Doncaster Echo - February/March 2023

Celebrating

everything good in doncaster and surrounding areas

INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to your February/ March edition of Doncaster Echo!

2023 is here! We hope all our lovely readers kicked off the new year with a bang and are possibly still sticking to their New Year’s resolutions? No? Us neither! Here at Doncaster Echo, just like last year we are bringing you the best offers from the local businesses and showcasing some feel-good stories for you to enjoy.

In this issue, we are celebrating Doncaster Echo turning four! Can you believe it was back in 2019 we first launched? So much has happened since then and we are proud

to still be here and thriving, doing what we do best. We also chat to the Tuneless Choir, a local choir who come together weekly to have a little fun and a sing-a-long. Do your shower performances need to be centre stage? Well, why not head to page 12 and see how you can join.

As always, if you would like more information about how you can be featured in the magazine, get in touch with a member of our friendly team who will be happy to help.

We will see you again in April!

meet the staff

kim dowson sales executive

LISA WARRENER EDITOR RACHAEL LIDDLE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Daniella dennis sales Manager ellie atack FEATURES/COPYWRITER

Distribution Assistants: Jamie Walton, Justin Newton, Mitchell Brewins, Hannah Wass

Doncaster Echo

It only feels like yesterday, however, it was back in 2019 when Doncaster Echo was first delivered through your front door. Since then, we are proud to have showcased brilliant business offers and we are super excited to see what is in store for the future.

Considering everything that has happened since we first launched, we are so proud that Doncaster Echo is still here and thriving, and that is all thanks to our lovely customers who continue to support us. Whether that is through advertising in the magazine or sharing a great local

news story to entertain our readers, we could not have done it without you. We will vow to continue to help the local community the best we can.

Through giving local businesses a spot to shine or finding those unsung heroes who need to be centre stage, we help shine a light on all the fantastic people, businesses and charities we have here in Doncaster.

We chatted to Director, Lisa Warrener, to find out more about running Doncaster Echo and what her proudest moments are.

“It’s a huge achievement to be celebrating Doncaster Echo’s fourth birthday. With

Echo turns four!

the success of our sister publications Our Goole, Scunthorpe Journal, Selby Journal and Tadcaster Echo, we knew Doncaster Echo was going to fit in well in the community, however, we had no idea it would be as successful as it is. As a small business, 2020 was hard for so many of us and we faced many challenges and struggles. However, I am proud to now be on the other side and we are busier than ever! We pride ourselves on being able to help all those small businesses like us, promoting local firms and acknowledging Doncaster’s fantastic community spirit, it really has been a great journey to become as established as we are now.

‘Over the past four years, Doncaster Echo has become a household name in and around Doncaster. People come to us for so many things and we are the first port of call for so many people. Doncaster

Echo vows to do its very best

to help each member of our community in whatever way we can.’

Since the magazine was launched in 2019, we have worked with over 100 businesses, with many coming back again and again to feature in the magazine. Our friendly team are always just a phone call away to help with any queries and get you the best deal.

We hope 2023 is going to be our best year yet and we cannot wait to introduce ourselves and our readers to many new businesses in Doncaster and help them grow, as well as keep shining a light on all the brilliant people who live here and are doing fantastic things!

Here’s to another four years of the same success, cheers!

CARPETS, VINYLS, LUXURY VINYL TILES, LAMINATE, REAL WOOD AND ASTRO TURF

Quality Astro Turf from £10.99sq.mt

NEW LUXURY VINYL TILES

Carpet and flooring from £4.99-£89.99sq.mt

Brampton Park Luxury Vinyl Tile made in England FANTASTIC QUALITY FLOORING

GOLD SERVICE

WE CAN ARRANGE TO UPLIFT AND REMOVE OLD FLOORING, MOVE FURNITURE, FIT NEW FLOORING AND PUT BACK FURNITURE - SEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS

EXTRA 10% DISCOUNT TO ALL OAP’S & BLUE BADGE HOLDERS

Great Designs - Great Quality - Great Prices

Church Balk, Edenthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 2LX

Shop: Monday – Friday 9am-5.30am, Saturday 10-1pm

Shop 01302 882502 - Mobile 07932 812792

www.edenthorpecarpetcentre.uk

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.

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:

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,

‘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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

FROM A POLICE

Fourth Neighbourhood

This month, Doncaster District Commander, Chief Superintendent Ian Proffitt, talks to us about what the policing team has been up to so far in 2023 and how a new neighbourhood team has been launched

“Since the end of September last year, officers from our neighbourhood and Fortify teams have been joined by specialist teams from across the force and partner agencies to intensify our work to tackle organised crime gangs. We have carried out warrants, stop searches, vehicle stops, open land searches, and high visibility and covert patrols.”

PERSPECTIVE:

Policing Team launches

It’s been a busy start to the new year, with some big changes in neighbourhood policing in the city.

On Monday 9 January, we officially launched a fourth Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in the city. Doncaster North NPT, led by Inspector Sebastian Dent out of Davies House Police Station, covers the Adwick, Askern, Roman Ridge, Bentley and Sprotbrough ward areas of the city.

The changes have also seen Doncaster West NPT renamed Doncaster South NPT. This team covers Mexborough, Conisbrough, Edlington, Rossington, Tickhill and Finningley.

The move from three to four NPTs will closer align our neighbourhood structure with Doncaster Council’s localities model, enabling better joint working. Our teams already work very closely with colleagues at partner organisations, but this restructure will make it even more effective. It will also allow for improved focus on providing a localised response to issues in our diverse communities. This is a positive change, and I am excited to see how it can help us deliver the Doncaster that everyone wants to see.

Over on the east of the district, Armthorpe Parish Council has leased a building on Hatfield Lane. Officers and PCSOs who cover Armthorpe,

Edenthorpe and Kirk Sandall will use this building as a drop-in base when they are on duty. This means the team will be able to spend more time working in their area, without having to travel back and forth to Thorne Police Station. This will help to increase police visibility in these communities, and allow for closer working with our partners, as Doncaster Council’s Stronger Communities team, St Ledger Homes and the enforcement team will also use the building. Our work to target and disrupt organised crime gangs involved in drugs production and violent crime in the city will continue this year. Since the end of September last year, officers from our neighbourhood and Fortify teams have been joined by specialist teams from across the force and partner agencies to intensify our work to tackle organised crime gangs. We have carried out warrants, stop searches, vehicle stops, open land searches, and high visibility and covert patrols. This work is a key aspect of our efforts to reduce serious and organised crime in Doncaster, and I’m hopeful for more positive results this year.

We will also see an increase of officers in Doncaster under the Home Office’s 20,000 officer uplift campaign. I look forward to welcoming these officers in the coming months.

Tuneless Choir hitting all the

Are you looking for a new hobby in 2023? Maybe you have always loved singing and would love to join a choir but didn’t know we had one in Doncaster? Well, the Tuneless Choir might just be the group you are looking for

The weekly sessions see many people from the local community come together to sing songs no matter their ability.

The sessions take place on Wednesday evenings at St Peter’s Church Hall on Warmsworth Road, Doncaster. Songs from a variety of genres and eras feature in the weekly playlists.

Doncaster Echo had a chat with owner, Becky, from Tuneless Choir to find out more about how the idea came around and what people can expect if they fancy a sing-a-long.

How did the idea come around?

The idea came about when I discovered my auntie attended a Tuneless choir. When I tried to find one to join there wasn’t

one so I bought the Doncaster franchise and started my own. What has been the choir’s proudest achievement? Our proudest achievement would be singing live on BBC Look North evening news in 2020. It was a great experience and something we will never forget.

the right notes in Doncaster

How can people get involved?

People can just turn up to the next session. First-timers will receive a free session in January.

Our sessions run on Wednesday evenings term time 7.30 till 9pm.

What can people expect when they come along?

People can expect to be welcomed into our friendly group with a seat waiting for them. The words are at the front on a projector and we all sing happy, wel-known songs all together with a break in between for free refreshments.

What exciting plans have you got coming up?

We have themed sessions including Motown, 60s, 70s, 80s, musicals, Halloween and Christmas.

So why not try something new and swap those cold, dark

nights for the bright church hall where you can sing from the rooftops and shine bright!

For more information, please visit Tunesless Choir - Doncaster on Facebook or email: doncaster@ tunelesschoir.com

Designers include, Sophia Tolli, White Rose Bridal, Paul Zeni, Richard Designs, Hillary Morgan, Belles & Bows Collection and Tiffany Bridesmaids

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sat 10am-5pm Late night appointments available to suit

Under 3’s Bouncy Castle Hire

From only £50.00

We also offer hot tubs, gazebos, chill out packages, party packages and more Call: 07749 121727

Email: sales@luxuryvip.uk

Brand new books from baby to teen

Just £1, £2 & £3 each!

Shop online or visit our award winning Doncaster shop See website for open hours www.boggledybook.co.uk

For the

What did one plate say to the other?

Dinner is on me!

We all love a fun fact of the day, here are some you might not know:-

1. Most people fall asleep in seven minutes.

2. Did you know you use 200 different muscles in the body to walk?!

3. Did you know the Eiffel Tower grows taller every summer and shrinks back in winter?!

4. Number four is the only one with the same amount of letters!

5. Weird but true – The opposite sides of the dice always add up to seven!!

Colour me in, cut me out, ask your guardians to submit this to @doncasterecho, and you could see your picture in print in our next edition

Photo of the month

Photo taken by the amazing Joshua McQuillan, aged 10

Check out this beautiful image taken by the very talented Joshua McQuillan. Carry on the good work Joshua.

You can submit images via our Facebook page @doncasterecho

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s

HOROSCOPES

Aquarius

(20th Jan-18th Feb)

If you are finding it hard to switch off from work, seek help from your colleagues and lean on the right people to support you.

Pisces

(19th Feb-20th March)

Begin to see people for who they really are, you may think you know someon, however, they are about to stab you in the back.

Aries

(21st March-19th April)

A huge, dramatic change is about to happen in your life in the upcoming weeks. You will need to remain calm and not rush into a big decision.

Taurus

(20th April-20th May)

A memory from the past will begin to keep you awake at night. However, don’t panic, revisiting the past can sometimes give you the closure you need.

Gemini

(21st May-20th June)

You have not connected with your family much this past month, set aside some time to visit them and check on their health and wellbeing.

Cancer

(21st June- 22nd July)

Your friendships are going to begin to change a little, not to worry though, it’s just time to reflect on who your true friends are.

Leo

(23rd July-22nd Aug)

Just keep doing what you are doing. You have recently made some changes to your lifestyle and they are really paying off.

Virgo

(23rd Aug-22nd Sept)

You are doing a great job at focussing on your health and well-being, keep up the good work, it is really starting to show.

Libra

(23rd Sept-22nd Oct)

You are smashing work at the moment and the hard work is not going unrecognised! Keep it up and a promotion will be on its way.

Scorpio

(23rd Oct-21st Nov)

You need to be together as a family right now and be there for one another, remember blood is thicker than water.

Sagittarius

(22nd Nov-21st Dec)

You aren’t in the mood for company or to listen to gossip. You have too many important things on your mind.

Capricorn

(22nd Dec-19th Jan)

You recently made a life-changing decision which in the long run is going to hugely improve your life, be patient and persevere.

Please mention Doncaster Echo when calling advertisers

From squash to gym, sauna to sunbeds, pool to darts and much more Full gym membership for the year, only £100 and includes free squash membership For more info call Rob or Sarah on 01302 639409

Gym memberships from only £14.99 per month. FREE Squash membership included. Sauna, studio room, pool tables, sports bar, squash and racketball. Visit www.woodfieldsquashclub.co.uk or call 01302 649409