Hagg Lane Organic Allotments – gardening opportunity for all

Winner of the best community allotment in Sheffield 2024.

Hagg Lane Organic Allotments are a thriving community food growing group in Crosspool, Sheffield. They currently have twelve gardeners who meet every Tuesday and Friday mornings throughout the year, and every day in Spring and Summer for watering. The fruit and vegetables are shared.
For less than £1 / week you could join them and take-home armfuls of picked that day organic apples, pears, berries, grapes, potatoes, kale, beans, garlic, onions and shallots.

Joining this group offers a wealth of benefits for both your physical health and mental well-being. It’s more than just gardening; it’s a vibrant social learning community where members generously share decades of hands-on experience and practical know-how. Their collective wisdom is freely passed on, enriching everyone through shared effort and mutual support.
The organic approach, first introduced on Plot two by Richard Clare in 2013, who also had a keen interest in leaf mould, has been nurtured and sustained ever since. Members are warmly encouraged to get involved, enjoy the process, and take pride in growing food you can harvest and eat.

They expanded to their second plot in 2019 and they will soon expand to a new plot making three in total. They are looking for new gardener members to join them. If you are interested go along any Tuesday or Friday between 10 and 12 or contact their secretary Simon at simonmartinez1937@yahoo.com – 07713 133800. Please let Simon know if you are going to visit.

Plots two and three have vegetable beds on a three-year rotation, fruit trees and soft fruit. Discussions have started on how they garden the new plot. So, contact them and go along to shape the next twelve years of the Organic Community Allotment.

Lest we Forget

Remembrance is not only about the past, it’s also about how we care for one another today.
In Crosspool, we carry forward their spirit by building bonds of kindness, resilience, and hope.

Urgent Appeal – Missing Cat in Crosspool

Please help us find “Sonny” a cherished 2-year-old white tabby, who went missing yesterday in the Crosspool area. He’s chipped, neutered, and uses a chipped cat flap, and  usually only  stays out for just a couple of hours during the day and never ventures out at night.

The owner is very worried and would be very grateful for any sightings or information. email: crosspoolforum@gmail.com
If you live nearby, please check your sheds, garages, and any quiet corners he might have slipped into.
Thank you for keeping an eye out.

Heritage Hub for S10

Broomhill library
Broomhill library

You’re Invited to the Broomhill Library Heritage Hub for S10
Monday, November 3rd –3:30–6:00pm

Sheffield is a city of makers and its buildings are the blueprints of its ambition. From gothic arches to modern marvels, every structure has a tale to tell. This year, Heritage Open Days unlock the doors to discovery. Whether you’re tracing the trail from Percy Cane’s Garden to the General Cemetery or diving into Minecraft-inspired creativity at Broomhill Library, there’s a story waiting for you around every corner.

Join us for Tea, cake, and conversation as postgraduate students from the University of Sheffield’s Architecture Department share their reflections and ideas at the close of their six-week placement with us. Their poster presentation, Heritage Hub for S10 – Our Plans and Stories, starting outside, then moving indoors, celebrates local legacy and future possibilities.

Open Meeting this Thursday

Open Meeting (AGM)
St. Columba’s Church
This Thursday
30th October 2025
7:00pm
Bring your voice.
Help shape the future of your community.
Join the Crosspool Forum committee.

Clocks Go Back This Sunday

Don’t forget to set your clocks back by one hour at 2am this Sunday, 27th October. The transitions from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) marks the end of daylight-saving time in the UK

It’s the one time of year when being “late” might actually mean you’re early and you get a bonus hour of sleep. If you’re planning any Sunday morning events or travel, it’s worth double-checking your devices and schedules.

Brocco Bank Closure

Brocco Bank will be closed this Sunday & Monday

Due to utility works the lower section of Brocco Bank will be closed from 08:00am Sunday 26th October to 18:00 Monday 27th October at all times.Additionally, there are other roadworks affecting the area, which may cause delays
During this period Bus 785 will divert via Hunters Bar, Ecclesall Road, Rustlings Rd, Outbrook Road, Riverdale Road & Endcliffe Vale Road (same as route 786).

Please plan ahead and spread the word to help keep our community moving smoothly!
Check Local traffic reports or the Sheffield city council website.

Crosspool Social celebrated small business reception

Crosspool Social celebrated at 11 Downing Street small business reception

Katie from Crosspool Social outside Number 11.

Crosspool Social, the local café located on Sandygate Road in Crosspool, attended a drinks reception at Number 11 Downing Street on Monday 13th October which had been organised to celebrate the vital contribution of small businesses to our country.

The café was invited to attend the reception by local MP Olivia Blake, who said that Crosspool Social had ‘become a cherished part of the local community… as a venue where creativity, connection, and community spirit flourish.

In their Facebook status about their invitation, Katie from Crosspool Social said that she was ‘so proud of the impact we have already made with the cafe. Thank you to Olivia Blake MP for the invitation (we’re honoured!) and to everyone who has bought a coffee, cake, pie or pint, or supported us by attending one of our events.’

Minesh Parekh, Crosspool Councillor and a member of Sheffield City Council’s Economic Development committee said:
“Small businesses like Crosspool Social are the backbone of our city’s economy. I’m really glad that our MP Olivia Blake chose Crosspool Social, which is such an important anchor in our local community, and that the team got a much-deserved celebration in Downing Street.”

Community Buildings & Community Asset Transfer

Community Buildings & Community Asset Transfer – Short Survey
The Sheffield City Council is reviewing its Interim Community Buildings Policy, which includes:
Community Asset Transfer (CAT): Long-term leasing or transferring ownership of council-owned buildings or land to community or third-sector organisations.
Lease Terms: Up to 125 years, with asset transfers defined as leases over 25 years.
Purpose of the Survey
– To gather feedback from local organisations and individuals with experience or interest in using community buildings.
– To shape future policy based on lived experience, best practices, and community needs.
To ensure the approach supports sustainability, funding access, and local empowerment.

Time Commitment
– The survey takes 5–10 minutes and is anonymous
– Open to anyone involved in or exploring community building use or asset transfer.
The survey will close on Monday 20th October 2025

Want to Talk Instead?
The council welcomes direct conversations. You can contact Diane Owens at (diane.owens@sheffield.gov.uk) or call 0114 474 3635

Crosspool local businessman opens new Restaurant

Adriatik Likaj

Local businessman celebrates Grand Opening of the “Sharrow Restaurant” after a three-year planning battle

After a protracted three-year struggle with local planning officials, restaurateur Adriatik Likaj is finally opening the doors to his new venture, “The Sharrow” on Sharrow Vale Road.
To mark the occasion, he’s throwing a grand opening celebration on Friday, 10th October, starting at 6pm, complete with complimentary Mediterranean and Albanian cuisine and prosecco.

Likaj, known locally known for running the “Crosspool Fish Bar”, took over the former Otto’s restaurant in 2022. His plans to revamp the venue hit a major snag when a £40,000 veranda installation was twice denied planning permission by the council, which later ordered its removal.

Now, with the venue officially cleared to open, Likaj is inviting the community to join him in a well-earned celebration of perseverance.