2023 will mark 200 years since the area of Parkgate was established.
Rotherham Council and the Rawmarsh and Parkgate Local History Group will be marking this bi-centennial anniversary by holding a range of events and activities throughout next year.
Some of the activities that will be taking place include:
- Local history walks
- A summer gala
- A traditional Whit walk procession involving local schools
- A ‘mini-museum’ display in Rawmarsh Library
- Afternoon teas in local Neighbourhood Centre’s
More activities are planned, and further information will be shared in the new year.
In 2023, we will be looking back and celebrating the rich industrial history and heritage of Parkgate. It was in 1823 when an ironworks and small steelworks were built in Parkgate.
We will be sharing stories about the Parkgate area, and we want residents to share their memories.
We will also be looking ahead to the future. There are plans to improve Parkgate, thanks to the Towns and Villages Fund. The Towns and Villages Fund is a £4 million commitment from Rotherham Council to deliver improvements to local towns and villages across the borough.
Councillor David Sheppard, Ward Councillor for Rawmarsh East Ward, said: "We want to mark this historic milestone by celebrating the rich heritage of Parkgate. Many people in Rotherham have a connection to the area.
"We are looking forward to announcing more information in the new year."
Councillor Bob Bird, Ward Councillor for Rawmarsh West Ward, added: "One of our Ward priorities is to celebrate Parkgate’s 200-year anniversary.
"We want to raise the profile of Parkgate in Rotherham and further afield. In 2023, there will be opportunities to reflect on the area’s rich past and to look ahead to the future."
Tony Dodsworth, Chair of the Rawmarsh and Parkgate Local History Group, said: "Many people, including some local residents, do not realise that Parkgate has a fascinating history. In the 1840s, the ironworks was central to the development of a national rail network and in the following decade provided most of the iron plates to build Brunel’s ‘Great Eastern’ one of the most famous ships ever built.
"Later, in the First and Second World Wars, the steelworks produced a range of vital wartime items including some of Rotherham’s-own Bailey bridges. It also produced key components for the automobile and aerospace industries. We hope to celebrate all this and much more in 2023."
The Rawmarsh and Parkgate Local History Group has applied for a grant from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme. If successful, the grant funding will be used to support the delivery of activities next year.
Further information about Parkgate’s 200 year celebrations will be shared in early 2023.
Working with you to help build communities that we can all take pride in is a priority for the Council. Find out about news and events in your area by signing up to receive 'News from your Neighbourhood' e-newsletters at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKRMBC/signup/13606
Image caption: the image shows children from Ashwood Primary School and their teacher, Councillor David Sheppard, Councillor Rachel Hughes, Councillor Bob Bird and Tony Dodsworth.
A special badge has been designed to commemorate the Parkgate 200 years celebrations, this captures the industrial heritage of the area.
