Crosspool Open Meeting

Crosspool Forum Open Meeting
This Thursday 29th January at 7pm
St Columba’s Church, Manchester Road.

Guest speakers and local representatives. including Cllr Ruth Milsom, Cllr Minesh Parekh, Cllr Tim Huggan, council officers, and local police, are usually on hand to hear your views and offer friendly advice on community matters.

Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement and the benefits for Crosspool

The government announced today that it will deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail, meaning faster trains from Sheffield to Leeds and Manchester, upgrades to capacity at Sheffield station, and an important commitment to work with the city on the expansion of its tram-train network.

The announcement is great news for commuters who live in Crosspool, which will bring faster, more reliable journeys and give people access to more opportunities.

Crosspool councillor Minesh Parekh said: “Sheffield being included in Phase 1 of Northern Powerhouse Rail is great news for our city, and for Crosspool’s commuters; this means that we will be in the first tranche of projects and get better faster trains.”

“Outdated transport infrastructure has held Sheffield back for too long. Electrification of the line through to Leeds is very welcome and can’t come soon enough.”

More information about the changes can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multi-billion-pound-drive-to-transform-rail-and-growth-across-yorkshire-and-north-east

Benty Lane Pub Makeover

A fresh chapter for The Sportsman!

The Sportsman, Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield
The Sportsman, Manchester Road/Benty lane, Crosspool,

The much‑loved Benty Lane pub closed its doors on Monday 12 January for a well‑deserved makeover.
The refurbishment will brighten the space, boost comfort, and keep the pub thriving as one of Crosspool’s favourite community hubs. 

Great to see fresh investment in a place so many of us enjoy. They’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back on Wednesday 28 January. 
Stay tuned for the big reveal

Crosspool and the 2026/27 Sheffield Budget

As Sheffield sets out its 2026/27 council budget, many of the decisions being made in the Town Hall will be felt directly here in Crosspool. We’re a community that prides itself on neighbourliness, local action, and a strong sense of place, and the budget shapes the services and spaces that help those qualities thrive.

As a village‑within‑a‑city, Crosspool feels the impact quickly when maintenance slows, environmental projects shrink, or community programmes lose funding. From caring for our green spaces to keeping our pavements safe to supporting the groups that bring neighbours together, even small cuts can touch the everyday life of our community and the connections we rely on.

There are some reassuring signs. Continued protection for social care, community safety, and essential neighbourhood services matters to Crosspool just as much as anywhere else. Many residents rely on these services, and keeping them stable is vital for the wellbeing of families, older neighbours, and those who need extra support.

This is a moment for genuine engagement. Crosspool has a long tradition of stepping up through volunteers, local groups, and everyday acts of kindness. When the council works with communities, not just talks at them, we can shape solutions that reflect real local priories that puts local voices at the heart of Sheffield’s future.

Have your say, complete a short online survey about:-
How the council budget should be spent
What services matter most to you
How we make tough choices for the year ahead
Click the Budget Survey button to take part. Budget Survey
The survey takes 5–10 minutes to complete
Deadline: 1 February 2026
Your feedback will help inform decisions made at Budget Council in March 2026

Social Gardening Club

Broomhill Community Library Social Gardening Club starts 10:30, Wednesday, 14th January.

A welcoming space to learn gardening, forestry, garden design and more, all guided by experienced facilitators.
No gardening experience needed, and all tools and refreshments are provided.
A great way to meet new friends.
Indoors during the winter.

Christmas Tree Recycling this Sunday

The festive season often brings an increase in waste, with discarded Christmas trees making up a significant part of the problem. To help tackle this, Crosspool residents are invited to take part in the Crosspool Forum’s annual Christmas Tree Recycling initiative, an easy, eco‑friendly way to dispose of your tree responsibly.

Drag your Christmas tree down to the forecourt of Direct Travel on Sunday 4th January 2025, between 10am and 11.30am were Andrew Clayton, a local tree specialist, will be ready to recycle it for you. The shredded material will be used for mulching and composting purposes.

This community‑funded scheme provides a tree‑shredding service supported by small donations from residents. In recent years, the initiative has recycled hundreds of trees, diverting substantial waste from landfill. The shredded material is then put to good use for mulching and composting.

By choosing this recycling option over traditional disposal methods, residents help reduce pollution, support sustainability, and contribute to local environmental projects. It’s a simple action that makes a meaningful difference.

The Crosspool Forum extends its sincere thanks to Direct Travel for their generous support and cooperation. We look forward to seeing many Crosspool residents join in and help advance our community’s environmental goals.

The 2026 Crosspool Calendar is going fast!

Bursting with stunning photographs taken right here in our community, this year’s redesigned calendar celebrates the beauty, character, and diversity of Crosspool.

it’s more than a collection of dates; it’s a year of community in your hands. Every purchase helps support local life: funding activities, connecting with isolated neighbours, and caring for the environment we all share.

Pick up your copy for just £3 from GT News, Crosspool Pet Supplies, Enhance, Charisma or by emailing: crosspoolforum@gmail.com

Celebrating Our Yarn‑Bombers

Crosspool Precinct Pillar Box

Every so often, you turn a corner in our community and stumble upon something that makes you stop and smile, a burst of colour on a grey morning, a tiny knitted robin perched proudly on a pillar box, or even a whole festive tableau with Father Christmas, reindeer, and a snowman.

These delightful toppers, lovingly crafted by local WI members, appear without fuss or announcement. They are gifts of time, talent, and imagination, offered simply to brighten someone’s day.

They lift dull mornings, spark cheerful chats between neighbours, and remind us that creativity flourishes in the everyday spaces we share. Each one is a handmade token of kindness, stitched with care.

So, here’s to the yarn‑bombers: the quiet magicians who weave joy into our streets and make our community feel that little bit more magical.

Christmas Wishes

Christmas is a joyful reminder to share experiences, nurture cherished traditions, and embody generosity, kindness, and compassion.

When we carry these values beyond the festive season, the true essence of Christmas inspires us to give back to our communities, enriching every moment with meaning.
In living these values throughout the year, the spirit of Christmas continues to shine brightly, illuminating our lives with hope and connection.

With the New Year on the horizon, we wish you and your loved ones joy, success, and prosperity, and a fresh sense of hope and togetherness to carry you through the year.”