Scarecrows have taken over the neighbourhood!

As part of this year’s Crosspool Festival, households & schools are decking out their front gardens & playgrounds with fabulous, funny, and farmyard-themed scarecrows for our much-loved competition. 

Wander the streets, follow the trail, and see how many you can spot—there’s a straw-stuffed surprise around every corner! 

Check out the list below to see where the fun begins. 

Happy scarecrow spotting!

Charity Yard Sale & Community Picnic!

This Saturday 28th June, 10am–4pm 

Follow the Map to discover bargains and treasure filled Yard Sales, then bring a blanket and settle in for a relaxing picnic with lawn games at Carver Fields. All in support of a cause that touches many, raising funds for Motor Neuron Disease research and care!
Come browse, bring friends, and be part of something meaningful. Every item sold and every laugh shared helps make a difference. A fantastic community day, heartfelt and full of purpose.

Petal by Petal: A Tribute in Bloom

A dedicated Petalling Team of local residents, with a passion for tradition and creativity, are hard at work crafting a breathtaking mosaic for this year’s Crosspool Festival. Their design celebrates the bond between people and their beloved pets, capturing the tender moment of animals patiently awaiting their owners’ return.

Using a time-honoured technique, clay is pressed into wooden boards and a design is traced before being brought to life with carefully placed flower petals and natural materials, each one chosen and laid to brave the British weather. It’s a labour of love and a testament to the power of community spirit.

The Crosspool Well Dressing is more than just a beautiful display; it’s a celebration of heritage and a fundraiser for local causes. This year’s event supports Fir Vale Food Bank and The Family Work with every donation, no matter how small it will make a difference.

You’ll find the main display on Sandygate Road at the junction with Watt Lane from the evening of June 27th to July 6th.  The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Come for the flowers, stay for the spirit and be part of something blooming wonderful.

Scarecrow Competition – “On the Farm”!

Crosspool Festival invites you to create your own farmyard friend! 

Open to all ages. 
Residents, shops, and local groups are invited to design a scarecrow and display it proudly from Friday 27th June to Sunday 6th July.

Entry is just £4 (cash) via the Crosspool Pet Supplies (proceeds go to Crosspool Festival charities). Forms can be collected in-store or print one off via Crosspool News Website (crosspool.info).  Entry closes Thursday 26th June!
Scarecrows should be visible from the road, be it your front garden, driveway, or pavement.
All entries will be judged up to Friday 4th July.

Print a copy from here

Winners will be announced at the Crosspool Summer Fayre on Saturday 5th July.
With fabulous prizes up for grabs and community creativity at its best, it’s an opportunity to show your inventiveness. Join in the fun and let your imagination run wild!

A reminder to make your Scarecrow sturdy and wildlife-friendly!

Share your Scarecrow photos online: – Email crosspoolforum@gmail.com

Passing of a Football Trailblazer

A somber moment as we reflect on the passing of Uriah Rennie, a true pioneer in football and a cherished figure at Hallam FC. His contributions to the sport and his commitment to fostering inclusivity will be remembered with deep respect.

Uriah Rennie

Uriah Rennie made a lasting impact on Hallam FC, both as a trailblazer in football and a dedicated supporter of the club. He became Honorary President of Hallam FC in 2010, coinciding with the club’s 150th anniversary. His leadership and guidance were deeply valued at Sandygate, where his presence and counsel helped shape the club’s direction.

Beyond Hallam FC, Rennie was a pioneer in English football, famously serving as the first Black referee in the Premier League, officiating over 300 matches. His influence extended into grassroots football, where he championed inclusion and community engagement.

His contributions to Hallam FC and the wider football community will be sorely missed, but his legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity in sport will continue to inspire future generations.

Crosspool 2025 Festival Exhibition

Get ready to share your creativity at this year’s Crosspool Festival Art, Craft & Photography Exhibition!
Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd July, St. Columba’s Church.

It’s time to enter!
The ever-popular two-day exhibition invites the community to showcase their talents in Art, Craft, and Photography.
 If you live, work, worship, volunteer, visit, shop, or study in the Crosspool area, you’re eligible to participate and have your submission aptly displayed! 
This exhibition is all about your creativity. There is no theme to follow, just show us what you can create!
Enter as many categories as you like, but no more than two entries per category.
And there’s more, thanks to sponsorship from Cocker & Carr Estate Agents, you could win some exciting prizes. 
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event!
Join the celebration—showcase your talent and be part of Crosspool’s creative spirit!

Creative Demonstrations & Public Voting
Over two days, enjoy live craft demonstrations by talented local residents on a wide range of crafts, including glass art, knitting, weaving, spinning, origami, and more! 
All visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite entries across two age groups:

After the exhibition, Cocker & Carr Estate Agents will proudly feature some of the entries in a special window display.

How to Enter–
Art and Craft Creation
Entries are open for two age categories:

  • Under 16s
  • over 16 years

    You may submit up to two original creations, crafted by yourself.
    Each entry must be accompanied by a card containing:

Starting Monday, 9th June, you can drop off your creations at Cocker & Carr Estate Agents.
The deadline for submissions is midday on Friday, 27th June. Don’t miss out!

Photography
Entries are open for two age groups:

You can submit a maximum of two images and the prints can be any size from A5 up to A3. They can be print only or be mounted or framed.
On the back you must state:

Starting Monday, 9th June, you can drop off your entries at Cocker & Carr, Estate Agents.
The deadline for submissions is midday on Friday, 27th June. Don’t miss out!

Collection of your exhibits.
You can take home your work on Wednesday 2nd July from 5 to 6 pm or by special arrangements made via emailing the contact details below.
For further information on all the categories, contact: crosspoolfestivalphotos@gmail.com