Rotherham landmarks receive Historic England funding boost

The funding will concentrate on Keppel’s Column (pictured) in Thorpe Hesley, the Catcliffe Cone, and Waterloo Kiln in Swinton.

The project aims to make it easier for residents to engage with the landmarks through activities using arts and new technologies.

Ideas include projections and light shows, small community gatherings as lockdown measures are eased, and new digital programmes exploring virtual and augmented reality.

Cllr Sarah Allen, cabinet member for cleaner, greener communities, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding as it will enable us to build a programme of engagement focusing on some of Rotherham’s much-loved heritage sites.

“I know residents from across the borough, from those living on the doorstep of our historic sites, to those in schools, youth centres, care homes and libraries, will see the benefits of this project, which will also allow some of our communities who are currently the least represented in our collective heritage to be able to tell their history too.”

The project will also allow residents to explore Rotherham’s shared heritage, RMBC says, to ensure historic sites belong to all sections of the community - from white working class families to the Pakistani migrants who built Rotherham’s industry, as well as the heritage of the borough’s African, Yemeni and Roma communities.

Polly Hamilton, assistant director of culture, tourism and sports, said: “Over the last few years we’ve seen a decreasing pool of volunteers which has seen a disconnection with three of the borough’s most important, yet often overlooked, sites located at the heart of communities.

“By using this funding, we are looking to bring the past back to life and allow the surge of interest in local history which has arisen during lockdown to continue to flourish.”