Some parents will already be dreading the start of the summer holidays, wondering how they will keep their children entertained. Whilst our regular Monday night youth club and Parent & Toddler group shut for the summer period (workers need to rest!), there are lots of community events going on throughout July and August, and not just for children!

Family Fun…

Find out more about Goldthorpe’s mining history through short virtual reality films at Goldthorpe Library on Thursday 27th July from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Suitable for all ages, there is a film about the Oaks’ Mining Disaster and for younger viewers there’s a Pit Mouse tour guide who takes you through what is used to be like to work in the coal mines. Find out about innovative technology and the arts as well as learning more about our local history.

Friday 28th July gives families an opportunity to ride bikes together in Barnsley town centre. People who wish to take part will need their own bike and must wear a helmet. If people are interested they need to sign up and register using the following link:
https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/barnsley-community-ride prior to the event for health and safety reasons.

Monday 31st July is the storytelling/ creative writing workshop (part of the Dearne Community Arts’ Festival) for 6-12 year olds at GPCC. Come along for a fun session with children’s author Jeannette Ayton and take part in devising your own story which could be exhibited at the arts’ festival! A certificate for all who attend and prizes available.

Have a go at learning to knit with the lovely ladies at Furlong Road Methodist Church on Wednesday 2nd August from 2-3.30 p.m. All ages welcome – a lovely way for the generations to get together!

Craft sessions are available at Cherry Tree Court on Monday 7th August and the Salvation Army on Wednesday 16th August (both sessions are from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.)

The beach is coming to our area! The Dearne Family Centre in Bolton-on-Dearne is putting on a special event on Wednesday 16th August from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Continuing the holiday-at-home theme, ‘Churches Together’ are running 3 fun days at Houghton Road Centre in Thurnscoe on Tuesdays (15, 22 & 29 August). Come along between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for craft activities, crazy golf, free snacks and much more!

Children aged between 10 and 18 area also welcome to join the Performing Arts’ workshop at the Dearne Playhouse on Thursday 24th August from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The workshop is free, but registration is needed and all children must bring a packed lunch and drinks. The skills they acquire on the day will be put to good use at the Dearne Community Arts’ Festival on Friday 1st September.

So the next time you (or your children) complain of being bored, remember there’s lots to do over the summer in our area!