Crosspool Beauty Therapist Wins Gold

Suzy Wins Gold!

Aspects of Beauty owner Suzy Kerfoot is not only a beauty therapist and a mother-of-two but also a British champion in gymnastics.

After a 25-year break from the sport, Suzy decided to return to the mat and show off her amazing skills, winning gold in the intermediate category at the Adult Gymnastics British Championships on 6 August 2023, beating competitors from all over the country.

Suzy dazzled the judges and the audience with her routines on the beam, floor, bars and vault, performing somersaults and backflips with grace and confidence. She scored the highest in three out of four disciplines, proving that age is just a number when it comes to gymnastics.

BBC News Sheffield former child gymnastics star wins gold

Crosspool Clarion Autumn 2023

Distributed to over 3000 households in and around Crosspool, the Crosspool Clarion is a quarterly newsletter that covers news and events of the Crosspool area.
It is produced by the Crosspool Forum, a voluntary group of residents who work to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

We are always looking for new voices and ideas to enrich our Clarion magazine.
If you have a passion for writing a narrative, we would love to hear from you!
crosspoolforum@gmail.com
Please submit your article by Saturday 28th October, the cut-off date for inclusion in the winter issue. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity!

We’re also looking for volunteers who can lend us a hand with the quarterly delivery of between 50 to 80 copies of the Clarion. It’s a great way to get involved in our community.
If you’re interested, please let us know. We’d love to have you on board!

The autumn issue of the Crosspool Clarion (Incorporating St Columba’s & Stephen Hill Church Newsletter) is available to download and read below.

Current issue: Volume 20-issue-3-Autumn-2023

Back issues of past editions of the Clarion are also available to download.

To read PDFs on your computer, you may need to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Low Carbon Grants Available for Crosspool Businesses

Following a recent decision at Sheffield City Council’s Economic Development and Skills committee, businesses in Crosspool and across South Yorkshire can now apply for funding from a £3.4m grant to help reduce carbon emissions, be more sustainable and protect jobs.

Running until March 2025, the council fund will provide support to 260 small and medium-sized businesses across the region to help understand the opportunities available to reduce carbon emissions of small and medium-sized businesses.

Local Crosspool businesses could benefit from a free energy audit to identify potential energy-saving improvements, such as low-energy lighting systems or insulation. The low carbon grants are available to help invest in solutions to reduce energy consumption and costs, become more productive, resilient and environmentally friendly. As part of the package of support, specialists will provide comprehensive advice and support throughout the process.

With the rising cost of energy, we know how important it is for businesses to be able to access climate initiatives that reduce bills and carbon emissions at the same time, which is why this scheme has been designed.

Councillor Minesh Parekh, the lead spokesperson on the Economic Development and Skills committee, said: “We know that businesses across Sheffield want to be leaders on the climate crisis and to play their part to help reach net zero. “These Low Carbon Grants will help small businesses reduce their energy usage, cutting their bills and carbon emissions at the same time. With energy costs at record highs, it’s so important for climate initiatives to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits.”

Delivered by South Yorkshire’s local authorities, the project is partly funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, with Sheffield City Council acting as the Accountable Body for the Low Carbon Grant project, on behalf of Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham MBCs.

To find out more, including whether your business is eligible for support, please contact Business Sheffield at 0114 224 5000 or via lowcarbonproject@sheffield.gov.uk

Further information about the grant, including eligibility criteria and types of support available is included here: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-low-carbon-project.

South West Local Area Committee Survey

About Crookes & Crosspool • Dore & Totley • Ecclesall • Fulwood (LAC’s)

Hanging baskets in Crosspool precinct
Crosspool precinct

LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES  give you the chance to raise your views, share your opinion on what the council does in your area and contribute to making changes in your neighbourhood. As a resident living in South West Sheffield, this is your opportunity to say what you would like to see improved.

How you can get involved

Your South West Local Area Committee is conducting a survey to see if there has been any change in the priorities identified in the community plan. Any new priorities will be considered and relevant projects can be developed.

Your South West Local Area Committee would love to hear your views on what’s most important in the South West Local area. 

Survey

Please click on the button for more information and to complete the survey.

 For additional information Email:- SouthwestLAC

Snake Pass Landslip

A57 Snake Pass

Landslips on the Snake Pass continue to cause increased concern for the safety of everyone traveling along this stretch of the A57.

This ongoing issue has recently been exacerbated by heavy rainfalls, which have further compromised the stability of the highway.

Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety when using the A57 over the Snake Pass.

Please report any road fault via this link

Spirit of our Community

Crosspool Summer Fayre 2012
Crosspool Summer Fayre
off to a flying start

On behalf of the community of Crosspool, we would like to say a huge “Thank You” to everyone who took part in this year’s Summer Fayre. The event was a tremendous success, bringing together people of all ages from near and far to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community.

Although the forecast was for stormy weather, the morning of Saturday 8th July started off bright but overcast, allowing us to begin setting up the marquees, gazebos, and inflatable bouncy castle on the field. With the looming threat of rain, the bouncy slide found its place alongside the bric-a-brac tombola and bookstall in the hall. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as we prepared for a day filled with laughter, music, and delightful activities.

As the clock struck 1pm, dark clouds gathered ominously overhead, the heavens opened and the rain began to fall. It was not the most promising start to the afternoon, but our spirits remained undampened. Miraculously, the rain moved away, making way for the warmth of the afternoon to shine through, turning what could have been a dreary affair into a really wonderful occasion for the many visitors who joined us.

Pat and Nuala

One of the highlights of the fayre was the performance by the immensely talented Cobalt Tales. Hailing from Wigan and Stockport but now based in Sheffield, this singer-songwriting female duo captivated the audience with their heartfelt music that stirred the soul. Pat, with her powerful vocals, expertly played the acoustic guitar and harmonica, while Nuala showcased her skills on the bass guitar and added harmonies with her clarinet, whistles, and acoustic guitar. Their combined influences and writing talents created a unique blend of musical styles, evoking the spirit of artists like Bob Dylan and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Cobalt Tales released their debut album, ‘Ever Changing Blue,’ in 2019, and the fayre served as a platform for them to share their exciting new material for future albums.

Dave Bolsover’s DDD Guitar Group delivered an inspirational performance, leaving aspiring musicians dreaming of future stardom.

In addition to the captivating musical performances, the fayre offered a myriad of attractions for people of all ages.

Inside the hall, children giggled with delight as Barney Baloney entertained them with his rousing routine, accompanied by the mischief of Henry the cheeky monkey up to his usual tricks, whilst the adults enjoyed a cream tea provided by Liz and the Crosspool Wi team.

The local Holly Hagg Alpacas and Llama were a big favourite with the children as was Carina’s face painting, the Huck a Duck and the traditional side stalls/attractions – wet sponge. splat the rat, archery, coconut shy, (All the children received a gift for a happy smile), books, bric-a-brac, hot dogs, burgers, and ice creams to mention but a few.

Our gratitude to both Jane Saxton for organising this year’s scarecrow competition and to Andrew Duckenfield (Greencross Pharmacy) for his support to the community of Crosspool in selecting the winners of the competition.

We had 12 amazing entries depicting this year’s theme, Children’s TV Shows. All were of a very high standard, making it challenging for the judge to choose the front-runners. The talent and creativity displayed by the participants were truly impressive.

The winners were announced by Jane, the host of the event. She commended all the participants for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the effort they had put into their entries. It was evident that each submission was a labour of love.

Taking first place was the Dyer Family, whose depiction of the beloved character Duggee captured the hearts of the judges. They received not only the prestigious title and certificate but also a voucher worth £25, allowing them to indulge in their favourite treats and goodies from the Crosspool Chemist.

In close second place was the Richards Family, whose entry showcased the iconic Mr Bean Boy. Their attention to detail and artistic flair earned them the title of first runner-up. Along with a certificate of achievement, they were also awarded a voucher for a delightful dinner for two from the Crosspool Fishery.

Coming in as the second runner-up was the Rushby Family, whose portrayal of Peppa Pig’s Grandad delighted everyone. Their entry was filled with charm and brought a smile to everyone’s face. They were presented with a certificate of recognition and a £10 Nest Café voucher to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a tasty treat.
We congratulate all the winners and extend our appreciation to every participant for making the event a resounding success.
Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s competition. The organisers hope that the variety of entertaining individual creations encourages everyone to enter next year.

Rachel

Rachel Reeson (Co-op Member Pioneer) presented the winners of the Co-op raffle with a hamper of Co-op goodies.

The Crosspool Forum organisers would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Crosspool Spa & Valleyside Garden Centre for their generous sponsorship of this year’s fayre. Their support has played an instrumental role in making the event a resounding success.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated team of local volunteers who selflessly gave their time and effort to help set up and run the fayre. Their unwavering commitment and hard work were genuinely remarkable.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the overwhelming response and attendance from the community. We are immensely grateful to each and every individual who came out to share in the festivities and create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere throughout the Crosspool  Festival Week and the Summer Fayre.

We’ve had so much fun with this community event, and many of those who took part have told us they really enjoyed it too. Steve & Ian hope that you will be part of the Summer Fayre next year 2024!

Vulnerable Sheffield Children Down on the Farm

Vulnerable Sheffield children with serious issues will receive help and
support down on the farm thanks to Yorkshire Freemasons

James H Newman OBE, the Head  
Freemason in Yorkshire,

Hundreds of vulnerable children and young people from across the region will receive
support on a working farm to overcome a range of serious issues and return to education,
thanks to a grant from Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons to Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.

The £54,000 grant will see well over 300 local children spending extended periods at the
farm near Sheffield where they will work to overcome mental health and physical illness and the aftermath of life-changing events such as bereavement.

The children who are referred to Whirlow Hall Farm are disengaged from education due to
the issues they are facing. Whirlow provides activities which are fun, engaging, and tailored to the needs of learners, with every young person having their own goals and
achievements.  They are supported to reduce their anxieties and reengage with education.
They may return to their school, secure a place at a new or special school, or gain
qualifications during their time at Whirlow to support them to access further education.

The children and young people get involved in real farm jobs and activities based on their
age, abilities and interests. This could be anything from egg collecting to moving large
animals around the farm to helping with lambing. Each youngster has their own needs and
interests and attends between one to three days per week for a minimum of 12 weeks but
most stay much longer. The activities are all linked to the curriculum and learning is
embedded throughout. Additionally, there are classroom-based activities to support their
learning and for when the weather is not suitable for being outdoors all day.
The results of the programme are extremely positive, with 85 per cent of children who have attended the Farm showing a reduction of anxieties after 12 weeks. For those who stay for longer, at 6 months this increases to 95 per cent. Once they are back at school, 70 per cent reported improved behaviour and better engagement in lessons leading to a reduced chance of exclusion. Last year, 86 per cent progressed in a way that was suitable for them. The team at Whirlow expect this to be at least 90 per cent at the end of this academic year.
The grant from Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable
Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across Englandand Wales.

Ben Davies, Whirlow’s Chief Executive, said:
“We’re very grateful to Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons for their generous grant, which
will allow us to help hundreds of very vulnerable children and young people get back to
school. The therapeutic activities on our working farm are a proven way to help them
overcome all manner of serious issues ranging from physical and mental health problems
through to bereavement. Thanks to the Freemasons we can continue to provide this vital
service.”

James H Newman OBE, Head of Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasons, said:
“I’m delighted Freemasonry has been able to support the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust in their
hugely valuable work with children who have serious and complex needs. Providing them
with a safe, relaxed, and fun environment, by which they can recover their confidence and
health, and ultimately re-engage with education, is absolutely crucial to their long-term
future. The remarkable results of the Trust’s programme speak for themselves.”