Events

This page provides details of the events that The Sand House Charity has arranged and others that it will be involved in. Click on any event that has a pale grey background in order to expand the description and see all the details.

Where the event is an illustrated talk at the request of a host group (for example, at a local history society or a Women’s Institute branch) we suggest that you make contact with that group to check that they allow visitors, before attending.

If you are interested in arranging an illustrated talk about the Sand House for a group that you are involved with, please note that, for the time being, our talks are mostly restricted to daytimes only. For more details please contact us.

Please keep checking back on this page for updates. Thank you.

Discover the Sand House: A Guided Walk - Sun 18 August 2024, 2pm (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

The Sand House and its tunnels may have disappeared, but the clues to their former existence are still there to be found. See them for yourself on this 90-minute guided walk (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL). For tickets click here.

This is a walking tour of the locality of the former Sand House led by Richard Bell, a direct descendant of the Sand House’s creator, Henry Senior. With the help of old plans and historic images you will discover how the house developed and where it and its tunnels once lay in relation to the modern layout. You will stand directly above the Elephant and Mahout carving, which is the iconic image of the Sand House. At the end of the walk there will be an option to visit the grave of Henry Senior in the adjacent Hyde Park Cemetery.

Please note that the walk takes place entirely at ground level and does not enter any tunnels (other than passing through a modern subway!).

Tickets are £5.00 each and MUST be obtained in advance by clicking here.

Maximum 25 people for reasons of safety and clear communication. The walk takes approximately 90 minutes Anyone turning up on the day without having pre-booked will not be able to take part in the guided walk, unless the maximum number of people permitted on the walk has not been reached. If places are available on the day, they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Illustrated Talk to Friends of Cusworth Park: "The Sand House...in their own words" - Wed 4 September 2024, 10:30hrs

Since our first presentation to the Friends, in 2013, the content of his talk has evolved greatly. In this latest version, audio and video recordings of people who had first-hand knowledge of the Sand House and its tunnels provide an exciting new dimension. We shall hear not only from people who visited the tunnels just before they were filled in 40 years ago, but also from those who played in them during the Second World War, and even someone who lived in the Sand House a century ago.

The talk takes place inside Cusworth Hall, Doncaster DN5 7TU.

The Sand House Poetry Workshop - Sat 14 September 2024, 11am to 1pm (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

The Sand House in Doncaster was a unique Victorian marvel, a house carved from sandstone and a network of tunnels with carvings. The house no longer exists but its history lives on. Bring the wonders of the Sand House to life through this workshop.

No prior experience of writing poetry is required, this workshop is for beginners and beyond. The event host will talk through a brief overview of the history of the Sand House. You will have the opportunity to view the Sand House display and projections in the Danum museum for inspiration. Creative guidance will be given for writing your poem. The poems created will be considered for inclusion on the website of The Sand House Charity. This event is for adults.

Pre-booking is essential and booking opens on 17 August 2024. Details of how to book will appear here from that date.

The workshop takes place at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BZ. The event is free of charge, but donations to help with the work of our charity are always gratefully received.

Exhibiting at Doncaster & District Family History Fair - Sat 12 October 2024, 10am to 4pm

Once again, The Sand House Charity will be present at this annual event, along with lots of other organisations involved in local and family history. We shall have a display of images and information, as well as items of merchandise. But, mainly, our volunteers will be there in person to answer your questions. Please do come along.

The Family History Fair takes places at C-view (also known as Church View Centre, formerly the art college) alongside Doncaster Minster. The postcode is DN1 1AF. car parking is available close by.

Exhibiting at Doncaster's Local History Fair - Sat 16 November 2024 (times to be confirmed)

Once again, The Sand House Charity will be present at this annual event, along with lots of other organisations involved in local history. It takes place under the banner of the Doncaster & District Heritage Association. We shall have a display of images and information, as well as items of merchandise. But, mainly, our volunteers will be there in person to answer your questions. Please do come along.

The Local History Fair takes places at Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster. The postcode is DN1 3BZ.