Artist aims to celebrate pit village heritage

Artist Adam Reynolds has already worked with schoolchildren and adults in Wales and Kiveton Park to design pieces of art marking the "ordinary and everyday things that make people smile."

Their contributions were incorporated into sculptures which are now set to be installed on the Desire Estate, along with a final piece of artwork which is still yet to be created.

Mr Reynolds said: "We created the sculptures some years ago now with local people and we will be really pleased to see them finally installed now the estate is nearly complete.

"We would also like to work with all new and existing residents to design a final artwork to celebrate the heritage of the area."

The consultation is part of a project funded by Strata homes to create art for the estate and surrounding area.

Local residents wanting to find out more about the scheme can join a design workshop to be held between 2pm and 8pm on Monday, November 29, at the Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall.

Suggestions for the new piece of art so far include a commemoration of the ponies who spent much of their lives working in the mines.

Mr Reynolds will also be taking his design workshops to local groups in the area. After approval from the community, it is hoped that all of the art will be completed before the end of March next year.

For further details on getting involved with the project call Community Arts in Rotherham on 01709 823636.

The Kiveton Park Colliery Company was founded in 1873 and Kiveton Park and Sherwood collieries were amalgamated in 1928. The colliery was then closed in 1994.