Swinton Heritage Television 

During the period of lockdown Councillor Ken Wyatt has been sharing his passion for local history and heritage with people near and far via Facebook. With his son as camera operator, Ken has live streamed a series of local history presentations of around 10 minutes each. These have been viewed live or afterwards as convenient. Almost 30 short films have been broadcast using the title ‘Swinton Heritage Television’. Topics featured include transport, industries, old buildings and social issues. Some have achieved over 1,000 views.

Ken said “going out live, using just a mobile phone, the films are rough and ready with no capacity to edit. We have to contend with what the weather throws at us with windy days being especially difficult. Regardless people seem to have enjoyed the talks, photos and objects used to tell the stories”.

The films have been shared to YouTube if you have missed them.

Churchyard History

Swinton's St Margaret’s churchyard has its own ‘Friends’ Facebook page. Over the past few weeks Councillor Ken Wyatt has been sharing a series of photos of memorials with stories of the individuals names on the stones. Past residents featured have included civic leaders, clergy, victims of war, business people, sporting personalities, potters and artists.

It is hoped understanding the contribution made by those who are laid to rest in the churchyard will encourage visitors, increase respect and care of the area.

St Margaret's Church Yard Clean Up Event - 18 July 2020

A clean up event has been arranged for Saturday 18 July 2020. Volunteers are asked to meet at the church at 9.30am where volunteers will be arranged into groups of six with face coverings if distances can’t be maintained, to work on the following tasks:

• Build a compost area
• Shift top soil to fill in ruts
• Weed the cremated remains area (Foster’s Close)
• Cut brambles away from wall
• Cut holly from PC Kew’s memorial
• Anyone who wants to cut grass can do so, please bring your own tools

Swinton Community Focus Group

Although volunteers with the Swinton Community Focus Group have, like everyone else, had to sit through the lockdown and cancel their planned activities within the town, a few of the group members have been actively engaging community interest using social media. 

Aside from trying to keep folk who use the community Facebook page, up to date with current local information, one of the more entertaining aspects has been organising weekly quizzes and bingo for those able to sign in. These are just fun evenings, which especially help those stuck indoors and in need of some alternative therapy to watching TV. The quizzes vary and a couple were based on local history of Swinton and Kilnhurst, which definitely tested the memories of some!

The group have recently teamed up with the Active Dearne project to invite folk to submit photos based on a theme. June’s theme was water in and around Swinton and Kilnhurst. Over 30 entries were made. The winner receives a £15 Co-op shopping voucher. Watch out for the July photo competition, details of which is on the groups Facebook page.

Group member Sheila has done a superb job with her infectious enthusiasm for helping a few local residents through the darker days of the lockdown.  Her regular community inspired activities from chair exercises to simply talking to those in lonely isolation has been well received. The group have also given a hand in helping out with food parcels and staying in contact with anyone who needed help.

The planters at the end of Lime Grove which the group look after are looking much better for everyone to enjoy following a recent spruce up. 

Tin Can Cook Project

The Swinton Ward Councillors have been at the heart of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Swinton and Kilnhurst.

As part of this response the Swinton Ward Councillors have purchased 20 copies of Jack Monroe's Tin Can Cook book to help families in Swinton and Kilnhurst cook tasty meals on a budget.

Litter Picking Recommences 

As lockdown restrictions were eased litter picking soon recommenced in Swinton. Its an activity that can be carried out easily in small groups observing social distancing rules. Swinton Councillors and local residents find litter picking a relaxing activity and take great pride in helping keep Swinton a clean and tidy place for everyone to enjoy.

Active Dearne Project

Active Dearne are looking to work with individuals, groups or organisations who have an interest in looking to get adults or families more active in Swinton. This could be for a weekly activity, on-line activity due to Covid-19 or for a community event for example.

We have small amounts of funding available to help make your ideas come to life, for further information please contact Paul Cummins on paul.cummins@yorkshiresport.gov.uk or 07702 211893.

Walking Football Recommences

The very popular Walking Football arranged by the Active Dearne project is now recommencing. 

Monday Evenings - Stelrad Park, White Lea Road

£3 a session

3 sessions - 6pm until 7pm, 7pm until 8pm, 8pm until 9pm

Booking is essential due to government guidelines relating to Covid-19. To book a place please contact Adam Kent on adam.kent@yorkshiresport.org.uk or 07714 733650

Following government guidance there will be 2 groups of 6 per hour, and all will follow social distancing guidelines.

Zumba Classes 

Outdoor Zumba classes have now started taking place as part of the Active Dearne Project.

Monday Evenings (2 sessions - 6pm until 7pm, 7pm until 8pm)

Thursday Evenings (7pm until 8pm)

Stelrad Park, White Lea Road

£2 a session – all proceeds from this activity go to the Mind Over Matter Charity

Please note booking is essential due to government guidelines relating to Covid-19. To book a place please contact Bev Jones by messaging Bev Jones Zumba Instructor on Facebook or on 07494 982908.

All Zumba sessions will follow government guidance with groups of 6 people, and all will follow social distancing guidelines.