Doncaster Echo - August/September 2024

Celebrating everything good in doncaster

and surrounding areas

@doncasterecho

INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to your August/ September edition of Doncaster Echo.

So far, the weather has been a little hit and miss - let’s hope the sun comes out for longer than a week over the next month or so.

In this issue we take a look at the amazing work Armthorpe Welfare FC are carrying out throughout the community.

We also speak with Sharon O’Brien, a regular bingo player at Regal Bingo, who unexpectidly called house on a lifechanging £50,000 jackpot.

And lastly, we speak to Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp as he moves into his new role as Doncaster District Commander.

As always, our friendly team is just an email or phone call away to help you with all your advertisement needs and to answer any questions you may have.

We will see you again in October, but for now, sit back with a cuppa and enjoy your latest instalment of Doncaster Echo.

Distribution Assistants:

kim dowson sales executive

LISA WARRENER EDITOR

RACHAEL LIDDLE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

lisa caley sales executive

Daniella dennis sales Manager

Jamie Walton, Justin Newton, Mitchell Brewins, Craig Shaw and Ben Hammill

Doncaster woman wins £50,000 jackpot at Regal Bingo in Bridlington

A regular bingo player at Regal Bingo in Bridlington had an unexpected boost when she called house on a life-changing £50,000 jackpot on the National Bingo Game

Sharon O’Brien from Doncaster, 65 was playing at the club in June when all her numbers came up on the National Bingo Game and she scooped the top prize of a whopping £50,000!

Sharon, is a Crown Court security officer, and along with her husband,

owns a caravan and visits Bridlington a few times a year. They have known the club owners and directors Tim and Nikki for years, and have visited the club many times since it opened in July 2021. She is still deciding what they might do with the windfall.

Sharon told Doncaster Echo: “We love coming to the club

when visiting the area and catching up with Tim and Nikki. I love coming to the club - bingo is a great way to spend time in a relaxed environment, meet friends and have a bite to eat. The team here are fantastic and know everyone by names. I was absolutely shocked when Tim confirmed I had won the jackpot of £50,000, initially I

thought the prize money was £1,000. I was floored! I will be paying off my car, then taking time to decide how to spend the money… it really is life-changing for us as I head towards retirement”.

Tim Clark, Director at Regal Bingo Bridlington commented: “It was a regular Saturday afternoon session, when suddenly it became anything other than regular - the atmosphere changed instantly as soon as the £50,000 jackpot win was confirmed. There was a buzz in the evening too, as players

talked about the win.” Tim continued: “Sharon is a lovely lady, it is not often her and her husband Nigel get chance to visit in the afternoon, the bingo gods must have been watching them! We are thrilled for her and how this win will change her life!”

Tim added: “The National Bingo Game is played every afternoon and evening at Regal Bingo; Sharon is delighted to let everyone know how much she loves coming to Bridlington and to the club and hopes others that love Bridlington will

come along and experience the unique atmosphere”.

Alastair Stewart, Head of Commercial Operations at the National Bingo Game told Doncaster Echo: “We are thrilled for our lucky National Bingo Game £50,000 jackpot winner at Regal Bingo Bridlington: what a great start to the summer season. We hope that the lucky winner enjoys the winnings. Clubs big and small can all win BIG on the National Bingo Game, and we love making winners”.

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains:

‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

small, call Warren on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

FROM A POLICE

Doncaster Police appoints new District Commander

This month, Doncaster Policing team talks to us about how Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp has vowed to build on the strong connections already forged with local communities and to continue the positive steps taken across the city in recent months as he moves into his new role as Doncaster District Commander

“I encourage you to continue telling us what is happening in your local areas so that we can provide the most effective policing service across the Doncaster district”.

POLICE PERSPECTIVE:

Having previously served as Superintendent of Operations in Doncaster, Chief Supt Thorp has taken over from Chief Supt Ian Proffitt, who has moved into a role overseeing Custody and the Criminal Justice Unit.

With 20 years of policing experience under his belt and having recently been at the forefront of key operations in Doncaster, Chief Supt Thorp is keen to build on the work of his predecessor and encourage open and honest communication with people across the district.

Chief Supt Thorp said: “I’ve been a part of the senior command team here in Doncaster for the past two years and over that time we’ve made some significant strides in reducing crime.

“We have seen some real success stories, including Operation Castle, which has driven down burglary rates across the city, as well as our ongoing work in the city centre to combat antisocial behaviour and retail crime.

“We’re also continuing to lock up drug dealers, with over 80 years’ worth of prison sentences for dozens of Doncaster criminals as part of an ongoing operation spanning more than two years.

“So much hard work goes on - both on the frontline and behind the scenes - and I know that every department will continue to strive to deliver the best possible service it can to the people of

not just the city, but the wider towns, villages and communities across the borough.”

Chief Supt Thorp knows just how important it is to be candid, frank and open in policing.

As he embarks on his new role as District Commander, he is keen to empower people across Doncaster by urging them to let us know about what is happening in their communities and the issues they want us to tackle.

Chief Supt Thorp added: “I am immensely proud of our successes but one thing we will never do as a district is rest on our laurels, and we are aware of some of the challenges that still remain.

“The only way we can learn about more of these challenges is through you, and that’s why it is imperative we maintain a two-way line of communication that is open, honest and accessible.

“I encourage you to continue telling us what is happening in your local areas so that we can provide the most effective policing service across the Doncaster district.

“We have developed strong partnerships with key partners across the city but our most important relationship is with you. With your intelligence, information and support, we can work proactively to tackle crime and we know that we are stronger when we work together.”

in Doncaster Care homes

Discover our care homes in Doncaster offering residential and dementia care. We have an experienced Wellbeing team who organise and encourage social interaction with a range of activities, as well as offering residents the chance to explore the community and nearby areas with its regular minibus service. With everything that you or a loved one needs; our experienced, friendly team are here to help you.

Our homes near you:

Rose House Rose Grove Armthorpe, DN3 3AJ 01302 578133

Liberty House Goodison Boulevard Cantley, DN4 6EJ 01302 492545

Laureate Court Wellgate Rotherham, S60 2NX 01709 286166

Rowena House Old Road Conisbrough, DN12 3LX 01709 213069

Oldfield House Oldfield Lane Stainforth, DN7 5ND 01302 492457

Ivy Court Greenfield Lane Balby, DN4 0PT 01302 578132

A local football club with big ambitions in their community

Armthorpe Welfare FC competes in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Division

One playing their home matches at the Marra Falcons Stadium

Originally formed in 1926 as part of the Colliery Social Welfare Scheme, the Club was disbanded in 1974, but then resurrected just two years later in 1976 after it was recognised that there was little senior football in Armthorpe, but there was still an appetite to bring football back to the village.

Fast forward to today, Armthorpe Welfare FC competes in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Division One playing their home matches at the Marra Falcons Stadium which sits on Church Street, right at the heart of this ever-expanding former mining community.

The Club itself is also ever-expanding. In 2021, they joined forces with a local grassroots club to create their own Junior section which now boasts over 200 players in the DDYFL, a thriving Mini Miners and Wildcats section, and an adult walking group. Armthorpe Welfare JFC plays at Shaw Wood Playing Fields on Mere Lane.

They have recently formed under-21s and development sides who will play their home matches at the Marra Falcons Stadium and The Pavilion in Armthorpe, creating a link between the Juniors and first team – a true footballing pathway for the future stars of Armthorpe Welfare FC.

They have recently added several new members to the Committee and brought in a new First Team management set-up - all sharing the same passion to make the club a true hub for the community. There is a whole host of initiatives being implemented to drive the club forward and make it an integral part of the community and, of course, to be successful on the field, driving them up the football pyramid.

The Marra Falcons Stadium has had a lot of money, time and effort spent on it this summer to bring it back to being a home they can be proud of.

The first of hopefully many community events will be on

Sunday 18th August as they host the first FREE Picnic in the Park event at their stadium, with lots of sports day type games for the kids – and big kids – of Armthorpe to enjoy.

It doesn’t stop there, they have also invested in the Juniors section at Shaw Wood Field with new goal nets, a seating area for parents and a new café bar. They are seeking more investment to install an all important toilet/changing building. Their Juniors section goes from strength to strength with new teams joining all the time and they welcome additional teams and players to the ‘Wellie family’.

They are of course always on the

look out for further investment in their club. Their Commercial Partnerships brochure on their club website gives details of how any local businesses can help support their club whilst promoting their business to the local area and visiting clubs in the NCEL.

Club chairman Tony Walton told Doncaster Echo: “Our Committee prides itself on a passion for not just exciting attractive football but on ensuring that the village of Armthorpe maintains a football club. We’ve put in the hard yards this summer as a group to ensure that the Stadium looks in tip-top condition for the season ahead. We also pride ourselves as a group on a shared belief that the

club should be right at the heart of the village. We’re engaging with the local parish council on a number of initiatives to grow our local input and we’re open to fresh ideas as to where we can contribute to make Armthorpe great again. We’re very keen on bringing back that community spirit that is often lost in these tough times. Roll on the new season, we hope to see more and more people come down to see us at the Marra Falcons Stadium and cheer on the team. Up The Wellie.”

You can visit their website at: www.armthorpewelfare. teamexpert.co.uk

Jimmy Carr

Thursday 19 September 2024

The Baths Hall

Rob Lamberti - Perfectly George

Friday 27 September 2024

The Baths Hall

If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy Carr is going back on tour with his brand-new show Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny. Jimmy tells jokes, and jokes are like magnets. Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by Jimmy's dark brand of comedy. This show is not for them. But if it's the kind of thing you like, then this is the kind of thing you'll like.

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny will be 90 minutes of solid jokes, no interval. There will be two shows, so why not book a table somewhere before or after and make the most of the night out.

£35.00 plus fees

Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe and lifted them to their feet, in a dynamic show that tactfully and appropriately celebrates the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation From Wham! all the way through to the diverse eras of George's hugely successful solo career, including timeless hits like Careless Whisper, Faith, I'm Your Man, Club Tropicana and so many more, the show tells the story of George Michael in the vast repertoire of songs that made him an icon to so many

£31.00 plus fees

Too Much Too Young

Friday 4 October 2024

The Baths Hall

A brand-new show, showcasing the forever-loved and timeless 2Tone and Ska movement Celebrating a unique and unforgettable musical moment in time, by delving into the history and impact of this iconic period A truly unique 2-hour theatre spectacle, this non stop Ska party brings back to life the vibrant music and subculture that emerged in the late 1970 s, intertwining it with present day themes that still resonate strongly in 2024 and will continue to do so for many years to come

£25.00 plus fees