Historic find of Roman Coins on display at Cliffe Castle Museum

A collection of more than a hundred Roman coins believed to be over 1500 years old which were found locally can now be seen in a display at Cliffe Castle Museum.

The collection of Denarii currency was unearthed locally with the oldest of the coins dating back to AD 78 during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.

Initially a few coins were unearthed by local detectors. One of the finders reported the discovery to the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s local Finds Liaison Officer who arranged for an archaeological dig, which resulted in the rest of the hoard being located in 2014.

Because the coins are over 300 years old, they were declared as Treasure under the terms of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and subsequently purchased for Cliffe Castle Museum with help from the Friends of Cliffe Castle.

Maggie Pedley, Bradford Council’s Head of Service for Museums and Galleries, said: “This is an amazing find and we are delighted that one of the detectors, Stephen Auker, brought his discovery to the attention of the Scheme, meaning that a full scale archaeological dig could take place.”

Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Culture, said: “This is great news for the Museum and for the district. We believe this find is part of a much larger find initially made in the 1770s.

“We hope that many people will visit Cliffe Castle Museum and witness these historic coins known as the Riddlesden Hoard.”

Follow us on Twitter:  @BradfordMuseums

Parkside School teenagers host birthday tea for 90-year-old villager

Sixth form students from Parkside School laid on afternoon tea for Jeffrey Roberts, one of Cullingworth village’s oldest residents to celebrate his 90th birthday.

A few days before the event the students assisted Jeffrey’s wife, Audrey, with the preparations for the celebration which was held at Cullingworth Thursday Club.

The students involved in the preparations were Cameron Allatt, Sophie Tankard, Charlotte Burton and Sophie Wood.

Parkside School sixth form has a long connection with the village’s club for senior citizens, and took over responsibility for running it when it was threatened with closure after 50 years. Students volunteer their time each week to help run sessions.

Follow us on Twitter:   @ParksideCulling

 

Community Award for Shirley Manor

Pupils at Shirley Manor Primary Academy were rewarded for their Community Project following the support they provided to people in a local care home suffering with Dementia. 

They won the Young Active Citizen Award in the Telegraph & Argus’ Community Stars Award at the end of last term. 

The school’s Year 4 pupils (now in Year 5) had been taking part in the Archbishop of York scheme which required them to do a Community Project.  This coincided with a visit to the school from Dementia Friends who taught the children about the effects of the condition and how to help sufferers. 

Following the visit one of the pupils, Jake Lee, discussed this with his mum who works in a Dementia Care Home.  Mrs Lee asked school if they would assist Rastrick Care Home with its Doll Therapy Scheme for Dementia sufferers – a non-pharmacological intervention aimed at reducing behavioural and psychological disorders in patients who are institutionalised.  

The children originally chose to collect dolls and donations of money in order to buy some dolls for the home’s Doll Therapy scheme.   

The School’s Learning Mentor nominated the class for the award which was presented to them by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Geoff Reid and Lady Mayoress, Chris Reid. 

Follow us on Twitter:  @Sh1rleyManor

Now is the time to foster

Bradford Council’s Fostering Service is appealing for people who can provide something very special to a teenager and child – a loving and secure family home that will allow them to flourish and thrive.

The Fostering Service is looking to find 30 new foster families to care for Bradford’s teenagers as they mark Foster Care Fortnight, a nationwide campaign run by the Fostering Network. This year’s campaign theme is ‘Time to foster, time to care’ which recognises that people take a long time to contact fostering services due to other commitments in their busy lives. But Bradford’s Fostering Service wants to get the message across that now is the right time to find out more about fostering.

They are looking for people who are skilled and experienced at working with or caring for teenagers; who are passionate about inspiring and supporting them and can provide them with a great family life.

Although teenagers are the focus of this campaign they are also looking for carers for:

*  Children aged five to 18.

*  Children with disabilities.

*  Large groups of brothers and sisters.

*  Part time foster carers to provide short breaks – regular overnight stays, weekend breaks, care during the school holidays and sometimes weekday care.

Foster carers receive a weekly fee based on how many children they care for and an allowance to cover costs.

People can be married, single, unmarried couples, gay or lesbian, have their own children, a homeowner or living in rented property – all are eligible.  All children are different so a wide range of people will meet their needs.  But all applicants need to be over 21 and have a spare room.

Michael Jameson, Bradford Council’s Strategic Director for Children’s Services, said:  “We currently have a great network of foster carers but we always need more.  It is a challenge but a really worthwhile role that can have a real impact on a child’s life.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a foster carer can visit www.fosterbradford.co.uk contact the recruitment line on 01274 434331 or email adoptionandfostering@bradford.gov.uk

The fostering service is available for informal chats and advice over the next two weeks at:
•    Bingley town centre/ library Monday 23rd May 11.30am to 1.30pm
•    Keighley town hall Tuesday 24th May 11.30am to 1.30pm
•    Ilkley library Wednesday 25th May 11.30am to 1.30pm