Recollections in Rhyme, by local historian and poet Jeff Blades, includes 30 poems covering topics like growing up in Aughton, Ulley Country Park and the future of the area.

And even holidays far from his rural home life offered suitable subject matter, as former insurance salesman Jeff helped raise cash for the Anston children's hospice.

"We would go on quite a few coaching holidays, and when they tell you all the details about the place I paid attention," he said. "Then at the end of it I would put it all together in poetry."

"I showed quite a few people what I had been writing, and they suggested I write a book. I had all my old pieces saved in my writing bureau, and decided to put them together, almost in chronological order."

History group secretary Ann Kay designed the layout of the book, and together they have sold more than 60 copies.

"I was brought up in the middle of Aughton, where the council houses are," said Jeff. "Then we moved to the crossroads near Treeton and lived there for about 10 years."

"We used to walk around Thurcroft and Ulley and places like that. It was so quiet and peaceful."

In his poem Ulley Country Park, Jeff describes the popular beauty spot as a 'corner of heaven,' and in another piece he voices his opposition to the proposed wind farm in the village.

"I can remember walks around the reservoir before it was even properly opened," he said. "Also in Rotherham, there's Rother Valley Country Park and Thrybergh Country Park, but they are more commercial, really."

"Keeping Ulley and the rest of our countryside and wildlife as it is is very important."

Jeff says his old line of work has ensured that many people in the Aston area know who he is. And many of the younger generation he has watched grow up will be experiencing the same sort of memories he has written about in the book.

"Just going to Swallownest to do some shopping can take ages sometimes with all the people who you bump into," he said. "And I've had quite a few people say that they can relate to the things that I'm writing about."

"I have also supported Bluebell Wood by making and selling bird feeders in my spare time because every little helps. It's a very worthy cause."

All proceeds from the book, priced at £5, go directly to Bluebell Wood. To order your copy, call 0114 287 2102.