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Otley Maypole Refurbishment Scheme
Location: Leeds
The much-awaited Otley Maypole Restoration scheme started on 20th October when the contractor vehicles arrived on site. The project is the process of restoring the maypole and surrounding features at Cross Green in Otley and to celebrate over 300 years of local dancing heritage.
In recent years the site has been used as a car park and a temporary pole has had to be used. The site has lost many of its original features, but the group will restore it as a public meeting place and resurrect the site as a permanent venue for Morris dancing
Work on the scheme, which has been several years getting to the present stage, has hotted up over the last few months with final agreements being drawn up, detailed designs being produced and materials being ordered.
Much of the time between the idea stage and the present stage has been taken up with fund raising. The original bid to the Local Heritage Initiative was increased; the Community Involvement team the Town Council have both supported the scheme as have many local businesses and individuals. The sides have worked long and hard to raise funds through various events including one very famous "mulled wine"(non-alcoholic of course!) stall at the Buttercross.
Whilst the work is going on, car parking on the site will not be possible, but as soon as work is complete, normal parking will resume. After completion, there will be a vastly improved surface to the maypole site and better facilities such as seats etc. When the area is required for dancing, the Council will give plenty of notice locally to residents and visitors.
News is awaited on the "official " opening, which will be May Day 2004. Who will the lucky celebrity be? Watch this space.......
Group Name |
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Buttercross Belles & The Wharfedale Wayzgoose Morris Sides |
| Address |
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Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| Finishing Date |
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30 March 2004 |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
| The four Morris sides in Otley have canvassed local support and a public exhibition was established. This encouraged locals to suggest design proposals and ensure that the restored site reflects the wishes of the wider community. The square is intended that it will be used as a focal point for all and could be used for other gatherings, eg small concerts, fayres etc. The group will use the exhibition and the writing of educational material to promote this tradition and to feed into the National Curriculum to educate and increase involvement of local school children in local traditions. Locals are also invited to take part in the restoration works. |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £25,000
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