BELM Community Association

06/06/2026

🇬🇧 Lest We Forget 🇫🇷

Today marks the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

On 6 June 1944, thousands of brave young men landed on the beaches of Normandy, facing unimaginable danger in the fight to liberate Europe and defend freedom.

Many never returned home. Many more carried the memories of that day for the rest of their lives.

As we see the commemorations taking place across Normandy today, we remember not only those who served but also the families who waited, worried and sacrificed at home.

Their courage, determination and selflessness changed the course of history.

Please take a moment today to remember those who gave so much for future generations.

🌺 We will remember them. 🌺

05/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day 2026 🌍

Today is World Environment Day, a day dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations.

Here in Rother Valley, many residents find themselves reflecting on what that really means as we continue to engage with the proposed Whitestone Solar Farm development.

Nobody can argue with the need for renewable energy. We all recognise the importance of reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. However, World Environment Day is also about protecting landscapes, biodiversity, habitats, rural communities and the natural environments that make places special.

The Whitestone proposal would cover around 4,700 acres of countryside across our communities, changing the landscape of villages including Brampton en le Morthen, Harthill, Kiveton, Wales, Ulley, Whiston, Anston, Thurcroft and many others for decades to come.

Today serves as a reminder that environmental decisions should not be about choosing one aspect of the environment over another. True sustainability means finding solutions that balance renewable energy generation with the protection of our countryside, wildlife, farmland, heritage and local communities.

As residents, we have always supported sensible environmental initiatives, but we also believe that local voices deserve to be heard and that developments of this scale should be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny and transparency.

On this World Environment Day, let’s continue to champion both a greener future and the protection of the landscapes that make Rother Valley such a special place to live.

🌱 Renewable energy matters.
🌳 Protecting our countryside matters.
🏡 Communities matter.

The challenge is finding the right balance.

01/06/2026

🌞 Hello June! 🌞

A very warm welcome to June from everyone across Rother Valley!

As we turn the page into a new month, here are a few interesting facts about June:

📅 June gets its name from Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and family.

☀️ The Summer Solstice falls on 21st June, bringing us the longest day of the year with over 16 hours of daylight.

🌹 June’s birth flower is the Rose, symbolising love, friendship and appreciation.

🦋 It’s one of the busiest months for wildlife, with butterflies, bees and birds all making the most of the warmer weather.

🍓 June is traditionally the start of the British strawberry season – perfect for those summer treats!

🏡 Across Rother Valley, June means village fetes, community events, garden projects, cricket matches, countryside walks and hopefully plenty of sunshine.

Whether you’re in Brampton-en-le-Morthen, Harthill, Kiveton, Wales, Anston, Thurcroft, Wickersley, Dinnington, Aston or anywhere else across our wonderful communities, we hope June brings good health, happiness and plenty of reasons to smile.

What’s everyone looking forward to most this month? Let us know in the comments! 👇

28/05/2026

Take a look at this 😱

Massive Solar Farms Take Over Brampton Straight Mile | Common Farm ...

26/05/2026

From everyone across Rother Valley, we’re sending our very best wishes to former MP Alexander Stafford after the shocking news that he was reportedly attacked in London this week.

Politics aside, nobody should ever face violence or intimidation, and it’s sad to see the level of hostility that people in public life can sometimes experience.

Alex spent a number of years representing communities across our area, attending local events, supporting causes, and being part of village life throughout Rother Valley, so news like this will genuinely upset many people locally.

We hope he makes a full and speedy recovery and that those responsible are dealt with appropriately.

At a time when society can often feel divided, moments like this remind us that basic decency, respect, and humanity matter far more than political differences.

Thinking of Alex and his family. ❤️

15/05/2026

🌎☀️ “Super El Niño” is all over the news at the moment… but what could it actually mean for us here in Rother Valley?

El Niño is caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Even though it happens thousands of miles away, experts say it can still influence weather patterns here in the UK — including South Yorkshire and Rother Valley.

Some of the possible impacts being talked about include:
🌡️ Hotter spells and heatwaves
🌧️ More unpredictable rainfall
🌪️ Increased storms and extreme weather
❄️ Strange seasonal swings and sudden weather changes

And let’s be honest… it already feels like we can get all four seasons in one week around here sometimes! ☔☀️🌨️😂

While nobody knows exactly what will happen locally, it’s another reminder that weather patterns are becoming less predictable and why preparation, resilience and looking out for each other matters more than ever.

Whether it’s flooding, storms, heatwaves or icy conditions in winter, communities like ours are always strongest when we pull together.

And one thing is certain… the weather will definitely keep us talking in Rother Valley! ☕🌦️

09/05/2026

Yesterday’s election understandably dominated the headlines and conversations across the country, but today also gives us an opportunity to pause and remember something incredibly important — VE Day.

Victory in Europe Day marked the end of World War II in Europe on 8th May 1945, bringing relief, celebration, and hope after years of sacrifice, loss, and uncertainty. It’s a moment in history that shaped the lives of generations and secured freedoms that we still benefit from today.

Many families across our villages and communities will have parents, grandparents, or relatives whose lives were touched by the war — whether serving on the front line, working at home, or simply enduring incredibly difficult times.

Some key reminders of why VE Day matters:
• It marked the official surrender of N**i Germany.
• Millions gathered on the streets in celebration after nearly six years of war.
• It was achieved through courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unity.
• It reminds us never to take peace and freedom for granted.

Although this message may be a day later than planned, it feels just as important to acknowledge and reflect on today.

Lest we forget. ❤️

09/05/2026

Wow… the comments, messages and reviews about The Rising Deer have been absolutely brilliant to read over the last few days.

It’s lovely seeing so many people supporting a local business and sharing their experiences — and it’s safe to say there’s been a lot of love for the food, atmosphere and team. ❤️

Just a few of the comments people have shared:
🍴 “Best Sunday lunch we’ve had in ages.”
🍰 “The desserts are dangerous… especially the Bakewell tart!”
🍺 “Great atmosphere and lovely staff.”
😊 “So nice to see the place busy and thriving again.”
👏 “Excellent service and really welcoming.”

A huge well done to everyone involved behind the scenes — it’s great to see somewhere local bringing people together again.

The big question is… have YOU been yet? 👀

If so, what would you recommend?👇

09/05/2026