The Haxey and Westwoodside Heritage Society was formed in 1983 by inhabitants of Haxey Parish, both native and newcomers who were concerned at the rapid changes occurring in the Parish and the loss of knowledge about the Parish as a result.
It was decided by interested inhabitants to form a Society which would endeavour to collect, collate, record and research all aspects of history relating to the parish.
In the intervening years much has been achieved. The Society now holds a large collection of maps, old photographs, records, census returns, genealogical information, audio taped recollections and memorabilia concerning life in the Parish in days gone by.
The Society is active in the Parish and has undertaken many projects to inform and educate as well as encourage people's appreciation of their local history. To this purpose they have published several books, have a fine print of the Parish by well known artist John Hirst for sale, as well as their latest project a video of 'Axholme in the Seventies' professionally transcribed to video from 600 slides taken by the then 'Axholme Camera Club' in the 1970s and covering the whole of the Isle of Axholme, not just Haxey Parish.
The Society attends history fairs & exhibitions and will answer any query accompanied by a SAE.
To Contact Us
Write to the Secretary, Mrs M. Spalding, 'Ashridge', 31 Park Lane, Westwoodside, Doncaster, DN9 2EH. Telephone 01427 752476.
Interested in Haxey Parish
Do you have an interest in our area? Family or Local History? We can help with either.
Do you know that most of Haxey village was burnt down in 1744? We have a copy of the Fire Poster detailing the inhabitants who lost their houses and property. This was printed form the original by the Rev. William Wright Perpetual Curate for over 20 years from 1812. He also copied the whole of the first General Parish Register by hand for the magnificent sum of £5.
Do you know of the famous Haxey Hood Game? Still played on the afternoon of the 6th January every year. Commanded by the Lord of the Hood and his attendant Boggins, the game consists of getting the Hood, a hard leather cylinder, to your pub, by means of a 'sway' of players. The Game begins when The Fool is 'smoked' on the plinth of a cross outside the Church.
Want to know more? Get in touch with us.
Publications by the Haxey and Westwoodside Heritage Society.
| Title |
Price |
Post UK |
Post abroad |
| Historic Haxey Parish |
£1.50 |
£2.00 |
£2.50 |
| More about Historic Haxey Parish |
£1.50 |
£2.00 |
£2.50 |
| Haxey Parish Then & Now (photographs) |
£2.50 |
£3.00 |
£3.50 |
| The History of Haxey Parish |
£3.00 |
£4.00 |
£4.50 |
| 900 Years of Haxey Parish Church |
£5.50 |
£6.00 |
£6.50 |
Haxey Parish (Watercolour)
A fine print from local watercolour artist John Hirst (limited edition) showing six aspects of the Parish, Park Pond, Low Burnham Chapel, the Church from Upperthorpe and two other local scenes.
Price: Unframed £30.00. Postage UK £1.50. Postage Abroad £2.00.
Video - Axholme in the Seventies
A professionally made video by 'Gordon Videos' of Scunthorpe. This two hour video is composed of 600 slides taken in the 1970s by the Axholme Camera Club together with a video postscript of the changes in the Isle today. It shows the people, places, life and events that took place in the Isle in the 1970s. Many have now disappeared, changed or progressed, but others still remain. Life in the Isle then and now is depicted in full colour.
Price: £12.95 (including UK postage) £14.50 (including non UK postage)
A US version for American machines is available.
Price: £15.99.
Tea Towels
A linen/cotton towel showing the famous 'Haxey Hood Game' depicting 'the Smoking of the Fool', from an original drawing by Malcolm Deneley. Colours, red or green (please state colour preferred).
Price: £2.60. Postage UK £1.00. Postage Abroad £1.50.
All available from Mr G. Starr. 'The Spinney', Upperthorpe, Westwoodside, Doncaster DN9 2AH.