Stainforth 4ALL - July 2025
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Remembering Our Mining Roots
On Friday 27th June, the BBC Look North team visited Stainforth to film a feature marking 10 years since the closure of Hatfield Colliery, which operated from 1916 to 2015. The piece focused on the town’s rich mining heritage and the impact the closure continues to have on the community.
Former miner Keith Allsopp shared heartfelt reflections:
“It’s a mining community, and grandfathers are telling their grandkids what it was all about, so it will never be forgotten in this town. The pit was the lifeblood of this community. Stainforth was a mining town built by a mining company, for miners. There’s a great comradeship inside a pit. You look out for each other. When the pit closed, all that was lost—people lost touch, and it left a huge hole.”
Keith also pointed out how far the effects rippled:
“There were firms all around Doncaster that supported the collieries. When Hatfield shut, it all went—people had to find work elsewhere, and the miners were forgotten.”
A 2022 report by Doncaster Council revealed that Hatfield and Stainforth now have the highest number of economically inactive people in the borough, underlining the long-term challenges the town has faced.
S4ALL trustee Stuart Bolton added:
“Because Hatfield stayed open longer than other pits, we didn’t qualify for Coalfields Regeneration Trust funding. Those other communities received investment—new buildings, better infrastructure. But by the time our pit closed, support had moved on. Very few of the final workers were local. The village has really suffered from the lack of investment.”
Despite these setbacks, there are signs of renewal. Town Councillor Stephen Cook is optimistic:
“Finally, things are happening. We’ve known for years that Stainforth struggles with deprivation, poor health, and low education outcomes—all linked to unemployment after the pit closed. But now we’re seeing progress. A new road into the village will help bring in employers. This autumn, a housing estate is being built, the railway station is being renovated, and new factories will open—bringing jobs for local people. It’s taken time, but change is coming.”
Give Back & Gain Experience
Want to give back to your community or boost your skills? We’re on the lookout for friendly volunteers to support our groups, events, and visitors. Drop in to learn how you can get involved.
Charity Shop – Bargains That Make a Difference
Whether you’re donating or shopping, every contribution to our charity shop helps fund children’s trips, community events, and practical support for those returning to work. Thank you for supporting your neighbours!
Job Club: A Helping Hand Toward Employment
Looking for work, training, or a career change? The Stainforth Job Club team is here to help with CVs, interview tips, job applications, and more. We can even help fund training or workwear.
📞 Call 01302 841239 or 📧 email info@s4all.org.uk to book.
WEEKLY FREE GROUPS AT S4ALL:
🧶 Mondays
11am – 1pm: Knit & Natter
🎨 Tuesdays
11am – 1pm: Craft group (Learning disabilities focus)
1pm – 3pm: Open Craft group
🧵 Thursdays
11am – 1pm: Sewing group
🗣️ Fridays
1pm – 3pm: Practical Spanish
🎮 Saturdays
10am – 1pm: Kids Club (ages 5–11, parental consent required)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
☀️ Summer Activity Schedule
Our team are busy planning exciting events for the school holidays including:
Monday 28th July Make your own tie-dye t-shirts
Thursday 31st July – Chocolate lollipop making
Monday 4th August – Bingo with prizes
Tuesday 5th August Heritage Doncaster’s ‘Moving Museum’ this year’s theme is ‘The Great Outdoors’. A great event for history lovers of all ages—don’t miss it!
Thursday 7th August a visit from Reptile Rendezvous & Furry Friends
Monday 11th August – Plaster of Paris figure making
Wednesday 13th August - FREE FAMILY TRIP to Eden Camp £5 deposit required per person, bookings must be made in by calling into the library
Thursday 14th August we are running a Teddy Bears Picnic including FREE adopt a teddy. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday 18th August – PCSO visitor with a practical demonstration
Wednesday 20th August trip to Boston Park Farm for members of the Kids Club
Thursday 28th August Sports & Water Slides Day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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