EDITORIAL Warren Draper When we decided on a ‘random acts of kindness’ theme to coincide with the season of goodwill, we had no idea how kind the people of Doncaster actually were. When we put out the question, “What is your most memorable random act of kindness?” we were completely inundated with wonderful stories. Add to these the many stories, reviews, ideas, artworks and photographs we’re sent on a regular basis and you’ll realise why we’re currently desperate for more room to fit everything in. So along with issue #06 we’re also launching our new website at www. doncopolitan.com which, among other things, features a collection of your random acts of kindness. At the heart of these acts of kindness is ‘gifting’ - the desire and ability to give something precious to the world with no thought of recompense or return. Not that giving is ever without return. It has been scientifically proven that acts of empathy increase the brains ability to feel joy. As you give, so shall you receive. This issue covers the work of some beautiful local charities, such as Wheel of Hope on page 11, and encourages everyone to help those in need whenever they can. But we’re also celebrating those who give with no other motive than to create something wonderful. Our old friend the Greenjacker takes us on a tour of some of the most imaginative gifts to hit our streets (p6) and begs the question, “Why aren’t our streets more colourful places every single day of our lives?”
As usual we have some great interviews for you, from up-and-coming songster Bam Morgan to a good-looking Stainy boyo on the verge of major stardom, the one and only Greg T Brown. This issue also looks at a life which was recently portrayed by another beautiful boy, Ben Schnetzer. In his Pride & Prejudice article (page 22), Ben McCall remembers his good friend Mark Ashton, a major inspiration for the recent hit film Pride. Our featured artist for this issue is my very good friend, the beautiful Rima Staines. Her artworks are an otherworldly gift for the eyes and you can find many more examples of her work at intothehermitage. blogspot.co.uk. Prints can be purchased via etsy.com/uk/people/thehermitage. Joining Rima among these pages are a pair of amazing South Yorkshire stitchers, Ria Doyle (RD) and Abi Nielsen (AN) whose work can be found online at pinterest. com/frillydoyley and etsy.com/shop/ pickymiss respectively. And talking of online, don’t forget to visit our website!.. www.doncopolitan.com We’re going to be taking a break from the printed edition until March, 2015. The next issue will be themed to councide with International Women’s Day. If you have any ideas for features then please feel free to get in touch.
Talking of colour, we also take a look at some of the most beautiful and creative Donny goings-on. From the eye-candy of Donny galleries to the woollen glory of Knit & Natter, local poetry to Mexborough potters, there’s always something amazing happening, even if we’re not very good at getting the message out there. One of the reasons we created the Doncopolitan was because we were sick of missing things that happened just a few miles down the road, so we’d like to use the new website to give people a headsup about forthcoming art, culture, music and entertainment events in the borough. If you have anything planned which you’d like people to know about, email us at doncopolitan@gmail.com or leave a message on 07846 439982
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ABOUT This magazine aims to provide an independent voice for Doncaster. We will big up anything which has the potential to add to Doncaster’s metropolitan appeal and strengthen the local economy - or as we call it, the Donconomy. We’ll celebrate Doncaster’s culture, arts, style, music, people, fashion, lifestyle, architecture and even, its coal-black underbelly. To remain as independent as possible this magazine is completely self-funded, relying on advertising and generous donations to stay afloat. If you would like to advertise with us, or if you’d like to support our endeavours through subscriptions or donations please call us on: +44 (0) 7846 439982 If you’re a local artist, musician, writer, photographer, fashionista, socialite or social commentator, and have something to contribute to this magazine, please get in touch. Online: www.doncopolitan.com doncopolitan@gmail.com Write to us: Doncopolitan Magazine c/o Church View Centre Church View Doncaster DN1 1AF Social Media:
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