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Memories of Barnsley: Revisiting issue six, Don Booker writes of Sir Michael Parkinson and his early days as a Chronicle Reporter
Following the recent death of Sir Michael Parkinson, we revisit our Memories of Barnsley magazine from 2008 and his early days as a reporter working on the Barnsley Chronicle.
The late Don Booker contributed this piece to the sixth issue of the magazine.
Cudworth-born Michael Parkinson, Britain's best-ever television interviewer, was Knighted in the Queen's New Year Honours List.
The son of a Grimethorpe miner, his career started by recording news in...
Memories of Barnsley: From Barnsley Basin to Smithies Lane
There are still signs of life on the former canals around Barnsley. In this article from issue 26 of our sister magazine, Memories of Barnsley, Mark Green followed the trail of the story.
From Barnsley Basin to Smithies Lane
It all began in July 1792 when the Aire & Calder Navigation Company instructed its manager, William Martin, to obtain a plan and estimate for the building of a canal from Barnsley to Wakefield.
...
TRUE CRIME HISTORY: More Foul Deeds & Suspicious Deaths in Barnsley
Barnsley’s notoriety has been so bad - it’s filled two books!
Below is a tale from the second instalment in the series, More Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in Barnsley, which is available to buy here…
This shocking story ended at the gallows and involved a woman and her alleged lover killing her husband in Wombwell way back in 1903.
There was also a lengthy manhunt to North Yorkshire for one of the accused.
...
Memories of Barnsley: Ken Gambles looks back at his trainspotting days as a youngster in Cudworth
This article was first featured in our Memories of Barnsley magazine back in 2021
Ken Gambles looks back at his trainspotting days as a youngster brought up in Cudworth…
Those days were indeed idyllic. From the age of six in 1956 until I began Barnsley Grammar School in 1960 at eleven, most of my time during the holidays was spent either sitting on a wall by the approach road to the north of Cudworth Station...
From the Archives: Here’s what made the news in….August 1976
A NATIVE American has travelled 3,000 miles – to take a close look at the sea. Mrs Stella Stewart, a member of the Chipewa band, her husband, James, a former Wombwell man, and two children, are staying in Ings Road, Wombwell.
The family live at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Stella and the children, Rosita (four), and Ivan (two), have never seen the sea — apart from a bird’s eye view from a jumbo jet en...
From the archives: A housewarming party with the flying Doctor
As housewarming parties go… Doctor Peter Lansley threw one to really remember.
Way back in August 1975 we featured the unusual arrival of the doctor and his pals Nick Owen, Ron O’Brian and John Hitchen in Staincross.
The quartet wanted to mark the moving in at the home off Limes Close in style and as members of the Grindale Parachute Club had the perfect solution.
Peter said: “I decided to make a...
Balls went brighter for Wimbledon back in 1996
As the tennis heats up at Wimbledon we go back into our archives to trace the link between the world-famous tournament and Barnsley.
Many readers will know about the link between the town and the prestigious tournament, held every July.
The balls for the tournament were made by a dedicated staff at a factory on Doncaster Road for years.
As of 1996, the order for the tournament was 34,000. But there was...
From the archives: Memories of cycling's good old days as the Tour de France gets underway
THE death of pioneering cyclist Brian Robinson last year triggered a host of memories for fans of the sport.
Brian was the first Brit to win a stage at the Tour de France when he did so in 1958. He followed it up with another stage win a year later and went on to win the famed Dauphine race in 1961.
Though from over the border in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Brian certainly mixed in...
From the archives: Penistone Golf Club
PENISTONE historian, the late and well-known Mr J W Penistone, once asked readers in an edition of the old Penistone Almanac ‘was there ever a Penistone Golf Club?’.
Yes, there was, and on July 29, 1967 he wrote a newspaper article for the Barnsley Chronicle about Royd Moor Golf Club.
The club was formed in 1905, with a nine-hole course at Royd Moor Farm, Thurlstone. There was no need for any man-made bunkers,...
Looking back: Yoxall family name is explored
CHRONICLE readers have helped to provide information for a family history website dedicated to one particular surname.
Those called Yoxall can now research their family history thanks to 20 years of work.
Several years ago, James Wignall, from Lancashire, wrote a letter to the Chronicle looking for help from people whose last name was Yoxall – which crops up in his own family tree.
James once again wants to appeal to Barnsley...
Memories of Barnsley: Pioneering takeover by factory workers
We take a look back at a historic moment in the town when Raven of Barnsley Ltd became the first workers’ co-operative. This is a piece taken from issue ten of the popular Memories of Barnsley magazine. (Back issues available here).
Raven of Barnsley Limited made history when they became the first workers’ co-operative in the town.
The Pond Street factory, the home of a former velvet works, had earlier gone through a...
From the Archives: Why Wimbledon was not Wimbledon without Barnsley
The start of the tennis at Wimbledon will always trigger memories for Barnsley people.
And it’s true what they used to say. Wimbledon wouldn’t be Wimbledon without Barnsley.
For many years the Dunlop Slazengers factory in Measborough Dike was completely in control of the production of balls for the esteemed tournament.
Many Barnsley people will have worked in the various departments over the years.
We dug back into our archives to...
From the archives: Lyons Bakery Barnsley, the biggest bakery in the world?
EXCITEMENT was building back in early May of 1972 when plans for the world’s biggest bakery, to be built in Carlton, started to take proper shape.
The Chronicle reported on the early planning stages of the Lyons’ bakery, which was set to cost a whopping £15m and provide work for up to 1,750 people.
It was predicted the development, which would be built with potential further expansion in mind, would take four years...
True Crime History: Resentment and poisoning backfired
The incredible tale of resentment and attempted murder is just one of the many stories detailed in the book 19th Century Barnsley Murder, available here.
It may read like an Agatha Christie special but was not concocted by a creative novelist and is actually part of the huge local true crime archive which has been documented in a number of titles.
Below is an extract from the book:
Sometimes it is unclear...
True Crime History: The Monk Bretton Murder
The chilling murder of little Aileen Ethel Dona Burke sent shockwaves across Monk Bretton in 1888. Alcoholism was at the core of the problems the seemingly happy and well-respected Burke family endured and it led to the shocking killing at the Norman Inn.
Below is the story from the book 19th Century Barnsley Murders which features many more shocking crimes.
Monk Bretton is a peaceful little village that has been occupied since...
Photos of ‘Old Barnsley’ are unearthed
A recent dig around in one of our storage rooms has yielded these old sketches of areas around Barnsley.
They were originally printed in the Chronicle back in 1932 and are from the Old Barnsley Collection put together by Kenneth Leslie Graham.
The pictures are taken from around the Barnsley area and will be familiar to some of our readers.
You can view these photo's below individually, or watch them as a video here. ...
Magnum P.I star a big fan of Barnsley chef’s chocolate cake
FOLLOWING the recent revelations about Tom Selleck’s family history in Barnsley, we dug deep into our archives to find the original story about the couple who took up posts with the former Magnum P.I superstar.
John and Lynn Daykin, who are now divorced, were hired by the Selleck’s in the early 1990s and worked as his ranch manager and personal chef.
The former police officers from Monk Bretton had held similar roles at...
Trip across the pond for bell ringers
THURLSTONE Handbell Ringers were formed in 1855.
The minutes of Thurlstone School Board stated that the bell ringers should always have a room in which to rehearse.
They won the Yorkshire Handbell Ringers Association Shield and Cup in 1930, 1931 and 1932 and first prize in the English Championships of 1930.
Winners of the English Championships in 1930. Back row- L. Sykes, C. Mitchell, N. Crossland, M. Walshaw, E. Wood. Front row- T. Sykes,...
From the archives - free download of Barnsley Chronicle - December 2009
We have started re-visiting past editions from our extensive archives at the Chronicle and wanted to share a couple with you.
The third one is from this time of year but in 2009 and it is free to download here: https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/storage/pdf/bc-11-12-2009.pdf (51.2 MB) Please note the file size before you download.
Keep visiting the Chronicle website for the next instalment.
From the archives - free download of Barnsley Chronicle - December 1980
We have started re-visiting past editions from our extensive archives at the Chronicle and wanted to share a couple with you.
The first one is from this time of year but in 1980 and it is free to download here: https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/storage/pdf/bc-12-12-1980.pdf (64.4 MB) Please note the file size before you download.
Keep visiting the Chronicle website for the next instalment. We really hope you enjoy going back in time and think you will be a big...
Chart topping performances at the Civic - looking back to 1974
THE prospect of chart-toppers playing a concert in Barnsley seems pretty far-fetched nowadays.
But for music fans back in 1974, it was a regular occurrence with the biggest acts of the day regularly taking centre stage at the Civic Hall.
There were regular appearances from artists in the top ten with The Bay City Rollers, Suzi Quatro, Cockey Rebel, Mud and Showaddywaddy all featuring.
It was the Scottish heartthrobs who caused the biggest stir and...
From the archives: Barnsley's 19th Century nail makers
IN THE medieval period, nails were hand made in small rural workshops next to workers’ cottages.
Such an industry thrived in the village of Hoylandswaine, where by the 18th century, nail makers, if not full-time, would have fitted in forging work in between working in the fields.
Records show that by 1806, there were around 60 nail makers in Hoylandswaine, increasing to 90 in 1851.
But by 1861, this figure had fallen to 53, and...
The great mascot confusion - cleared up
PEOPLE of a certain age will have heard tales of the original Barnsley FC mascot... and it’s not Toby Tyke.
Amos Riley was the first recognised mascot at Oakwell and he was more than happy to make an ass of himself.
Confusion has lingered for many years over whether Amos was the man or the donkey in the double act but Kevin Langley wanted to clear it up once and for all.
He said:...
From the archives - free download of Barnsley Chronicle - December 1950
We have started re-visiting past editions from our extensive archives at the Chronicle and wanted to share a couple with you.The second one is from this time of year but in 1950 and it is free to download here: https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/storage/pdf/bc-16-12-1950.pdf (16.2 MB) Please note the file size before you download.Keep visiting the Chronicle website for the next instalment. We really hope you enjoy going back in time and think you will be a big fan of the adverts...
Looking back at Penistone Operatic Society’s Beginnings
PENISTONE has always enjoyed a great community spirit and in the past had a host of theatrical and choral groups to entertain the community.
Sadly, like many events, television, videos and digital devices took their toll on not just audiences but people willing or inclined to give time and talent for the benefit of the community.
The first ever pay performed by Penistone Players
Penistone Operatic Society’s musicals complete with orchestra...
Barnsley ferret-legger wows Aussies on TV chat show
THE art of ferret-legging may be from a bygone age but it once earned a Barnsley man fame... and a trip to Australia.
Back in early 1985, the famed ferret-legger Reg Mellor, proved a major hit Down Under with his unusual skill.
Reg, who was 74 at the time and living on Honeywell Street, appeared on the Mike Walsh Show on Australian TV where he wowed the host and audience alike by putting three ferrets...
History group appeals for new members
MEMBERS of a group who have recorded Cudworth’s history for more than two decades are on the lookout for more people to join.
Cudworth History Group was formed 25 years ago by members who hoped to find out more about the mining village’s past.
The group quickly grew and members have gone on to produce books about their findings.
Members were also instrumental in adding names to Cudworth’s war memorial at St John’s Church -...
Town's history comes to the surface
WORK is ongoing to ensure the history of the town keeps coming to the surface. In the final part of the archaelogical series, Ashley Ball speaks to experts about recent discoveries, getting the public involved and future projects.
Elsecar’s industrial past is likely to keep archaeologists busy for some time while also affording local people the chance to get up close to their ancestors and heritage. The rich history in the village has been closer...
Andrew's potty discovery leads to more digging
STUMBLING upon Roman-era pottery in his garden set Andrew Allen on a journey of discovery. In the third instalment in a series of features unearthing the past, Ashley Ball digs deeper into almost 2,000 years of local history.
Luckily Andrew knew the value of what he was digging up. He is thankful that his own thriftiness resulted in him deciding to bury rubble rather than get a skip. That is when he quickly began to...
Egyptologist links Darfield finds to Antony and Cleopatra
PROFESSOR Joann Fletcher is respected around the globe for her knowledge of ancient Egypt but how did coins minted by Antony and Cleopatra end up in her hometown? As part of a series of features, Ashley Ball delves into what has been found beneath our feet in Barnsley.
Ancient Egypt and Darfield seem miles apart. According to internet route planners it’s 3,633 miles by road. That is a long distance journey even by today’s standards...
Tokyo medalist Dorothy on 1964 and 2021 Olympics
Dorothy Hyman admits she feels sorry for the athletes who cannot compete in the Tokyo Olympics this year and says a 12-month delay might have helped her win gold in the same city in 1964.
The Cudworth woman, who competed at the Olympics in 1960 in Rome and four years later in Japan, is disappointed that the coronavirus crisis has pushed back Tokyo’s second games until 2021 but insists that it is not the most...
History society help residents dig a little deeper into their roots
OF the many pastimes people have taken up during lockdown, genealogy has been at the top of the tree. Ashley Ball finds out more from the Barnsley Family History Society.
FOR people researching their ancestral roots in Barnsley, the town’s family history society is often a port of call.
Membership with the 35-year-old society during lockdown has risen significantly to 250 members as people have gone online and in some cases hit proverbial brick walls....
Permanent home for town's historic artefacts
SOME of what lies beneath us has been brought into the light and since the opening of Experience Barnsley in 2013, it is on show where it belongs. In part four of the series, Ashley Ball looks at how closely we can see into the town’s long history.
Without a dedicated home for archaeological finds, a lot of Barnsley’s discoveries were taken away from where they had laid undisturbed for centuries. That all changed with...
Darfield's links to 'Eternal City' explored
ROMAN coins were once so prevalent in Darfield that kids used to trade them for conkers. In his latest instalment, Ashley Ball speaks to local historian Martyn Johnson to dig up even more on the village’s strong links to the ‘Eternal City’.
The Roman empire was vast, fearsome and mighty - and it was partially powered by an inland port... in Barnsley.
It has to, at this stage, be a theory but local historian Martyn...
Railway viaduct builders always managed to stick to schedule
THE NAYLOR family includes generations of brick makers, railway contractors and drainage clay pipe specialists who have played an important role not only locally in the Penistone, Denby Dale and Cawthorne area, but worldwide.
The long established pipe making business Naylor’s was founded by Wilfred Naylor, the eldest of the sixth generation of brick makers and still operates from the successful Cawthorne site among other bases.
He was born the eldest of the sixth generation...
2006: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton explores the Barnsley Chronicle archives fro this week in 2006.
A STATUE to mark the role played by women during the miners’ strike and pit closures has been erected in a Barnsley church.
The figurine of St Barbara, the patron saint of mineworkers, will be dedicated at a service at St Luke’s Church, Grimethorpe and is in tribute to the village’s Women Against Pit Closures group.
It has been commissioned and produced in...
1982: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton explores the Barnsley Chronicle archives from this month in 1982.
A BARNSLEY lad has found fame and fortune as a rock star in Japan.
On his recent visit, Paul Hampshire, 19, was mobbed by fans after appearing on television and radio. Pull-out posters were given away in magazines, featuring him in full colour.
Things have happened very quickly for Paul, who left The Danse Society, with whom he played synthesiser, and headed for...
1995: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton takes a look back at the Barnsley Chronicle from this week 25 years ago.
A WILD animal, believed to be a puma, has been spotted prowling the isolated moors above Penistone.
It was seen by barrister Christopher Mills who says it came within a few feet of the door of his Dunford Bridge home.
Christopher, 46, had gone out to scrape ice from his car when the security lights flashed on, revealing the...
Nigel’s exhibition will be a load of old rope...
A RETIRED ship rigger and wire splicer is appealing to former rope men in Barnsley to get in touch with him for a museum exhibition.
Nigel Gray, of Northumberland, spoke to the Chronicle about wanting to find ex-rope men / ropesmiths who worked in pits across the borough and who are willing to share their experiences or may still have the specialist tools.
“After visiting a mining museum at Wakefield I have realised that there...
Miners, familiy and friends invited to share their memories
CAMPAIGNERS are inviting former miners, as well as their families and friends, to speak on camera as part of an ongoing investigation into the miners’ strike of 1984.
Representatives of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign will set up in the NUM Hall, on Huddersfield Road, tomorrow.
They are encouraging anyone with stories to tell - from happy memories to inspiring tales of heroism to more upsetting truths - to join them in the hall,...
2004: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton takes a look through the Barnsley Chronicle archives from November 2004.
A BARNSLEY violin-maker thought he was subject of a hoax when world-famous violinist Vanessa Mae said she wanted one of his instruments.
The classical musician had tried all over to find a see-through acrylic violin for her album, ‘Subject to Change’, but struck lucky when she discovered Ted Brewer.
Ted has now supplied Vanessa with three custom-made violins.
“I get a lot...
1964: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton takes a look back at the Barnsley Chronicle from this week 56 years ago.
BRITISH policemen are acknowledged to be wonderful and one particular policeman has made a lasting impression on one visitor and can be regularly seen on traffic control duties in the centre of Barnsley.
He is PC William Harber, a 32-years-old member of the Borough Force whose main claim to fame - apart from the efficient way in which he...
2000: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton takes a look back in the Barnsley Chrionicle archives from the dawn of the millenium.
SPECTACULAR fireworks lit up the skies of Barnsley as people went party crazy to welcome in the millennium.
Eye-catching displays across the borough could be seen for miles around as most folk chose to celebrate from the comfort of their own homes.
Willowgarth High School at Grimethorpe was the centre of celebrations in the east of the town,...
1994: Glancing Back
AN ELDERLY man has had his spirit of Christmas rekindled by a thoughtful teenage girl.
Philip Hawley, 77, caught the Barnsley bus from Darton to do a little shopping.
When he arrived he found that he no longer had the shopping bag which contained his pension book, around £20 in cash and a few groceries.
That night two policemen went to his Darton home to hand over the bag and its contents.
They told him...
1974: Glancing Back
Charlotte Hutton takes a look at the Barnsley Chronicle archives from this week in 1974.
EIGHTY-TWO years old John Barnett known as ‘Grandad’ to most of the children in Priory Road, Lundwood, was among neighbours who rescued five youngsters from a blazing council house.
Mr Barnett was celebrating his 11th wedding anniversary and had gone out to the bread van when he heard the windows of the nearby house being rattled.
“We looked up and...
Glancing Back 1965
Charlotte Hutton explores the Barnsley Chronicle archives from September 1965.
A BARNSLEY firm which specialises in handmade blazer badges has landed a contract to make all the badges for players and officials for next year’s world cup football tournament.
The firm, the Crested Tie and Badge Company, Sheffield Road, has been in existence only 18 months but already their work is known throughout the country. The Barnsley firm was chosen from a number of firms...
