Don't forget to sign the petition to help  save PGS's Fulford Building (aka 'A-Block') from destruction. Barnsley council gave verbal assurances to a local councillor that it would be saved but words are cheap, especially when they come from BMBC, and it is likely to be given the chop.

To sign it, you will have to give some minimal personal details but they promise not to divulge them to third parties:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-fulford.html

I would recommend anyone who is interested in Penistone and its history to sign it, whether you live here or not. Fulford is part of our heritage and iconic to thousands of ex-PGS pupils.

Thanks for that glad its goin well.  It's just all about who can make a quick buck these days so shallow! At least there are people out there. That are passionate about saving things! Speak soon hope some good news will come the rain and cloud doesn't help you feel much better does it.

Hi Nigel,
I went to Penistone Annual Assembly last night and the campaign to preserve the Fulford and Wierfield buildings was talked about at length. Sarah Catterall did a good job of explaining about her application to English Heritage to have Fulford listed. There was some doubt as to where it was 'unique enough' but E.H. were looking at it. I suggested that PTC send a letter of support for the application, which they are happy to do. The campaign has been going well. Sarah has had more than 1,000 signatories in total on her paper and on-line petitions. 

As regards what uses Fulford could be put to, apparently Sixth Formers have said that they would like to take part of it. That's how it used to be when Netherfield was still standing. Steve Webber had said that the ceilings were too high for ready modification to accommodation but Sarah said that she knew of similar buildings which had been successfully converted. Some other uses were suggested but I forget what they were.  
JB

I know I am not as you may call it a penistonian but wherever I live I am passionate about it and there's so much history and uniqueness about the town which is why I moved here 7 years ago! It needed new life breathing into it but things were still muddling through and most of the shops were up and running. I am saddened by the the closure and such a beautiful building to become derelict no doubt the glass will be smashed and it will need boarded up. What on earth will go into these units that are to be built in June if the existing ones won't work? That's now three empty units in the town centre no doubt the electric place will be struggling  next. I don't know what to do o help the whole things upsetting me and seeing businesses just fold like they are is heart breaking businesses can't hack the climate and Tesco they are just rolling over and giving up!  I just don't know what to say?

Hi Nigel,

I was saddened by Robinson's News packing up and I was only in there the day before they closed. They blame Tesco but they had said something about loss of trade through the squareabout.  I heard that Penistone businesses have lost around 10% to 20% trade since Tesco opened. That must be a guess but it is hard to see how any business can stand that sort of hit in the current financial situation.

These grand plans come along and are endorsed by the planners without any care for the consequences. They are just happy to get the sweeteners that come with them, in whatever form that may take.  I am cynical, I know, but I get a feeling about my town slowly going downhill, with its good features being dismantled bit by bit.

JB

Totally gutted noticed today that Robinson wasn't open on closer inspection they have a sign up saying it is with deep regret we have closed. I didn't read it all as I was driving. what a shame howling has that been their owned by them?  they are building new shop it's and the ones that exist can't keep going! I suspect the square about hasn't helped footfall  I am sure they didn't want to pack up . Anyway I am sure you noticed but thought I would let you know all the same 

Sounds like phase 2 of the Penistone development is due to start in June 2012. About flaming time !!!!!

www.transpenninetrail.org.uk they seem to be all downloadable from this website so maybe you might be allowed to put a link to them from your site I am unsure of the legalities but you are only promoting a good local cause? Anyway at least that way you can have a look at them. But I do have hard copies of them all at home if I get any further info or see things of interest I will try and let you know.

Hi Nigel,

I have seen pictures of the old telephone exchange in Penistone Almanacs.  If my memory of them serves me correctly, it would have been in the row of house to the right of Cockpit Lane and I think that there used to be a phone box near the third house. What I had not noticed was a date stone on there.  Next time I visit the cafe on there I'll have a look.

The Teasure Hunt stuff sounds interesting.  We used to have treasure hunts in the days of CB radio and they were for a time very popular.  I was secretary of the club for a while and our members would volunteers to go out on the road and make up their own questions.  Yours sound to be more interesting with facts and what-have-you.  

I am always watchful about copyright on the website so I don't know about the intellectual property rights of your TH sheets.  If they aren't 'official' in some way I'm tempted but otherwise I wonder if the best idea would be to offer them to the Library, then we could all copy them anyway. The library might be best but I'd love to have a look.  If they are fairly recent and not need much updating, the Round Table people (such as Andy Millner) might also be interested. Andy is also a local councillor (at least until 3rd May?!!).

Got to go, things to do. JB

 Meant to mention don't quite know how I came across them but I have them anyway some information sheets for all of the trails around the area with treasure hunt sheets and answer sheets. Has some interesting facts and may be useful if you could scan them in or put a link for them. Nice for the children to use if on the trail walking or cycling jut gives an extra focus and facts about the local area! Plus some top tips and things to look out for. Let me know if you want them to scan if you are aloud to Do that the website on the sheet is www.transpenninetrail.org.uk seems to have a been a joint venture with the NHS  anyway thought I wold mention it wonder if the library would like to have them in for tourists?....

anyway speak soon need to sleep