EDITORIAL Warren Draper When I hear some Donny folk talk about Doncaster feels like a case of Same Postcode, Different Planet. Sure, our region has its fair share of socio-economic problems, and I’ll happily listen to (and fight alongside...) anyone who wants to rally against a viable injustice. But when I hear statements like “It’s rubbish around here.”; or “Doncaster has nothing going for it.”; or even “They should knock it down and start again!” I have to ask whether they’ve actually ever taken the time to visit the place where they live? In terms of heritage, culture and ecology, Doncaster is rich beyond measure. As local historian, Symeon Waller, says on the Doncaster History website (doncasterhistory.co.uk): “The archaeology of the region proves that fact and it has been said by learned men that if the archaeology of Doncaster were celebrated as much as York celebrates its, then Doncaster would be the better of the two.” But our archaeology is not celebrated. Neither is our richly diverse history, culture and ecology. And that’s the problem. This lack of awareness, indeed lack of celebration, is the reason why people can live their whole lives in Donny without ever realising what a truly wonderful place it is. We have a history which goes back thousands of years and a rich folklore which gave birth to legendary figures like Robin Hood. So this Take Another Look At Doncaster (#TALAT) issue of the Doncopolitan was created in the hope that we might begin to celebrate the amazing heritage which every Doncastrian should be extremely proud of.
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Colin Joy kicks off the proceedings with a look at the St Leger and the skirted warriors who gave our town its name (p6). Then the aforementioned Symeon Waller discusses Doncaster’s part in the air battles of World War I (p10). Kevin Bagshaw guides us through a history of brewing in the region (p12) before we return to the Great War to see how the people of Balby are remembering the fallen 100 years on (p18). But this special heritage edition is not all about the past, throughout these pages we’re also celebrating the history of the future as we look at a series of arts and cultural events which are shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Get in touch 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.
We’re very lucky to have local fine art printmaker, Graham Firth, as our featured artists (we even had special access to his sketchbooks – always a pleasure to gain a glimpse into the workings of a creative mind). If you’d like to see more of his work then head down to Brevon Art, 6 Bass Terrace, Thorne Road, Doncaster DN1 2HZ.
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ABOUT This magazine will big up anything which has the potential to add to Doncaster’s metropolitan appeal. We’ll celebrate Doncaster’s culture, arts, style, music, people, fashion, lifestyle, architecture and even, its coal-black underbelly.
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