News - Pit head baths set to be demolished (Kiveton

THE fight to keep Kiveton pit head baths has been lost after councillors approved its demolition.


The historic landmark on Colliery Road was paid for and built by miners in 1938, so they could shower before going home after work.

The Grade II listed building has been at the centre of controversy in recent years and since the pit closed in 1994, the building has fallen into serious disrepair.

At a planning meeting last week Rotherham Council’s planning commiittee considered an application by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for the building demolition.

Councillors heard that there is considerable recurring cost to the tax payer in keeping the structure safe and that a viable alternative for the building has not been found.

They agreed to grant permission for the building to be demolished, subject to approval from the Secretary of State.

In 1999 Yorkshire Forward, the defunct development agency, applied for the de-listing of the Grade II building so that it could demolished to allow for open casting at the site, but permission was refused.

Several years later Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust, working in partnership with Yorkshire Forward, took forward the development of the project to turn the baths into a multi-use community centre, but they never developed.

Then in 2005 the Guardian reported news of a £4 million revamp including business workspaces and a mining heritage centre - but again it never materialised.

In 2009, permission was granted for 18 apartments, an office and cafe, but the development was never pursued.

The report which went before the planning committee said that owing to the unsuccessful attempts to secure a future for the building there is no viable future use for it in the medium term.

A HCA spokesman said the pit head baths were transferred to them in August 2011, as part of the closure of Yorkshire Forward.

He said: “The HCA has continued the work of Yorkshire Forward to find a suitable long term use for the building and adjoining land, however we were unable to identify a viable alternative use for the building and there is no potential purchaser, but there is considerable recurring cost to the tax payer in keeping the structure safe.”

“Following discussions, both English Heritage and Rotherham Council agreed that the building could be demolished, subject to approval by the planning committee. The application for demolition was considered by the committee on 30th August and approved subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State.”

“All of the valuable fittings and contents of the baths will be catalogued and stored until a suitable alternative permanent location can be found and the HCA is in active discussions with local organisations about this.”

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/business/pit-head-baths-set-to-be-demolished-1-4917452

News - ‘Ancient’ stones removed in Aston

STONES believed to be ancient have been removed in Aston by Rotherham Council.


Residents claim the stones were removed by the local authority’s Streetpride department in November.

They understand the 4ft square stones were removed when Streepride resurfaced part of Hardwick Lane near to junction 31 of the M1.

Jeff Blades, of Aston-cum-Aughton History Group said the stones had been there for centuries.

“The ancient stones formed part of the monks path from Roche Abbey to Kiveton used to visit parts of the parish,” he said.

“There used to be a path most of which is covered over around Godfrey gardens and the little hamlet of Hardwick.”

“Somebody reported it (the stones being removed) to the history group.”

“I was told that the stones had been removed by somebody unknown.”

“When I mentioned it in the parish council meeting I was told that it was Streetpride that had done the work. I would think that they would what they were doing and leave the stones alone.”

He added: “It part of the path runs from Laughton through to Hardwick. You can still trace it through the fields.”

A spokesman for Rotherham Council said that Streetpride workers did remove some stone flags on Worksop Road service road, near its junction with Hardwick Lane close to Junction 31 on the A57. But they were buried beneath the tarmac on the existing tarmac footpath line, at a site that was not specifically identified in the South Yorkshire Archaeological Unit’s survey of the area.

She added: “Some 300 metres of the footway was replaced and only these five stone flags were uncovered along the length of the footpath.”

“These were removed and disposed of as they in no fit state to be reused. The South Yorkshire Archaeological Unit has been informed and we will obviously be advised by them.”

“However, some ancient stones were uncovered by Groundwork Dearne Valley earlier last year on a public right of way around the nearby fishing ponds in fields behind Hardwick Lane.”

“Some of the stones appeared to have been stolen before the Rights of Team started the project but the remainder were retained and then relaid as part of a scheme to make the path safer to use. It is believed that this path, which followed the line of an old Roman road, has been used for centuries.”

From: http://www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk/news/local-news/ancient-stones-removed-in-aston-1-4394316

News - Smart new look for historic site (Rotherham)

A HISTORIC South Yorkshire landmark dating back to the 18th century is undergoing an £860,000 restoration programme to provide better access for visitors.

Grade II-listed Boston Castle in Rotherham has stood since 1776 when it was built as a shooting lodge for the Earl of Effingham, a keen supporter of the American Independence movement.

It is now halfway through a programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and Biffaward, which is due to be completed in March.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America. The Earl banned the drinking of tea in protest.

The project is being carried out by building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is in Boston Park with views over the Rother and Don valleys.

A two-storey extension will be built to give access to the castle’s various levels and the 18th century battlements and windows will receive extensive attention.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an event space, illuminated at night-time, that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Coun Amy Rushworth, Rotherham Council cabinet member for lifelong learning and culture, and chairman of the Boston Castle project board, said: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/smart_new_look_for_historic_site_1_4075807

 

News - Historic castle gets an £860,000 facelift (Rotherham)

An historic landmark, which dates back to the 18th century, is undergoing an £860,000 restoration programme to provide better access for visitors.

Grade two listed Boston Castle in Rotherham, which was completed in 1776 by the Earl of Effingham who was a keen supporter of the American Independence movement at the time, is half way through a refurbishment programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and Biffaward.

It is due to be completed in March 2012.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America.

The Earl actually banned the drinking of tea in protest.

The project is being carried out by building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is situated in Boston Park with views over the Rother and Don valleys.

A two-storey extension will be built to give access to the castle’s various levels and the 18th century battlements and windows will receive extensive attention.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an event space, illuminated at night-time, that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Coun Amy Rushworth, cabinet member for Lifelong Learning and Culture and chairman of the Boston Castle Project Board, said: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/historic_castle_gets_an_860_000_facelift_1_4061013

News - Plans to revive historic Rotherham High Street

A SOUTH Yorkshire town’s retail revival continues with a further £3.5 million restoration of historic properties.

Work is under way or about to start, on four properties on Rotherham High Street, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham Council.

The project has provided grants to owners and long-term lease holders to restore, renovate and repair the historic buildings, within a conservation area.

The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre – visited by retail guru Mary Portas as part of her quest to find out how the High Street can be revived.

Scaffolding currently surrounds ‘Snafu’ at 22-30, High Street, where work is going on to restore the missing corner turret and special ornate features to the facade of the building as well as repairs to the roof and windows.

Interior work on the SNAFU bar – the former Muntus department store – is also taking place.

Further along High Street, plans are being progressed to restore features at 14a, the RSPCA shop, and convert upper floors into apartments.

A planning application has also been submitted for the restoration of numbers 10-12, where clothing store Caprice moved in over the summer.

The building was custom-designed for Boots the Chemist in the 50s and the ‘modern’ coloured glass panels will be reinstated.

Work is also set to begin on the art-deco Essoldo Chambers, which will include restoring the faded façade to bring back the building’s true colour.

The upper floors will be converted into apartments.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for town centres Coun Gerald Smith said: “Rotherham is blessed with historic buildings that have medieval history as well as examples of Georgian, Victorian, art-deco and fifties architecture.

“These are character buildings that deserve to be restored and which cannot be found in shopping malls and retail parks.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/plans_to_revive_historic_rotherham_high_street_1_3796670

News - Revamp plans for shops (Rotherham)

Centuries-old buildings in South Yorkshire are to be given a new lease of life thanks to plans announced by a local businessman.

Chris Hamby says he intends to buy and redevelop six buildings on and around Rotherham’s High Street, including the Three Cranes – a former 15th century timber-framed coaching inn which is Grade II* listed.

The plan would result in a complex of mixed-use retail outlets, including a gift shop as well as returning the medieval Three Cranes to a real ale inn.

Mr Hamby, who owns Hamby’s shoe and gift shop on High Street, says he intends to buy and redevelop five empty properties on High Street, along with the George Wright building that stands between the High Street and Snail Hill.

Rotherham Council has agreed to loan Mr Hamby of £750,000 towards the purchase and redevelopment of the site, which will enable him to apply for a grant from Rotherham Townscape Heritage Initiative Programme.

Mr Hamby said: “This block of shops has long stood empty, vandalised and unloved, and I hope everyone who loves Rotherham will welcome and support these plans. ”

Rotherham Council leader Coun Roger Stone described the plans as ‘absolutely brilliant news for this part of Rotherham’s High Street’.

He said: “This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity and I applaud Mr Hamby’s enthusiasm and wish him well.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/barnsley/revamp_plans_for_shops_1_3773571

News - Mansion project opens up a vista of Yorkshire (Wentworth)

At MORE than 120ft in the air, a breathtaking panorama of Yorkshire countryside, taking in rolling fields, rural villages, a country house and one of England’s biggest cities, stretches out for as far as the eye can see.

At one time, the view would have been seen from the top of a folly called Keppel’s Column, but because it has fallen into disrepair, a cherry-picker crane was required yesterday to recreate the impressive vista.

The machine was hired by Clifford Newbold, who owns nearby Wentworth Woodhouse, and his son Giles as part of their vision to restore and revive the house and park which was originally the home of the Fitzwilliam family.

The column, which is now the responsibility of Rotherham Council, once formed part of the estate, and Giles Newbold said it offered a “unique viewpoint” from which to document the landscape and understand how Wentworth was designed.

Mr Newbold and his father bought the crumbling house and parkland for just £1.5m in 1999, but have since spent tens of millions of pound researching its history and carrying out structural and engineering surveys to ascertain its condition.

The huge mansion, which is said to have 365 rooms, one for every day of the year, has had a chequered history since the Fitzwilliam family left in the 1950s, the National Coal Board opencasting the site for several years.

At present, the Newbold family are making a claim against the Coal Authority, which is now responsible for the after-effects of mining, and are arguing that both the opencast operations, and deep mining have affected the house.

Mr Newbold said the family had worked tirelessly in the last 12 years on the coal claim and on other plans to try and save Wentworth Woodhouse from complete dereliction, but added that it had required much work behind the scenes.

Now they have the support of English Heritage, and blueprints are being drawn up which could see the Grade-I listed house and its equally impressive stables and other buildings turned to a new modern use as offices and a luxury hotel.

Mr Newbold, a 36-year-old building surveyor said he, his 85-year-old father, an eminent London architect before his retirement, and his two brothers, were “absolutely committed” to ensuring that the estate had a “sustainable future”.

He added: “Over the last 10 years we have done a lot of research into the history of the estate but one thing we could not find were any pictures of it from the top of Keppel’s Column. So we hired the cherry-picker to see the view.

“Looking at the house and park from this angle allows us to see what survives of the original landscape and how the stripping out of the estate by the coal board, which went within a few feet of the house and 1,000 ft down, affected it.

“Being able to document the landscape will also help us to make an argument for the parkland and make sure it is protected in the same way as it is at country houses like Chatsworth and Castle Howard.

“There has been a school of thought that Wentworth isn’t worth saving, and charities like the National Trust would never have taken it on. But my father saw that it was worth saving and if it was lost it would be lost forever.

“The rest of the world absolutely craves our heritage and there is now a huge amount of interest in Wentworth Woodhouse, and we aim to ensure that it survives for centuries to come.”

The proposal for the mansion house is to create a combination of publicly accessible restored museum to the central and grandest rooms, as well as a 70 suite luxury hotel and spa.

A Rotherham Council spokesman said yesterday morning’s event had been carried out in partnership with the Newbold family and allowed the authority’s officers to carry out a visual survey of Keppel’s Column and check its condition.

The spokesman said: “The survey was part of the authority’s ongoing care and maintenance of a number of heritage sites across the borough. It was a visual inspection and the findings will be reported back to members in due course.

“The operation also allowed the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Shaun and Lisa Wright, to take in some of the best views across Rotherham.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/mansion_project_opens_up_a_vista_of_yorkshire_1_3714583

News - Mayor helps mark start of work to restore town’s castle (Rotherham)

Restoration work finally started at one of Rotherham’s most important heritage sites yesterday – after years of wrangling over the future of the landmark.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Shaun Wright, yesterday took up a sledgehammer to start work on a £1.2m scheme that will bring Boston Castle back into public use.

Contractors moved on to the site on Monday to begin work on the listed building which dates from 1775. The first phase will see the removal of a Victorian extension to the former hunting lodge.

Speaking before the event, he said: “As someone who has spent my career developing and promoting public open spaces I am really looking forward to being present at the start of this very special project.

“I know how important Boston Castle is to the people of Rotherham and so I am honoured to be asked to take part in its restoration.”

The cost of the renovations has been supported by £590,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund with Rotherham Council providing cash to finance the rest of the scheme.

The Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands which fought for the restoration to take place, have also secured a £50,000 grant for work to the courtyard, which will be transformed into an amphitheatre, providing an events space for a range of local groups and schools.

The surrounding area of the building will be landscaped with accessible paths and on-site parking.

Security measures such as CCTV, flood lighting and metal shutters will be installed to deter vandals.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/mayor_helps_mark_start_of_work_to_restore_town_s_castle_1_3693770

News - Renovation of historic castle begins (Boston Castle)

WORK gets under way today to restore a historic 18th century building in South Yorkshire.

The £1.2 million revamp of Boston Castle, which is almost two years late, will begin with the demolition of a small brick extension, which will then be replaced with a new entrance foyer, platform lift, stairs, storage and plant rooms.

The foyer will allow public access to the different levels of the castle, while the battlements are being reinstated in original salvaged stone.

The windows will be replaced with 18th century designs.

Rotherham Mayor, Coun Shaun Wright, will be officially starting the work by taking a sledgehammer to the extension, which was added on to the former hunting lodge, built in 1775.

Funding has been provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, who donated £590,000 towards the work, while Rotherham Council is meeting the remaining cost.

The Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands have secured a £50,000 grant from Biffaward for work on the courtyard, which will be transformed into an amphitheatre.

The restoration is due to be completed by next summer.

From http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/barnsley/renovation_of_historic_castle_begins_1_3690304

News - Concerns over planned cuts to archaeological service (South Yorkshire)

Campaigners against cuts to the South Yorkshire Archaeological Service have said the planned loss of funding would pose a risk to local heritage.

They have met with Sheffield City Council to discuss the 50% funding cut. 

The Labour-led council is implementing the reduction in funding as part of £80m cuts to their budget.

The service works with planners to advise them on the archaeological impact of proposed developments. 

It also keeps a record of sites and monuments in the region in line with government policy.

Reduced demand

In a statement, the council said: "The demand for archaeology services has been reduced due to declining and substantially lower development and building activity because of the credit crunch.

"The budget reduction was agreed under the previous administration and is being implemented currently. 

"The current administration is not able to reverse this decision without impacting on other service areas and therefore regrettably, this decision will stand."

Sheffield City Council, Doncaster Council, Rotherham Council and Barnsley Council in South Yorkshire fund the service, and in January they jointly agree to a cut of 15%.

However, in March, Sheffield City Council decided to cut their funding to the service by 50%.

Bill Bevan, local archaeologist and heritage interpreter said: "A 50% cut is a much higher figure than any other council service is having to make, so why are they overloading the cuts to this particular service?"

The service recently discovered a Roman cemetery and artefacts over 2,000 years old on the site of the new Waterdale Centre in Doncaster.

Mr Bevan said: "If the service had not been able to advise on that site, a major nationally important archaeological site would have been lost."

from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-14234071

Website - View historic pottery patterns on web (Rockingham)

A HISTORIC book of pottery patterns from a vintage South Yorkshire firm is being brought into the 21st century - by being put online for people to browse.


Rockingham went from a small country pottery to a Royal porcelain manufacturer before going bankrupt.

But its legacy now is some of the most highly-collectable porcelain in the country of which some 1,200 pieces can be found in Rotherham Council’s collection.

Now Rotherham Museums, Galleries and Heritage is launching a new website dedicated entirely to the Rockingham Pattern Book - the only one in public hands.

Coun Amy Rushworth, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “It is wonderful that such a marvellous piece of history is now available for all to see.”

The website - http://rotherham.gov.uk/rockingham - will allow people the opportunity to view the entire Rockingham Pattern Book at the click of a mouse.

Featured online are all 366 pages of the pattern book, with its beautiful hand-painted designs that were copied by the craftsmen and painters at the Rockingham factory in Swinton.

The Pattern Book, bought by the authority with the help of Heritage Lottery funding four years ago, is the second of four volumes, and illustrates tea ware pattern numbers 593 to 995, and dessert ware pattern numbers 450 to 696S.

In all, there are about 650 patterns illustrated on 366 pages.


All the other three Rockingham pattern books are in private hands and so are unavailable to the public.
 

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/view_historic_pottery_patterns_on_web_1_3453944

News - 1,500 jobs in £200m plans to open ‘Black Diamonds’ stately home (Wentworth)

MORE than 1,500 new jobs are part of a £200 million museum, hotel and business centre plan to transform Wentworth Woodhouse - opening the ‘Black Diamonds’ stately home to the public, The Star can reveal.

Owners hope the massive development and detailed restoration of the 18th century house will be completed in time for a 2015 opening.

And they reckon the plans will turn the Grade I listed property - currently one of the biggest private residencies in Europe - into the leading attraction of its kind anywhere in the world.

They estimate it will attract 150,000 visitors each year to see it in South Yorkshire.

Wentworth Woodhouse, on the Rotherham-Barnsley border - just a short drive north of Sheffield - is the former home of the Fitzwilliam coal-mining family dynasty, shrouded in secrecy for years and the subject of Catherine Bailey’s best selling book, Black Diamonds.

The stunning private family home, which is twice the width of Buckingham Palace, with 1,000 windows, 365 rooms and had stabling for 100 horses, can only be viewed by the public at a distance from a right of way through Wentworth Park.

But the The Star was given exclusive access on a guided tour inside the home by the existing owners, who outlined their plans ahead of Dan Cruickshank’s look at the property in his BBC2 TV series Country Houses Revealed, on Tuesday, May 31, at 9pm.

VIDEO: Press the play button to watch our special video report, including a chat with the owner and a tour of the magnificent home.

YOUTUBE: You can also watch on YouTube, where it can be played on the iPhone and iPad - click on the External Link in the column on the right.

Clifford Newbold, the 85-year-old London architect who bought the building in 1999 and is overseeing the development, said: “This is a magnificent house. We want to return it to its former glory, protect it for the future, and place it once again at the heart of this community.”

The property has fallen into considerable structural disrepair, thought to be because of huge mine shafts dug all around it between 1943 and 1979.

But the new plans - already given informal backing by both English Heritage and Rotherham Council - would see the central house completely restored in all its original detail and opened up as a museum. One part of the huge east wing would be transformed into a 70-bed hotel, with the remainder set to become a spa.

The huge stable block will be converted into office space,

exhibition rooms and a conference venue.

From http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/exclusive_1_500_jobs_in_200m_plans_to_open_black_diamonds_stately_home_video_1_3404410

 

You'll need to go to the website to see the video

News - Canal scheme completed (Rotherham)

WORK to improve a stretch of canal in Rotherham has been completed thanks to a £2,350 grant.

The habitat improvement scheme along the Sheffield & South Yorkshire navigation between Jordan’s Lock and Holmes Lock received the grant from The Waterways Trust’s Green Fund Programme.

British Waterways, BTCV, Groundwork and Rotherham Council joined forces to improve the area around Holmes Goit – a small watercourse next to the towpath.

Around 100 tonnes of silt was removed and vast amounts of overgrown vegetation cleared – meaning farmland nearby will be better protected from flooding.

Workers also created habitats for waterway wildlife that rely on the network of canals and rivers to live and breed.

Gavin Beat of British Waterways said: “This has been a fantastic scheme as our canals and rivers provide excellent habitat and breeding spots for a wide range of birds, including some protected species, so it’s really important we do what we can to protect them. In these difficult times, it is thanks to funding and cooperation with partner organisations and individuals that this type of project is possible which we hope in time will encourage more wildlife to the area.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/canal_scheme_completed_1_3364504http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/canal_scheme_completed_1_3364504

News - Castle to undergo cut-price restoration after deal agreed (Rotherham)

A RESTORATION project to transform the 18th-century Boston Castle in Rotherham is set to move forward, after being scaled down owing to funding pressures.

Semi-derelict and out of use for a decade, the castle dates back to 1775 and was built by the Earl of Effingham as a hunting lodge.

A £1.7m scheme to renovate the castle was signed off last year, with the Heritage Lottery Fund providing £600,000 towards the project and Rotherham Council putting up the rest.

However, owing to budget cuts, Rotherham Council has now agreed a revised scheme which will see the authority contribute £600,000 rather than £1.1m towards the restoration. The work will see repairs carried out and a new visitors’ centre built.

The battlements will be reinstated, the windows repaired and the courtyard transformed into a space for outdoor events.

Coun Ian St John, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “I am delighted that the scheme can go ahead – albeit a scaled down version of the original.

“The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham. It is an absolute gem – a major landmark, which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration go ahead.”

Work is set to begin in August and Boston Castle could be open to the public by next spring.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/castle_to_undergo_cut_price_restoration_after_deal_agreed_1_3217423

News – Steel on the silver screen (Rotherham)

A PROJECT charting the story of South Yorkshire’s proud steel heritage culminates this month with a theatre show.

The Hearts of Steel project, which was created by Rotherham Council’s Community Arts team, has been made into a DVD and will be launched with performances at the Civic Theatre in Rotherham on Monday March 14, with shows at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £7 from the Rotherham Arts Centre Box Office. Some free tickets for school and educational groups are available by emailing samsmith@rotherham.gov.uk

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/barnsley/steel_on_the_silver_screen_1_3128767