The GUIDE
The Pitman Poets
Doncaster Read
Relish Bar & Grill
The Concertina Club , Dolcliffe Rd, Mexborough, S64 9AZ
Central Library, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3JE
19 East Laith Gate, Doncaster, DN1 1JG
The expression Pitman Poet is a term that became synonymous with the northern industrial working classes of the 20th century. Spending long shifts underground in bible-black conditions, colliers often needed a distraction from work in their leisure time to obtain a work-life balance that we all now take for granted.
Doncaster Read started in May 2014. Every two months, Doncaster Libraries invite the people of Doncaster to pick up the same book to read and enjoy. We hope to encourage and promote reading for pleasure. In sharing the Doncaster Read, we hope you will meet others, friends and strangers alike, who have read the book and can share in your love of reading.
Relish is more than just a restaurant. It’s a social hub for Doncaster where the community comes together and celebrates. It appeals to all audiences – the perfect place to take your mum, your date or even your colleague.
Sports and artistic pursuits were common in the miners’ pastimes. Groups such as Colliery Brass Bands, the Pitman Painters of the North East and Pitman Poets are examples of these popular movements. In our current post-industrial times, here in Mexborough we have our very own Pitman Poets group at the Concertina Club. This is an ‘open mike’ event where everyday folk can gather and recite stories, read poetry and sing songs about daily life - past and present - to an enthusiastic group of like minded people. The meetings are compered by former miner turned poet - Tony Goodwin, who always manages to entertain in his unique, inimitable style. Subjects range from the price of coal and tragedies down the pit to the latest political satire and scandals. They are held at 8pm every 3rd Thursday in the month at the Concertina Club, Dolcliffe Road, Mexborough. Forthcoming dates for this year are: Thurs 18th September Thurs 16th October Thurs 20th November The club boasts its own brewery too, so there’s good reason to sample some real ale during the evening’s entertainment in this cosy intimate venue. Situated only half a mile from Mexborough railway station it’s an easy commute and makes for a great night out.
You will find the books on display in Doncaster’s Central Library and, as we have developed Doncaster Read in partnership with Waterstones, copies are available at their Frenchgate branch. You can leave your reviews in the library, at Waterstones or online. If you use Twitter join in with #libbookbytes Tweet us your 8 word book reviews (not incl. author and title). Following Birdsong (Sebastian Faulks) and The Cuckoo’s Calling (Robert Galbraith), September’s Doncaster Read is A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines. This time we have chosen a modern classic by a local author. His book portrays the tough life of a teenager growing up in the former South Yorkshire mining town of Barnsley, near where Hines himself was born. The book was turned into a highly acclaimed film, Kes, directed by Ken Loach in the 60’s and our choice coincides with a new adaptation for the stage at the CAST. Directed by Philip Osment and Kully Thiarai and with support from Yorkshire Hawking Club, this promises to be an exciting performance to watch, in conjunction with reading or re-reading this powerful and touching tale spanning the generations. Jill Brooksbank & Shirley Wilson (Doncaster Libraries)
Paul Dyson
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Email your reviews for The Guide to doncopolitan@gmail.com
The main menu offers homemade food that’s familiar but always with an interesting twist. The specials menu takes this a step further always showing something that’ll make your eyes widen with curiosity. A wide variety of drinks and cocktails created with care and passion. There’s a local vibe that leaves you feeling free to be as informal or as presented as you wish. The restaurant area is laid out neatly with tables and diner style booths. The bar area is spacious and is given a cool, underground feel with the bare brick walls and dark wooden furniture. The lighting at night is warm and golden. These features all tie in together perfectly, with the addition of the friendly staff. The atmosphere is set alight on their live jazz nights - usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Donny local or not, it doesn’t matter. Relish is about good drinks, good food and good times. Fran Bibby