Pontefract Voice - December 2018 by Pontefract Civic Society

PONTEFRACT VOICE DECEMBER 2018

PONTEFRACT CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

WISHING ALL MEMBERS AND READERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

CIVIC VOICE CONVENTION The Big Conservation Conversation The convention theme has continued from last year’s event, such is the significance of the issue on conservation in our towns and cities, though the format of the event changed to one which had a theatre setting on day one with an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, and a limited mix of workshops of tours on day two, though our chair, Paul Cartwright and his wife Christine were not convinced that this format was an improvement on previous conventions. Nonetheless, here’s what the keynote speakers said to the increased and attentive audience:

Day 1 National Trust’s Dame Fiona Reynolds – “Beauty is as much a part of our health & well-being as the built environment.... but is planning policy designed in the interests of the developer?” Deborah Lamb, CEO Historic England – “Our Heritage at Risk report has just been published, and conservation area advice will soon be updated Tony Barton, Chair Donald Insall Associates (architects) – “Managed change, not just conservation, is helpful due to community engagement before approaching planners.” Victoria Hill’s CEO Royal Town Planning Institute – “1. There is no place to separate Public, Private & Charity sectors - one planning system & we’re all in it, together. 2. Trickle-down from Dudley Zoo improved the impact on the High Street. 3. Section 215 Enforcement in Sheffield has been effective.” Max Farrell – “The Farrell Review 5 years on shows place-making remains important in many ways – Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation, Engineering.” James Caird Institute of Historic Building Conservation spoke about street clutter (public & private) in conservation areas, and the need for more civic pride, civic design, place-making enforcement, Registered charity number 513509

though there will be environmental challenges. He urged civic societies to build constructive relationships with local planning officers, and to be part of the solution, not the problem! Ben Derbyshire, Royal Institute of British Architects President, promoted ‘sustainable re-use’ of buildings, and regeneration, conservation, collaboration and partnership were important messages between public/private sector professionals and third sector.

Day 2 Sarah McLeod, CEO Wentworth Woodhouse, delivered a warts and all pictorial presentation on their journey thus far. This included an indication of how the project would be shaped from measuring their immediate success rate in how many fewer buckets are full from roof leaks, to asbestos specialists and dry rot specialists having opposing views on the necessary actions, and preparation of the business plan to generate income to allow for further conservation and sustainability. The project now employs 19 staff, the Board has full local support and representation, and has also engaged with the National Citizenship Service. We heard different approaches to the same subject that is the future of conservation areas in Blackpool and Ilkley. Swindon Civic Voice was also rewarded, being named as the best conservation area following a public vote. Engaging with young people (tomorrow’s adults), is an important area of development for Pontefract Civic Society, therefore we made sure we heard from the horse’s mouth, Birmingham Civic Society’s Next Generation Awards. However this is a significantly sized annual programme of works involving all Birmingham’s schools, and is out of our reach. There are some aspects which on a smaller scale our Citizenship Group may consider for the future. shortly decide which days we will plan for, locally.

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CHAIR’S REPORT Building owners, scheme architects, THI Officers, the civic society, and members of the Pontefract THI Grants Board attended, with addresses from Cllr Jeffery, Cllr Garbutt and Sue Mendus (Heritage Lottery Fund).

2019 is the Golden Jubilee of the formation of Pontefract & District Civic Trust, so it’s going to be a special year, a different year, and a year in which we will do more than we normally do!

Proposals for the project commenced in 2010, and we’ve fortunately seen two extensions to the end of the scheme, which has allowed for more buildings to be carefully conserved by skilled architects and tradesmen. It is my belief that this project has also acted as a catalyst for other property owners and tenants to improve the look of their businesses including the introduction of a coordinated heritage colour scheme – something Allan Blaza and others in the civic society have campaigned for over many years.

The newly formed Citizenship Group has been given the responsibility of leading the planning, with other members being brought in ad hoc. This will be more than our usual offer of talks and events, we’ll also be looking at other towns and civic societies to see how they do business, and some form of entertainment will be part of our enhanced 2019 programme. It will be challenging to get all this done, though I am really looking forward to the results, and through our new group structure the key will be teamwork, and we need you to get on board. Now to finish off 2018, what have I been doing recently?

Townscape Heritage Initiative “end of term” report I represented the civic society at a celebration event at 26 Market Place (William H Brown) for the culmination of Pontefract Townscape Heritage Initiative, which has seen the improvement works to 27 historic buildings in the town centre, resulting in an investment in the region of £2m. Registered charity number 513509

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Design Awards 2017 and 2018 are coming soon Following a delay for the 2017 awards, we will shortly be delivering two sets of Design Awards towards the end of January 2019.

WDH Barracks entrance feature (grant contribution) On Monday 12th November, the day after Remembrance Sunday, Christine and I together with Mike Skidmore attended the official launch of the commemorative entrance feature at the Barracks Estate. The Barracks Community Association, Wakefield District Housing and Pontefract Civic Society have been involved in arranging and financing the feature and also a handsome decorated World War One steel bench as part of the setting. The Chairperson of the Association, Ann Cuthbert, gave a short speech as did the Chief Executive of Wakefield District Housing, Kevin Dodd. A service was held by Father Michael, then a bugler sounded the Last Post with two minutes silence observed, then several wreaths were laid. Over twenty people were present, including ward councillors and contractors involved in the project, and after the rather moving ceremony we all went to Community Hall for a great spread of tea and cakes. As many of you may know The Barracks was the home to many soldiers during their initial training from the time before the Boer War right up until Registered charity number 513509

1968. As a result of its heritage and impact on the town, Pontefract Civic Society will continue to work with the Barracks Community Association and Wakefield District Housing which may add a further bench, and we will certainly be delivering an interpretation board which we have discussed with Col. Gerald Delany.

Interserve 2019 project

One of our members, Nathan Garbutt-Moore, Partnership and Performance Executive for West Yorkshire at Interserve Learning & Employment, submitted an application to the Interserve Employee Foundation, and we’ve recently received £500, which is really great, so “Thank You, Nathan” in thinking of us. Interserve and the civic society can now create a collaborative project to benefit Pontefract. We’ve had one initial scoping meeting, where I invited Colin White, Chair of Pontefract in Bloom, where it became immediately clear that it is a shortage of volunteers which can be a limiting factor as to how much can be planted in Pontefract town centre. Nathan came to the rescue in that respect too, with the offer of volunteer time from both employees and apprentices, which under the supervision of Pontefract in Bloom will make a world of difference in May, 2019. www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

Leeds City Region rapid transit “conversation” Initial plans have been revealed for a brand new transport network that could be built to link Leeds city centre with other areas of the city, Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire area. It was suggested that three new mass transit system lines may be built. The first would link Bradford and Dewsbury with the city centre, the second would stretch out as far as Castleford, while the third line would fan out east, ending at Thorpe Park. Members of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee discussed the plans at a meeting in Leeds city centre on 9th November. This is only the start of a conversation, though after two failed projects in Leeds, let’s hope this can be ‘third time lucky’, if as a community, we are serious about integrated transport, and the beneficial environment which could be created through fewer road journeys. By coincidence, Andrew Fuller, Birmingham City Council’s City Design Manager, delivered a workshop on the regeneration zones in Birmingham, at the Civic Voice Convention, where he said “there’s an out of date mind-set and love for the car and parking spaces, which has to change.” Paul Cartwright Chair

Pontefract Working Group A few highlights from our discussions to keep readers informed:

• The Pontefract Working Group reports to

the Technical Advisory Panel as part of the governance arrangements to deliver the programme of projects emanating from the Pontefract Vision 2028 • The draft Pontefract Action Plan was approved by the TAP and can be viewed at https://bit. ly/2Qvb3Eq Registered charity number 513509

• Wakefield MDC recently produced a map/leaflet

to promote independent shopping in Pontefract; the map is actually similar to our 2017 Christmas Trail, hence we did not go ahead with a 2018 trail to avoid confusion for businesses • A Place-making Workshop took place in November between WMDC, WDH and the civic society, the output of which will help inform the working group, going forwards • A Horsefair Vision will be scoped based on an extension of the Special Policy Area as part of the Local Plan • The High Street UK 2020 report will be used to agree priorities leading towards actions Paul Cartwright & Karl Gilbert Chair & Secretary

MEMBERSHIP Your current membership expires on 31 Dec, 2018, with the exception of those who have recently joined for 2019, or have recently renewed your membership. For 2019, we are going to trial reduced membership fees for individual members and couples at the same household; all we ask is that you are on email to achieve this special rate.

Individual Member (with email)

£5

Individual Member (without email)

£15 £8

Joint Members (same address & with email) Joint Members (same address &

£20

without email) Bronze Business Member

£45

Silver Business Member

£95

Gold Business Member Honorary Membership

£195

Junior Civic Society Membership www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

No fee No fee 5

COMMITTEE REPORTS Planning Committee During the past couple of months, we have been finalising our Design Awards for 2017 and 2018, which will be presented as separate award years on Weds 23 Jan, 2019. We hope that civic society members, invited stakeholders and shortlisted businesses will gather for a great evening to celebrate the ongoing regeneration and conservation of Pontefractâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine architecture. The committee have also reviewed and made comment on the following planning applications, the details of which were published on WMDC website. To see all applications which have been reviewed by the committee and the comments made, please refer to our website. Referece

Summary

Location

Stance

Change of use application as detailed below and on the supporting documents. Lower Ground Floor 1,195sqft - Highlighted areas A1 to A3/ 18/02555/FUL

A5 Ground Floor 3,182sqft - Highlighted areas A1 to D1 (Dentistry) This application runs in line with previous application PP-05806591v1 which

17 Ropergate

Supported

6 Ropergate

No Objection

was approved. Please see the attached heritage statement for further details. 18/02393/FUL

External repairs and alterations to shop frontage (retrospective) Reduce property side to give 3metre clearance of building (T1 & T2);

18/02335/TPO

Remove Sycamore trees (T3 & T4) Replace felled sycamore with one 12/14cm heavy standard oak tree

18/02311/FUL 18/02312/LBC

External repairs and alterations to shop frontage (retrospective) External repairs and alterations to shop frontage and erection of signage advertisement (retrospective)

Bluebell Public House 24 And 26 Corn Market

No Objection

6 Ropergate

No Objection

18/02272/FUL

Conversion of retail unit to provide private hire booking office only

25 Beastfair

Objected

18/02426/CPL

Proposed loft conversion with rear dormer

18 The Mount

No Objection

Rail Group A few short snippets of rail news... Monkhill platform extension It was announced by Network Rail that the platform would be extended to accommodate possible longer trains due to be introduced in the near future. Whilst we support improved infrastructure, our concerns have been raised to ensure that this project does not hinder much greater future improvements to improve accessibility for disabled passengers and those with pushchairs, wheelchairs and heavy luggage.

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Steam Excursions Two top link steam locomotives, a Duchess and an A4, came through Baghill on Saturday the 17th of November, the latter coming through in darkness, displaying an eerie glow from the firebox. Data Collection We have had many reports of late, cancelled and overcrowded services, including Grand Central; the latter appear to be very poor at giving information when faced with a crisis. All this data will be recorded and presented to Yvette Cooper MP when we next meet with her.

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£500 budget from RailFuture (the regional campaigning group). A sum of £500 has been allocated by RailFuture to assist with our campaigns. We will be planning how best to utilise this grant at the next meeting. Dave Hogg Rail Group Coordinator

Dream Time Creative, the arts company behind the Wakefield project, quite rightly wished to make Elizabeth’s achievements more widely known, especially in her home town of Pontefract. Recently, a series of workshops and talks commenced at Pontefract Museum, which will continue in the new year culminating in a blue plaque being unveiled in March, honouring the work of Elizabeth.

“The civic society has been asked to assist in researching some of the background to Elizabeth’s life, of which very little is known.”

Heritage Group Elizabeth Moxon - blue plaque project 2019 The aim of the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project is to research, share and bring to life women from Wakefield District’s past who have had a positive impact on the area and the lives of its people today. The group has moved its focus outside the city boundaries and into the fair town of Pontefract, in order to highlight the achievements of Elizabeth Moxon. In 1741, Elizabeth had a book published in Leeds by James Lister, the owner of the Leeds Mercury newspaper. The book was titled ‘English Housewifry’, an influential cookery book and as a result she has been called, in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, one of ‘the female pioneers of English culinary writing’. The publication appeared in 16 editions, the initial one being sold from her house here in Pontefract. The 2nd edition was also marketed in London, the first cookery book from the provinces to make it to London. Registered charity number 513509

The civic society has been asked to assist in researching some of the background to Elizabeth’s life, of which very little is known. One of the ‘problems’ the project has, is where to place the blue plaque in her home town of Pontefract. When asked ‘Where did Elizabeth Moxon live?’ the usual reply from our local historians is, ‘Finkle Street’. However, no one seems to have any factual foundation to this location, other than that’s what they have been told. Our Heritage Group decided to research a little deeper, in order to assist the project in its quest to locate the home of Elizabeth. Referring to ‘Pontefract Burgage Tenures of 1767’ (a hand written document produced by the late John Holmes detailing every property owner and tenants for the town), there was indeed a ‘Moxon’ residing in Finkle Street in 1767. The property is described as ‘Forsters Folly’, owned by Lord Galway and the tenant’s name was William Moxon. The ‘Tenures’ document also describes the property locations, buildings and streets in relation to its location. To the east of the property was the ‘street’, so from this the deduction is that the property is on the St Giles side of the street. To the west is Lord Rockingham’s property in Hemp Cross (Wool Market), probably the site of the current Windmill pub. To the north of the ‘folly’ property was a passage www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

and to the south was another property owned by Lord Galway. To the south of this second Galway property is a property on Bridge Street. Making reference to these properties on current Google maps, a Pontefract map of 1871 and especially the Paul Jollage map of 1742 (a copy hangs in the museum), the Finkle Street and Bridge Street properties are clearly identifiable. The building rented by William Moxon is of a similar footprint to the property currently occupied by 3 separate businesses (takeaway, nails, and taxis) though the former Rose and Crown public house, which opened in 1848, closed in 1961. The ‘Folly’ property is clearly visible on the Jollage map; to the south of the building was the adjoining Galway property, to the north was the garden of the Moxon property. The frontage on Finkle Street was quite large, with both a building and a garden; there weren’t many such properties in Pontefract, attracting the large burgage fee.

The research by our Heritage Group is ongoing as we try to discover more about the culinary writer’s life to assist the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project in finding the appropriate location for the blue plaque honouring the work of Elizabeth Moxon. Heritage Open Days 2019 In the meantime, our own research continues on creating the 50th Anniversary timeline, and we have also agreed that we will create a larger Heritage Open Days festival in Pontefract, for the first time over two weekends (13-15 and 19-22 Sept). Pontefract – Past, Present & Future Research also continues in support of a significant number of interpretation boards funded by Wakefield Council’s capital fund, for installation in the town centre and at each rail station. Phil Henfry Heritage Group Coordinator

Citizenship Group 50th Anniversary As mentioned, in the last edition we have now held the inaugural meeting of our 50th Anniversary working group including Colin White and Phil Henfrey to look at how we celebrate our Golden Jubilee; over and above the Citizenship Group, other members will come and go depending on our outline programme. We have created a sizeable list of ideas which is a mixture of additional events and PR opportunities which need their feasibility and costing to be checked. A major celebration for May, 2019, which we have agreed, which will coincide with the anniversary of the formation of Pontefract & District Civic Trust, will be an evening concert at Pontefract Town Hall, and we are currently checking the availability of the Doncaster Youth Swing Band which is part of the famous Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA), and we will publish the date and ticket arrangements soon. Other events and activities that are currently being arranged include a ‘timeline’ of the history of the civic movement and our successes, which it is hoped will also spawn further events to add to our emerging Registered charity number 513509

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programme. The blue plaque for Elizabeth Moxon will be an early part of our programme in March, 2019. In all we are planning to make 2019 a year of celebration and recognition, we will welcome the support and active participation of members, friends and families, and the wider community from which we can then make the civic society even bigger and better in working for Pontefract. Again, if you’re able to help, please let us know.

“In order to understand how we can best engage with youth we need to understand what we can offer.” Ferrybridge A Power Station (100 years) The citizenship group was fortunate to be invited to attend the centennial open day at Ferrybridge A Power Station, now the RWE workshops. The day was arranged as a community event not only to promote awareness of the site’s 100 year anniversary, but also to promote community groups to employees and others in the local community. The day gave the citizenship group the opportunity to promote the civic society and to highlight some of our past achievements and our future plans. It was a very interesting day not only for the amount of interest shown in our activities, but also for the members present to be able to take part in the tour of the old power station. The opportunity was taken to learn of the changes to the building, its function and the future plans it has in supporting the electricity supply Registered charity number 513509

industry. The added bonus to our members was the free hot food being supplied by RWE, the owners of the site. Can the Junior Civic Society extend from schools to other groups? The team are currently looking at how we can engage with youth in developing and encouraging participation with the civic society, and how we can help them where this is in synergy with our interests. In order to understand how we can best engage with youth we need to understand what we can offer. It may be we are able to match and support some areas of the key stage curriculum (and we are talking with some schools), or we may be able to engage with local youth groups who may have similar values thereby giving mutual support to both organisations. This work is in its early stages, but it is seen as a key factor in how we can grow our membership, bring something fresh to the civic movement, and raise awareness of our work by influencing the adults of the future. Whichever way we decide to go, we need to ensure we have the people and resources to make this happen. We cannot fail in delivering what we promise, so we need to be careful of not overpromising. If you have skills and an interest in helping in this area or know someone who may be interested, then please get in touch. Phil Cook Citizenship Group Coordinator

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Talks & Tours Group

Highways Group

Our final talk this year was on Tuesday 13th November and given by our long-time contributor, Eric Houlder, whose talk was entitled Recording Disappearing Pontefract. Eric is not only noted as being interested in history, but is also known as aerial photographer of ancient and not so ancient evidence of man’s habitation on our land.

It would be good to finish the year off on a positive note with some more news on the results of Roadside Traffic Surveys carried out in Sept/ Oct 2017; they are imminent. These will provide the information on which progress can be made with the South Featherstone Link Road.

The talk was centred on current and the old town of Pontefract, the latter origins east of the castle, and as always, it was interesting, informative and packed with local knowledge that was entirely new to most of us there, and accompanied with a plethora of photos. Questions then followed. Again, as always, Eric’s talk could have gone on for much longer than planned, but unfortunately we have to abide by the time we occupy the room in the Grange. The Talks and Tours Group has brought together a series of talks for 2019 and we have also planned several visits for our members. These will require travelling probably by car, and we will make those known to you when we produce our 2019 Calendar of Events. Finally, we held our annual Christmas Dinner at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel on Wednesday 5th December. The presentation of the table through to the food and attentive staff were a credit to the hotel management.

“The Council’s Planning Committee has yet to meet to decide on the Leisure Hub, which will undoubtedly impact on our already busy highways.” To the east of the town, we still look for some agreement on improvements to Mill Dam Lane, whilst design work is progressing on the gyratory scheme near ALDI and All Saints Church. Work should also start soon on minor improvements to Broad Lane. The Council’s Planning Committee has yet to meet to decide on the Leisure Hub, which will undoubtedly impact on our already busy highways.

We are looking forward to the coming year, where there will be many additions to our standard series of events and activities – watch this space. A lot is also happening for Pontefract as a whole, where positive collaborative projects will have input from the civic society.

Keen observers will see continued growth in traffic around the immediate area. The causes are self-explanatory if you consider the centres of employment, administration and education, factor in areas of housing growth and lack of infrastructure to join up the dots.

Mike Skidmore Talks & Tours Group Coordinator

Hopefully the Highways Group will meet with Council Officers late in January for some positive news. Derek Vaux Highways Group Secretary

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OTHER SOCIETY REPORTS

Pontefract in Bloom

Pontefract Heritage Group

There was a period of frantic activity in October when we completed the winter planting: 5,000 pansies, forget-me-not and bellis. We had the help of volunteers from Friends of Pontefract Park for the two beds there, St Giles Church for their flower bed and the Lionesses planted the two stone troughs as always. Our small Pontefract in Bloom committee cleared and replanted all the planters in town. The plants were grown on for us again by Day Opportunities based at Thornes Park Nurseries and we will be continuing the collaboration in 2019.

Pontefract Heritage Group recently hosted another successful Ghost Walk season at Pontefract Castle with the support of the Castle team. Jayne Poppleton, chair, said ‘We try to ring the changes every year. This year featured a slideshow of photographs from the Council’s collection in the Visitor Centre. The Castle has so much fascinating history that we could never run out of characters to tell the gruesome story of Pontefract.”

We are expecting to have even more planters in the town centre next year and would welcome more volunteers to help with the planting. To maintain awareness of PiB through the winter months we are distributing a Christmas card to all our sponsors and town centre businesses and we will issue a newsletter in January followed by our sponsor flyer in February.

Members of the cast with also take part in the first Knottingley Christmas Walk on 16th December. New members are always welcome - please contact Jayne on 07902464478. Jayne Poppleton PHG Chair

Dr Colin White PiB Chair

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Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens

A new tree sculpture of a fairy house was completed by Karl Barker, Yorkshire Carving in November, thanks to sponsorship from 5 Towns Helping Hands.

January 2019 will mark eight years since Pontefract Dispensary was vacated by the NHS and six years since Pontefract Dispensary and Hermitage Action group (PDHAG) was formed with the aim of preserving the Dispensary and Hermitage. Within the first year PDHAG had become incorporated as Pontefract Heritage Partnership Limited (PHP) specifically to take ownership of the Dispensary and Hermitage by community asset transfer from the NHS and in 2017 PHP converted to a Community Benefit Society to allow a community share issue. We obtained Heritage Lottery funding to allow us to develop a business plan, architect’s plans for the renovation of the building and a community share prospectus but we have not been able to go public with the community share issue because of the slow progress in getting agreement from the NHS on the legal details of the community asset transfer. However at long last the Mid Yorkshire NHS has confirmed an asset package which gives us a viable and sustainable project and we are now seeking further funding to progress.

We are already looking forward to next year’s summer events and are well advanced in planning for the Liquorice Festival, Yorkshire Day and the Friarwood Festival. We were successful in being shortlisted for the Tesco “Bags of Help” community fund to help pay for these events and in-store voting will take place in January and February. There will soon be six new benches and two new litter bins installed, paid for by Wakefield Council’s Local Capital Fund – thank you to Pontefract’s councillors for supporting the project. Dr Colin White FFVG Chair

PHP is optimistic that 2019 will see significant movement towards our vision of a social enterprise supporting a heritage visitor centre promoting the rich history of Pontefract Hermitage and Dispensary. Dr Colin White PHP Chair

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area. 2. To explore how new settlements can be developed with greater community consent. 3. To make the planning system work in support of better design and style, not against it.

Support Civic Voice’s fundraising campaign to ensure communities can influence the new Building Beautiful Commission. This week, Civic Voice launched a new fundraising campaign to make sure that communities are heard in the government’s latest review to deliver the homes the nation needs. Civic Voice wants to make sure that developers are not the only ones who have a voice so we want to issue a formal report making the case for communities. The commission to champion beautiful buildings as an integral part of the drive to build the homes communities need has been announced by the Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP and has 3 aims:

1. To promote better design and style of homes,

villages, towns and high streets, to reflect what communities want, building on the knowledge and tradition of what they know works for their

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Civic Voice will be making sure the voice of communities is heard in this review and we have created a panel involving John Walker (Ramsgate), Kevin Trickett (Wakefield) and Paul Bedwell (Sheffield) who will be independently preparing a Civic Voice response. Together we can make sure the community voice is heard.

Consultation on planning reforms to support the High Street and increase the delivery of new homes Alongside the autumn ‘2018 Budget’, the government published the consultation Planning Reform: Supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes. The Supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes consultation will run from the 29th October 2018 to the 14th January 2019 and seeks views on a package of measures aimed at making best use of land and speeding up the delivery of new homes. The proposed reforms include: www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

• Changing permitted development rights

(including some changes of use) to allow, among other things, upward extensions to create additional homes and the demolition of existing commercial buildings to enable residential redevelopment. • Extending the freedom of local authorities to dispose of surplus land at less than best consideration without seeking consent from the Secretary of State. • Draft guidance on the compulsory purchase powers of new town development corporations, including the factors that ministers will take into account when deciding whether or not to confirm new town compulsory purchase orders. • The government is also seeking views on the first draft listed building consent order (LBCO). The LBCO would grant listed building consent for works executed by the Canal and River Trust for the alteration or extension of a waterway structure.

supporting-the-high-street-and-increasing-thedelivery-of-new-homes Joan Humble, Chair of Civic Voice, said: “The future of high streets requires collaborative planning and long term vision with the historic environment at its heart. Investing in the high street requires long-term planning and whilst the government believes the plans would help revive high streets and increase housing delivery, we think it will do the opposite and we may end up with poor quality design housing without consideration for the wider built environment, something we know is key to successful high streets.” Other campaigns and initiatives from Civic Voice are:

• Historic England has announced the annual

“The future of high streets requires collaborative planning and long term vision...” The government believes the plans would help revive high streets and increase housing delivery. The main proposal within this document is to both extend and create additional many Permitted Development Rights (the granting of planning consent without the usual requirements, including consultation). The civic movement is concerned about how any changes to Permitted Development Rights could undermine the character of an area and impact on public participation in the planning system.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Heritage at Risk register. In total, there are 5,160 entries on the 2018 Heritage at Risk Register, 94 less than in 2017. Across the country 318 entries have been removed from the Heritage at Register, while 242 entries have been added because of concerns about their condition. Over the past year, Historic England has spent nearly £10 million (£9,888,723) in grants to help some of the country’s best loved and most important historic sites. At least 502 conservation areas are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change. Historic England changed the methodology to assess CAs at risk this year. You can see the CAs at risk at www.bigconservationconversation.com 1,489 buildings or structures (Grade I and II* listed secular buildings and structural scheduled monuments and GII listed secular buildings in London) 911 places of worship 2,151 archaeology entries (non-structural scheduled monuments), 99 parks and gardens entries 4 battlefield entries 4 protected wreck sites

The consultation relates to England only and closes on 14 January 2019. The government is keen to hear from the public sector, the private sector, as well as the general public.

• Say “My Conservation Area Matters” for National

You can view the consultation here: https://www. gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-reform-

1. Whilst local listing provides no additional

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Civic Day 2019 - June 22nd

• Why is a Local Heritage List relevant to my local conservation area?

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planning controls, the fact that a building or site is on a local list means that national planning policy (National Planning Policy Framework) requires its conservation as a heritage asset to be taken into account as a material consideration when determining the outcome of a planning application, giving it greater protection

Spring TBC, Sheffield Summer Sat 27 Jul, Selby Autumn Sat 26 Oct, Pontefract

• The state of Conservation Officers in local

1. 2. 3.

government: In early 2018 there were 798.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) historic environment specialists providing advice to local authorities in England. This comprises: 533.4 FTEs working on building and area conservation; and 264.7 FTEs providing archaeological advice. In the past 12 months, the number of conservation specialists has increased by 3% (15.7 FTE); and the number of archaeological specialists advising local authorities in England has increased by 1% (1.9 FTE). Since 2006, the number of conservation specialists has fallen by 35% (283.4 FTE); and the number of archaeological specialists advising local authorities in England has fallen by 35% (142.5 FTE).

Paul Cartwright YHACS Trustee/Regional Forum Representative

Yorkshire & Humber Association of Civic Societies Future YHACS meetings and events:

Donations & Bequests Have you thought of making a donation to Pontefract Civic Society during your lifetime, or leaving us some money in your will? This newsletter and the Annual Reports on our website show the tremendous work the society and our members are doing to make Pontefract a better place. To continue our important work at its present level, or in fact expand it as we plan to do, then we have a pressing need for more resources. The beneficial position of the society is both it’s independence and non-political stance, and that we do not rely of public sector grants to conduct our core activities. As the town’s watchdog on planning, architecture, heritage and public amenities, we can speak on behalf of those who live and work in Pontefract, without fear or favour. We would be absolutely delighted if you would make a donation or a bequest. Both the Chair and the Secretary are available if you wish to discuss this in more detail.

Winter meeting & AGM Sat 27 Jan, 2019, Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate Design Workshop Tues/Weds 5-6 Feb, Wakefield Registered charity number 513509

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

2018 Christmas Events St Giles Church 16th December Nine Lessons and Carols 21st December A Concert of Music at Christmas (from NEW College) 24th December Christmas Eve Worship 24th December Crib Service – suitable for young children 24th December Midnight Mass

All Saints Church 16th December Christingle Service

24th December Crib Service - particularly suitable for children, everyone is welcome. 24th December Midnight Eucharist.

Central Methodist Church 15th December Churches Together Singing at the Buttercross 15th December Celebrate Christmas with Knottingley Concert Brass 23rd December Carol Service 24th December Midnight Service at Micklegate Church

23rd December Carol Service

Five Towns Christian Fellowship, Castleford

St. Michael’s Church, Carleton

15th December Narnia Craft & Activity Afternoon

16th December Walk of Light and Carol Service. Meet at Carleton Green at 5.45pm with your candles, lanterns, torches and singing voice for a brief singalong, then walk to church for the 6.30pm Carol Service. If just going to Carol Service, please be seated by 6.15pm. The service will be followed by coffee/tea and mince pies at Carleton Community Centre.

16th December Carols by Candlelight

Registered charity number 513509

23rd December Christmas Celebration 23rd December Live Christmas Nativity, Bert’s Barrow, Leeds

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

2019 Events For 2019, our monthly talks will be in the Nelson Room of Pontefract Town Hall. Tues 8 January

David Willcox

Weds 23 January

Design Awards 2017 & 2018

Tues 12 February

Annual General Meeting

Tues 12 March

Anthony PoultonSmith

Fri 15 March

Elizabeth Moxon Blue Plaque unveiling

Tues 19 March

Tour of TJX Europe, Wakefield Processing Centre, Knottingley

Tues 9 April

Eric Jackson

Sat 13 April

Pontefract Community Showcase

Fri 3 May

Tour de Yorkshire (with the collaboration of the local community)

Tues 14 May

Allan Blaza

3 or 24 May (TBC)

DYJO Big Band Swing Concert

Weds 29 May

Visit to Renewi, South Kirkby Household Waste Recycling Centre

Tues 4 June

Guided day visit to Halifax (Piece Hall, Borough Market and Town Hall) hosted by Halifax Civic Trust

Tues 11 June

Mollie Garbett

Talk: “The History of Methodism in Pontefract – From John Wesley to the present day”

Tues 9 July

Merran McCrae

Talk: TBC

Thurs 18 July

Guided half day visit to Howden hosted by Howden Civic Society

Tues 10 September

Antonino Vella

13-15 & 19-22 September

Heritage Open Days

Tues 8 October

Eric Houlder

Sat 26 October

Hosting YHACS Regional Meeting

Tues 12 November

Roger Ellis

December (TBC)

Christmas Dinner

Registered charity number 513509

Talk: “The Origins of Pontefract/Hidden Pontefract”

Talk: “What’s in a Name?”

Talk: “The Kingdom of Alms”

Talk: “50 Years of Civic Pride in Pontefract”

Talk: “Interpreting Pontefract at the Museum and Castle”

Talk: “Infrared Colour Aerial Photography in War, Local History, and Archaeology”

“The Fletcher Rhodes Collaboration - Text by J S Fletcher with local drawings by GP Rhodes”

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

2019 Other Events

WELCOME to the following new members:

15th December Narnia Craft & Activity Afternoon

• Farmer Copleys (Gold Business Member)

1st January New Year’s Day Pontefract Parkrun

• David Bannister

11 January Expressive Elizabeth – creative writing workshop at Pontefract Museum

• Kenneth & Ann Nicholls

• Robert & Christine Baker

• Charles Atkin • John Robert & Grace-Ann Pickles

19th January First Step Music Concert – Five Town Christian Fellowship

• Janette & Michael Barlow

25 Jan Succulent Sonnets - creative writing workshop at Pontefract Museum 1 Feb The Art of Elizabeth – art workshop ay Pontefract Museum 2 Feb Ey Up Maiden – World Slavery Tour of Yorkshire (Iron Maiden tribute) Pontefract Squash & Leisure Centre

• Jo Hewitt

Acknowledgements: Photographs courtesy of Christine & Paul Cartwright, Michael Hirst and Colin White.

9 Feb Ukulele Workshop from Pontefract Festival of Music, Speech & Drama

Executive Committee Contacts Chair

Paul Cartwright

01977 708658

chairman@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

Secretary

Karl Gilbert

07598336027

secretary@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

Treasurer

Ian Wood

07806 916 937

treasurer@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

Highways Chair

Peter Cookson

01977 792530

p.cookson@talktalk.net

Talks & Tours Chair

Mike Skidmoore

01977 709327

mskid672@talktalk.net

Planning Chair

Peter Taylor

01977 703050

p.taylor569@btinternet.com

Rail Group Chair

David Hogg

07910564141

david.hogg1@live.co.uk

Co-opted & Pontefract in Bloom

Colin White

01977 795074

whitedrc@sky.com

Registered charity number 513509

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

BOOKSHELF We have a number of local heritage and history publications for sale. Our publications are now available for sale online, via email, phone and at selected shops in Pontefract. Visit www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/shop to purchase online or contact us via: Phone: 01977 708658 Email: info@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/shop

£10 - Pontefract’s Chequered History by Roger Ellis

£12.99 - Pontefract - Celebrating the Past; Looking to the Future by Martin Lodge

£7 - The Prince of Wales Colliery by Sir Bill O’Brien

£7 - Ancient Routes Through Pontefract by Eric Houlder

Registered charity number 513509

£10 - The Railways of Pontefract in Days of Steam by Peter Cookson

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

St Giles with St Mary’s Pantomime/Theatre Society Proudly present their

Annual Pantomime

Ali Baba And the Forty Thieves

Sunday 13th - Saturday 19th January 2019

Excluding Wednesday 16th

Pontefract Town Hall

WF8 1PG Adults £9

Consessions £7

Tickets on sale from Tuesday 11th September, available online, by telephone or in our booking oﬃce

www.stgilespanto.co.uk-07776158701-St Giles Church (Saturday’s from November 3rd)-Tickets@stgilespanto.co.uk

Registered charity number 513509

www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

With thanks to our business members... - Silver Member -

- Silver Member -

MYXOLOGY - Silver Member -

- Silver Member -

- Bronze Member -

- Bronze Member - Silver Member -

Registered charity number 513509

- Silver Member -