Doncopolitan issue 17 by Warren Draper

The #DONNYMADE Edition WE LOOK AT SOME OF DONNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AMAZING MAKERS, SHAKERS & LIBERTY TAKERS

Issue 17

May 2016

FREE TO A GOOD HOME

Contributors

Contents

Writers:

Design:

Rachel Horne

Warren Draper

Rachel Horne

Les Monaghan

Sam Cooper

Editorial Rachel Horne

Doncograms

Do-caster Warren Draper

Art On The Move: Artfuel at Unity House

Pull-Out ‘Jade Clark’ Poster Jade Clark

The Desire Project Les Monaghan

Culture & Continuity Sophie Brown

The Guide

Off The Hook Sine FM’s Rob Allen interviews Joy Division’s Peter Hook

Someting To Smile About Festival Rachel Horne

Sophie Brown Rob Allen

Artwork: Jade Clark

Reviewers:

Rosie Jones

Simon Saynor

Matt McCormack

James Phaily Rachel Horne

Editorial Team:

Reverend Tom

Rachel Horne

Jenny Dewsnap

Warren Draper

Linda Jones

Sam Cooper Linda Jones

Photography:

Steve Bates

Warren Draper

Sheila North

Gwen Coe

Frances Bibby

Mark Loraine

Josie Bowerman

Jade Clark Emily Rowley Naoimi Horan Les Monaghan Sophie Brown Rachel Horne Amanda Smalley

w Very BEST <OUR y

GOOD FRiend all at M R Fran Bibby lready x

missing you a Proud to be Independent

Disclaimer

The Doncopolitan aims to provide a truly

The opinions expressed in each feature and article in the Doncopolitan are the opinions of their

independent voice for Doncaster. To ensure maximum

respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Doncopolitan. The editors

freedom the magazine is produced and distributed by

and production team of the Doncopolitan accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed.

a small team of dedicated individuals and production

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costs are met through advertising sales. If you want to fight for Donny independence then why not write for us or donate much needed time, money or equipment? Interested? Then call us on +44 (0) 7846 439982 or

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Articles and images marked with a are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

EDITORIAL Rachel Horne Two years ago this month we published the first ever Doncopolitan. The theme for the launch issue was #FakeItTillYouMakeIt. We had no idea if a free magazine with expensive production costs would work in Doncaster, especially at a time when major print publications across the land were shutting down. But, like all good fairy tales, the ending has proved to be a happy one. It’s a shining example of what we can achieve in Donny if we work together.

organisation's founder, about her journey to create affordable studios for visual artists in Doncaster. And Warren Draper’s Do-caster is a manifesto for how we can tackle Doncaster’s economic struggle through making, design and the creative industries.

Doncopolitan would not exist without our wonderful writers, interns, artists and volunteers, who have put countless hours into the magazine because they, like us, want to prove that this town is no cultural desert.

We also interview our favourite bearded Thorne boyo and founder of Something To Smile About Festival, Peter Sullivan, along with his partner Becky, to discover why Smile is becoming recognised nationally as a quality grassroots festival every Doncastrian should be proud of.

This #DonnyMade issue of the Doncopolitan shines a light on Doncaster’s army of creators, makers and liberty takers, who continue to disprove Doncaster’s negative stereotypes. Our cover artist this month is none other than our home town hero and #DonnyGirlBoss, Jade Clark. Against the odds, Jade is bringing the rag trade back to Doncaster. Manufacturing her own clothing brand from a small unit in Carcroft, she sells her handcrafted wares to devoted online followers from Taiwan to Texas, forging a global empire from her own back yard, something many assume could only be achieved by living in one of the world’s art capitals, not from an industrial unit in the Donx. Jade’s legendary eye for colour and design has caught the attention of super stars such as Rita Ora and Radio One DJ Annie Mac. This year Instagram went mad when Baddie Winkle, an 87 year old media sensation, graced social media wearing one of Jade’s signature halterneck tops. We meet many a maker throughout the pages of issue 17. People like Odd and Sorts‘ Naomi Horan, who is making handmade jewellery and selling it across the world via social media. We visit Art Fuel’s new permanent home and talk to Mandy Keating, the

SineFM’s Son of S.L.A.M show host, Rob Allen, interviews the legendary Peter Hook of New Order and Joy Division, a prime example of a liberty taker whose music sprung from a city on the edge.

ABOUT This magazine aims to provide an independent voice for Doncaster. We will big up anything which has the potential to add to Doncaster’s metropolitan appeal and strengthen the local economy. We’ll celebrate Doncaster’s culture, arts, style, music, people, fashion, lifestyle, architecture and even its coal-black underbelly. To remain as independent as possible this magazine is completely self-funded, relying on advertising and generous donations to stay afloat. If you would like to advertise with us, or if you’d like to support our endeavours through subscriptions or donations please call us on: + 4 4 (0 ) 784 6 439 982 Advertising Enquiries call Amanda on:

Everyone featured in this issue of Doncopolitan has been on an epic journey to pursue their creative dreams. We hope this issue inspires you to join the party and get your hands dirty. To quote Albert Einstein: “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on."

+ 4 4 (0 ) 75 0 0 0 4 8 223 If you’re a local artist, musician, writer, photographer, fashionista, socialite or social commentator, and have something to contribute to this magazine, please get in touch. Online: www.don cop ol ita n .com don cop ol i ta n @g m a i l .com Write to us: Doncopolitan Studio Copley Road Project 83 Copley Road Doncaster DN1 2QP Social Media: Twitter: @Don cop ol ita n M a g #DoncopolitanMag Instagram: @Don copol i ta n #Doncogram Facebook: facebook.com/doncopolitan YouTube: youtube.com/user/ Doncopolitan

4. 3.

Doncograms

1. “Typewriter” by Gwen Coe (taken at a Love Photography workshop) ©2016 2. “Lips” by Rosie Jones ©2016 3. “Pride Lion” by Matt McCormack of Dead Rebel Studio ©2016 4. “The Cast of Easter Wood Mystery taken at Cask Corner” by Mark Lorainee ©2016 5. “Jade Pineapple” by Jade Clark ©2016 6. “Peeps” by Emily Rowley legendary #DonnyMaker ©2016

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r e t s a c t s u J

! t I Do

Warren Draper We humans are creative creatures. Give a child some crayons and a piece of paper and it won’t be long before he or she has created a wondrous world of possibilities (don’t forget the paper though, or they’ll create that world on your wall). Creativity is in our bones. It’s as much a part of the human condition as opposable thumbs or liking pictures of kittens on Facebook. And yet modern life seems to actively discourage this innate creativity. The globalised marketplace of the third millennium encourages us to be consumers, rather than creators. But if we were to tap into our own innate creativity and put it to good use, we would find that it not only offers each of us the ability to enrich our own lives, but that it is also capable

of adding to both the local and global economies in ways which are far less destructive than the current state of affairs. The greatest obstacle to living a more creative life is a widely held belief that creative people are an elite breed. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard the phrase, “I’m not a creative person.” We might not all be gifted painters, musicians or sculptors, but each and every one of us has innate creative talent in one form or another. More often than not, we say we’re not very good at something when we haven’t even tried doing it, or we try something briefly and say we’re not very good because we haven’t mastered the necessary techniques yet. My wife is always telling me that she isn’t

very ‘arty’, but within a few weeks of attending a Tavern Cake College sugar craft class at Bentley Community Library she was creating intricate and beautiful sugar flowers as fine as any professional. Some of the most interesting Donny doers we’ve come across only found their talent through sheer necessity. Shabby Shack’s Claire McPhearson started upcycling furniture because she had bought an old period house and wanted to fill it with pieces which were already “engrained with memories.” As someone who had always loved design and hated waste, she had found the perfect vocation. After selling her first pieces on eBay she started a Facebook page and things boomed from there. Using a local company such as Shabby

Shack rather than a multinational corporation like Ikea has a number of advantages. It helps to stop the loss of habitat and the kind of environmental damage which even sustainable forest management cannot avoid; it saves well-made furniture from going to landfill; and it keeps money in the local economy. Another incredible local interior design company is Reckage At Home, who also happen to supply the furniture for the Doncopolitan studio on Copley Road. Not only do they employ local people to help craft their reclaimed designs, but they also run regular fairs designed to raise money for Sprotbrough Community Library and the local branch of The Royal British Legion. The beautifully designed, high-end product range offered by Reckage also ensures that there is money coming into the local economy from well outside the Doncaster area, something which this issue’s cover artist, Jade Clark, is also an expert at. Jade’s fashion ranges are admired the world over. Rather than relying on traditional means to reach her clients, she uses social media to deal directly with her customers. And they aren’t just passive consumers. They’re a rocksolid online community of Jade Clark fashionistas whose Instagram posts help to showcase Jade’s creations alive in the real world whilst providing valuable feedback to help her develop future ranges. Multinational corporations may have created a global economy to satisfy their own needs, but with pioneers like Jade we are beginning to see how the global marketplace can be of immense benefit to local economies. The next generation are very aware of both the wonders and the dangers that a global economy brings. Thankfully they know the scale of the problems they face, now and in the future, and are actively using the old mantra of ‘think global, act local’ to create new ways of doing things. The Green Bean Company was created by a group of sixth formers from Ridgewood School who used the Young Enterprise scheme to create an exciting new venture. In their own words:

“We’re trying to make a difference to the way we live our lives. We want to promote healthy eating, growing your own food and a more sustainable way of living. Therefore, we created our grow-your-own herb kits to help. The kits include a combination of peat-free compost and recycled coffee grounds donated by Costa coffee, a peat-free plant pot, a bag of organic seeds and an instruction leaflet. It couldn’t be any easier to start growing your own herbs! The entirety of our product is biodegradable and we source all of our items from the UK to reduce our ecofootprint.“ Sadly there isn’t room here to include all of the amazing makers we have in Doncaster, but hopefully these people have inspired you to ‘go forth and create.’ In the meantime, don’t forget to support your local doers. t he sh ab by s h a c k .co. uk re c kage a th om e .co. uk j ade - c la rk . s q ua re s p a ce .com g re e nbe a n co.co. uk End If you’re a doer yourself and are looking for space to develop your work we recommend you get in touch with the following spaces to see if they’re right for you and what you do: The Loft Based at the Church View Centre, the former art college opposite the Minster. Call Adam on 0 776 5 836 885 Queens Road Design Centre A range of units for designers, artists and other businesses. Call Nigel on 01 30 2 898730 Art Fuel Studio space for artists, designers and other creatives. Full details on page 10. Visit ar t f ue l .org . uk The Copley Road Project Co-working space and home of the Doncopolitan Studio. Visit co p ley roa d p roj e c t.co. uk

From Top to Bottom: Sugar Craft by Louise Draper, Furniture by Shabby Shack, Interiors by Reckage At Home and Thyme In A Box from the Green Bean Company.

Art On The

MOVE ARTFUEL AT UNITY HOUSE

For the third time in its four year history, Artfuel is on the move, this time to Unity House. And this time, cross your paintcovered fingers, it’s here for a while, perhaps even to stay. Artfuel is a not-for-profit community arts organisation. Studio space is “open to anyone who’s creative,” says Artfuel’s Mandy Keating, adding that the organisation “likes to have as broad a mix as possible”. Mandy stresses Artfuel’s community nature. It’s not just about finding artists who need studios, but also about getting along with each other. “People here don’t have any pretensions, and if they do, we help them get rid of those.” At around 6,000 square feet, the twostory property, located a paintbrush’s throw from the historic Hyde Park Cemetery, has plenty of space for experienced and upcoming artists to spread their creative wings. The studios range from huge, lightfilled rooms to a windowless “hobbit hole”, tiny yet charming, a windowless loft accessed by steps. The loft is used by a painter who specialises in British

birds. On the first floor, I saw the tools of a photographer’s trade in one of the already occupied studios, whilst downstairs, I bumped into artist and illustrator Mark Holiday, whose art was featured in a previous issue of the Doncopolitan. Plans for the ground floor include gallery space, workshops and possibly shows. This beautiful – if, at the time we spoke, slightly shabby – building has a somewhat mysterious past. One of a complex of 19th century structures near the cemetery’s entrance, Unity House is on a 15-year community lease from Doncaster Council. The building was most recently used as an emergency repair centre. It’s quite a change from Artfuel’s beginnings in the comparatively modern Portland Place, just across from the railway station. That first location was popular, with 18 artists having studio space at one point. Eventually, however, the organisation had to move, that time to St James Court, not far from its present location at Unity House. When I spoke to Mandy, Artfuel wasn’t on the move, strictly speaking. They’d

actually moved in the night before, on 19th April. The large room in which we were speaking had its fair share of cardboard boxes. One of the first orders of business was to unpack the kettle. Like most things in British life, art is fueled by a cuppa. We get down to business… Why has creating affordable studios for artists in Doncaster been so important to you? What’s your own background? I’ve always worked in the creative industry, but didn’t really understand what it was like for freelance artists and creatives until I became self-employed. Then I realised, talking to others in my situation, that people didn’t feel like there was enough support for the creative industry in the Doncaster area. Setting up affordable studio spaces seemed like it might answer a number of problems. It would be a professional yet affordable space to work in; it would offer a community for artists and creatives to collaborate and develop in; it would be a space to showcase work; it would be a place the public could go if they wanted the services of an artist or creative; it would be a reason for people to stay in Doncaster and retain those valuable skills.

I started my working life as a graphic designer and it took me nearly 20 years of working in corporate environments to realise I needed to work for myself and have more control over my working day, creatively and ethically. I love books and learnt bookbinding, but this quickly grew to include leading creative workshops, exhibitions and commissioned public art. Today I specialise in pop-up books and paper art. I love working with paper because although it can be very fragile, it can also be strong and is very versatile - a bit like me, really! Did you ever think at the start of this journey that it would take this long and did you ever consider giving up? I knew it wouldn’t be a five-minute thing, but I didn’t quite realise just how hard it would be and how long it would take. Of course, I considered giving up - still do sometimes. But what keeps me going is the knowledge that Doncaster is a better place with Artfuel than without it, and I don’t want my twin babies growing up thinking their Mum couldn’t hack it [laughs]. What do you hope Doncaster’s creative community will look like in 15 years’ time? Things have slowly been changing for the better in the creative community in the time since Artfuel started. Every person who does something positive for Doncaster’s creative community adds to its chance of success and longevity. I hope that the creative community can have built enough of a reputation for quality, innovation, diversity, embracing change, engaging others, quirkiness and the ability to not take itself too seriously. As John Wayne said, “Get off your horse and drink your milk.” Or was that Freddie Starr... End For more information on Artfuel, including enquiries about renting studio space and volunteer opportunities, email info@ar tf u e l.or g . uk . ar tf uel.org.uk

Photography: Warren Draper

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A Sweet Maker:

ODDS&SORTS We talk to Donny jewellery maker Naomi Horan Your jewellery looks good enough to eat. What is it actually made from? All my sweet jewellery is handmade from clay, which I mould and cure into the lovable sweet replicas they are. I get comments all the time about how real they look. I feel I have to remind people that they aren’t edible. I’m working on some alternative pieces at the moment, made from different materials to the usual clay, but still with the same sweet theme.

How did your sweet obsession begin? My obsession with sweets began at a very young age and it only blossomed from there. I’ve got such a sweet tooth. Sadly, eating sweets isn’t so good for your teeth, so I think making my sweet jewellery eases the cravings. I’m sure my sugar cravings have gone down since, but that’s not absolutely guaranteed.

What part has social media played in helping you to promote your business? Social media has had a strong role in helping to build my business. I’ve had a lot of customers who have found Odds and Sorts through Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and they probably wouldn’t have found us otherwise.

Where are your designs most popular? Most of our customers are from the UK, but we’ve got a lot overseas too. Our second biggest shipping country is Germany. We get orders all over the world. We recently sent a big one out to Guatemala. I’ve got a map in my workshop of the world and every time we ship to a new country, another pin goes in. How do you hope to see your business expand over the next few years? Previously, I’ve solely been focused with trading through our website, but this year I’ve decided to branch out with some wholesale retailers. I’ve just confirmed our first stockist in Nottingham (Two Little Magpies, Beeston), and I’m in talks with several others at the moment, including in the Netherlands. So I hope you’ll be able to find our products in a shop (and country) near you soon. I’ve got so many ideas and projects on the go at the moment, so I’ll be releasing some new products and new collections soon. I currently work a full-time job alongside running my business, so I only have so many hands and so many hours. What advice would you give other creatives interested in starting their own business? I find that if you make something that you really love, and that you enjoy doing, that will show to others too. I’m motivated all the time into making new products and that helps drive me and evolves what I’m doing all the time. You will improve over time. Get to know your customers through social media and what they like. I make custom orders too, so this is a good way of knowing what people like. End For more information about Naomi’s work and to purchase jewellery visit: odd s a n d s or ts .co. uk

RAINBOW RECOVERY Doncaster

A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender support group for people - and those who struggle - with their own substance misuse issues. Meeting every second Wednesday of the month at Doncaster Central Library, Waterdale: 5.45pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6.45pm. Come along for coffee and a chat and get involved.

For more information find us on Facebook

At XP – the way we learn – we don’t just remember facts, we create memories. Emily XP student

Â© Jade Clark 2016

THE

DESIRE PROJECT

Les Monaghan This portraiture project allowed Doncaster people some reflective time to ponder a big question. It became led by the answers that subjects gave. Political and societal changes have rendered us all individual consumers. Those portrayed have been photographed alone, but when exhibited they are grouped together and their desires for health, happiness and a better world coalesce. We want the same things: we want to get along, we want to be social, we want community. In a space dedicated to consumption, the exhibit asks what we value most. Of over 150 subjects questioned, only one wanted a product. The selected portraits were all taken at Engage Training in Doncaster, one of many groups that Les worked with to access as much of Doncasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life as possible. He particularly

concentrated on those who he felt were disenfranchised, voices you rarely hear. The young men in this edit face perhaps more difficulties than most of us in trying to realise their dreams and aspirations. Nonetheless, they must be represented. Following on from recent Doncaster projects themed around aspirations, The Desire Project posits that a photographic portrait is only a starting point. Again it relies on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;occasionalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the idea that audiences engage with the person represented and not the representation. It is funded by Arts Council England. An exhibition of over 70 prints opened in the Frenchgate Centre on 18th March and is likely to remain in place until the 31st of August. End

Photography: Les Monaghan ÂŠ2016

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Culture&Continuity Sophie Brown

Being brought up in a predominantly white community in Doncaster, I had very little knowledge of my black history and culture. It’s not till now that I have begun to have opinions on my culture and interest in my history. My work focuses on cultural appropriation and the dilution of black history. Cultural appropriation is a big topic in fashion and with celebrities at the moment. I aim to make people more aware of what they are doing when they take aspects from a culture and wear/do them simply because they are the ‘ in’ thing. Often they have no understanding of how or why people of the culture it originated from do it, and the meaning behind it, for example tribal tattoos, African markings, hairstyles and cultural garments. Is it disrespect or appreciation? I feel history is often forgotten and diluted when cultural appropriation happens. I aim to make a dent in making black history, a history that has sculpted so much of how we live today, more acknowledged. I feel that black history has been extremely diluted over the years. We are only taught the minimum in school. There is so much in today’s world that slavery had such a big impact on. Due to the lack of education, people are unaware of this. Is this a failing in the school curriculum or does it go deeper than this? End

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13 Women

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Far back in the mists of time (well, about 4 years or so ago), two men took to a stage armed

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a guitar shortly thereafter and has been teaching himself and honing his guitar skills ever since. From his teen years onwards, Billy’s existence has been divided between

Four years on, Bob Hughes and Danny Foy have replaced the washboard with a fiddle

living by the sea in North Wales and touring extensively throughout the UK and abroad.

player, a harmonica, a double bass, a full drum kit and a brand spanking new album.

The combination of life on the road and a relaxing home base as a haven for songwriting

With some epic live gigs under their collective belt and a growing fan base, the album was

provides a nice pace of living, perfect for creating new tunes.

eagerly awaited. I hate eagerly-awaited albums. Unless it’s a blinder then it can only be a disappointment. Thankfully it is a blinder.

The bulk of Billy Bibby’s music career thus far has been with Catfish and the Bottlemen. As a founding member of the band, Bibby cut his gigging teeth for seven years across the UK,

‘YTS’ (no idea – Youth Training Scheme?) opens with a lone fiddle, joined by some out

Europe and America as lead guitarist and backing vocalist. This voyage started when he

of tune guitar and then an Ennio Morricone harmonica takes us into spaghetti western

was just 17 and ended when he was 24. One of his greatest achievements to date is earning

territory. Every album should start like this. It draws you in perfectly.

a gold disc for the band’s top ten debut album, The Balcony, which has remained in the UK

‘Feed The Wolf’ pumps its way towards old favourite ‘WWW’, a gorgeous waltz masking

charts since it was first released in September 2014. This breakout success culminated with

lyrics that tell of the pitfalls of social media. Pete Howe’s fiddle is achingly beautiful.

a win for Catfish and the Bottlemen at the 2016 Brit Awards for British Breakthrough Act.

‘Inward Bound’ is a dem bones hoe down. If your foot isn’t tapping by now you’ve probably

At the helm of his new band, Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles, Billy seeks to forge his way in

shuffled off this mortal coil. ‘Arse Of Barnsley’ (has there ever been a better song title?)

the industry with a project showcasing his own songwriting. His expressive voice surprises

chugs. There’s no other word for it. It’s like a relentless steam train.

and delights the listener with its flawless, timeless and effortless qualities. Possessing

It’s at this point that you realise The 13 Women make music that sounds like it came from

powerful, melodic pipes and a set of songs to match, Bibby prides himself on making

the Deep South but is firmly planted in 21st Century Yorkshire.

meaningful, relatable records that resonate with everyday people. Influences from such greats as Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Mark Knopfler, Noel Gallagher and James Bay are

‘Elaine’ is a love song to a lost love called Michelle. Brilliant. The song belongs to Mick

prominent but not defining, supporting an approach that legendary Manchester DJ and

Holmes mourning harmonica. We’re back upbeat again with ‘H & H’ (Hungry & Homeless – I

recording artist Clint Boon describes as “classic British songwriting with a strong nod to

worked that one out). It’s ‘Cotton Fields’ rewritten. Not the woeful Beach Boys version, but

Americana.”

somewhere between Leadbelly’s original and The Pogues 1989 take. ‘On The Farm’ is probably the weakest song on the album. It’s not a bad track, but it just

Bibby spent much of 2015 on tour, trialling new acoustic material and garnering praise and

seems a bit lost surrounded by everything else happening here. Still, how many 12 track

positive feedback. That led to a series of auditions to recruit a full band with the help of

albums come without filler? Maybe with the “I’ve got a deep sea diver’s point of view”

Simon Jones, former bassist for The Verve.

lyric, that’s the point. And to prove a point, ‘Time Traveller’ is for me the strongest song. It pumps along, interspersed with the most gorgeous hook.

Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles are appearing at the Black Smiths Arms in Harworth on the 28th May hosted by Ginger Beard. This Haworth collective of musicians and promoters are

Nine tracks in and we think we have the measure of The 13 Women, so they throw ‘Jawbone’

becoming a destination for local and national unsigned touring musicians. They are also

our way. It’s like nothing else on here. Christ, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before, yet it

hosting the Scarborough Arms Stage at Tfest which will see Billy Bibby return to Doncaster

fits and is unmistakably 13 Women. It’s unique, which is no mean musical feat these days.

alongside Sheffield’s Velcro Teddy Bears and Scunthorpe’s Twisted Revolution.

It’s a beautiful earworm. ‘Bad Temper’ and ‘DeadlyCobra’ have a job on to follow that and close the album, but they do it nicely. ‘Bad Temper’ throws the album title into the lyric, sounding both pretty and ugly at the same time. ‘DeadlyCobra’ takes us back half an hour into The 13 Women’s spaghetti western world, a superb and fitting ending. An eagerlyawaited album that does what we want and more. It’s a magnificent effort. Their only real issue now is how to follow it.

Simon Saynor SineFM radio host and proprietor of Notorious Aardvark Record Store in the Waterdale shopping centre.

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MUSIC GUIDE

BANG BANG ROMEO BBR are set to explode onto the main stage at the Isle of Wight this summer. Members

MAP FEST

5th & 6th AUGUST at participating venues across Doncaster Town Centre

Anastasia, Ross, Joel and Richard come from the influence of universal sounds of the universe and are basically a hard-edged Fleetwood Mac. With their soulful hooks and

MAPFEST (Music & People) is an annual music festival in Doncaster, run by the people,

unique 60s vibe, it was no surprise that they earned airplay with their debut single,

for the people. Maps are available at participating venues and at Doncaster Tourist

‘Johannesburg’, on the Huw Stephens Show on BBC Radio 1. Bang Bang Romeo initially

Information. This year there are 15 venues and over 100 artists taking part. Each venue is

created a spark when they released their debut EP, We Were Born, in 2014, produced by

offering a different genre of music. From blues to metal, indie to punk, there is something

none other than Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey. The band have already played Isle

for everyone. Most venues are free of charge too. This event always brings people flooding

Of Wight on the much smaller Jack Daniels Rocks stage, so it is well deserved that they get

to Doncaster and is a great showcase of all the fantastic musicians the town has, as well as

their moment to shine and rock the main stage. But don’t worry if you haven’t got tickets to

showing the camaraderie amongst local venues.

Isle Of Wight, because you can catch BBR at The Rocking Chair in Sheffield on 21st May, as

mapfestdoncaster.co.uk

well as at other festivals throughout summer.

THIS PARTY SUCKS MIX TAPE

ALLUsOnDRUGS

This Party Sucks Mix Tape FREE DOWNLOAD

20th May - VINTAGE - SILVER STREET

One of our favourite Donny musos - half of the brains behind The Pit Night Club and

This month sees the return to Doncaster of acclaimed West Yorkshire rockers Allusondrugs.

founder of South Yorkshire’s Pop-Punk & Emo collective - This Party Sucks is releasing a

Having had a hugely successful couple of years that have included festival stints at

one-off compilation mixtape showcasing tracks from the best bands in the region.

Download, Reading & Leeds, Y Not and 2000 Trees Allusondrugs have gone from strength to

The online mixtape features exclusive and unreleased tracks from O Captain, Cast

strength, playing to sell out crowds all over the UK during both headline tours and support

Ashore, Cadavers, Shark Bait and River City, in addition to previously released tracks

slots with huge acts like Enter Shikari and Pulled Apart By Horses. With extensive radio

from Mathletics, Thumbuster, Fierce Morgan and more. The This Party Sucks 2016 Mixtape,

play on multiple BBC platforms and TV coverage via music channel Scuzz, Allusondrugs

released in association with Toolmakers Recording Studio, will be available for free

stock continues to rise. Don’t just take our word for it though, here’s what Q Magazine had

download from 2pm on 30th April through This Party Sucks’ website and Bandcamp page.

to say, “A trippy injection of bulldozing riffs, hypnotic vocals and mosh pit igniting fury...

There are also plans to release a limited run of physical cassette copies, which will be

Grunge revivalism is in rude health, thanks to riff-hungry bands such as Allusondrugs”

announced in May.

Art Guide

Third Mind

vinyl icons

THIRD-MIND Fine Art Exhibition THE LEOPARD – Gallery Space.

Karl Scott is a Doncaster-born travelling DIY singer-songwriter and artist who can be

Doncopolitan alongside DCLC developed a gallery space for local unknown artists wishing to develop and explore new work. Third-Mind is a Fine Art Exhibition by James Phaily and Mark Bailey that took place from the 15th of April - 6th May. I first met Mark Bailey in the summer of 1993. He was living in ‘sunny’ Hyde Park and was on his own personal journey to lose himself, but eventually find himself within the pathways of altered states and exploratory planes of consciousness, playing games that are composed of time. Before meeting Mark, I had the opportunity to apprehend his art, which virtually sang to

found performing at venues such as Cask Corner, Mason’s Arms, Rum Rooms and Vintage. Alongside being a staple of the Doncaster music scene, Karl often travels across Europe and in particular Germany, where he has become a mainstay of the house concert scene. Karl’s music and art is based on an upcycling philosophy, whereby he uses materials around him to create his work. Last year he used past copies of Doncopolitan as covers for his EP, Locating Life. His other projects have included transforming juice cartons into useable and useful purses and recording in derelict buildings for their natural acoustics. Vinyl Icons pays homage to the great and good of the music world, whist upcycling vinyl which would otherwise end up in landfill. You can check out Karl’s latest creations at Vintage on Silver Street.

me (complete with industrial-strength death punk) of a startling immediacy and clarity with which, when imported into one’s own consciousness, became something liminal. Over the course of two years, Mark initiated me into the ways of the psychonaut, one who develops an attunement to different planes of consciousness. The times we spent together developed into a subjective ethos which, as a writer, artist and performer, continually speaks to me in strands of longevity and endurance. I will never forget for I will never be the same again… The advent of the Third-Mind exhibition heralds the rejuvenation of our friendship and arguably shows the kindred development of our aesthetics. After following our own creative paths for a number of years, we at last joined forces for an exciting opportunity. We both work in a similar manner, allowing our creative ideas to develop, sometimes automatically and in altered-states, in order to bring everything forth that the aesthetic of our art needs. Our intention is to make each artefact as immediate and liminal as possible. However, as artists we both intend that this experimentation should not lead to any loss of direction in the work. As artists we both draw and paint from within, from the guiding light of hope that is our creative soul, and jointly we have the intrinsic, artistic need to create. Even though Mark is an ‘outsider’ artist, his painting and drawing shows no lack of slick directness in its form and line. As for myself, I sincerely hope that my offerings visualise a further development of my own esoteric aesthetic since leaving art college. The edge of time, immediacy, liminality and the sub culture of underground music are all on offer at the gallery space of The Leopard. The making of art, for Mark and me, is not just an activity to be done; it is something we are. James Phaily

WORKING Lives Paintings and Drawings by David Venables 16th April - 25th June David Venables is an acclaimed British artist born and still residing locally. His current exhibition at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery is made up of his earlier work depicting Doncaster in the 1960s . We recommend you check out this exhibition, which will draw you into the everyday world of the mid-century Doncastrian.

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Good Stuff GUIDE

Lovers Rock ReGGAE

Photography Exhibition

28th MAY MASONS ARMS

LUKE BAGSHAW COLLECTION CUSWORTH HALL

We were excited to hear the Jerk @ Work (amazing, authethitc Jamaican food cooked outdoors) is back at the Mason’s Arms, but also that this summer there will be a series of quality ska and reggae events known as 2K16 Sounds In the Yard.

Extended to 5th June by popular demand, Luke Bagshaw’s stunning photographs of Doncaster, taken at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, record the rapid changes being brought about in the town by the development of the railways and the mining industry.

The next event on 28th May is a Demus Reggae Lovers Rock Party, and yes, jerk chicken will be there too. Mason’s will also be the Bass Stage at this year’s Mapfest on 5th and 6th August, where Talawa Roots will be heading up from London to perform alongside local reggae and ska musicians.

This exhibition showcases some of the best examples of Luke’s work, including some portraits that have never been publically displayed. Free admission. Cusworth Hall, DN5 7TU.

Vintage Burlseque Fair

Love Bombs & Apples

HALLCROSS PUB 28th & 29th MAY

SECOND SPACE PLAY @ CAST 25th & 26th May, 7.45pm

Our very own burlesque star, Tawny Kay, is hosting a two-day alternative fair at the Hallcross pub on the 28th and 29th of May. Expect some of the UK’s best burlesque acts, a catwalk show, plus stalls selling everything from cake to bongo baskets. There will be an electric performance from Groom Lake Fugitives, who never fail to wow a crowd, as well as other local musicians. For visual artists and doodlers, Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School will be hosting a live drawing session, which invites participants to turn up and sketch the burlesque performers whilst off stage. Entry only £3.

A Palestinian actor learns there’s more to English girls than pure sex appeal. A Pakistani-born terror suspect figures out what’s wrong with his first novel. A British youth suspects all is not what it seems with his object of desire. A New Yorker asks his girlfriend for a sexual favour at the worst possible time. Love, Bombs & Apples is the comic tale of four men, each from different parts of the globe, all experiencing a moment of revelation. Cast, DN1 3BU.

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Good News GUIDE

Introducing Rev Tom

Ten Years OF PRIDE

Doncaster Unitarian Church is not only a place of liberal Christian worship. It is also a centre of interfaith activity, most recently with our efforts to encourage Muslim- Christian friendship in Doncaster. We also work closely with the Quakers and others in the faith community supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Doncaster, and we make a special effort to highlight this during Refugee Week.

I don’t remember exactly when it was, some time in April 2006, but I do distinctly remember the call. It went a little like this: “Erm, I’ve been told you might be the person to help us. We’re organising a Pride event in Doncaster and need your help.” And with that call, my life changed.

Refugee Week runs from 20th to 26th June, and each year the celebration concentrates on a different aspect. This year the theme is ‘Welcome’, but there is also an underlying theme which is the same every year: ‘Different Pasts - Shared Future’. This year, Refugee Week falls right in the middle of Ramadan, so this is a golden opportunity to take that phrase and apply it to Muslim-Christian friendship. We are organising two events and supporting a third, and with the support of Doncopolitan we will keep you informed. Look out for details in the next issue.

Riddled with doubt and trepidation, I attended the first meeting of a small group who had been given £1,500 and tasked with staging not only the first Pride in Doncaster, but the first in South Yorkshire, before Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham. Doncaster led the way. We pulled it off in just eight weeks, a drizzly but great day. No ‘gawping at the gays’, as I’d feared, but enough to make us feel this was a platform to build on and a reason to carry on. So we grew. 2008 and 2009 were magnificent years in the Market Place with great line-ups and a growing audience – so great that after ‘09 we had to take the tough decision, for the sake of crowd safety, to vacate our beloved home.

Meanwhile, at the end of this month (May), it is the 50th anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International, so on behalf of Doncaster Amnesty we are putting on a benefit concert on Saturday 28th May at 7pm. Come and check us out.

Then came a year at the racecourse, thanks to a massive grant from the National Lottery and head-liner Toyah, and the ill-fated fireworks display. A further three years at the Keepmoat saw great Pride events, including the disastrous abandonment of the 2012 Pride due to flooding.

I am quite sure that some readers will have seen the word ‘church’, thought, “Instant Boredom!” and been tempted to quickly turn the page. Would it interest you to know that when this church opened its doors in 1912, it was one of the earliest openly acknowledged Christian Socialist churches in the country? Supporting radical and progressive causes, campaigning for social justice and giving a voice to the marginalised and dispossessed is nothing new to us. We’ve been doing it for over a 100 years.

Sir Nigel Gresley Square gave us the chance to come back into the town centre and we are now firmly established as the single biggest community event of the year, completely free of charge and with a growing crowd predicted to top 10,000 this year.

P.S. Yes, I can do same sex blessings and weddings. Contact me on: revtom1953@gmail.com

So what have we achieved? Well, in ten years the world has changed, but more importantly Doncaster has changed. Legislation is one thing, but everyday acceptance is so very, very different now to back in 2007. Gone is the trepidation. Just look at us now, with our huge parade through the town, flanked by communities and, in 2015, the Yorkshire Main Commerorative Trust ex-miners, banners and bagpipes.

Reverend Tom We like to think Doncaster Pride has played its part and we will continue to celebrate everything LGBT, as well as being hugely thankful for the changes that now make our town home to one of the best regional Pride events around. Pride will take place on the 20th of August at Sir Nigel Gresley Square. You can keep up to date with Pride online and on Facebook . Jenny Dewsnap

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Good News GUIDE

Get Involved!

20% Off for Businesses

GIG & FUNDRAISER - HALLCROSS PUB 3rd – 9th OCTOBER We Shall Overcome 2015 took place over the weekend of 2nd to 4th October. It eventually became 250 gigs in 123 towns across eight countries and three continents, raising an estimated £125,000 of cash, food, clothing and bedding for those hit hardest by austerity. Every weekend across the UK, we have an explosion of music and culture. It’s something to be proud of – gigs, open mics, poetry, stand up. It makes our communities vibrant and strong. But we also know that in our communities people are being hit hard by homelessness and poverty. There is a human cost to the politics of austerity. Please get in touch with Alan Mogzi if you’d like to contribute towards this event, which will bring together artists and musicians standing up to austerity.

Vintage on Silver Street is home to Sheffield’s iconic Twisted Burger Company, which has a mouth-watering menu for meat eaters and vegans alike. We think this is one of Doncaster’s best kept secrets, for those in the know it’s a firm favourite as Twisted Burger Company’s menu consists of unctuous burgers, and irresistible sides. The star of the show is the Pig Daddy Kane (double beef patty, pulled pork, American cheese, Dead Twisted BBQ Sauce, Chorizo and Apple Jam) which packs an almighty rich and comforting meaty punch to the taste buds. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for with the vegan option the Drop Dead Twisted Barbecue Burger consisting of vegan meat patty and vegan cheese slice, BBQ Jackfruit and BBQ Sauce. It’s a well crafted menu and at one of Doncaster much loved music venues.

Go SPROTTY!

Amazing Floral Sugar

Hats off to the amazing residents of Sprotbrough, who banded together with the to change the Tour De Yorkshire route and create an all-day party for the community. Sprotbrough Country Club’s proprietor, Paul Hall and local resident Dave Glover managed to convince the organisers to visit the village and drive the proposed route. Over 15,000 people descended on Sprotbrough for the best community day the village has ever seen. Paul and James of Sprotbrough Country Club also helped to raise over £3,100 for the Sprotbrough Community Fund on the day. Go Sprotty!

Based in The Waterdale shopping centre, this delightful sugar craft shop sells everything for the cake decorator and sugar crafter wanting to make cakes and cupcakes. The shop stocks leading brands of tools, cutters, icing, cupcake supplies, readymade toppers and sugar flower sprays, all suitable for their budget range cakes, homemade or shop-bought cakes. Commissions are also available, from modest to extravagant design. Whatever you require, a bespoke service is offered from this delightful independent business in the heart of Doncaster’s up-and-coming Waterdale area.

(Image taken by Amanda Smalley. Right to left Paul Hall, Dave Glover and Callum Grierson)

Literary GUIDE

Flaming Words

Ted HUGHES PROJECT

REGENT HOTEL WRITERS

This exceptional project aims to celebrate, commemorate and reclaim Ted Hughes as our South Yorkshire poet. The project will see the second Ted Hughes Poetry Festival in Mexborough, honouring Hughes’s roots in the town by bringing high-quality poets and other artists to perform. Secondly, there is the Ted Hughes Trail, a self-guided walk to the key locations of Ted Hughes’ South Yorkshire, at each one of which will be an appropriate art installation or information board. Thirdly, the project is seeking to develop creativity — poetry, writing and art — in and around Mexborough in Hughes’ name. There is a significant tradition of poetry and writing in South Yorkshire, which the project is seeking to uncover, tap into, liberate and develop. If you’re interested in joining in, get in touch with: info@tedhughes p roject.org

In 2012, when the Doncopolitan was hardly more than an idea, Rachel Horne and Warren Draper, along with a load of other artists,makers and crafters, were busy organising themselves into the ‘New Fringe’. They had this crazy notion that young artists should want to stay in Donny, instead of scampering off to London or some other metropolis. Add to the mix Wes Wilkie and Ben McCall from Doncaster Central Development Trust; Signpost, a tiny literature development organisation; and some Arts Council money. Finally, fan the sparks with that New Fringe enthusiasm and the healthy breath of Ray Hearne, poet, songwriter and freelance writer. Result – a healthy grassroots arts culture, part of which was a monthly writing group at Church View. Facilitated by Ray, it was a group where any writing was welcomed - poetry, songwriting, open mic, and prose, from children’s literature to sci-fi. It wasn’t long before the Doncopolitan blasted onto the Donny scene. There were the ‘Telling’ evenings, Rachel Horne’s stunning performance pieces in 2014, and even a Script Slam success for me. The group visited art galleries and museums, and held workshops with the likes of poet Matt Clegg. We’ve talked plays and monologues, haiku and sonnets, taken part in open mic events. Every month, writers, whether new or experienced, continue to share their work and learn from each other. There’s Frank Calladine - 94 (at least) and still an incredible writer and performer. Paul, Anne, Betty, Michele, Justine, Yvonne, Nick, Sheila and the rest with their great poetry and prose. Michael Jenkinson talks of his revitalised poetry and songwriting. He’s gone on to establish the spoken word evenings at Doncaster Brewery Tap. Phil Sheppard published a Children’s History of Doncaster and is developing his brilliant children’s poetry book and novel, Mallard. Ray Hearne’s just put out a new Album, Umpteenth. My children’s novel, A Fistful of Feathers, has been published. Last year Ray lost his funding from the Arts Council and our group became ‘homeless’. Thankfully, we were given a temporary home at the excellent Brewery Tap and, more recently, by the equally generous and brilliant Regent Hotel, where Ray continues to facilitate once a month. If you would like to add your spark to the fire, drop Ray a line at: ray @ noma s te rs .co.u k. Linda Jones

Doncaster Read This month’s Doncaster Read focuses on Anna Jacobs and Miranda Dickinson. In February 2016, British Library records showed that Anna was the 5th most borrowed author in adult fiction. She says she is addicted to writing and this year marks the publication of the 75th book in her 75th year! Miranda’s first book, Fairytale of New York, was nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2010 and her third book, It Started with a Kiss, was nominated in 2012 for the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Find out more at: librar y.doncaster.gov.uk/web/arena/the-doncaster-read

OFF THE

HOOK Sine FM’s Rob Allen interviews Joy Division’s Peter Hook We radio bods are lucky. Every now and then

I’ve just finished my New Order book, actually.

I read your Hacienda book and it’s superb. It

we get offered an interview with an artist

It’s 1,200 pages long and it’s all 27 years until

feels like it all fell apart due to other people’s

alongside a tour or new album. Sometimes

we split up properly in 2007. Then there is an

antics and not yours.

you get one of your heroes. Last year I

addendum about all the child-like arguing

interviewed Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers

afterwards. It’s going to be called Substance,

Well, the thing is we were very naive and not

and you can hear the nerves in my voice.

simply because it’s so substantial.

business-minded, so we got taken advantage

This year I’ve already bagged another, Peter

So I’m looking forward to that. It comes out

it, everyone loves a good knees up, don’t

Hook. I’m a massive electro synth fan and love

in October and it will be my third book. My

they? We had a fantastic knees up for about

New Order and of course Joy Division. Peter is

Hacienda book was first, then Inside Joy

12 years, so you can’t really knock it. I never

passionate about his music and believes in

Division [Unknown Pleasures] and then Inside

bought a drink. It used to drive Rob Gretton

giving the best to people.

New Order [Power, Corruption & Lies], and

crazy, cos he used to pay for all his for some

then I’m going to do another one called

unknown reason. It was a good, cheap night

Inside Prison.

out that ended up costing me millions.

Inside Prison? What would be your crime of

We have all woken up the next morning,

choice then?

looked in our wallets and thought, ‘Jeez, that’s

of. It was a great lesson in life and, let’s face

Has it been 40 years, or should I say nearly 40 years, since the music business started for you?

cost me 60 quid, that night out’. Well, with

It will be 40 years on 6th June 2016. I can

being from Yorkshire especially.

hardly believe it myself. I walked out of the Sex

That would be bad jokes and shoplifting.

Pistols concert on that day and decided I was

Times can be hard for struggling musicians,

going to be a musician - me and Barney, the

I know. You know what it’s like up here? I’ve

I know what you mean, mate. In 1997, I looked

pair of us - and yeah, we have managed to get

got to keep up with Richard Madeley. Do you

in my wallet and thought, ‘Jeez, that’s cost me

away with it for 40 years.

really want to? You would have to be with Judy

3 million!’

Finnegan then. Well, I’ve never been in that situation

That’s brilliant. If you could sum it up in a word or a phrase or a couple of sentences,

When she was at Tony Wilson’s funeral I was

what would it be?

sat next to her. I couldn’t help but notice what beautiful feet she had. A lovely lady.

- not yet. Well, I hope you will be very soon. Now that

F***ing Marvellous! It’s been a rollercoaster,

Terry Wogan is gone they are looking for new

hasn’t it, really? Very up and down.

radio talent.

I’m hoping for that, then Eurovision, and then

for me is all about creation and moving people

Maybe because she was very friendly as well.

I think life is complete for me. We all always

and I never get this karaoke bit of it. But never

You never know. I’ll have to ask her one day.

said that after the World Cup song, the thing

mind, we will save that for another day. Ask her: ‘Did you ever meet Peter Hook, mam?’

to finish it off would be Eurovision. New Order on the Eurovision Song Contest. Could you

So are there any bands out now that you like? Well yeah, today I was listening to Kanye West.

I think it would have been great. You would

some financial arrangement.

That’s a bit of a controversial one! Brilliant. So what can we expect at your gig

have added some sort of substance to it. Pardon the pun.

Hopefully the answer will be ‘no’. If it’s ‘yes’, I’ll come knocking and I’m sure we can come to

imagine that?

He’s very interesting though. I was reading an

tomorrow?

article by Lou Reed, funnily enough. He said Barney could have dressed up as a tranny we

how great Kanye West is and it intrigued me.

Tomorrow you can expect a very passionate,

would have won it hands down. Yeah, easy.

I’d never been a fan of him and his music, but

intense and loving rendition of two New Order

I think one of the best facts in the book is

on listening to it, he does some interesting

LPs, Lowlife and Brotherhood. They are two of

that even the Hacienda cat had a catalogue

stuff. Again it comes down to that thing of he’s

my favourites from... god, when are they from?

number. Yes it did, in Factory Records. If I met

a complete nutjob, but because of it he is one

that cat now she’d be almost as famous as

hell of a showman who creates a lot of interest

the Coronation Street cat. They could have a

and entertainment.

1985 and 1986. Yeah, that’s it! We are not quite in your 90s

proper fight about that. I’m also looking forward to hearing the new

zenith pal, but we are getting there. My boys

I’ve heard she’s running the BBC.

1975 album.

are ready to take you on in Yorkshire. They

Oh, she’s moved on. Good for her. Tony had a

They played here in Doncaster actually, at The

very nice habit of being quite flippant, which

Dome just before Christmas.

have been practising very hard and they are going to blow your bloody socks off. I can believe it. I played some tracks from the

was nice, because to be honest the business

Hebden Bridge Live album last week.

we were in was very demanding. He felt little

He’s my neighbour. I know his mother very

things like the Factory cat lightened the

well. He fancies my daughter so I had to scare

atmosphere and it did. It was good. He had a

him off, but hopefully I’m going to see them

Oh cool. Hebden Bridge is a fantastic place. We

nice look at life did Tony, I must say.

soon. There is a lot of good music about but

were hoping to do a flood relief gig for them,

I don’t think there is a scene that there was,

so we will have to keep our fingers crossed. We

He always came across as being quite a

in the way that we had it. We were very lucky

have had some good gigs in Yorkshire.

character, but a lovable nice one I might add.

to go through punk, to go through acid house and then come up through all the genres and

You will have to try and get yourselves to

His ethos was always, ‘You are the musician.

all the wonderful things we’ve been through in

Doncaster some time. I feel we sometimes get

Get on with it and when you have done

the 80s and the 90s. Everybody is spoilt rotten

overlooked from bands who tour.

something I’ll put it out.’ He never told you

now, aren’t they, and spend most of their time

what to do, which was nice. The problem with

looking back.

Tell me this - is Rotters still there?

geezers that think they know better than you,

Another thing I was going to come onto was

The nightclub is still there, but it’s not called

and they don’t, so you have to be careful with

that we do a nod back, on my show, to the

Rotters anymore. I don’t think they would

it. Tony was a great fan of our music and never

student nights from here in Doncaster from

have you on. It’s a dance music venue now.

steamed into it. He just let you get on with it

back in the 90s.

major labels is that they are full of these

Oh well, you can’t win them all.

and it enabled you to reach whichever creative zenith you wanted to reach without someone

There is a massive thing about the 90s now.

making you doubt it. There is nothing worse

It used to be the 80s, but it seems the 90s are

We do have a couple of great music venues

than doubt, is there?

the new 80s now. It was an interesting period.

here though that would certainly have you on.

But I suppose the thing is that everybody now He sounds like a good figurehead that held it

should be making events and not watching

all together.

the past. But hey, listen. People like you

Alright mate, we will keep our fingers crossed.

and people like me are out there enjoying Yeah, he was a real character and very funny,

End

themselves. We can start a revolution, mate. Rob Allen’s Son of SLAM radio show is on Sine

but he was also very passionate and an artist, in the way that he was very flamboyant. It’s

Agreed! I’m definitely up for that. Now back

FM 102.6 in Doncaster every Friday, 11am till

funny. In the music business nowadays you

in the 80s with New Order, you played here in

1pm, or worldwide at:

don’t seem to get many flamboyant people.

Doncaster - I bet you can’t even remember - in

You’ve got Simon Cowell, haven’t you, and he’s

1985 at Rotters Nightclub.

s inefm.com

about the only one who’s got anything behind him. The way he looks at music, personally I

I do! I remember our friend, Alan Wise,

think is awful. It kills music. Can you imagine

promoted it. I do remember it very well. I met a

what Simon Cowell would say to Ian Curtis or

lovely girl that night.

Ian Brown? It would be frightening. Gotta say I’m not a fan of Cowell’s product. But hey ho,

Well, we are very friendly up here in Yorkshire.

that’s how the world goes around sometimes. It wasn’t your mother, was it? Was it nearly I know what you mean and sometimes I

forty years ago. That would be funny, wouldn’t

sit there with a tear in my eye watching

it?

somebody. But I suppose it has a use. Music

Rachel Horne gets the low-down on the Something To Smile About festival. Something To Smile About Festival, or Smile as it’s known in the local lingo, is a three-day art and music festival based at Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre, which is getting a reputation for offering one of the most affordable line-ups on the grassroots festival circuit. It’s co-ordinators, Peter Sullivan and Becky Hunt, started with a dream of bringing amazing music to their home town of Thorne. Thorne Charity Events grew out of this and has continuously brought brilliant live music to the local area. With the first year of Smile under their belts, they are now bringing music lovers from across the country to the Donx. That’s not an easy task, but this event boasts amazing camping facilities and a bargain entry fee. It’s something Doncastrians should feel super proud of. We asked Peter how it all came about. Peter Sullivan of Thorne, you’ve got a big beard and clearly a big heart. What got you into the music and charity work game? I have always loved music and was lucky enough to have the influence of my old man, who listened to a little bit of everything. He is a bit of a hippy at heart and had me at festivals from the age of 12, including my first Glastonbury at

the age of 13. I was definitely blessed to have that experience. The connection to charities came a few years ago. We volunteered to help a friend by getting some bands involved in a charity night. Admittedly we took over the event a little bit - not intentionally, but because I like to do a job to the best of my abilities. The event went great and afterwards we were left asking ‘what next?’ And here we are now. Who’s ‘we’? Who’s the crew? ‘We’ refers to myself and my partner, Becky. Between us we manage almost every aspect of what we do. You base most of your events in the Thorne area, which is not really known for original live music. Why do you want to bring live music to Thorne? When I moved to Thorne, I saw a glimpse of an old-style community still clinging on in an age where everyone is too busy to say ‘hello’ as they pass each other by. I love this way of life and greatly dislike the way the world is becoming a less friendly place. I realised, doing the live music and the charity together, I could drag in two crowds and hopefully open more people’s eyes to the way things should

be. People need to be dragged from their armchairs and TVs by something. Why not music? Also, Thorne has a great history with music and art, just not in more recent years. The longer I live here, the more I realise this. We’re singing from the same hymn sheet. I organised two festivals and set up an open mic in Denaby and Conisbrough. It was a catalyst for so much. I think, for our generation, we feel that sense of community and connectness at festivals. I hope they can help revive that feeling. It isn’t easy. Communities are often divided in opinion. I try my best to stay above this and be someone who anyone can work with. The community is very much affected by the pits, but I sense in Thorne it is the reason the community spirit is still there. Smile is bringing some major grassroots artists to Hatfield. How did the festival come about and what makes it unique compared with other local festivals? Something To Smile About was the name given to the first event we did. At that same event someone suggested a festival in Thorne, in their words ‘a proper festival’. I laughed that off, yet the seed was planted. That year saw me return to the festival fields as a punter

and that was the moment I decided I was going to bring some of the things that makes a music festival so much more than what the everyday person expects to one of my events. A festival to me is a celebration of all the arts, of a life that isn’t plugged in at the wall, and is a way of seeing what really matters. This is what I am creating with Smile: a festival that stays true to the grassroots-style festival of years past. What can people expect at this year’s festival? This year is another step up for us. We have brought in some of the biggest and best names from the festival circuit. Many people, bands included, have been heard to say that we have the best line-up of any small festival in the UK this year. Personally, I book who I would like to see perform and hope everyone else agrees. To mention one band would be unfair to others, as everyone we have playing are top-of-bill acts. We have 30 bands on the main stages and 15 other bands performing in various locations throughout the site across the weekend. But as I have said, music isn’t everything at a festival. We have workshop spaces, including drumming and willow weaving. We have demonstrations, street

performers, artists galleries, great food, drinks and so much more. Why is Hatfield Water Park such a good location? Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre has so much to offer, its on-site facilities being the main part. Being a campsite, it has plenty of luxuries that are often unheard of at festivals - proper toilets, free showers, electricity. However, for me it is a serene place. You are surrounded by trees, sheltered by them also. You have excellent roads leading to it, it is flat and well drained, which makes it ideal for disabled visitors, something many festivals struggle with. Plus the people running the site, DCLT, are behind me every step of the way. We feel safe and secure here and can safely dream of what the future may bring. What other events have you got coming up which we should keep an eye out for? Because Smile has grown into something so much bigger than we ever thought it would, I wanted to stay true to what got us started out on this journey. So I have two main events planned for Thorne Memorial Park. These are free entry events, but everyone is asked to make a small donation to our chosen charities and fetch an item for the Thorne and Moorends Foodbank.

Both are one-day events, both will have our main ingredient of workshops, performances and live music, again from original bands from all over the UK, as well as a couple of international artists. Both events will also have inflatables for the kids and we have our own Mediaeval Bar on site for the adults. The first, Estival, shall be on 25th June and the next is A Midsummer’s Music in the Park on 6th August. One of the acts we are most excited about for the latter is Flight Brigade, who played for us in Doncaster last year. They were one of the best live acts I have ever seen and I promised to bring them back for one of my outdoor events. Two of the members are siblings and can boast that their parents were in one of the bands that played the first ever Glastonbury. One can also boast to have learnt violin whilst balancing a chicken on her head! Keep an eye on Peter and Becky’s antics on their website and on Facebook. s om e th i n g tos m ile a b out.org . uk