Location revealed for planned Doncaster miners' memorial in town centre '“ but just days left to make it happen

A site has been identified as the location for a proposed memorial to Doncaster's miners '“ but time is running out to make it happen.
Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.
Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.

Monday December 10 is the deadline for the cash to be raised for the scheme, but there is still a shortfall of around £20,000 in the cash needed to bring the plans forward.

The total raised towards the target is £111,657.

Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.
Nigel Ball, Dennis Nowell, Karen Staniforth and Dan Fell, supporters of the plans for a Doncaster miners memorial, with a miniature version of the planned sculpture which was displayed in the Frenchgate Centre.
Read More
Business becomes first firm in Doncaster to pledge big donation to proposed mine...

If the funding target is met by December 10, artist Laurence Edwards will start to work on the mining statue, called at Rich Seam, in the new year and the finished piece of public art would be unveiled in Autumn 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The location it has now been revealed will be Clock Corner. The location has been chosen because it is a prominent place in the heart of the town centre where both residents and visitors can see it.  

There would be a total of 40 bronze portraits of local people from mining communities in the sculpture. A total of 21 of the heads have already been created.

Mr Edwards will be in Doncaster on Wednesday December 5 and Thursday December 6 making six more portraits. There are 13 heads still to be chosen, so there is still a chance of being picked to be included in the sculpture.

Monday will be the last day for pledges,  because some of the early pledges would expire if the crowdfunding campaign was still live past this date.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Officials at Doncaster Council are still making contact with local businesses who could help make this project happen and money from fundraising activities and collections still taking place will be added to the total raised.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: 'We're asking the people of Doncaster to get involved in whatever way they can. The sculpture will be a world class piece of art, and a permanent reminder of all those hardworking and brave men and women who did so much to build our town and deserve thanks from all of us.

'As with many others, it is a subject close to my heart. My Dad was a miner, and I grew up as part of a mining community, an extended family that looked out for each other, no matter what.

'Let's make this happen!'

The memorial project is also will capturing the voices of miners, colliery staff and their families for generations to come.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Free Press has been campaigning in support of the memorial proposal.

You can pledge online from as little as £2. Log onto  www.doncastersminingstatue.org.uk to make a pledge

You can also send a cheque made out to Doncaster Council addressed to Doncaster Museum, Chequer Rd, Doncaster DN1 2AE.

 

Â