Autumn / Winter Newsletter 2003/04
Barnsley, Dearne & Dove Canals Trust
Autumn / Winter Newsletter 2003/04
Feasibility Study
We are writing to keep you informed about the latest developments concerning the Barnsley Dearne & Dove Canals (The Yorkshire Waterways Link). The Barnsley Canals Consortium (a grouping of Local Authorities and other interested bodies including the Trust) has been working over the last few months writing a brief for a Canal feasibility study. There is a increasing sense of urgency because a Local Authority Unitary Development Plan is currently in the process of being reviewed, and evidence from the feasibility study is required to protect the route under a planning review. The stage has now been reached where the brief has been sent out requesting Consultants to show an expression of interest. It is anticipated that the feasibility report will cost in the region of £30,000-£40,000 to produce.
Your Trust is actively looking at funding streams from a number of different sources. Until we have formal estimates from two or three Consultants, grantors will not allow applications to be submitted. Unfortunately we can’t go out formally to tender, until we have monies firmly pledged. It is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. Hence the need for the Consultants to show expressions of interest, giving an estimate of their charges.
Grantors expect us to already have some funds before we apply to them. To this end the Council of Management has decided to allocate £500 from our Restoration Fund Account and that we should also launch an appeal for donations from our own members and the wider public. The appeal is to be formally launched on Wednesday 22nd October 2003 at the “Spice of India” Restaurant on Pontefract Road, Hoyle Mill, Barnsley. A “Race Night” has been organised and going on past form it promises to be an excellent night. Tickets at £14.95 will be sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis and will include a three-course meal with coffee and is inclusive of entertainment. The doors open at 19.00 hours for a 19.30 hours start. To reserve your tickets please phone 01226 743383 or 01226 790341 ASAP. (English food is also available)
The Trust is looking for donations small and large towards the feasibility study. Cheques should be made payable to the BDDCT (Restoration/Feasibility Appeal) and should be sent C/O 39 Hill Street, Elsecar, Barnsley S74.8EN. Please use tear off slip below.
If you would like to organise a fund raising event such as a ‘coffee morning’, raffle etc. amongst your friends, we should be grateful. Donations will be acknowledged in ‘The Keel’ .We are confident that the results of the feasibility study will mark the turning point where real restoration of the canals will begin. We thank you in anticipation of your support.
Other News
Next year, in April, the Trust celebrates its 20th Birthday. A number of events and activities are being planned for the year. Details to follow in the December edition of “The Keel.” Please also see our website at
In July 2004 the Grass Roots Theatre Group will present a community drama, entitled "Time and Chance," in Cannon Hall Park, Barnsley. The play will involve over 100 local people, and will examine the impact on life, of the coming of TheBarnsley Canal. A fictitious story involving music and song, it will bring to life some of the true events and concerns of the early 19th Century. Grass Roots' previous production, "One Breath", played to great acclaim in the summer of 2000. Our float “Tyke” is auditioning for a part in the play, we are hopeful that that the play will generate even greater interest in the Canals and the possibilities for restoration and enhancement.
Programme - dates for your diary: -
Saturday- Sunday 11/10/03-12/1-/03 Barnsley Dearne & Dove Canals display at Cawthorne Jubilee Museum, Taylor Hill, Cawthorne, Barnsley. From 14.00-17.00 hours on each day, a museum well worth a visit.
Wednesday 22/10/03 Canal Curry Race Night from 19.00 hours at the Spice of India Restaurant, Pontefract Rd. Hoyle Mill, Barnsley. See above
Monday 3/11/03 Meeting Market Hotel, Wentworth Rd. Elsecar near Barnsley 20.00 hours prompt. Talk on “Barnsley Canal:- Silkstone Tramway”, which ran from Barnby Canal Basin, near Barnsley. The speaker will be a Mr Jim Ritchie who is an authority on this subject.
Monday 10/11/03 Talk on “The Barnsley Canal and the Collieries it Served” by Mr John Goodchild organised by the Friends of Barnsley Archives and Local Studies. To be held at 19.00 hours in the Lecture Room at Barnsley Central Library, Shambles Street, Barnsley. Admission £1.00. Talk to be illustrated by original documents, plans and illustrations.
Monday 1/12/03Meeting Market Hotel, Wentworth Rd. Elsecar near Barnsley 20.00 hours. Open meeting & Christmas quiz. Your chance to show off your knowledge or lack of it.
Many Thanks, Derek Housley, Chairman
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Barnsley Dearne Dove Canals Trust, c/o 39 Hill Street, Elsecar, Barnsley, S74.8EN, Co No.2600350, Charity No.10002651
I wish to make a donation of £ payable to the ‘BDDCT - (Restoration - Feasibility Appeal )’
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