 |
 NEWS PAGE - 2010 ARCHIVE |
| 31 December 2010 update |
| Christmas wreaths Christmas is a time of year when we remember lost loved ones, sometimes by placing flowers or wreaths on their graves. A stroll around the cemetery this afternoon revealed a surprising number of seasonal wreaths. Perhaps it's just that we haven't noticed them on previous years, but could it be that the cemetery is receiving more visitors? Who knows, but it's good to see, anyway. Here is a small sample.      |
| 15 December 2010 update |
| Website Milestone A few days ago was the first anniversary of starting to track the number of visitors to this website and then, just a couple of days later, we passed the 2000 visitors mark. The second 6 months of tracking saw an 18% increase in visitors compared with the first 6 months. These are very encouraging signs, as we seek to spread the word about Hyde Park Cemetery to as wide an audience as possible. |
| 11 December 2010 update |
| Working Morning progress Today saw the best turn-out of volunteer Friends since June for our monthly Working Morning. We were able to make further progress with clearing the area around the Chapels, as well as tidying the main entrance and undertaking a thorough litter-pick. These sessions make a real difference to the appearance of Hyde Park Cemetery, so why not come along and help some time? Please see our Events page for the dates of the 2011 Working Mornings. |
| 25 November 2010 update |
| New Signs We now have two new signs displayed in the cemetery, advising passers-by of our website address. Hopefully, this will further increase the level of interest in our activities and what's happening at the cemetery.   |
| 16 November 2010 update |
| Thinking of Buying Christmas
Cards? Look no further than Doncaster Tourist Information Centre, who have taken over the 'Cards for Good Causes' franchise for the area. They stock a wide selection of cards representing over 30 different charities and a minimum of 75% of the sales price goes direct to the charity. Please support these worthy causes and tell your friends, too. Tourist
Information Centre
The Blue Building 38/40 High Street Doncaster. |
| 14 November 2010 update |
| Footpaths Resurfaced Those readers who have visited the cemetery in the past few years will be aware of the very poor state of many of the footpaths. The Friends have been concerned for a long time about the paths and the risks posed to visitors and others passing through the site. Following much lobbying by the Friends and with the support of DMBC Bereavement Services, we're delighted to report that a substantial amount of resurfacing work has just been carried out, which not only addresses the safety risk but also adds further weight to the view that there are people who really care about Hyde Park Cemetery. We've included some 'before and after' photos, below. 
 
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| 13 November 2010 update |
| Bluebell Planting As well as clearing an enormous quantity of fallen leaves at today's Working Morning, we've made a start on planting bluebells in the wooded area in Section C. The bluebells have been kindly donated by our Vice Chair, Val Moate, from her garden. The photo shows Val planting some of the bulbs.  |
| 7 November 2010 update |
| Recognition for Fellow Friends Readers may recall that, earlier this year, we visited Sandall Park to see what the Friends group there had achieved...and it was a very great deal! Well, the hard work and dedication of two of the key people in the Friends of Sandall Park, Sandra and Don Crabtree, was recognised this week. They were presented with the Pride in the Community Environment Award at last week's Pride in Doncaster awards ceremony. Many congratulations go to Sandra and Don: their success is richly-deserved. |
| 6 November 2010 update |
| On the Tourist Trail Earlier this week the Friends' Chairman, Richard Bell, met up with Doncaster MBC's Tourism and Visitor Economy Manager, Colin Joy, at the cemetery to show him what the site has to offer visitors. Colin, a relative newcomer to Doncaster, has many years of experience in the field of tourism and is eager to explore all possible opportunities to promote the range of great locations and the heritage that the town has to offer. Both men found the visit to be extremely beneficial and a good base from which the Friends can work with the tourism team to promote Hyde Park Cemetery. |
| 24 October 2010 update |
| Doncaster & District
Heritage Association The DDHA was formally launched in 2004 and serves to promote interest at all levels in the study, recording and preservation of the heritage and history of Doncaster and surrounding districts. It recently created its own website, a key feature of which is an Events Calendar, featuring the forthcoming events of all its member organisations. This is an extremely useful tool for anyone who is keen to keep in touch with what's happening on the local history scene. Click here for a link to the DDHA website, or use the link from our own Links page. |
| 23 October 2010 update |
| A Recent Visitor from Oz One Sunday, in early July this year, we received an urgent request for help in locating a particular grave, from an Australian lady, Kerry Murray, who was in Doncaster searching for her ancestors. A quick exchange of messages and Kerry was able to go back into Hyde Park Cemetery later that evening and find the elusive grave, before she headed off to another part of the country the following morning. We've recently received this photograph of Kerry standing at the headstone of another family grave on that same day. It's great to be able to help folks this way, especially those from the other side of the world! |
| 16 October 2010 update |
| Book Launch & Signing -
'The Sand House - A Victorian Marvel Revisited' The amazing Sand House stood adjacent to Hyde Park Cemetery and its creators, William and Henry Senior, are both buried in the cemetery, along with many other members of their family. This new book has been written by the Friends' Chairman, Richard Bell, and local author Peter Tuffrey. It is a comprehensive update of their earlier book on the subject, published in 1988. The launch was carried out by Doncaster's elected Mayor, Peter Davies, after which Richard and Peter signed copies of their book for the large crowd of people who had gathered. All this took place at the Tourist Information Centre, The Blue Building, 38-40 High Street, Doncaster, DN1 1DE (Tel: 01302 734309) on Friday 15 October, starting at 10:15am. To visit the Sand House's own webpage please click here. |
| 24 September 2010 update |
| Heritage Circuit Go-Ahead We're delighted to announce that 'Living Streets', the national charity that stands up for pedestrians, has approved an application from the Friends to fund a new Heritage Circuit in Hyde Park Cemetery. The circuit will follow the perimeter paths of the cemetery and there will be about twenty marker posts, spaced at intervals around the circuit. Each post will mark a particular point of interest, which will be explained in an accompanying full-colour leaflet. Work will be begin on the project shortly and it is hoped that it can be officially launched early in 2011. Thank you to Jim Shaw, of Living Streets, for his help and support.  |
| 18 September 2010 update |
| Guided Walk or No Guided Walk? The Doncaster Free Press has, this week, published a notice advertising a guided walk by the Friends on Sunday 19 September, at 3pm. This came as a surprise to us, as we hadn't planned to do a walk this weekend! However, rather than disappoint anyone who turns up, we have hurriedly made arrangements to undertake a repeat of the 'Notable Doncastrians' walks that we led last week. So if you intended to go along for the walk tomorrow, please do so. In the meantime, we'll be checking that the Free Press isn't intending to publish this notice every week! Local History Fair Today was the annual Local History Fair, arranged by the Doncaster & District Heritage Association. There was plenty of interest in the work of the Friends and, as an added bonus and because of a 'no-show' by one of the planned speakers, the Friends' Chairman, Richard Bell, presented his illustrated talk entitled 'Hyde Park Cemetery - Past, Present & Future'. This all helps to raise the profile of our group and gain support across the wider community. |
| 12 September 2010 update |
| Heritage Open Days - Guided Walks The Friends organised a 'Notable Doncastrians' guided walk, in connection with Heritage Open Days 2010, for last Thursday afternoon and repeated it this afternoon. Over thirly people attended and some very good feedback was received. The Friends' finances were boosted, too, by donations that we received at the events. We've now led four walks this summer and they've all be successful. We intend to develop new themes for walks in 2011, so please watch this space for details. |
| 11 September 2010 update |
| Something spooky! Further
to the 26 August item, below, about the visit by Patrick Hodgson,
here's a photo of his two 9-year-old children standing by the grave of
their great-great-great-grandparents.
 It
was only in the days following this photo being taken that the family
connection was firmly established. The children's famous
gt-gt-gt-grandparents were named Richard Henry and Rose Elizabeth
Hodgson. Oh, the children's names? They are Patrick
Richard
and Elizabeth Rosemary Hodgson. How spooky is that?
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| 10 September 2010 update |
| Heritage Open Days Guided Walks Out
of the blue two days ago the
Friends' Chairman,
Richard Bell, received a telephone call from BBC Radio Sheffield,
inviting him to take part in a live interview about the
Hyde Park
Cemetery events this weekend. Consequently, Richard spoke to
Breakfast Show presenter Toby Foster yesterday morning, live. An online
recording is available for a few more days if you go to this link, click
on the
09/09/2010 ‘Listen now’ button and move the cursor along to about the
34min 20sec mark.
The Guided Walk on Thursday afternoon attracted a dozen very interested visitors. |
| 26 August 2010 update |
| Hodgson (but no Hepworth) At
our recent guided walk (see below)
we had a Canadian
visitor join us. When the subject of Hodgson &
Hepworth's
shops came up, it transpired that our Canadian friend was none other
than Patrick Hodgson, great great grandson of the joint founder of this
well-known Doncaster retail business. He was over in the
UK for a visit, saw our walk advertised, and decided to come
along. So pleased you did, Patrick.
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| 16 August 2010 update |
| Guided Walk success Another
good turn-out of supporters
enjoyed the Sunday
afternoon sunshine, taking part in our latest Guided Walk, this time on
the theme of 'Memorials and Symbolism'. The walk took in some
of
the most interesting monuments in Hyde Park Cemetery and explained the
meaning of some of the symbols incorporated into their designs.
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| 14 August 2010 update |
| Now you see it... ...and
now you don't see the weeds and
rubbish that had
accumulated on the east side of the Chapels. Thanks to
another
good Working Morning today, we've starting to make a real improvement
to the area around the Chapels.
 
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| 13 August 2010 update |
| A much tidier cemetery All
those who took part in yesterday
evening's 'Litter
Pick Plus' session agreed that the litter problem has much reduced
since the Friends' first foray into grounds maintenance exactly 12
months ago. We put this down to a combination of our monthly
Working Mornings, regular patrols by the Community Safety Wardens and,
generally, a more frequent and visible presence by those of us who are
keen to improve the site. Whatever the reason, it's good news.
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| 12 August 2010 update |
| Sad news It
is with deepest regret that we
announce that Sheila
Jones, who served on the Friends' committee until January 2010, passed
away on 6 August. Sheila
provided solid support and sound advice during her time on the
committee and her contributions have been much missed since she stood
down.
The funeral took place at Rose Hill Crematorium earlier
today.
We send our sincere condolences to Sheila's husband and
family.
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| 8 August 2010 update |
| Busy week ahead! The
coming week features four events,
three of which have
been organised by the Friends. We start with the Doncaster
&
District Heritage Association meeting on Wednesday 11 August, where
Colin Joy, DMBC's head of tourism is the speaker. Then
there's
our Evening Litter Pick Plus on Thursday 12, our regular Working
Morning on Saturday 14 and, finally, our next Guided Walk on Sunday 15.
Please see our Events
page for further details.
|
| 4 August 2010 update |
Friends United! |
| 28 July 2010 update |
| Hexthorpe School pupils plant
'memorial meadow' After sowing wildflower seeds during the winter and propagating the seedlings through the spring, pupils from Hexthorpe Primary School went along to Hyde Park Cemetery today to plant out well over a hundred of the plants that they had grown. Under the watchful eyes of teachers and parents, the children took the next steps in establishing what is intended to be a small wildflower meadow, aimed at commemorating the many poorer residents of the town who were buried in the cemetery's Sections H & I, without any headstones or other memorials to mark their passing. |
| 24 July 2010 update |
'War Graves' Walk
 An excellent turnout of 44 visitors attended this afternoon's guided walk on the theme of 'War Graves'. There was a great deal of interest in the subject as well as in the cemetery as a whole, with everyone agreeing that the event had been both informative and enjoyable. Many thanks to Wendy for researching and leading the walk. Remember - the next guided walk is in three weeks' time, on Sunday 15 August, starting at 3pm. The theme on that occasion will be 'Memorials & Symbolism'. |
| 22 July 2010 update |
| First Guided Walk on Saturday In case you may have forgotten, this Saturday (24 July) at 2pm is the first of this year's guided walks, the theme this time being 'War Graves'. See the Events page for further details. Please come along to support us; it's free! |
| 16 July 2010 update |
| A second Knight of the Realm Until very recently we thought that Sir Isaac Morley was the only knighted person in Hyde Park Cemetery... until we came across a newspaper article about the death of Sir Charles Norris Nicholson in December 1918. Sir Charles is buried just metres from Sir Isaac, but it appears that the inscriptions on his grave do not mention his knighthood. We're now going to have to change the various publications that mention Sir Isaac's hitherto unique status! |
| 4 July 2010 update |
| A gentle reminder Next Saturday (10th July) is our next Working Morning. Also, this year's series of Guided Walks commences on Saturday 24 July, with a walk on the subject of War Graves. Please see our Events page for further details. Everyone will be welcome. |
| 18 June 2010 update |
| 1000 visitors Yesterday was a significant day for this website, as it received its 1000th visitor. This is quite a milestone and shows that there is a substantial amount of interest in Hyde Park Cemetery and the work of the Friends. We shall continue to provide what we hope is useful and informative material on this site, but if you'd like to see anything in particular featured here, please contact us. |
| 17 June 2010 update |
| Mayor reaffirms support Today saw the launch of 'Doncaster Uncovered', a booklet published on behalf of Doncaster MBC which records the town's past, as revealed through archaeology. In formally launching the booklet, Mayor Peter Davies re-affirmed his support for the many organisations whose activities help to protect the town's rich heritage. Later, in conversation with the Friends' Chairman Richard Bell, Mayor Davies re-stated his support for our group and his wish to pay a second visit to Hyde Park Cemetery in the not-too-distant future, to view the progress that we have made. |
| 14 June 2010 update |
| Doncaster Archives Annual Closure Information just received... Doncaster Archives will close for their annual stock-take from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd July 2010. Written and telephone enquiries will continue to be answered during this time. Please see their poster at this link. |
| 12 June 2010 update |
| Today's Progress This morning's efforts by a group of Friends saw the area immediately around the Lodge cleared of most of the weeds, soil and litter that had built up over several years. The approach to the cemetery from Carr Lane is now far tidier and appealing. Thanks to all those who helped. These photos include a before shot and some views following the morning's efforts.   
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| 11 June 2010 update |
| Guided Heritage Walks for Summer
2010 The Friends are delighted to announce four dates for guided heritage walks around Hyde Park Cemetery during the summer. The first walk, starting at 2pm on Saturday 24th July, takes the theme of 'War Graves'. There are 108 war graves in Hyde Park Cemetery, a few have been selected for this fascinating walk. Three weeks later, at 3pm on Sunday 15th August, the second guided walk has the theme of 'Memorials and Symbolism'. The cemetery has some elaborate and unusual memorials and a selection of these will be visited. In association with Heritage Open Days 2010, the Friends will lead guided walks at 2pm on Thursday 9th September and at 3pm on Sunday 12th September. Further details of the particular content of these walks will be made available on our Events page in the near future. |
| 24 May 2010 update |
| Hatfield Local History Group
hears about Hyde
Park Cemetery The Friends' Chair, Richard Bell, gave a illustrated talk entitled "Hyde Park Cemetery - Past, Present & Future" to members of Hatfield Local History Group this afternoon. Two late changes of venue failed to deter an enthusiastic group of 22 people from hearing not only heard about the cemetery's 154-year history, but they also learnt about the projects being pursued by the Friends. The interactive quiz about notable Doncastrians interred in the cemetery was particularly well received. If you are involved with a local group which would like to see and hear this presentation, please contact us. |
| 20 May 2010 update |
| Change of venue for next Monday's
talk There has been a change of venue for next Monday's (24th May) talk to the Hatfield Local History Group. Instead of The Barn, the talk will now take place in Hatfield Church itself... a small but potentially significant change! |
| 4 May 2010 update |
| In contact with the Lodge's last
resident We're delighted to report that we have made contact recently with Mr Alan Drinkall, who worked for Doncaster Council as cemetery supervisor until April 1989 and who was the last person to reside in the Lodge. He has already provided some interesting information to the Friends and we intend to keep in touch to make best use of the knowledge that he is keen to impart to us. Free Access to Ancestry.com in all Doncaster Libraries Doncaster Libraries have asked us to let you know that they have subscribed to Ancestry.Com. The subscription will run from Saturday 1st May 2010. This will mean that all their public computers across all the branches will have free full access to the Ancestry Library Edition. It offers a wide and diverse variety of unique content from around the world allowing you to trace your family history. The site can be accessed from any public computer with a library membership. Local Studies & Archives staff are available to answer any questions regarding this online service. |
| 28 April 2010 update |
| Don't forget - Next 'Working
Morning' on Saturday 8th May A gentle reminder that the Friends' next 'Working Morning' takes place between 09:30 and 12:00 on Saturday 8th May 2010. Please check out the Events page for further details. |
| 27 April 2010 update |
'O' what a difference!
CHASE's work refurbishing Section 'O' is showing excellent rewards. Now that the new filter membrane and shingle are in place it's looking so much better than before, as can be seen from these photographs. Whilst we await delivery of some granite chippings to dress some of the untidy graves, CHASE's workers have moved on to pruning and trimming the shrubs elsewhere in the cemetery. |
| 10 April 2010 update |
Inaugural Working Morning success  The warmest day of the year so far greeted a dozen Friends when they gathered for the first of the regular monthly 'Working Mornings'. The two main tasks were to complete a litter pick across the whole cemetery and to start tidying up the area immediately adjacent to the Lodge, inside the security fencing. A very substantial number of black bags were filled with litter, etc, as can be seen from the photograph above. At the end of the session everyone agreed that it had been very enjoyable and rewarding, and we'll all look forward to the next Working Morning on Saturday 8th May 2010. Remember that the Working Mornings take place on the second Saturday of every month, commencing at 09:30hrs. Thanks go to everyone who took part, and special thanks to John and Shane, from the Safer Neighbourhood team, for their invaluable help. |
| 2 April 2010 update |
| Working Mornings We are delighted to announce the commencement of regular, monthly 'Working Mornings', where the Friends will meet at Hyde Park Cemetery to carry out practical site management activities. These 'Working Mornings' will occur on the 2nd Saturday of each month, with the first taking place on Saturday 10th April. Please check out the details on our Events page. |
| 25 March 2010 update |
Section 'O' progress This
photograph, taken earlier today, shows the progress being made on
refurbishing Section 'O' (see 11 March 2010 update, below).
CHASE
workers have begun laying new filter membrane and spreading clean
shingle. Already this prominent section of the cemetery is
looking much tidier and more cared for.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Also today, staff from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission paid one of their regular visits to Hyde Park Cemetery to check and clean the war memorial and the 108 gravestones of service personnel: a further sign that many people care about the cemetery and its occupants and monuments. |
| 14 March 2010 update |
Raising the Friends' profile at
'Unity in the Community' event
 On Saturday 13th March, the Friends were well represented at Doncaster Council's 'Unity in the Community' Day at the racecourse. Our display attracted plenty of interest, as can be seen from these photographs. As well as spreading the word about what the Friends are doing, we attracted several new members to join our ranks. Thanks go to Margaret, Val and Wendy for their invaluable help: they all agreed that it had been a successful day. |
| 11 March 2010 update |
The CHASE is on! - More
improvements underway |
| 20 February 2010 update |
| AGM Minutes You can now read the minutes of our 2010 Annual General Meeting by clicking on this link. If you have any queries about any of the matters raised at the AGM, please contact us. |
| 29 January 2010 update |
Signs of progress!  Earlier this week we saw the installation of three new information signs in Hyde Park Cemetery. The signs were designed by the Friends, funded by a Grassroots Grant from Doncaster Central Development Trust, and manufactured and installed by Jubb Signs. One sign is placed adjacent to each of the cemetery's three entrances, the subjects of the signs covering 'Cemetery History', 'Notable Doncastrians' and 'Natural History'. Why not go and have a look? Successful AGM A very good turnout of 25 members and 8 visitors attended the Annual General meeting of the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery on Monday 25 January. As well as the formal business, the meeting was inspired by an illustrated presentation by the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery. The FoHPC Chair, Richard Bell, provided attendees not only with a report on progress during 2009, but also a summary of proposed and potential projects for the group during the coming year. Keep an eye on this website to track progress through the year! |
| 23 January 2010 update |
| Reminder of the imminent AGM! The Annual General meeting of the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery takes place on Monday 25 January at 7:15pm at St James' Hall, St Sepulchre Gate West, Doncaster. Please see the Events page for further details. |
| 22 January 2010 update |
| Sine FM Podcast now online If you missed the radio interview earlier this week, when Sheila North talked to Richard Bell about the work of the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery, as well as talking about Richard's local history book "The Sand House - A Victorian Marvel", you can now catch it online at Sine FM. Why not have a listen? (Note - Link no longer available). |
| 15 January 2010 update |
| Civic Trust hears all about Hyde
Park Cemetery The Friends' Chair, Richard Bell, gave a illustrated talk entitled "Hyde Park Cemetery - Past, Present & Future" to members of Doncaster Civic Trust yesterday evening. An enthusiastic group of 35 people not only heard about the cemetery's 154-year history, but they also learnt about the projects being pursued by the Friends. The interactive quiz about notable Doncastrians interred in the cemetery was particularly well received. If you are involved with a local group which would like to see and hear this presentation, please contact us. |
| 14 January 2010 update |
| 'Sine on' to Listen The Friends' Chair, Richard Bell, will be a guest on Sheila North's regular show, 'Book It' on Doncaster's community radio station, Sine FM, on Tuesday 19 January, starting at 11am. Richard and Sheila will be discussing the work of the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery, as well as talking about Richard's local history book "The Sand House - A Victorian Marvel". Sheila's weekly programme is dedicated to books and various literature, incuding interviews and coverage of local events. If you live in the central districts of Doncaster you can listen on 102.6 FM. Alternatively, you can listen online at Sine FM (Note: Link no longer available). You can also listen to the show after the event, via a podcast which can be accessed from the same link. |
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