Harry Jessop (front) competes at the British Short Track Speed Skating Championship in Nottingham
Well done to 11-year-old Harry Jessop from Crosspool who has won a silver medal at a prestigious national speed skating championship.
Harry fought off tough competition to finish second in the under-11s category of the British Short Track Speed Skating Championship, in Nottingham.
The two-day competition required racing over three different lengths – 500m, which he won; 333m, in which he came fifth after a fall; and a 222m race which saw him come in third. The three race times are averaged to provide an accumulated score.
Harry, who trains with Sheffield Speed Skating Club at iceSheffield, was a fraction away from winning the overall tournament which involved competitors from as far as London, Birmingham and Dundee.
Harry with his silver medal on the podium
He said: “I feel really proud of myself because I haven’t been skating for that long – only 18 months. It was a bit hectic rushing around and changing my skates but I did well in the end.
“Speed skating is really important to me – it’s my favourite thing in the world and I just love it. My mum encouraged me to go to my first session at iceSheffield and I just wanted to keep on doing it.”
Harry’s mum Clare said: “It’s a great sport to be involved in – iceSheffield has a great atmosphere and everyone’s lovely. It’s good for the children because it teaches them to look out for each other and practice discipline.”
Harry’s skating success comes as Michael O’Dea, Sheffield Speed Skating Club’s oldest member at 67, has qualified for the European Masters Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Holland on Saturday 19 January.
Mandy Parker, general manager at iceSheffield, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV) said: “Harry and Michael’s skating success is great for iceSheffield and the Sheffield Speed Skating Club. It shows that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and succeed in sport, and we wish Michael the best of luck for the European Masters.”
Christmas trees are going up in the precinct on Sunday
Three events mark the start of Christmas festivities in Crosspool this weekend.
On Saturday 1 December from 10am-2pm Crosspool WI hosts a Christmas Fayre in Lounge@Crosspool cafe. Pop along for craft stalls, refreshments, homemade cakes and their great Crosspool bake-off!
On Sunday morning the Christmas trees will be going up in the precinct above our local shops. So look out for them when you pass through next week.
And on Sunday afternoon from 1.30-3.30pm there’s a Christmas disco for children between 3-11 years at St Columba’s church hall. Father Christmas will bring a present for every child and refreshments and nibbles will be served.
The Crosspool Clarion is the official newsletter of Crospool Forum. It is a free, quarterly publication, with over 2,500 copies delivered to local households.
Passengers have been told that the new timetable for the Crosspool service will be more resilient, with longer journey times to reflect delays and greater recovery time at Lodge Moor before departure on the next journey.
At Thursday’s Crosspool Forum AGM/Open Meeting, local councillors Geoff Smith and Rob Frost pledged to meet with SYPTE and First if the expected improvements to the Crosspool service do not happen.
As well the new 51 timetable, other changes being made to the bus network in an attempt to simplify and improve the overall service. These include co-ordinated timetables that change less often, a new range of tickets, more services on some routes and more buses with low-floor access.
Williamson Hardware in Broomhill: will move next door to make way for Sainsbury’s
Broomhill institution Williamson Hardware will move into an adjacent unit to make way for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The landlord of the unit gained planning permission to develop the site for a new occupier earlier this month and it has been confirmed that Sainsbury’s will take it on.
It is believed that Williamson will move into the smaller property next door which was until recently occupied by Blackwell’s bookshop.
A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s said: “The future of local traders is important to us, and we are pleased that Williamson, a long standing local trader, has agreed plans with their landlord to relocate to another adjacent unit on Fulwood Road.”
Williamson has been trading in Broomhill for 52 years.
Dransfield Road, the lower part of Watt Lane and neighbouring roads into Ranmoor have been without working street lights for over a week.
The problem was reported on Sunday 7 October to Street Force but the street lights have not yet been repaired. We’re awaiting their response to find out how serious the issue is and when a repair will happen.
In the meantime, drivers and pedestrians are advised to take extra care on affected roads after dark.
Crosspool News - crosspool.info 