Tune into Spring

Just a quick message to share some information from Tim Birch about the bird‑song walks he’s now offering. Tim will be leading his first session in Ecclesall Woods on Saturday 18 April, running from8:00 to 9:30am. It’s a gentle, welcoming introduction to tuning in to the sounds of our local birdlife.

Tim’s wider mission is to help more people reconnect with nature through the simple joy of birdsong. He’s also very open to running walks in other parts of Sheffield, and he’s particularly keen to support activities that help younger people build a stronger relationship with the natural world. If cost is an issue for any group or organisation, he’s more than happy to discuss reduced or no‑fee options.

If you’d like to arrange a walk, explore possibilities for your area, or just find out more, Tim’s contact details. Email: birdsongwalks@gmail.com

Happy Easter Crosspool! 

Council elections Thursday 7 May 2026

Stephen Hill church polling station in Crosspool
Stephen Hill church polling station in Crosspool

Crookes & Crosspool is one of Sheffield’s most competitive wards, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats both treating it as strategically important. Reporting from local media highlights how closely the parties watch this seat and how actively they campaign here.  

The Sheffield City Council elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026, the date set for all local elections across England this year. This timing aligns with the national electoral calendar, which clusters local authority contests, mayoral elections, and devolved‑nation parliamentary elections on the same day

Local elections in Sheffield follow a cycle where one third of councillors are elected each year for three years out of four. The 2026 round covers the seats last contested in 2022, meaning many wards, including Crookes & Crosspool, will see familiar names returning to the ballot. The city’s political balance has been fluid in recent years, with shifts in party groupings and several by‑elections, so the 2026 vote is expected to be significant for the council’s overall direction.  

Key dates leading up to polling day

  • Register to vote deadline: Monday 20 April 2026 
  • Postal vote application deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026 
  • Proxy vote and voter ID application deadlines 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026 
  • Polling day: Thursday 7 May 2026, 7am–10pm  

    Councillor Candidates for Crookes & Crosspool 
  • Minesh Parekh – Labour and Co‑operative
  • Jordan Barr – Liberal Democrats  
  • Dylan Lewis-Creser – Green Party  
  • Marina Round – Conservative Party
  • Joseph Lewis Hibbert– Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

    Crosspool Polling Stations
  • Church Of St Columba, Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5PL
  • Crosspool District Youth Sports Trust, Coldwell Lane, Sheffield, S10 5TJ
  • Hallam FC Club House, Hallam Sports Club, Sandygate Road, Sheffield, S10 5SE
  • Stephen Hill Methodist Church, 547 Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5PL

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority runs on a four‑year cycle.
The last election was in 2022, so the next combined authority mayoral election was due this year 2026. Actually, the cycle was reset, and the next South Yorkshire mayoral election is now expected in 2028.

Crosspool Artists

JOIN THE EASTER TRAIL

Join the Easter trail around Crosspool shops.
Prize is to be collected on Easter Sunday 4th April, at Stephen Hill Church, where you are invited to join the 10.30am service.

For more information, please contact Childrens@stcolumbacrosspool.org.uk
Tara Osborne, Children Youth and family worker.
Focal Minister, St Columba and Stephen Hill Church Crosspool
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday

New Recycling Rules Start Tomorrow 

A quick guide for Crosspool households

From tomorrow, England brings in new Simpler Recycling rules, a national shift designed to end the old postcode lottery of what could and couldn’t be recycled.
Nothing Dramatic is Changing with Sheffield’s Bin collection just yet, but what goes where will be more consistent across the country.

What’s changing
Households across England will now have the same core materials collected, and councils must keep certain waste streams separate. That means clearer sorting and fewer “can this go in?” moments.

You may need to separate paper/card   from other recyclables more clearly. 
Food waste must go in its own caddy. 

Your collection day stays the same unless the Council notifies you otherwise. 

These changes are meant to make recycling simpler in the long run, even if it feels like a bit more sorting at first. If you’re helping a neighbour, or someone who finds the rules confusing, this guide is a good place to start.

A57 Manchester Road Landslip Closure

Manchester Road – Rivelin Dams

Essential landslip repairs will cause major disruption on the A57 Manchester Road near Rivelin Dams this spring. The works are needed to stabilise the hillside and protect the long‑term safety of the route.

A significant landslip beneath the carriageway requires engineers to rebuild supporting structures and stabilise the slope. The scale of the work means a full closure is unavoidable for part of the project.

Full closure: 20th April–2nd June between Onksley Lane and Wyming Brook Drive. 
Single‑lane traffic with temporary lights: One week before the closure and five weeks after. 
Expect delays: Peak‑time queues and pressure on diversion routes are likely throughout the programme. 
Pedestrian access: Footpaths in the immediate area will also be restricted.

Allow extra time for journeys between Crosspool and Derbyshire. 
Check travel updates regularly as traffic management changes. 
Consider alternative routes where possible.

Clocks Go Forward Tomorrow

The clocks go forward at 1am tomorrow, Sunday 29th March 2026, marking the start of British Summer Time (BST).

Remember, while most modern devices will update automatically, it’s always wise to double-check manual clocks to ensure you’re on time for your Sunday activities.

Sheffield Half Marathon This Sunday 29 March 2026

A major event in the UK’s running calendar, the Sheffield Half Marathon is South Yorkshire’s biggest event of its kind.
Thousands of runners of all abilities will be taking part, raising many thousands of pounds for numerous great causes.
With a city centre start and finish, a huge crowd of enthusiastic supporters will cheer participants out and back. The event boasts a stunningly scenic route with majestic views of the Peak District on the climb to Ringinglow.  Scenic Route Map
The race even incorporates a ‘triple test’ giving entrants a chance to be crowned Peaks Challenge winners in a timed hill climb, triumph in a timed 10K downhill sprint section, and cross the finish line first to lift the Sheffield Half Marathon title.
This really is an event of which the whole of Yorkshire can be proud. So don’t miss it.

Sheffield Half Marathon website

Discover the joy of social dancing

Social dancing offers a gentle, enjoyable way to stay active while meeting new people in a relaxed community setting. Sessions are designed to be welcoming, uplifting, and accessible to all, making them an ideal option for anyone looking to unwind and connect.

No prior experience required. Routines are simple, steady, and easy to follow, making them suitable for complete beginners as well as those returning after a break.