Historic street celebrated

A NEW exhibition about Barnsley’s most iconic streets – Eldon Street, will be opening in Barnsley Museums at The Glass Works.

The exhibition, supported by the project, Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), is helping the community rediscover Eldon Street’s sense of place while offering grants to restore the historic buildings.

The project is working with artists, students and communities in the area allowing them to share creative ways of making Eldon Street a vibrant place.

The exhibition – The A-Z of Eldon Street, will tell captivating tales of the street, and will explore the businesses that were once based there, like the famous, Porters’ department store.

It will look at the people and places that have helped shape the street’s history over the last 180 years.

Visitors can also find out more about future plans for the street which build the Gateway to Barnsley’s newly developed town centre.

The exhibition will also reveal Eldon Street’s untold links to performance, natural history and the Civic Theatre.

The display includes a piece of work written by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, which reflects on Eldon Street’s undiscovered history.

Commenting on the new exhibition, Coun Robert Frost, culture spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Eldon Street is a real jewel in Barnsley.

“Its buildings, businesses, culture and past all add to the character of our thriving town culture.

“The Eldon Street HAZ project will elevate the street supporting businesses, culture and local communities.”

The A-Z of Eldon Street will be on display from next Friday to September 6.

HEALTHY HOLIDAYS: Workshops will be in place this summer to teach youngsters new skills. Running over the six week holidays for students from The Mill Academy, the sessions run from 2-4pm, and began last week with a live drawing class. This week, a glass blowing session was held. Coun John Clarke, who represents the Worsbrough ward, said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for the kids. “We’re currently running it with students from The Mill Academy as a pilot, but may do more next year.”