Aroundtown Magazine May/June 2024 edition

MAY/JUNE 2024
www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Est. 2004
BARNSLEY | ROTHERHAM
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Welcome
contents
to the May/June edition of Aroundtown Magazine.
Thoughts of summer days,
better weather, holidays or
simply getting out in the
garden and enjoying a BBQ gives
us all a lift.
Someone who took things to a new height recently
was the vicar of Rotherham Minster who dropped
42-feet in a plight to launch their ambitious £3 million
fundraising campaign.
Another historic church in Rotherham has been
transformed by Grimm & Co who have opened their
new Emporium of Stories. It’s a magical place where
children and young people can leave the human world
behind and escape on an adventure.
For a nostalgic adventure, a visit to the South
Yorkshire Transport Museum is a must. The volunteers
carefully restore the vehicles to keep a part of history
alive. They have over 50 vehicles on display from cars
to milk floats, so it really is a gem of a place.
There are some big anniversaries taking place
across South Yorkshire this summer. Barnsley
Photographic Society are celebrating their 100th
anniversary with an exhibition capturing members’
work over the years.
We were bowled over when we were asked to
feature Wath Cricket Club for their 125th anniversary.
It is such a remarkable achievement and was lovely to
hear how generation after generation have passed on
the love of the game.
As ever, we bring you lots of fashion, home and
garden inspiration, plus many eateries with different
cuisines for you to sample.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
30
14
28
72
24
66
Happy reading.
Cheryl, Amber and the team x
www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
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Director/Advertising Cheryl Collinson
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Editor Amber Stainrod
amber@aroundtownpublications.co.uk
Designer Leanne Keetley
Administration & Accounts Karen White
Contributors Andrew Watson, Sally Cunis,
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Cheryl Collinson Consultancy Ltd trading as Aroundtown,
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www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
This is a privately owned magazine not connected with any
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Aroundtown Meets
04 Brian Hirst
??
?? Fashion, Health & Beauty
06 You and Your Health: Travel Vaccines
14 Hand Luggage Holiday Wardrobe
Homes & Gardens
44 Scandi Style
56 Gardens of Vietnam
Food & Entertainment
62 Summer Strawberry Recipes
68 Wines Italian Favourites
Sport
16 Barnsley 10K
70 Wath Cricket Club
72 F4 Racer - Rowan Campbell-Pilling
73 Millmoor Warriors LFC
Features
24 South Yorkshire Transport Museum
26 Barnsley Photographic Society
28 Rotherham Minster
30 Grimm & Co
66 Barnsley Folk Duo Eletto
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 3

MEETS
Brian Hirst
meets
How many kids dream of being a footballer when
they grow up? But how many would sacrifice their
dreams for family?
Brian Hirst did.
When given the opportunity
to break into the first team of his
boyhood club, Rotherham United, he
turned down the contract to put his
family’s considerations first.
This was in the early 1960s, when
footballers’ wages were minuscule
compared to those of today thanks
to the salary cap. Professional
footballers could earn a maximum
of £20 a week, just £5 more than the
average industrial wage at the time.
There were no lucrative contracts
or signing on fees like there are
today. They didn’t live in mansions or
lead extravagant lifestyles.
Footballers were ordinary
guys who often moonlighted as
tradesmen.
At the time, Brian was doing an
electrical engineering degree and
working at Steel, Peech and Tozer
where he’d quickly progressed from
an apprentice to electrical designer.
He’d played football part-time in
Rotherham’s reserve squad for a few
years having signed aged 18.
While he may
“
have turned down
a full-time contract
at Rotherham, that
wasn’t the end of his
footballing career.
”
But being a full-time footballer
had its risks. An injury or a
termination of contract would be
catastrophic for him, with early
retirement leading to limited
opportunities.
A few years earlier, he’d made a
promise to his father-in-law that he’d
always do right by his new wife Beryl.
And that was a promise he was
destined to keep.
Rotherham United’s manager
Tom Johnston gave Brian an
ultimatum: sign a full-time contract or
never play for Rotherham again. He
chose the latter.
“Family always comes first to
me. I’ve no regrets about not signing
a full-time contract. One or two
players have asked me if I wish I’d
have signed, but I don’t. You can
somewhat detach yourself from
reality as a professional footballer,
even in those days,” says Brian, now
aged 83.
His career at his hometown club
might have been short-lived, but
he’s been blessed with some great
memories of the good old days.
One of his proudest moments
is walking back home from Danny
Williams’ shop on Doncaster Gate
wearing his new Rotherham United
blazer in the summer of 1958 – the
18-year-old lad beaming with pride at
having signed for the reserve squad
to fulfil a lifetime ambition.
Ten years previous, he’d broken
the school record at St Anne’s Road
Boys School having scored 32 goals
in the season. He was playing in the
under 11s side at just eight-yearsold.
“It was just after the war when
money was still tight. I remember the
team had these black shirts made by
players’ mothers from the blackouts
we had up throughout the war.”
Brian’s father Ted had the biggest
impact on footballing ability, but
also knew what it meant to sacrifice
everything for family. Ted was a keen
footballer and was at Chelsea when
WWII broke out. He was called up for
National Service just six weeks after
Brian was born in September 1939,
overshadowing any joy felt by firsttime
parents Ted and Renee.
But Brian didn’t meet his father
until he was almost eight, after Ted
was held as a Japanese prisoner of
war for four years.
“Every time the telegraph man
came past the house, we thought
Dad had died.”
It was an unsettling start to life for
a young Brian. But he grew up in a
loving home, a two-up two-down on
Eastwood Lane in Rotherham town
centre. His maternal grandmother
lived with Brian and Renee, after
her husband died aged 43 from
complications of asthma.
“I was the only child at school
who had a mam and a mother. But
I always called her mother as that’s
what my mum called her.”
Brian also regularly saw his
dad’s parents who lived on Midland
Road at Masbrough. His summers
were spent on holiday in Kent with
Brian (central front row) with
the St Anne’s Rd Boys FC
4 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Brian (bottom right) with St Annes Boys 1948
Brian (bottom right) with Rotherham Boys 1954

MEETS
With parents Wedding 1960
Brian and Beryl on their
50th anniversary
Grandma and Grandad Hirst or
looking after the donkeys in Clifton
Park getting paid in ride tickets.
Thankfully, Ted survived his
traumatic experience. After the war,
he went into rehabilitation at a civil
resettlement unit in Scotland before
returning to Rotherham in 1947.
“When he came home, my dad
devoted all his time to me. The first
thing he said to me was ‘Get the ball
out, sunshine. We’re going to Clifton
Park.’ He made sure I could use both
feet to play football. He’d get me to
take the boot off my right foot so it
encouraged me to use my left.”
Brian says this is what helped
him become a U-man, or utility man,
meaning he could slot in anywhere
on the pitch.
He was very sporty as a child,
being on the school’s swimming
and running teams. But he was also
a bright lad, passing his 11-plus to
become one of the first 192 boys
accepted at the new Oakwood
Technical High School in 1952.
What should have been an
exciting time was marred with
sadness after Renee was knocked
over on Mansfield Road and badly
injured.
“It was December 1951 and we’d
been on our way to see my auntie
who was in Doncaster Gate Hospital
and mum sent me in the off license
to get a bottle of Lucozade.
“When I came out of the shop,
they wouldn’t let me across the road
as a woman had been run over by a
lorry that had come to a halt on her
legs. It was my mum. She fractured
her back and both legs.”
At Oakwood, Brian continued to
excel in sports. He played rugby for
the first team, was swimming miles
while training for the Channel swim
relay, and was the first Oakwood lad
to become captain of Rotherham
Boys football team in 1954.
On leaving school in 1955, he
became an apprentice electrician at
Steelos’ Templeborough site where
he joined the cricket team, playing
for both the Yorkshire Council and
Junior teams.
He’d also begun playing for
Rotherham United Juniors, before
the call came from Andy Smailes in
1958 to move into the reserves side
after four years as a junior.
“We had a cracking side
back then. We were in the North
Regional League up against other
reserve teams from clubs like
Middlesborough, Sunderland and
Hull. I played defence but could play
at centre half or on either wing – all
that training with my dad meant I was
versatile enough to fit in anywhere I
was needed.”
Around the same time as his
footballing career had started to take
off, he was courting his future wife,
Beryl. The pair met at a dance in
1957, were engaged two years later
and got married at Whiston Parish
Church in October 1960 where
comedian Charlie Williams was
amongst the guests.
The newlyweds moved to
Dovedale Road and went on to
have two children, Beverley and
Steven, now in their 50s. Over the
years, time has been spent with their
four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
While he may have turned down
a full-time contract at Rotherham,
that wasn’t the end of his footballing
career.
Brian went on to sign for Ilkeston
Town, a non-league team that were
in the Midland League at the time but
paid good money thanks to foreign
owners. Players were on £200 a
week with an extra £20 for a win or
£10 for a draw.
He then moved to Denaby
United. But a game against
Peterborough – then the top dogs
of non-league – saw Brian rupture
his ACL during a crunching tackle,
putting an end to his playing days.
“It was like kicking a concrete
wall. My dad said he could hear it
crack from the stands. I was in a
full leg cast for seven weeks which
really weakened my leg. I’d had a
five-figure offer from Huddersfield
for the following season and they
still agreed to honour the contract.
But in pre-season training I knew it
wouldn’t be the same, so I had to
call it a day.”
Instead, Brian did his coaching
badges and began his managerial
career with Spurley Hey Old Boys.
Under Brian’s lead, they won the
Rotherham Sunday League Cup
three times on the trot and played
internationally in Italy and Holland.
He also worked casually at Leeds
United’s academy under Paul Hart,
during the era where Leeds won the
FA Youth Cup against Man United’s
line-up of Scholes, Beckham and the
Neville brothers.
“I was at a loose end and did it
for the love of it more than anything.
I’d watch the opposition and write
reports. I did the same thing at
Rotherham when Steve Evans was
in charge.”
Career wise, Brian took voluntary
redundancy from British Steel in
1981 and took the family on a special
holiday to Disney World Florida.
After a spell working for an
engineering company in Devon,
which put too much strain on his
young family, he decided to retrain
as a careers officer to work with
young people. Brian was employed
by Rotherham Careers Service to
reduce youth unemployment caused
by the closures of the pits and
steelworks.
Brian eventually retired in the
1990s due to Beryl’s ill health. In
retirement, the couple have been
fortunate to travel the world, visiting
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore
and Dubai. He’s swam with sharks in
the Great Barrier Reef, taken his dad
onboard Concorde, and did a threeweek
round trip of Europe in his old
Ford Anglia.
“I’ve been very fortunate that
I’ve always had good jobs, had a
wonderful wife and an excellent
family.
“My dad used to say to me ‘If
you do a job, do it well.’ Can’t has to
be in my vocabulary now at my age,
but in a normal situation can’t is not
a word. Everything is doable if you
have the determination.
“You’re only here once. I feel like
I’m wasting a lot of time treading
water at the minute but I’ve always
got the memories to look back on.”
Brian (top left) manager of
Spurley Hey Old Boys 1970s Practicing in Clifton Park Renee and young Brian
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 5

HEALTH & BEAUTY
You&your
health
Travel Vaccines
With Good Measure Pharmacy
As summer arrives, holiday
season kicks in and some of us
will be jetting off abroad.
But if you’re bound for a tropical destination,
protect yourself against any unwanted souvenirs
– tropical diseases.
Tropical diseases are those found in countries
around the equator where the climate is hot and
humid. For most people, cases will be mild and
leave you feeling unwell for a few days. But if you
have a pre-existing condition, you’re at a higher
risk of complications.
Many people think tropical diseases only
exist in developing countries or areas of poverty
and poor sanitation. But there are varying
degrees of risk in countries across Africa, Asia,
the Caribbean, Central and South America, the
Middle East, and Oceania.
Risk increases if you’re travelling off the
beaten track, staying in hostels, visiting animal
sanctuaries, going jungle trekking or open-water
swimming, or drink unsafe water.
So whether you’re backpacking in Thailand,
having a beach holiday in Bali, going on safari in
Kenya, cruising the Caribbean, or volunteering in
Africa, make sure you check the health advice of
the country you’re travelling to.
Many community pharmacies offer a travel
clinic where you can speak to a pharmacist about
what vaccinations you’ll need before travelling.
For some vaccines such as yellow fever, not
everyone can have them, so it’s important you
speak to a health professional beforehand to
check your eligibility.
It is recommended that you’re seen at least
six weeks before your trip to ensure that you have
had all doses needed before travelling. Travel
vaccines aren’t available on the NHS so there will
be a charge for each vaccine.
Here at Good Measure, we offer the following
travel vaccines at our Parkgate-based pharmacy.
Japanese Encephalitis
This life-threatening infection is spread by
mosquitoes and is mostly found in rural areas
of Asian countries like China, India, Indonesia,
6 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Risk is
higher in rainy seasons or when visiting rural
areas like marshlands or rice fields.
Initial symptoms are flu-like, but encephalitis
can spread to the brain causing more serious
symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion,
paralysis or seizures.
The vaccine is two injections 28 days apart –
the second one at least a week before you leave.
Rabies
Rabies is contracted from an animal bite
or scratch, usually from dogs but can be other
animals like bats and foxes. It’s recommended
you stay away from animals while travelling,
especially strays.
Symptoms include numbness or
tingling where you were bitten or scratched,
hallucinations, difficulty swallowing or breathing
and paralysis. It’s almost always fatal once
symptoms start and there are 59,000 deaths from
rabies worldwide each year.
The vaccine is three injections over a
28-day period.
Tetanus
Tetanus is spread through spores found in
soil and is prevalent throughout the world. If it
contaminates a wound, it can get into the blood
stream and attack the nerves of your brain and
spinal cord.
Symptoms include a locked jaw, stiff neck,
abnormal breathing, and difficulty swallowing.
Most people are vaccinated by tetanus as
children, but you may need a booster if you’re
going to an area where medical help is limited or
it’s been over ten years since your last dose.
Typhoid
This is spread through infected food or water
and is mainly in areas of poor sanitation or lack of
clean drinking water.
Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain,
constipation and a rash.
You should have the vaccination one month
before travelling and will need a booster every
three years.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes that
bite during the daytime. It’s only found in parts of
Africa and Central and South America.
Symptoms are fever, headache, muscle and
joint pain, cough and diarrhoea, and usually last
three to four days.
If you are visiting a country with yellow fever
risk, you’ll need a certificate to enter to prove
you’ve been vaccinated. The vaccination must be
taken ten days before travel but offers life-long
protection. The certificate will be valid for life.
Not everyone can have the yellow fever
vaccine, so you’ll need to complete a checklist
beforehand to make sure it is safe for you to
have it.
What about malaria?
Malaria is perhaps the most well-known
of all the tropical diseases. There are around
1,500 cases annually in travellers from the UK.
However, there is currently no vaccine for it.
It is spread through mosquitoes and
symptoms are similar to yellow fever.
To reduce your risk of contracting malaria, you
can take a course of antimalarial medication a
few weeks before travel.
Most importantly, you should protect yourself
against being bitten by a mosquito. Use insect
repellent with at least 50 percent DEET and
make sure to reapply regularly after applying
sunscreen. Sleep under a mosquito net and wear
long loose clothing where possible.
Find out the health advice for any
country you’re travelling at
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Andrew Watson
If you have any specific health concerns,
please feel free to contact me at
Good Measure or email me at
andy@thewatsons.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY
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aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 7

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Put your best feet forward
for Rotherham Hospital Charity
This summer, Rotherham Hospital and Community
Charity is calling on the big-hearted people of
South Yorkshire to get on their feet to help them
reach their £150,000 Tiny Toes target.
The Tiny Toes appeal was
launched in August 2023 to
refurbish Rotherham Hospital’s
neonatal unit.
They have two fundraising
events taking place that you can get
involved in.
It’s a Knockout
Sign your team up for the
summer’s silliest fundraising event
with the fun-filled It’s a Knockout
challenge on Sunday 7th July at
Hooton Lodge Farm.
This hilarious event will provide
a touch of nostalgia, thrilling
challenges and guarantee some
unforgettable photo opportunities.
Teams of ten will compete in
action-packed challenges such
as Penguin Pursuit and Bangers
and Crash, inspired by the iconic
BBC1 show. There will be inflatable
obstacles, giant costumes, water,
foam and general fundraising
mayhem courtesy of Off Limits,
which owns the original show’s
rights and props.
Bring your cheering squad too to
make it a fun day out for everyone.
The charity is running the event
in conjunction with Weston Park
Cancer Charity. You can secure
your team’s place by paying a £100
deposit – just £10 each. Each team
should raise a minimum of £1,000.
Teams from The Rotherham
NHS Foundation Trust, Tesco and
Century Cladding UK are among
those who have already registered.
Register your team at www.
therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity/
events/its-a-knockout-registration
Tiny Toes Toddle
If you have or work with small
children, why not take part in the
Tiny Toes Toddle this June or July.
Children under five are invited
to take part in a sponsored halfmile
walk with their nurseries, play
groups, child minders, teachers or
parents.
Bright Stars Play Space at
Parkgate were the first to sign up.
Co-founder Caroline Austin said:
“We’re big fans of the Tiny Toes
appeal at Bright Stars because
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many of the youngsters we care for
will have spent time on the neonatal
unit at Rotherham Hospital when
they were born.
“Now we see them healthy,
happy and full of mischief here,
we want to encourage them to
fundraise for other tiny tots and
their families when they really need
it the most. Our small and mighty
participants will earn every penny
they’re sponsored as we plan to
include an assault course in our
Toddle!”
A Tiny Toes Toddle can be
indoors or out, at nursery, school or
play group or even at a local park
or woodland trail. It’s free to take
part but the charity would like Tiny
Toes Toddlers to raise as much as
possible through sponsorship.
To register a Toddle, visit www.
therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity/tinytoes/toddle.
For more information about any
of the Tiny Toes events, contact
the charity team on 01709
426821 or trft.rhcc@nhs.
net.
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aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 9

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Guide to first-time visits
With Chris Moody of
Moodyhair
There may come a time
when you feel you need
to break up with your
hairdresser and move
on to pastures new.
Maybe you’ve moved out of the
area, they’ve switched salons, gone
on maternity leave, you just simply
want a fresh pair of eyes – and
hands – on the scissors.
But stepping into a new hair
salon can feel as intimidating and
overwhelming as going on a first
date. It’s not as if you can try before
you buy!
So what can you do as a first-time
client to ensure you’ll be back in your
new stylist’s chair?
1. The Power of Pictures
Sometimes, explaining your
dream hairstyle can feel hopeless:
words are not enough. Pictures to
the rescue! Don’t be afraid to show
your stylist what you like. They might
not be able to replicate the look on
your hair type, but it’s a good starting
point for inspiration.
Ask them, “Do you have any
before-and-after pictures of similar
hair transformations?” This way, you
and your stylist can be on the same
page about the final look.
2. Low-Maintenance
Magic
Those gorgeous, inspirational pics
are often the result of painstaking
styling effort. Be honest with your
stylist and yourself about what you
have the time or inclination to do.
Ask, “What are some lowmaintenance
style suggestions that
would work well with my hair type?” A
good stylist will assess your hair and
lifestyle to recommend a haircut that
works with your hair, without turning
your mornings into a stand-off with
the straighteners.
3. Colour Confident
A perfect way to spice things
up without affecting length is hair
colour. Ask your stylist, “Can you
recommend some hair colour
options that would be easy and
affordable to achieve?”
This ensures you don’t go down
the road of high commitment
transformations before you’ve
had a chance to test the water. A
good colourist will talk you through
options from a gentle rinse to a more
permanent colour (Most hair colour
services require a skin test 24hrs
before).
4. Product Prep
All good stylists use an array of
hair enhancing products to help
work their magic. To keep your hair
looking salon-fresh, ask your stylist,
“What products would I need to use
to maintain the new style at home?”
You may not want to (or be able
to) take all the products that your
stylist uses at the same time, but
they can recommend one or two
key items that will really help you
maintain your new look between
visits.
5. Healthy Hair
Happiness
Healthy hair is happy hair, and
your stylist’s primary aim is to keep
your hair in top condition. So ask the
question, “How much do you think
my hair can handle without being
damaged?”
A good stylist will prioritise the
health of your hair, suggesting a
course of action that achieves your
desired look while keeping your hair
strong and shiny.
Most importantly, don’t forget to
ask for a quote. The salon should be
able to break down and itemise the
services you’re having so you’ll know
beforehand exactly how much you’re
going to pay, with no nasty surprises.
High Quality Cutting,
Finishing and
Creative Colour
moodynews
Haircut
£10
Supervised
haircuts with
Assistant Stylist Elle
Available on selected
days and times
24Hr online booking now available at www.moodyhair.com
Moodyhair, Garden Street, Darfield, Barnsley
Tel: 01226 752098 Email: info@moodyhair.com Web: www.moodyhair.com
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moodyhair
Follow us on Instagram @moodyhairsalon
10 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

hellaby hall hotel and leisure
FITNESS | WELL-BEING | BEAUTY
Designed for health and fitness with over
1,000 square metres of air conditioned floor
space and over 60 pieces of fitness equipment
Fully Equipped Fitness Gym
Dedicated weights and cardiovascular sections
experience the
ultimate indulgence
Escape for an hour or for the day, to the
tranquillity and indulgent sanctuary of
Fretwell Health and Beauty
Relax and unwind with a range of beauty treatments followed by time in the
relaxation room with mood lighting, soothing music and diffused scents
COMPLIMENTARY
INDUCTIONS
Energy Centre Studio
40 + fitness classes and a first-floor mind and body studio for holistic classes
Biotec Facial
Facial |
Massages
Intimate waxing | Hot Stone Massage
Deluxe Manicure & Pedicure
Waxing & Tinting | Gelish Nails
Spa Facilities
20m Swimming Pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room
Open 7 days
Mon-Thurs 6am-10pm, Friday 6am-9pm and Sat & Sun 7am-9pm
Tel 01709 702 222 Email sales@bodyscene.co.uk
www.bodyscene.co.uk
NO
JOINING
FEE
Pamper & Party Package
Combine a relaxing spa day with one of our 2024 events for the ultimate treat!
£160.00 per person Friday & Saturday
£150.00 per person Thursday
(based on 2 guests sharing) (Excludes New Year’s Eve Gala)
Includes
Use of leisure facilities including fully equipped gym,
swimming pool, spa pool, sauna & steam room
1 x 30 minute treatment (Back massage, facial, manicure or pedicure)
Use of relaxation room with tea, coffee and biscuits
Use of spa garden with a session in one of the outdoor hot tubs
Robes & towels
Overnight accommodation with a bottle of Prosecco
Ticket to one of our events
Full English Breakfast
Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, late night Thurs until 8pm & Sun 9.30am-5pm
Tel: 01709 702 250
Email fretwellbeauty@hellabyhallhotel.co.uk
www.hellabyhallhotel.co.uk
OLD HELLABY LANE, HELLABY, ROTHERHAM S66 8SN

HEALTH & BEAUTY
The greatest
wealth
is health
SKIN | BODY | LASER | INJECTABLES
A game changing lift with
Only clinic in Rotherham
to offer the most advanced
skin tightening.
Combines radiofrequency with
microneedling to lift, tighten and
smooth your complexion.
Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, sagging
skin and acne scars.
Loved by celebs including
Victoria Beckham, the Kardashians,
and Amanda Holden.
BEFORE
AFTER
Halt hair loss with E-50 EXOSOMES
Regain your self-worth with
EMDR informed therapeutic coaching
A ground-breaking treatment for
hair regeneration.
Marine-derived product that
stimulates hair follicles
encouraging natural hair growth
in men and women with thinning
hair, alopecia or patterned
baldness.
Exosomes can also improve
hair condition for those suffering
from thinning, dryness, or an
irritated scalp.
Non- invasive, no downtime,
and longer-lasting results for
fuller, thicker hair.
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Do you want to:
• Shed limiting beliefs, self-doubt and anxiety?
• Silence your negative inner critic?
• Stop being a people pleaser?
• Cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth?
• Free yourself from past emotional wounds?
• Feel empowered to have the life you want?
EDMR is a unique and powerful NICE & NHS approved
therapy that uses the brain’s own healing mechanism
to eliminate issues at their root.
Release unhealthy thoughts and emotional experiences
that are stuck inside your nervous system.
Replace them with feelings of empowerment,
confidence and self-belief.
Effective for low self-esteem, anxiety, imposter syndrome,
insecurities, trauma and more
Claire Quinn MSc a highly trained
psychotherapist and EMDR therapist with over 10
years’ experience in mental health including the NHS
Sessions £70 per hour.
Online or in-person at North Sheffield (S35) area
Call 077944 85364 or
email clairequinntherapy@gmail.com
Find out more about me at
www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/claire-quinn-2
Say goodbye to tired looking eyes with
AMEELA ® EYES
Revolutionary under eye
treatment to reduce eyebags,
dark circles and wrinkles
without the use of fillers.
A polynucleotide-based gel to restore
skin firmness and elasticity of the
delicate under eye area. Safe and
effective way to diminish the
appearance of dark circles, puffiness,
and fine lines.
No need for concealer or eye
serums!
As seen on ITVs This Morning.
BEFORE
AFTER
| NURSE-LED CLINIC |
| HIGH LEVEL OF PATIENT AND AFTERCARE |
| CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE |
UNIT 3 ATLAS COURT, BRINSWORTH,
ROTHERHAM S60 5DL 01709 234 122
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 13

FASHION
Hand luggage
holiday
wardrobe
Carol Ann, Wickersley
After all that rain we’ve
had recently, there’s no
better pick-me-up than
the thought of a holiday.
Whether you’re going on a city
break, a sunshine holiday abroad, or
a getaway here in the UK, you might
be wondering how you can pack light
- especially with the cost of checkedin
luggage these days.
Plus, saving money on checked-in
luggage means you’ll have more to
spend in duty-free...
You want pieces that you can
throw in a case or rucksack that don’t
take up too much room or won’t
crease. Multi-functional, easy to wear
pieces in airy, breathable fabrics like
cotton or linen are your go-to.
We love a day-to-night dress. They
take up less room in your luggage
than separates and look effortless
dressed up or down. Think floaty
summer dresses in a print of your
choice. Maxi-length dresses or those
with sleeves are great for cooler
nights but also look chic thrown over
your swimsuit for daytime exploring.
Here are some holiday staples
from our independent fashion
boutiques that would fit into your
hand luggage.
The Clothes &
Accessories Shop,
Todwick
Season
with
style
Carol Ann
127a Bawtry Road, Wickersley, S66 2BW
(Opposite The Tanyard)
Tel. 01709 533033 www.carolannfashion.co.uk
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
Stylish
women’s
fashions
with something
to suit everyone
Sizes 8 to plus size
Labels include
Suzy D London
and Goose Island
Also home to
The Accessories Shop
• Bags and purses • Lunar footwear
• Jewellery • Gloves • Hats
• Scarves • Umbrellas
Greenscene Garden Centre, Side Farm,
Sheffield Road, Todwick, Sheffield S26 IDJ
Open Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm
07401 080 695 theclothesshoptodwick
14 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

FASHION
Pink Boutique, Birdwell
An Outfit For Every Occasion
Elegant Mother of the bride, groom and special guests,
possibly the largest selection in South Yorkshire
New Image, Hillsborough
Exciting New Collections in sizes 8-24
Call to book your one-to-one appointment
Pink Boutique
Birdwell
Mother of the bride &
groom, guest and special
occasion outfits
in sizes 10-34
Every lady is special to us,
so booking an appointment
is essential to help us give
you the service you deserve
WHY WAIT?
Many ladies are buying
their dream dress and
spreading the cost with
payment plans available
All budgets catered for
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm
228 Sheffield Road, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TF
(less than a mile from jct 36 M1)
Tel: 01226 743063
Pink Boutique Birdwell
Sandra Wenham
Read our
fabulous
reviews
Let us help you find the perfect
outfit for your special day
Matching hats, fascinators, shoes and bags
Bespoke headpieces by Milliner Darcie Mae
A deposit will reserve your fabulous outfit
277 Middlewood Road,
Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 1TG
Car park at rear of store
Open Mon – Sat 10am-5pm, Late Night Tues till 7pm
Telephone 0114 2344880
Email info@new-image.co.uk
www.new-image.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 15

OUT & ABOUT
Barnsley 10k
is back!
Photograph supplied by Barnsley Archives and Local Studies
Exactly fifty years
since the first Barnsley
Marathon took place,
road racing is back in
the town centre with the
Barnsley 10k this June.
Head down to the town centre on
Sunday 30th June and cheer on over
1,000 runners who have signed up to
the sold-out race.
As the home of Olympic runners
Dorothy Hyman and John Mayock,
Barnsley has a thriving running
scene with many groups and
clubs that organise events and
competitions.
In 1974, two big racing events
were organised in Barnsley by
the newly formed Barnsley Road
Runners Club: the Barnsley
Marathon and the Barnsley 6. The
latter was the first mass road race to
attract over one hundred runners and
the first to allow women to compete
over the same distance as men.
The second Barnsley Marathon
in 1975 was another historic event
in British athletics. It was the first
marathon in the country that women
were allowed to take part in, with six
female runners going on to race.
This year’s 10k promises to be
truly a momentous occasion, starting
and finishing in the Glass Works
Square. The race starts at 9am sharp
and runners will head out through
Barnsley town centre, Wilthorpe
and Redbrook before looping back
around at the Claycliffe road area.
Roads along the route will be
closed until 11am that day. After the
race, there is plenty to discover in
the town centre, so you can make a
day of it.
The event is being delivered
by the Sport and Physical Activity
team at the council as a part of
the #WhatsYourMove campaign.
It is hoped it will become a
permanent fixture in the council’s
events calendar.
fresh
Visit our
look
stores
Lakeside Village, White Rose Way, Doncaster, DN4 5PH
16 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
LV Suit Direct_Trespass_Aroundtown_190x137.indd 1 22/03/2024 15:30

OUT & ABOUT
A clear-cut choice:
natural vs laboratory-grown diamonds
Man-made, lab-grown
diamonds have
increased in popularity
in recent years, with
many major jewellery
retailers offering a
lab-grown collection.
But Infinity Jewellers shed some
clarity on why they still choose
to exclusively work with natural
diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds
fake diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are mostly
identical to natural diamonds.
They’re also called synthetic due to
the manufacturing process, which
can make people think they’re fake
diamonds like Cubic Zirconia.
Both natural and lab-grown
diamonds are chemically, physically
and optically identical. They’re both
made from carbon, often have
the same crystal structure and the
same beautiful sparkle. They’re also
certified the same way using the four
Cs but must be clearly identified as
laboratory grown.
The difference is that natural
diamonds formed in the earth’s
mantle over billions of years,
whereas lab-grown diamonds are
made in a factory.
Before buying a diamond,
whether natural or lab-grown,
have the confidence to make an
informed choice. Our team are
on-hand to answer any questions
before you commit to buying.
Are they really the
ethical choice?
One selling point of lab-grown
diamonds is they’re stated to be
more ethical and eco-friendlier than
mined diamonds, but this could be
seen as greenwashing.
There is limited transparency
about the eco-credentials of
diamond labs. They’re mainly in
China and India, some of the world’s
main polluters. The electricity used is
usually coal-powered, but some labs
have shifted to renewable energy
sources to reduce emissions.
Manufacturing diamonds
is energy intensive, using high
levels of carbon gas and extreme
temperatures of between 1,500
and 4,000 degrees Celsius. It takes
on average 250 kW/h to produce
one lab-grown diamond – a UK
household uses between seven and
15 kW/h a day. In contrast, a natural
diamond uses on average 96 kW/h.
The natural diamond industry had
been blemished by its environmental
impact and history of colonialism.
However, over the last 21 years,
treaties and conservation projects
have improved sustainability
and ethics.
The diamond mines in
Botswana, Angola, South Africa and
Canada are major employers for
developing countries and help local
communities. Growing diamonds
in laboratories takes away these
jobs, impacting the communities
and countries that rely on natural
diamond trade - the social side
of sustainability.
At Infinity Jewellers, we only
work with suppliers that share our
sustainability and ethical standards.
We handpick the highest quality
diamonds for all budgets to build
beautiful bespoke pieces.
We’re also big on repurposing or
recycling diamonds – the greenest
way to wear diamonds – through our
Ring is Reborn service.
But lab-grown diamonds
are cheaper, aren’t they?
Due to the fast production time
(between two to six weeks), labgrown
diamonds are lower in price
than natural diamonds.
They have been produced since
the 1950s, but improvements in
technology have seen lab-grown
diamonds become mass market in
recent years. As more are produced,
they become significantly cheaper,
constantly reducing their monetary
value. Over the last three years,
lab-grown diamonds have on
average lost 70 percent of their
value, with the trend showing no
sign of slowing.
Natural diamonds obtain
their value from their rarity as a
natural, billion-year-old precious
gem. Lab-grown diamonds can
be manufactured in potentially
unlimited quantities so can’t be
considered rare.
It’s important to take this into
account when considering a
purchase. Your intention probably
won’t be to sell, but the value of
a lab-grown diamond may be
a fraction of the price in just a
few years.
Aren’t diamonds
supposed to be forever?
We know that people don’t
always buy diamond jewellery for its
investment value. It’s an emotional
purchase and that is where its true
value lies.
Many people buy a diamond
ring or jewellery piece as a gift,
sometimes without their partner’s
full involvement to keep it a surprise.
What matters to us is that both the
customer and the wearer are proud
of their Infinity Jewellers piece.
Always consider how the wearer
will feel when they learn about the
source of the diamond. If you know
that it may become an heirloom, be
mindful that lab-grown diamonds will
not hold their value.
At Infinity Jewellers, we celebrate
the enduring beauty and rarity of
natural diamonds, providing you with
a piece that transcends trends and
retains its allure for generations.
A rare wonder of nature
Bespoke jewellery | A Ring is Reborn | Wedding and Engagement Rings | Repairs
AEON COURT, 108 MAIN STREET, BRAMLEY S66 2SE Telephone 01709 931293
Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am -3.00pm
Private appointments available on Mondays, Tuesdays and other times
See our testimonials on Facebook @Infinityjewellers
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 17

OUT & ABOUT
Meet the new marketers
At Rotherham Markets
It’s no secret that there
are lots of changes
happening down at
Rotherham Markets.
The outdoor covered market has
closed for now while redevelopment
works take place. But the businesses
haven’t gone far; they’re now trading
on Effingham Street.
It’s business as usual inside the
Centenary Market Hall, too, with
all your favourite stalls still open as
normal throughout the week.
There are also a couple of new
traders that have joined the ranks or
come back to the market to benefit
from the flexibility and affordability of
running a market stall.
Noonie’s
Life-long crafter Stephanie
opened a stall on the ground
floor of Rotherham Market in early
March selling handmade gifts for
all occasions.
She started sewing as a child
with her nannan, with memories
of making clothes for her teddies.
But it wasn’t until 2020, after having
children of her own, that she turned
her hobby into a business. What
started as sharing her handmade
products on social media quickly
led to needing a premises of her
own away from the distractions
of homelife.
A stall on Rotherham Market
has enabled Stephanie to have a
base where customers can see
and touch her unique items, while
also giving her the flexibility to work
around caring for her elderly parents
and children.
Stephanie makes everything
from embroidered bunting and felt
decorations to wood burned and
vinyl plaques. All items are made
on-site at the market and can be
personalised with names or a
message. Noonie’s gifts are great for
baby showers, weddings, birthdays
or anniversaries.
Noonie’s is open Tuesday
to Saturday.
Pandora’s Box
If you’re in the market for quirky
and unusual gifts, think outside the
box with a visit to Pandora’s Box.
Stall holder Darren relocated
back to the market in December
after a period on the high street.
He initially set up the stall four
years ago after losing his wife
and needing something to channel
his energy into.
Pandora’s Box specialises
in gothic and steampunk style
greetings cards, soft furnishings,
plushies and T-shirts in small to XXL.
Satisfy your supernatural side with
Darren’s range of crystals, divination
boards, scrying mirrors and full
moon gift sets.
If you’re into aromatherapy and
meditation, Darren also has a large
range of incense cones, oils, wax
melts and sage sticks in a variety of
scents. Why not treat yourself to a
new gravity defying backflow burner
and be entranced by the waterfall
effect of the incense smoke plume.
ROTHERHAM MARKETS
THE OUTDOOR COVERED
MARKET HAS MOVED
2024 YORKSHIRE CRAFTERS
AND MAKERS MARKET
BAKE IT – SEW IT - CRAFT IT – GROW IT
During the Rotherham Markets
and Central Library works,
the market can be found on
Effingham Street on the
following days:
STREET
MARKET
6 DAYS
A WEEK
Monday – General Market
Tuesday – Street Market
Wednesday – Antiques & Bric-A-Brac
Thursday – Rotherham Bazaar
Friday – General Market
Saturday – General Market
A fantastic opportunity for local makers, crafters, artists and
bakers to join Rotherham’s crafting community and showcase
their unique gifts and goodies in a busy town centre location.
Effingham Street, Rotherham Town Centre
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• Saturday 11 May
• Saturday 8 June
• Saturday 13 July
• Saturday 10 August
• Saturday 14 September
• Saturday 12 October
• Saturday 9 November
• Saturday 14 December
SECOND
SATURDAY
OF THE
MONTH
10AM
TO
3PM
ONLY
£7
PER
STALL
To book your stall
contact the Markets team.
Tel 01709 365021
Email markets@rotherham.gov.uk
The indoor market will be open as usual
Monday to Saturday, from 8.30am to 5pm
18 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL AT
ROTHERHAM INDOOR
MARKET HALL
OPEN 6 DAYS
Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5pm
FIND EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF INCLUDING:
• Fresh meat, fish and deli produce
• Fruit and veg
• Bakery, sweets and confectionery
• Clothing for men, women and children
• Nightwear and underwear
• Shoes and bags
• Jewellery and accessories
• Makeup
• Beauty treatments
• Afro haircare
• Flowers
• Cards
• Books
• Gifts and personalised items
• Pet supplies
• Household and cleaning products
• Phone sales and repairs
• Electricals and hardware
• Watches and clocks
• Fabrics and haberdashery
• Carpets
• Beds
• Key cutting
• Cobblers
• Clothing alterations
• Newsagent
• Vapes/tobacconist
• Cafes and takeaway food
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITY
Stalls in the indoor
market discounted
from only £204.50+vat
per month
Rates exempt
in most cases
Rotherham Markets markets@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 01709 365021

DEER PARK FARM
Tea Room
Fully licensed tea rooms each with
their own individual style
We don’t serve fast food,we serve fresh food
as fast as we can with waitress service
• Breakfast • Light Lunches
• Spring mains and specials • Cakes and scones
• Afternoon Tea Bookings (24hrs in advance)
Discover our Secret Garden courtyard
Perfect to meet up with family and friends
when the sun is shining
Farm Shop & Deli
A relaxed shopping experience with
only the freshest and finest produce
• Potters pork pies and Kevins delicious handmade pies
• Artisan bread baked in-house – try our new
sourdough, grain twist and fruit muesli loafs
• Cheese counter with daily tasters
Whether a bottle
or a brew we’ve got
the perfect gift for you
Sunday16th June
Father’s Day
Hampers for all occasions
made to order
The Emporium
Explore independent
businesses over
two floors
Antiques, gifts, new
season’s fashions and
much more….
Deer Park Tap
Open 7 days 12pm - 9pm (last orders 8.15pm)
Dog friendly
• Rotating guest ales from Chantry, Thornbridge,
Little Critters and Wellbeck Abbey breweries
• Guinness, Estrella, Carlsberg and cider on draught
• Wines and spirits
• Private parties catered for including birthdays,
baby showers and wakes
Quiz Night Alternate Wednesdays
15th & 29th May and 12th & 26th June
Spin the wheel and play your cards right. Cash prizes
Grazing boards
served Friday to Sunday
Cheese board and Ploughman’s platter
Also home to Floral Chic Creations and Deer Park Farm & Country Store
SITE OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-5PM TAP MONDAY-SUNDAY 12NOON-9PM
DONCASTER ROAD, THRYBERGH, ROTHERHAM, S65 4BH
FARM SHOP / DELI 01709 854440 TEAROOMS 01709 850698 TAP 01709 850088
www.deerparkfarmrotherham.co.uk
Visit us on
Facebook

OUT & ABOUT
Hat-trick of Totty Cup wins
for Middleton brothers
The youngest of a trio of brothers brought the Totty
Cup home for a third time after his school Bolton
Lacewood were crowned 2024 champions.
Between them, the Middleton
brothers have reached six Don &
Dearne Cup finals – two each.
Preston Middleton was part of
the Lacewood team that won the
Barlow Salmons Shield last year.
After their win, Preston set his sights
on winning the Totty Cup in 2024 to
match his two older brothers, Jayden
and Franklin.
Jayden won the Totty Cup in 2015,
while Franklin’s team won it in 2019.
Jayden also refereed the 2021 final
between Fitzwilliam and Sandhill.
In March, Preston completed the
brothers’ hat-trick of Totty Cup wins
when Lacewood beat Brampton
Ellis 4-3.
The following day, the same
Lacewood team celebrated a second
big win as they were crowned
champions of the north in the
Pokémon Primary Schools Cup at
Liverpool FC Academy. Out of 5,000
schools who entered, Lacewood are
one of the 12 teams that will play in
the finals at Derby County’s Pride
Park Stadium on Friday 17th May.
The 1st choice for 1st place
• Sales of Sport Trophies • Cups • Medals
• Shields • Tankards • Crystal • Glass
• Corporate Awards • Giftware and more...
Professional Engraving Service
for Annuals, Jewellery, Cookware etc..
Crane Forge, Spout House Lane, Bromley, Sheffield, S35 7EY
TELEPHONE: 01226 743561 MOBILE: 07713 322 414
EMAIL: info@rockinghamtrophies.co.uk
www.rockinghamtrophies.co.uk
THE CENTRE
Serving the community
WEEKLY Group Activities
MONDAY
9.30 -11am Toddler Group
(term time only)
10am-12pm
U3A Writing Class
(first Monday in month)
5.30-6.30pm
Count on Dawn
(weight management)
7-9pm Andys Man Club
5.45-9pm BINGO
(Over16’s)
TUESDAY
9.45-11.30am
Little Movers Baby &
Toddler Sessions
10-11am RUFC
Dance Class
1-3pm Hearing Aid Clinic
(last Tuesday of
the month)
6-7pm Pilates with
Georgina
6.30-7.30pm
Choose to Lose
WEDNESDAY
10-11am
Pilates with Georgina
11am-1pm
U3A Yarn Addicts
3-5pm Brinsworth
Community Hub
3.30-5.30pm
Youth Group
(Term Time Only)
5.30-7.45pm
Dance Factory
THURSDAY
11am-12pm
Rehab Fitness Class
9-11am & 6-8pm
Weight Watchers
7.10- 8.40pm
Yoga with Maria
FRIDAY
10am-12pm
Good Companions Group
12-1pm RUFC Pilates
Function Hire
All private functions catered for
• Parties
• Wedding Receptions
• Funeral Wakes
• Meetings, Conferences & Training
Fully licensed bar & catering options
Brinsworth
Village Fete
Saturday 13th July 11am-6pm
A Free Fun filled day for all the Family
• Dog Show • Car Show
• Children’s rides and inflatables
• Market stalls, lots of food, drink and much more!
The Centre will be open all day until late.
Craft Markets & Bric-A-Brac Stalls
First Sunday of the month
Sunday 9th June (then not until 8th September)
• Support local businesses • Handmade goodies and unique finds
Free entry and onsite parking
The Centre will be open serving food and refreshments
Café at THE CENTRE
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-3pm
Breakfast, homemade soups,
paninis, jackets, daily specials and
sweet treats
Gluten free options
Speciality hot drinks and now
serving bubble tea.
Brinsworth Lane, Brinsworth, Rotherham, S60 5DG | 01709 916890 option 2 | Reception open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm
enquiries@thecentrebrinsworth.co.uk www.thecentrebrinsworth.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 21

FORGE
ISLAND
A family friendly leisure destination
in the heart of Rotherham
OPENING
2024
Brought to you by
newforgeisland.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT
Homegrown bedding plants,
trees, hanging baskets and tubs
Come and be inspired this season
See our new collection of homeware and gift ideas
Get crafty
MAKE YOUR OWN
Wedding Decoration
With Dawn Topliss
If you’re getting married soon, why not add
some DIY love to your décor with this handmade
table arrangement idea. It could even be used in
your home or garden.
YOU WILL NEED
Candle holder
Plant saucer
Dried oasis
Garden string
Balloon
Flowers & hessian ribbon
PVA glue, glue gun & wire
Acrylic paint, brush, scissors &
emery board
Battery operated lights
METHOD
1. Blow up your balloon but not
fully to give a round shape. Tie the
end of your garden string to the end
of the balloon.
2. Start to wrap horizontally and
vertically then different directions
over the surface. When complete tie
off the end.
3. Place onto a plant pot while
you brush all over with PVA glue.
Set aside to dry.
4. Lightly sand the surface of
your saucer and base to remove
any imperfections. Wipe clean then
brush with acrylic paint to match
your wedding décor. Set aside to
dry.
5. Using your glue gun, glue the
saucer to the base. Cut your oasis
to fit the saucer and glue in place.
6. Check your balloon ball is
totally dry and hard. Cut a small
hole at the base with scissors and
carefully remove the balloon. Use
an emery board to remove any glue
between the sections.
7. Starting at the base, feed your
lights up through the open areas.
Place and twist a piece of wire
around the battery pack then cover
with hessian ribbon leaving the
switch accessible.
8. Glue the ball into the centre of
your oasis and secure the battery
pack at the back with your wire.
9. Arrange your flowers and
foliage and switch on your lights.
Your arrangement is now
complete
Happy Crafting!
Fresh bouquets, arrangements and floral tributes
Open 7 days 8.30am-5.00pm (last orders)
Licensed Bar
New Breakfast Menu 8.30-11.45am
Waffles -sweet or savoury
Smoked applewood and chorizo quesadilla,
spicy bean cassoulet, topped with fried eggs and
guacamole, finished with spring onion and chilli
New Lunch Menu
Homemade stone-baked pizzas Mon-Sat from 12pm
Sunday Lunch 12-4.30pm
New choice of starters
Traditional roast with lamb now available
Entertainment
Quiz Night 1st Thursday of the month
Open the box with cash prizes
Food served till 7.30pm, Quiz starts 8pm
Tribute Nights
£35pp includes a meal
Friday 24th May
Gary Barlow
Friday 28th June
From Denver to Diamonds
Greenscene Garden Centre
01909 770756 Open 7 days
Side Farm, Sheffield Road, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1DJ
(on the A57 – only 5 mins from Jct 31 M1)
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 23

OUT & ABOUT
Make a
scheduled
STOP
at South Yorkshire
Transport Museum
This summer, explore our
region’s transport heritage
with a visit to South Yorkshire
Transport Museum in
Rotherham.
Running since 1995, the volunteer-owned
museum has amassed over 15,000 transportrelated
artefacts, including 50 major vehicle
exhibits on display at their Aldwarke unit.
While they may be known for their collection of
heritage buses, the museum also has historical
cars, coaches, bikes lorries, milk floats and even
a traditional gypsy caravan.
One of their newest exhibits is Hector, a
class 76 electric locomotive used to work the
Woodhead railway line between Sheffield and
Manchester.
The electric powered loco has strong
connections with South Yorkshire. Its unusual
design, created to cope with the steep gradients
on the Woodhead Line, was first developed in
Doncaster in 1941.
There were 58 class 76 vehicles built in the
early 1950s but Hector is just one of two that exist
today. The 6.5-tonne cab, which was preserved
by the Manchester Museum of Science and
Industry, now sits in its own purpose-built replica
of the Woodhead-Dunford Bridge tunnel.
The motor-enthusiast volunteers and private
owners have restored many of their fleet over
the years, from Plaxton Panorama coaches to a
Thornycroft Amazon crane used by the RAF in
World War II. A recent restoration project that is
nearing completion is that of a former Sheffield
Corporation bus.
South Yorkshire Transport Museum opens
its doors to the public once a month, on the
second Sunday. These open events give visitors
an insight into this unique South Yorkshire gem
and the tireless work of the charity’s volunteers to
preserve the past to ensure it can be enjoyed by
the generations of tomorrow.
This year, it’s 50 years since South Yorkshire
Passenger Transport Executive was launched.
Before 1974, most public transport in South
Yorkshire was provided by the respective local
authorities, with Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham
and Sheffield all operating their own transport
fleet. The museum is hosting a special 50th
anniversary event in July to celebrate and
showcase the achievements of the organisation
during its lifetime.
Also coming up is a modellers’ weekend
for Meccano LEGO, Corgi and Dinky fans, a
bicycle day chronicling its history from the Penny
Farthing to the present day, and a Steampunk
event with artists, authors and stall holders.
If you’re planning to visit, why not jump onboard
the shuttle bus to and from the museum.
Catch the bus at Rotherham Interchange,
platform C1, at quarter-to the hour between
10.45am and 3.45pm. The return journey leaves
the museum at half past each hour.
There is also shop and coffee shop on-site.
Upcoming open events
10.30am-4pm
Modellers’ Weekend – 11th & 12th May
Bicycles Day and 65th birthday
of bus 904 – 9th June
SYPTE 50th Anniversary event – 14th July
Steampunk Day – 11th August
Entry price is £7 for adults, £5 for seniors
and concessions, and free for under 16s.
Waddington Way, Aldwarke,
Rotherham S65 3SH
More details can be found at
www.sytm.co.uk
24 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

A familiar name
providing tours
and excursions for over
65 years
SHORT BREAKS
JUNE Destination Days Price
2nd-8th Dunoon 7 days £529
3rd-7th Blackpool 5 days £479
9th-15th Criccieth 7 days £589
9th-10th Scarborough 2 days £159
10th-14th Boat & trains of Highlands 5 days £649
12th-14th Warwickshire 3 days £169
15th-22nd Sand Bay Holiday Village 8 days £449
17th-21st Paignton 5 days £469
19th-23rd Bridlington 5 days £439
28th-1st July Great Yarmouth 4 days £399
28th-30th Southport 3 days £189
28th-1st July Weymouth 4 days £359
30th-6th July Fort William 7 days £599
JULY
1st-5th Isle of Wight 5 days £549
1st-5th St Annes 5 days £379
4th-8th Isle of Man 5 days £689
4th-8th Llandudno 4 days £339
8th-12th Bournemouth 5 days £459
8th-12TH Pakefield Holiday Village 5 days £269
14th-19th Torquay 6 days £589
21st-24th Tatton Park and Chester 4 days £359
22nd-26th Folkestone 5 days £329
22nd-26th Southport 5 days £359
26th-29th Morecambe 4 days £329
29th-2nd Aug Scarborough 5 days £379
31st-4th Aug Ilfracombe 5 days £399
• All prices are for dinner, bed and breakfast unless otherwise stated
• The majority of our breaks Include a door-to-door pickup / drop off to and from
the interchange **Excludes door-to-door
• Single Room Supplements may apply
• Deposit of £25 is required to secure your booking with balance due 6 weeks
prior to departure
Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm & Sat 10am-2pm
4 Effingham Square, Rotherham S65 1AP Tel 01709 249900
Barnsley Travel Centre, 60 Eldon Street, Barnsley S70 2JL Tel 01226 299900
Day trips from Barnsley
MAY Destination Adult
Sat 18th Skegness £19.00
Sun 19th Whitby Fish & Ship Festival £19.00
Mon 20th Bakewell Market & Buxton £18.00
Wed 22nd Kendal & Windermere Cruise £33.00*
Sat 25th Bury Market £17.00
Sat 25th East Lancs Railway 1940’s £17.00
Sun 26th Blackpool £17.00
Mon 27th Liverpool £17.00
Tues 28th Scarborough £17.00
Wed 29th Beverley & Bridlington £19.00
Thurs 30th Blackpool £17.00
Thurs 30th Skegness £19.00
Fri 31st Knowsley Safari Park £35.00*
JUNE
Sat 1st Chester £17.00
Sat 1st Chester Zoo £17.00
Sat 1st Southport £17.00
Sat 1st Southport Food & Drink Festival £17.00
Sun 2nd Whitby £17.00
Tues 4th Gainsborough Market & Lincoln £17.00
Sat 8th Birmingham / World’s Biggest Primark £21.00
Sat 8th Llandudno £19.00
Sun 9th Scarborough £17.00
Thurs 13th York £17.00
Thurs 13th McArthur Glen Designer Outlet £17.00
Sat 15th Alton Towers £19.00
Sat 15th Blackpool £17.00
Sun 16th Skegness – Father’s Day £19.00
Sat 22nd Lakes Zoo Safari £34.00*
Sat 22nd Mabelthorpe £17.00
Sun 23rd Beamish Museum £20.00
Sun 23rd Durham £20.00
Sun 23rd Whitby £17.00
Mon 24th Bakewell Market & Castleton £18.00
Wed 26th Bury Market £17.00
Sat 29th Scarborough Armed Forces Day £19.00
*Cruise/Admission included
£1 off Senior/Child
Barnsley pick-up-points Wath-upon-Dearne, Brampton,
Wombwell, Platts Common, Hoyland, Hoyland Common, Birdwell,
Worsbrough and Barnsley Interchange
Day trips from Rotherham
MAY Destination Adult
Sat 18th Skegness £18.00
Sun 19th Whitby Fish & Ship Festival £19.00
Wed 22nd Kendal & Windermere Cruise £33.00*
Sat 25th Whitby £17.00
Tues 28th Blackpool £17.00
Thurs 29th Bury Market £17.00
Fri 31st Knowsley Safari Park £35.00*
Fri 31st Scarborough £17.00
JUNE
Sat 1st Chester/Chester Zoo £17.00
Sat 8th Birmingham World’s Biggest Primark £21.00
Sun 9th Southport £17.00
Sun 16th Bridlington £17.00
Sat 22nd Skegness £18.00
Sat 29th Scarborough Armed Forces Day £19.00
*Cruise/Admission included
Rotherham pick-up points
Rotherham Interchange, Stag Roundabout, Brecks, Wickersley,
Bramley and Maltby
£1 off Senior/Child
Book online at www.dayoutbycoach.co.uk | Email: sales@globeholidays.co.uk
To request the 2024 brochure visit our website www.globeholidays.co.uk /globecoaches /globehols

OUT & ABOUT
John Pickford - No1 Vulture Squadron Jeff Moore - Sycamore Gap Robert Bishop - Sunrise Over Mam Tor
Steve Hawcroft - John Rideal House
Harry Watson - Upper Slaughter
Brian Johnson - All Aboard
In the picture
for 100 years
This year marks the 100th
anniversary of Barnsley
Photographic Society, with an
exhibition at Barnsley Civic
set to capture the centenary
celebrations.
When a group of artists first got together at
Mr Roberts’ studio on Shambles Street, on 21st
May 1924, the 35mm camera hadn’t yet been
launched and photographs were still black
and white.
But photography had become an increasingly
powerful tool in the documentation of post-war
society and culture. Members paid a subscription
of five shillings for the year where they regularly
met up to develop their photography styles
and techniques.
Fast forward 100 years and the society is still
going strong, with many members having been
involved for decades.
Phil Edwards is on the committee and has
been a member for the last 20 years. Like many
members, he joined in retirement having finally
had time to focus on a life-long hobby.
“I’ve always had an interest in photography.
Like most older members, I’ve been dabbling
in it for years and can remember setting up a
dark room in the spare room or the bathroom,”
Phil says.
Much has changed over the years, aided by
improvements in technology, photography styles
and post-production methods. Members now
generally use DSLR cameras, learning how to use
them to the best of their ability.
But technology also has its drawbacks. Many
of us will have an exceptional camera on the
phones in our pockets. One tap and it produces
a good quality photo. Phil says this means the
younger generation don’t feel they need to learn
about photography, which may impact the future
of photography societies.
However, joining a photography society is
more than just learning the ins and outs of taking
a good photo. It challenges you to try genres or
styles you’re not used to. It’s also a chance to
get feedback, advice and critique on your style of
photography to keep improving.
But most of all it’s the exposure you’ll get.
What’s the point in filling hard-drives or phone
memory up with thousands of images that
nobody will ever see?
From Saturday 11th May, Barnsley
Photographic Society will be hosting a six-week
exhibition at Barnsley Civic to mark 100 years
of the society. The images on display will be a
snapshot of members’ best work from the last
few years.
This will run alongside the annual exhibition of
the Yorkshire Photographic Union in the Civic’s
main gallery which will have over 200 prints by
members of the 62 affiliated clubs in Yorkshire.
Throughout the year, Barnsley Photographic
Society meets every Monday between September
and April at 7.30pm at Emmanuel Methodist
Church on Huddersfield Road. Members
are exposed to a mix of practical, hands-on
sessions, guest speakers, monthly themes
and competitions.
During the summer months, they organise outin-the-field
photoshoots around the local area.
Workshops are always different, with members
leading sessions on things like long exposure,
filters, lighting, and Photoshop. As well as
troubleshooting tips from members, they also
welcome professional photographers to speak
about their specialisms. Recently, they have
had talks from a retired teacher from Namibia
about wildlife photography, and a Canadian
photographer talking about capturing birds
in America.
The monthly themes also vary, with members
interpreting their own ideas of words like candid,
frost, steam, and shows. There are winners each
month for the different themes, plus an annual
prize night that all members are encouraged to
take part in.
You don’t need any formal training,
qualifications or loads of experience to join. Just
an interest in improving your photography skills
and meeting like-minded people.
Annual membership is £20 plus £6 a month
for the Monday meetings which covers room hire
and refreshments.
Phil Edwards - Arcade
26 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Dave Rippon - Glass Works
For more information, visit
www.barnsleyphotographicsociety.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT
Yorkshire coalfield’s legacy
on display at Fox Gallery
Explore Mexborough’s mining
heritage with a two-month
exhibition currently on at
Mexborough Business Centre’s
Fox Gallery.
The exhibition, organised to mark the 40th
anniversary of the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike,
includes artefacts, information and photographs
from Mexborough Heritage and District Society
and local photographer Andrew Foley.
While Mexborough didn’t have its own colliery,
it was built on the profits of the coal industry.
Thousands of miners lived at Mexborough,
employed at the pits at nearby Manvers, Wath,
Kilnhurst, Cadeby, Hickleton, Barnburgh,
and Goldthorpe.
Andrew Foley’s photographs look at the
decimation of mining landscapes following the
Miners’ Strike. For the 30th anniversary of the
strike back in 2014, Andrew photographed 44 pit
locations in South Yorkshire that had been open
at the start of the strike.
While some sites had memorials like a pit
wheel or a tomb-like concrete shaft cap, most
had no evidence that a colliery had ever been
there. At the time, only one was still working –
Hatfield Main – which has since closed.
At Fox Gallery, Andrew’s photos have
been digitised and displayed in a scrolling art
installation with statistics about how the mining
industry changed after the strike.
The exhibition also has displays from
Mexborough Heritage and District Society with
objects and memorabilia from the strike. You’ll
see campaign mugs, plates, a poster signed by
Arthur Scargill, and a figurine of Kingmaker’s The
Last Shift statue. There is also a section in the
exhibition focusing on the Women Against Pit
Closures movement.
You’ll also be able to watch Charles Hanmer’s
1932 film, Black Diamonds, each day at 12pm.
Former Hickleton Main miner Hanmer shot
most of his famous film around Doncaster
and Barnsley, with examples of the first
underground filming.
As well as the 1984-85 strike, the heritage
society have covered a 120-year timeline of the
militancy and struggle of Yorkshire miners. There
Cortonwood Colliery then
Cortonwood Colliery site in 2014 ©Andrew Foley
is information dating back to the 1902 Bag Muck
strike at Denaby Main, the 1921 Lockout and
Black Friday, and the mining strikes in the 1970s.
The exhibition is on until Saturday 29th June.
Fox Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am
until 2pm.
Looking for a new
office or workspace?
We have various flexible options
available to suit your business needs
Training rooms
Competitive daily rates plus discounts for block bookings
Projector and screen available
Virtual offices
Registered business address with unique regional phone number and mail
holding/forwarding. Optional call answering and message forwarding
We also have businesses open to the public
• Old College Coffee Shop Open Mon-Sat 9am-2pm
• Fox Gallery Open Tues-Fri 10am-2pm
• Beauty and Aesthetics Clinic • Hairdresser
• Hypnotherapist• Slimming World • Music Academy
Do you need
a CSCS Card?
You can attend a regulated
1-day Health and Safety
Awareness training course and
take your CSCS test, all on the
same day to support gaining
your CSCS Labourer’s card
Mexborough Business Centre www.mexborough.biz
College Road, Mexborough, Doncaster S64 9JP T. 01709 590005
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 27

OUT & ABOUT
A leap of faith:
Rotherham Minster launches
£3 million redevelopment campaign
Rotherham Minster
has towered over the
town for more than 500
years.
But to ensure the town’s oldest
and most significant building
remains for the next thousand years,
its vicar took a leap of faith to launch
an ambitious £3 million fundraising
campaign.
In April, Rev Canon Phil
Batchford, together with the Bishop
of Sheffield, Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox,
descended 42-feet from the
Minster’s bell tower into the central
transept while dressed in their
clerical robes.
The abseil kickstarted the
Minster’s year-long ‘Building
Hope in the Heart of Rotherham’
campaign. They aim to raise £3
million by next summer to redevelop
the interior of the church to make
it more flexible, hospitable and
accessible for the wider community.
Canon Batchford, who has been
the vicar for five years, said: “It’s a
real leap of faith trying to raise that
much money in the current climate
in Rotherham, so we wanted to
embody that by doing the literal leap
of faith with an abseil.”
The Minster has always been at
the heart of the town. But over the
last few years, its reach into the
community has continued to grow,
extending far beyond the beautiful
building.
They provide music sessions in
schools, run the Social Supermarket
and Catch Up Café and have set up
various weekly wellbeing groups in
the church.
Canon Batchford’s wife,
Christine, is the project manager
for Rotherham Minster Connections
which is responsible for the
community groups.
They started the Social
Supermarket in the pandemic,
which has since led to a weekly
café on a Tuesday, men’s group
on Wednesdays, toddler group on
Thursdays and crafts sessions twice
a week.
“It’s all about building bridges
and links. By coming here, people
have found a community to belong
to and people to connect with.
Those who might have used the
Social Supermarket have become
volunteers helping us run groups
because they want to give us
something in return. The community
has become so much richer
because of it,” Christine says.
The Minster has also hosted
various events such as candlelit
concerts. In November, they
welcomed the exceptional Museum
of the Moon exhibition where
they had 10,000 visitors through
the doors.
But in its current form, the
Minster’s internal layout is
somewhat limiting. It’s been 30
years since any modernisation was
done in the Minster.
“We could offer so much more if
the existing infrastructure was not
in,” Canon Batchford says.
The plans include removing
pews, relevelling the floor and
installing underfloor heating to
create a more open-plan area
that would come in useful for their
weekly cafes and groups.
They also hope to create two
new meeting or rehearsal rooms
for chorister or music practice.
Other developments in the pipeline
include rebuilding the toilet block
and creating a mobile hospitality
space for refreshments.
The Jesus Chapel, which was last
restored in 1921, will be glassed in
so that worship can still take place
while other activities are going on.
Photography: Shaun Flannary/Rotherham Minster
The 1770s Snetzler organ, one of
the finest examples in the country,
is also going to be restored and
relocated.
The Bishop of Sheffield gave
his blessing to the plans, with
the Church of England making
a substantial donation to the
campaign. Canon Batchford would
like to hope that, by summer 2025,
they’ll have reached their £3m target
so that works can begin.
On Saturday 8th June, they
have organised a 1940s night
with a performance by Dearne Big
Band and Singers. This year is the
80th anniversary of the Normandy
Landings, so the event will pay
homage to music of the 1940s
with the likes of Glenn Miller and
Frank Sinatra. Vintage or wartime
outfits are welcomed. The event
starts at 7pm and there will be a
bar, teas and coffees, plus a grand
raffle. Tickets are £10 per person
bookable via Eventbrite, or £12 on
the door.
You can donate to the Minster’s
fundraising campaign at www.
justgiving.com/campaign/
buildinghopeappeal
Or find out more at
www.rotherhamminster.co.uk
28 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT
GIANT adventures
at Gulliver’s Valley
Have a giant adventure this
summer at Yorkshire’s newest
theme park, Gulliver’s Valley
Resort.
Gulliver’s Valley the perfect place for your next
great value family day out. You’ll find a brilliant
selection of indoor and outdoor activities for
under 13s including 360° thrill ride Gyrosaur,
super-fast Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster, and
the western water rapid ride Apache Falls.
There is also a huge indoor activity hub
that’s perfect no matter the weather, with mini
golf, an inflatable kingdom and climbing and
caving challenges.
Younger families can enjoy a tot-ally fun
experience with Gully Town Tots Sessions every
Monday during term time. This exclusive toddler
offer is especially for children under five, priced
at just £8 for children, £2 for adults and free for
under ones. Look forward to indoor toddler rides,
Yoohoo Playzone, the Gully Town role play
area, and appearances from Bing & Flop and the
Very Hungry Caterpillar.
These toddler sessions also include access
to the Gulliver’s Valley Mini-Farm to meet all
your favourite farmyard animals and say hello
to guests from Mayfield Alpacas Animal Park.
Meet mischievous meerkats, Johnny the friendly
skunk, the gorgeous great grey owl Strix and so
many more.
Gulliver’s Valley has a host of special themed
events scheduled too! See TV-favourite JJ from
hit-series Cocomelon at intervals throughout the
day on both Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.
The theme park will then be open daily during the
spring bank school holiday from Friday 24th May.
From June, the outdoor rides will be open from
Thursday to Sunday, extending to Wednesdays
from July.
Enhance your family adventure and book a
magical short break with the new Eat, Sleep,
Play package. Enjoy epic adventures at
incredible value over two days, with a range of
accommodation options including pixie pods,
pirate lodges, and the princess suite. Short
breaks include two days of theme park entry,
an evening meal, superb family entertainment,
a breakfast bite, and lots of cherished family
memories.
Head to www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk
to buy your tickets and look out for
special offers.
LOTS OF FUN
AT GULLIVER’S VALLEY RESORT!
• Afternoon Theme Park
Tickets from £14pp*
• Tots Sessions from £8pp*
• Entrance to
Mini Farm Included!
• See Your Favourite
Characters
• Variety of Indoor
Attractions & Soft Play
GULLIVERSVALLEYRESORT.CO.UK
MANSFIELD ROAD, SOUTH YORKSHIRE. S26 5QW
*Prices correct as of April 2024. Available on selected dates only.
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 29

OUT & ABOUT
A never-ending story
at Grimm & Co
Mortals and magical beings
assemble! Grimm & Co’s
bamboozling new Emporium of
Stories is open at long last to let
the wild rumpus start.
It’s not in a kingdom far, far away or some
far flung corner of an undiscovered galaxy. You
won’t need a pumpkin coach, flying carpet,
portkey, or ruby slippers to get there.
A little magic takes you a long way.
Head on up to the hill named after a ship
in Rotherham town centre and look for the
bewitching gothic building with its imposing spire.
Once upon a time, it was a peaceful place
of worship. But following a gigantic renovation
project that’s taken thousands of days of sorcery
to complete, it’s been transformed into a new
gateway to the magical realm.
Oh, the places you’ll go once you step through
those shiny red doors.
The old church has become an immersive,
multi-sensory bolthole where children and young
people can leave the human world behind and
escape into the pages of a real-life adventure.
Dating back to 1148, the brainchild of
pharmacist Graham Grimm and his sister
Grizelda, Grimm & Co became visible to humans
in 2016. Grimm’s apothecary to the magical was
originally on Doncaster Gate.
In 2020, thanks to a substantial grant from the
legends at Arts Council England, they rescued
the old Talbot Lane Church, that had closed
due to a shrinking congregation, from being
turned into a club for knights or non-flying carpet
warehouse. They have since expanded their
spellbinding offer to make use of the ginormous
space.
It’s a wonderous jaunt where legends are
retold and ludicrous new stories evolve. The
interior concept has been created by the awardwinning
Lumsden Design, the same design
wizards involved in creating the Warner Bros’
Harry Potter Studio Tour and the family kitchen
and shop at Kew Gardens.
Like all good stories, the renovation adventure
has not been without its obstacles. The whole
roof needed repairing and the elves had to
deal with a bad case of damp that wouldn’t go
away with just the wave of a wand. Accessibility
issues have also been addressed, with a lift and
30 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT
changing places toilet installed.
But what has been created is a magical space
that will now be used to entice minds young and
old with the power of words and imagination.
Whether you’re a witch or a twit, a boggart
or borrower, a muggle or a hobbit, visit the
Apothecary to stock up on all your potions and
magical tools needed for making marvellous
medicines.
Play shop detective to find the most disgusting
ingredient like goblin mucus, trapped wind, and
condensed enthusiasm. Do you need a new
giant belly button cleaner or a magical compass
ring? And don’t forget to replenish your supply of
roasted magic beans, spare dragon teeth, and
pearls of wisdom.
Grab a pew in the Book Nook and get lost
in the tales of patchwork elephants, lightning
thieves, caterpillars with hollow legs, and
Peruvian bears with a penchant for marmalade
sandwiches.
Plan your next adventure across the Treasures
of Rotherham or swap your old books for a free
new one at the Forgotten Library.
One of the most exciting new developments is
the Feastery, a café area where you could believe
in as many as six impossible things before
breakfast.
The Grimm & Co team have worked with
award-winning West Yorkshire coffee roasters,
Darkwoods with full barista training. They have
also developed a story-inspired menu with lots
of yummy cakes and snacks – but don’t eat the
gingerbread man!
In the pipeline is an alcoholic license so they
can serve ancient beings with frobscottle that
makes you whizzpop at small gatherings and
spoken word or music performances.
To comply with conservation rules set by the
mortal powers that be, many of the church’s
original features have been retained. The
stained-glass windows, the pulpit, and the grade
I listed Harrison and Harrison organ have been
incorporated into the new Cliffhanger Castle area.
Think Hogwarts’ Great Hall with house
banners. This new function space can be hired
out for sproglet parties, mysterious busy-ness
meetings, and even intimate weddings for
scrollmates.
Those with a golden ticket will have special
access through to Graham’s office for a chance
to unleash the writer within them. The story stairs
lead to Grizelda’s imaginarium, a new mezzanine
floor that has been added to the building. A
beautifully thought-out space filled with inanimate
objects set to inspire.
Here there are three secret writing pads hidden
behind the fireplace, bookshelf and wardrobe
where children and young people can take part
in writing workshops and sensory classes to
exercise their imagination and writing skills.
School children can create their own
characters and manuscript in story making
sessions, design new products that they’d sell
in the Apothecary, or try their hand at comedy
writing in workshops created by Jeremy Dyson
from the League of Gentlemen.
Then it’s back down Jack’s beanstalk slide
that’s been replanted in its new home.
There are also after-school clubs and the
weekly Curious and Curiouser family sessions for
children under six.
From Monday 20th May, Graham and Grizelda
are hosting the Rotherham Festival of Stories, a
fortnight of workshops, family activities and visits
from authors like Michael Rosen.
Behind the mystical façade of Grimm & Co
is a literacy charity that has spent the last eight
years changing lives one story at a time. An
idea conjured up by former educator Deborah
Bullivant, its mission is to build confidence,
self-esteem, aspirations, skills and resilience in
children and young people.
And it’s had us under its spell ever since.
The charity has grown like Jack’s beanstalk
over the years to become Yorkshire’s unique
writing destination. They work with thousands
of children and young people each year from
Yorkshire, Humberside and beyond.
There is now a strong team of employees in
learning, catering, people and retail positions.
They’re also supported by volunteers and artists,
from story mentors and illustrators to shop elves
and prop makers.
This exciting new chapter has been made
possible thanks to generous contributions
from organisations like Arts Council England,
Rotherham Council, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation,
BBC Children in Need, the National Lottery
Community Fund, as well as a stupendous
anonymous donation from a local entrepreneur.
All monies raised through the shop and
café are invested back into the charity so they
can continue to engage with the community
through writing workshops. So, magic beans are
unfortunately not an accepted currency!
Grimm & Co’s Emporium of Stories is
open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm
with late night opening on Thursdays until
6.00pm
Find out more at grimmandco.co.uk or
follow them on social media for events and
updates.
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 31

FAMILY
It’s #MyTime to
better my education
at Dearne Valley College
College isn’t just for school
leavers. Every year, hundreds of
adults head back into education,
proving that ambition has no
age limit.
Whether you’re looking to retrain in a different
industry, get back into work after raising a family,
enhance your skills to secure a promotion, or just
do something for you, it’s never too late to learn.
Take your career development into your own
hands with a higher education course at Dearne
Valley College, part of the RNN Group.
Dearne Valley College is a hub for higher
skills across various academic areas. They have
a range of lifelong learning opportunities with
higher level and degree courses to support adults
at any age, from all walks of life, who are looking
to take on a new challenge.
Their vocational courses have been designed
around employability so that learners gain the
right skills to secure the career they’ve worked
hard for. This academic year, they have launched
some brand new Higher Technical Qualifications
(HTQs) specifically for adults. These level 4
qualifications take between one and two years to
complete and are similar to a foundation degree.
You might think that your educational
ambitions aren’t possible while trying to juggle
work or family life. But many courses like HTQs
are condensed into one or two days a week, with
part-time and evening courses also available.
Returning to education over the age of 18 can
be a scary thought. But at Dearne Valley College,
their tutors have years of industry experience and
a thorough understanding of what employers
expect, helping turn your ambitions into reality.
Plus, they have some amazing facilities that will
give you the hands-on experience you need to
propel you into the working world.
Here, we look at two of the departments at
Dearne Valley College that have attracted many
adult learners.
32 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Animal Management
If you’re an animal lover, have you
thought about pursuing a career
working with animals?
Whether you see yourself working in a rescue
centre, vet surgery or zoo, training police dogs,
being an animal nutritionist, or setting up your
own dog grooming business, you’ll find a course
to help get you there at Dearne Valley College.
As well as a general animal care course, there
are specialist courses in things like dog training,
dog grooming, and animal science.
The animal care unit is no conventional
classroom. You’ll study surrounded by domestic
animals, farm animals, reptiles and exotic
species. There are rabbits and rodents to
meerkats and hedgehogs. Out on the farm,
there are llamas, goats, chickens and a pony.
They’re also one of the only colleges to have
an armadillo.
While it might be nice to cuddle the animals,
as an adult learner you’re probably more
interested in the quickly developing those higher
skills to bag that dream job.
No two days are ever the same as you gain
hands-on experience in caring for, rehabilitating,
handling, feeding, housing and training different
animals. Specialist facilities include a dog
grooming room, outdoor training arena for
obedience, and a new nocturnal room for the
hedgehogs and sugar gliders.
You’ll be taught by people like Karen Allott, the
HE lead at Dearne Valley College, who also runs
her own equine rehabilitation business. Karen
knows what it’s like to be an adult learner, having
returned to education in her late 20s to follow her
heart of working with animals.
She’d been working at a call centre for many
years before she decided to retrain, enrolling on
a level 2 course in animal care aged 28. After
getting the education bug, she then went on to
do a degree and master’s in equine therapy and
rehabilitation, before doing her PGCE aged 40 to
become a teacher.
“You might feel like you can’t go back to
college. You’re not clever enough, you’ve not
got enough time, you’re too old for learning.
Tutors won’t know how to speak to you or you’ll
be surrounded by young kids that make you feel
even older.
“I had those thoughts myself. I left school with
Ds Es and Fs at GCSE so how was I going to get
to grips with studying? But I knew it was my time
to do it. If you’re willing to put in the work, it does
get easier. We have students aged 16 and in their
40s, and they all work well together as a unit.”
Currently, the animal management courses
range from level 1 up to levels 4 and 5 with the
HNC and HND courses. They will be starting
a HTQ in animal behaviour and training in
September 2025, with future plans to offer a
degree course.

FAMILY
Health and Social Care
Maybe your calling lies in caring
for humans.
Whether you’re looking to take your first steps
towards an NHS career, want to switch to a caring
profession or upskill your existing qualifications,
Dearne Valley College has a course for you.
This year, they have launched the health
science associate diploma HTQ. The practicalfocused
course equips learners with the clinical
training and experience needed to be an assistant
practitioner working in wards, GP surgeries,
outpatient departments, or labs and workshops.
Dearne Valley College has worked closely with
Sheffield Hallam University and key stakeholders
to ensure the HTQ gives students those job-ready
skills employers are looking for.
ALEX is an AI simulated
“
mannequin that talks, has a
pulse, and a camera in his
eye to record consultations
with students.
”
They’ve also invested £330,000 into a new stateof-the-art
health suite which opens to learners
this September. There is a simulated operating
area with recovery ward, an assessment unit with
consultation area, plus a biomedical laboratory for
anatomy and dissection modules.
Significant investment has also been made
into two new life-like mannequins for practical
demonstrations. GERi is a ten-stone elderly patient
with latex skin, arthritic joints, removable teeth, and
catheter and stoma entry points. Students can
practice cannulation, moving and handling, and
elderly nursing care.
ALEX is an AI simulated mannequin that talks,
has a pulse, and a camera in his eye to record
consultations with students.
The college’s health department also has a VR
suite with ocular headsets that learners can wear
during theory-based lessons. The technology
helps students visualise the inside of the body,
learn about physiology and understand how
diseases might progress. They can also be used
for virtual consultations to allow learners to explore
different patient experience scenarios.
You’ll be taught by people like Eve Thomson, a
former A&E staff nurse at Barnsley Hospital who
still works in industry doing bank shifts around her
teaching role.
“Training for a caring career lends itself to adult
learners as they have the life experience that
prepares them for the job more than anything else.
You usually find that adult learners make for a
more competent and caring health professional.
“I did my nursing qualifications as an adult
learner at 21 and would have found it hard at 18 to
be so disciplined getting up at 5am for a 12-hour
shift. Adult learners have the motivation to be in
college learning the skills they need.
“I’m really glad that we have these new facilities
as it helps us simulate real-life emergency
scenarios in a safe and controlled way, giving our
learners the confidence to go out onto a ward or
other clinical setting and administer high-quality
patient care.”
As well as the new HTQ, Dearne Valley
College also has an Access to Nursing course
which is aimed at people who don’t have a
level 3 qualification but want to progress to
higher education.
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 33

FAMILY
Rain Rescue founder
to retire after 22 years
The founder of Rain Rescue,
Jacquie Neilson MBE, is retiring
from the animal rescue charity
22 years after setting it up.
Jacquie and her husband Steve started
Rescuing Animals In Need (RAIN) in 2002,
saving stray dogs from council kennels that were
destined to be put to sleep through no fault of
their own.
In the beginning, the dogs they rescued
would stay in the Neilson’s stables until a more
permanent place could be found for them. They’d
often care for 26 dogs at a time, which was like
water off a duck’s back for the animal-loving
family who were used to having five or six dogs,
five horses, and 20 ferals cats at a time – all of
them being someone else’s discarded pets.
Jacquie left a 30-year career in banking to
dedicate her life to these helpless animals.
Rain Rescue became an official charity in 2006
and operated from Jacquie’s home between
Wickersley and Thurcroft. The old stables were
eventually converted to accommodate more
animals, turning every possible space into
a kennel.
Over the last 22 years, the charity has given
hope and a second chance at life to thousands
of animals by finding them loving new homes.
Rain has never allowed open viewing; they follow
a pre-matching process so that would-be owners
only meet dogs that are suitable for them and
their lifestyles.
They take in around 400 cats and dogs
each year, many of which come in pitiful and
horrific states. So many animals have been
physically and medically neglected, but with
time and treatments most can be nursed back to
full health.
Once recent case was Anton the Doberman
who was found wandering the streets of
Rotherham in an emaciated state by the dog
warden. He weighed just 27 kilos, had a urine
infection, scabs, bald patches and pressure
sores. Rain Rescue gave him the right care and
medical treatment and found him a forever home.
Historically, they have always had more dogs
than cats but in recent times their cattery has
been at maximum capacity due to an epidemic of
overbreeding and ill-treatment.
Every animal is vaccinated, neutered and deflea
and wormed, and kept at the centre provided
with heating, housing and 365 days a year care
from experienced staff.
There have been many changes down at the
rescue centre over the years, most of which
have been done by Steve. Their kennels all have
outdoor runs, while the cattery has a Catio for
the cats to play in with disabled access and calm
surroundings. There are also two secure fields
and an agility paddock with artificial grass that
they hire out to dog owners, helping bring in more
money for the charity.
Despite the mounting pressure felt by animal
welfare charities across the country, it has been a
positive year for Rain Rescue in many ways.
Jacquie was awarded an MBE for services to
animal welfare from Princess Anne at Windsor
Castle, having been nominated by long-term Rain
supporter, Pat Davy.
The charity was also given a grant from
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to support them
through the cost of living crisis. Part of this grant
has also allowed Jacquie to retire by recruiting
a new CEO. Trisha Spargo has managed other
large animal centres and is eager to start this next
journey with Rain Rescue.
We’d like to wish Jacquie a happy retirement,
when the time comes, but we’re sure she’ll never
be too far away from her beloved animals. After
years of hard work and heartache, she can be
proud that, because of her, there’ll always be a
place for homeless animals.
You can find out how to support Rain Rescue
or adopt an animal by visiting
www.rainrescue.co.uk
34 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

FAMILY
Is compulsory cat
microchipping fur real?
If you’re a cat owner,
there is now a pawsability
that you’ll be
fined if your cat is not
microchipped.
From 10th June, a new law
comes into effect in England
making it compulsory for cats to be
microchipped before they reach the
age of 20 weeks. As well as making
it easier for lost or stray cats to be
reunited with their owners, it is also
hoped that the new law will help
tackle common welfare issues for
cats such as abandonment.
Around a quarter of cats in the
UK are not microchipped – around
2.4 million.
Microchipping is a one-time
expense that covers your cat for
the rest of its life. It costs between
£20 and £30 for microchipping and
some vets include it in their health
plans.
Only a trained professional can fit
your cat’s microchip. The best time
to microchip your cat is when they
are being neutered. The procedure
is quick and is no more painful than
an injection. It doesn’t hurt once
in place and shouldn’t cause any
problems for your cat.
A microchip is a tiny identification
device the size of a grain of rice.
Once registered to a governmentapproved
database, it links a pet to
its owner via a a unique number that
can be read by a scanner. If your
cat gets lost, anyone with a scanner
can scan them, call the microchip
company and reunite you with your
four-legged friend.
If your cat is already
microchipped, it’s important to keep
your details up to date to ensure
you can be contacted if your pet
goes missing.
If you are rehoming a cat, you’ll
need to contact your microchip
database to transfer ownership
details.
Microchipping is by far the
most effective and quickest
way of identifying lost pets. The
microchipping law for dogs came
into effect in 2016 and, since then,
those who are microchipped are
more than twice as likely to be
reunited with their owner.
All cats except feral ones will
be included in the new law. That
means that even indoor cats will
need microchipping as it’s easy for
them to slip out through a window
or a door.
Under the new law, owners found
not to have microchipped their
cat will have 21 days to have one
implanted or may face a fine of up
to £500.
& EQUINE
Offering a bespoke, personal and caring service
to meet your needs at a time of loss
Dignity, compassion and care is always shown before,
during and after the process
Designed around the cremation of domestic pets and horses
Purpose built facilities next to our idyllic family farmhouse
Based between Rotherham and Sheffield serving
South Yorkshire and the wider area
We also offer a collection service from your home
or the veterinary practice, and can organise
home euthanasia where necessary
Fully transparent and highly professional service that leaves
all our clients with no doubts they made the right choice
Tel: 07971 255 346
Email: enquiries@oldflattsfarm.co.uk
www.oldflattsfarm.co.uk
See our wall of remembrance online
Old Flatts Farm, Flatts Lane, Treeton, S60 5QZ
See our
Facebook and Google reviews
for genuine customer feedback
One of the UK’s most highly recommended and
reviewed Pet & Equine Crematoriums
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 35

FAMILY
Legal
talk
With Elmhirst Parker Solicitors
Making a personal injury claim
If you suffer an injury and
someone else is to blame, then
you may be able to receive
compensation by making a
personal injury claim.
What are personal injury
claims?
Personal injury claims cover various incidents
such as road traffic accidents, accidents at work,
or trips and falls in public places such as the
supermarket, hospital or on the street.
If you are injured and it wasn’t your fault, it is
advisable to take photos of your injuries and the
scene of the incident, report it to staff, the council
or police, take names and contact details of any
witnesses, and get examined by a doctor. These
will all help if you choose to make a claim for
your injuries.
How long do you have to claim?
Generally speaking, you have to commence a
claim within three years of the date of your injury
or accident. But there may be exceptions to the
rule. If the claimant lacks mental capacity, usually
because of a disability or brain injury, there is no
limit. For claims on behalf of children, the threeyear
limit begins once they turn 18.
Claims can take between six months and a
few years to settle depending on complexity, so
contact a solicitor when you first realise you may
have a claim to ensure that you stay within the
time limit.
What can you claim for?
A personal injury claim is usually split into
two parts.
General damages are for your pain, suffering
and loss of amenity. General damages are
worked out using guidelines set by the courts
and based on the severity of your physical and/
or psychological injuries and whether they are
permanent or not.
The other part of a compensation claim
is special damages. These are any financial
losses or expenses resulting from the injury. This
could include medical treatment or rehabilitation
36 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
costs, travel expenses to and from medical
appointments, or loss of earnings or pension if
you’ve been unable to work.
In more severe cases where injuries are lifechanging,
it can include claims for adaptations to
your property or past and future care costs.
How much could a claim be
worth?
No two cases are ever the same. Even if two
people are in a car accident, their claims will
always be different as their injuries and personal
circumstances will differ.
If you are fortunate to recover from your
injuries, such as whiplash, your claim may be
worth a few hundred pounds for your initial pain
and suffering. If your injuries are more severe and
have impacted many aspects of your life, such as
your ability to work due to a back injury, then the
claim will be more substantial.
Will I need to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled out
of court if the defendant admits liability. Court
proceedings are costly, so it is in both parties’
interests to co-operate via alternative dispute
resolution such as mediation or joint settlement
meetings.
I was injured at work. Will I be
sacked if I make a claim?
Your employer owes you a duty of care. If you
were injured while doing your job, it will usually be
because they breached that duty or failed to follow
health and safety procedures.
It is illegal to terminate employment because
of a claim. This is a separate civil matter and will
be claimed against their employer’s insurance
policy – so they shouldn’t take it personally. If you
do face issues at work after bringing proceedings
against your employer, we can also advise you on
employment law.
What if the driver was
uninsured?
In road traffic accidents, the claimant could
be the driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian.
In most cases, the defendant’s insurance policy
would cover them for any accidents. However, if
they didn’t have insurance or were untraceable
because it was a hit and run, a claim would be
covered by the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).
This was set up due to government insistence that
insurers have a safety net to protect those in such
circumstances.
How much does it cost to make
a personal injury claim?
In certain cases, we can offer No Win No Fee,
or conditional fee agreements. This is where there
are no upfront costs to the claimant and all of our
legal costs are recovered from the defendant if a
claim is successful. Solicitors are able to receive
a percentage uplift in their fees, depending on the
individual circumstances of the claim.
If a claim is not successful, all fees are written
off. So, claimants have nothing to lose.
*This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide
information of general interest about current legal
issues.
• Civil litigation
• Residential conveyancing
• Family and matrimonial
• Probate and estates
• Wills • Lifetime planning
Speak to one of our experts on
01226 282238
17/19 Regent Street, Barnsley, S70 2HP
(also in Royston, Selby and Sherburn-in-Elmet)
www.elmhirstparker.com

FAMILY
Over 200 years creating
opportunities for people to meet up
and make friends, supporting
members in times of need
We host regular inexpensive social events
as well as one-off special activities
A NON-PROFIT, MUTUAL SOCIETY,
RUN BY MEMBERS FOR MEMBERS
EVERYONE WELCOME
One of the largest independent
family funeral directors in South Yorkshire
established for almost 150 years
At your time of need we are here for you
Funeral Plans Available
Contact us for a copy of our brochure
Become a
member from just
£25
a year
Sheffield Social Afternoon
Wednesday 15th May 1.30pm
Susan Deal joins us for her
fascinating ‘Skivvy’ talk about what life
was like as a servant.
Members: Free Guests: £3.00
Everyone welcome
Central United Reformed Church,
60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB
Oddfellows Open Day
Fridays 24th May &
28th June 11am
Pop in the office with friends
and family and find out what the
Oddfellows is all about.
Everyone welcome
Oddfellows House, 40 Westgate
Rotherham S60 1AS
Spring Outing to Beverley
Wednesday 29th May 9.30am
Join us for a wonderful day
out to this beautiful market town that
offers a blend of rich history and
vibrant culture.
Booking is essential
Members: £17.00 Guests: £23.00
Pick ups 9.30am Mecca Bingo,
Corporation Street,
Rotherham S60 1NG
10am Pond Hill (outside the Penny
Black pub) Sheffield S1 2BG
Barnsley Social Afternoon
Thursday 30th May 2pm
Bob Massey will be our speaker
talking about different ‘Friendly
Societies’ and what they do.
Members: Free Guests: £3.00
Boatman’s Rest, Edmunds Road,
Worsbrough Dale,
Barnsley S70 4TD
Oddie’s Hikers
Thursday 6th June 11am
Join us for a walk around this
beautiful park then afterwards
for a spot of lunch in the café.
Everyone welcome
Locke Park, Keresforth Hall Road,
Barnsley S70 6NF
Oddfellows Summer
Outing to Bridlington
Thursday 20th June 9.30am
Join us for a trip to this wonderful
seaside town and enjoy the
beautiful coastal views.
Please book early to secure
your place
Members: £17.00 Guests: £23.00
Pick ups 9.30am Mecca Bingo,
Corporation Street,
Rotherham S60 1NG
10am Pond Hill (outside the Penny
Black pub) Sheffield S1 2BG
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming
a member and the many benefits it brings, such as access
to care and advice and a range of financial services
Call us on 01709 838673
or email lesley.walton@oddfellows.co.uk
www.oddfellows.co.uk
40 Westgate, Rotherham, S60 1AS
Our In-House Memorial Service
Creating a lasting memorial for your loved one
Choose and design your own bespoke memorial
with the support of our highly skilled craftsmen
We also provide kerb memorials, repairs and renovations
All our work is fully guaranteed
www.memorialsofelegance.co.uk
Our Swinton Memorial Garden
We have created a serene setting, a place for
you to reflect and remember your loved ones
Wood Street, Swinton, Mexborough S64 8BA
Tel 01709 571777
Fellowsfield Way, Kimberworth, Rotherham S61 1NL
Tel 01709 555 534
www.ctbutterfield.com
Email contactus@ctbutterfield.com
Like our page and we will keep you posted on what’s coming up
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 37

Our family caring for your family for over 130 years

FAMILY
Life as foster carers
with Fostering Rotherham
Kerry and Michael’s story
With two sons of their own,
Kerry and Michael were
contemplating whether to have
another child but decided to
become foster carers with
Fostering Rotherham instead.
Michael had come from a broken family and so
they were keen to help teenagers facing a similar
position.
“We knew we had enough love, care, and
space in our home to go for it, and our large,
extended family were very supportive and wanted
to help as well. While it was quite lengthy as our
circumstances changed, the staff who carried out
the application assessment were wonderful and
really got to know us as a family,” Kerry says.
That was twelve years ago and the couple
have never looked back. They provide respite
care through the Families Together initiative.
Respite care, also known as second home
care, is where a child or young person is placed
with a foster family short-term to allow both the
carers and children to have a break.
It proved to be the ideal option for Kerry and
Michael, as they both work full-time alongside
family life, with their own children now aged 15
and 20.
“Respite care has been perfect for us as we
can offer our time and plan it around our busy
lifestyles. It gives other carers the break they
need and the chance to do things with their own
families they wouldn’t normally be able to.
“We have had the pleasure of looking after a
boy for the last 12 years since he was nine. He
visits us two Fridays a month, stays overnight and
spends Saturdays with us.”
Fostering does come with challenges but
overall, the experience is rewarding and positive.
The Families Together initiative provides all
the training and support carers need and,
as a fostering family in Rotherham, there
is also access to a friendly and supportive
fostering community to share experiences and
ask questions.
“We have faced challenges over the last twelve
years, such as career changes and bereavement
so we have had to juggle things. But the rewards
outweigh any difficulties. You do need to be
caring, selfless and have lots of patience and be
fun-loving and child-focused; be led by what they
want to do and what their hobbies are.
“It is heart-warming when you see the child
you look after developing. Just being in contact
regularly and seeing what the children achieve
in their lives is a huge reward for us, especially
when they have enjoyed themselves and are
so happy that they can’t wait to return for their
next visit.”
BECOME A
FOSTER CARER
WITH FOSTERING
ROTHERHAM
CALL US 01709 357370
Help us
change the
lives of local
children
Could you make a difference
to a local child’s life?
Become a foster carer with
Fostering Rotherham.
For more information visit
www.fosteringrotherham.com
or call 01709 357370.
www.fosteringrotherham.com
@FosteringRotherham
@FosterRotherham
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 39

FAMILY
Food for thought
The UK’s rate of food poverty is
among the worst in Europe.
As the cost of living crisis bites, it makes it
harder for people to afford to eat. Millions are
being pushed below the breadline as food prices
soar, with many struggling to feed themselves
and their families.
But there are many charities and organisations
in South Yorkshire that are tackling food insecurity
– and you could get involved, too.
The Fun Hub’s
Community Pantry
The Fun Hub CIC is a non-profit organisation
that delivers fun and educational activities to
young people during the school holidays. It’s
run by community-focused businesswoman,
Zoe Croot, who also owns the Lime Tree Nursery
group and Puzzled Training.
Two years ago, Zoe launched a community
pantry in Maltby and Carlton-in-Lindrick. This
has since grown, with locations in North Anston,
Athersley and Eastwood.
The Community Food Pantry is accessible to
everyone and is not means tested. For £3.50,
people can go down and purchase a food bag at
a fraction of the cost of the supermarkets. Each
bag has protein, dairy, fruit and vegetables, and
tinned goods.
Some items are donated by companies like
Co-Op, Asda, Tesco, Macro and KFC, while
others are purchased from food waste charity,
Fare Share. Items change each week depending
on what surplus food is donated, and the majority
of items are in date.
Along with their static sites that they go to
every week, they now run pop-up pantries with a
refrigerated van. The van was purchased thanks
to support from Tesco and The National Lottery
Community Fund. It will enable Fun Hub to
potentially reach up to 2,000 people a week.
To support and maintain The Community Food
Pantry, they’re looking for food partners. Local
businesses and organisations can sponsor the
community van or set up a food donation point
their place of work.
SUPPORTED SOCIAL
GROUP DAYCARE
• Retirement • Elderly
• Disabled 18+
Bringing a smile to
brighten your day
Promoting
Independence,
self-worth and
well-being
Helping you get out and about,
we do something different every day
Fun and varied daily outings including:
•Local Pub Lunches •Afternoon Teas
•Local Attraction Visits •Tutored Crafts
All with RSD BrainActive Themed Activities
Home Bus Pick-Up & Return
Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm
•Diploma Qualified Healthcare staff
•Public Insured & DBS Checked
•PSV Operative Licensed
•CPC/PSV Drivers
For an information pack, call 01709 819185 or 07932 601 998
www.rotherhamsocialdays.com Follow what weʻve been up to each week on our Facebook page
40 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

FAMILY
Where to access the Food Community Pantry
Mondays:
Maltby Leisure Centre, S66 8JE – 12.45pm
Fun Hub Nursery, Eastwood S65 2BG – 3pm
Tuesdays:
Lime Tree Nursery Carlton in Lindrick, S88 9JU –
12.45pm
Lime Tree Nursery North Anston, S25 4DL – 3pm
Wednesdays:
Lime Tree Nursery Athersley, S71 3AQ – 1pm and
3pm
Follow their Facebook page for regular
updates including weekly pop-up sites on
Thursdays.
Barnsley Foodbank
Partnership
Over winter, Barnsley Foodbank experienced
one of the busiest periods since opening ten
years ago. The demand for food parcels has
increased rapidly, with some of their highest
figures yet.
However, they were able to meet demand and
change lives thanks to the incredible support of
local businesses and individuals.
From amazing volunteers joining their Tesco
Collections, to local businesses rallying in
support, to individuals coming to donate, the
community of Barnsley and beyond should be
incredibly proud.
In January, they launched the Reds Against
Hunger partnership with Barnsley Football Club.
Young people from Barnsley FC Community Trust
now volunteer at the Wombwell-based foodbank
regularly. In March, two current Reds players,
Aiden Marsh and Conor Grant, took some time
away from training to volunteer at the food bank,
helping in the warehouse, picking and packing
emergency food parcels for those experiencing
crisis across Barnsley. The partnership also
involves collections at selected home games
at Oakwell: at the Reds recent home game
against Reading, fans donated the equivalent of
190 meals.
Other businesses showing their support for
Barnsley Foodbank are GXO Logistics who
regularly help out with deliveries, packing
parcels in the warehouse and volunteering at the
Tesco collections.
Peace Legal Solicitors in Wombwell recently
spent a morning helping out in the warehouse,
while NHS workers had some competitions to see
who could pick the parcels the quickest.
Barnsley Foodbank Partnership is looking
local organisations to partner with in 2024.
Whether you’re up for some fundraising activities,
selecting them as your chosen charity, or even
considering payroll giving, there are lots of ways
to get involved.
For more about how to give or get help, visit
www.barnsley.foodbank.org.uk
The hands that guide you
in your hour of need
A third-generation Funeral Director, Dip. FD, MBIFD
National President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (2023/24)
Let us help you every step of the way
• 24 hour personal and compassionate service
• Floral tributes
• Condolence stationery
• Monumental masonry
• Catering
Our private Chapel of Rest caters for
multi-faith and non-religious services
• Ritual washing and dressing facilities
• Weekend funerals
• In-house pre-funeral ceremonies
• Repatriation to or from UK
Pre-paid funeral plans available
Our doors are
always open
88-90 Worksop Road, Swallownest, Sheffield S26 4WH 0114 287 5852
55 Bridge Street, Killamarsh, Sheffield S21 1AL 0114 228 0082
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 41

FAMILY
Developing the
artof business
For some businesses, there isn’t
always a template or stencil to
follow for success. They need a
more personalised approach.
That’s where Rotherham Launchpad comes
in. They understand that a successful business
is crafted from an individual’s time, energy, hard
work, passion and so much more. Their business
advisors transfer their skills and knowledge to
entrepreneurs, tailoring their services to each
business.
When printmaker Calindy Ballantyne had
the idea to launch Noons Studio, an ecofriendly
screen-printing business, she turned to
Rotherham Launchpad to help bring her vision
to life.
Having graduated from Sheffield Hallam
University with a degree in Creative Art Practices
in 2016, Calindy then worked for other screenprinting
businesses in Sheffield before moving to
South America to teach English.
Last year, she embarked on setting up her own
business, Noons Studio, to combine her creativity
with passion for conservation, using materials
that have a low environmental impact such as
water-based inks and hemp paper.
Through Rotherham Launchpad, Calindy
attended various business workshops, most
Launchpad have helped me
“
to gain confidence to be able
to launch and market my new
business
”
recently how to develop a 90-day sales plan. She
also re-adjusted her business model to engage
with the community, launching her new mobile
screen-printing workshops in January.
Rotherham Launchpad provided Calindy with
a business grant to purchase equipment and
materials for the mobile workshops.
This new venture led to Calindy being
commissioned by FLUX to deliver familyfocused
screen-printing workshops as part of
Rotherham’s Roots Festival in April.
She’s also completed commissions for other
businesses, using screen printing techniques to
create t-shirts and other merchandise.
“Knowing that Rotherham Launchpad was
there to help guide me and provide support made
this process a lot less of an isolating experience.
The one-to-one mentoring has been invaluable.
My advisor was not only really invested in my
business but also my personal creative practice.
Launchpad have helped me to gain confidence to
be able to launch and market my new business.”
Calindy is running two screen printing
workshops this June at Portland Works in
Sheffield. You can print on to T-shirts or
yoga mats. Workshops are Saturdays 15th
and 29th June between 11am and 2pm.
Full details and how to book at
www.noonsstudio.co.uk
ROTHERHAM LAUNCHPAD
We’re offering free expert advice,
support and workshops to help turn
your idea into a business or get
your new business off the ground!
Turning ideas
into businesses
www.ridobusinesshubs.co.uk
42 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

What’s
n >
HIST
STOR
ORY
TH &
BEA
EAU
AUTY
We M
HOM
OME
MES
et
GAR
RDEN
IN
TH
HE
COMM
Out and
About >
| FOOD
Make sure your business
is known
Advertise with
us and get into
the heart of the
South Yorkshire
community!
FAMILY
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• Advert design included in cost
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| FOOD OD & ENTERTAINMENT & MUCH MORE .
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Contact our small and friendly team on 01709 33 10 20
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www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
refrigeration
full supply and install of a cold room for
Highfield Coffee Social in Doncaster as
part of the fitout of their new coffee shop
“We have worked with Airmaster
for around 20 years for all our
air conditioning requirements.
They go the extra mile to
help us resolve issues quickly
and efficiently, so when
planning for Highfield Coffee
Social, we knew we were in
capable hands. The whole
process, from initial plans
through to fit and commission,
was faultless, and we are
delighted with the outcome.”
Mike Stark, Facilities Manager, Highfield
for all your energy-efficient heating, cooling and mechanical services
625417
0114 288 9911
team@airmaster.uk.com
www.airmaster.uk.com
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 43

HOMES
Scandi
style!
Your home should be your
sanctuary. And nothing
says relaxation quite like
Scandi styling.
Switch off from the outside world and
sink into your cosy, calm and content
Nordic nest.
Scandi styling plays on simplicity: a
melting pot of soft neutral colour palette,
natural materials, inviting textures and
organic shapes bring calm to open-plan
spaces.
Modern Scandi styling is great for
adding texture and interest to a minimalist,
clutter-free aesthetic across all rooms of
your home.
Opt for wood furniture, low-slung sofas
and armchairs, and soft furnishings in
boucle, jute or linen. Colour tones include
pale shades of plaster or chalk. Layer up
accessories with interesting silhouettes in
your lamps, picture frames and ceramics
for a relaxed feel.
THE KITCHEN COMPANY
FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION
• WE WILL BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTE
• DOORS & WORKTOPS
UP TO 40% LESS THAN A NEW FITTED KITCHEN
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Park Road, Worsbrough Bridge,
Barnsley, S70 5LJ
SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 10am - 4pm
Tel: 01226 297949
www.kitchencompanyltd.com
like us on
Facebook
thekitchencompanyltd
44 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

HOMES
Be inspired at
Designer fabrics from Breathe Home Interiors
• Scandi influences this season
• Beautiful made to measure curtains and blinds
• Carpets and flooring all professionally fitted
Showroom Open: Tuesday to Friday 10-5pm Saturday 10-1pm
Take your home
to another level
Bespoke new and
renovated staircases
Full BespokeJoineryService
•Doors and panelling
•Understairs solutions
• Skirting and window boards
•Wine cellars etc
Call John on
07793 389111 Mon-Fri 8am-7pm
See more of our recent projects at
www.staircasesbyjohnlawson.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 45

Find inspiration for
every room in your home
Quality divans
and solid handmade beds
with matching furniture
Furniture, Accessories,
Lighting, Mirrors
and much more...
Extensive displays in our showroom
13 Rotherham Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 8ES
Tel: 01709 814422
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm

HOMES
Have faith
in Floor
Angels
ECO SOFAS
Don’t Buy New!
RE-UPHOLSTERY
is the answer!
SOFAS • CHAIRS • DINING CHAIRS
We
visit you
with our
fabric
samples
No job
too
small
SPRING REPAIRS • CUSHIONS • PLUS MUCH MORE
Or why not have your suite made like
new with a complete re-upholstery?
For more information and to arrange your
free estimate daytime or evening call
KEITH SIMPSON
0114 275 6390
0114 2468477
161 Rutland Road, Sheffield S3 9PP
www.keithsimpsonsofas.co.uk
If your floors have lost
their shine, make them
look heavenly again
with the help of Floor
Angels.
The Wortley-based floor
restoration specialists can give your
scratched, discoloured, dull or dated
wood or tile flooring a new lease
of life with their mess and hasslefree
approach. Over the years,
they have completed some divine
transformations for hundreds of
happy customers.
Whether you’ve ripped up your
carpets and discovered grubby
parquet flooring underneath, or
your solid oak or pine floors need
some TLC, Floor Angels can advise
on how best to restore and protect
those timeless wooden floors.
Rob has over 25 years’ experience
FLOOR ANGELS
WE MAKE YOUR FLOORS LOOK HEAVENLY!
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and passes on his skills teaching
others the art of primary wood
restoration. Their experienced
technicians will prepare, sand,
stain and lacquer your floors for
a smoother, brighter and more
modern finish.
And you don’t have to worry about
plumes of dust settling in every nook
and cranny. Floor Angels use the
latest dust-free machinery, protect
surrounding areas, and ensure a
through clean-up afterwards.
They can also clean your tiled
flooring, natural stone, porcelain,
marble and Karndean or Amtico.
Their machinery removes ground
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mopping or hand-scrubbing
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Think your floors are past saving?
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Highly skilled technicians with
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Floor looks amazing and all done
in a day, no dust, no mess.
Very reasonably priced.
And a thoroughly nice guy.”
For a FREE survey and samples demonstration,
call the Floor Angels team on
0114 288 1937 or 07729 345458
WWW.FLOORANGELS.CO.UK
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 47

at Homeflair
Unique riverside setting with outdoor
terrace overlooking the swans on the water
Fine Italian coffees
& teas
• Breakfast Served All Day
• Light Lunches
• Healthy Light Bites
• Cakes and Patisserie
Fully Licensed
Come and enjoy a drink on the terrace
Afternoon Tea for Two
Served with a selection of sandwiches
Fresh strawberries,
mini cheesecake and eclairs
Fresh cream and jam scone
Tea or coffee
£22.50 for two
(Must be pre-booked)
Available for private parties,
birthdays, baby showers etc
Narrow Boat Trip
& Luxury Three Tier
Afternoon Tea
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June
£19.95pp
Hourly trips between
12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Wheelchair friendly
Bookings essential - £10pp deposit
- call for details
A celebration with a difference
Private boat trip bookings welcome
Homeflair Complex, Rawmarsh Road, Parkgate S60 1RZ Tel: 01709 252 420
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-3pm | Sunday 10am-3pm | Ample free parking
Manufacturers of
fine quality bedroom,
dining and
occasional furniture
Bespoke handmade
kitchens
• Made in Yorkshire
• No flat pack
• Made to measure on all items
“FURNITURE
FOR LIFE”
Alexandra Centre, Rail Mill Way, Parkgate, Rotherham S62 6JE (Behind DFS) Telephone: 01709 780 443

KITCHENS
BEDROOMS
BATHROOMS
MEDIA UNITS
Come and be inspired
NEW KITCHEN
SHOWROOM
DISPLAYS
Making your house a home from design to full installation
We also offer:
CONSERVATORIES SOLID ROOFS WINDOWS & DOORS
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
Open Monday to Sunday
Greasbrough Road, Rotherham S60 1RJ
01709 291050
www.idealhi.co.uk

HOMES
FRESH FACES
Professional Kitchen Painter - est. 1981
Want to update
your kitchen for
less than £1,000 * ?
Choose the FRESH FACES way!
• Paint or varnish your wood, laminate
or veneer units for a brand-new look
• Hand-painted only
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20 doors/drawers
I also
hand paint
all kinds of
wall tiles
Visit our showroom
for inspiration
New range of PVC and
solid board waterproof panels
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Proud to be awarded Certificate of Distinction
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See our 85 reviews all 5
Call Chris on 07984 070617 or 0114 230 6828 | www.cmbakerltd.com
HAIGHS CARPETS
A family business Est.1945 built on reputation
PROVIDING QUALITY FLOOR COVERINGS
FOR ALL BUDGETS
Carpets & Vinyls
Specialists in
4mtr & 5mtr
Luxury British
wool carpets by
Complete new modern bathroom
“My bathroom was looking tired and the toilet wasn't
always flushing correctly, so I decided to have a
completely new bathroom. I wanted someone who could
supply everything and install to a high standard. I had
passed Soak Bathrooms many times over the years, so
checked out their website. I worked on the theory if they
were still in business after many years and were getting
good reviews this would be my first port of call. Mike was
excellent, helping us with design as my husband and I had
different ideas. I can't praise Ben and the installation team
enough for their high standard of craftsmanship.
Everything was always left clean and tidy, always a good
sign of a professional.”
DESIGN | SUPPLY | INSTALLATION
• FREE FITTING when purchasing underlay (from £6.50sq.mtr)
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Unit 13, Carwood Road, Grange Lane Industrial Estate,
Stairfoot, Barnsley S71 5AS • Free Parking
Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 4pm & Sun 10.30am - 4pm
Tel 01226 296498 Email haighscarpets@outlook.com
www.haighscarpets.com
See our excellent customer reviews on Google
A family-run,
independent business
Unit 8 Parkgate Complex,
Rawmarsh Road,
Rotherham S60 1RZ
Tel. 01709 363700
www.soakbathroomsrotherham.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 51

Kitchens | Bathrooms | Bedrooms
Studies | Media Walls
FREE DESIGN AND PLANNING
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm
Rother Court | Parkgate
Rotherham S62 6DR
TELEPHONE: 01709 234216
primeinteriorsltd

HOMES
Established 2006
We manufacture,
supply and install
a wide selection of
blinds made in
Yorkshire
3 VERTICALS
FOR
£
89
*Terms and conditions apply
Available in white and cream fabric only
Thorpe Electrical
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YOUR LOCAL
ELECTRICIAN
• Rewires, Lights & Sockets
• Garden Lights & Smoke Alarms
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Call Joe: 07984 515321
www.electricianrotherham.co.uk
5 star reviews
FULLY QUALIFIED INSURED
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•Roman•Wood•Aluminium Venetian Blinds
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FREE Quotation FREE fitting 12 Month Guarantee
Call for a FREE home quotation on
01142 044844 or 0800 046 1502
www.amorablinds.co.uk Find us on
BEDROOMS • OFFICE SPACE • MEDIA WALLS
SALE
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A family run business with 30 years experience
Designing, producing and fitting
made to measure furniture
Free design and CAD visuals
Helping you create your dream space
at an affordable price
Supafit will beat any like for like quote
Visit our state-of-the-art factory and showroom
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm or call to arrange a home visit
Beech Works, Wreakes Lane, Dronfield, S18 1PN • Tel 01246 412100 • www.supafituk.com
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 53

Established
family run
company
trading for
30 years
Approved Installer
• Energy efficient windows and doors to A+ rating
• BSI registered company
• 10 year insurance backed guarantee
• Complete installation from start
to finish, including plastering and electrics
• Fully qualified workmen
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
Open 7 days a week | No appointment required
Virtual showroom tour available on the website
Unit 13, Aldham Industrial Estate, Mitchell Road,
Wombwell, Barnsley S73 8HA | Tel: 01226 341 234
www.jssinstallations.co.uk

HOMES
Re-roof and flat roof specialist
• Firestone rubber roofing suitable for all flat roofs
life expectancy up to 50 years
• Facias • Soffits • Guttering
• 32 Years Experience
• All work guaranteed for 10 years
For a free quotation call Craig on
01226 725632 or mobile 07775 956385
www.craigbridgesroofing.co.uk
Reputable and Reliable
Family Run Business Est 1986
WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUALITY GARAGE DOOR QUOTE
SUMMER
PROMOTION
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Fully Fitted
Garage Doors
From £870 INC VAT
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE HOME SURVEY
Tel Rotherham 01709 212 801 Barnsley 01226 444 218
Find us on
www.jbdoors.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 55

GARDENS
A visit to the vibrant
gardens of Vietnam
With Garden Designer Sally Cunis
Following a recent
wonderful trip to
Vietnam, where we
joined our younger
daughter and her
boyfriend on their
travels, I have been
inspired by the colours
and amazing variety of
plant life we saw there.
Whether in the cities or the
countryside, plants are everywhere.
They grow in little recycled pots
on pavements, in fact in anything
repurposed, even in containers
on the back of an old motorcycle.
Fabulous orchids are strung up in
trees whilst every bit of available
space on tiny urban balconies is
used to grow climbers, herbs and
maybe even a small tree.
Internal courtyards in older
houses might contain a lilypond
in a large pot or stone trough with
the addition of Koi carp perhaps.
Ornamental trees grow up through
Camellia
several floors towards the light
providing interest and shade.
Many of the ornamentals
decorating buildings in the towns
are plants that are tender in the
UK but can be grown in a heated
greenhouse; bougainvillea, citrus,
orchids, callistemon (bottlebrush)
palm and rangoon creeper are just
a few such examples.
Others are more commonly
grown here including Dahlias,
Hibiscus, Camellia and many
familiar annuals such as
Cleome, Marigold and Lantana.
Flower sellers pedal their wares
everywhere: on street corners,
selling from overloaded bicycles
and from flower shops. One day we
spotted a beautiful, full sized orange
tree being driven home on the back
of a scooter!
Out of town, every bit of space
possible is cultivated.
We’ve seen people growing
salad crops along the verges of
main roads. Small holdings are
subdivided into many rows to
raise different leaf crops, perhaps
edged with banana. Paddy fields
Cleome
Rangoon creeper
are extensive and labour intensive.
Fruiting trees are dramatic;
calabash, guava and massive
armour-skinned jack fruit. Coconuts
from trees (and a similar tasting
product from the Nipa palm which
grows along waterways) are a very
popular source for drinking and
in cooking.
On subsistence small holdings,
hens and livestock are allowed to
roam free. No doubt they scratch up
and consume bugs and parasites
as well as providing fertiliser, meat
and, in the case of hens, eggs.
Up in the mountains, where
lemongrass grows in great grassy
plumes, bracken is cut and carefully
wrapped around new planting to
protect plants and act as a mulch.
There we also saw chicken-wire
fencing panels guarding vegetable
Bougainvillea
plots doubling up as supports for
climbing beans. Cherry and plum
were just coming into bloom in the
mountains too. Water buffalo are
used up here to clear the land as
some areas are still difficult to reach
by machine.
Throughout Vietnam, the
beautifully restored ancient and
imperial cities with their glorious
palaces and temples, have
interesting gardens. Many remind
me of the formal gardens of the
palace of Versailles in Paris, the
gardens of Japan or the grand
houses in England.
Formal layouts are edged in low
clipped hedges, bonsai trees such
as Ficus fill elegant pots grouped
in courtyards whilst ponds of carp
and water lilies reflect the sky and
Hibiscus
56 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Bottlebrush
Armoured Jack fruit
Heading back from the plant
nursery by bike in Hanoi

GARDENS
Old motorbike repurposed as a planter
allow time for contemplation.
Elegant arches, screens and
windows frame views of the layout
of temples and palaces and tempt
the visitor to step into the gardens
and to explore.
Sailing on Lan ha bay, on
the China sea, around amazing
monolithic limestone mountains
and then, afterwards, on the
mainland, along waterways
through caves between more
massive limestone mountains, the
lush wealth of “Nature’s” planting,
creepers, palms and dragon plants
is just extraordinary supporting
butterflies, birds and monkeys, a
real feast for the eyes.
Travelling in fabulous places
gives a great insight into other lives
and landscapes and the urge to
get back into the garden again.
Spring has arrived
We’re so excited we wet our plants
The home of healthy plants
Alpines, perennials, shrubs, trees, fruit trees and topiary
Hanging baskets, pots and tubs
A large variety of indoor plants and pots in our greenhouse
Compost and aggregates
OPEN 7 DAYS
Guilthwaite Hill, Whiston, Rotherham, S60 4NE
Find us less than 5 mins from junction 33 of the M1. Take the hill out
of Whiston towards Swallownest on the A618 we are less than a mile
Tel 01709 829011
Internal courtyard open to the sky
for all your gardening needs
Find us on
Facebook
Moorgate
Wickersley
M1
Swallownest
Guilthwaite
Nurseries
Valeside
Tree Care
• Tree removal
• Crown reductions-lifting-thinning
• Deadwood removal
• Stump grinding
• Hedge cutting
• Garden maintenance
• Log sales
City + Guilds qualified
Fully insured
No job too big or small
We are based in Ravenfield covering
all areas of South Yorkshire
OFFICE:
01709 533697
GED:
07775 644 983
JOE:
07717 530 590
Free
Quotes
EMAIL: enquiries@valesidetreecare.co.uk
www.valesidetreecare.co.uk
DRIVE CLEAN
SPECIALIST
Transform the look of
your outdoor surfaces and
bring them back to life
• DRIVES
including block paved,
imprint concrete & tarmac
• PATHS
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Maintain The New Look
- All Year Round
Why not let us apply our high
quality block paving sealer.
This process helps prevent the
loss of sand and enhances the
colour with amazing results.
BEFORE
1000’s of
Delighted
Customers
AFTER
Covering all postcodes within 5 miles of Rotherham
Tel. 07722 911744
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 57

YORKSHIRE GARDEN ANTIQUES LTD
Discover our range of architectural garden antiques,
stone troughs, mill stones, statues and garden furniture
FIND US AT THE REAR OF CANNON HALL GARDEN CENTRE
BARK HOUSE LANE, CAWTHORNE, BARNSLEY, S75 4AT
OPEN 6 DAYS
Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat & Sun 10am-3pm (Closed Wednesday)
Also on-site museum, farm shop and cafés
Contact Lee. 07984 774448 yorkshiregardenantiques@hotmail.com
www.yorkshiregardenantiques.co.uk

GARDENS
A new business
blossoms
If you’re looking for something a little different from the plants in your
neighbour’s garden, have a mulch around Hooton’s Walled Nursery.
Hooton’s Walled Nursery isn’t a garden centre.
There’s no tearoom, no shop, no play area
or farm. Instead, the traditional nursery offers
individuality in a charming historic setting.
The site dates back to the 1730s as a walled
garden that grew vegetables and plants for
the Earl of Strafford’s manor house. Part of the
Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, it was a garden
centre for 30 years before the Charlton family
from Brecks took over at the end of last year.
After cultivating his skills down south in the
gardens of Great Dixter and Beth Chatto, 35-yearold
Dean Charlton came back to his Rotherham
roots last year to follow his dream of running his
own business with dad Glenn.
With four-acres to tend to, including a crop of
150-year-old fruit trees lining the historic walls,
it’s taken some graft to get things off the ground.
A lot of the infrastructure was left by the previous
tenants, but Glenn has been hard at work
building a new greenhouse with heated benches
to start propagating next year’s stock.
Dean and Glenn grow most of the plants
themselves from seedlings. Polytunnels are filled
with thousands of plants at every stage of the
life cycle. They’re all grown naturally without any
additives or pesticides.
Going forwards, their living catalogue, or
mother beds from which they take cuttings, will
allow you to see their stock’s longevity.
Whether you’re in search of cottage garden
favourites, textured foliage or ornamental
grasses, you’ll find endless inspiration at
AFTER
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
Photograph: Gary Morrisroe
Hooton’s Walled Nursery. They specialise in
unusual, lesser-known perennials not typically
found in garden centres or supermarkets, like
ladybird poppies, bleeding hearts and fox’s
grape fritillary.
If you’re a novice gardener or not sure whether
a plant is sun-seeking or shade loving, each plant
has a black bed label with its common name and
jargon-free recommendations of when and where
to plant it.
In the summer months, families will be able to
pick fruit from the historic trees, with peaches,
pears, apples, cherries and figs in bountiful
supply.
And next year, Glenn is hoping to introduce his
beloved hardy tropicals to their stock, such as
palms, yucca and fatsia japonica.
As a gardening hub, Hooton Walled Nursery
wants to grow into the community by working
with education providers and offering therapeutic
gardening sessions in the future.
They’re also focused on preserving the site’s
unique heritage and biodiversity. Volunteer
gardener Geraldine, a former biology and earth
science university lecturer, has conducted an
ecological survey, put forward suggestions
for how to work with the different habitats, and
devised some educational activities for children
and young people.
Specialising in unusual hardy
perennials, ornamental grasses
and textured foliage grown in our
four-acre historic walled garden
Family run | Traditional propagation techniques | Peat-free compost | Naturally grown without chemicals
Open Weds-Sun 10am-4.30pm | 01709 963 735
Doncaster Road, Hooton Roberts, Rotherham S65 4PF (opposite Earl of Strafford)
www.hootonswallednursery.co.uk
Photograph: Gary Morrisroe
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 59

Relax into Summer
HURRY, GRAB AN EARLY BARGAIN
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Homeflair
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GARDENS
Clean&Green
Home, Garden &
Commercial Maintenance
• Rubbish removal &
house clearances
• Jet Washing – roofs, guttering,
drives & brickwork
• General garden maintenance
• Commercial workplaces &
work areas degreased
and cleaned
Covering all South Yorkshire
Call Paul or Jordan on 07590 064494
Fully
insured
and waste
regulated
O’CONNIFERS
TREE SERVICES
All aspects
of tree work
undertaken
• TREE FELLING
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• CONNIFERS TOPPED
AND TRIMMED
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quotes
Trained in City & Guilds NPTC Level 3
in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
and also Aerial Cutting of Trees
with a Chainsaw
• Fully insured
• Everything we produce is 100% Recycled
Call Mick on 01709 559100
or 07957 196054
Find us on Facebook
Visit our Show Site
for Inspiration for
your Garden
Quality Timber
Garden Buildings
• Our sheds are made to
any size, layout, design
and finish.
• We deliver and install your
shed all included in the price.
• Summer houses, playhouses, s, potting sheds,
garden furniture and bars.
• Also wheelie bin and log storage
plus much more…
Quality Fencing
• We offer an extensive range of
fencing from budget to premium.
• Order your panels for collection or we offer
a complete fitting service.
Concrete Garden Ornaments
A huge range all manufactured on site including
planters, bird baths and feeders.
On-site shop
For all your garden needs from compost
to lawn feeds. Also logs and kindling.
Open Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm & Sunday 10am - 4pm • Ample parking onsite
Rotherham Road, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6FP Tel 07852 352656
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 61

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Summer
strawberry
recipes
Strawberries are the epitome of summer.
But if you’re fed up of having them with
cream or on top of your cereal, here are
some sweet and easy recipes to try.
Eton Mess
Cheesecake
Strawberry, Watercress
and Feta Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
300g strawberries, sliced or
quartered
100g watercress, woody stalks
removed
250g cherry or plum tomatoes,
halved
6 radishes, thinly sliced
Half a cucumber, thinly sliced
125g feta, crumbled or cubed
For the dressing
1 tbsp pink peppercorns
2 strawberries (about 40g),
chopped
½ tbsp honey
½ lemon, juiced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
62 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
Method
1. For the dressing, toast the
peppercorns in a dry frying pan for
1-2 mins until fragrant, then bash
with a pestle and mortar with a
pinch of salt to break up the skins.
Add the 2 strawberries and smash
them to a paste.
2. Stir in the honey and lemon
juice. Tip the dressing into a large
bowl then whisk in the olive oil.
Check for seasoning; add a little
more salt or lemon juice to tase.
3. Toss the strawberries,
watercress and salad veggies with
the dressing in a large bowl. Divide
between four dishes or plates and
crumble over the feta. Drizzle over
any remaining dressing.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
80g Unsalted butter, melted
150g Digestive biscuits
400g Strawberries, quartered
115g Icing sugar
560g Cream cheese
400ml Double cream
2 tsp Vanilla extract
3 Meringue nests, broken into
pieces
Method:
1. Place the biscuits into a
sandwich bag and use a rolling
pin to crush them into fine crumbs.
If you have one, use a food
processor.
2. In a bowl, mix the crushed
biscuits with melted butter until it
resembles wet sand. Press firmly
into a 20cm loose-bottomed tin,
smoothing with a spoon. Place
in the fridge while you make the
filling.
3. Blitz half the strawberries with
1 tbsp icing sugar and set aside.
This is your strawberry syrup for
decorating.
4. Beat the cream cheese with
the vanilla and remaining icing
sugar in a bowl.
5. In another bowl, whip 250ml
double cream to soft peaks, then
fold into the cream cheese.
6. Pour the filling mixture over
the chilled base, level it out and
smooth the top. Chill for minimum
of four hours, ideally overnight.
7. When ready to serve, release
the cheesecake from the tin. Whip
the remaining cream to soft peaks,
put into a piping bag and pipe
swirls on top of the cheesecake.
8. Top with the remaining
strawberries and pieces of
meringue then drizzle with
strawberry syrup you made earlier.

Earl of Strafford
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
We now serve fresh homemade food
to complement our lovely setting
7 days a week 12-8.30pm
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
New menu
Homemade steak and ale pie or lasagne
Roast or catch of the day, spicy cajun chicken,
mediterranean vegetable tart
Strawberry Mojito
Serves 2
Ingredients
6 Strawberries, chopped
1 Lemon, cut into small wedges
12 leaves of Fresh mint
4 tbsp Golden caster sugar
100ml White rum
Handful of crushed ice
Soda water
To garnish: extra strawberries,
lemon slices and mint leaves
Method:
1. Share the strawberries and
lemon wedges between two highball
glasses with the mint leaves. Add 2
tbsp of golden caster sugar to each
glass.
2. Use a small wooden spoon or
muddler to crush the ingredients.
3. Add 50ml rum to each glass
with crushed ice, stir, then top up
with a splash of soda water.
4. Decorate with strawberries,
lemon slices and mint sprigs.
Grill menu Quality steaks including 16oz T bone, choice
of burgers and much more…
Under 12’s menu £6.95 or upgrade to a 6oz sirloin only £8.95
All served with a fruit shoot
Sunday roasts of the day
Seasonal veg and homemade Yorkshire puddings
Sunday Carvery coming soon
See our facebook for updates
Try one of our real ales or summer cocktails
on our terrace or in the beer garden
Doncaster Road,
Hooton Roberts
S65 4PF
Tel 01709 913821
Upstairs Function Room
ROBIN HOOD
CRAFTED IN AUGHTON, SHEFFIELD
A MODERN TWIST ON TRADITIONAL INN-KEEPING
SUND
NDAY
foo
ood serv
rved
12-
2-8p
8pm
• Slo
w roas
oasted
beef
ef
• Hon
ey roa
st gam
mon
with
sausage meat
stuffi
uffing
• Roa
st leg of lamb
• Turkey
breast with
chipolata a sausage
age me
at stuffin
ffing
• Veg
gie nut and
cranbe
rry roast
All served with
homemade
pu
ds, mash
potato
,
drippi
pping
roasties
and vegetables
Full
men
enu also
available
• FISH
FRI
RIDA
DAY specia
cialit
lity fish
dis
hes
• Star
arte
ters
and
tap
apas
as
• Pub clas
sics
and
hea
eart
rty main
ins
• Vege
tari
rian
and
veg
egan
men
enu
• Burg
rgers and grills
ls
• Specia
ials
boa
oard
• Lunc
nch me
nu with ligh
ghte
ter bite
tes
Cr
aft and ca
sk ale
les,
premiu
ium lage
gers
and
win
ines
QU
IZ NIGHT
Ever
y Th
ursd
sday
Iri
sh Bin
go,
play
your card
right,
open
the box with
jackpo
kpots
to be won
Sunday 16th June
Book now for
Father’s Day
OPEN Mon-Sun 12pm-11pm • FOOD SERVED Mon to Wed 12-8pm Thurs to Sat 12-9pm and Sun 12-8pm
Main Street, Aughton, Sheffield S26 3XJ 0114 287 7468 5* Food Hygiene rating
E: info@robinhoodaughton.co.uk | www.robinhoodaughton.co.uk robinhoodinaughton
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 63

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
A taste of Thailand
you won’t forget
Explore the flavours of
the Land of Smiles with
a visit to Rotherham’s
newest Thai restaurant,
Thai River Kwai.
Whether you are a fan of spicy
or mild dishes, Thai River Kwai has
a mouth-watering menu that will
transport you to the smells and
tastes of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Run by Tou and Richard, you’ll
always find a warm and friendly
welcome in the tastefully decorated
restaurant.
Tou cooks up honest, authentic
Thai food with a whole lot of spice
and enough soul to fill the River
Kwai. Every dish is based on her
family recipes or inspired by places
she’s visited.
Having grown up in the mountain
region in northern Thailand, Tou
spent her childhood watching her
father cook with ingredients that
were brought straight from field to
wok.
She moved to the UK in the
2000s where she met Richard. With
his encouragement, she decided to
pursue her ambition of becoming a
chef in 2021.
Much as Tou learned from her
father’s home-grown approach,
she decided to take a month-long
intensive course in Phuket in the art
of Royal Thai cookery. The master
chef course taught Tou how to
cook Thai’s nouveau cuisine famed
for its beautiful presentation and
craftsmanship.
Thai River Kwai has grown
from humble beginnings, starting
with a takeaway they opened in
Conisbrough in 2021. Richard
converted an old circular toilet block
into a street food-style shop that
quickly became the locals’ favourite,
with people queuing in all weathers
for Tou’s food.
However, it became impractical
due to its size, so they converted
their home kitchen into a
commercial kitchen to continue
offering takeaways.
As demand for their food grew -
along with their exceptional reviews
– the pair decided to venture into
opening a sit-down restaurant. They
moved into the old Pantry Green
unit in the Red Lion Yard earlier this
year which has proven to be a great
hit with the hungry crowd.
Thai River Kwai is renowned for
its authenticity. They import things
like chillis and basil in from Thailand
to use in many of their dishes from
red, green and yellow curries to stir
fries and noodles.
Menu favourites include Pad
Thai, Pad Kra Pow, and moo-wan,
a sweet and sticky pork dish. They
also serve Thai breakfast and
lunch options, along with English
favourites. So whatever your palette,
there’ll be something to satisfy your
cravings and leave you smiling.
Tou and Richard warmly welcome you to Rotherham’s new authentic Thai restaurant
Thai River Kwai
Traditional Thai menu served all day
Including Thai curries, Pad Thai, pad kra pow,
rice bowls, stir fries, Tom Yam and Kaa soups, papaya salad
Mixed starter sharing platters from £15
Family set menus available
All day buffet coming soon
Breakfasts served daily from 8am
With Thai and English options plus breakfast sandwiches
Lunch menu with all your Thai favourites
Plus a range of English light bites such as quiches, pies,
sandwiches, omelettes and salads
• Fully licensed 100 seater restaurant over two floors
• Good selection of wines
• Singha, Chang and Thai cider on draught
• Bottled beers, ciders and soft drinks
• Barista coffees with Thai teas and coffees coming soon
• Private bookings welcome in our upstairs restaurant
Takeaway available with delivery service (charges apply) | Open 7 days 8am-12am
Red Lion Yard, off Bridgegate/All Saints’ Square, Rotherham town centre S60 1PN
01709 437 340 | www.thairiverkwai.co.uk | Find us on Facebook
64 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
WHAT’S ON AT
Beer festival is
last orders
for Wortley Men’s Club
stewards
This July, head down
to Wortley Men’s Club
for their annual beer
festival and raise a glass
to long-term stewards
Nigel and Teresa
Pickering who will be
stepping down after 20
years’ service.
The Wortley Beer Festival is a
three-day event from Friday 12th to
Sunday 14th July to raise money for
Barnsley Hospice.
The Club have raised over
£26,000 for the hospice over the
years and this year are hoping to
break the £30,000 mark in honour of
the hospice’s 30th anniversary.
The Pickerings would also like
to reach their target as 2024 will
be their last beer festival. After 20
years as stewards, and 11 years
organising the charity festival, Nigel
and Teresa are leaving the Wortley
Men’s Club in August due to illhealth.
On the bar will be 65 cask beers,
30 traditional and fruity ciders,
and regular keg beers and ciders.
There will also be a gin bar on the
Saturday with various gins and gin
cocktails.
As well as beer, the festival is
all about family entertainment.
There will be 16 live acts on over
the weekend. There will also be a
separate kids’ zone on Saturday
and Sunday, as well as food stalls
provided by neighbours McGilverys
at the Wortley Arms.
It all draws to a close on Sunday
evening when the team will also be
showing the final of the EUROs on
a large screen that will be erected
on the stage. Let’s keep our fingers
crossed for England to reach the
final!
Due to the popularity of the
weekend, and to control the number
of attendees, this year’s beer festival
is a ticketed event priced at £5 daily
entry or £10 for a weekend ticket.
Tickets will be available to prebook
to avoid disappointment and
a limited number of tickets will be
available on each day. Check out
their social media pages for details
of how to purchase tickets.
Date for your diary:
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th July
Friday 5pm-10.30pm
Saturday 12pm-10.30pm
Sunday 12pm- to the end of the
Euro 24 final whistle
www.wortleymensclub.co.uk
VINTAGE CAR SHOW
Sunday 7th July 12-4pm
Wortley Rotary Club’s annual event to raise funds for
local charities. Vintage cars, classic motorbikes and
other vehicles. Gift and craft stalls, bouncy castle
and much more. BBQ, outside bar and Sunday
lunch served in the main hall.
Adults £5 Children £2 or family ticket £12 (2 adults, up to 3 children)
SPRING GARDEN WALK
Tuesday 16th July
Enjoy a guided tour of our Historical Gardens, taking
in all the delights that Summer has to offer. Learn more
about the history with a tour of our Walled Gardens
and an opportunity to purchase some of our fresh
home grown produce.
Arrive 10.45am for 11am walk or 1.45pm for 2pm walk
Walk approximately I hour.
Followed by a delicious homemade Afternoon Tea.
£21.00 per person
TOUR DE FRANCE
DINNER & WINE EXPERIENCE
Friday 19th July 7.30pm
Journey through the regions of France with a 5
course meal and glass of wine with each course
£58.00 per person, or £180.00 for 2 people
with overnight stay and breakfast.
HARRY POTTER AFTERNOON TEA
Tuesday 30th July 12 noon or 3pm
Our Dining Room will be transformed into a
Hogwarts potion room for one day only as our
afternoon tea will take on a new magical twist.
Immerse yourself in the wizarding world as you
feast on sweet and savoury treats.
Harry Potter theme dress code is a must!
£21.95 per adult £12.95 per child
AFTERNOON TEA
Available every day
12pm until 4pm
Cream Tea £5.95 per person
Pot of tea or coffee, homemade
scone with strawberry jam &
clotted cream
Afternoon Tea £19.95 per
person (or £25.95 with a glass
of prosecco or Pimms)
SUNDAY LUNCH
served 12-2.30pm
Enjoy a delicious 1, 2 or 3
course lunch in our restaurant
Tel: 0114 2882100 Email: info@wortleyhall.org.uk
Wortley, Sheffield,
South Yorkshire S35 7DB
www.wortleyhall.org.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 65

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Eletto
Wanna be
the stars
They may have been born in
this millennium, but there’s
something timeless about Eletto.
Each track on the Barnsley folk duo’s debut
EP I Wanna Be The Star has its own nostalgic
style that transcends the country and folk genre.
Compelling vocal harmonies blend with poetic,
melancholy lyrics and ritualistic sounds of the
piano and acoustic guitar.
Made up of best friends Mila Whitaker, 21, and
Zoe Aradipioti, 22, Eletto was formed in February
2021 - yet another successful upshot of Barnsley
Youth Choir.
The pair met as 13-year-olds through the choir,
with Zoe having joined when her family moved
to Barnsley from Cyprus. With birthdays just two
days apart, they shared more in common than
just a star sign.
Towards the end of 2020, Mila and Zoe started
writing music together and sharing their songs on
TikTok. Originally called Teenage Tantrum, they
launched themselves onto Yorkshire’s live music
scene.
As their style developed from pop to more folk
and country vibes, they decided to soften their
name and image to emulate the whimsical genre.
“We wanted a word that not many had heard
of,” Mila says. “Based on Zoe’s Cypriot heritage
we started looking at Greek goddesses and
mythology. We came across Leto, the mother of
Apollo and Artemis, which led us to Eletto which
66 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
means elected or the chosen one in Italian.”
As Eletto, they continued to write songs
together to showcase both Mila’s soprano and
Zoe’s mezzo soprano voices in mesmerising
harmony.
“Barnsley Youth Choir gave us both good
vocal techniques. You can be good at singing
but being part of a choir turns your voice into a
voice. We wouldn’t have been able to perform like
we do, or had the confidence to do it, had we not
been involved in the choir,” Mila says.
They take inspiration from other leading female
voices on the folk and country scene such as
Emmy-Lou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Swedish
duo First Aid Kit. As well as their stunning vocals,
both are self-taught musicians; Zoe plays piano
and Mila the acoustic guitar, skills learned by
watching YouTube tutorials throughout the Covid
lockdowns.
Off the back of their debut single Northern Sun,
which they released last September, their fourtrack
EP hit the streaming sites in April.
First up is Fool, a country-inspired track with
a lot of heartache and little bit of humour about
going against every good piece of relationship
advice and falling in love with the bad boy.
Ballad Danced With a Stranger is about dealing
with grief of a broken relationship and trying to
move on against constant reminders of him.
You could call the catchy Hey Yah! the star
of the EP. With a bit of ‘90s alt-rock influence, it
explores the frustration of being a young woman
wanting to be taken seriously in the music
industry. The EP’s tongue-in-cheek title I Wanna
Be The Star is taken from the lyrics ‘I don’t wanna
be the groupie, I wanna be the star.’
And the final track is Out of My Mind, a
fast-paced song with a touch of classic rock
headbanging that delves into the conflicting,
whirlwind emotions of love and lust.
Eletto worked with producer Mark Walker and
sound engineer Dom Richmond to record the EP
at Eigher Studios in Leeds.
“Mark has been on tour with The Jacksons
and Beverley Knight, so having someone like him
believe in us and want to help has been amazing.
The same with Dom, he knew what sound we
wanted before we did and brought in different
drums and instruments to get things just right,”
Photography: Beth Chamberlain
Mila says.
As well as releasing new music together, both
Mila and Zoe will be graduating this year; Zoe
with a music degree from Barnsley College, and
Mila with a degree in fashion management and
communications from Sheffield Hallam.
But the main goal is music.
Now that the EP has been launched, Eletto
wants to build their fan base by doing more
gigs around the county, riding on the appetite
for country music fuelled by a certain Queen
Bey. They’ve already performed at the likes of
Wentworth Woodhouse and the Piece Hall in
Halifax, as well as supported artists such as
Wildes, Sonni Mills, and China Crisis.
Mila says they’d love to get a manager and
take their music to the next level – and there are
already plans for a second EP this winter.
I Wanna Be The Star is now available on
all major streaming platforms as well as
Eletto’s YouTube channel. Follow them
on Facebook or Instagram @elettoband
for more updates.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
A taste of the Med
Transport yourself
to Greece with every
mouthful with a visit to
the Bay Tree Bistro at
Brecks.
For the last ten years,
the family-owned bistro
has been serving up an
authentic taste of Greece
with the family’s heritage
recipes and mix of herbs
and spices.
Start your day with one
of their specialty Mediterranean
breakfasts such as Shakshuka,
Strapatsada scrambled eggs, or
Cretan omelette. There is also
a traditional English breakfast,
sandwiches, and vegetarian and
vegan options, too.
The new lunchtime menu now
includes loaded chips with the
option of gyros, keftedes and
falafel for just £12.95. Or choose a
toasted baguette, gyros stack, or
a chickpea, halloumi or traditional
Greek salad.
On the main menu you will find all
the hearty Greek favourites including
beef stifado, moussaka, and
keffedes meatballs. There is also
a grill menu with souvlaki skewers,
homemade lamb kofta, and sea
bass or chicken fillet.
If you have a Herculean appetite,
why not try the Hercules’ grill which
has a bit of everything including
chicken skewer, pork gyro, lamb
kofta and Greek sausage with pitta
bread, tzatziki, chips and salad.
And on Thursday evenings it’s
Mezze night, with smaller tapas style
dishes of all the Bay Tree favourites.
But make sure you leave room for
one of their homemade desserts,
including classic Greek baklava
and Portokalopita orange cake, or a
dessert inspired cocktail. Yamas!
BAYTREE
BAR-BISTRO
Your local Greek restaurant
Breakfast Menu 10am-2pm
Mediterranean or English options
Lunch Menu 11am-4pm
Classic gyros, loaded chips, toasted baguettes, salads,
Main Menu daily from 11am
Greek kitchen specialities and grill options
WHAT’S ON AT
HOTEL & SPA
DANCE THROUGH
THE DECADES
Friday 10th May
Enjoy a 3 course meal. Then step into a time
machine of rhythm and style. Let our resident
DJ take you on a journey through the most
iconic eras. Fancy dress encouraged.
£34.00 per person
FATHER’S DAY
AFTERNOON TEA
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June
Celebrate all those father figures
and join us for a special Afternoon Tea.
Perfect for the whole family.
Adults £20.00 Child £13.50
BARRE & BRUNCH
Sunday 2nd June
Start your Sunday with a 1 hour class of
Barre to improve your posture, flexibility
and strength hosted by Kerry Jay Wright
@BarreSculpt. This will be followed by a
delicious Brunch served in our Library
located in the 17th Century Manor House.
£16.50 per person
A TRIBUTE TO
MAMMA MIA & GREASE
Friday 21st June
"Here we go again" with another tribute to
your film favourites. Featuring music from
Mamma Mia & Grease by vocalist Bethanie
Houghton followed by a 3 course meal and
dancing until late.
£36.00 per person
Thursday Mezze Night
Choose any 5 starters for £20
Includes saganaki king prawns, halloumi,
Greek salad and vine leaves
Choose any 5 mains for £30
Includes beef stifado, lamb kofta,
sea bass and moussaka
Party menu for 10 or more available daily 11am-4pm
5 menus starting from £13.95pp
Private room for up to 26 people
Fully licenced Two cocktails for £12 (Thursdays only)
Open Tues & Wed 10am-4pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am-11pm
1a Installation House, Brecks Crescent,
Rotherham S65 3HU 01709 730047
Takeaway service also available
at the Spicy Greek located next to the restaurant
WEDDING FAYRE
Sunday 22nd September
Meet over 50 talented wedding
professionals ready to bring your
vision to life, from photographers
capturing every moment to florists
creating breath taking arrangements.
Sample delicious cakes and
explore a myriad of options to
personalise your special day.
11am-3pm Free entry
Tel. 01709 702 701
Email. sales@hellabyhallhotel.co.uk
www.hellabyhallhotel.co.uk
old hellaby lane, rotherham s66 8ex
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 67

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Our favourite
Salute! Italian wines
With James Ward of The Grape Kitchen
Sometimes business can be tough, especially
when you’re a one-man band like me.
The job is never done because
there’s always something to do.
However, sometimes business can
be great, and an opportunity comes
along that makes all the long nights,
heavy lifting and general stress
worth it.
I was recently invited to Vinitaly,
Europe’s largest wine exhibition, in
Verona. I spent five days meeting
amazing winemakers and trying
their delicious wines. It was
amazing. Tastings in the days,
dinners in the evenings, what more
can one ask for!
Now, please don’t think I’m
bragging or showing off. I got a big
crash back down to Earth the day
after I got back when I had to put
away 300 cases of wine in the rain.
However, this trip lit a flame in
me, an Italian flame that is burning
brightly. So I thought it would be
fitting to talk through our favourite
Italian wines that we currently stock
at The Grape Kitchen!
Cantina di Negrar
Garganega, Veneto IGT,
2022
RRP: £10.50
Garganega is the name of
the grape in
this wine. It’s
typically planted
in Northern
Italy, notably the
Soave region. It
is the main grape
used in Soave
Classico, one of
the more famous
producing areas
in North Italy.
Taste-wise,
it’s fruit forward,
so expect citrus
and apple
notes. There
are tiny hints of grapefruit, some
mineral qualities and beautiful
acidity. If you are a fan of Pinot
Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc then
you’ll love this.
Santa Tresa Rina Russa
Frappato,
Sicily, 2022
RRP: £11.99
This wine
is absolutely
fabulous. However,
this could be one
of those wines
that you may just
bypass because
you don’t know
what any of the
words mean or
you think it sounds
more like a coffee!
GEORGE &
DRAGON
wentworth’s traditional family pub
Food served Monday to Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-6pm
Pub classics, specials board, stone baked pizzas
and lighter bites
All dietary requirements catered for
One of the largest beer gardens in the area
with children’s play area
Outside bar open weekends and Bank Holidays
from the 4th of May (weather permitting)
Father’s Day Sunday 16th June
Treat dad to lunch and a pint
Reserve a table don’t be disappointed
85 main street,
wentworth,
rotherham s62 7tn
tel. 01226 899026
Dog
Friendly
www.georgeanddragonwentworth.com
From the vineyard
to your doorstep
Independent online wine merchant bringing fine and unusual
wines from around the world straight to your door
Shop by country, style or food pairing
Necessity Box £39.75
A mixed case of 6 bottles of red and/or white wines
Order online at www.grapekitchen.co.uk
Or call James on 075081 15181
Free same working day delivery to any South Yorkshire postcode
*On orders over £20 when placed before 2pm
32 Seater Fully Licensed
Family Owned Restaurant
GRILL NIGHT Thursday 5-8pm
Rump steak, chicken, salmon or
burger plus a bottle of wine only
£27 for two people
SUNDAY LUNCH
Choice of 3 roasts, seasonal veg and Yorkshire puddings £11.95
Delicious homemade DESSERTS all £5
MONTHLY THEMED EVENINGS
Dishes from around the world and bespoke gourmet menus
Many more events for 2024 including Psychic evenings,
see our facebook for more information
Open Thurs & Fri 12-3pm & 5-8pm, Sat 5-8pm and Sun 12-3pm • Tel 07721 134509
The Alder Tree 29 Broadway, Swinton, Rotherham S64 8HD
68 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

So, let’s break it down:
SANTA TRESA
This is the name of the winery.
They’re based in the southeast side
of Sicily.
RINA RUSSA
This is what they’ve called the
wine. It’s not the name of the grape.
Rina Russa translates to ‘red sand’
in Sicilian dialect.
FRAPPATO
This is the name of the grape. It’s
a wonderful grape that produces
lighter-bodied red wine, reminiscent
in style to Pinot Noir.
Santa Tresa IL Grillo
Spumante, Sicily, NV
RRP: £12.99
We’re sticking with the Santa
Tresa winery for our sparkling
offering and serving up this amazing
Grillo.
Grillo is the name of the grape.
Spumante means sparkling and brut
means dry.
Grillo is a grape
commonly found
in Sicily and is
indigenous to the
region. The fizz
was made in the
exact same way
as Prosecco but
it doesn’t come
from the same
region or use
the Glera grape
for production.
However, I believe
this is better than most Prosecco.
It’s refreshing and fruit forward,
yet it has a beautiful creaminess
to it. Definitely a good wine for a
celebration!
So, that’s it! Our favourite Italian
wines currently in stock. We hope
you have as much fun trying them
as we did. Don’t forget, we offer free
delivery in South Yorkshire.
Find our full range at
www.grapekitchen.co.uk
The Manvers
The Arms
A delightful traditional pub
serving quality food everyday
Senior menu special Mon-Sat all day
3 courses only £14.95
Try our popular Sunday Carvery
12-6.45pm
Children £7.95 Adults £12.50
or go King size £14.95
Gluten free options available
Lovely beer garden with kids play area
Every Wednesday – Quiz Night
8.30pm Irish Bingo &
9pm General knowledge
Function room
No charge for room, excellent buffet
and DJ can be provided
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Food served Mon 5-8.30pm, Tues 2-8.30pm,
Wed-Sat 12-8.30 & Sun 12-5.30pm Sunday carvery
Speciality sandwiches,
salads, mains and grill menu
with daily specials
Harlington Road, Adwick Upon Dearne,
Mexborough, S64 ONL
Tel 01709 583056
Breakfast
served 9am-11am
Full English, butties, eggs
Benedict, waffles, pancakes,
Avo on toast, granola and yoghurt
Any breakfast butty with
tea/coffee £6 on Wednesdays
and Thursdays
Queen Bee
Tara and her
team welcome you
to join them for
bee-utiful food at
un-bee-lievable
prices
Lunch menu
Paninis, sandwiches and oven
baked jacket potatoes
Children’s picnic boxes
Weekly specials such as
flatbreads, bao buns and hot
sandwiches
Midweek Roast
every Wednesday
Adults £12.95 OAPs £8.95
Children £7.95 Under 3s £3.95
Sandwiches £5.95
Sweet like Honey
A range of freshly made cakes,
scones, cronuts, and traybake
favourites available daily
Any cake with tea/coffee £5.50
on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Afternoon Tea
from 11am
Adults £15.95 Children £9.95
Four sandwich fillings, savouries,
scone with clotted cream and jam,
and two cakes plus tea or coffee
IT’S BUZZING AT
BORDERS
MICRO BAR TOO...
OPEN MIC NIGHT
2nd Wednesday of the month
QUIZ NIGHT every Thursday
from 8pm with cash prizes
LIVE MUSIC on Fridays
What’s your nectar?
Premium draught beers,
wines and spirits
Cocktails
Friday 2 for £10
Saturday 2 for £12
Fully licensed with wines, prosecco, beers and cider Open Weds – Sat 9am-3pm
Britannic Buildings, 88 Bank Street, Mexborough S64 9LG
Bottomless brunch
90mins from 2pm or 4pm
Bookings required
£30 per person
Outdoor courtyard
Open Weds-Sun from 6pm till
late (from 2pm Saturdays)
Find us on Facebook
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 69

SPORT
125 not out
It’s been a long and glorious innings for Wath Cricket Club
as they celebrate their 125th anniversary this season.
1901 1908 1914
The club’s history has not been without a few
sticky wickets – or water-logged – with flooding
from a nearby stream playing havoc on their Moor
Road ground.
But the hard work of the committee off the field
over the last few decades has helped Wath stay
afloat as a family focused village cricket club with
now over 100 players on the team sheets.
A benevolent local brewer first got the ball
rolling in 1899. Spedding Whitworth gave the
land behind his Wath Brewery for use as a sports
facility, along with £1,000 to build a pavilion.
Wath’s first official match was a two-day game
in April 1899 against a Yorkshire County team
that was captained by Lord Martin Bladen Hawke.
Wath fielded 16 players, the majority of whom were
miners, against some famous Yorkshire players
like Wilfred Rhodes, Schofield Haigh and George
Hirst.
Despite having five more players on their team,
they still managed to lose by more than an innings.
But it was a grand old affair with a luncheon,
afternoon tea for the ladies, and an evening ball to
celebrate the opening of the cricket ground and
pavilion.
They entered the Doncaster league after the
war in 1918 under the leadership of Fred Turner,
the father of future first-class cricketer Cyril. Three
years later, they joined the Yorkshire Council,
marking the beginning of the club’s glory days.
Throughout the 1920s, Wath were South
Yorkshire league champions five times, won the
Times Cup four times, were Mexborough Evening
League champions three times, and got to the
final of the Yorkshire Council where they lost to
Sheffield United.
Their ground and facilities were second-tonone,
with Yorkshire County’s second eleven
having played there, too.
However, after the Second World War, they
faced a corridor of uncertainty. Many senior
players retired, their best younger players moved
1926 1929
1951
1960s 1980
1997
70 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk

SPORT
Their teams include three
“
senior XIs, five junior sides
and a flourishing All Stars
programme for under 10s.
”
to Cortonwood, and the ground kept getting
flooded due to mining subsidence.
Around two-million-litres of water turned the
cricket field into a swimming pool, meaning the
club had to play away from home for two seasons
while the coal board investigated it.
This rapid decline left the club stumped. But
group loyalty and the collective will to survive saw
the team overcome the obstacles and carry the
bat for years to come.
More adversity hit in 1981 when the elaborate
and much-loved pavilion sadly burnt down. But
from the ashes they built a new clubhouse in its
place which has since been extended twice.
The clubhouse was renovated in 2019 after
another bad flood. The bar area and new patio is
the perfect place for players’ families and friends
to relax while they watch the weekend matches or
evening training sessions.
Their teams include three senior XIs, five junior
sides and a flourishing All Stars programme for
under 10s.
Today, the Moor Road ground has a fourlane
practice net, upgraded changing facilities,
electronic scoreboard and specialist ground
improvements to reduce the risk of flooding – with
the club’s two groundsmen constantly monitoring
and maintaining the cricket field.
But you don’t have to like cricket to make
use of the facilities. The club offers a social
membership of £5 for the year which gives
members discounts behind the bar and access to
the many exclusive events they host throughout
the year.
To mark their big birthday, chairman Peter
Barlow and the rest of the committee have
organised some special celebrations throughout
the 2024 season.
Kicking things off was a gala dinner in the
clubhouse in April for members with a long service
to the club. In attendance were club legends like
club president Brian Thorpe and former chairman
Les Peace, now both in their 80s, who played for
the club since the 1950s.
Peter himself has been involved for almost
60 years, starting as an 11-year-old back in 1968
and playing in every decade since – 40 years as
a first team player. He joined the committee in the
1980s and took over as chairman in 2005 after
Les retired. His dad Geoff was a player and former
club secretary and now Pete’s son Mark, nephew
Rob, and grandsons Sam, Josh and Oliver all now
play for the club.
Although his playing days are now behind him,
Pete will be getting his cricket whites back out in
May for an anniversary fixture as Wath Veterans XI
take on a team of current Wath players.
In August, the public are invited to Moor Road
for a week-long cricket festival. There will be a
game each day from Monday 19th August at
1.30pm. On Thursday 22nd, an MCC team will
make the journey from Lords, the home of cricket,
to take on the Wath first XI.
Find out more about the club at
www.wathcricketclub.co.uk
or follow them on Facebook for regular
updates and events.
We are proud to be main club sponsors for
Wath Cricket Club
IT’S WHAT WE SAVE YOU THAT COUNTS
We provide a comprehensive range of professional accounting services
including start-ups, sole traders and limited companies
Some of the services we offer
• Financial accounts • Self Assessment • VAT Returns
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26 BARNSLEY ROAD, WATH-UPON-DEARNE, ROTHERHAM, S63 6QB
Tel 01709 516081 | www.gasociates.co.uk
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 71

SPORT
Sheffield sixth former makes
his British F4 debut
It’s been an exhilarating journey
for Sheffield’s racing superstar
Rowan Campbell-Pilling.
The Birkdale Sixth Form student made his
British Formula 4 debut at the end of April
following a successful 12-year karting career.
South Yorkshire’s only F4 racer, Rowan signed
with Argenti Motorsport in November - a month
before he turned 17. By the time he took his
driving test, he was already a whizz behind the
wheel, having covered thousands of miles and
reached speeds of 150mph.
We spoke to him ahead of his first F4 race at
Donington to hear how he’s on-track to become
one of the next big names in motorsport.
Rowan started racing as a toddler, first with
trials bikes, competing up and down the country
most weekends.
72 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
“It all started with a love for being outdoors.
We’re fortunate that we live close to the Peak
District so as a family we were always outside. A
family friend had an indoor track in Pontefract that
we went to one day. I fell in love with four-wheel
racing and have never looked back,” he says.
His parents bought a bambino kart when he
was five and Rowan naturally progressed through
the cadet, junior and senior series, with podium
finishes and trophies at all levels.
He’s competed in the IAME X30 and exclusive
Daniel Ricciardo Series, launched by the
Australian F1 star. Aged 14, he became the
youngest ever winner of the UK Junior Karting
Championship.
While karting is a raw type of racing, low to the
ground with no cockpit to enclose the driver, F4 is
more like being in a mini F1 car – just with smaller
tyres and engine. Over the last year, he’s been
one of only 40 young drivers in the country testing
single-seater cars and is part of Motorsport UK’s
2024 Academy line-up.
Rowan says that, after testing with a multitude
of different teams, Argenti felt like the perfect fit.
“Driving around in funny shaped circles is just
a small part of it. I’m thankful to be supported by
such a great team at Argenti. They have helped
me adapt to the F4 car quickly to maximise my
potential and they know how to get a good car
under you.
“With the on-track training, I’m out at the sharp
end most of the time. We’re in a good place, both
me and my teammate Cui, and we’ve come on
leaps and bounds in terms of development and
driving.”
The off-track prep is also fast paced. Rowan
spends around two hours a day in the gym, with
lots of running and cardio to keep his weight
down along with strength training for his mobility.
He also practices mindfulness and meditation to
help him remain calm and focused while in the
driver’s seat.
His racing career might be taking off, but he
still puts his studies in pole position, studying art
and design and technology A Levels at Birkdale.
“I’m a practical person and have been around
tools and spanners all my life so D&T was a
no-brainer for me. I’m a very creative person, but
I’m also competitive and want to win every time,
whether that’s at sport or academically. I always
strive to be the best person I can be.”
With the ambition to work his way up to F1,
Rowan is now excited to get his debut season
underway and build on his experience.
“The discipline and motivation you get from
racing can be applied to a lot of things. If you
work your hardest and give 110 percent effort, it
will work for you. I try to learn as much as I can,
be a sponge and take it all in.”

SPORT
A warrior in
women’s football
They call her the Chief of the
Warriors. And rightly so.
Over the last three years, Megan Wylde has
fought for a space in football for women like
her. She’s become a community powerhouse,
changing the landscape of football and fitness in
her hometown of Rotherham.
Her tribe of fellow Warriors, now well over 70
women, have been empowered to improve their
fitness or get back into the game they loved
thanks to Meg.
Together with her wife Natasha, Meg now
runs the Millmoor Warriors women’s recreational
football club, Memo Warriors fitness classes,
Wandering Warriors running group, and Mini
Warriors youth upskilling programme.
It all started in 2021 when Meg had the idea to
set up a fitness session at Millmoor Juniors FC in
Kimberworth for women dropping their kids off at
football training.
“They’d either be sat in the car or stood on
the side of the pitch waiting, so why not be
doing something for themselves in that time?”
Meg says.
While the kids were busy on the pitch,
mums, grandmas and even aunties would be
put through their paces on the sidelines by
former prison service personal trainer, Meg.
But the sessions were also about having fun
while exercising.
Since then, the Memo Warriors sessions have
attracted many women looking for an alternative
to your regular gym environment. Women like
40-year-old Julie who walked past a session one
evening, saw them all having a laugh, and signed
up for the following week – she’s since lost over a
stone in weight and completed her first 5K run.
“I wanted to create a community where
everyone felt happy,” Meg says. “We now
have lasses who are 16 or 18 right up to
women in their 50s, and they all encourage
and motivate one another. Some of them have
got together and started doing the Park Run at
Clifton Park each week, calling themselves the
Wandering Warriors.”
Leading on from the fitness sessions, Meg
then set up a women’s rec football team
down at Millmoor Juniors, where she’s been a
women’s football coach for the last eight years.
Recreational football encourages women to get
back into the game playing five-, six- or seven-aside
football.
“There wasn’t an opportunity for women to just
play football without being in an 11-a-side team.
Women like me who played football before and
stopped because of their careers, marriage, or
family commitments. But also women like our
oldest Warrior Sam who’d never kicked a ball in
her life before she joined.”
They now have enough players to field three
teams at tournaments and in the Sheffield and
Hallamshire County FA’s women’s recreational
flexi league. They train once a week and play
friendlies or league games every other Sunday.
The Warriors rec team runs alongside Millmoor
Juniors Ladies FC, adding yet another avenue
to the female pathway. They have an under 18s
squad, development team, and senior first team
of which Meg is the coach. She also wants to
start an over 35s team for those who played at
first-team level to enable them to continue playing
for longer.
Meg’s influence also extends into the wider
community. When she’s not on the football pitch,
she spends her days upskilling young people
who’ve been pushed to the sidelines.
Having spent six years working in juvenile
prisons, she now helps 16- to 18-year-olds who
aren’t in employment or education find their
way in life. Meg has recently helped one young
woman through a referee course, and two of her
young people now independently run the café at
Millmoor Juniors.
For all this and more, Meg was awarded the
highly commended Lioness’ Award at last year’s
grassroots awards hosted by Sheffield and
Hallamshire County FA.
Memo Warriors sessions are Mondays
and Thursdays 7pm-8pm at Millenium
Boxing Gym (Paleo Fitness) Masbrough St,
Rotherham S60 1EX. Sessions are £5 or £25
a month for unlimited classes.
Millmoor Warriors LFC train every Monday
night 7pm-8pm at DVC Sports, Swinton,
Rotherham S63 7EW. Sessions are £3.
Matches are every other Sunday. Follow them
on Facebook @MillmoorWarriorsLFC
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 73

CLASSIFIEDS
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To advertise in our classifieds, please call Karen on 01709 331020
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Blooming beautiful
An exquisite collection of
jewellery for all occasions
Levi Lowton
Mexborough Branch Manager
MEXBOROUGH BRANCH
18 High Street, Mexborough S64 9AS
Tel: 01709 242 011
Kath Bedford
Barnsley Branch Manager
BARNSLEY BRANCH
2 Peel Street, Barnsley S70 2QX
Tel: 01226 284 458
www.brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk
Barnsley • Mexborough • Sheffield • Crossgates • Harrogate • Halifax • Selby • Rochdale • Leeds