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Wath neighbourhood update

The latest news and information from Newhill and Wath upon Dearne.

 December 2023

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Wath's annual Christmas Festival and Christmas Light Switch-On is a wonderful local tradition which marks the start of the festive period for many local people.

This year was no different and the event, which this year took place on Friday 1 December, was chock-full of local people and families who braved to sub-zero temperatures to enjoy a fun-filled, festive evening!

This year's spectacular town centre Christmas lights were lit, and there were stalls selling a wide-range of goodies set out along Church Street and High Street. As well as this, there were children's rides, carols singers, and local businesses stayed open to benefit from the boost in trade.

Our friends at Wath Library also stayed open later than usual to provide some extra special children's activities, and to give everyone in attendance the opportunity for a much needed, warming refreshment!

Prior to the big switch-on, FLUX led a whimsical lantern walk through the Town Centre, showcasing lanterns made by local people at their recent workshops.

Ward Councillors would like to thank Wath Events Group for organising this event, and to everyone who attended on the day.

Pictured (left to right): Cllr Sheila Cowen, Lynn Cadman (Wath Events Group), Cllr Alan Atkin.

Spread joy and cheer beyond the festive period

Children in Rotherham urgently need foster carers.

For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But for some children and young people in Rotherham, Christmas can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. Join Rotherham’s community of foster carers who are helping to change the lives of Rotherham’s most vulnerable children. We are looking for people from all walks of life who can be foster carers.

Give the gift of love, time and patience

Right from the application process, all foster carers receive support, advice, and training from the Fostering Team at Rotherham Council.

If you have a spare bedroom, are over the age of 21, live within 20 miles of the Rotherham Council boundary and have the love in your heart and room in your home, then visit our website to find out more about becoming a Rotherham foster carer: www.fosteringrotherham.com or call 01709 357370.

Fundraising Training Courses in 2024

South Yorkshire Community Foundation will be hosting a series of Fundraising Training Courses next year for community groups across Rotherham. These include:

• Introduction to Fundraising
• Preparing Awards for All Applications Webinar
• Making a Good Application
• An Introduction to Budgeting for Fundraising

Full details about the courses and webinars are available on the South Yorkshire Community Foundation website. https://www.syfab.org.uk/events.aspx

South Yorkshire Community Foundation can also provide grants for charity, voluntary or community organisations that could help the work they do.  They range from £500 - £10,000 and are available to community organisations across South Yorkshire.

Details of the SYCF Grants are here: https://www.sycf.org.uk/apply

Have your say on the Council’s budget for the coming year

The Council is asking residents and partners for their views on the current budget and what should be the priorities for spending and savings next year.

The consultation will run until mid-January and will help determine where the Council should look to prioritise expenditure and where it should look to reduce levels of investment. The feedback will be considered as part of the Council’s ongoing decision-making processes.

To take part in this year’s budget consultation please click here: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/consultation-feedback/say-council-budget-2024-25

Get active with Rotherham United Community Trust!

The Rotherham Healthwave is all about making tiny changes, that can lead to some huge results in improving the quality of your life.

Rotherham United Community Trust are proud to be partnering with Rotherham Healthwave to provide FREE, fun activity classes to improve your health. This includes FREE swimming session at Wath Leisure Centre on Wednesdays, 12pm - 1pm.

To find out more, please click here.

Help shape the future of policing across South Yorkshire

The South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is asking residents to complete a short survey to help shape the future of policing across the county.

South Yorkshire residents are asked to highlight the areas of policing and crime they would prioritise, such as tackling neighbourhood crime, domestic abuse, victim support services, dealing with off-road bikes and fraud.

The survey can be accessed here: Precept and Priorities Consultation 2023.

Or, you can find out more, here: Have your say on the future of policing in South Yorkshire.

School holiday fun planned in Wath!

Rotherham Council has partnered with a range of organisations across the borough to deliver a huge range holiday activity programmes.

In Wath, this year's holiday club will take place on 2, 3 and 5 January 2024 from 10am - 2pm and 4 January 2024 12pm - 4pm at St James Rooms, Church Street.

The club offers the chance for young people to get out of the house and have fun and will feature winter art and crafts, games and puzzles, plus the chance to learn first aid.

To book, scan the QR code on the poster above, or email starlighthafclubs@hotmail.com.

Tesco staff and customers support #NationalElfServiceWeek

Staff and customers at Tesco in Wath recently supported  #TinyToes appeal, which aims to raise £150,000 for the neonatal unit at Rotherham Hospital.

The toys donated will make a huge difference to siblings to make them feel at home when they visit their tiny brother or sister.

Thank you to everyone involved!

Councillors for Wath ward

Councillor Alan Atkin Email: alan.atkin@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 01709 877476 / 07723 558541 | View all details about Cllr Atkin

Councillor Sheila Cowen Email: sheila.cowen@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 07702 312154 | View all details about Cllr Cowen

Contact your local Neighbourhoods Team

Sam Kendall

Neighbourhood Coordinator for Wath

Email: samuel.kendall@rotherham.gov.uk

Tel: 01709 255010

Nicola Hacking

Senior Neighbourhood Coordinator for North Rotherham  

Email: nicola.hacking@rotherham.gov.uk

Tel: 01709 254376

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Thanks for reading! 

We hope that you have enjoyed this update. We'd love to hear back from you if you have any comments or questions. Let us know too if there are any items of community news you'd like us to be aware of. We can't promise to include everything, but we'll do our best. Email us at neighbourhoods@rotherham.gov.uk

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