News - Rotherham's restored Boston Castle has rooftop ceremony

A South Yorkshire castle has been given a topping-out ceremony to mark a £1.2m restoration project.

Mayor of Rotherham Shaun Wright conducted the ceremony on the roof of Boston Castle in Rotherham on Monday.

A time capsule containing artefacts from the grade II listed building was also placed into the re-instated battlements.

The restoration is due to be completed by the summer. 

After completion, a new entrance foyer will allow public access to the different floors of the building.

The courtyard area will be turned into an amphitheatre used for events.

Funding for the project came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham Borough Council.

Topping-out ceremonies are usually held to unveil the highest part of a building as a commemorative event.

Boston Castle was built by Thomas, 3rd Earl of Effingham in 1775. 

The 23 acre site, known as Boston Park has spectacular views over looking Rotherham.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-16908845

News - Unique six-month work experience initiative for unemployed (Beckingham)

EIGHT young Bassetlaw men have swapped the dole queue for a six-month opportunity to learn new skills on a rural restoration project.

They are getting to grips with building work, painting and decorating as part of the renovation of the Beckingham Willow Works.

And the unique work experience initiative is being co-ordinated as one of the final schemes run by the Government's Future Jobs Fund programme – which ends on March 31.

The jobless 19 to 24-year-olds have each been unemployed for at least six months.

They are involved in the restoration of the century-old building, which is being trans- formed into a community heritage centre.

Turning back the clock at Beckingham Willow Works is a major part of the Trent Vale Landscape Partnership programme launched a year ago.

It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Star Energy, Nottingham shire County Council and the Environment Agency.

The building will also host an exhibition about the former willow industry and create office space, meeting rooms and function rooms with full welfare facilities.

And the workforce is being provided by contractors Crestra Ltd through Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield and Mansfield – which has taken ownership of the building on behalf of the community.

Trent Vale Landscape Partnership secured £1.6 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in January last year, for a three-year period to conserve, enhance and celebrate the cultural identity of the Trent Vale between Newark and Gainsborough.

From: http://www.thisisretford.co.uk/news/Unique-work-experience-initiative-unemployed/article-3235271-detail/article.html