book - Nurse turns to history

A FORMER nurse is celebrating both her graduation from a family history course and the publication of her first book.


Mum-of-two Sherelle Hawes, 41, studied a course online and has already set up four family history groups in Hatfield and Conisbrough.

Her recently published quiz book on family history - called Family Quizistory - is now available for £5 at Doncaster Tourist Information Centre.

Enrolment for family history courses run by Sherelle, of Mill Lane, Warmsworth, takes place on September 11 at 11.45am at Cantley Community Centre, September 12, at 9.30am at Conisbrough Library and September 14, at Thorne Library at 9.30am.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/nurse-turns-to-history-1-4887211

News - Tourist trail plan for Conisbrough

Members of a Conisbrough Church are starting a tourist trail in the town to highlight aspects of cultural interest past and present.


Conisbrough Baptist Chapel’s trail will showcase the history of Conisbrough, along a track which will include almost every part of the village.

The trail will point out the stories connected to local people, and places from the past and the present. Baptist Minister, Ian Wright said: “The Baptist Chapel is very proud to be involved at such a level with the project,

“We live in an area of amazing historical interest. We are so proud to be part of this. You may be living just a short walk away from something of outstanding local interest and not know.

“Following the completion of this project it will give the community a greater love of the place they call home”.

The trail will include obvious spots such as the castle grounds and the Holy Well and lesser known points of interest such as the Oval.

It is intended to involve the whole of the community, by asking anyone with suggestions to contact the organisers, with either memories, or facts regarding the area.

If anyone has pictures or special memories, of a particular area, or have suggestions that would be of interest to villagers and visitors, contact Jon Sutton on 07939 548285.

From: http://www.southyorkshiretimes.co.uk/community/tourist-trail-plan-for-conisbrough-1-4851629

News - Castle project aims to bring site to life for young people (Conisbrough)

HISTORY students at a secondary school have developed an exhibition tracing the history of a South Yorkshire castle to help other young visitors understand its importance as a heritage site.

A castle has stood in Conisbrough for almost 1,000 years and the current building, one of just a few Norman castles left in the UK, is over 800 years old.

Pupils from the town’s De Warenne Academy, which was named after a family which once lived the castle, worked on their displays with the help of English Heritage, which now runs the site.

A English heritage spokesman said: “Students have been concentrating on interpreting the castle’s history in ways which they feel will be appealing to young people.

“In so doing have been contributing their ideas regarding how they would like to see the castle interpreted in the future to proposals currently being prepared for the site.

Doncaster Council and English Heritage are currently working in partnership on a project to improve access to the castle.

It is hoped that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will provide a grant after the project passed the first stage of the HLF funding process last year.

De Warenne Academy principal Gill Pollard said: “This has been a fantastic experience for our students and has sparked a real interest in the field of archaeology.

“They have worked hard and the exhibition panels they have produced are very impressive”.

Residents wishing to find out more about the grant proposals, or say what they would like to see on offer at the castle, should contact Community Project Officer Sarah Hughes on 07788 918294.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/castle_project_aims_to_bring_site_to_life_for_young_people_1_3857238

News - Conisbrough war memorial damaged by thieves

A war memorial has been damaged by thieves who tried to steal a large brass plaque from it.

Police in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire said the plaque was left badly damaged on the ground after the thieves prised it off the stone memorial with a crowbar.

Three men were seen running from the scene after being disturbed by a passing police patrol.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday.

Insp Ray Mountford, from the West Safer Neighbourhood Teams, said "these individuals have desecrated the honour of the people who fought and lost their lives for this country".

He added: "There has been no regard or respect to what these plaques represent, or mean to the local community.

"I would urge anyone who may have any information as to who was involved or who may have witnessed anything, to please come forwards."

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-15167123

News - Firms forge historic link (South Yorkshire)

Two South Yorkshire firms are joining forces to create a complete renovation service for Britain’s historic buildings.

Sheffield roofing specialist Martin-Brooks is linking up with Conisbrough stone mason Historic Building Restoration to work on contracts aimed at preserving the country’s architectural heritage.

The two firms are currently collaborating on two ecclesiastical projects in Yorkshire – the restoration of Christ Church in Liversedge, Kirklees and Holy Trinity Church at Holmfirth, part of the famous backdrop for world’s longest-running sitcom, BBC TV’s, Last of the Summer Wine.

Both South Yorkshire firms specialise in repairs to historic buildings and work closely with English Heritage. Their partnership has enabled them to secure a number of large scale contracts, which require traditional roofing and lead welding practices, as well as specialist stone masonry and cleaning.

Steve Arrowsuch, managing director of Historic Building Restoration, said: “The heritage roofing undertaken by Martin-Brooks complements our masonry services perfectly and we have established an excellent working relationship.

“Together, we can offer a much larger range of traditional skills under the supervision of one main contractor, making what is often a complicated and delicate project simpler and easier for the client to manage.”

Martin-Brooks director Nick Brooks added: “We have already worked with Historic Building Restoration to transform a number of listed buildings, ensuring they survive for years to come.

“The firm has an impressive pedigree in the conservation sector and we are confident that our ongoing collaboration will not only strengthen the tenders we submit, but also boost South Yorkshire’s reputation for quality heritage craftsmanship.”

Martin-Brooks has been shortlisted in the heritage category of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ Roofing Awards for the last two years, most recently for a project at Hardwick Hall.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/business/firms_forge_historic_link_1_3474050

Events - Great fun: Historic summer days - and knights (English Heritage South Yorks)

Remember the days when you wished you could live in the era of brave knights – fighting off dragons, baddies and generally saving the world?

Or maybe you were a true girlie-girl who wanted to wander around the expansive grounds of her castle picking pretty flowers, enjoying banquets and being adored.

OK, they may be stereotypes but that is the stuff little children’s dreams are made of.

Glorious battles, dramatic rescues and imaginations running riot through centuries of history.

And there are plenty of places where youngsters can step back through time.

There are four English Heritage sites within easy reach and plenty of events specially designed to help families make the most of the past.

If it is castles you are after there is Conisbrough and Bolsover on our doorstep – as well as Brodsworth Hall and Roche Abbey.

Volunteers at the sites work hard on their mission to bring history to life.

Forget dusty books, ancient stonework and lectures about the aristocracy, think about roaring battles and fabulous costumes.

English Heritage aims to help everyone enjoy England’s historic places by increasing their understanding and making people value days gone by.

The group believes that by making history fun, children will not only have a great time but will also learn why they need to look after the past in the future.

Conisbrough Castle dates back to the 12th century, is built of magnesian limestone and stands proudly as the only one of its kind in England.

It has become one of the most popular attractions in South Yorkshire and youngsters love climbing to the roof to see the views from the keep.

The castle played a big role in the Wars of the Roses but is now ideal for a family day out including a picnic, explore and adventure.

The medieval architecture was one of the inspirations for Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel Ivanhoe and it certainly fires the imagination.

Children – and parents – wanting to live the dream can feel the passion and excitement of a Medieval Castle Clash on August 20 and 21.

The grounds will be transformed into a stage for the pageant of the grand knights.

There will be plenty of cheering and booing as the ancient characters gather for the courtly pursuits of archery and dancing.

Families can see the presentations of ‘arming a knight’ before the dramatic conclusion of a tournament of knights.

Don’t Mess with Bess takes place on July 30 and 31 when the spotlight falls on Queen Elizabeth I.

Children can get involved with the major events of her life and meet some of the most impressive characters who lived during her 45 year reign.

There will be lots of costumes as actors conjure up everything from the Spanish Armada to Sir Walter Raleigh, Mary Queen of Scots and Sir Francis Drake.

Brodsworth Hall was built in the 1860s and much of its original look survives today, making it one of England’s most unaltered Victorian country houses.

It is hosting a Fairies and Dragons Week until Sundayso children can discover the secrets hiding in the garden.

There are delicate fairies and scary dragons as well as plenty of hands-on activities like storytelling, garden trails and arts and crafts.

Brodsworth Hall was occupied in unbroken succession by members of the Thellusson family.

The last resident, the indomitable Sylvia Grant-Dalton, fought a losing battle against subsidence and leaking roofs for 56 years.

When she died in 1988 English Heritage conserved the interiors ‘as found’ so everyone can see how a once opulent Victorian house grew comfortably old.

Now it also has an adventure play area where children can run off excess energy and enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk to find out more about all our local English Heritage sites.

Upcoming Highlights

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

Today until Sunday: Fairies & Dragons Week

June 19: Classic cars for Fathers Day

July 3: Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club

Most summer Sundays: Sunday afternoon band concert

August 28: Classic Cars.

Conisbrough Castle

July 30 and 31: Don’t Mess with Bess

August 20 and 21: Medieval Castle Clash

October 28 and 29: Tales of Fear from the Castle.

 

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/great_fun_historic_summer_days_and_knights_1_3438497

News - Centenary of mine disaster (Cadeby Miners Memorial)

THE search is on for design ideas for a memorial to mark the centenary of the Cadeby mining disaster.

Some 91 men from the South Yorkshire village, near Conisbrough, died during two underground explosions on July 9, 1912.

It was the ninth worst UK mining disaster of the 20th century.

Now a commemoration team is asking local people and schools to submit ideas for a new £5,000 memorial. It will be installed at Denaby Cemetery where many of the victims are buried.

Proposals and rough ideas should be emailed to jamesbeachill@hotmail.com by June 30.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/centenary_of_mine_disaster_1_3426004

News - Historic castle looking to the future (Conisbrough)

FOUR-year-old Brogan Roberts was in a good spot to hear someone blowing their own trumpet for Conisbrough Castle.

She found herself at the other end of Peterkin the Jester’s bugle as she visited the historic landmark at its open day at the weekend.

The castle was opened up for free to try to get public feedback on its plans to develop the site for visitors.

English Heritage, which runs the site, is trying to get money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for improvements which could include a state-of-the-art visitor centre.

Proposals are looking to encourage greater use of the castle, enhance the experience for visitors, and improve access.

People who attended the open day were asked for their views on how they should improve the site.

They were also given the chance to look and handle medieval pottery which had been dug up at the site.

English Heritage describes the site as a significant example of a 12th century castle. It was built around 1180.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/historic_castle_looking_to_the_future_1_3368348

News - Preservation group concerned for former council site (Conisbrough)

A VICTORIAN landmark building near Doncaster is among properties a pressure group fears could be at risk.

Bosses at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings are concerned over the future of Conisbrough Priory, which is one of a number of former council buildings being sold off by local authorities to cope with budget cuts.

The society says that, while the Government is keen for local groups to take on heritage assets when they come on the market - which could be an improvement in areas where local bodies are not looking after properties well - in many places community groups which could take on large or awkward buildings do not exist.

The priory is one of a number of buildings nationally which have been raised as concerns by the group.

Secretary of the society Philip Venning said: “The situation could well become something of a gamble for hundreds of historic buildings.

“While there may be some positive outcomes, SPAB is deeply concerned that great swathes of the nation’s built heritage will face an uncertain future under new ownership - or will simply be mothballed.”

He warned that while councils have always sold off surplus historic properties, a steadily increasing number of such buildings is likely to hit the market as savage spending cuts mean their disposal becomes unavoidable.

Doncaster Council director of regeneration and environment, Peter Dale, said: “The Priory was sold at auction on February 15, 2011 as it was surplus to the council’s requirements and represented a cost liability to the council.”

The guide price for Conisbrough Priory was £275,000

The council says the purchaser will have to comply with the requirements of the listing. The priory was built in the mid-19th century.

Concerns have also been raised for the future of another of the council’s surplus buildings, Thorne Hall in Doncaster. Thorne ward Coun Martin Williams has been campaigning for the building to be sold because he is concerned it could fall into ruin if a use is not found for it. It is due to be auctioned.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/preservation_group_concerned_for_former_council_site_1_3261849

News – Conisbrough Priory to be Auctioned Off

…In one auction house in Sheffield on February 15th and then three days later in London they have the Grade II listed 19thcentury Conisbrough Priory which is situated west of Doncaster.  Rotherham swimming baths is also available at a guide price of £150,000….From: http://www.stockmarketsreview.com/realestate/2011/02/07/the-big-council-sell-off/

 

Another off loading from the Council to raise funds - From what I can ascertain this is a Nursing home and A1 offices on Castle Street:

 

CONISBROUGH HIGH STREET
SK59NW (east side)

4/28 The Priory (offices of
5.11.62 Local Authority Housing
Department) (formerly
listed as Priory House).

GV II


House now local authority offices. Early-mid C19. Ruled stucco, Welsh slate roof. 2-storey, 3-bay front with wing across rear projecting beyond right return. Giant end pilasters and raised central bays Rectangular stone steps to central door with fanlight in doorcase having keyed archivolt and modillioned  ediment. Outer bays each have a canted bay window with sashes and modillioned cornice. 1st floor: plain central sash with projecting sill in segmentally-arched recess rising from doorcase; outer bays have similar paired sashes. Cornice, breaking forward over ends and centre, beneath parapet with balustraded panels over each bay. Hipped roof with stacks to rear, at junction with lower wing, and on ridge of rear wing.

Listing NGR: SK5129898751 Source: English Heritage

From http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-334801-the-priory-offices-of-local-authority-de