Heritage extravaganza
GRAB yourself a slice of heritage at an excitement-packed event in Snaith tomorrow (Saturday September 15).
The Snaith and Cowick Heritage Day extravaganza promises to be a day to remember.
The event is being opened by the Mayor of Snaith and Cowick, Coun Greta Laughton, at Snaith Priory Church with music by The Castaways theatre singing group.
Attractions on the Heritage Day include the Acorn Morris Dancers, Harvest Festival produce at Cowick Church, Sam’s Safaris, a hawking flying display, Snaith Toy Museum, street organ, and a family treasure trail.
Three buildings will be the main focus of the event – Cowick Church, Snaith Priory Church and Snaith Methodist Church.
Mark Punton told us a bit about each of the churches.
He said: “The Church of the Holy Trinity at Cowick was part of a new wave in the Church of England placing the church at the heart of villages throughout England. The churches at Cowick, Pollington and Hensall all had their foundation stones laid on the same day, July 4 1853. All were funded by the Viscount Downe, descendant of the Dawnay family traced back to the crusades, and earlier. The Dawnay family became established at Cowick in the late 15th century and were bequeathed land and titles in the area, eventually building the magnificent Cowick Hall.
“The churches built by the 7th Viscount Downe and designed by the architect William Butterfield all ensured their place in the heart of the community by building the school, vicarage and church together.
“The heritage day coincides with Harvest Festival weekend at the church, open from 10am to 5pm. There will be fruit and vegetable boxes on sale, a harvest flower display, a produce table with free tea and biscuits and lots of old photos and artwork from around the area.
“Tickets for Cowick Hall will be available at Snaith Priory, available on a first come first served basis.”
On Snaith Priory Church, Mark said: “The current church, The Priory Church of St Laurence was built and consecrated in 1102 with the tower being completed around 1250. Prior to that it is thought that an important Anglo-Saxon church stood on the site. In the mid-15th century two new chancels were built, dedicated to the two important families in the area, the Dawnay family associated with Cowick Hall and the Stapleton family associated with Carlton Towers. Two monks were responsible for the church up until the reign of Henry the VIII when the church was closed for a short time. The church was ordered to remove any association with the Roman Catholic religion, yet chose to keep the chancery chapel used by the Stapleton family. In 1617 a church inspection by the Church of England found the chancery ending the Stapleton’s family association with the church.”
On Snaith Methodist Church, Mark said: “The current church was built in 1862 and celebrates its 150 year anniversary this year. The church is a smaller replica of Harrogate Wesley Church and is now part of the Snaith and Selby Circuit. “The current church was not the first in Snaith. The origins of Methodism dates back to 1788 when John Wesley prayed in Snaith, probably in a rented property on Snaith High Street. The first chapel was built in 1816 on Court Road which was demolished in 1865 with a magistrates court and police station built in its place.
“In 1845 two acres of land were bought and Wesley School was built, behind the current church. The school remained a primary school until 1976 when it was closed and moved to the site on Pontefract Road. The interior of the church was not finished until 1906.”
The methodist church will house a variety of displays for the Heritage Day, including a written tour guide of the chapel. The hawking display, which will be a static and flying display, will be held on Wesley Place gardens at the rear of the church. Wesley Place Community Centre will be showing a doll’s house and miniature display, with refreshments and lunches available throughout the day.
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Weather for Goole
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
