 |
 NEWS PAGE - 2014 ARCHIVE |
| 15 December 2014 update |
| Lodge exterior restoration under way The Lodge's owner, Adrian Welch, was keen to show us recently the work that has started on restoring the Lodge. At this stage, it is mainly repairing the stonework of the exterior, such as re-facing the blocks that have eroded or spalled away.    The left-hand photo shows several sample areas, using material of slightly different colours. A variety of shades of beige, cream and white will be used for the stonework repairs, to be consistent with the range of colours already present on the Lodge. The middle photo shows how a spalled block has been drilled and threaded studs installed, to act as a key for a subsequent repair. Then, repair material is applied, to gradually build the block back up to its finished level. The right-hand photo shows an area where the masonary joints have been raked out prior to re-pointing. |
| 13 December 2014 update |
| A cold & bright Working Morning Hardy volunteers came along to today's Working Morning to help to keep the cemetery looking tidy. Litter-picking and sweeping / tidying around Section O were the main tasks. See the results below.   |
| 10 December 2014 update |
| An unusual type of holiday on offer We have been made aware of an unusual tour taking place in June 2015. Titled 'Cemeteries & Sanitation: the Victorian pursuit of cleanliness', it is being organised by Interesting Times. To find out more, please see the leaflet at this link or visit the Interesting Times website. Please note that this entry does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the product. |
| 9 December 2014 update |
| Stirling Graves Restoration Appeal The Friends have launched an appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the graves of Patrick Stirling and two of his sons. Patrick Stirling, Chief Locomotive Engineer of the Great Northern Railway from 1866 until 1895, is probably the most famous person to be laid to rest at Hyde Park Cemetery. The cemetery went through a particularly dark period around 15 years ago, when it was subject to regular acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. This vandalism included damage to Mr Stirling’s grave, as reported in the Doncaster Star on 6 May 1999. Thankfully, as a result of the work of both Doncaster Council and the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery, the site is far better respected than it was then. Many improvements have been made, and the Friends now wish to begin work on restoring some of the monuments. We would be very grateful indeed if readers would consider making a donation towards this work, in order that it can proceed as soon as possible. The work will be carried out by approved craftsmen and managed by the unpaid volunteers of Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery. Donations will go initially towards the restoration of the grave of Patrick Stirling senior, but any additional donations will be used to help restore the graves of Patrick Stirling junior and Robert Stirling, alongside their parents’ grave (see photograph showing all three graves).  Friends of Hyde Park
Cemetery
c/o DMBC Bereavement Services Rose Hill Crematorium Cantley Lane Doncaster South Yorkshire DN4 6NE Please make clear, when sending cheques, that they are contributions towards the Stirling Graves Restoration. Should anyone wish to make a donation by credit transfer, if they email info@fohpc.org.uk, we can provide our bank account details. Thank you very much indeed. |
| 6 December 2014 update |
| Community Awards Congratulations to all the category winners and well done to all fellow nominees in yesterday's Doncaster CVS Awards ceremony. The Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery sadly did not win the 'Community Group of the Year', but maybe we shall do so in the future. The award went to Cavy Corner Guinea Pig Sanctuary. |
| 21 November 2014 update |
| Voting opens for Community Group of the
Year - Please vote for us The Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery have been nominated for the ‘Community Group of the Year’ at the Doncaster CVS Awards 2014. We would really, really appreciate your support by voting for us, please. 1. Simply email your chosen group to editorial@doncastertoday.co.uk 2. Vote via the Doncaster Free Press Facebook page by adding a comment on the link to the Community Group of the Year story (which was posted at 07:08 on 20 Nov). 3. Post your entry to Community Group of the Year 2014, Doncaster Free Press, 39 Printing Office Street, Doncaster DN1 1TP. Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would ask your friends and colleagues to request vote for us, too, please. |
| 20 November 2014 update |
| AGM Minutes and Reports available The Minutes of Tuesday's Annual General Meeting are now available to download by clicking here or by visiting our Downloads page. The Chairman's Report and the Accounts for 2013/14 are attached at the end of the Minutes. |
| 19 November 2014 update |
| Fascinating talk at AGM The Friends' 2014 AGM took place last night. A disappointingly small audience was treated to a fascinating and unusual talk by Symeon Waller, who runs the Doncaster History website. He spoke on the subject of "What Lies Beneath - Opening the Cooke Family Vault". This turned out to be a most unusual and enthralling subject, which everyone present enjoyed. Full details of the "Secrets of the Vault" and its background can be found on the excellent website dedicated to Arksey Village history, at this link. The formal business of the AGM culminated with the re-election of the existing executive officers and committee, thus leaving 3 on-going vacancies. Anyone with an interest in the cemetery and a few hours per month to dedicate to the subject, is urged to get in touch, please. |
| 14 November 2014 update |
| Substantial financial donation to FoHPC The Friends received a substantial boost to their funds a few days ago. Woodfield Tenants & Residents' Association is ceasing to operate and closing down. As part of that closure, the TARA decided where it would donate its residual assets. We are delighted to report that they chose FoHPC as one of two beneficiaries. This will ensure that the funds that the TARA accumulated will continue to be used for the benefit of the local community. We thank Woodfield TARA most sincerely for their generosity. |
| 9 November 2014 update |
| Handsome visitor at Working Morning In spite of the extremely wet weather yesterday, a handful of volunteers braved the elements to help tidy the cemetery at our Monthly Working Morning. The heavy rain also failed to deter a handsome feathered friend from putting in an appearance. At first, it was flash of chestnut brown, coming to land on top of a distant cross. Then, by slowly approaching to a distance of about 15 metres, a clearer photo of this beautiful kestrel was possible.   |
| 5 November 2014 update |
| Halloween Family walk best yet It was unanimously agreed by everyone who had been involved with our Halloween walks from 2012 onwards that this year's was the best so far. A total of about 120 adults and children came along to enjoy the event. Our actor friends from Doncaster Little Theatre did a great job of telling the stories of some untimely deaths of characters who are buried in Hyde Park Cemetery. We would like to thank them for their help, as well as Scratch Music, who kindly loaned us the portable PA systems. |
| 20 October 2014 update |
| Family History Fair brings lots of interest Saturday's Doncaster & District Family History Society's annual Fair was a really successful event for the Friends. We had lots of people take an interest in our activities and some new Grave Finder applications submitted. The photograph below shows committee members Helen and Margaret ready for the arrival of the public at the start of the day.  |
| 12 October 2014 update |
| Lots achieved at Working Morning In spite of a low turnout at yesterday's Monthly Working Morning, much was achieved. The insect hotel was repaired and given a waterproof roof; the Friends' information sign formerly fixed to the Lodge was relocated to the main gate; the northern boundary was cleared of fallen tree branches; and litter was picked from across the site. The weather was lovely, as you will see from the image below.   |
| 4 October 2014 update |
| A look inside the Lodge As work gets underway on restoring the Lodge, its new owner, Adrian Welch, kindly allowed us to photograph the inside of the building. It clearly needs a great deal of work, but Adrian is both enthusiastic and intent on making a great job of it.    The image on the left shows an interesting detail of the original timber mullions, shaped to give the impression of being stone. The room shown on the right was where the Registers were kept in safes when the Lodge was home to the cemetery's supervisor. |
| 28 September 2014 update |
| 'Only Water
Between' Last Friday evening saw the first performance in Doncaster of a play called 'Only Water Between'. It is based on the letters exchanged between Jack Adam and his wife, Gertrude, in 1918, when Jack was fighting in the Great War in France. The letters came to light a couple of years ago at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. However, Jack and Gertrude lived at 3 Stirling Street, a few yards from Hyde Park Cemetery. Sadly, Jack was killed in action on 25th July 1918 and his body was never found. Gertrude is buried in the cemetery, having survived her husband by 26 years. Several representatives of the Friends visited Gertrude's grave to place flowers on it, before seeing the play at Balby Community Library. The performance marked the lauch of the Balby 2014 project, further details of which can be found at this link.  |
| 26 September 2014 update |
| Work starts on Lodge restoration We are pleased to report that work has started on restoring the Victorian Lodge at the Carr Lane entrance to the cemetery. It was bought earlier this year by Adrian Welch Glass & Glazing. At present, the work is in its very early stages, preparing for obtain Listed Building consent, for example. We shall keep you posted as things progress.   |
| 25 September 2014 update |
| Railway Walk attracts big crowd The Guided Walk on the subject of Railways & Railwaymen, held on 14th September, proved a great success. A crowd of 40 people attended and many contributed to the event by adding their own snippets of information as the walk progressed. |
| 30 August 2014 update |
| War grave headstone repaired The story of Corporal Thomas William Booth, who died on the 17th August 1915, featured in the Doncaster Free Press recently. The article included a photograph of his broken headstone. As a result, the Friends contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and requested that it be repaired. A new headstone has been ordered but, in the meantime, the CWGC has re-erected the existing headstone by setting it into the ground. Before and after pictures appear below.    |
| 29 August 2014 update |
| Visit by local MP Rosie Winterton MP visited Hyde Park Cemetery this afternoon to meet representatives from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Friends. Many MPs are visiting cemeteries in their constituencies this year to recognise the work of CWGC in commemorating Britain's war dead. Today's site visit proved to be most interesting for all concerned. The visit also coincided with the final day's volunteering by the second NCS group to carry out work in the cemetery in the last 3 weeks (see below). Ms Winterton chatted to the young volunteers and explained to them how WW1 had led to women gaining the vote, following their invaluable contribution to keeping Britain operating while the men fought overseas.   |
| 21 August 2014 update |
| Insect hotel completed The insect hotel has been completed by the NCS team, and very fine it looks, too! Sadly, and very frustratingly, the accompanying sign (which appears on the right-hand photo of the 18 August entry) has already been vandalised. Visiting the site this morning, we found the supporting posts had been ripped out of the ground and the sign itself flung to one side. There was minor damage to the insect hotel contents, which has been rectified, but the sign could not be saved. Let us hope that the main structure survives. What sort of person could do this?   |
| 18 August 2014 update |
| Insect hotel progress The National Citizen Service (NCS) young people are making excellent progress with the insect hotel.    We shall post photos of the finished project soon. |
| 17 August
2014
update (again) |
| World War One Guided Walk Visitors young and old came along to listen to the stories of some of the 85 servicemen who died as a result of WW1 and are buried at Hyde Park Cemetery. They included Dave McCabe, from Mexborough, who gave authenticity to the occasion by attending in WW1 KOYLI uniform. Dave is member of the Great War Society (Yorks & Lancs) and takes a keen interest in all matters concerning that conflict.    |
| 17 August 2014 update |
| 'Clueless' on BBC Radio Sheffield It was great to welcome Kat and the anti-Stig from BBC Radio Sheffield to Hyde Park Cemetery this morning, as part of the live broadcast of 'Clueless'. During a 3-hour programme, the general public phones in to solve clues, to send Kat to various places around South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. Today's first clue took her to the cemetery, to find out about the WW1 Guided Walk taking place this afternoon. During the short interview, we talked about next month's Railways walk. We inadvertently attributed the famous locomotives, Mallard and Flying Scotsman, to Patrick Stirling; we really do know that they were built after Stirling's time. We are sorry about any confusion caused by the excitement of the moment! |
| 15 August 2014 update |
| Insect hotel begun Further to yesterday's news item, the NCS team of youngsters has started work on the insect hotel at the cemetery.  |
| 14 August 2014 update |
| Young volunteers to build 'insect hotel' Young people who are taking part in the government backed National Citizen Service scheme will be building an insect hotel at the cemetery over the next few days. NCS is a way for 15 to 17 year olds to make extraordinary friendships, learn the skills they don’t teach you in class and create unforgettable memories. The team of 14 youngsters has already planned the work and raised money for and started gathering materials. We'll look forward to showing you the finished construction. |
| 11 August 2014 update |
| Lodge sale due for completion The final legalities concerning the sale of the former Lodge by Doncaster Council, to Adrian Welch Glass & Glazing, are expected to be completed this week. Adrian is very keen to then move ahead as soon as possible with his restoration plans for the building. We shall keep you updated with progress.  |
| 10 August 2014 update |
| Date of 2014 AGM announced This year's Annual General Meeting of FoHPC will take place on Tuesday 18th November. Please see our Events page for further details. |
| 9 August 2014 update |
| Main entrance cleared At today's volunteers' Working Morning the opportunity was taken to clear away the soil and gravel that had accumulated immediately outside the cemetery's main entrance. The recent heavy downpours had washed the material down the embankment from the adjacent dual carriageway. Let us hope that tomorrow's forecast rainfall doesn't undo today's good work.   |
| 25 July 2014 update |
| Doncaster GreenSpace Network The Doncaster GreenSpace Network is a collection of community groups within the Borough with the common aim of improving their own little part of Doncaster. The network is aimed at spreading good ideas (of which there are many) and lending support when required. The network will also liaise, link and assist the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces. Please visit http://doncastergsn.wordpress.com for more details. FoHPC are keen to be involved with this group, but are currently struggling to provide representation at the midweek meetings. If you would like to help, please contact us. |
| 22 July 2014 update |
| Successful walks Last weekend's 'Bat Walk' and 'Mansion House to Music Hall' Guided Walk attracted a good number of visitors, all of whom seemed enthusiastic and very interested in the subject matter. On Saturday evening, not only were Common Pipistrelle bats detected, but also some Noctule bats. Sunday 17 August sees our next Guided Walk, visiting graves of men who died in and as a result of the Great War. This will be a repeat of the walk that took place in May this year. |
| 19 July 2014 update |
| Weather set fair for this weekend's walks The skies are clearing this evening in time for the 9pm start to our Bat Walk. Tomorrow's weather forecast is for dry and warm weather for the 'Mansion House to Music Hall' Guided Walk. We would love to see you at these events. |
| 9 July 2014 update |
| Latest Newsletter issued The Friends' latest Newsletter has recently been distributed to members and supporters. Once again, we thank Weldricks Pharmacy for their sponsorship. The Newsletter can be downloaded from our Downloads page. |
| 15 June 2014 update |
| Bat Walk announced The Friends have today announced the details of this year's Bat Walk. It will take place on the evening of Saturday 19 July. Please see our Events page for details. |
| 10 June 2014 update |
| Restoring the Lodge The various legalities from the sale are still being finalised, so until that has been completed no work can start on restoring the Lodge (see News item 30 April 2014). In the meantime, contact has been re-established with Mr A.Drinkall, who was the last person to live there. He moved out 22 years ago this month. It is hoped to arrange for Mr Drinkall to pay a visit to the Lodge early in its restoration, as he may have information which will be of use to the new owner, Adrian Welch of Adrian Welch Glass & Glazing. |
| 23 May 2014 update |
| Good crowd at WW1 War Graves walk Sunday's first Guided Walk of 2014 attracted a crowd of about 30 visitors. They were led to a dozen graves of WW1 servicemen and told the moving stories of their Great War experiences. The walk drew excellent feedback and generous donations to the Friends. The same walk will be repeated on Sunday 17th August. |
| 16 May 2014 update |
| Green Dyke Lane entrance refurbished Work has now been completed on the Green Dyke Lane entrance and it is looking great. The photos show the turnstile before the manufacturer's nameplate was re-attached. Once again, we would like to offer our thanks to our generous benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous.    |
| 8 May 2014 update |
| Work starts on Green Dyke Lane entrance Further to our News article on 8 March 2014, work has begun on restoring Green Dyke Lane entrance. The double gates and the turnstile have been taken to the contractor's workshops. They will be stripped back to bare metal, repaired and galvanised, before being repainted. The adjacent railings will be repaired on site.  |
| 30 April 2014 update |
| Lodge sold at auction The cemetery Lodge, which as up for sale at auction yesterday (see 9 April News item, below) has been sold. It was bought by Adrian Welch Glass & Glazing, who already own the former school premises immediately across the road, on Carr Lane. Given Adrian’s record of restoring the former school, and his support for the work of the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery, we can be assured of a bright future for the Lodge. A restored building at the main entrance to the site will give a much better first impression to visitors. |
| 19 April 2014 update |
| FoHPC flyers to be delivered The Friends have recently taken delivery of 5000 full colour A5-size flyers, promoting the cemetery and the work of our volunteer group. Copies are already available in Doncaster Tourist Information Centre (the Blue Building) and others will be delivered to homes near to the cemetery in a few days' time.   |
| 9 April 2014 update |
| Cemetery Lodge for sale Doncaster Council, owners of Hyde Park Cemetery, are hoping to sell the Lodge at an auction on 29 April. As part of its cost-saving measures, the Council is disposing of many of the buildings that it owns. The successful bidder will be obliged to restore the building, as well as repairing the archway alongside. Any new use for the Lodge must be compatible with the nature of its surroundings. |
| 3 April 2014 update |
| 2014 Guided Walks announced This year's guided walks around Hyde Park Cemetery have now been fixed. They cover a range of themes and, in particular, include a new walk on the subject of World War One, to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War. Please visit our Events page for further details. |
| 20 March 2014 update |
| Black Poplar trees felled These photographs show why it was necessary to fell the Black Poplars along the New Street boundary. Sad as it is to see them go, they were clearly a hazard.   |
| 12 March 2014 update |
Goodbye to the Black Poplar trees |
| 8 March 2014 update |
Gate restoration to go ahead |
| 21 February 2014 update |
| Marker post replaced We reported the theft of one of the Heritage Circuit marker posts a few weeks ago. The Friends have now bought a replacement post and installed it in its position near the New Street gate. |
| 14 January 2014 update |
| Need help choosing a gravestone? A new on-line resource has been brought to our attention. GravestonesHQ has been put together by someone who had the misfortune to have to choose a headstone for a departed loved one. He found that there was very little guidance available, so decided to do something about it. GravestonesHQ is the result. You may find it useful, although we would remind you that the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery are not responsible for the content of external websites. |
| 12 January 2014 update |
| Good attendance at first Working Morning of 2014 Eight Friends got stuck in to some serious tidying of parts of the cemetery at the first Working Morning of the year yesterday. Dry and sunny weather provided ideal conditions. Among the tasks carried out were a thorough clean-up around the Green Dyke Lane entrance and re-fixing the banner on the Carr House Road railings. There was also a thorough litter-pick, although a relatively small amount semed to have been deposited since before Christmas.   |
| 1 January 2014 update |
| A Happy New Year! We hope that you all have a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. |
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