Damaged manhole cover in precinct to be repaired this weekend

The damaged manhole cover in the precinct is finally due to be repaired on Sunday
The damaged manhole cover in the precinct is finally due to be repaired on Sunday

The damaged manhole cover in the middle of Crosspool precinct will finally be repaired on Sunday 24 June.

The manhole – also known as a Gatic box – is the property and responsibility of National Grid. A spokesperson explained the reason for the delay:

This is a bespoke box, which due to the chamber and apparatus contained beneath it, has to be manufactured accordingly to the size, content and road type. We apologise for the length of time and any inconvenience that this has caused.

Sheffield City Council was informed on 20 April about the damaged manhole and since then traffic cones and ‘keep left’ road signs have been placed to ensure the area is avoided by traffic and pedestrians.

Video: Nick Clegg answers questions at Crosspool Q&A

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg answered Crosspool residents’ concerns at a constituency question-and-answer session on Friday.

Over the course of an hour in Hallam FC’s Sandygate clubhouse, the Sheffield Hallam MP responded to queries regarding the economy, jobs, the High Speed 2 rail link, the Leveson inquiry and the PFI project to renew and maintain Sheffield’s roads.

Questions were also asked about specific Crosspool issues. After describing their experience of travelling on the 51 bus route, one resident asked: What are the government’s plans to encourage provincial commuters to move back to using public transport? Watch the video below to hear Nick Clegg’s response:

He also responded to queries regarding the government’s policy on catchment area placements being within walking distance of local schools. Listen to his answer below (audio only):

The subject of the lack of bus shelter at the Vernon Terrace bus stop was also raised. Although local councillors are continuing to look into this, the deputy prime minister promised to also take it up.

Local residents had been invited to the Q&A via a leaflet through their letter box.

You can email our MP with your query using nickclegg@sheffieldhallam.org.uk.

Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United lined up for Hallam FC pre-season friendlies in Crosspool

Premier League champions Manchester City will send an under-18 team to Sandygate on Monday 16 July as part of Hallam FC’s pre-season preparation.

The Countrymen are also due to play Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday 24 July and Sheffield United on Monday 30 July. For these types of fixture, the Owls and the Blades often send a team of youngsters or reserves.

At a Sandygate pre-season fixture in August 2011, Hallam edged out a young Sheffield Wednesday team 3-2.

Hallam FC proposed pre-season schedule 2012:

Sandygate games in bold. Check with Hallam FC for confirmed details before you set off.

Tuesday 3 July Worksop Parramore (a) 7.45pm
Monday 16 July Manchester City (h) 7.45pm
Tuesday 24 July Sheffield Wednesday (h) 7.45pm
Saturday 28 July Harborough Town (a) 1pm
Monday 30 July Sheffield United (h) 7.45pm (provisional)

Hallam FC beat a SWFC XI 3-2 in August 2011
Hallam FC beat a SWFC XI 3-2 in August 2011

Former British champion sets up Crosspool taekwondo club

A new taekwondo club is to start in Crosspool
A new taekwondo club is to start in Crosspool

A former British taekwondo champion and European bronze medallist and his wife are setting up a new taekwondo club in Crosspool.

Champions Taekwondo will take place 6–7pm every Thursday from 14 June at Benty Lane scout hut.

It is run by Scott and Joanne Graham, who are Crosspool residents with children in local schools. Joanne explained: “We offer a safe and friendly learning environment with the emphasis for children being on the fun aspect of learning, allowing them to progress without pressure.”

Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art, with a focus on kicking and self defence. Practitioners can expect to gain greater degrees of fitness, flexibility, concentration and confidence, which can be important for childrens’ development.

Adults and children, from beginners to advanced, are welcome. The first lesson is free then it is £4.50 per lesson afterwards.

For more information contact Scott on 07970 597 800 or Jo on 07539 935 279 or email championstaekwondo@hotmail.co.uk.

Williamson Hardware in Broomhill under threat from closure

Williamson Hardware in Broomhill
Williamson Hardware in Broomhill: under threat from closure

Broomhill institution Williamson Hardware could be forced to move from its current location on Fulwood Road to make way for a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The landlord of the building is attempting to conclude the tenancy and has applied for permission to modify the unit, including changing the use of the first floor from office to retail.

Williamson Hardware has been trading in Broomhill for 52 years. A Spar exists three doors down and a 24-hour Select and Save supermarket is located at the top of Glossop Road.

Crosspool residents can post their views on the proposals on the Sheffield City Council planning website. The application can be viewed online along with all the associated documents under planning reference 12/01352/FUL.

Planning application – 12/01352/FUL Williamson Hardware

Hallam Chase 2012 in Crosspool

All eyes are on Crosspool tonight for the 2012 Hallam Chase.

At 8pm, runners will set off from Hallam Football/Cricket Club’s Sandygate ground, go down Den Bank through the Rivelin Valley and up to Stannington church, before returning by the same route. The run 3¼ miles long, with 800 feet of climb.

The Hallam Chase is an annual event organised by Hallamshire Harriers and hosted by the Hallam Cricket Club. Race records go back to 1862. It is open to male and female runners who are a member of a south Yorkshire running club. There is limited entry on the day (subject to places being available) – although you won’t be eligible for prizes.

Nick Spinks and Dean Drabble
Nick Spinks and Dean Drabble

Last year, 48 runners set off to cover the gruelling route on a bright and dry Tuesday night. First to the church was Dark Peak’s Brian Greaves, but he was eventually overhauled by Handsworth Road Hog’s Dean Drabble who won the handicapped event.

A close battle then ensued between two of the city’s best distance runners, Hallamshire Harriers’ pair Rob Baker and Andy Thake. In the end Andy just held on to take the fastest man title in an impressive 22 minutes 7 seconds. Dark Peak Fell Runner Nicky Spinks won both the ladies handicap and fastest female title in a time of 28 minutes 49 seconds.

Crosspool jubilee street parties: photos

Some photos from this weekend’s street parties on Delph House Road, Ringstead Crescent, Tapton Bank, Moorbank Drive and Dransfield Road. Look out for full reports in the next Crosspool Clarion.

Bell of St Columba’s to ring out again

St Columba's: bells to ring out this morning
St Columba’s: bell to ring out this morning

Update 5 June 2012: sadly some technical problems arose, meaning the bell wasn’t able to ring on Sunday. The bell expert has been brought back in to fix it. We’ll let you know when it is working again.


After years of silence, the bell in the tower of St Columba’s church in Crosspool will ring out once again this morning.

The peal will take place just before 10am to mark the queen’s diamond jubilee.

Priest–in-charge at the church Reverend Frances Eccleston is planning on the bell getting more use from now on: “We hope to ring a brief peal on the bell before our 10am service on Sunday morning most weeks.”

The St Columba bell sits in the church tower behind four concrete panels. It was cast in Loughborough in 1901 before being set in the tower in December 1955.

St Columba’s church

Jubilee street parties in Crosspool

It’s jubilee weekend and Crosspool residents are hosting street parties to celebrate. Here are a few that are taking place:

Delph House Road – Saturday 3-6pm. Look out for report and photos in the Yorkshire Post next week

Dransfield Road – Monday 2pm. Outside number 83 for residents from Barholm Road upwards

Ringstead Crescent – closed Saturday afternoon for a street party

Are you hosting a Crosspool street party this weekend? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

Dransfield Road: residents will host a street party this weekend
Dransfield Road: residents will host a street party this weekend

Crosspool Festival 2012 programme

Crosspool Festival 2012 programme (PDF, 676KB)
Download Crosspool Festival 2012 programme (PDF, 676KB)

We’re excited to confirm the programme for this year’s Crosspool Festival, which runs 7–15 July.

The Festival Committee – Frances, Sally, Chris, Pat, Eileen, and Roger – say:

We have events old and new in this years programme — so please join in, try something new, and come together with neighbours and friends to celebrate and have fun. Whatever your age we hope there will something here for you to enjoy.

You can download a PDF of the programme (676KB) or view it on the Crosspool Festival 2012 web page.

The prize-winning cover designs are by Amelia Cocken, Lydgate Infant School [front] and Ines Reynolds, Lydgate Junior School [back].