What has not been happening in Waverley?

Another busy few months have just flown by, and a summer break is calling.

The incident at the junction of Highfield Lane and Bradfield Way was alarming to us all, and we cannot ignore that something needs to change. We continue to have strongly worded conversations, and badger the relevant organisations, as we have over the last few months already.

Harworth have paid for an independent assessment of the Highfield Lane, and are waiting for that analysis before moving forward with this matter in conjunction with Rotherham Council. In the meantime, we have asked for a Vehicle Activated Speed sign to be moved to cover the junction. Unfortunately, they are no overnight fixes given the complexities of land ownership and responsibility across Waverley. 

We have a Community Speed Watch (WCSC) in place being led by our very own Chairman of the Community Council. The June speed watch was held 5:30-6:30pm. The speed of 100 vehicles were checked, two of which had their details passed to South Yorkshire Police, for being over the reportable threshold. The speed limit on Waverley is currently 30mph, and if anyone would like to volunteer and help enforce that, please email waverleycsw@gmail.com

Welcome to the team

We have two new people to the Community Council. Councillor Naylor, was co-opted at the July meeting, and will attend her first meeting in August, we also have a new member of staff called Jan. She is focussed on learning about all things Waverley. She has a background in grant applications, which we’re aiming to make use of for the Olive Lane community centre.

Fun Day

We had a stunning summers day for the Waverley Funday at the end of June! Thank you to all of you who came along, had a stall, or volunteered. Did you know that the inflatable bouncy castles were from the funds raised by a resident called Tom Holloway? He ran during lock-down and asked for sponsorship. He insisted that the funds were spent on the local children at a funday! Such a thoughtful and kind hearted gesture – thank you Tom.

The WCC also managed to raise £225 towards the defibrillator we are aiming to install near Triangular Pond Corner. A huge thank you to Tim, the caretaker at the Junior Academy, for working on the Saturday to make the event happen!

More events

We are so very fortunate to have such active involvements from our residents in the form of the Events Team, to bring us all together. As you may have heard the resident led Event’s Team are leading on events for the last time this year. They have been doing a superb job, and always deliver fantastic events. And while it seems a long way off dates in the diary for the Christmas Light Switch on – Saturday 2 December this year!

We were also invited to attend the Waverley Junior Academy’s award event at the start of July. It was a delight to see how the children had been encouraged not just academically, but in terms of deeds and conduct. It was particularly memorable that a child, was so proud of the nomination, that he held his trophy aloft as if he was an Oscar winner. It shows how much of an impact these awards have on all of the young students at the Academy.

On 2 July we held another litter pick, and collected five bags of rubbish. Its not always about the litter, although who wouldn’t like to see less, it is a good opportunity to meet your community councillors, other residents, and neighbours and make new friends.

A Dig&Chat session was then held at the Community Garden on the 23 July. If you are interested in joining the community led garden group more information is on their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/groups/430877267676140  

Based on feedback of the mums’ groups, we have attended a Waverley mums coffee morning, the baby group for under ones at the Winter Green pub run by Aughton Early Year’s, and Catcliffe’s playgroup morning. Various topics were discussed including pre-school, Olive Lane, and the Funday!

Marriott Hotel

Many of you have asked about the Marriott Hotel progress. As far as we understand it, there was a period of material shortage, so the workforce moved to another projects, and then the materials arrived and the labour was not available. The last revised schedule for opening was moved to October. Fingers cross as someone won a delicious meal at the Funday raffle.

If you want to ask the WCC anything or raise your concerns directly, you can the WCC monthly meeting, and contribute during public question session at the beginning of meeting. Agenda items and proposal are generally put forward by councillors but residents can also contact the clerk or councillors directly if they want items adding to be discussed.

Drones

Finally, as it is summer and we all have a bit more time to spend in the back garden if we continue to have superb weather a little reminder that if you own a drone, you must follow the Civil Aviation Authority regulations,  www.caa.co.uk/drones.

Please do fly them below 400 feet in altitude and less than 500 metres from you horizontally. If the drone is fitted with a camera, you are not permitted to fly it within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings, and vessels. No neighbours wished to be filmed hanging out the washing in PJs, so please be considerate!

Rachel Graham, Clerk