Upton Colliery Pit Wheel Restoration Project

Upton Colliery Pit Wheel Restoration Project The Upton Pit Wheel Restoration Project is focused on preserving and revitalizing this local landmark.

My aim is to maintain and improve the site, honouring Upton's history and creating a space the community can be proud of.

14/03/2025

I haven't stopped working on the Pit Wheel. I'm currently in talks with a few companies that have shown interest in what I'm doing, with the possibility of them donating the materials I need to complete the project—potentially even securing grants. I also want to make it clear that I won’t be accepting funding from the Parish Council, as that money would be better spent improving other areas of our community.

24/02/2025

Todays Little Adventure (ish)

24/02/2025

I know I said I was stepping back for a bit, but I miss the place. I'm going to hold onto the donated tools—they’ll be useful in the long run. So, I’m heading back tomorrow. I’m not sure how often yet, but I’ll be there after my morning shift at the school. As for the donation link, I'll post that tomorrow after noon.

21/02/2025

As you might know, I didn’t win the election, and while it’s disappointing, it is what it is. I didn’t go into it expecting to win, but I did go into it with the intention of making a difference. However, there are bigger plans ahead, and I’m not giving up. I won’t go into details, as I’m aware there are some people who can’t keep their opinions to themselves or think it goes against the natural order of things, but just know that what’s coming isn’t just going to impact Upton—it’s going to be much bigger than that. Stay tuned!

19/02/2025

1. What is the Upton Pit Wheel project about?
The Upton Pit Wheel project is a passionate restoration effort aimed at preserving a significant piece of local history. The Pit Wheel is not just a landmark; it represents the hardworking people of Upton and the area’s industrial past. Over the years, this historic structure has faced neglect, but I’m determined to bring it back to its original glory. My goal is to restore the wheel so that it can stand as a symbol of the village's heritage and remind future generations of the pivotal role the local colliery once played. This restoration isn’t just about the wheel—it’s about showing the community that we value our history and are willing to work hard to preserve it for years to come.

2. How long will the restoration of the Pit Wheel take?
The restoration of the Upton Pit Wheel is an ongoing process, and while it’s difficult to predict an exact completion date, I’m committed to ensuring that the work continues until the project is finished. There’s a significant amount of work still ahead, and a lot depends on the resources we have and the condition of the wheel itself. This is a labour of love, and I’m in it for the long haul. I’ll keep pushing forward until the Pit Wheel is standing tall and looking as it did in its prime, ready to serve as a proud landmark for Upton. Along the way, I’ll be ensuring that the project stays true to its goal of restoring not just the wheel but the sense of pride it represents for the whole community.

3. What happens after the Pit Wheel is restored?
Once the restoration of the Upton Pit Wheel is completed, the work doesn’t stop there. While the wheel itself will be restored, ongoing maintenance will be essential to ensure it remains in good condition. This might include regular upkeep, cleaning, and protection from the elements to preserve its structural integrity. As for what comes next for me personally, it’s hard to say right now. The Pit Wheel project has been my focus for a while, but once it’s done, I plan to continue contributing to the local community. There’s always more work to be done, whether it’s maintaining other local landmarks, getting involved in future preservation projects, or encouraging others to get engaged in community efforts. The future is uncertain, but I’ll continue doing what I can to improve and uplift the area.

4. How can I get involved with the Upton Pit Wheel project?
Though it would be nice for people to help, the reality is I shouldn’t really be doing this on my own. I take full responsibility for any risks or injuries while carrying out the work, but I won’t accept accountability if anyone else gets hurt. If you really want to get involved, there are a few ways you can help that would mean a lot. Sharing the posts, inviting others to the page, or simply spreading the word can make a huge difference in getting the community involved and aware of the project. When I post the donation link on Friday, your support will go a long way in helping fund the restoration. Every share, every invite, and every contribution, no matter how small, adds up and helps bring us closer to the goal. Your involvement, even in the smallest ways, will make this project stronger and will help ensure that the Pit Wheel is restored for future generations to appreciate. Your support truly does make a difference.

19/02/2025

As for What will I do once the Upton Pit Wheel is fully restored?

Once the Upton Pit Wheel is fully restored, it will feel like a huge milestone, but I know there’s still plenty of work to be done. There’s always more that can be done to improve and maintain the area. As for what comes next, well, it’s anyone’s guess right now. I’m not focused on the future just yet because there’s still a lot of work to be done to get the Pit Wheel back to its former glory. But one thing is for sure—I’ll keep working tirelessly on it until it's restored and standing proudly once again, and I’ll continue to dedicate my time and energy to whatever comes next in the community after that.

19/02/2025

In the coming weeks, I will be returning tools to their original owners. This has absolutely nothing to do with tomorrow’s election—it’s simply because, very soon, I will not have any use for them at all. I don’t have an allotment, I don’t have a garden, and I certainly don’t have any space in my life for tools I won’t be using. So, leaving them sitting in storage, gathering dust and hoping I’ll find a reason to use them again, just seems completely pointless and idiotic. It doesn’t make any sense to keep them around when I know I won’t be needing them. This also doesn’t mean I’m quitting either—I’m just being practical.

14/02/2025

I just wanted to drop in with a quick update. I know I haven’t been at the Pit Wheel for a little while, and I’m sure most of you know why. I’ll be back over the weekend and for most of next week.

No matter the outcome on the 20th, I want to reassure you that I’ll continue looking after the area. I’m still looking for up to ten pallets—no more than that. Instead of using gravel, which is quite costly, I’ll be reseeding the area and using pallets or repurposed wood planks for the path.

I’d also like to thank you all for the incredible support you’ve shown me throughout this project—it truly means a lot. And finally, I’d like to wish all candidates the best of luck.

08/02/2025

Just a quick heads-up for anyone planning to visit the Pit Wheel after tomorrow. As you walk from the wildflower information board, please be aware there will be a drop of roughly four inches. This is due to me preparing the ground for the upcoming path, which I’m hoping to complete over the next week or so.

Once the path is finished, I’ll begin work on the flower beds, and with any luck, the wheel itself will be repainted red. I’ll also be cleaning the surrounding rocks and the memorial stone to ensure the area is properly maintained.

Made some progress today, getting things ready for next week. Also spotted something tucked beneath the wildflowers info...
04/02/2025

Made some progress today, getting things ready for next week. Also spotted something tucked beneath the wildflowers information board—not sure who put it there, but it’s still there and will stay where it is.

02/02/2025

I’ll be back at the Pit Wheel on Tuesday, focusing on cleaning the rocks and tidying up the remaining overturned grass. Things are going to look a lot different starting early next week. Might even take a trip to Ackworth Garden Centre to price up some bits and bobs.

Finaly got round to updating Google maps images, oh look at that 6347 views..
28/01/2025

Finaly got round to updating Google maps images, oh look at that 6347 views..

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Saint Pauls Close
Pontefract
WF91JR

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