Doncopolitan issue 33

Issue #33 Spring 2019 Free to a good home...

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

Doncopolitan has shrunk! Don’t worry, we’re packing a bigger punch

04 Women Who Lead

than ever before. This issue is themed “Gender Rebel” as it is 100% girl boss creation with the exception of Wendy Draper and Catherine Bell, who changed their names to conform with our fascist female dictatorship take over. We wanted to create this issue, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, to celebrate the brilliant women leading on the front line in Doncaster. From tackling austerity in local government, to climate change and my own campaign on page 23 for a drugs policy reform. We may be smaller but we’re more radical, and once again we hope to prove that Doncopolitan is more than a magazine; it’s a movement. Being dinky also means we’re a good size for a handbag and we are tackling climate change by wasting less paper and being more economical as a business.

09 Be A Pole Queen 12 Girlboss Foodies 14 Drugs Uncovered 18 Extinction Rebellion 22 Prawn Shop 24 Featured Artist: Chinwe Russell 29 Donco Doings 31 Music: To Unfold

2019 marks 5 years of Doncopolitan , so we need to thank everyone for all their support over the years. We can see change is happening for the better and we are proud to be vanguards, leading the way.

Our cover and centre fold has been specially designed by Kezia Lovell who is originally from Doncaster now studying illustration at Plymouth College of Art you can follow her on instagram @love.kezia This issue is also dedicated to Tracy Langley, mother of Tom Bell, who died tragically in January. Doncaster is grieving with you. Thank you to Nat Gelder for this beautiful artwork in memory of Tom.

THE SMALL PRINT

Credits Imogen Carline (2019) by Wendy Draper

Doncopolitan aims to provide a truly independent voice for Doncaster. To ensure maximum freedom the magazine is produced and distributed by a small team of dedicated individuals and production costs are met through advertising revenue. If you want to fight for Donny independence then why not write for us or donate much needed time, money or equipment? Interested? Then call us on 07846 439982 or email:

doncopolitan@gmail.com The opinions expressed in each feature or article in Doncopolitan are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Doncopolitan , the editors and production team accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed.

WHO ARE DONCOPOLITAN? CONTRIBUTORS: Rachel Horne; Wendy Draper; Vicky Prior; Biopolar Abdul; Anatasia Walker; Scarlett Lee; Rachel Butler; Craig Hallam; John Fuller; Kezia Lovell; The Prawn Shop; Sam Cooper; Catherine Bell; Steve Bates; Chinwe Russell; Nat Gelder; Emma Gullon ; Maria Krasheninnikova

Conceived & created by horne&draper art - design - publishing

Supported by;

www.horneanddraper.com

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Women Who Lead W

e believe Doncaster is changing for the better.

Despite being one of the worst places affected by austerity and harsh cuts to vital services, we’ve noticed in recent years, women taking the lead to change our town and the lives of others for the better. These women serve as role models, making amazing contributions to the town and our local economy.

Here’s our guide to inspirational women you should know about.

Credits Images by Warren Draper, John Fuller and courtesy of Terri Anne Diet Plan and Yorkshire Wildlife Park

LEADING IN GOVERNMENT

Ros Jones, an obvious choice, but not many regions can say they have a female mayor. Ros is one of only four females in the country holding this elected title; that in itself is a huge achievement. From the humble roots as a miners’ daughter with a brain for maths she became an accountant and has been working in local government ever since. Since 2010, Doncaster has been affected by the biggest cuts. Ros Jones has used those accounting skills to pull the town out of a financial black hole. In the past, Doncaster was called the “basket case of the north”.

The town has been transformed, and is now being seen as a place to invest and live. The highest position in our local authority is also held by fellow girl boss Jo Miller, CEO of Doncaster Council.

There’s no other word for it, Jo is a transformational and inspirational leader. Last year she was named the third most influential person working in local government in Britain and she’s working for us in Donny.

Jo has spoken out frequently about equality between sexes, and people of different ethnic and social backgrounds. She’s

Rachel Butler

passionate about promoting “a north that works for everyone”.

That’s why we rate her.

You can’t help but get inspired by the work of Lani-Mae Ball, a Councillor in Conisbrough.

At 25, Lani embodies the mantra “if you think you can do a better job, go and give it a go”. Active in the Conisbrough and Denaby areas, Lani is committed to battling the negative social impacts of austerity in the local community and ensuring our young people have provision and positive activities to engage in.

She’s one to watch.

LEADING IN BUSINESS

Weight loss guru Terri Ann is a self-made success after sharing her Diet Plan on social media.

This Donny girl now has over 75,000+ active members, a team of staff, a recipe book on amazon and thousands of success stories helping others to shed weight and feel great. Jackie Bailey, owner of Masons Arms, Rum Rooms and Magdalen’s is a creative force and huge asset to Donny’s town centre night-life. These venues aren’t just pubs; Jackie’s vision was to create somewhere people could chill and escape, no bar hopping, just settle and enjoy. And boy has she achieved it. Now the owner of three venues that bring a city style experience to Doncaster’s town centre. In her spare time, she chairs Doncaster’s business forum which brings together business owners and the Council to make the town centre the best it can be. Zara Jayne Elliot, owner of Wonderland Awaits, is a style advocate for all things wonderful from bygone eras. Wonderland Awaits is an independent vintage clothing boutique in Donny’s shopping centre. In a world of

throwaway fashion, Zara’s ethos is refreshing; style over fashion, rescue and reuse, planet-friendly packaging. We especially love the no-judgment policy. The store is fully wheelchair accessible and provides a sanctuary for nursing mothers.

CHARITY AND ACTIVISTS

Today, Doncaster Pride is the biggest in South Yorkshire, attracting close to 20,000 revellers each year. Jen Dewsnap has been an active member of the planning team since 2007 and still chairs the event to this day. She’s an activist and mentor and gives Doncaster 200%. We think she deserves an OBE in the not-too-distant future. Fiona Cahill, Director of The Real Junk Food Project Doncaster and her team are a shining example of grassroots regeneration in our town centre. This pay-asyou-feel cafe run by volunteers has rescued almost 70 tonnes of food from landfill. It’s no wonder they won the National Industry Award for Sustainability in 2017. Yorkshire Wildlife Park celebrates its 10th Birthday this year. Cheryl Williams, Director of Yorkshire Wildlife Park says what this organisation has built in terms of conservation and welfare of endangered wildlife is nothing short of extraordinary.

This great tourist attraction is putting Donny on the national map whilst helping to save the lives of many endangered animals. It’s something we should be incredibly proud of here in Doncaster. D

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07

BE A Pole queen

Anon

R

oughly one year ago, after ending a long-term relationship, I decided to try a pole dancing class to reconnect with my neglected feminine side.

Feeling very dislocated from my body, I was looking for something new that could help me find my inner vixen. Not only did pole dancing look fun, I’d heard it was one of the best workouts you’ll ever do.

My Pole Studio Doncaster started 10 years ago and runs regular classes above the recently refurbished Hallcross pub at the top of Hallgate in the town centre.

The classes are one hour long and a mixture of stretching, dancing, climbing, yoga, and gymnastic style moves which mean it’s not boring and a constant challenge.

Because of the nature of the class, pole is literally the best thing I’ve ever done for my mind and body. People of all backgrounds and body shapes take part, plus a couple of boys too which I didn’t expect.

The world of pole dancing fitness is relatively new but it’s growing in respect as a serious athletic

discipline if not an art form in its own right. As a newbie, I love the challenge of a new move and watching and learning from my fellow pole queens. The instructors are talented and patient so you will find yourself climbing and twirling around the pole faster than you could ever imagine. If you stick at it long enough, in a year you’ll be hanging upside down doing what’s known as “the crucifix”, which means you have no hands on the pole with your bare thighs holding you in position. It’s such a buzz.

Pole class also feels like a family and it’s great to connect with new people at each class. In October, there’s a show held at the Glass House in Kirk Sandall where everyone gets to show off a new routine, friends and family members all attend. There’s killer heels, booty shaking, duets and a raffle. I attended the show last year but didn’t perform.

It was such a lovely positive experience seeing everyone proud of their bodies and what they had learned. In a world of “everyday sexism” and the “Me Too Campaign” the pole show

creates a safe environment where women of all backgrounds and ages can have fun, look stunning and show off their moves. Instead of being heckled and harassed for our sexiness, women were being respected for their bodies and what they can do.

The world of pole dancing might be a little niche in Doncaster, and an escape from normality, but what it’s doing in terms of health, fitness, body confidence and self empowerment is bloody magnificent. Get on it. Be a pole queen!

(You also don’t have to be a girl.

Pole kings are welcome too). D

9

011

Women and food Vicky Prior

ACCORDING TO A 2018 STUDY BY CAREER SMART, A STAGGERING 75.33% OF CHEFS ARE MEN. THIS MEANS ONLY A QUARTER OF CHEFS ARE WOMEN. THANKFULLY, DONCASTER IS FULL OF FEMALE FOOD PRODUCERS AND I INTERVIEWED THREE OF THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS AND WHAT FOOD WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO EATING IN 2019. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

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he Hygge Hut Tucked into Cavendish Court (pronounced hoo-gah), is the perfect place to grab a bacon sandwich to go. It was set up a year ago by Bethany and her mum, who both love Scandinavian food. Following customer feedback, Bethany increased the number of British dishes on the menu, but still keeps a range of Scandinavian inspired desserts and salads.

Credits Vicky Prior & Wendy Draper

The Hygge Hut grows every day, using local produce from KD Davis, Jam Horse and Toppings Pies. Bethany has always been surrounded by strong female role models, and having her mum around helps a lot. She has noticed a lot of female entrepreneurs in food and thinks that, as the feminist movement grows, so will the number of female-led businesses.

Bethany has seen a big rise in artisan baking, which is minimalist but still flavoursome.

The Hygge trend is not going anywhere and coffee culture is growing, especially in student areas. Bethany thinks the Cultural Quarter development has helped encourage younger people into Doncaster, with new businesses opening up to cater to them.

Rachel at the Jam Horse believes women in Doncaster are more entrepreneurial because the Council is led by a female team,

Jo Miller and Mayor Ros Jones.

Local food producers Ajika, Rumba and Caribbean Kitchen are all led by women and regularly collaborate with Rachel. Jam Horse recently expanded from a jams and preserves company, selling through markets and local stockists, to having its own shop on Scot Lane. Business is good with an uptick in orders from Rachel’s existing 40 stockists over Christmas helping out the shop startup. Rachel has been careful to thoroughly research expansion opportunities, with a seemingly dream offer from a large retailer turning out to be a lot of work for very little profit. Support from Business Doncaster and Public Health at the council has been excellent. Rachel uses K.D. Davis for all her fruit and veg.

For food trends, Rachel predicts a rise in people using black garlic.

Kombucha and botanicals are very popular, and the trend for adding alcohol into products, particularly gin, isn’t slowing down. Rachel is developing a lemon curd with gin, and a blood orange and prosecco conserve which I have selflessly volunteered to taste test on behalf of Doncopolitan when it’s ready.

Zoey at Guilty Furrie decided to open a cafe, because of an instinct to care for and feed people. She believes veganism is a lifestyle choice and wanted to

introduce a new way of cooking and eating to Doncaster. Her location in Doncaster Market, surrounded by butchers and fishmongers, might seem unusual, her ethos of making something out of nothing and using seasonal produce fits in with the aims of the other market traders. She buys produce from K.D. Davis and also Tasty Flavours, who are nearby neighbours in the market.

Although Zoey hasn’t always been vegan, she has always loved food and was inspired by her mother and the holidays abroad they had together trying different cuisines.

Japanese and Asian dishes are being added to the menu to try and get away from the ubiquitous falafel. It took Zoey an incredible one month from signing the lease to opening, with all the equipment and furniture being pre-loved and either cheap or gifted.

Plant based food has been embraced by major retailers, but some meat eaters still don’t think they can eat it too. We agree that labelling dishes as vegan makes them niche and can put meat eaters off from trying tasty food.

Zoey thinks overall people will reduce meat in their diet, and so calls her alternative products by the name of the meat they are replacing for familiarity, but hopes to phase this out D

13

Drugs Uncovered Rachel Horne Rachel Horne

A

rtist, activist and cofounder of Doncopolitan, Rachel Horne is researching why we are experiencing such levels of extreme violence in our communities and its relationship to the UK drug trade. This article is part of a wider series of blog posts you can read online.

On the 18th of January this year I attended a conference hosted

by Aspire’s Recovery College. I was there to hear a talk by author Neil Woods after reading “Drug Wars”, a book he co-wrote with JS Rafaeli. For me, their work has been instrumental to my own research exploring the illegal trade of drugs in our communities and how it’s shaping life in Doncaster.

Credits Rachel Horne & Wendy Draper

Almost every aspect of our lives is affected by the British drug trade and our consumption of drugs.

We might not see it and join the dots but the the world of illegal drugs and the criminal underbelly it inhabits have transformed the fabric of British society into something unrecognisable.

Author Neil Woods knows the world of substance misuse and addiction better than most due to his work as an undercover police officer where he faked his way into the world of crack and heroin to observe it first hand. You’d think he would be anti-drugs and in full support of our current drugs laws. The staggering truth is, after 20 years working undercover catching dealers, befriending and living amongst other drug users, he believes that, at best, he has disrupted the UK drug trade for a mere 18 hours.

What’s more, he believes he has contributed to making the whole problem much worse. He states: “when you catch someone for dealing, it creates an opportunity for someone else to step in.

Police are merely taking out the competition for other dealers.

There is no benefit at all from police involvement with drugs”.

Many members of the public might find this shocking to read, and believe that more policing and big expensive undercover operations will make our streets safer. According to Neil, policing has no effect on reducing drug taking or crime. He suggests: “it only leads to more violence as each generation of gangster get more and more extreme. Extreme violence is a learnt thing off the back of prohibition and the system we have created”.

So, when policing drugs makes no sense, when banning them only drives the numbers higher, what is the answer?

I’m joining a movement to lobby MPs for a drugs policy reform in the UK. I’m writing to my MP Rosie Winterton, to ask if she will meet others campaigning in parliament to address current drug laws. Through regulation, we can take the drug trade out of criminal hands and put doctors, pharmacists and licensed retailers in control. In the UK, drug-related deaths are at record levels, our prisons are in crisis, and drugs are getting stronger.

Out of 2.8 million students in the UK, a recent study found around 80% take illegal drugs that are unregulated. Almost one in three drug overdose deaths in Europe occur in the UK, which we can all agree is unacceptable. Drugs aren’t going away and prohibition isn’t working. We can take action.

Join my campaign in Doncaster but also support the work of Neil Woods and the other former law enforcement officers at Leap U.K. that our pioneering this movement for change. D

Follow leap.co.uk for more info.

Dear Rosie Winterton, Please meet me to discuss the impact our current drugs laws are having on people in our community.

My name is Rachel Horne and I live in your constituency. I am writing to you because I am concerned about the negative impacts of the UK’s prohibition-based approach to drugs and I would like to hear your views.

Effective drug policy should improve public health, reduce crime, promote international development and most importantly, protect young and vulnerable people. Overwhelming evidence shows that current policy fails to achieve this. I am particularly concerned that people in our constituency are having their lives wrecked by current policy.

In the UK drug-related deaths are at record levels, our prisons are in crisis and drugs are getting stronger.

Almost one in three drug overdose deaths in Europe are recorded in the UK, which surely we can all agree is unacceptable. We have ample evidence from other countries where regulation is delivering much better outcomes.

I am urging you, as my Member of Parliament, to come and meet with me to discuss what can be done about this pressing issue, so that we can find a better way to keep our communities safe.

I look forward to hearing from you to learn your views on this vital Artistrachelhorne.com issue. Please do let me know when and where it would be convenient Neilwoods.net to meet.

Leapuk.org aspire.community Yours sincerely,

Rachel Horne

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017

Extinction Rebellion

Scarlett Lee

FORMER DONCASTER RESIDENT SCARLETT LEE EXPLAINS WHAT IS EXTINCTION REBELLION IS AND WHY SHE GOT INVOLVED.

W

hen I was a kid we had The Body Shop “save the whale” socks with our bath pearls, Fern Gully, and the World Wildlife Fund panda. When I was a bit older, I watched Captain Planet with my little sister. At the same time came fake Legos, school dinners and, one brilliant day, getting a dog. It was the early 90s and sometimes my family went on package holidays on an aeroplane because we were lucky and sometimes my mum would agree to getting Sunny

Delight from the new Asda. On a birthday there might be a party at McDonalds in Doncaster and a bit later at the diner where they danced on the tables at the newly-built Meadowhall. Life was getting bigger and better.

Yet all the time it was there in the background. Things are dying far away. The animals are dying. The earth is dying. But there were also pot noodles, falling outs, a C&A dress for the school disco. And we were getting on with our life stuff because we were kids and

the government were supposed to sort the other stuff out. But we could see it wasn’t being sorted so there was the odd “save the something” fundraiser. You could take the dog out in the fields after school and there were insects and birds and you thought there always would be.

Well, here we are in 2019. The shadow has been there my whole life. I’m nearly 35 and nothing got sorted. In fact, it’s unthinkably more terrible. Most of us are

switched off at least most of the time but I urge you to brace yourself and truly, deeply delve into the science beyond the headlines. It will shit you up. It will make you split your brain in two because now you know and you can’t unknow but you also can’t really comprehend what it means, those things you just read.

I think sometimes about all the turmoil/displacement/misery of Europe in the first half of the 20th century and what those people would say if you went back in time and showed them what the future really looks like But all we can do is deal with what we have. But what exactly can we do? I always wanted to do something, but what? Recycle, yes.

Don’t fly, maybe. Vegan food? Local economies? Yes to all of that. Great work, we need them! But the powerful people need to do differently. We need new structures and systems to get through this. Now we’ve had this IPCC report saying 12 years left to save ourselves - and all the scientists seem to reckon it’s super optimistic anyway. And they aren’t saying 12 years carry on as you are, like there’s still time for a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. They are saying “totally change the way we do things now” to even have a hope that life will look anything like it has before.

Yet, fracking and runway building is still going off with political backing. Our Saint Attenborough has got on telly a bit to tell us it’s dire, but he’s even said he has reined it in, he’s scared to turn us off with such dark predictions.

It’s on the news but not the most important item. Connect the dots.

The refugees are being displaced over resource and land rights due to climate collapse. That war over there is because of this.

That flood is because of this, too.

Young people are striking from school on Fridays because, to paraphrase teen activist Greta Thunberg, what’s the point in going to school if you won’t have a world to grow up in?

In this mess Extinction Rebellion got started. We call it XR. It’s

have known. Ask anyone with a science background. Ask Google.

That’s why we barricaded the BBC and targeted government departments.

2) Legally binding policies to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2025. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. It’s radical, it will be hard, but what alternative have we got? Think about it. What can be as bad as this is going to get?

Credits Words Scarlett Lee & Images Wendy Draper

“It won’t matter about Brexit so much when we have no water to drink.”

easier to say. XR is just a piece of the resistance but it feels significant and it’s spreading around the world. Going on marches is not enough; we don’t have time. I joined my local group in Nottingham. The strength of XR is in our networks and organisation and, to be honest, our desperation. All of us are new to it. Many have “never done anything like this before”. We aren’t politicians or activists.

We’re working things out as we go along and we all have to step up. Some of us are willing to get arrested. Some aren’t or can’t and that’s ok. There are three demands.

3) Form a citizen’s assembly to mobilise this war effort because the government is not equipped. Our systems aren’t equipped.

In Nottingham, our council has just pledged to go carbon neutral by 2028. It’s not perfect; it’s the same as zero carbon and it is not legally binding. It does mean the council is aiming to be the first in the UK. It’s not enough but we can’t sleepwalk any more.

Join us. D

1)Tell the truth. Because it has never been on the news, not once, how bad it really is.

The government don’t tell us this is worse than anything we

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A 3-Day Culinary Extravaganza!

FRIDAY 17TH MAY TO SUNDAY 19TH MAY 2019 #DeliciousDoncaster2019 Tickets available at:

www.visitdoncaster.com

With live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs Simon Rimmer and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown

BIG CHANGES

are happening at Doncaster Market... ...thanks to a complete revamp of the iconic Wool Market by Doncaster Council. Opening in March, the new design will transform the markets area into a vibrant location opening extra days and into the evenings with more events. It will be home to great street food, shopping and entertainment.

The International Food Hall, Corn Exchange, Fish Market, Goose Hill and Outdoor Market are home to traders selling everything you could think of, and will continue to open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Market as a whole will be a one-stop destination for all your shopping and leisure needs!

/doncastermarket

@doncastermarket

doncastermarket

www.doncastermarket.com

021

Prawn Shop Bipolar Abdul

PARIS

LONDON MILAN

DONCASTER

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Credits Bipolar Abdul & courtesy of The Prawn Shop

oading up the home page of Georgia Hamilton’s label website “The Prawn Shop” left me shook. Right there in front of my eyes was the boldest, most unapologetic graphics of a woman’s bare breast, and a woman’s beautiful butt – a huge middle finger to the patriarchal norms we expect when scrolling through clothing stores. It’s not very often a home page catches me like that.

Welcome to the Prawn Shop, loud feminist designs in gender neutral sizing. I spent forever browsing through the products, enlarging the photos just to take them in.

This really is a brand to watch, with something for anyone. Make a feminist statement in a piece like “smile”, or rep the brand in “prawn shop” (a green sweatshirt sporting a prawn), all at a reasonable price.

It feels independent and real. It’s unbelievably on trend with that 90’s block colour vibe, to me it’s almost nostalgic of that colour palette of brands like the Sweater

Shop. Carrying an important message that fashion is still fun, even when it’s got it’s fist in the air giving no fucks. The high street doesn’t hold shit on these pieces.

This is about catching eyes and starting conversation, showing where you stand against society’s bull, expressing yourself through powerful means.

The way women are depicted over this brand is bloody gorgeous.

They show reality. They show me the kind of woman I see every day. The most beautiful women in the world, the every woman.

Uncensored female nipples brandished in bright colours, unashamed. There is really nothing more gorgeous, and very much needed. This is art, not just wearing clothes.

It’s obvious that both equality and diversity are number 1 to Georgia and The Prawn Shop, just jumping onto their site for a few seconds made that very clear. It’s playful and effervescent, with gravity and meaning. It manages to be serious, whilst flirting outrageously with my eyes. Being an art owner is different these days, we buy it and wear it – and I can’t wait to wear it. All in all, it’s absolutely beautiful. D

Don’t get me wrong. Not every piece is a giant political statement. Some of the designs are just damn cute. Whether you want to make an overt statement or not, just buying from this company is supporting a super important movement.

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artist: Chinwee Russell We interview artist and creative entrepreneur Chinwe Russell

When did you start painting?

My first attempt at painting was in 2007 after a visit to a Nigerian art market where I fell in love with some of the local art. I brought some of the paintings back to the UK and recreated some of these pieces in my own way. To my surprise, a couple of people commissioned me to paint similar pieces. I have no formal art training, being entirely self-taught and, in fact, I went to business school. In addition to my art, I also run a skin care business for the past several years.

Credits Wendy Draper

What are your thoughts on Doncaster as a newbie in town?

Doncaster has incredible potential. The people are very friendly and frankly it was quite disturbing at first coming from the south where many people have no time for each other. There is a lot of energy here which is largely under the current. It is easy to make connections with people and their is so much potential for community projects. It feels like a blank canvas. For me as a mum, it is great for my child, with a wide range of affordable arts and culture for children. My daughter was dancing already in France and she has been able to continue her passion for ballet at the amazing Riley School of Dance.

In the 18 months we have been in Doncaster, she has made amazing progress. I’d love to do something

to support the dance industry in Doncaster as well, as they are largely not known to the public.

Do you enjoy exhibiting as well as supporting others to show their work?

Yes, I do like other artists.

Exhibition is really the only way to get your work out there. I also love to work with other artists to help them develop their art career. I guess my business background comes in very handy.

In October 2018, I won a place to exhibit at TOAF (The Other Art Fair) in London. I was also one of the 30 female artists curated out of 500 applicants to be part of an arts project titled “Not 30%”.

This part protest, part exhibition, highlighted the fact that female artists at most represent only 30% of the male dominated artworld. A desire to give myself and the other artists in Doncaster a place to actively sell our work led to me creating the Doncaster Art Fair which is a visual art fair with the aim of bringing artists and buyers directly together. The idea is for the buyers to come and meet the artists and discover what inspires them. It is an amazing feeling to own an original piece of art as it is like owning a piece of the artist’s soul.

Tell me about your art?

My work falls into two categories.

My museum/collectors pieces are largely historical and narrative-

based themes. I have created work based on various pieces of history from all over the world such as the Spanish Inquisition, the Suffragettes, the Ottoman Empire, the witch trials, the slave trade, Joan of Arc and several others. I also create commercial pieces which cover a range of subjects depending on my interest at the time and the client.

What are you working on at the moment?

It is a very busy time for me as I have several projects on the go.

I am more than half way through my target of creating 30 historical themed artworks before the end of the year. I am also preparing for my summer solo exhibition which will take place at the Queens Road Design Centre.

I’m equally running a pop-up studio in the Corn Exchange with other local artists, as well as the Doncaster Art Fair which will take place on Sunday the 31st of March (Mothers Day) in conjunction with the opening of the new wool market.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get more involved in the arts here?

Come to the Doncaster art fair, join The New Fringe. And get involved in Doncopolitan, there’s lots happening in Doncaster. D https://www.doncasterartfair. com

25

Doncaster Doncaster Little Little Theatre Theatre Presents Presents

HELLO DOLLY Music Music & & Lyrics Lyrics by

by Jerry Jerry Herman, Herman, Book Book by

by Michael Michael Steward Based on The Matchmaker Steward Based on The Matchmaker Produced Produced by by arrangement arrangement with, with, and and the the music music and and dialogue material dialogue material furnished furnished by

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Right up our street Advertorial

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he project which brought The Museum of the Moon to Doncaster last year is celebrating receiving a funding extension from the Arts Council England. Right Up Our Street, part of the Creative People and Places programme, has worked in the town to commission and create events and activities with and for people of the borough.

Many projects we have featured within Doncopolitan have been supported by Right Up Our Street, including kickstarting our print magazine in 2014 and supporting the development of our studio on Copley Road. Other projects you might recognise include the Ted Hughes Festival, Kosy Cinema, Rossington’s Handmade Parade and Street Art by Chris Swain in Bentley.

The project has focused on members of the community in Doncaster seeing, sharing, choosing and creating great art and culture. The funding

extension will allow Right Up Our Street to deliver phase three of their 10-year vision.

Right Up Our Street now intends to support new and existing community groups to become active arts leaders. As well as commissioning an ambitious programme that will engage all Doncaster residents.

Sally Lockey, project director for Right Up Our Street, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded further funding to continue to build on the excellent work that has already taken place in Doncaster. Right Up Our Street has worked with thousands of people across different communities to support and facilitate creative projects.

In 2018 our focus was on two outdoor festivals, the DN Festival of Space in July, which saw 4,000 people enjoy astronauts suspended in midair, innovative workshops, and a pop-up cinema and the DN Festival of Light in November, with a host of

activities including outdoor light installations, a choir performance and the festivals central focus, Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon attracting 16,000 visitors.

We are now looking forward to planning for the next three years, using the foundations we have created to develop even more engaging events and activities for the town.”

Pete Massey, Director North, Arts Council England: “I am delighted Right Up Our Street have been awarded extension funding for their Creative People and Places Project. The project has already had such a huge impact on participants as Right Up Our Street have taken arts and culture to the heart of communities all over Doncaster, delivering arts and culture in the most unlikely of places. I look forward to seeing what the next three years will bring.” D

rightupourstreet.org.uk

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Relaunching in Spring 2019 the newly refurbished Wool Market

will be home to a cosmopolitan retail and dining experience in the heart of Doncaster • Independent Retailers • Modern Dining • Street Food • Live Music • Licensed bars • Cafes

Keeping our heritage at the heart of Doncaster /doncastermarket

@doncastermarket

doncastermarket

Donco Listings new business for Silver Street HARVEYS is a new vegan friendly boutique and salon opening its doors to the public on Wednesday 6th March.

Celebrating British brands THE SHOE ROOM Priory Walk, 5.30pm-8pm Thursday 28th March.

Our favourite independent menswear retailers Bradley Knipe, The Shoe Room and Punch Menswear will be showcasing the best British brands with food supplied by The Rustic Pizza Co and beer by Doncaster Brewery and Tap.

Mums Rock!

WONDERLAND AWAITS #26 Frenchgate (the street not the centre) 10am-5pm Friday 29th March and Saturday 30th March.

Enjoy complimentary tea, cake and fizz. Mothers and daughters who attend together receive free entry to the raffle for chocolates, bubbly, handbag or accessories.

Other entries 50p. First five customers each day receive a free pamper goodie bag.

Meet the No Miracles Easter Bunny Here K AND A OCCASIONS Waterdale, 11am-2pm Thursday 18th April Come and meet the Easter Bunny at a special stay and play session in store.

Don’t miss the art fair!

MARKET PLACE venues times etcThis third event will be taking place in conjunction with the grand opening of Doncaster Wool Market on 31st of March, bringing together talented visual artists from across Doncaster.

Scribble Doodle Draw THE POINT South Parade A new exhibition transforming the gallery space into a giant comic strip. Learn how to draw like a comic artist, losing yourself in an imaginary world. It will feature original pieces from artists Jim Medway, Ed Syder and Tor Freeman.

Festivals We highly recommend these brilliant local festivals. Get them in your diary Doncolites Doncaster Folk Festival 17th - 19th March. Decadence Steampunk Festival 8th of July and Something To Smile About Art and Music Festival 31st of May to the 2nd of June.

CAST 12th March 7.45pm £11/£9 An adrenaline-fuelled tale of resilience and the need to stay on your feet. A non-stop rukus of wall-to-wall dancing and live music, No Miracles Here will leave you feeling empowered and remind you to keep the faith.

The Black Snow Roadshow DONCASTER LITTLE THEATRE DN1 1JD. 5th April £10 (£12 on the day)/£8.

This award-winning film is now a live multimedia stage show. With a screening, live show and Q&A, this is a heartfelt tribute to all those who tragically lost their lives in the 1866 Barnsley Oaks Colliery mining disaster.

Join our mailing list!

Sign up and receive weekly updates for events and activites in Doncaster: doncopolitan@gmail.com

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music: To UNFold Anastasia Walker

THE MIGHTY, ANASTASIA WALKER OF BANG BANG ROMEO INTERVIEWS THORNE BORN NOW LONDON BASED MUSICIAN AMY WOODROFFE

L

Credits Anatasia Walker & Maria Krasheninnikova

adies and Gents, meet Amy. Hailing from the North, then moving to the South, then back to the North again to seek her fortune (oh how times have changed) she has something that many a mainstream artists fail to achieve, and that is: a clear identity. She wouldn’t be out of place sharing a bed with Thom Yorke, Portishead and Bjork in some strange hazy dream you once had.

I made the fatal mistake of closing my eyes while listening to Colder, Amy’s latest release. I can imagine this is what Robert Di Nero’s character, Noodles from Once Upon A Time In America, felt like when he hit the deck after being catapulted into an opium daze. Oozing in cryptic lyrics, a delicate and haunting vocal accompaniment with a charming falsetto to lead the track’s vibesis almost a poetry reading over an electronic keys lullaby. If you’re looking for verse, chorus, verse chorus ‘balls out’ bangers, this isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for chilled, haunting story telling, look no further. But enough speculation, we should probably ask the lady herself what inspired her latest track...

Let’s go straight back to basics, first and foremost, where are you from and how did Explicare get its start?

Thank you for having me!

Originally I’m from Thorne, a small village in South Yorkshire.

I chose the title ‘Explicare’ because I identify with what the word represents. It’s from

the Latin language, and literally means ‘to unfold’. A while back, I lived in East London and I was surrounded by art and music and fashion. I wrote tonnes of poetry and music, wore crazy outfits, hung out in dark nightclubs and warehouse parties listening to house and techno. As a teenager I studied violin and piano, and focused mainly on performing in, and writing music for, orchestra.

But from my little flat in East London, I was discovering my true identity. It was like I was watching myself constantly unfold every day into a little bit more of my authentic self. And I still am unfolding every day! So, I called myself Explicare. I also really like the word; it’s beautiful.

‘Colder’ is your latest offering, can you tell us what inspired the lyrics?

I wrote ‘Colder’ one night when I felt overwhelmed by technology and social media.

A friend actually described it as “a hymn against modern technology”. I felt plagued. In my head, I saw this mixture of images: metal, flowers, bones, white walls and blue screens.

In reality, we leave miniscule traces of our being everywhere (fingerprints, hair) all over the place. But we have an alternative reality today, consisting of less human versions of ourselves.

Those versions are so fragile and yet so influential to society’s expectation of an individual.

“Metal hearts” symbolises the online persona, whether it be on Instagram, Facebook or Tinder, we all can create these alternative

characters. “Once touched, they shatter into shards” represents encountering someone in reality; it’s kind of demystifying, the connection becomes authentic and the depth to it is much more significant.The final lines of the song say “I know just what it’s like” in which I mean to say “I understand how easy it is to get too close to technology”.

It’s difficult to feel present sometimes; it takes a lot to gather yourself and step away. At the end, I repeat the line “our souls collide” because I wanted to end the song on my own memory of authentic connections with certain people. Those moments in life are so powerful. Some people, they just leave a print on you forever. I wanted to try to create an image of that.

You can find Colder by Amy over on Soundcloud.

Enjoy

D https://soundcloud.com/user33690159/colder

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www.doncopolitan.com Š doncopolitan 2019