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| 28 July 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. |
| 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. |
| 12 December 2009 update |
A Visit to Wombwell Cemetery In the few years since the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery were formed, they have achieved an enormous amount to improve the local authority-owned site. Members of FoWC acted as guides, showing their Hyde Park visitors around the cemetery. Their passion and commitment was clearly evident and they were able to provide lots of ideas for potential projects at Hyde Park Cemetery. The FoWC also were delighted to confirm that some of their group will be attending the FoHPC Annual General Meeting on 25 January 2010, to share their experiences with us. |
| 11 December 2009 update |
| Sowing the
Seeds In the past few weeks, pupils from Hexthorpe Primary School's Allotment Club have sown wildflower seeds, provided by the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery, into seed trays. These seeds will be propagated at the school over the winter period and then, in the spring, the young seedlings will be planted out, by Hexthorpe pupils, in Hyde Park Cemetery. More wildflower seed will be sown directly into the ground at the same time, to form the beginnings of a wildflower meadow. Watch out for more about this project early in 2010. |
| 19 October 2009 update |
| More on the
Mayor's Visit As promised, we can now bring you further information concerning Mayor Davies' recent visit to Hyde Park Cemetery. On
a pleasant, early October afternoon Mayor Peter Davies and Councillor
Cynthia
Ransome, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, visited After
explaining a little of the history of the cemetery and the role and
objectives
of the Friends, Richard and Alan sought Mayor Davies’ support for the
improvements
which the Friends are working to achieve. The discussion
covered subjects
ranging from re-surfacing some of the paths to the potential for
renovating the
Lodge and Chapels and bringing them back into long-term, sustainable
use.
Mayor Davies pledged his support to the Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery
and
undertook to do what he could to help in reversing the decline of the
site and
exploiting its potential for the benefit of the people of Soon
after
the visit, Mayor Davies said "I was impressed by the improvements made
at "Clearly
there is
much work still to be done, and I will look into any assistance the
Council can
give. I have already asked Richard Walker, my Cabinet Member
with
responsibility for Drainage, Transport and Roads, to look into, as an
initial
contribution, the possibility of improving the footpaths that criss
cross the
cemetery, and which are of vital importance to local residents. |
| 15 October 2009 update |
Great News!
Funding Bid Approved News
just in that the Friends' application to Doncaster Central Development
Trust (CDT) for a Grassroots Grant has received partial approval.
In fact, all elements of our bid except one have been
approved,
so we can now put into action several schemes that were developed
earlier this year.
This is a real milestone and a very significant achievement. For the first time, the Friends are in a position to make tangible improvements at the cemetery and begin to reverse the decline of recent decades. We'll provide updates on how the funded schemes are progressing over the coming weeks. |
| 10 October 2009 update |
Mayoral
visit to cemetery On
1 October, elected Mayor Peter Davies and Cllr Cynthia Ransome, Cabinet
Member for Neighbourhoods, took up an invitation from the Friends to
visit the cemetery.
More information about this meeting will follow shortly. |
| 9 October 2009 update |
All the fun
of the (History) Fair The
Friends of Hyde Park Cemetery's (FoHPC) display at the annual Doncaster
and District Heritage Association's Local History Fair was the subject
of a lot of interest.
The fair, which took place on Saturday 26 September at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, was a chance for people to find out more about the dozens of history-related groups in the area. As well as signing up for new members, the Friends distributed copies of self-guided walks to the cemetery, as well as flyers containing basic information about the FoHPC. They also took orders for copies of Margaret Burns' book about the cemetery, 'Standing Stones - Recumbent Ancestors', and took details of people who expressed interest in future FoHPC events. If you would like a copy of Margaret's book, please contact the Friends. |
| 8 October 2009 update |
A Walk
through the Past Eight adults and
two children enjoyed the September sunshine as the Friends once again
held a 'Heritage
Open Day' event at the cemetery.
Three FoHPC committee members led a guided walk titled 'Hyde Park Cemetery through the life of a Doncaster family' on Saturday 12 September. Starting with a brief introduction to the cemetery, the walk followed the story of the Carrs, Duckitts, and Moates, the latter being a well-known local building firm. It also took in the story of Hodgson and Hepworth's, a name still well-known in the Doncaster area for the chain of shops which it used to own, and the 'emporium' which was located on the site of the present-day Frenchgate centre. If you are interested in hearing more about this or future guided walks, please contact the Friends. |
| 18 August 2009 update |
|
Clean-up
Success
 Question -
What do the following have in common? A car wheel-trim, a pillow, a
gent's sweat-top, a road cone, and two duvets. Answer -
They were all items that were gathered up during FoHPC's Litter Pick
evening!
On the evening of Wednesday 12th August an intrepid group of Friends, led by members of DMBC's Safer Neighbourhoods Team, spent a couple of hours tidying Hyde Park Cemetery, by collecting as much litter and miscellaneous rubbish as they could find on the site. The result was about 20 refuse bags-full and a real sense of satisfaction, having made a positive contribution to the appearance of the cemetery. The Friends hope to hold another Litter Pick in the not-too-distant future, in order to tidy the areas that could not be done this time. This follow-up will also help us to judge how significant the littering problem is, based on how much 'new' litter has appeared by next time. So it's a great big thank you to everyone who took part in the Litter Pick, all of whom enjoyed the fresh air, pleasant weather, exercise and sense of achievement. |