I am happy to report on a number of activities undertaken by the Town Council during my year of office.

Monday 10 May 2010 was the beginning of an adventure which has carried on until today. From the moment the retiring Mayor, Councillor Mrs Patsy Panks, handed over the chain of office, my lifestyle changed.  I would never have imagined some of the things I later encountered.  Never did I think that so many people gave so much of their own time for the benefit of others; people like the Happy Tots leader, the Brownies leader, the Hatfield Woodhouse football leaders and many others – all working for the benefit of the community.  It was such a pleasure to visit the many organisations working for the future of our youth.

Recreation

All the recreation grounds have been well used again this year. Problems are still being experienced with vandalism, fly tipping, dog fouling and horses and the Town Council, together with Doncaster MBC have taken steps to try to improve the situation. 

Jubilee Park continues to be well used by the Football teams and the Skate Park remains popular.   Work on a new roadway into Jubilee Park from Cuckoo Lane is about to start which should improve access.  Some plumbing problems were experienced in the Sports Pavilion after the very cold weather but frost heating has been installed and roof insulation topped up to try to prevent a recurrence.  A complete inspection of the electrical system is also taking place. 

An order has been placed for new play equipment on Grange Recreation Ground which should be installed very soon. 

A planning application has been submitted for the provision of football pitches and allotments on Abbey Playing Field.  Once planning permission is received the scheme will go ahead as quickly as possible.  The Town Council already has a waiting list for allotments. 

Plans are being developed, using 106 monies, to provide play equipment at several other locations.

 Lindholme Village Action Group have indicated that they would like a playground to be provided and the Town Council are supporting them in their bid. 

Community Issues 

Parish Plans – Dunsville Parish Plan is now complete and the Parish Plan for Hatfield is well under way and a questionnaire will shortly be circulated to all residents.

Grants totalling approximately £12,000 were approved and distributed to various organisations in the area. Many functions were attended where grants from the Town Council were presented, each one without fail said how important this money was to their organisation and some relied upon it to keep going.

Hatfield Band continues to be sponsored by the Town Council. The Band, who on occasions before competitions, practice for 5 nights as well as working full time – are another example of dedication.

The Town Council made formal applications for public footpaths in respect of Spider Alley – this is ongoing. 

Stone village signs have been provided for Lindholme and Dunscroft.

On Sunday 25 July, a Civic Service was held at Hatfield Parish Church and my grateful thanks go to Rev Paul Wilson, the PCC , the organist and choir.  Thanks too to the Bay Horse for its superb buffet and the Thurnscoe Harmonic Male Voice Choir for their wonderful singing.  Thanks too to all the Town Councillor and guests who supported me.

The Fun Day held on Jubilee Park was again a great success and this time we were blessed by the weather, although not quite as big as the previous year, everything went smoothly despite a couple of “let downs”. Try and keep it going!

Precept

The 2010/11 precept has been set at £158800. This will mean an increase for Band A properties of only £0.01 per week and a Band D property of £0.02 per week. 

Other

This year the Town Council applied for and were granted re-accreditation as a Quality Council. We are the first council in Doncaster to be re-accredited as a Quality Council and we will endeavour to continue to improve our service to the residents of the Town Council area.

The Town Council were very sad to learn of the death of Liam Maughan early in the year. Liam was a serving soldier and lost his life in Afghanistan. His name has been added to the cenotaph in Hatfield Cemetery.

The Town Council has agreed to the use of the Council Chamber as a Polling Station for the elections in May.

Mid-August was perhaps the highlight of my year, when a party, including myself, caught the overnight ferry from Hull to arrive in Belgium on the Friday morning, to travel to Merksplas for the weekend and the signing of the Twinning document.  It was a wonderful experience, being made so welcome by everyone we met and as soon as the local people heard English accents, they all wish to talk and shake our hands.  On Sunday afternoon, however, we all left to travel home, many pounds heavier all due to our hosts – what an experience.

During the last part of 2010, things became quieter but being a guest at the Hatfield Over 70’s Lunch and the Over 60’s Buffet at Dunsville, again made me realise all the good works being done by so many people, this time for the elderly, myself included.

On Friday 21 January I had the honour and privilege of attending the birthday party of one of Hatfield’s oldest residents – Mrs Hilda Elvidge – at Hatfields, to celebrate 100 years of her life.  Her main focus that afternoon was the basket of flowers presented to her on the Town Council’s behalf.   A true lady, whom I have seen since walking in Hatfield, using her zimmer frame, accompanied by her daughter.

During my year of office I have met many people and made many new friends. It is so nice when a small child comes up and says “Hello Mr Gibbs”.   I don’t remember them but obviously the presence of the Town Mayor is something special to them.

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to Duncan and Barbara for all the help, support and encouragement they have given to me. It has made my year an easier one. Also a big thank you to each and every fellow Councillor.

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS Year Ended 31 March 2011   Back to top