COMMUNITY / BUSINESS / CULTURE Photo by Michael Hirst

ISSUE 4 | MAY 2019 FREE • 01977 600800 Pomfret Lodge, 2 Slutwell Lane, Pontefract. WF8 1SL www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/pontefract COMMUNITY

Community News 4 St Giles Belfrey 6 Pontefract Civic Society 8 Issue #4 – May 2019 5000 copies printed Pontefract Rotary Club 10 Next magazine copydate: 14th May 2019 De Lacy Masonic Lodge 12 Next magazine published: Tour de Yorkshire 14 28rd May 2019 Versus Arthritis 16 Submissions If you would like to contribute to the Pomfretian email hello@pomfretian. co.uk. We’re always delighted to hear HISTORY & HERITAGE from writers, photographers and anyone involved in a local group or activity. When the Great North Road 18 Came Through Pontefract Advertise For more information on how to Democracy and Pontefract 20 advertise email hello@pomfretian. co.uk 07936 860 215 Cakes: The Story of the Secret or call . Ballot Disclaimer Pomfretian is produced and published by Love Local Ltd. The opinions expressed within EVENTS & CULTURE the magazine are of the individual authors and not necessarily those What’s On? 22 of the Pomfretian. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of content, we accept no liability in respect of the content of any article, photo or advertisement. ©Love Local Ltd. All rights reserved. No reproduction or copying without permission.

WWW.POMFRETIAN.CO.UK Pomfretian | 3 Community News

Photo by Michael Hirst

Key to the North School Cleans Up

The £3.5 million Key to the North project at School children from St Giles CofE , which has been made possible Academy, which recently became a through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund Pontefract Junior Civic Society member, and match funded by Council and showed their pride for the town by Historic , has now been completed and taking part in a Keep Britain Tidy Great was fully re-opened to the public at a St George’s British Spring Clean on Skinner Lane. Day event on Sunday 21 and Monday 22 April. Head, Richard Grace said “As a The project, which began in 2015, has seen school, we are really excited to have extensive conservation work being undertaken on joined the Junior Civic Society. We both the monument and includes the development of a have the same aims and ambitions for new visitor centre, café, gift shop and museum. our children and hope to make members Further works have also opened up parts of of the community who are proud of the the castle not seen by the public since 1649 town that they live in.” along with new paths and walkways, providing the Heritage walks, Tour de Yorkshire opportunity to admire the imposing stonework involvement, and a litter poster close-up. An exciting range of events, activities campaign are now being planned. and workshops will be held at the castle over the Other local schools wishing to get coming months, including the popular Proms in involved can find out more by emailing the Castle event on Saturday 22 June, tickets for [email protected]. which are now on sale.

4 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY We love to hear from groups, organisations and individuals about what’s happening locally. Include a photo Tayloredcarpet Holmesand curtain specialist if you can. Email your stories to [email protected]

WE ARE PONTEFRACT’S CURTAINS, CARPETING AND FLOORING SPECIALISTS Visit our showroom for 3 floors of beautiful made to measure curtains, quality floor coverings, fabulous paints and wonderful wall coverings. With over 70 years combined experience, we can help make your house a home. 01977 704272 17A Front Street, Pontefract, WF8 1DA www.tayloredholmes.co.uk

Community Showcase Hailed a Success

Just over 30 local groups and clubs were represented at Pontefract Civic Society’s very fi rst Community Showcase in 2FOR 1 on Saturday 13 April. ON ALL CAKES WITH The event, which was orgainised as THIS AD part of the civic society’s 50th anniversary celebrations, provided an opportunity for local charities, community groups and organisations to engage with local residents. A family run Cafe with a drinks licence, Phil Atkinson who attended the event, just off Market Place. representing Pontefract Rugby Club, said We cater for all types of food, including “I learned a lot about Pontefract, and the so Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free. many committed and talented people who Mauds Yard can be found next to live here; it was well worth attending and the Dorothy Perkins. stage performances St Giles with St Mary’s 01977 792 255 Pantomime Society and the Liquorice Singers www.maudscafeofpontefract.co.uk were amazing”. Find us on Facebook - Mauds Cafe of Pontefract

Mauds Yard, Pontefract, WF8 1AQ

COMMUNITY Pomfretian | 5 Photo by Michael Hirst St Giles Belfrey by Dawn Brooks

e are a band of bell ringers friendly environment. Everyone learns based at St Giles church in the at a different pace and there’s no centre of Pontefract. pressure. WYoung and old can enjoy this wonderful • Professional trainers and health pastime and, once mastered, the art of experts now recommend bell ringing bell ringing stays with you for life. At the to gain gentle physical exercise and moment, our band consists of ringers at increase active living for those seeking various different stages of learning, and ages alternatives to conventional sport. range between from 20 up to 70. In retirement, bell ringing can provide a There are many great reasons why you brand new pastime, a new social life and a may wish to consider joining us: fantastic way to stay fit. What more could • You get to learn how to play an you ask for... but why wait to retire? All this instrument (a bell) and meet lots of and more is waiting for you now. We even interesting people on your ‘journey’ . throw in a few history lessons for those • There’s the opportunity to visit other interested in the history of our towers. bell towers around the country, We practice Monday evenings from opening up travel and friendship if you 7:30pm. To find out more, visit our want it. Facebook page at • Learning to ring the bells is an www.facebook.com/stgilesbelfry or come enjoyable experience, in a relaxed and along to one of our practices.

6 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY LIKE ME? FOLD ME! BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Photo by Michael Hirst Castle Counselling

pproximately 1 in 4 allowing her to develop a local people in the UK will service for the well-being of experience a mental both adults and young people. Ahealth problem each year. “Everyone has different Whether due to work-related needs and Counselling is not issues, family problems or about offering a quick fix, or bullying at school, it can be providing the right answers. For difficult to know who to turn me it is about being emotionally to in times of need. engaged, providing an external, Castle Counselling, situated non-judgemental, caring and in The Gatehouse on Cockpit honest relationship for the Lane in Pontefract, was benefit of allowing positive established some eight years personal growth; an opportunity ago by Therese Hunter, an experienced BACP to be heard, be understood and a chance to Accredited Counsellor, to provide a safe and emotionally stock-take in a non-stigmatised and confidential place to explore the difficulties safe place.” that you may be experiencing. Many types of concerns are brought Having lived and worked for the largest to the Castle Counselling door. Some of part of her life in Pontefract and attended these include generalised anxiety, phobias, local schools, she remembers with a fondness depression, rational problems, trauma, enjoying nothing more than climbing the confidence, self-esteem or self-image issues castle walls, paddling in the pool at Valley and school or work-based based concerns. Gardens and climbing in the Rookeries with Whatever difficulties you may be facing, friends. That same passion for the local area is Castle Counselling provides counselling, now transferred into working with the people psychotherapy and hypnotherapy of Pontefract and the wider community. interventions in a manner that is personable, Therese calls on over 35 years’ experience genuine, professional and confidential. working in associated healthcare professions The first step is to get in touch. within the NHS, both in general nursing For more information visit and psychiatric nursing, before moving into www.castlecounselling.com, email therapeutic counselling. Setting up a private [email protected] or practice seemed to be a natural progression, call 07908572731.

Pomfretian | 7 Just what has Pontefract Civic Society done for rail? by Paul Cartwright

hen Peter Cookson became aware and the authorities, other than a partial car park of the potential for a West Riding improvement. However, we continue to remind service from to London, the decision-makers that the local population is heW worked hard from 2008, including giving the growing, some of whom inform the civic society Grand Central Chief Operating Officer a tour that they need better stations and services. of Pontefract. His efforts paid off with the start One success we have had is the half-hourly of the service, calling at Pontefract Monkhill, in service to and from , which now exists with May 2010. We know it’s not perfect when some alternate routes via Castleford and Wakefield. return services avoid Monkhill, and weekend We have also pushed for the extension of a services are still required, though that hasn’t part underused service from to stopped us campaigning for improvements. Wakefield. This has now been extended to In 2010, the civic society commissioned Castleford, which is a partial success, though architectural plans for a Monkhill station building we believe a bad decision when even greater to overcome accessibility issues, which sadly still patronage could be achieved along the line at remain. We also sought for a much larger car Glasshoughton, Monkhill, , and even park and a through bus route. Unfortunately, Doncaster! This could achieve connectivity to the none of this has been delivered by partners south of the Humber, east coast and Lincoln. So,

8 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY Baghill Timetable Changes - May 19th, 2019

Trains to York 09.36 12.37 15.37 Sundays 17.01 19.37 Trains from York 10.15 13.13 17.15 Sundays 18.02 20.40

Trains to Sheffield 10.49 13.47 17.49 Sundays 18.34 21.24 Trains from Sheffield 08.56 11. 59 14.57 Sundays 16.13 19.00 There are still no trains running during the day on a Sunday. our work at Monkhill is not done; considerable Pontefract Civic Society has therefore approved challenges remain to secure the services a a proposal submitted by Dave Hogg, our Rail principle town deserves and we hope you will Coordinator, for the creation of a Station get involved to help us get them. Adoption scheme to cover all three stations. A minor project to connect the east-west We see this partnership being a great benefit cycle routes will see a ramp delivered in the to rail users, and we hope that readers will get near future from Black Walk to Monkhill station. on board with this exciting initiative in order to Platform extensions at Tanshelf and Monkhill are rejuvenate our station facilities. underway to accommodate longer rolling stock, If you wish to get involved please email which we hope to eventually see on Northern [email protected] or call Dave Rail services. Hogg on 07910 564141. Last year’s timetable fiasco left Pontefract Baghill with a dreadful, almost unusable service of two trains per day. However, we are pleased to announce that three trains per day from Baghill to York & Sheffield will return in May 2019 (as per above). A more holistic approach would have better Baghill services, offering connectivity to Scarborough, without the high investment at Castleford, and perhaps similar options from Sheffield to the Peak District and Manchester. 1919 2019 Finally, a recent opportunity was presented to us by Richard Isaac, the Regional Community Established in 1919, we and Sustainability Manager for Northern Rail, on are your local, family run, a very supportive two-hour site tour of all three independent opticians. Pontefract stations. We discussed various ideas suitable for our situation, including engaging the Our opticians take their time over local community in providing service feedback, every eye examination ensuring that reporting station incidents, creating heritage every test is performed to the highest artwork, litter picks and planting; all leading to possible standard. increased patronage. Local schools could also be engaged which would see benefits for them by “Friendly, P s al & Professi al” encouraging young people to take an interest in rail travel and our stations. We had already www.moorhouseopticians.co.uk planned to install a heritage board at each station, and Richard has offered us a covered notice 01977 703 307 board on each station. The Board of Trustees for 51 Ropergate, Pontefract, WF8 1JY

COMMUNITY Pomfretian | 9 Pontefract Rotary Club by Rotarian Brian G Skidmore

he Rotary Club of Pontefract was ourselves. We provide service to others, established in 1926 as part of a promote integrity and help to advance worldwide organisation. For all this world understanding, goodwill and peace. Ttime it has served the communities around The Rotary motto is ‘Service Above Self’. Pontefract by solving real problems that Impact starts with our members, take commitment and vision in charitable people like you, who see both local and ways. There are over 35,000 Rotary clubs international communities where you worldwide offering similar voluntary services can become people of action by coming to do good where there is a need. together to strengthen connections to Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million friends and neighbours committing to dual gender members, neighbours, friends, improve the lives of others. Members help leaders and problem solvers who see a to Promote Peace, Fight Disease, Provide world where people come together and Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, help take action to create lasting change – in Mothers and Children, Support Education our communities, across the globe and in and grow local communities.

10 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY Local charities supported by the Rotary Club of Pontefract include the Prince of Wales Hospice, the Dr Jackson Cancer Fund and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. In addition, the Rotary club also sponsors a young person to attend a Rotary Youth Leadership Award course in order to learn leadership skills. The local club has also sponsored the training of nurses in Darjeeling, India and fi nancially aided the rebuilding of houses and a school in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami on Boxing Day in 2004. One major project supported by Rotary worldwide is the scheme to rid Polio from the world. Rotary is acknowledged by the United Nations as one of four major fi nancial contributors for this, with Rotarians freely giving their own time towards assisting in the administration of vaccine in the many countries where polio has been endemic. Locally in Pontefract the Purple Crocus is symbolic towards raising awareness about polio. Appropriate seasonal displays can be found in Friarwood Valley Gardens and elsewhere, 30,000 corms having been planted by local schoolchildren and communities. As a further community project daffodil bulbs have also been planted by members on the M62 roundabout at Junction 32. The Rotary Club of Pontefract is looking for people who want to give back to their communities. Becoming a Rotary member brings you into contact with diverse groups of people who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events you will be able to discuss your community’s needs and develop creative ways to “Fantastic value home cooked meals, meet them, connect with others who are freshly prepared from only the finest likeminded, expand your leadership and local ingredients available” professional skills and catch up with good friends and meet new ones. 01977 702 702 If you are interested in Rotary in www.cromwellstearooms.co.uk Pontefract then please contact Brian for further details on 07802 832328. 1 Mauds Yard, Pontefract, WF8 1AQ

COMMUNITY Pomfretian | 11 Photo by Michael Hirst

Freemasonry in Pontefract by De Lacy Lodge No. 4643

rom secret handshakes and rolled- Freemasonry in Pontefract can be traced up trouser legs to ancient rituals and back to a report in the ‘Leeds Mercury’; colourful aprons, Freemasonry has long that on New Years day in 1771, Freemasons Fbeen a subject of intrigue for those on the wearing regalia and led by a Brass Band outside. But what is Freemasonry and why paraded through the streets of Pontefract might you consider joining? scattering hands full of money. However, it Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest wasn’t until 1862 that Pontefract’s first lodge and largest non-religious, non-political, was formed; the St Oswald Lodge No. 910. fraternal and charitable organisations with In the years that followed, and due to over 6.5 million members worldwide. Its the high demand of candidates seeking roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies admission, three additional lodges were of the medieval stonemasons who built formed in Pontefract, namely Legolium our cathedrals and castles. However, there Lodge No. 1542, De Lacy Lodge No. 4643 are probably as many explanations of and Tateshall Lodge No. 7645. Freemasonry as there are Freemasons and it De Lacy Lodge meets on the first Tuesday can mean different things to each individual. of each month, excluding August and For some, it’s about forming lifelong September. friendships, personal growth and being If you’re interested in becoming a able to help deserving causes. For many, its Freemason or would like to find out more biggest draw is the fact that members come about the fraternity and what membership from all walks of life and meet as equals, entails, vist: with values based on integrity, kindness, www.pontefractmasonichall.co.uk or email honesty, fairness and tolerance. [email protected].

12 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY FOR LATER!SAVE ME BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Knottingley Guns & Pawn

nottingley Guns & Pawn, on Spawd full range of Olympic Standard Rifle Bone Lane in Knottingley, is a shop ammunition. For those that enjoy the with a difference. Not only is it an sport of clay pigeon shooting they also KFCA registered pawnbrokers, where you stock cartridges from Hull and ELEY at can buy, sell, pawn and buyback virtually highly competitive prices. Whether you’re anything, but it’s also a registered firearms a beginner looking to get started in the dealer, offering a unique combination of sport, a keen recreational shooter or an goods and services. avid professional, you’re sure to find what This family run business, tucked away you’re looking for with prices to suit all on a back street, was set up by pure budgets. chance after proprieter, Craig Kidd, In addition to sporting arms and fell gravely ill and was forced to leave accessories, the shop also provides watch his career as a paramedic with the battery and strap replacements, smart Yorkshire Ambulance Service. Craig, phone and tablet repairs, black & white who oversees the company with his photo copying, a document scanning son Thomas, has a passion for all things service, money transfers through collectable and is a keen target and clay Western Union, Hermes parcel shop pigeon shooter. Being an entreprenur at services and a convenient parcel pick-up heart, he decided to combine these two service. Instead of waiting in all day for a passions and established the business just parcel delivery, you can choose to have over a year ago to help the people of it delivered straight to the shop and, for Knottingley, and the surrounding towns a small 40p fee, it will be safely stored and villages, access money in a safe and and signed for, ready to collect at your friendly environment. convenience. Along with a wide array of collectables For more information or to browse and curiosities, the shop is also well their current stock, visit www.craigkidd. stocked with many sporting arms and co.uk, email [email protected], shooting accessories and is an official call 01977 675388 or visit them at 28 ELEY Ammunition supplier, stocking their Spawd Bone Lane, Knottingley.

Pomfretian | 13 . n 17 L

l il h k n o 2 4 M 3 5 . 16 n L

m 1 Wak 6 a efield D Road l il 9 M 7 8 15 10 12 13 14 11 Southgate

Tour de Yorkshire

by Phil Cook

n the early part of this year, I was surprised and members of the public all committing to to learn that the Tour de Yorkshire would decorate our town. once again be coming through Pontefract for The efforts over the past 3 months to make Ia third time and the second successive year. this a success is now coming to an end and, as This set my colleagues and I in Pontefract Civic you read this, some of the hard work will already Society thinking of how we could work with the be proudly on display, including 3 large Tee shirts community to improve on last year’s celebrations mounted on iconic building along the route and and make the most of this fantastic occasion. at least one land art display. A meeting was arranged with Wakefi eld It’s a fantastic achievement to know that we Council to ascertain their plans and it was will have 17 locations registered with Welcome agreed that the civic society would lead on to Yorkshire, being decorated or providing coordinating the event, whilst working closely activities for the public.The decorations will with other groups and businesses to encourage include 40 wooden bikes, 30 real bikes and 8 community participation. Invites were sent out plastic bikes, all painted by local organisations for a public meeting and fi ngers were crossed and families. The town centre will be adorned that it would be supported. I need not to have with a vast amount of bunting, which has been worried, as the night was very well attended, purchased by WMDC or made by local groups with many businesses, community organisations, including Pontefract Library Craft Group, Friends

14 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY . n 17 L

l il h k n o 2 4 M 3 5 . 16 n L

m 1 Wak 6 a efield D Road l il 9 M 7 8 15 10 12 13 14 11 Southgate

of Friarwood Valley Gardens and The Barracks Community Association. A large number of Decorations pom poms and old bike wheels have also been decorated by Friends of Friarwood Valley 2. King’s Croft Hotel Gardens and Pontefract in Bloom. 4. Barracks Business Park There will be various activities at key locations 5. Minden House and Barracks fi eld along the route, including events at the Barracks 6. Blackburn Court on Wakefi eld Road, the Robin Hood, the Hope 8. Ropergate and Anchor and in the town centre itself, plus many more. 9. St Giles Church All this has made it possible for us to enter 10. Valley Road the Tour de Yorkshire “Best Dressed Town” 11. Southgate competition, but you can still help increase our 12. Robsons Almshouses chances of winning. For those that live along the 13. route, get involved by decorating your houses Land Art with bunting, fl ags and balloons or, if you are 17. Barker’s Fencing spectating along the route, wave your fl ags and streamers with pride! Entertainment & Activities It’s fantastic to see the amount of community spirit and support for this year’s event and we 1. Farmer Copleys would like to thank local businesses including 3. Barracks Estate Garden Party Wakefi eld District Housing , Wolsey Managed 7. Robin Hood Garden Party Services, Tracked Spider Solutions, Barracks 14. Business Park, Barkers Fencing, Picson Printers, All Saints Church The Pontefract Roast House, Crown Estate 15. Hope and Anchor BBQ Agents, The Play Den and many more for their 16. The Railway support.

COMMUNITY Pomfretian | 15 We Are Pontefract and District Versus Arthritis

by Elaine Lorriman

ersus Arthritis is a national charity with Arthritis Research UK, we hope to working with and for people with build on our knowledge from the past Arthritis, their families, carers and become bigger and stronger as Versus Vand friends. They aim to reach out to Arthritis. those affected by Arthritis by providing We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday information and support and campaigning of each month at The Thornycroft Centre, on related issues. Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4AY, Versus Arthritis was formed on the 1st 6.30pm to 8.30pm. November 2017 as a result of the merger Events coming up this year include between Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis speakers, fun nights, a pie & pea supper, Care. bingo and chair exercises. We have several Pontefract & District Versus Arthritis is a outings booked including Tenpin Bowling, local branch of the charity and is a relaxed a meal and entertainment at King’s Croft and friendly group who enjoy social evenings Hotel and a day out at the Wensleydale and outings while also providing friendship, Creamery at Hawes. support and information. If anyone would like more information, Pontefract & District Branch was formed please contact Elaine on 07806776146. in 1995 as Arthritis Care and now, together

16 | Pomfretian COMMUNITY

Photo © Eric Houlder LRPS

When the Great North Road Came Through Pontefract by Eric Houlder

hen studying local history it is Hospital into Mill Dam (by which the St John’s important to do so critically, Priory main gatehouse undoubtedly stood) and recognising the erudition of the exited the ancient town either northwards via writer,W but also taking into account the state the rock cutting at Monkhill to cross the Aire at of knowledge at the time he/she was writing. Castleford, or turned right towards Ferrybridge This is particularly important when studying where the Aire could also be crossed. the work of pre-20th century scholars who did This ancient highway has never been lost, not have the advantages of relatively modern has always been in plain sight, but was invisible disciplines like archaeology, aerial photography to modern eyes until a fortuitous set of and palaeoclimatology. circumstances revealed it. My friend Harry Battye Thus, when Richard Holmes considered discovered tantalising hints of it in documents, the 1255 visitation report on St John’s Priory, but it was aerial photography which clinched describing it as on the high road from England to its discovery, or should it be re-discovery? The Scotland, he could only conclude that the writer full story with maps and all the evidence is in was being a little inaccurate, for everyone knew my book, “Ancient Routes Through Pontefract: that the Great North Road had always gone from Roman Roads to the Broken Bridge”, the through Ferrybridge two miles north eastward. remaining stock of which is held by the civic However, the modern scholar – if I may society. so describe myself – having access to aerial This is just one of the examples I shall use in photographs, reports on excavations of ancient my forthcoming talk to Pontefract Civic Society roads, and accurate climate charts, can plot the on Tuesday, 8th October. Other discoveries route of the nation’s most important road from include Major General Lambert’s Fort Royal from Wentbridge to Darrington, along Street Furlong the Civil War, and the site of the Saxon battle of Lane, down Baghill, along Tanners’ Row onto Winwaedfield, AD654. North Baileygate, turning right at St Nicholas’

18 | Pomfretian HISTORY & HERITAGE GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED

Advertise with us...

Providing competitively priced, Each month, Pomfretian is hand effective and targeted local delivered to local letterboxes and advertising, we are here to help put available to pick up from convenient your business at the heart of the locations in the town. Advertising local community. We understand with us gets you through the door of that you pride yourself on the quality local people, helping to raise your of your products or services, and so business profile and generate new do we. custom.

No artwork? No adverts? No Pomfretian is a complementary problem. With in-house designers community magazine and not and copywriters, we can help you simply a directory. Unlike many to produce the right, high quality free magazines, our issues focus on adverts, artwork and content that providing readers with original, high will generate real results for your quality editorial that local people business. will want to read.

For more information, call or visit us at: T: 07936 860 215 www.pomfretian.co.uk Democracy and Pontefract Cakes: The Story of the by Thomas Smith

n 1872 a media circus descended on our Before the introduction of the Ballot Act, merry little town of Pontefract. Thousands, being a voter in the could be including electoral agents and journalists, a swarthy business. It is worth briefly recalling Iflocked from all over the country, eager to see here that at this time only property owning men a new electoral mechanism at work: the secret were enfranchised with the vote (see Reform ballot. Act 1867). When it came to casting your vote, Why Pontefract of all places? Well, the secret you had to do it publicly, very publicly. You had to ballot happened here first because, in 1872, stand in the polling station and state your name, our Member of Parliament, the Liberal Hugh details, and crucially, cast your vote orally for all Childers, had been newly appointed to ministerial to hear. Other methods of voting also in use at office as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. this time were the show of hands and the public Contemporary parliamentary practice instructed signing of the ballot paper. What is more, the that if an MP wished to take ministerial office details of your vote could be easily seen in poll they also had to be re-elected in a by-election books which were widely available for anyone to in order for them to serve. Now, with Childers peruse. being called up to be a minister just three weeks Of course, this style of open voting left after the introduction of William Gladstone’s individuals vulnerable to all kinds of bribery and Ballot Act 1872, he (and Pontefract), on the 15th intimidation. When entering the polling station, of August 1872, became the first in line to try out there would have been several corrupting the Act’s new-fangled style of voting: the secret influences bearing down upon your judgement. ballot. For one thing, the person up for election may

20 | Pomfretian HISTORY & HERITAGE well be your boss or your landlord, and if you didn’t vote their way you could be liable for the sack or, worse still, eviction. And as if that wasn’t enough to worry about, you were also susceptible to being ‘soaked’ by a candidate, who often threw parties on the day to (literally) sway voters to electing them by plying them with booze and grub. Electoral bribery was also rife and candidates would often try and ‘buy off’ voters; these dodgy dealings often took place in public buildings of all places! Campaign spending at this time was also unlimited and candidates could spend untold amounts of money on influencing voters. The threat of violence also played a large part on polling day. Candidates could hire mobs to stand at polling stations to intimidate, jeer and threaten voters. There are Despite the improvements in voter even reports of voters being kidnapped and confidentiality, the new method of voting still taken by force to the polling station! had its problems. In the mid-to-late 19th century However, corruption and perversion of Pontefract was chiefly a rural area where a democracy aside, polling days were also a considerable proportion of the population were source of fun and festival for the community. On illiterate. This understandably caused issues when these Victorian election days, social norms and voters had to read the names of candidates behaviours became relaxed and people drank on the ballot paper to cast their vote. At the lots of liquor, partied and got very merry, with Pontefract by-election in 1872, 199 of the 1236 a punch-up or two added into the mix. There voters were classified as illiterate; when they were also bands playing and flags – a real festival came to cast their vote, they had to do so orally, atmosphere. Of course, with the advent of Ballot but before they could do so a special declaration Act 1872 and the secret ballot, all of this merry- had to be made and the room cleared of making effectively disappeared. Locals complained bystanders (including the attendant police officer). that all the fun had been taken out of elections; A further calamity arose when a number of observers present in Pontefract on that pivotal voters reportedly forgot their spectacles and had day in August 1872 commented that the lack of to use the voting procedure for blind voters. booze and general havoc made it not seem like With polling day over, the votes were counted an election day at all. and the results announced in Pontefract’s Town With the secret ballot in action, the electors Hall with carrying the day. Though of Pontefract were now able to cast their votes with the introduction of the secret ballot, there privately by marking an X on the ballot paper was a general anticipation that the results of the within a closed booth before then posting it in a vote would differ from previous elections i.e. sealed – a method more akin to the Childs would lose to his Tory opponent due to way we vote today. The wooden ballot boxes there being no question of corruption of the used in this first secret ballot were specifically polls. However, even with the secret ballot, Childs made for the occasion and marked with a wax won comfortably, much to his satisfaction. seal to ensure that they were not tampered So, next time you cast your vote in an election, with. Fascinatingly, and not without a swell of remember that Pontefract is where the secret local pride, the seals were stamped not with the ballot was first in use! Great Seal of the Royal Borough of Pontefract Reproduced by kind permission of Pontefract granted by Richard III in 1494, but instead by the Heritage Group. traditional stamp used to mark Pontefract Cakes. www.pontefractheritagegroup.org.uk

HISTORYLOCAL & HISTORY HERITAGE Pomfretian | 21 What’s On?

Castle Crafts Farmer Copleys Fun In conversation with 1 May, 10am - 11am Dog Show Ian Hislop and Tom Pontefract Castle 5 May, 11am - 4pm Hockenhull: The Golden Farmer Copleys Age of Satire? Fun creative session for 2-5 year 11 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm olds and their adults. We will Lots of classes for fun with your Pontefract Town Hall be going outside as part of our pooch no matter what breed or activities so wear messy clothes type he or she is! This event will take place in the and wellies. Nelson Room at Pontefract Town Hall 4.30 - 5.30pm, May Day at Pontefract followed by a private view of May Friday Night Grill Castle the exhibition at Pontefract with Live Music 6 May, 1pm - 3pm Museum 5.30 -6.30pm. Tickets 3 May, 7pm - 9:30pm Pontefract Castle £5. Wentbridge House Hotel An afternoon of live music in the beautiful surroundings of Our Grill Night takes place in Wedding Open Day the Fleur de Lys Restaurant Pontefract Castle. 12 May, 11am - 3pm with live music and featuring Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel our incredible ‘Cote de Boeuf’ to share with a delicious glass Have a Dabble - Silver Join us and a selection of our of Australian Shiraz. £65.00 per Charms preferred wedding suppliers couple. 9 May, 6pm - 7:30pm at our May Wedding Open Pontefract Castle Weekend. Our wedding team Discover silver clay at this will be on hand to answer any Tour de Yorkshire fascinating workshop and make questions you may have to make 3 May a beautiful silver charm to add your special day everything Pontefract to your bracelet or necklace or you have dreamed of! Free admission & free parking. The women’s race will pass give as a gift. Tickets £6., Adults through town at approximately 16+. 9:45am, followed by the Paul Cartwright in mens race in the afternoon at Conversation with approximately 3:21pm. Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On. A CAT Club Allan R Blaza - 50 presentation Years of Civic Pride in Pontefract How to Grow Herbs 9 May, 7:30pm - 10pm for the Kitchen with Dr Tap & Barrel Pontefract 14 May, 7pm Rachel Petheram Pontefract Town Hall Renowned poet and Marvin 4 May, 2pm - 3:30pm Gaye afi cionado Steve Ely and In conversation with society Pontefract Castle storyteller and music devotee chair Paul Cartwright, Allan Blaza recalls the formation of A talk on growing herb for the Ian Clayton discuss Marvin Pontefract Civic Society in 1969 kichen by leading fl orist and Gaye’s 1970 soul masterpiece as part of their 50th Anniversary gardener Dr Rachel Petheram. and its relevance today. Tickets Celebrations. Tickets £3. now available.

22 | Pomfretian EVENTS & CULTURE More details on all the events listed below can be found on our website. If you would like to have your event included on this page, please send details to [email protected]

Champagne & Lobster Cyclothon 2019 Medieval May in Evening 19 May, 9am - 5:30pm Pontefract 17 May, 5:30pm - 9:30pm Pontefract Park 29 May, 10pm - 3pm Wentbridge House Hotel Pontefract Museum & Castle This Spring will once again Enjoy a glass of Billecart-Salmon see the return of our annual Delve into the town’s amazing Champagne on arrival followed Cyclothon. With three exciting medieval history. Investigate by a whole lobster served with routes to choose from (31, 60 medieval objects, discover parmesan truffl e fries and a and 100 miles), plus a family- intriguing stories from delicate summer salad, whilst friendly ride, there’s a challenge Pontefract’s medieval past and listening to Live Jazz in the for everyone! make medieval inspired crafts to Brasserie. £50 per person. keep. All ages welcome.

Kings, Wolves, and Pontefract Castle: Let’s Coroners: The History Sow Some Seeds! in Candace Robb’s 31 May, 10am - 12:30pm Mysteries Pontefract Castle 18 May, 2pm - 3pm Explore the wonderful world of Pontefract Castle herbs and discover how these A talk by leading medieval amazing plants have been used mystery writer Candace Robb, by people throughout history Golden Jubilee Author of the Owen Archer, for everything from fl avouring Celebration Margaret Kerr and the Kate foods and mixing medicines to Clifford series. Tickets £3. 24 May, 7pm colouring cloth and warding off Pontefract Town Hall witches! Booking essential. Join Pontefract Civic Society Pontefract Classic Car for a night of swing with Show 2019 Doncaster Youth Jazz Paulos Circus 2019 19 May, 10:30am - 4:30pm Orchestra as they celebrate 23 May - 2 June Pontefract Collieries F.C. 50 years of civic service Farmer Copleys Aiming for 100+ cars to build in Pontefract. Tickets cost We will be blasting off our 2019 on last years amazing success. £12.50, available from Suzi’s tour with out of this world acts A great day for the family and Boutique, Pontefract Roast we have created to show you enthusiasts alike with fair ground House, Magistrates Market and your family the very best of rides and attractions. and online. live entertainment. Tickets cost £7 per person.

EVENTS & CULTURE Pomfretian | 23 Your Property Our Priority Find out what your HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds

Visit our website today to find out what your house is worth with our FREE online service. Simply enter your details and you will receive an instant valuation of your house, based on recent sales of similar properties in your area. You can rest assured that your data will not be shared with any third parties, and you can use the service as often and as many times as you like.

Go to to get your valuation.

01977 233124 2 Alamo House, Session House Yard, Pontefract, , WF8 1BN