Life GUIDE
DOnNY MARKET
Rough SLEEPERS
Many of the older generation say the market’s not what it was, considering that in 2011 & 2012 it won “Britain’s Favorite Market” as voted by the public. Plenty of celeb chefs know of it, even Anthony Worrall Thompson has been noted to say “ I wish there were more markets like Doncaster”.
In the not-too-distant past, on Christmas Day in 1987, a rough sleeper died from the cold whilst sleeping in a public toilet near Doncaster Market. After this incident, Mick Nurse and Charlie Jarvis, a voluntary adviser for the Unemployed Workers Centre, discussed how it was such a shame that the man had nowhere to go and keep warm. By Christmas 1988, Mick and Charlie had opened a Christmas Café and a sleeping station, so people had somewhere to go during the festive period. From this the charity Doncare was formed, which helped rough sleepers throughout the year and went on to do some fantastic work supporting vulnerable people across Doncaster.
I love the interaction you get with the traders at Donny Market and that fact that this very Market has exisited since Medieval times when peacock and blackbird were on the menu. On a recent visit I noticed that fishmonger maestro, Colin Wilson, proprietor of N. Rouse, had a page of the Doncopolitan issue two pinned to his chiller at the back of his stall. He said a friend had passed it on to him as the artwork by Emily Rowley depicted a naked fish monger. As our conversation unfolded it turned out that in 2008 Colin he and a group of Doncaster’s finest market men took part in a naked calendar shoot to raise money for local charity, Blue Bellwood. To my amazement, the month of December depicts Colin hiding his manhood behind a large fish. (Please check out the Doncopolitan website for a full feature on this story www.doncopolitan.com) There’s so much on offer - game dealers, bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, green grocers, beautiful cakes and sweet shops. The outdoor market is a treasure trove of gems too the comic book, the retro toys, homemade fudge and the art shop and gallery. The outdoor market has some amazing haberdashery stalls selling fabrics, wool, threads. A great place for presents for crafters.
It is estimated that at any one time there are eight rough sleepers in Doncaster, and the legacy of projects like Doncare and the hard work of the staff and volunteers at M25 mean that there is warmth, shelter, guidance and support for those in need this Christmas.
Whilst in the Corn Exchange, I can’t help but also wander round Which Craft, I’ve seen this business grow over the last 3 years, expanding to take on empty units selling beautiful papers, ribbons and tools for card and paper crafters. They also run regular workshops and have a thriving community of makers that hang out there.
If you would like to help the homeless this Christmas, the Rough Sleeper Team is in need of sleeping bags. You could also offer your time as a volunteer for the project. If you would like to give a gift to a homeless or vulnerable person, check out the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal on Facebook.
After my shop at the market, I also love to pop into the surrounding independent business - the Mason’s Arm’s for mulled wine round the fire, tea and Seabrooks Crips (made in Yorkshire btw) at Marketplace & Alehouse & Deli, not forgetting a coffee and a chocolate brownie at Siciclunas aka Jose’s Deli. In fact, the last time I was there a coach party was visiting the Market. Judging from their accents they were from the North East.
Joanne Strawdale
So seriously people, the market stands strong, don’t forget to support this gem in the crown of Doncaster. Dawn Cannon
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In 1994, M25 was established. Growing from humble beginnings, it now offers a range of services to help those in need. The Rough Sleepers Outreach Service works with those who are living on the streets, giving support, accommodation and advice, and working with the government’s ‘No Second Night Out’ policy. This means anyone sleeping rough will be given accommodation the same day. The charity can offer supported accommodation and assist people in finding their own homes, helping service users with housing benefit advice via their drop-in sessions. There is also a dedicated Young Person’s Debt and Housing Adviser, which gives young people who may have run away from home and be sleeping rough for the first time the chance to get back on track.
Market Days -Tuesday, Friday & Saturday Antiques & Second Hand - Every Wednesday
(Photo Credit: Alan Spencer)