Sunday, 21 April 2013
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Spring into 2010 tram-assisted rides report
WOW!!! We nearly equalled our record for numbers of bikes on the tram. We had 34 adult bikes, one with a baby seat (and our grandson!), one with a child pod attached, and 2 little ones - 1 'real' and 1 a balance bike - which were later strapped to the rear pannier rack of the bike with the
pod!! That meant that the fares again covered the tram hire cost with an extra £9 to go into our buffer fund in case of a shortfall another time. The date again coincided with the grand legal event in the Cutlers Hall and Cathedral that we witnessed last year! but this time we missed the parade across the road as there were plenty of us so we didn't cancel the tram!!! The horses and police provided plenty of interest for not just the children while we waited though! The day was glorious of course and everyone happy, anticipating a good ride. We made pick-ups at Granville Square and Gleadless so that the last few fares had to be collected and passed over a mass of bikes as (even with my slender frame!) I couldn't get through.
We worked out a provisional plan of rides on the tram, with 17 heading for Langold under Barry's care; 5 heading home under Simon's care; a family of 4 planning to stay in Rother Valley as 3 year old Matilda wouldn't be going very far on her balance bike but definitely wanted to ride as well as be transported in the pod, and the rest of us planning to head south along the TPT and maybe as far as Pools Brook Country Park. We knew some others might be joining at Rother Valley though. So we split into 3 groups on the platform at Waterthorpe and Simon's report thereafter is added below. It was amazing how the pod could be coaxed through all the barriers on the estate but the kids had to jump out and it lifted over the final hurdle as we entered the Park (we need to request that this barrier is replaced to match the others - Simon can you do this?). At Rother Valley cafe 3 more riders were waiting for us - 8 year old Kaitlin and her Dad, plus Sarah who lives at Swallownest. Here we split again; Matilda, Charlie and their Mum and Dad looking forward to biking through mud and checking out the playground!
The rest of us (13 plus Eli in his baby seat) set off round the lake again - to the south this time - and back to the TPT. Just before we turned up from the lake Lindsey's deraillieur decided to ping round into her spokes and was beyond use. After a little discussion, Phil stayed with Lindsey planning to detach things so that she could ride in a fixed gear. Unfortunately Lindsey
didn't have a chain tool (as she'd thought she had, because we had one she could have used) so ended up walking back to the tram and Phil caught the rest of us up. Kaitlin was doing really well but was ready for a rest by this time and Eli quite fancied his picnic already saying "I'm always VERY hungry!" so we split again, Tony staying with the little ones and me leading the now 8 of us to Pools Brook. (Sorry little group guys, I should have had the flapjack break then, rather than 20 minutes or so later, and you would have got some too.) Our ride was very pleasant with plenty of time for our picnic watching teenage swans, great crested grebes and others on the lake. Just as we got back to the trail, Phil realised his pump had sprung off so turned back; he got a bit lost on his return and then met up with Lindsey waiting for the tram. Why is it that returns are always quicker? (Although Barry's group's return speed was more enforced as they stayed too long in the cafe at Langold where they'd met up with 21 CTCers from Rotherham!) We reached Rother Valley - returning down the little track to the mud under the TPT bridge! rather than taking the longer route round - at 2pm. Pam decided she'd cycle home as there was plenty of time and she met us at the Cathedral just as we got off the tram! The rest of us went round to the cafe - some indulging in ice creams in the warm sun! - where we met all our grubby, happy little ones again, before cycling back together.
What a lovely day. Hooray for BIKES ON TRAMS!!!
Polly
Simon, Patrice, Martin Judith & Rachel stayed with the group as far as the TPT at Rother Valley, Rachel set off to cycle home along the TPT, armed only with the Sheffield Cycle Map - we think she made it but we haven't heard yet!
The remaining 4 set off in a southerly direction along the TPT. The surface is very rough between Rother Valley CP & Killamarsh, but improved once we got to Derbyshire - funny how that happens. Off-road motorbikers are using the woods between the trail and the CP but we didn't see any on the trail. We noticed that some connect2 work is in progress at Killamarsh, with a new ramp being put in between Station Rd & the TPT. The bypass at Staveley is complete, but the TPT works aren't - one reason for this being that the canal is being rebuilt underneath the flyover. We were able to get through to Hall Lane by walking our bikes but it was pretty muddy!
When everything is complete it will make a big difference to the environment at Staveley.
We climbed through the Handleys to Upperknowle, then dropped down to Unstone - a quick spin on the main rd took us to Dronfield and we skirted around the town using a compination of the urban roads and some unadopted tracks which were very pleasant We found the bridge over the bypass and then we were in the Peak District, with a pleasant run up through Millthorpe and that stiff climb up to Owler Bar, where we had the pleasure of watching someone try to drive the wrong way round the roundabout.M&J peeled off her for the run down Abbeydale Rd back to Meersbrook.
It only remained to spin over to Fox House and down via Ringinglow to Greystones Heights, arriving home a little later than planned - I had scheduled to be home around 12:30 but actually it was more like 3! Too late to head back to Waterthorpe for another tram ride home.
--
Simon
"The Sheffield CTC group were the first group to leave Waterthorpe, a total of seventeen riders with myself taking the front and Mark Kay as tail end Charlie. We reached the entrance to Rother Valley Country Park and were stopped by a cyclist out with his daughter who thought we were the Family group, we advised him to ride round the lake and wait at the Cafe for Polly and Tony's group.
There was some kind of sport relief activity going on with people dressed up carrying balloons and walking anti- clockwise around the lake, we thought it safer to go round the lake clockwise so e could be seen. Despite please from Reg for a tea stop at the Country Park cafe we carried on, time was limited, to leave the Park by the long road with the toll entrance.
Riding through Wales we managed to avoid the main road and headed to Wales Comprehensive School to pick up a trail leading us to Todwick, thereby avoiding Kiveton Park.
Crossing Todwick crossroads we turned right to North Anston past Bluebell Wood. We enjoyed a lovely descent from the Butterfly Farm down to Woodsetts in delightful sunshine.
Gildingwells and the beautiful village of Letwell followed before we picked up the very muddy trail from Letwell leading directly to Langold Park. The cafe was already busy, but a few people kindly saw seventeen cyclists arrive and decided to vacate their seats for us. Approximately half sat inside whilst the rest sat outside in the warm sunshine. After ordering our food, Bill, Theresa, Elizabeth and David (The Rotherham group) arrived to join us at the cafe.
We arrived at Langold at 12:15 and I was hoping to leave at 13:15 but many people had ordered a second hot drink around this time so we had to wait an extra 15 minutes whilst drinks were finished, this proved to make quite a difference.
The route back to Waterthorpe followed the same route, Reg was struggling slightly and needed the odd push to help speed him up the inclines. When we arrived at Wales it was 14:45 the tram was due to leave in 15 minutes. I decided to miss out Rother Valley and instead go back on the road through Killamarsh, had we not done so, I am sure we wouldn't have made it in time.
We arrived back at Waterthorpe bang on 15:00 (goodness knows how we did it) and Polly supervised the loading of the bikes.
A great day out, a good turn out, nice company, a descent cafe and a sunny day. What more could you want?
I am looking for an alternative destination for the next cycle/tram event, hopefully without a photo finish for the tram dash."
A big thanks to Polly and Cycle Sheffield for organising the event.
Barry Raynor
Asst Secretary
Sheffield District CTC
pod!! That meant that the fares again covered the tram hire cost with an extra £9 to go into our buffer fund in case of a shortfall another time. The date again coincided with the grand legal event in the Cutlers Hall and Cathedral that we witnessed last year! but this time we missed the parade across the road as there were plenty of us so we didn't cancel the tram!!! The horses and police provided plenty of interest for not just the children while we waited though! The day was glorious of course and everyone happy, anticipating a good ride. We made pick-ups at Granville Square and Gleadless so that the last few fares had to be collected and passed over a mass of bikes as (even with my slender frame!) I couldn't get through.
We worked out a provisional plan of rides on the tram, with 17 heading for Langold under Barry's care; 5 heading home under Simon's care; a family of 4 planning to stay in Rother Valley as 3 year old Matilda wouldn't be going very far on her balance bike but definitely wanted to ride as well as be transported in the pod, and the rest of us planning to head south along the TPT and maybe as far as Pools Brook Country Park. We knew some others might be joining at Rother Valley though. So we split into 3 groups on the platform at Waterthorpe and Simon's report thereafter is added below. It was amazing how the pod could be coaxed through all the barriers on the estate but the kids had to jump out and it lifted over the final hurdle as we entered the Park (we need to request that this barrier is replaced to match the others - Simon can you do this?). At Rother Valley cafe 3 more riders were waiting for us - 8 year old Kaitlin and her Dad, plus Sarah who lives at Swallownest. Here we split again; Matilda, Charlie and their Mum and Dad looking forward to biking through mud and checking out the playground!
The rest of us (13 plus Eli in his baby seat) set off round the lake again - to the south this time - and back to the TPT. Just before we turned up from the lake Lindsey's deraillieur decided to ping round into her spokes and was beyond use. After a little discussion, Phil stayed with Lindsey planning to detach things so that she could ride in a fixed gear. Unfortunately Lindsey
didn't have a chain tool (as she'd thought she had, because we had one she could have used) so ended up walking back to the tram and Phil caught the rest of us up. Kaitlin was doing really well but was ready for a rest by this time and Eli quite fancied his picnic already saying "I'm always VERY hungry!" so we split again, Tony staying with the little ones and me leading the now 8 of us to Pools Brook. (Sorry little group guys, I should have had the flapjack break then, rather than 20 minutes or so later, and you would have got some too.) Our ride was very pleasant with plenty of time for our picnic watching teenage swans, great crested grebes and others on the lake. Just as we got back to the trail, Phil realised his pump had sprung off so turned back; he got a bit lost on his return and then met up with Lindsey waiting for the tram. Why is it that returns are always quicker? (Although Barry's group's return speed was more enforced as they stayed too long in the cafe at Langold where they'd met up with 21 CTCers from Rotherham!) We reached Rother Valley - returning down the little track to the mud under the TPT bridge! rather than taking the longer route round - at 2pm. Pam decided she'd cycle home as there was plenty of time and she met us at the Cathedral just as we got off the tram! The rest of us went round to the cafe - some indulging in ice creams in the warm sun! - where we met all our grubby, happy little ones again, before cycling back together.
What a lovely day. Hooray for BIKES ON TRAMS!!!
Polly
Simon, Patrice, Martin Judith & Rachel stayed with the group as far as the TPT at Rother Valley, Rachel set off to cycle home along the TPT, armed only with the Sheffield Cycle Map - we think she made it but we haven't heard yet!
The remaining 4 set off in a southerly direction along the TPT. The surface is very rough between Rother Valley CP & Killamarsh, but improved once we got to Derbyshire - funny how that happens. Off-road motorbikers are using the woods between the trail and the CP but we didn't see any on the trail. We noticed that some connect2 work is in progress at Killamarsh, with a new ramp being put in between Station Rd & the TPT. The bypass at Staveley is complete, but the TPT works aren't - one reason for this being that the canal is being rebuilt underneath the flyover. We were able to get through to Hall Lane by walking our bikes but it was pretty muddy!
When everything is complete it will make a big difference to the environment at Staveley.
We climbed through the Handleys to Upperknowle, then dropped down to Unstone - a quick spin on the main rd took us to Dronfield and we skirted around the town using a compination of the urban roads and some unadopted tracks which were very pleasant We found the bridge over the bypass and then we were in the Peak District, with a pleasant run up through Millthorpe and that stiff climb up to Owler Bar, where we had the pleasure of watching someone try to drive the wrong way round the roundabout.M&J peeled off her for the run down Abbeydale Rd back to Meersbrook.
It only remained to spin over to Fox House and down via Ringinglow to Greystones Heights, arriving home a little later than planned - I had scheduled to be home around 12:30 but actually it was more like 3! Too late to head back to Waterthorpe for another tram ride home.
--
Simon
"The Sheffield CTC group were the first group to leave Waterthorpe, a total of seventeen riders with myself taking the front and Mark Kay as tail end Charlie. We reached the entrance to Rother Valley Country Park and were stopped by a cyclist out with his daughter who thought we were the Family group, we advised him to ride round the lake and wait at the Cafe for Polly and Tony's group.
There was some kind of sport relief activity going on with people dressed up carrying balloons and walking anti- clockwise around the lake, we thought it safer to go round the lake clockwise so e could be seen. Despite please from Reg for a tea stop at the Country Park cafe we carried on, time was limited, to leave the Park by the long road with the toll entrance.
Riding through Wales we managed to avoid the main road and headed to Wales Comprehensive School to pick up a trail leading us to Todwick, thereby avoiding Kiveton Park.
Crossing Todwick crossroads we turned right to North Anston past Bluebell Wood. We enjoyed a lovely descent from the Butterfly Farm down to Woodsetts in delightful sunshine.
Gildingwells and the beautiful village of Letwell followed before we picked up the very muddy trail from Letwell leading directly to Langold Park. The cafe was already busy, but a few people kindly saw seventeen cyclists arrive and decided to vacate their seats for us. Approximately half sat inside whilst the rest sat outside in the warm sunshine. After ordering our food, Bill, Theresa, Elizabeth and David (The Rotherham group) arrived to join us at the cafe.
We arrived at Langold at 12:15 and I was hoping to leave at 13:15 but many people had ordered a second hot drink around this time so we had to wait an extra 15 minutes whilst drinks were finished, this proved to make quite a difference.
The route back to Waterthorpe followed the same route, Reg was struggling slightly and needed the odd push to help speed him up the inclines. When we arrived at Wales it was 14:45 the tram was due to leave in 15 minutes. I decided to miss out Rother Valley and instead go back on the road through Killamarsh, had we not done so, I am sure we wouldn't have made it in time.
We arrived back at Waterthorpe bang on 15:00 (goodness knows how we did it) and Polly supervised the loading of the bikes.
A great day out, a good turn out, nice company, a descent cafe and a sunny day. What more could you want?
I am looking for an alternative destination for the next cycle/tram event, hopefully without a photo finish for the tram dash."
A big thanks to Polly and Cycle Sheffield for organising the event.
Barry Raynor
Asst Secretary
Sheffield District CTC
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Cycle-friendly landlords rule OK
Nomination for “Sheffield’s most cycle-friendly landlord”Which house-for-rent in Sheffield has more cycle stands than most blocks of flats? Landlord Ted Mangion took the trouble to install a cycle stand in the front garden of his house at number 26 Havelock Street when he was refurbishing it over the summer. OK, we can all see that the bike isn’t actually locked to the stand but that’s because Ted was just about to complete the installation by sprucing it up with a coat or two of bright blue paint. It looks great now.
Tony Cornah
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Cyclists who hit the high spots
San Francisco cyclists talk about how they cope with the hills, and even why they like them! Just like Sheffield.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/NSEC1613MJ.DTL&hw=cycling&sn=002&sc=959
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/NSEC1613MJ.DTL&hw=cycling&sn=002&sc=959
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Re: The Sunday Spin 13.04.08
Richards account of Sunday's ride preserved for posterity in the blog. (Apologies to subscribers who get this twice)
It didn't look too promising as we gathered at Barkers Pool on Sun for a run to Old Moor and beyond, but by the time we reached Meadowhall and our first Flapjack moment (thanks Polly!) the damp had dwindled, leaving the 7 of us cold but dry.
Out over the Wentworth vale we went, following the crystal clear Sustrans route signage (thanks Simon) to Elsecar, where both warm toilets and a vast array of antiques were sampled, followed by a burnup with Thomas the Tank engine's badly dressed bird 'Louise'. By gum she was a goer (and a heavy smoker), but Simon had the measure of her!
The mud on the Elsecar greenway was free, so we picked up as much as we could carry and took it to the Old Moor visitor centre, where we sampled the excellent scran, some of us to the point of the full Sunday Monty - highly recommended.
Everyone started Twitching at this point, Simon put it down to our proximity to Barnsley, but really it was in sympathy with Polly and Tony who couldn't pull themselves away and jumped bike at this point, as did Rob, who raced his slow puncture back to Chapeltown for a pint at the Wentworth brewery tap - aka the Commercial .
The remaining Quartet carried on racing Chris's slow puncture on a grand tour of Cudworth and Darfield, as there is not yet an old railway line cycle route option (plenty of old lines to do it with though) and rejoined the TPT at Shaw Bridge so as to catch the delights of the Barnsley canal around Royston, where they do at least change the broken glass on the trail regularly.
We spun on through the Dingly and at times excitingly Spooky woods twixt Royston and Walton (g'night JimBob), through Haw Park, (Canals have never been so stately!) and on to the whole point of the ride, the Kings Arms at Heath, where we ate our butties illegally, the Blond proved v popular with Simon, and Patrese gave Chris a tour of Heath's posh environs.
All that remained was a wobble to Wakefield Westgate, where we forced our way guns blazing on to an unsuspecting Arriva XC, and zipped to Sheffield and a Boll#@%ing from the crew.
And that was that - hope to see you on the tram on Sun - maybe with MTB for a change!
Monday, 31 March 2008
A poem for monday morning
On the road in traffic,
maintain your position.
Be obvious, not erratic.
Signal your intention,
to change your position,
by turning your head and
lifting your arm.
You must be aware
of blind spots
in the mirrors of other drivers.
You must behave
as if you are a driver.
You are NOT invisible!
Try continuously to see
the surface of the road,
looking for potholes, slick paint, rail tracks, obstacles,
as well as the flow of traffic.
See, hear & feel.
Observe everything,
but avoid distractions.
Don't use an iPod.
Be present and alert always.
Change to a low gear,
before you come to a stop.
Your front brake is powerful, use it
as you shift your balance.
backwards and down.
Your back brake
will skid the rear wheel,
if you squeeze too hard.
Above all,
cooperate with others.
Practice harmony
but be ready to respond
Instantaneously.
Do not be afraid,
there is nothing to fear,
but fear itself.
by
Graham Cooper
Executive Director
Bicycle Driver Training Institute
http://www.bicycledriver.org
206-325-6551
BDTI is a Seattle non-profit with 501c3 status.
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Friday, 4 January 2008
InToday's inbox
(i) Cllr Jillian Creasey sent us to us:
ode to a stolen bike
I wonder if you can add this poem to our poet’s corner? It was sent by a
Green Party supporter who lives in the city centre back in May 2007 – have
been meaning to send it on ever since.
Jillian
Have copied to pedal pushers, cos they will appreciate it too!
Not new, not shiny, not even that clean
Chipped paint and worn rings, a faded has-been
My faithful companion, my true friend in need
My great Alpine Star, my light agile steed
Street value zero, soul value high
I'll be looking for you till the day that I die
Saved my money for months to call you my own
At age seventeen I first took you home
Built and re-built you with passion and care
Repaid me in full in the clear Yorkshire air
All the times that I suffered with angst and with pain
Your silent support helped me feel once again
Showed me joy without measure, the wild open space
Gave me freedom and reason, returned me to grace
You can't be replaced though a pretender may try
Perhaps ease the loss and the shock of this crime
But all the miles travelled, the time that we stole
Will forever be there making tracks in my soul
(ii) Travelling wisely in Paris- Click Here
(iii)
ode to a stolen bike
I wonder if you can add this poem to our poet’s corner? It was sent by a
Green Party supporter who lives in the city centre back in May 2007 – have
been meaning to send it on ever since.
Jillian
Have copied to pedal pushers, cos they will appreciate it too!
Not new, not shiny, not even that clean
Chipped paint and worn rings, a faded has-been
My faithful companion, my true friend in need
My great Alpine Star, my light agile steed
Street value zero, soul value high
I'll be looking for you till the day that I die
Saved my money for months to call you my own
At age seventeen I first took you home
Built and re-built you with passion and care
Repaid me in full in the clear Yorkshire air
All the times that I suffered with angst and with pain
Your silent support helped me feel once again
Showed me joy without measure, the wild open space
Gave me freedom and reason, returned me to grace
You can't be replaced though a pretender may try
Perhaps ease the loss and the shock of this crime
But all the miles travelled, the time that we stole
Will forever be there making tracks in my soul
(ii) Travelling wisely in Paris- Click Here
(iii)
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Something to cycle off to this weekend
Sheffield Heritage Open Days 2007
Sheffield Heritage Open Days is a celebration of Sheffield's architecture and
culture. You can get free access to interesting properties that are either not
usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Organised by volunteers
for local people, Sheffield Heritage Open Days is a unique opportunity to
explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting
places you can find in Sheffield:
Beauchief Abbey
Botanical Gardens
Broomhill Methodist Church
Callow Tower Blocks
Heritage Tour of Sheffield Railway Station
Holy Cross Church
Manor Lodge Sheffield
Norfolk Heritage Trail
Park Hill Estate
Rivelin Bank Booster Pumping Station
Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield General Cemetery
Shepherd Wheel
St Mary's Church
St Peter’s Church
The Abbeydale Picture House
The Arts Tower
The Town Hall
Trinity United Reformed Church
Upper Chapel- Unitarian
Wortley Hall Gardens
Beauchief Abbey, Beauchief Abbey Lane, Off Abbey Lane, Beauchief, Sheffield.
Grade II* remains of a 12th century Praemonstratensian abbey, founded in memory
of Thomas Becket, with 17th century chapel which has original box pews. Open:
Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1700 / Sun 9th Sept, 1300-1700.
Botanical Gardens, Thompson Road, Sheffield, S10. Historical tour of the
Botanical Gardens with the Friends of Botanical Gardens. Riddle trail available
for children. Cafe and shop. Limited disabled parking. Open: Thurs 6th - Fri 7th
Sept 0800-1945 / Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept 1000-1945 / Tour: Sun 9th Sept 1530
(Thompson Road entrance)
Broomhill Methodist Church, Fulwood Road, Sheffield, S10 3BD. A Flexible purpose
built mutli use church and community resource with social housing on site.
Architecturally exciting - built in 1998. Tours and talks avaliable. Play
eqipment available but parental supervision needed. Open: Thur 6th Sept,
0900-1700 / Fri 7th Sept, 0900-1700 / Sat 8th Sept, 0900-1700. (Pre-booking
required, 0114 266 2491)
Callow Tower Blocks, Callow Place, Sheffield, S14. Five 1960 concrete
constructed 15 storey tower blocks with interesting features including -
biomass boiler, water pump room, laundry room and community room. Meet residents
and share memories. Open: Thurs 6th Sept 1000-1200 (tours 1030 & 1130) / Sat 8th
Sept 1030-1230 (tours 1100 & 1200)
Heritage Tour of Sheffield Railway Station, Sheffield Station, Sheaf Square,
Sheffield, S1 2BD. 60th anniverary of historic Master Cutler train service plus
heritage tour of station led by local expert Howard Turner. Also see today's
Master Cutler arrive on the hotplate - an annual tradition for last 60yrs. Open:
Thur 6th Sept, 1245 Tour starts 1300. Lasts 1 hour approx. (Pre-booking
required, 01332 262010 or email press.office@midlandmainline.com)
Holy Cross Church, Spotswood Mount, Sheffield, S14 1LG. Church building open for
people to look around. Guides available to answer questions. Booklet available.
Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1600.
Manor Lodge Sheffield, 115 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UH. Harvest Celebration! A
family fun day with demonstations of traditional farm and country skills, stalls
and games at Manor Oaks and at Manor Lodge guided tours of the Tudor Sheffield
Sheffield Heritage Open Days 2007 Info.txt
Manor Lodge site and Turret House. Childrens activities will be available
throughout the day. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1200-1600
Norfolk Heritage Trail, Manor Lodge, 115 Manor Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire,
S2 1UH. Guided walks of the Norfolk Heritage trial. Taking in the Tudor Turret
House, cemetery, Norfolk Heritage Park, Cholera monument, alms houses, Old Sweet
factory, Old Queens Head, Sheffield Castle and the Cathedral. The trail is 2.75
miles long and is mainly down hill. Meet at Sheffield Manor Lodge. No 95, 42 or
120 bus from city centre. Get off at St Aidans. Walk up Manor Lane for 250m. As
the trail finishes in town it is better to come by public transport. Tour times:
Thur 6th Sept, 1000-1415 / Fri 7th Sept, 1000-1415 / Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1415
Park Hill Estate, Park Hill Community Centre, off Duke St. Sheffield. The Park
Hill estate is the largest Grade II* listed building in the country and
comprises 1000 units of council housing. It is currently being cleared to allow
a major refurbishment of the flats, which will change the tenure mix and
redevelop the whole site. Open: Thur 6th Sept, 1500-1900 Presentations 1530 &
1700 Tour 1615 & 1745.
Rivelin Bank Booster Pumping Station, Rivelin Bank, Sheffield. Top of Rivelin
Bank, off A6101 Rivelin Valley Rd/Holme Lane. Signed on day. Restricted parking.
Unique diesel pumping station running at full load, built 1942 with original
equipment supplying water to city during wartime. Still in full working order
and laid dormant 35 years. Able to pumb approx 100,000 galls per hour. Open: Sun
9th Sept, 1100-1700
Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA. Sheffield Cathedral is
one of the oldest buildings in daily use in Sheffield. It is 'a beguiling place'
(Pevsner): the east end tower and spire date from the 15th century. After WWI
plans to enlarge the Cathedral and move the high altar to the north account for
the chapels on that side. A later extension to the west end (1966) is crowned by
a striking lantern tower. In 2007 a new Cathedral Resources Centre was opened by
HRH the Princess Royal. Opening times: Thur 6th Sept, 0830-dusk Tours 1400-1530
/ Fri 7th Sept, 0830-dusk Tours 1030-1200 & 1400-1530 / Sat 8th Sept, 0830-dusk
Tours 1300-1430 / Sun 9th Sept, 0830-dusk
Sheffield General Cemetery, The Gatehouse, Cemetery Avenue, Sheffield S11 8NT.
Opening by Lord Mayor 12.00 oclock. Promenade theatre at 1pm & 3pm. Chilling
Tales in the Vault all afternoon. Book stall, information & light refreshments.
Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1200-1600.
Shepherd Wheel, Whiteley Woods, Sheffield, (follow public path). A disused
water-powered grinding wheel, set in parkland on a picuresque stretch of the
River Porter. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1030-1530
St Mary's Church, Priory Rd., Ecclesfield, Sheffield, S35 9WE. Large Grade I
listed church mainly Perpendicular with embattled tour and chapels and traces of
Anglo-Saxon work. Interesting features include fine medieval stalls, rood
screen, misericords, roof bosses and 19th century glass. Monuments of many
notable services. Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1600
St Peter’s Church, Reney Avenue, Greenhill, Sheffield, S8 7FN. A modern
distinctive ‘church in the round’ built c1965. The central Westmoreland slate
green spine is a landmark for South West Sheffield. A remarkable example too of
modern stained glass. Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1800 / Sun 9th Sept, 0745-1230
(Services 0800 & 1230)
The Abbeydale Picture House, 387 Abbeydale Road, Abbeydale, Sheffield, S7 1FS.
See the stunning 1920s building with many original features. Hear of our plans
for renovation and rebirth as a local flagship performing arts venue. Guided
tours, live music, local history/cinema talks refreshments and local book sales.
Displays of groups involved. For children: art activities, sing alongs at set
times and face painting. Open: Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept, 1030-1630
The Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN.
Treasure hunt, videos, tours. Open: Thurs 6th Sept 1700-1930
The Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH. Access will be made available
to the civic rooms, council chamber and meeting rooms normally unavailable to
the public, except those on official business. Sheffield Town Hall is a Grade I
listed Victorian civic building. Tours available hourly. Refreshments and local
history information. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1600
Trinity United Reformed Church, 737a Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8TG. Opened
in February 1971 it presents an uncompromising facade in the Neo-Brutalist
style. The architect, J.M.M. Jenkinson RIBA was a member of the church. The
church is attached to a hall that was built sixty years before. A building of
contrasts, inviting exploration. Open: Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1500 (Turn
up or pre-book - Phil Morgan, 2685690 or email phil_morgan@tiscali.co.uk)
Upper Chapel- Unitarian, Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JD. Grade II listed,
18th century chapel with magnificent Henry Holliday stained glass windows and
ornate ceiling, peaceful sanctuary gardens including three George Fullard
sculptures. Open: Thur 6th - Sat 8th Sept, 1030-1600.
Wortley Hall Gardens, Wortley Village, Sheffield, S35 7DB. 26 acres of
Italianate gardens set within a landscaped parkland. 11 acres of formal gardens
surrounded by 15 acres of informal pleasure grounds. Features within the gardens
include sunken garden, lake with ice house, organic kitchen garden and ancient
oak tree some 500 years old. Open: Thur 6th - Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1600.
Sheffield Heritage Open Days is a celebration of Sheffield's architecture and
culture. You can get free access to interesting properties that are either not
usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Organised by volunteers
for local people, Sheffield Heritage Open Days is a unique opportunity to
explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting
places you can find in Sheffield:
Beauchief Abbey
Botanical Gardens
Broomhill Methodist Church
Callow Tower Blocks
Heritage Tour of Sheffield Railway Station
Holy Cross Church
Manor Lodge Sheffield
Norfolk Heritage Trail
Park Hill Estate
Rivelin Bank Booster Pumping Station
Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield General Cemetery
Shepherd Wheel
St Mary's Church
St Peter’s Church
The Abbeydale Picture House
The Arts Tower
The Town Hall
Trinity United Reformed Church
Upper Chapel- Unitarian
Wortley Hall Gardens
Beauchief Abbey, Beauchief Abbey Lane, Off Abbey Lane, Beauchief, Sheffield.
Grade II* remains of a 12th century Praemonstratensian abbey, founded in memory
of Thomas Becket, with 17th century chapel which has original box pews. Open:
Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1700 / Sun 9th Sept, 1300-1700.
Botanical Gardens, Thompson Road, Sheffield, S10. Historical tour of the
Botanical Gardens with the Friends of Botanical Gardens. Riddle trail available
for children. Cafe and shop. Limited disabled parking. Open: Thurs 6th - Fri 7th
Sept 0800-1945 / Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept 1000-1945 / Tour: Sun 9th Sept 1530
(Thompson Road entrance)
Broomhill Methodist Church, Fulwood Road, Sheffield, S10 3BD. A Flexible purpose
built mutli use church and community resource with social housing on site.
Architecturally exciting - built in 1998. Tours and talks avaliable. Play
eqipment available but parental supervision needed. Open: Thur 6th Sept,
0900-1700 / Fri 7th Sept, 0900-1700 / Sat 8th Sept, 0900-1700. (Pre-booking
required, 0114 266 2491)
Callow Tower Blocks, Callow Place, Sheffield, S14. Five 1960 concrete
constructed 15 storey tower blocks with interesting features including -
biomass boiler, water pump room, laundry room and community room. Meet residents
and share memories. Open: Thurs 6th Sept 1000-1200 (tours 1030 & 1130) / Sat 8th
Sept 1030-1230 (tours 1100 & 1200)
Heritage Tour of Sheffield Railway Station, Sheffield Station, Sheaf Square,
Sheffield, S1 2BD. 60th anniverary of historic Master Cutler train service plus
heritage tour of station led by local expert Howard Turner. Also see today's
Master Cutler arrive on the hotplate - an annual tradition for last 60yrs. Open:
Thur 6th Sept, 1245 Tour starts 1300. Lasts 1 hour approx. (Pre-booking
required, 01332 262010 or email press.office@midlandmainline.com)
Holy Cross Church, Spotswood Mount, Sheffield, S14 1LG. Church building open for
people to look around. Guides available to answer questions. Booklet available.
Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1600.
Manor Lodge Sheffield, 115 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UH. Harvest Celebration! A
family fun day with demonstations of traditional farm and country skills, stalls
and games at Manor Oaks and at Manor Lodge guided tours of the Tudor Sheffield
Sheffield Heritage Open Days 2007 Info.txt
Manor Lodge site and Turret House. Childrens activities will be available
throughout the day. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1200-1600
Norfolk Heritage Trail, Manor Lodge, 115 Manor Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire,
S2 1UH. Guided walks of the Norfolk Heritage trial. Taking in the Tudor Turret
House, cemetery, Norfolk Heritage Park, Cholera monument, alms houses, Old Sweet
factory, Old Queens Head, Sheffield Castle and the Cathedral. The trail is 2.75
miles long and is mainly down hill. Meet at Sheffield Manor Lodge. No 95, 42 or
120 bus from city centre. Get off at St Aidans. Walk up Manor Lane for 250m. As
the trail finishes in town it is better to come by public transport. Tour times:
Thur 6th Sept, 1000-1415 / Fri 7th Sept, 1000-1415 / Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1415
Park Hill Estate, Park Hill Community Centre, off Duke St. Sheffield. The Park
Hill estate is the largest Grade II* listed building in the country and
comprises 1000 units of council housing. It is currently being cleared to allow
a major refurbishment of the flats, which will change the tenure mix and
redevelop the whole site. Open: Thur 6th Sept, 1500-1900 Presentations 1530 &
1700 Tour 1615 & 1745.
Rivelin Bank Booster Pumping Station, Rivelin Bank, Sheffield. Top of Rivelin
Bank, off A6101 Rivelin Valley Rd/Holme Lane. Signed on day. Restricted parking.
Unique diesel pumping station running at full load, built 1942 with original
equipment supplying water to city during wartime. Still in full working order
and laid dormant 35 years. Able to pumb approx 100,000 galls per hour. Open: Sun
9th Sept, 1100-1700
Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA. Sheffield Cathedral is
one of the oldest buildings in daily use in Sheffield. It is 'a beguiling place'
(Pevsner): the east end tower and spire date from the 15th century. After WWI
plans to enlarge the Cathedral and move the high altar to the north account for
the chapels on that side. A later extension to the west end (1966) is crowned by
a striking lantern tower. In 2007 a new Cathedral Resources Centre was opened by
HRH the Princess Royal. Opening times: Thur 6th Sept, 0830-dusk Tours 1400-1530
/ Fri 7th Sept, 0830-dusk Tours 1030-1200 & 1400-1530 / Sat 8th Sept, 0830-dusk
Tours 1300-1430 / Sun 9th Sept, 0830-dusk
Sheffield General Cemetery, The Gatehouse, Cemetery Avenue, Sheffield S11 8NT.
Opening by Lord Mayor 12.00 oclock. Promenade theatre at 1pm & 3pm. Chilling
Tales in the Vault all afternoon. Book stall, information & light refreshments.
Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1200-1600.
Shepherd Wheel, Whiteley Woods, Sheffield, (follow public path). A disused
water-powered grinding wheel, set in parkland on a picuresque stretch of the
River Porter. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1030-1530
St Mary's Church, Priory Rd., Ecclesfield, Sheffield, S35 9WE. Large Grade I
listed church mainly Perpendicular with embattled tour and chapels and traces of
Anglo-Saxon work. Interesting features include fine medieval stalls, rood
screen, misericords, roof bosses and 19th century glass. Monuments of many
notable services. Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1600
St Peter’s Church, Reney Avenue, Greenhill, Sheffield, S8 7FN. A modern
distinctive ‘church in the round’ built c1965. The central Westmoreland slate
green spine is a landmark for South West Sheffield. A remarkable example too of
modern stained glass. Open: Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1800 / Sun 9th Sept, 0745-1230
(Services 0800 & 1230)
The Abbeydale Picture House, 387 Abbeydale Road, Abbeydale, Sheffield, S7 1FS.
See the stunning 1920s building with many original features. Hear of our plans
for renovation and rebirth as a local flagship performing arts venue. Guided
tours, live music, local history/cinema talks refreshments and local book sales.
Displays of groups involved. For children: art activities, sing alongs at set
times and face painting. Open: Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept, 1030-1630
The Arts Tower, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN.
Treasure hunt, videos, tours. Open: Thurs 6th Sept 1700-1930
The Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH. Access will be made available
to the civic rooms, council chamber and meeting rooms normally unavailable to
the public, except those on official business. Sheffield Town Hall is a Grade I
listed Victorian civic building. Tours available hourly. Refreshments and local
history information. Open: Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1600
Trinity United Reformed Church, 737a Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8TG. Opened
in February 1971 it presents an uncompromising facade in the Neo-Brutalist
style. The architect, J.M.M. Jenkinson RIBA was a member of the church. The
church is attached to a hall that was built sixty years before. A building of
contrasts, inviting exploration. Open: Sat 8th - Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1500 (Turn
up or pre-book - Phil Morgan, 2685690 or email phil_morgan@tiscali.co.uk)
Upper Chapel- Unitarian, Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2JD. Grade II listed,
18th century chapel with magnificent Henry Holliday stained glass windows and
ornate ceiling, peaceful sanctuary gardens including three George Fullard
sculptures. Open: Thur 6th - Sat 8th Sept, 1030-1600.
Wortley Hall Gardens, Wortley Village, Sheffield, S35 7DB. 26 acres of
Italianate gardens set within a landscaped parkland. 11 acres of formal gardens
surrounded by 15 acres of informal pleasure grounds. Features within the gardens
include sunken garden, lake with ice house, organic kitchen garden and ancient
oak tree some 500 years old. Open: Thur 6th - Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1600.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Charity heroine's cancer battle ends
Jane Tomlinson, the charity fundraiser whose feats of endurance, which included cycling across Europe and the US, raising £1.75m for charity, has died. Full story:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2162084,00.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2162084,00.html
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Sheffield Cycle Campaign Gets Results
That container before:
and after Sheffield Cycle Campaign stepped in:
Sheffield Cycle Campaign gets Results!
Join Sheffield Cycle Campaign now!]
and after Sheffield Cycle Campaign stepped in:
Sheffield Cycle Campaign gets Results!
Join Sheffield Cycle Campaign now!]
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Monday, 25 June 2007
One for the trainers - isnt it sweet
Posted by Andy
Had a lovely day at the CTC show in York on Saturday. The weather was just about perfect - light breeze and wandering white clouds in a blue sky. When I saw this tiny bike without pedals on the Islabike stand I couldn't help imagining the very young person using it. The lack of pedals and crankset is because its for learning to balance while scooting along - the natural way to learn it seems.
Shame the scale is not visible in the picture but its really the size for a typical 2 or 3 year-old. Not to promote a company here but Islabikes also had a wide range of sizes in children's bike's, all of them in this dark aluminium frame style. About time. When my children were of learning to ride and riding age (they gave up in teenage) there was little in the way of decent bikes on the market for children - most of what was available being heavy, badly equipped and of poor quality. This is nice to see.
Shame the scale is not visible in the picture but its really the size for a typical 2 or 3 year-old. Not to promote a company here but Islabikes also had a wide range of sizes in children's bike's, all of them in this dark aluminium frame style. About time. When my children were of learning to ride and riding age (they gave up in teenage) there was little in the way of decent bikes on the market for children - most of what was available being heavy, badly equipped and of poor quality. This is nice to see.
Support Sunday opening for the Robin Hood Line
Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging local people to support a
campaign asking the Government to fund a Sunday service on the "Robin
Hood Line" that links Worksop and Mansfield Woodhouse to Nottingham.
The contract for the Robin Hood Line expires in November 2007 and
Stagecoach will take over a new contract for the region's train service.
The County Council has already negotiated a new later evening weekday
service to be included in the new contract and is now lobbying the
Department for Transport to fund a Sunday service.
The new franchise holder will take over the service from November but
will not provide a Sunday service unless it receives the necessary
funding, which should be well under £1 million. The County Council is
proposing a Sunday service which will run from approximately 10.00am
to 7.30pm and has published eight reasons why the Government should
support it:
a. Mansfield is the largest town and Ashfield is the largest district
in the UK not to have a Sunday rail service
b. Over a million people use the existing service every year - there
is no reason why a Sunday service should not be as successful and popular
c. Everyone wants it including our MPs and Councillors
d. Mansfield is getting a great new bus station linking directly to
the train station. The town centre is undergoing massive regeneration
that will attract more visitors and jobs. A Sunday service will support
this regeneration programme
e. It would be great for local businesses by bringing in customers
f. Not having a Sunday service stops people getting to or taking up
work unless they have a car or are able to use a bus
g. It gives better access to the countryside - people will be able to
easily visit places like Newstead Abbey
h. It will give direct links to bus services in Mansfield, Worksop
and Nottingham.
i. It will provide much-needed transport for cyclists, with connections back to Sheffield
at both Worksop and Nottingham, with the line running parallel with the National Cycle Network and offering extensive access to on and off-road cycle routes.
j. It would provide a further incentive to run connecting Sunday morning trains to Worksop & Lincoln.
If you are inclined to support this bid, the web page
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/traffic_and_travel/trains/robinhoodline/rhlsundayservice.htm indicates several ways in which you can express your opinion.
campaign asking the Government to fund a Sunday service on the "Robin
Hood Line" that links Worksop and Mansfield Woodhouse to Nottingham.
The contract for the Robin Hood Line expires in November 2007 and
Stagecoach will take over a new contract for the region's train service.
The County Council has already negotiated a new later evening weekday
service to be included in the new contract and is now lobbying the
Department for Transport to fund a Sunday service.
The new franchise holder will take over the service from November but
will not provide a Sunday service unless it receives the necessary
funding, which should be well under £1 million. The County Council is
proposing a Sunday service which will run from approximately 10.00am
to 7.30pm and has published eight reasons why the Government should
support it:
a. Mansfield is the largest town and Ashfield is the largest district
in the UK not to have a Sunday rail service
b. Over a million people use the existing service every year - there
is no reason why a Sunday service should not be as successful and popular
c. Everyone wants it including our MPs and Councillors
d. Mansfield is getting a great new bus station linking directly to
the train station. The town centre is undergoing massive regeneration
that will attract more visitors and jobs. A Sunday service will support
this regeneration programme
e. It would be great for local businesses by bringing in customers
f. Not having a Sunday service stops people getting to or taking up
work unless they have a car or are able to use a bus
g. It gives better access to the countryside - people will be able to
easily visit places like Newstead Abbey
h. It will give direct links to bus services in Mansfield, Worksop
and Nottingham.
i. It will provide much-needed transport for cyclists, with connections back to Sheffield
at both Worksop and Nottingham, with the line running parallel with the National Cycle Network and offering extensive access to on and off-road cycle routes.
j. It would provide a further incentive to run connecting Sunday morning trains to Worksop & Lincoln.
If you are inclined to support this bid, the web page
http://www.nottingh
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Brooklyn Bridge gets approval
The Brooklyn Bridge replica project, a vital link in the emerging North Don trail, was approved by councillors today. See http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2062780&SectionID=58
Saturday, 17 February 2007
Campaign for dark skies
It would appear to be common sense that street lighting makes roads safer, but does it really? Read the evidence for and against at The Campaign For Dark Skies site.
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