In my youth I knew Clifford Lister, Joe Lister's son, who lived in Lister's Castle. Joe or JC to his friends, was a great man, and in 1921 he bought a piece of land. The land went from about The Three Horse Shoes area, (I do not know if the public house was built then) to the Brecks and went down to Dalton Manor area. This part of YORKSHIRE then became known as LISTERDALE. Joe Lister then went on to build about 650 semi-detached houses. My Dad lived on Green Lane and his rent was 7 shillings and 6 pence a week.The rent was kept the same whilst my Dad stayed in the house. I used to ask my dad why he did not buy a house on Goose Lane and he always replied that he could not afford one because the mortgage was 12 shillngs and 6 pence a week, too dear for a YORKSHIREMAN!!! There are many stories about the genorosity of Joe Lister,one was that he gave a lift to a lady to Rotherham, the lady liked the car, (it was a sports car,) so much that when they arrived in Wellgate he handed the keys to her and gave the car to her, another story was that he had a accident in his car and damaged the other car but instead of mending it he simply wrote a cheque out and told the man to buy a new car.
Bawtry Road used to be very narrow, no island near The Masons, just a cross roads,there were many farms in Wickersley and they were built around the centre of the village. I think only Pashley's farm is still there. Lister's Castle used to have a large front garden with a cannon (pointing to Bawtry Road) and a fish pond there as well, we were not allowed to fish in his pond (Mums did not allow this)
Joe Lister had many ties with Bridlington and Flamborough, he was interested in building,farming and many other activities,and I do believe he gave the land for the Nursing Home.
There are many memories of Listerdale Woods, how as children we used to play there,we were left to occupy ourselves without a adult supervision, and our parents knew where we were and that we were safe.
They were the times when a childhood could be enjoyed outdoors and in the company of friends.
My friends and I owe a lot to Joe Lister and his son Clifford for their,help, kindness,and genorosity.
Terry Colley. July 2009
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