RestoringBW

Open day 2010

2010-09-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

A chance for guests to collect some great organic vegetables

Scott, Ally and Abbi Rees

Its been a good year for garlic

As usual great food cooked using produce from the Plot

Rogation 2010

2010-06-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

Marise Robinson receives a fragrant bouquet
Bishop Cyril digs the first new potatoes from the polytunnel

Fresh and tasty Maris Bard potatoes just waiting for some butter!

Dave and Robert with the caulis

A new year at Hope centre

2010-01-23T03:49:00.001-08:00

Ricky and Joshua

Shaun and Chris

Liam

Casper

A new year at the Plot

2010-01-23T03:39:00.001-08:00

Above:Pete in the Polytunnel, spring veg growing, the team have been working hard clearing out blocked dykes to imnprove the drainage

criminal justice awards 2009

2009-10-24T02:56:00.001-07:00

Marise Robinson and HMP Doncaster director John Biggin

Marise with her runners-up award for her outstanding work at HMP Doncaster with bereaved prisoners over the past seven years

Don't get carried away!

RBW Trust also received a commendation at the awards. Trustees Philip, Nicola, Jon and Robert

open day 2009

2009-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

More fantastic produce from what has been a good year

Pete and Dave with some mighty pumpkins

The wind forced us into the polytunnel which became an impromptu cafe

Helen Edmondson, our new project development worker

Rogation 2009

2009-06-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

A rather serious service inside the polytunnel, intimidated by 200 tomato plants,
perhaps? Below: Bishop Cyril gets to work on the Maris Bard potatoes

Bishop Cyril and David hold aloft the fruit of the Plot 2009!

John Carver's baptism

2009-03-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

John Carver was baptised at Bentley baptist church recently. Photos by Derek Harrop. Great to see John looking well and full of faith

Free Africans

2009-03-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

It was great to meet up with some of our African brothers who we got to know in st. Barnabas chapel. Left to right Yemi (Nigeria), Pastor Anderson who ministerts each week in the prison, Ayo and Prince (Nigeria) Alpha (DRC) Akim (Nigeria) We enjoyed a Chinese buffet and then a walk to the Peace Gardens

reunion at the Cathedral

2008-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Joseph, Glyn and Jon Pryce reunite at the Church army licensing service at the Cathedral. Jon did a placement at St. Barnabas chapel
Philip and Glyn
Philip and Joseph

Abundant harvest at the Plot

2008-08-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Alvin and David harvest the onion crop
Prime specimens
David and Alvin with ripening toms
Joseph and the amazing runner beans

Scott's baptism at Killamarsh church

2008-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Church elder and Chaplain Steve Clegg at HMP Doncaster asks Scott for his confession of faith
Under the waters of baptism in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
New life in Christ
Scott and Gary Beddoes sharing fellowship after the service

Big crops on the Plot

2008-07-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Derelict just eighteen months ago the middle Plot is now full of Amsterdam Forcing carrots, onions, beetroot and parnsips

New recruit Stephen proves that the Plot is a happy place
Dave gets to grip with some delicious beetroot for Owston Hall hotel
The boss man, Pete Fox, checking the weeding

More rogation pics

2008-05-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

The lads on the Plot, David, Tom, Nathan,John Peter, Philip with the Boss! We are holidnga fine table presented to us by Dave Lunney.
Celebrating the breaking in of the new plot
Even Rogation can be fun!

Rogation 2008 at the Plot

2008-05-16T06:26:00.001-07:00

Transformed. Wild flowers grown last year by Peter and planted out by Barbara. Fruitful land and fruitful lives

Manager Peter Fox describes work on the large Plot

A table made for the Plot by David Lunney. David worked on the Plot last year

Tom, Philip and Nathan

Sue Hunt, Frances Ireson and Bishop Cyril have a chat

One of our workers on the Plot Philip Mason with supporter Joye Powlett-Smith and Philip Ireson

High Sheriff's chaplain

2008-03-14T05:07:00.001-07:00

It has been a real privilege to be the Chaplain this year to High Sheriff, Jonathan Hunt. Jonathan has been a great champion of RBW's cause. His year in office is now finishing but I hope to keep in contact. One of the high-lights of Jonathan's year was being locked up in HMP Doncaster on a jail and bail day.

The team

2008-03-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the sixth year of the Trust we had a trustees and managers time away together last Saturday in York. It was good to meet, chat, pray and plan for the future. We hope to do this twice a year.

Left to right: Marion Berry, Robert Heaton, Philip Ireson, Barbara Collett, Peter Fox, Drew Bryce.

Onward to our fourth season

2008-03-12T12:07:00.001-07:00

In spite of winds and rain the team have been cracking on with clearing a totally derelict plot to add to the empire! This beautiful south-facing allotment with epic views of the Keep Moat stadium will be ideal to get early potatoes off to a sunny start.

We have also been given a bird-bath as a gift from Karl Barnett, a serving prisoner.

New plot at the Plot

2008-01-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

Rev. Jon Bellfield visited the Plot and met up with Scott and Ray, two former Beacon House boys

Pete Fox gets to grips with an overgrown patch

The new Plot tea-room! (Above)David, Aaron, Jon and Scott

RBW Annual meeting

2007-12-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

Twenty friends, supporters and workers from RBW met at the training centre at HMP Doncaster for the RBW annual day. It was so encouraging to hear of all that God has doen through the Trust during 2007, we look forward with anticipation to 2008.

Harish's ordination

2007-12-10T09:22:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful afternoon of celebration at St. Marie's Cathedral when our much-loved RC Chaplain Harish Massey was made a Deacon by Bishop John. In one of the photos the candidates lie face down as sign of their submission to Jesus Christ.

Apple day at the Plot

2007-10-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Reliving his youth and apple scrumping, Pete goes up the tree
A fantastic crop of Bramley apples
Barbara sorts out the fruit and secretly wonders how many pies, pickles and crumbles she will have to make!

BBC at the Plot

2007-10-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting afternoon when a film unit from the BBC visited the Plot for some filming for a possible documentary. Eat your heart out Monty Don!

Open day (2)

2007-09-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ian and Barbara chop super-fresh produce for the pot!
Open day in full swing
The Rees' first attempt at pies
A large piece for me, please!

open day at the Plot (1)

2007-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Digging for glory, Lauren and Emma get to grips with the potatoes and carrots

Emma's Dad, Pete Fox, looks on proudly - those are my carrots!

The big day

2007-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

St. Peter's Conisburgh, South Yorkshire's oldest church looking a picture
The 'team', Nicola, Marise, Frances, Barbara and Ian get ready for the reception
After the ceremony
All aboard Steve Clegg's gleaming convertible

Keswick convention

2007-08-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful and blessed week at the Keswick Convention with Scott, Allison and the children

It didn't rain!

Archbishop licenses Jade and Yvonne

2007-07-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Nicola and Philip had a great day at Sheffield Cathedral at the licensing of Church Army officers. We are proud to have trainee officers at the Chaplaincy every November for a five week placement. This year Yvonne Hayes (pictured with Nicola) and Jade Watson were licensed as fully fledged Church Army officers by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu. Jade and her husband Peter are off to HMP Winchester to put into practice some of the things that Jade has learnt through HMP Doncaster and Hope Centre

The service ended outside the Cathedral with African drumming, "we cry freedom"

After the service we met up with Andy Renney who became a Christian three months ago in the Chaplaincy, he is doing well.

First fruits 2007

2007-06-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Barbara Collett - our new project worker funded by the Weaver's Company and the 'team' Dave Lunney, Bryn Moore and Pete Fox

Bryn Moore gets a potato digging lesson from Peter Fox

It was true that the phrase "watching potatoes grow" really became exciting as we dug the first Maris Bard potatoes from the Plot. The crop was amazingly large for early June

Growing vegetables and growing lives - The Plot has now been running for nearly 2 1/2 years and it is great to see the original vision come into being.

rogation

2007-05-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great Rogation evening on May 2nd which started with a meal in Wokmania for the Hope centre team and the Plot Team

and then carried on at the Plot in wonderul evening sunshine with our Patron Bishop Cyril (with Morag Bryce, Jae Watson and Ali)
and with High Sheriff of South Yorkshire Jonathan Hunt and his wife Sue.

April photos

2007-04-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

A proud moment at Doncaster Dome when Peter and Scott manned a display for RBW Trust at a social enterprise fayre

In the middle of the sadness surrounding Paul Baker's death I went to a lovely service at Grimethorpe Pentecostal church for Andy Ellis' baptism service. Andy was briefly with us at HMP Doncaster two years ago and we put him in touch with Pastor Joy at the Grimethorpe. Two years on he is a Christian and his situation is much improved. Praise God!

prayer breakfast

2007-04-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely morning in North Yorkshire at Ampleforth Abbey for the annual Yorkshire prayer breakfast. The last event was at Doncaster prison and it was great to have Paul Baker out with us. Watched by St. Benedict the picture above shows Marc Fairweather, Paul Baker, Drew Bryce, John Carver and Marise Robinson. There are a couple of pictures inside the Abbey church where we had the prayer meeting.

potato time on the Plot

2007-03-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Work progresses well on the Plot. Peter and Scott have been planting Maris Bard early potatoes which should start to be ready at the end of July and certainly for the Open Day on July 21st.
Scott and Allison have also moved - not far but to a bigger house.
Things have been challenging at Hope Centre with a flood of visitors.
Another potato row is hoed out.

wedding of the year

2007-03-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

We have started a little weekly group at Scott and Allison's, pictured here are Scott with John Carver, Allison, Nicola and Marise
The new Mr. and Mrs Richard Ashby with Wath Pastor Pete Morris. Richard started his Christian walk at St. Barnabas chapel in Spring 2002 and we rejoice over what the Lord has done in his life over the past five years.
Frances and Philip Ireson, Nicola and Richard Woosnam, Marise Robinson, Marc and Jenna
Nicola with Matt Martinson

The Plot goes international

2007-03-07T01:38:00.000-08:00

For six months during 2006 we supported a Malawian asylum seeker Jumbo Kalua. During his time with us Jumbo came to a deeper commitment to Christa nd we were able to provide him with a bible in his native tongue. We came to love and admire him. Jumbo was eventually deported back home. However we were able to keep in touch with him through his parish priest in Chilonga.
We were able to send him a small sum of money to start a business. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world and per capita income is less than 50p per day.
I have kept in regular contact through the wonders of text messaging and was overjoyed to recieve two photos from Jumbo. As you can see the maize has grown very tall. Jumbo looks a lot better than he did when he was with us.

New Year on the Plot

2007-01-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

We have been watching out for the middle allotment for two years and before Christmas we finally got hold of it. We have been very grateful for help from three prisoners from HMP Moorland Open who have helped clear it
We now have a strip of nearly 2 acres and will be growing potatoes on the new land this Spring
Scott and Peter have been colleagues for nine months, it has been great to see how close and productive their relationship has grown

We plan to have three events on the Plot this year. A Rogation ceremony in May. An open day in July and a harvest festival at the end of September. Please keep praying that the vision of growing people and produce will be kept firmly in mind.

chaplain's christmas night out

2006-12-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

Being a chaplain at HMP Doncaster is not all hard work so we had a great night out immersed in curry. Picture below shows Marise and Tom on good form.

Scott and Allison's baby and other RBW photos

2006-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Allison and Scott with brand new baby Abby born on 9th December, everyone is very excited and praising God!
RBW annual meeting on 25th November at Woodlands Church, a great day
Scott with the new rotivator
Look what we have done! Scott and Peter on the Plot which is now tilled and ready for the next season

Scott and Allison's confirmation

2006-10-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a wonderful evening at Conisburgh Parish Church with Bishop David Hallett as Scott and Allison were confirmed. Allison was also baptised. It was marvellous that Scott's brother Dale was able to come along too. Lewis and Lauren are in the photos with Philip and the Vicar of Conisburgh Alan Griffiths.

Tim's baptism

2006-09-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Tim is drenched in the Spirit.
It was a marvellous evening at the Crowded House church last Sunday in Sheffield when Tim (right) was baptised. Tim became a Christian last Easter at HMP Doncaster. His elderly father also came to the service. Also in the picture are Marc, yours truly, Kev and Lee(who also became Christians at Doncaster)

2006-09-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos from the plot. Marc Fairweather and Peter Fox with the huge beetroot crop - do you want any?

In the polytunnel with Paul Baker, Marc and Jenna. Paul is showing how to sell aubergines and make sure that the customer is too scared to say 'no'.

We had a great time at Mumtaz restaurant in Bradford when we said goodbye to our muslim chaplain Talha Ahmed. He is now at HMP Hindley. Harish Massey is our RC chaplain.

Next to him on the left is Abdullah Mayat, assistant chaplain.

In the front is new chaplaincy volunteer Derek Harrop with Marise Robinson and Frances Ireson

Summer news from RBW

2006-08-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

Some more pictures. We had a great evening in July at the back of Hope Centre when we enjoyed a barbecue and singing including O come all ye faithful, the sun shone and it didn't snow!

Paul Baker has joined us on the Plot(left of group) and Scott and Peter are really pleased with the help as they deliver vegtable boxes each week to the prison.

Graduation day at Cliff College

2006-07-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

It was a really proud occaison when we went to Cliff College last Saturday to the graduation day for students from various years at the College. Marc Fairweather received his certificates for his successful first year (foundation) which will lead him on to a Theology degree in two years times. It was Easter 2002 when I first met Marc at HMP Doncaster and it is a marvel what God has done in his life. The photo shows Marc with Jenna and Marise Robinson. Marc stayed with Marise for 18 months when he came out of prison.

Evening with Ann

2006-06-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a really good evening with Ann at a restaurant in Sheffield this week. Ann had to retire on health grounds in February and we still miss her very much in the chaplaincy. The picture shows my daughter Heather, Lee (who left prison last November), Ann and Marc Fairweather. Lee and Heather attend the crowded House church in Sheffield which supports ex-offenders coming out of prison and will be supporting our latest 'export' Tim as he comes out this weekend. Tim became aChristian in prison last February.

A year at the drop-in

2006-06-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated one year at Hope centre on Friday and it was a chance for a few of us to meet with some of the men and women who use the centre. Here are some of my impressions:

Drew and Marion outside Hope Centre

It is a fast moving place with all kinds of people coming and going. When I got there S. was in crisis and was expecting any minute to be arrested. Maybe a future customer for St. Barnabas chapel.
The sister of one of our chapel guys was there asleep. N. woke up eventually from the effects of her methodone to have a lively chat with me.
Z., newly released from New Hall prison said that her five months in prison had saved her life. She agreed to use her computer skills to give N., a dyslexic some lessons on the Centre computer.

K. a shy partially hearing deaf man has started attending,(pictured here with Roy) he was in tears as regular, D. told him the Christian story and how Jesus had been nailed to a cross.

D. arrived with a gorgeous red dress which she had just purchased and gave us a fashion show.
A. and D. popped in and Hilary whizzed off with them to help them set up their flat with their possessions which had been in store at Hope Centre.
Marion, Cynthia, Roy, Marise and Hilary are obviously much loved by those who come to HC and as we sat and worshipped with a song which said, "This is God's house, this is his God's home" Hope Centre felt just that.
D told me that when she first came to HC she thought that all the Christian stuff, as she put it, was something that Marion and the others did. They had offered to pray for her, she had let them because "if they wanted to do it then I'd let them". She had experienced the real physical presence of the Spirit on her life. God is very real to her now. She has loads of problems and a poor life-style to sort out but God is in control.
W. called in for some food and told us tales of selling the big issue.
S. called in to get some food and use the computer, we want to encourage him with his art-work.

The love of Christ controls us, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians. We no longer think of anyone from a human point of view. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation ... we are ambassadors for Christ.

We give thanks for Hope centre and pray that its work will become even more effective for the next year and that lives will change as men and women meet with Christ

2006-05-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Cyril (left) to a Rogation ceremony at the Plot on the 24th. Rogation is an ancient ceremony 40 days after Easter when we ask God's belssing on crops. In the picture Peter Fox is waxing lyrical about parsnips. We finished with a cup of tea at Hope Centre.

Peter and Scott have build a good working relationship on the Plot. Scott has been having a very tough time in his personal life but is battling through. He has been getting a lot of support from Conisburgh church. Please pray for him andhis partner Allison who is expecting a baby in December.

It was great to be with Marc Fairweather at the Cliff College Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. Marc has now finished his foundation year and has achieved excellent marks. He will now be moving on to the final two years of his degree course. Thank you to everyone who has supported Marc in prayer and with finances.

Pictures show Marc involved with youth work at the Festival and with his girl-friend Jenna who is studying at Warwick University

2006-04-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

It was a great morning on the Plot when Peter Fox our new manager started with us. Here he is (left) with Scott and the spring-green lettuces.
Fruitful times ahead!

A new season

2006-03-11T01:11:00.000-08:00

A new season is beginning on the Plot. It has been a relatively dry Winter but very cold over the past few weeks which has slowed everything down. We have had good positive responses from two funders and we have decided to go ahead with appointing a part-time horticulturally trained manager to run the project. We have interviews next Friday (17th March). We are also planning a service of blessing (traditionally called Rogation) on May 24th 7p.m. with Bishop Cyril, hope that you can come to the Plot and thank God for 'giving us the increase.'
Scott is doing well and he and his partner Allison are enjoying the new experience of being a Christian couple. They are becoming more involved in Conisburgh church. Scott is also seeing his son Jamie on a regular basis, something that would have been inconceivable just a few months ago. The pictures show him in our greenhouse (my father's old one - so a bit nostalgic for me) planting the first seeds of 2006.

Hope Centre continues to build a family atmsophere. Marion and her team have worked hard to make the Centre a loving, warm and caring place.

goodbye to ernesto

2006-02-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

We said goodbye to Ernesto Robertson on Wednesday. After 7 years at HMP Doncaster, he is moving to HMP Durham. In the picture with Ernesto is Talha, our Muslim chaplain, Philip, Harish Massey, RC chaplain, Tom Read, Methodist chaplain and Ann Weston. Ann is sadly taking early retirement through ill health. she and her family would value your prayers at this difficult time. Ann has ben sustained by her strong faith, the words of Psalm 16 have been particularly encouraging.

Ollie's tree is a bit bare without leaves but we have planted some Geordie snow-drops to bring a promise of Spring.

Scottie gets to grips with the greenhouse.

2006-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Plot in January 2006. A couple of pictures showing Scott in action with new rotivator. We are very pleased that it works so well. The machine will be stored at the prison as theCarr House New Deal compound where we originally hoped to store it, was broken into and £10000 worth of equipment stolen.

We are still waiting to findout about grant applications for the post of manager at the Plot but in the mean-time winter tasks of soil preparation, fencinga nd hedging carry on.

christmas party time

2005-12-23T01:29:00.000-08:00

A selection of photos from the drop in.
Top: The things trustees have to do with chocolate. Drew and Philip get stuck in.
Middle: Pete and Adrian, the twins with Cynthia who is one of the faithful volunteers at the centre.
Regulars Daren (Daz) and Rachel in festive mood.
John gets into the festive mood with Mark and digging into a fabulous buffet put on by Marion and the team.

Above: It was great to spend some time with Charlie Cook at Gideon House in Hereford and share in their Christmas party. Charlie has been at Gideon now for six months which is a fantastic achievement for him. He really loves the place. The photo of the party shows Pastor Bill, who heads up the house, doing his Elvis impersonation.

latest news for november

2005-11-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

Scott is settling down on the Plot and is enjoying digging. It has been a tough two months for him since he left the prison but he is making headway. Please continue to pray for him, Allison, Lewis and Lauren.
We are hoping to be successful with various grant applications to enable us to employ a full-time manager so we can begin to fulfil some of our long-term aims. We hope to have a Rogation ceremony next Spring, a traditional way of blessing the crops.

Marion and her team are having some good times at the drop-in. Hope Centre is beginning to be known as a place where love and concern is on the menu. At the moment the Centre is open on Tues. Wed and Thursday afternoons. The next service will be on Sunday December 11th at 6p.m. and there will be a christmas dinner on December 22nd 6p.m.

The picture shows a prayer meeting at Hope Centre. We are determined to undergird everything we do with prayer

We had a very enjoyable annual supporters' day at Woodlands Church. We heard various reports on the past year including a financial run-down from Drew and an outline given by Marion of some of the people who use Hope Centre. We spent a lot of time in praise and worship. Philip talked about the importance of names, tracing the importance of individuals receiving their God-given names through what we do.
We give thanks to God for all that he has done through RBW in the past three years

Picture shows Marise Robinson enjoying lunch with Andy Moore. Nicola Woosnam is behind.

2005-10-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am sure that you will be pleased to hear about Marc Fairweather's good progress at Cliff College. We were all delighted to hear that Marc had got a place at the College to read Theology.
It has been great that some supporters of RBW have given towards Marc's expenses. If you would like to give financially please send doantions (payable to RBW) to Drew Bryce, 19, Rectory Gardens, Doncaster DN1 2JU.
Marc's address is Cliff College, Hope Valley, Derbyshire
s32 3XG

This is Scott Rees. Scott was released from HMP Doncaster after 14 months as chapel orderly. He is working part-time on the Plot, living in Mexborough and attending Mexborough Baptist Church

You have to be tough to grow carrots and extra tough to land them!. Frank and Philip with a partiuclarly large and vicious one they landed on the Plot.

more pictures from the Plot

2005-08-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Latest picture from the Plot, 18th August. Marion, Grace and Frank loading up the veg. boxes to be taken to Cantley. Runner beans are coming in to full bloom and the tomatoes are ripening.

Top:Philip with Bishop Cyril at the opening of the Plot on July 11th
Middle RC Chaplains Harish and Ernesto serve up delicious food made from food grown on the Plot
Lower Bishop Cyril with Frances Ireson

planting Ollie's tree

2005-07-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

Ollie (second from right) pictured last Summer at the St. Mary's support group. Ollie tragically died last November.
On July 25th 2005 Ollie's Mum, Patricia, and sister Ailith planted a Mountain Ash tree in his memory on the Plot.

delivering the veg.

2005-07-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Top left Steve takes a delivery of organic veg. to the staff canteen at HMP Doncaster.
Top right Deputy director Vicky Reed welcomes Frank and Alan at the gates of HMP Doncaster, quite a change for Alan
Opposite: The Maris Bard potatoes flourish in the black soil of the Plot

2005-07-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Restoring Broken Walls drop-in is now open at 93, Netherhall Rd. Initially just for three afternoons each week, Tues-Thurs. The photo shows the crowd who assembled for an opening service of prayer on June 10th. The next prayer evening is on 19th August at 7p.m.

The Bishop at the Plot

2005-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful evening on the 11th with Bishop Cyril. 38 people came to a short service of blessing and some delicious food served up by Harish and Ernesto (prison chaplaincy team) after the service. Top left shows Frank and Alan, the men who do all the work with Bishop Cyril. Top right shows Ernesto and Talha (Muslim chaplain at the prison).
We have already started to deliver produce to the prison staff canteen and are beginning with a limited vegetable box scheme. Watch out for more info. and pictures!