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On Monday  4^th November 2013, Thurcroft Big Local Partnership thanked the outgoing Local Trust representative Mandy Wilson for  her hard work in supporting  the group to get started, help people get  involved and supporting  the group to put together a profile of the village.

Mandy has played a key role as critical friend for Thurcroft Big Local making sure the initial steering group reached out to as many people in the village, providing a key link with the Local Trust and  other partners. Following interviews, the Thurcroft Big Local Partnership has chosen Alister Shaw as their new Local Trust Rep. Alister will be the key link to the Local Trust enabling the Partnership to develop a Community Plan for the village. Alister is an experienced and successful neighbourhood renewal and regeneration practitioner with a proven track record of facilitating the positive transformation of communities and neighbourhoods.

At the November 2013 Partnership meeting held at Arbour Drive Community Centre, Tim Leach was also thanked for chairing the Big Local steering group during the last year, helping taking Big Local forward in Thurcroft , producing the community  profile and help with setting up the Partnership.  The new chair of Thurcroft Big Local Partnership is Alan Bucknall. The Partnership presently consists of 12 residents, 1 representative of the Parish Council and 1 from the Borough Council. Meetings and events are open to all residents and the Partnership is keen to involve everyone in the work it undertakes.

Residents have created a Big Local partnership  which will lead on creating a local plan using the ideas of local people. Once the plan is agreed with the Big Local Trust, the Partnership can start to spend the money on the plan’s priorities. Big Local is lottery monies coming back to communities that have been overlooked for funding in the past. A percentage of each lottery ticket bought is given to the Local Trust and it is this money that is being used to fund the big local programme.   The aim is for people to make their communities better places to live in, now and in the future and will up to the residents of Thurcroft to decide on how this money is spent.

More details on Big Local in Thurcroft  can be obtained from the Thurcroft Big Local Shop at 46c Green Arbour Road open on Friday and Saturdays, by phoning 07964 693527 or by email .

Our first litter pick on 8th September 2013 was a great success.

 Big Local Gala Organisers

A fantastic day was had by everyone at the Thurcroft Big Local Gala on Thurcroft Cricket Ground on Bank Holiday Sunday 25^th August 2013. Over 1000 people attended and enjoyed the rides, mixture of games, activities and stalls. Highlights included the Five a Side football won by the Tap Room Teds, a performance by the Escafeld Mediaeval Society, World War Two re-enactment activities and James Holmes Funfair. There was also an inflatable obstacle course, the ever familiar bouncy castle and bowling to enjoy. The day included some traditional sports day games including sack races for adults and children, an egg and spoon and an obstacle race.  Winners’ medals were donated by the Miners Welfare Club. Two large marquees hosted charity and local community stalls and there were many other activities to enjoy on the day.

Thurcroft Big Local would like to thank all the volunteers who helped on the day and to the Miners Welfare Club for hosting and supporting the event. Steve Ruffle from Rotherham Federation of Tenants and Residents said “this was a real team effort which made for a fantastic day to make Thurcroft proud”.  Financial support was provided by both Thurcroft Big Local and Community Games funding. In addition, £771.20 was collected on the day from stall holders and attendees to help pay for a Gala next year.

Thurcroft  Gala was organised by volunteers from the Thurcroft Big Local Steering Group. Thurcroft Big Local is made up of local residents involved in activities and projects aiming to make Thurcroft a better place to live. We are currently recruiting for resident members to join  the Thurcroft Big Local Partnership. Contact us at info@thurcroftbiglocal.org.uk  or on 01709 368515 for more information.