Dore to Door internet edition

Local organisations - Autumn 2002

Dore Millennium Play - Whinfell Quarry Gardens - Dramatic Society 1927 to 2002 - Dore Male Voice Choir

Dore Millennium Play

The original bid for a grant to fund the project took nine months and was in fact refused in September 2000. Now well into the Millennium year the committee persevered and by July 2001 an application to the Local Heritage Initiative, a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency, was successful. Consequently it became a much larger project and with the help and support of many local people and organisations over the past twelve months it has been achieved.

The playwright Caroline Small wrote a series of playlets based on events in the history of Dore, which were performed during Festival Week 2002. A cast of 120, including 60 children, many with no previous acting experience. Together with backstage helpers, prop and costume makers, stewards, the committee and an average audience of 250 at each performance, nearly a 1000 local people were involved throughout the week! Quite an achievement, and by producing the plays and involving a wide cross-section of supporters, ranging in age from 4 to 91 years, the first two aims of the project were met.

The third aim of the project was to make an oral history collection and since October 2001, a dedicated group have met regularly. Already a wide range of residents have recorded their recollections of life in Dore and the group will continue to meet and have plans to interview newcomers as well as recording the younger generation. As a result, new skills and new friends have been gained, and the project has raised awareness in the village of the importance of our heritage.

A wonderful Souvenir Programme has also been produced and the committee was fortunate in having expert assistance with this excellent work of reference from editor Mike Peart, historian John Dunstan and artist Brian Edwards who all contributed greatly to its production. There are still a few copies available from Valerie of Dore, an ideal gift for a friend or relative who has a connection with Dore.

Finally, many, many thanks to everyone who has been involved with this wonderful community project, which stands as our own small contribution to the history of Dore.

A video of the plays is available. Please phone Anne Elsdon on 0114 236 0002.

Dore Millennium Play Committee: Bessie Colley, Maureen Cope, John Dunstan, Brian Edwards, Anne Elsdon, Carolyn Heslop, Val Malthouse, Margaret Peart, Mike Peart, Lynne Stuart

Whinfell Quarry Gardens

The volunteers meet once a quarter, and spend the day clearing overgrown areas, making paths accessible, and as many other tasks as they can do in a day. The group has the assistance of Sheffield City Rangers, and applications have been made to obtain small amounts of funding towards the work.

Sir Hugh Neill, whose family owned Whinfell House, gifted the gardens to the city in 1968.

The next working day is planned for Saturday October 12th 2002 from 10am to 3pm. So please do come along and support the good work of the volunteers. Bring your sandwiches and flask and have a lunch time picnic, and a great day out helping your local community.

Even better, become a member of the Friends of Whinfell Quarry Gardens. Membership costs £5 per household. Forms from S. Young on 0114 236 2288.

Dramatic Society 1927 -2002

The Dramatic Society at Dore & Totley United Reformed Church is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Happy Anniversary !

In 1895 the Literary & Debating Society of Dore & Totley Union Church (as it was then) was formed and in 1927, out of that Society, grew the Dramatic Society. In those days the footlights were gas powered and live music was provided by a trio.

In more recent years the Society has produced two plays a year. These cover Comedy, Farce, Murder Mysteries and Thrillers. The Society's repertoire has also included pantomimes and cabarets and it also has a programme of social events for its members.

The Society welcomes new members and also temporary members if people are in the district for a short time. Everyone is welcome whether you are a budding thespian or handy with a hammer (for putting up sets and knocking them down again), whether you enjoy decorating, like costumes or helping with electrics or sound effects. The list of jobs available to produce a play, whether in the cast or backstage, is endless.

Our next production is from 30th October to 2nd November 2002. If you are interested in joining in, please contact our Secretary, Mr Rob Studd, at 5 Devonshire Road, Sheffield 17, tel 236 1192.

Anne Dale

Dore Male Voice Choir

The Choir returned from Cyprus at the end of May after a very successful tour. They joined up with Wigston Male Voice Choir to give three concerts in the Paphos area, and were well received.

On 29th June the Choir gave a Charity Concert before a good audience at Ranmoor Church, where, as guests, the Sheffield Youth Orchestra shared the programme. The concert was in support of the Macmillan Horizons Appeal and £1,372 was raised for this deserving charity.

On 27th July the Choir were singing at Edensor Parish Church, another return visit to a delightful venue.

On 9th November they will be going to Llandudno to take part in the North Wales Choral Festival.

The Autumn Gala Concert will be at Ecclesall Church again this year, on Saturday 12th October. As with last year a sell out is expected for this annual event. The Lord Mayor will be present and the Choir are to be joined by Tapton Brass on this occasion. Sadly this will be Liza Crossland's last concert with the Choir. After gracing the performances as accompanist for some years, she and Alan are moving to a new home in Nottingham.

For tickets for the concert contact the Concert Secretary, Tom Ogley on 236 4367 or me on 236 5043.

David Heslop