Stainforth 4ALL - June 2025

Stainforth Museum

Celebrating Our History and Looking Ahead

This month, we shine a light on one of our town’s greatest hidden gems—Stainforth Museum, proudly housed inside Stainforth Library. This local treasure offers a fascinating journey through our shared history, from Anglo-Saxon roots to modern times.

First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tiny settlement of just seven households, Stainforth’s story has been one of resilience, growth, and community spirit. After the Norman Conquest, the land was granted to William de Warenne, and by 1348, the town had been granted a Royal Charter to host weekly markets and a ten-day annual fair.

Visitors to the museum can learn about the town’s impressive legacy, including its connection to Nobel Prize-winning chemist George Porter and the once-thrilling speedway racing scene of the 1930s. Perhaps most deeply rooted in Stainforth’s identity is its mining heritage. Hatfield Main Colliery, in operation from 1921 to 2015, played a major role in shaping life here. Among the museum’s many exhibits is the last piece of coal mined from Hatfield Main, a powerful symbol of our town’s working-class legacy and perseverance.

We invite everyone to visit the museum, explore artefacts, and reconnect with the stories that shaped our past.

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

1.15pm – 2.15pm: Spanish for Beginners

🎨 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 is busy planning an exciting Summer Activity Schedule for the school holidays. Keep an eye out for more details on free family trips and events!

🏺 Heritage Doncaster’s ‘Moving Museum’

Coming to Stainforth Library on Tuesday 5th August, this year’s theme is ‘The Great Outdoors’. A great event for history lovers of all ages—don’t miss it!

Library, Charity Shop & I.T. Suite Opening Hours

📅 Monday, Tuesday 10am – 4pm

⛔ Closed Wednesdays

📅 Thursday, Friday: 10am – 4pm

📅 Saturday: 10am – 1pm

⛔ Closed Sundays

As always, we welcome new faces and ideas—so come visit, join a group, or simply say hello!