To mark the two-year countdown to the start of the London Olympic Games, a new display at Barnsley Town Hall celebrates the sporting achievements of one of the borough’s best loved sporting heroes, Dorothy Hyman.
From the village of Cudworth, Dorothy Hyman is one of the 20th century’s most successful athletes.
The team behind the Experience Barnsley project, which will see a museum and archives centre open in the Town Hall in 2012, have produced the display as part of their ongoing work in gathering stories, objects and artefacts for display in the new museum.
The Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals won by Dorothy Hyman during her time in international athletics are on display, along with Commonwealth Games medals and many other national and international honours.
Dorothy was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1963 due to her outstanding sporting achievements, and the plaque which she was presented with by the BBC also features in the display.
Looking back on her achievements from her home in Barnsley, Dorothy remembers: “Of course the hard work and dedication needed is soon forgotten when standing on the podium. Most of all I remember the help and dedication of my family and friends who enabled me to follow my dream and also the kindness and support of local people and work colleagues who shared in my success.”
The display has been developed in conjunction with the Newham-Barnsley Partnership. Barnsley established its unique partnership with the principal 2012 host borough of Newham in October 2008. Working with projects such as the Cultural Olympiad Stories of the World programme currently being delivered by Barnsley Museums and Heritage Service, the Partnership is building on the opportunities provided by the London Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver a positive legacy in sport, culture and beyond.
The first ever museum devoted to Barnsley will open in the Town Hall in 2012. Appeals for objects, photographs or stories for the project are still being made, and anyone with items of interest, or would like to get involved, can contact the project team on 01226 773950.
Information provided by Hanna Kennick, PR Officer, BMBC Communications.