News
DONCASTER CHAMBER RESPONDS TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYOR’S AIRPORT UPDATE
Doncaster Chamber responds to the latest update from South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, on the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), shared during the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board AGM. SYMCA has confirmed that further progress has been made on the Doncaster Sheffield Airport investment proposal. This includes significant assurance work undertaken since February, focusing on traffic forecasts, financial modelling, and the development of a masterplan for the wider
HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire visits iconic Vulcan XH558
Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, has visited Yorkshire’s Avro Vulcan XH558. Dame Hilary met with the team behind the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST), the charity responsible for XH558 and learned more about their work to honour the past and inspire future generations into STEM careers. Marc Walters, chief executive of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “It was truly wonderful to show Dame Hilary our amazing aircraft. “She was able to see all the
Doncaster’s PE Conference Set to Make a Triumphant Return in 2025
Doncaster’s eagerly awaited PE Conference is set to make a grand return on Thursday, 20th March 2025, at The Hub. This inspiring event invites educators and school leaders to a transformative day focused on leveraging pupil voice to foster more active and engaging learning environments. A Day of Insight, Innovation, and Interaction This year’s conference boasts a dynamic line-up of renowned keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will gain invaluable
Cast Breaks Records and Champions Accessibility with Smash-Hit Jack and the Beanstalk, Supported by City of Doncaster Council and Doncaster Ward Councillors
Cast is thrilled to announce the record-breaking success of its 2024/25 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, with 28,523 tickets sold—the highest in the theatre’s history. This achievement underscores Cast’s commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment while ensuring accessibility for all. This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk was notable for its inclusive approach, made possible through special funding from City of Doncaster Council and Doncaster Ward Councillors, enabling 280 people to
Vulcan XH558 secures long-term home at Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) has received confirmation of its long-term future at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, following ongoing discussions with the City of Doncaster Council (CDC). The iconic Vulcan XH558 has been based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport since 2011. After its previous lease with Peel Holdings was due to expire in June 2023, the charity were looking for a new home when news of the airport’s imminent closure emerged. Conversations with CDC have continued to take place and as the
Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust expands fitness facilities in Rossington
Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT) is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of a brand-new gym in Rossington. This exciting addition to Rossington Wellbeing and Leisure Hub is part of DCLT’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible health and fitness opportunities for Doncaster residents The new gym, which is set to open at 6am, on Friday, 22 November 2024, will feature a wide range of new equipment and dedicated spaces to cater to a variety of fitness needs. The
ANNUAL HEART OF DONCASTER AWARDS SEE RECORD ATTENDANCE AS CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION CELEBRATE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE CITY
Friday 11th October saw Club Doncaster Foundation host the annual Heart of Doncaster Awards. A record number of over 200 people were in attendance at the celebratory evening, with partners, individuals, businesses, groups and VIP’s, including Glyn Jones (Deputy Mayor), Damian Allen (City of Doncaster Council CEO), Ruth Shaw (Premier League Charitable Fund CEO) and Debbie Cook (Director of Community for EFL in the Community), in attendance within the Jibba Jabba restaurant at the Eco-Power
History of Doncaster Grand Theatre set out in new booklet
Rarely seen bill posters and programmes, performers of yester-year photographed on stage and interviews with those who recall the landmark venue in its heyday are all brought together in a fascinating new publication: ‘The Grand Theatre: A Past, A Present and A Future.’ Available for just £2.50 at Danum Gallery Library and Museum in Waterdale, Doncaster, the 16-page A4-size booklet, with many illustrations, has been authored by Bill McHugh, Culture and Transformation Lead at City of Doncaster Council. As
Join the Campaign To Reopen Doncaster Grand Theatre
Prior to the opening of the Arndale Centre in Doncaster (since renamed Frenchgate Shopping Centre) in 1969, the developers had applied unsuccessfully to demolish the Grand Theatre as part of a major town centre redevelopment. Thousands of people objected to the much-loved Victorian theatre being destroyed, which is why it is still here today. Since the building’s closure, latterly as a bingo hall in the early 1990s, the Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre, who include former stage performers and theatre
Cusworth Hall Shares the Voice of Doncaster With Film Premiere
The imposing facade of South Yorkshire stately home will provide a dramatic backdrop to a new film project that gives the people of Doncaster the chance to share their love for their home city. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and multi-media specialist Wayne Sables has received grant aid from Doncaster Council in conjunction with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to create the new piece of work, Stories of Doncaster. He has captured the authentic sounds and experiences of the real people of South
Celebrate Cultural & Language Diversity during Doncaster Remake Learning Festival 2023. Join PAB Languages Center and City of Doncaster for Inclusive and Exciting Workshop Activities for the Whole Family!
Doncaster Chamber member, PAB Languages Center, and City of Doncaster Council teamed up to deliver an exciting and educational event that is sure to be fun for the whole family during Doncaster Remake Learning Festival this year. The two half-day upcoming workshops activities offer a range of engaging and interactive activities that promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. From language activities, arts, and crafts to a book corner and memory wall, there is something for everyone. The Doncaster Remake
Theatre at Risk Doncaster Grand Theatre Receives Over £6000 as Part of Restorative Project
The Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre have been awarded £6,500 as part of a project to help remember the venue as a working theatre. The aim of the project will see individuals record their memories of the theatre, while (separately) appropriate work will be done to digitalise many of the old artefacts and memorabilia associated with this Grade II listed building. Doncaster Grand Theatre was just one of seven theatres to receive funding through the first round of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient
Five Local Businesses Pledge To Support the Armed Forces Covenant at the South Yorkshire Military and Business Exhibition
South Yorkshire’s first-ever Military and Business Exhibition took place Tuesday — jointly organised by the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and Humber — which saw over 20 local businesses exhibit and upwards of 100 attendees. The event was in aid of promoting the fantastic potential employees in the form of service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families and our Cadet Forces to local businesses and how they can support them in their
Swimmers Make a Splash at Refurbished Doncaster Leisure Centre
Askern Leisure Centre reopened to the public on Monday (February 13), following a major refurbishment. The £6 million investment in the centre has seen the old coal-heating-system replaced with a more environmentally friendly and sustainable water heating solution, as well a new roof, windows, and doors to make the venue more energy efficient. The pool has also had its lining replaced and a new air handling system installed, alongside a new changing village, including a Changing Places
Making a Splash at Rossington Leisure Centre
Visitors to the newly-refurbished Rossington Leisure Centre are making a splash this week, following a £750,000 investment into the venue. Formerly Rossington Community Swimming Pool, the centre has reopened as part of the Leisure Centre improvement programme. The improved site has a new changing village and group change area, as well as a refurbished pool hall. Rossington Leisure Centre has also benefitted from environmental improvements with new windows, doors, and a building management system
Sheffield-Based Charity Wins Contract To Support Doncaster’s Most Vulnerable
Trusted older people’s charity, Sheffield Churches’ Council for Community Care (SCCCC), will be working in partnership with Doncaster Council in order to provide support to the city's most vulnerable. The long-established charity will be working closely with Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Doncaster Councils Community Partners to offer much-needed aid through the Home from Hospital Scheme. Since taking over the contract on the 1st of October, SCCCC has hit the ground running and has already taken a
South Yorkshire Chambers Ask The Government to Clarify Its Position on Saving DSA
The three South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, asking for clarity on what the UK government is doing to prevent the imminent closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). Today, the respective Chief Executives for Doncaster Chamber, Sheffield Chamber and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber have jointly sent a letter to Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP. In this letter, they note that it has been several weeks since Liz Truss’ first Prime Minister’s Questions session,
Update on Doncaster Sheffield Airport Negotiations
As a mark of respect, following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we have decided to scale back on our communications for the duration of the National Mourning Period. As such, we do not have the usual DSA update this week. However, rest assured that work is still continuing behind the scenes. One of the latest developments is that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Doncaster Council are now in negotiations with a credible consortium interested in buying the
Edlington Victoria Academy Opens New Forest School
Pupils at Edlington Victoria Academy will soon be enjoying a new outdoor space for learning, with the education provider having just opened its first ever Forest School. Mayor of Edlington Town Council, Cllr Steve Reardon ,joined representatives from Doncaster Chamber and Doncaster Council to engage with academy staff and pupils at the launch of this Forest School. Following a successful application last year, the academy was awarded £54,000 from LNER to create the space that will offer a unique