both an employer and an employee you will fi nd your actions are subject to interpretation by a tribunal should a matter ever get that far. A sound starting point for any employer is to have written contracts that clearly state what is and is not allowed. The contracts can be augmented by a staff handbook that deals with issues such as expenses claims more thoroughly in order to reduce paperwork. The contract and handbook can set out in explicit terms the things for which expenses can be claimed, at what rates, how and when the claims should be made, what evidence is required, and how the employee is to be reimbursed (cash, cheque, bank transfer, alongside salary payments). Without a written contract, or at least a written statement of terms and conditions – a “Section 1” statement – not only is the employer in breach of the Employment Rights Act, the exact nature of the relationship between the employer and employee is also open to far more interpretation. Common law precedent,

custom and practice and our good friends in Europe all play a part – “But we’ve always done it this way !” could actually form part of the contract of employment if it isn’t written down. Sam Goldwyn is credited with saying that “A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” There will be several areas of concern that the employer will need to satisfy himself on. Firstly is the claim genuine, is it for an allowed purpose, and has it been claimed in the correct manner? Again, if all these issued are clarifi ed for all staff to see this will save time and expense in the long run. As an employee you will be concerned to claim back everything to which you are entitled. If you do not have a written policy where you work, the guideline is the employer’s implied duty to reimburse you for the costs incurred in performing your duties. If the policy isn’t in writing it is open to far more interpretation than if it were set down in black and white. Despite media suggestions to the contrary it can be a long, risky and expensive process to persuade an Employment Tribunal that your claim is reasonable, “reasonable” being the most overused word in the legal language. It is far better to limit your claims to genuine ones, allowed by your employer. If there is any doubt, get authorisation, preferably written, in advance. Don’t be swayed by colleagues’ boasts of what they’ve claimed, they will be conspicuous by their absence

when called upon to testify on your behalf at a hearing. Unlike MPs, you can’t just offer to pay the money back and hope we’ll all forget. Small transgressions by colleagues may be a talking point, but what about someone who is really milking the system in a period in which we are all be asked to tighten our belts and people outside the public sector are being asked to accept wage cuts ? What if your line manager or senior member of staff is at fault? If you make a disclosure to this effect in the correct manner according to your company’s procedure you will be protected as a “whistle blower” against any disciplinary action under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. You would have to show that you were not motivated by malice and did not expect to gain personally from making the disclosure. Don’t all MPs’ assistants rush at once! 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.

How do you claim your expenses?

A walk around Old MaltbyMaltby Local History Society’s May meeting was an Old Maltby walk on the theme of ‘Wesleyans, Stonemasons and Parsons’ Freeholds’ which was led by Society Chairman Alice Rodgers. The group met at the Wesley Centre and were shown what remains of the original Wesleyan Chapel, which was built in 1832 by local stonemason and quarry owner Francis Clayton. Moving west along Blyth Road the party then, by courtesy of the owner, viewed Abbeyfi eld House another Francis Clayton building. The location of the fi rst Wesleyan preaching place, a converted barn on the north side of Blyth Road, which was lost to 1920s road widening, was next identifi ed with help from a map dated 1832. The group then viewed Maltby Cross all of whose elements are medieval but which may not have been assembled in its present form until the 19th century. An old photograph of the cross was used to help members determine its original, pre road widening location. The group then moved down to the churchyard where, amongst other things, the grave of Francis Clayton was pointed out. Inside the Parish Church of St Bartholomew there was a very warm welcome from Maltby’s Team Vicar, the Rev Dhoe Craig-Wild after which the party leader was invited to give a brief talk about the building and the associated parsons’ freehold. The walk concluded with a viewing of monuments and stained glass before spending the last of the unexpectedly glorious evening admiring the exterior of the 11th century Saxon/Norman overlap tower.

www.maltbynews.co.uk 13

Community News

June 2009

Our showrooms boasts thousands of small items designed to make everyday living that much easier telephone for free colour catalogue

• Scooters • Stairlifts • Specialised Powerchairs

SALES, SEVICE & REPAIR • Rise and Recline Chairs • High Seat Chairs • Profiling Beds • Bathlifts & Bathroom

Equipment • Walking Aids • Wheelchairs • Kitchen Equipment • Waterproof Clothing • Toileting Aids • Incontinence products • Pressure Care • Nebuliser’s

TELEPHONE 01709 378909 Parkgate Mobility Centre

Effingham Street Rotherham

The Parkgate Group has been successfully trading since the early 1970s quickly establishing itself as one of the leading retailers of mobility and self-help equipment in the country. From a single branch the company quickly developed growing in size and reputation to its current market-leading status. Each outlet is named after the town it is located in and each store employs local staff confi rming its desire to offer a friendly local service with local knowledge and a quick turnaround on repairs and deliveries. There are eight retail outlets in the area, a dedicated workshop and centralised warehousing. The company also includes hearing aid, stairlift and nursing home divisions. The centres are spread throughout the region all offering on-site parking, and easy access, the emphasis being on customer service. Each shop is fully stocked with a large range of the latest products, with fully-trained staff on hand to provide help and advice. The Care Home division has been specifi cally developed to provide products and services to the care home sector with the emphasis on quality products, rapid service and competitive pricing. The Parkgate Group is backed by major suppliers so quality and choice is always assured. The Stairlift Division employs dedicated fi tters who are fully conversant with all models. They fi t the latest slimline models but will repair any in-situ models, and attempt to respond to all breakdowns on the same day. They can often fi t a stairlift the next day, both new and reconditioned. We also hire out lifts. A recent venture is the Audiologist Department with fully equipped testing rooms at a large number of their outlets. The Group employs fully qualifi ed hearing aid audiologists and has access to a qualifi ed medical audiologist for clinical treatments. It also offers the latest in digital hearing aids that are almost invisible to the eye. Always working within and supporting the local community the Parkgate Group sponsor local charities and Shopmobility schemes, providing mobility scooters and wheelchairs

to local hospitals and country parks for free use by visitors. The Group is currently working with Meadowhall to ensure free scooters and wheelchairs are available to shoppers.

Branches: Batley Barnsley Doncaster Rotherham Worksop Mansfi eld Chesterfi eld and Meadowhall.

Parkgate...the mobility company you can trust

Products warning Rotherham residents are being warned to be on their guard against traders who are implying they are linked to social services and who then try and sell them mobility products! Trading Standards have been receiving complaints from elderly and vulnerable people about out-of-town companies employing questionable tactics to get a sale. Residents have been receiving cold calls from certain businesses who give the impression that they are from social services or other health agencies such as the PCT These particular businesses use this tactic to gain entry to people’s homes - they give people the impression they are making an appointment to make an assessment of their needs. It is only later that they reveal they are really selling mobility products. Often these products are expensive, unnecessary or unsuitable. Often salesmen try to stay in a customer’s home for several hours until they have been persuaded to buy a product. Gary McGann of Rotherham Borough Council’s Trading Standards said: “We advise Rotherham residents to consider not accepting appointments from such cold calls unless they are sure they know who they will be seeing. “Rotherham Borough Council and health agencies such as the PCT always show their offi cial identity pass and are happy to have their identity checked. We urge anyone who has contact with an elderly or vulnerable person to talk to them about this issue.”Consumer Direct Helpline on 08454 04 05 06

Right: The parkgate team ready to help

Community News14 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

With a tough job market facing school leavers and graduates alike this year, perhaps you – or a family member – are questioning the usefulness of higher education, not to mention the fi nancial debt you’ll probably build up in three or four years of study. Until recently most people with three A-levels (or Vocational A-levels) have opted for Higher Education, but maybe now you’d like to consider some other options. A Year Out? possibly combining some temporary employment to fund far-fl ung travel (though this could just be postponing your decision!) Maybe doing some Voluntary Work will help you develop valuable new skills while giving you time to decide on your next step. Or perhaps you’re simply ready and keen to get started in the World of Work!Training, Training, Training! Remember that a key aspect of permanent employment is training. If you have level 3 qualifi cations, check what training is on offer, whether it’s an Advanced Apprenticeship or structured company training.Different areas of work to consider In Business & Finance two A-levels are the basic entry requirements for most professional exams and could lead to a career in Accountancy or Business Administration. Central Government has many departments in Sheffi eld: the DWP, Health & Safety Executive and the DCSF all make junior manager appointments (2 A-levels), or with 5 good GCSEs you could start as an Administrative Offi cer and take internal exams for promotion. Check on-line or with Connexions for vacancies in Local Government (Rotherham or Doncaster MBC) such as Support Workers, Customer Service Workers or Information Workers. A-levels may not be needed, and experience will be very useful for these posts. Most new jobs in Engineering are highly skilled, in clean high-tech workshops, with good training prospects for keen recruits. These opportunities are well worth looking up, and you may be surprised to discover quite how many openings there are in this sector. Many large Retailers have well-organised management trainee schemes with A-level entry routes. Management trainees often have responsible (and usually well-paid) jobs early in their careers, but it’s usually necessary to move around the region (even the country) if you want promotion. Health and Social Services are big employers. A-levels are essential for posts such as pharmacy technicians or clinical technologists, or for qualifi cations such as the Advanced Diploma in Nursing (combining practical work & studying). A-levels may also be advantageous for trainee care assistants if you want to work your way up to management. A growth sector for the region is the digital and I.T. sector, buoyed in part by on-line

learning. Keep an eye open for jobs in this area. Commerce and Industry cover a huge employment area (manufacturing, transport, utilities, distribution...) and opportunities may be in sales, marketing, purchasing or Human Resources.You’ve got lots to offer! Though you’ll still need to be fl exible, your hard-won A-levels show you’re capable of achieving qualifi cations of a demanding standard. Also, you’re probably more mature and responsible than a Year 11 leaver, maybe with a clearer idea of what you want to do. You need to be 18+ for some jobs – in the Emergency Services, say, because of the nature of the involvement with the public, or because a driving licence is specifi ed.Finding a Job By Year 13 you’ll be familiar with the Connexions service. Use their website and check for any vacancy details sent into school. Check regularly for advertised vacancies in national and local newspapers, as well as in specialist magazines such as the Nursing Times. To keep the cost down, see what papers and magazines your local library stocks. Of course, you may have noticed that job adverts are thin on the ground just now. Use personal contacts, through family members or perhaps made on work experience. Write speculative letters to any organisations you’re interested in. Is your CV up to date? Polish it up to accompany speculative letters.Use the internet:Most large companies have their own website and advertise vacancies - www.fi sh4jobs.co.uk - www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk - www.monster.co.uk - www.jobstoday.co.uk - www.apprenticeships.org.uk - www.rotherham.gov.uk - www.sheffi eldtoday.net

FinallyTake time now to check that you’ve really thought through your options after the end of Year 13: Higher Education, Further Education, Work or training, a Year out. Make sure it’s your choice.

Good Luck!

By Sally French and J J McCourt

Is Higher Education what you really, really want?

Engineering at Corus

““good training prospects

Maltby Crags Infant School celebrated an outstanding Ofsted report last month and pictured above are the pupils and staff.

Pupils of Maltby Crags Junior School with their Safe surfi ng certifi cates pre-sented by Glynn Shakespeare, Community Support Offi cer, Linda Hopkins of Rotherham Wardens pictured together with Lorraine Carol and Sue Gillott from the behaviour team.

www.maltbynews.co.uk 15

Community News

June 2009

A team of young Maltby Community School engineers were pipped at the post in the national fi nal of the Toyota Technology Challenge last month. Andrew Sherrington, Joshua Tylec and Thomas Wright lost by just one point after the event at the Toyota car plant in Derby. The boys had fought their way through to the fi nal after winning the regional fi nal with their solar-powered vehicle and receiving a cheque for £250 for the school. “In the regional fi nals we were marked on our presentation, appearance, and of course the performance of our car which won all three races, with an average time of 3.1 seconds,” explained Andrew. In the fi nal the car again raced on an eight metre track. “In the national fi nal we had the most consistent car over the three runs, but not the fastest this time. Other teams were quicker but had set up their cars for speed and so ran out of power in the later tests. We averaged just

over our regional time” said Joshua. “We are all interested in engineering and cars, and hope to combine those interests in the future,” Thomas added. The boys were helped in their efforts by Mr Boler.

Team MCS pipped at the post

MCS Head Teacher David Sutton has committed to working with the young people and wider community of Maltby over the coming months to shape an Academy that will meet the needs of all learners and build on the recent improvements seen in the school. “I know that there has been some anxiety and opposition to the plans. I fully understand that change provokes concern, but I am keen for the Maltby Learning Community to take local ownership of this programme and make sure that it is right for all learners in Maltby. “We are currently developing a range of community engagement events that will provide the opportunity for questions and answers on the Academy and a broader discussion on the learning community needs, both medium and long term “This week, we are launching the ‘Big Red Chair’ concept where young people across the family of schools will be asked for their views on learning, how we might use ICT to enhance learning and what a classroom of the future may look like”. Mr Sutton reiterated his ambition for Maltby to become an outstanding school within the next fi ve or six years. He viewed the Academy development as a vehicle by which progress could be accelerated at the school and signifi cant investment brought in to support learning. Mr Sutton revealed that early discussions have taken place with architects about learning spaces fi t for the 21st Century. These will be linked to planned curriculum developments prior to any talk about siting

or location of the school on the existing site. “We have to shape the curriculum to the needs of all our children, and make sure they have clear progression routes mapped out. We have to meet the needs of all children from university entrants, those who want skills based apprenticeships to those who need to re-engage with education. All our children need to fi nd a progression route which suits them. We need to see young people who leave school armed with academic success alongside the necessary skills to make a positive contribution in the world of work and life. “When people say we are not concentrating enough on entry to higher education they should know that we are looking at fast tracking with some children taking GCSEs a year early. This will accelerate learning and hopefully help young people go on to the top universities. “’The information we give to children is crucial to help them make informed decisions. It is important not to close doors for them too early - we don’t want them to follow courses they are going to drop out of. Careers guidance is very important and the role of Connexions will remain strong within the school. U-xplore will not replace those services but rather enhance them. We have lots of good practice here already, and what we need to do is add to it to improve the school. “Our key priority is to enable young people to become “qualifi ed” as successful learners, well prepared for working life and the world of work, independent effective adults who contribute positively to society.”

Time to engage with MCS

16 www.maltbynews.co.uk June 2009

Wickersley Old Village’s stop-start season in the Stafforce South Yorkshire League threatened to get on track again at the start of the month when visitors Elsecar were put to the sword. After being put in to bat the home side got off to a great start before Shahid Hussain was dismissed by Ian Swallow. That simply let in the in-form Scott Cunningham who put on a hundred with skipper Jonathan Tower before Swallow struck again to send him back to the pavilion after scoring a brisk half century. Trower followed for 88 after looking set for a century. Good support from James Bentley and Liam Heathcote lifted Wickersley to 237 for seven off the reduced allotment of 42 overs. Swallow fi nished with fi ve for 67. When Elsecar responded they looked

set to make a match of it when Swallow joined Jason Meadows after the fall of the fi rst wicket on 19. When Meadows was out Brett Hunsley came to the crease and top-scored for the visitors with 51. Both he and Swallow fell to Hussain but the real damage was done in Greg Norton’s second spell in which he took four wickets ending with fi ve for 45 off ten overs. The game followed on from the previous weekend success in the Whitworth Cup at Hallam, who were themselves on a rich run of form. An unbeaten 100 from Cunningham laid the foundations for a comfortable win, and Wickersley now face runaway league leaders Treeton in the semi-fi nal at Washfi eld lane on June 28th. Many believe this could be their best chance of silverware this season.

Stop start season fi res up

left: Scott Cunningham is beaten by the opening ball at Hallam but went on to score an unbeaten century.

below: The Wickersley side at Hallam before the game