Crosspool Women’s Institute celebrates successful first year

Crosspool Women’s Institute celebrated its first anniversary in March. In the most recent Crosspool Clarion, secretary Liz Manson reported on the first twelve months and looked ahead to what the future holds.

We’re delighted to have come this far. We are particularly pleased that we have maintained both evening and afternoon groups – apparently this is unique in the WI world! So far we have established several smaller interest groups which include singing, knitting and crochet, book and theatre.

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who have helped us along the way, either as a member, a visitor, as a customer at one of our fundraising events and local businesses who have donated prizes.

In particular we would like to say a special thank you to the Crosspool Clarion – your coverage of our activities, has encouraged local women, of all ages, to come and join us.

The events we have planned for the next few months include talks about diamonds from the CEO of Benz & Green and the life of Lady Jane Grey in June.

In July we have talks about Teenage Cancer Trust, and the work of WI in Rumania. Visitors always get a warm welcome!

We adopted Care in Crosspool as our local charity for 2012 and hope to raise further funds for other local charities this year. We would welcome suggestions from readers.

Once again thanks to all at the Clarion.

Liz Manson, Secretary, Crosspool Women’s Institute

Residents’ concerns over street parking on Tapton hill

Sheffield West Delivery Office
Sheffield West Delivery Office

Residents living in the vicinity of Tapton Hill Road and Tapton Bank have expressed their concerns about the recent increase in vehicles parking outside their properties, adding further congestion at school times.

Sheffield West Delivery Office has taken delivery of 26 new vehicles which now occupy their onsite car park, meaning the vehicles which previously parked there are now parking in the surrounding streets.

One resident has contacted the site manager to raise her concerns and other residents brought up the matter with local councillors at a recent Crosspool Forum open meeting.

Members of the Forum also met with management at the delivery office on Wednesday 1 May and the Post Office will be carrying out a feasibility study to look at options available to try and improve the onsite parking within the site.

Dementia workshop at St Columba’s on Friday 21 June

St. Columba's church, Crosspool
St. Columba’s church, Crosspool

Darnall Dementia Awareness Group is running a training event in Crosspool on Friday 21 June from 10am-12.30pm at St. Columba’s church hall.

This workshop is ideal for friends, carers and family members of people with dementia, or for anyone who wants to understand dementia better.

There is no charge, but places are limited. To book, please ring Kate Hill on 0114 267 0006.

Hallam Chase 2013 report and results

Runners competing in the 2012 Hallam Chase
Runners competing in the 2012 Hallam Chase

A good turnout of 57 runners endured the grey drizzle to compete in the 2013 Hallam Chase in Crosspool last week.

Den Bank was greasy but the rest of the route was good underfoot and allowed John Alexander (CGCC) to lead the men home and Katy Bennett (Dark Peak), the ladies. Peter Stenton (Dark Peak) retained the youngest runners prize and Gerry Lax (Dark Peak) the oldest.

Being handicapped, with the slower runners off first and the fastest 10-15 minutess later, the actual fastest runners was David Lunn (Dark Peak) in a time of 24 minutes 22 seconds. John Spencer ranked the runners in the handicap and deserves praise as the runners returned in a good group.

Prizes where donated by local solicitors, Taylor and Emmet. They have helped out for many years; without their generosity the event wouldn’t work as well.

Next year’s event will be on Tuesday 27 May 2014 (and for those who want to prepare its Tuesday 26 May for 2015!)

Thanks also go to Richard Storer and the Hallam Cricket Club for hosting the event, Ian and Judy Thomas for managing the results, plus Les Outwin and David Price for officiating.

The event now has a website www.thehallamchase.org.uk containing event information and recent results. Hallamshire Harriers, who marshal the event, train in Hillsborough Tuesday and Thursday evening and can be contacted via www.hallamshireharriers.co.uk.

Hallam Chase 2013 results (PDF, 45KB)

Can you help reunite this Manchester Road tortoise with its owner?

Can you help reunite this Manchester Road tortoise with its owner?
Can you help reunite this Manchester Road tortoise with its owner?

Update 7pm, Saturday 1 June: Fred the tortoise has been reunited with his owner of 43 years. He’s now safely tucked up in his little garden bungalow. Thanks for all your help in getting him home!

This tortoise was found today in a Manchester Road garden. If you know who the owner is and can help us reunite them then please leave a comment below.

I Love Crosspool mugs and bags on sale this summer

I Love Crosspool mugs and bags
I Love Crosspool mugs and bags

Keep an eye out for these I Love Crosspool mugs (£4) and tote bags (£3) which will be available to buy once again at various community events this summer.

The next chance to get your hands on them will be at the car boot sale on Saturday 8 June, starting at 8am. Pitches are still available: book yours now for £6 by calling 07713 687 955 or emailing crosspoolforum@fsmail.net. Money made by from selling pitches will raise funds for Crosspool Forum. All profits you make from your own sales are yours to keep.

Revised date for Rivelin Splash opening

Rivelin Splash is now due to open on Saturday 13 July
Rivelin Splash is now due to open on Saturday 13 July

The newly-constructed water play area in Rivelin is now due to open on Saturday 13 July.

Rivelin Splash was scheduled to open in time for the bank holiday weekend, but a sign has now gone up to confirm the revised date and a celebration event from 10.30am to mark the opening.

The refurbished water play area will be for children of all ages and is designed to be more accessible and inclusive. The water circulation system will be improved and new features such as water jets and sprays will be installed.

If you have any questions about the project, contact the council’s Parks and Countryside Service on 0114 250 0500 or parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk.

The Real Food Club launches in Crosspool

A new food club to help people to eat healthily launches on Wednesday 29 May in Crosspool.

The Real Food Club is designed to be more than just a slimming club. It encourages people to make small changes to their diet to give big results. You don’t even have to be looking to lose weight to join.

The Real Food Club launches in Crosspool
The Real Food Club launches in Crosspool

Each family-friendly session includes:

  • Weigh-in or measure (private from others)
  • Education session or outside speakers
  • Group discussion on the week- optional to join in
  • Menu plan
  • Two recipes
  • Unlimited email and phone support

Come along on a Wednesday night from 8:15pm to Hallam FC, Sandygate Road. The first session is just £3 and after that it is £5.50 a session.

The club is run by Hannah Bailey from Wise Choice Nutrition. Hannah is a qualified nutritionist with three years experience of helping people lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.

She set up the Real Food Club to offer an alternative for people dissatisfied with current weight loss clubs and looking for something which would give long term benefit.

For more information visit www.the-real-food-club.blogspot.com or email info@wisechoicenutrition.co.uk or call Hannah on 07912 556470. You need to book the first session.

You can also follow The Real Food Club on Facebook and Twitter.

Messy Mangoes toddler club starts on Monday 3 June

Messy Mangoes starts on 3 June at Lounge @ Crosspool
Messy Mangoes starts on 3 June at Lounge @ Crosspool

A Crosspool club for toddlers who like to get messy – and parents who dare to let them – starts in June.

Messy Mangoes takes place at Lounge @ Crosspool on Mondays from 3 June between 1.30 and 2.30pm and lasts for six weeks.

Organiser Kate Hill, Crosspool Mum of two and founder of www.funmefit.com explained: “As a mum and a bit of a play promoter, I think it’s so important to let children get messy, have fun and socialise in a relaxed setting. The fact that we’ll be playing with fruit and vegetables, tasting them along the way is obviously a healthy twist! Sure it’ll be great fun for us mums too at Paula’s cafe!”

It’s for the under 4s and baby siblings are obviously free. A drink plus healthy snacks for toddlers are provided. It’s £3.50 per session per toddler and they’ll receive a little certificate and achievement folder at the end.

If you’re interested then book soon via messymangos@gmail.com or 07854 682323 as half the 10 places have been already taken.

Messy Mangos starts on Monday 3 June
Messy Mangos starts on Monday 3 June

Work to tackle serious subsidence on A57 Manchester Road continues

Temporary traffic signals on Manchester Road
Temporary traffic signals on Manchester Road

During Crosspool Forum’s April Open Meeting, it was reported that the temporary traffic signals and roadworks on the A57 Manchester Road are one year old this May.

The work is the result of a serious subsidence problem which has spread significantly since it was first identified and is now affecting the retaining wall.

Although it may appear to regular users of the road that little has been done other than the siting of temporary signals, Amey has been monitoring the subsidence and has drilled several boreholes as part of its investigations. It appears that the problem is more complex than originally believed, meaning further surveys have been required.

Two options have been identified to stabilise the ground and stop further subsidence. The first involves driving concrete pilings, twelve metres in length, into the ground to support the embankment.

The second, reported recently in the Sheffield Star, uses electricity. The method involves inserting electrodes into the ground: the electrical current stabilises the ground beneath by altering the properties of the rock and soil. This method has been used successfully in similar situations and may be an option for the A57.

Our councillors and Amey inform us that the work is due to start in May or June so we may have seen the last of the chicane by the end of summer.