It's nearly a year since I left Sheffield and moved to London. A few horrid months later, tired of being fleeced out of a small fortune to rent a flat no larger than a postage stamp I decided to return to education and get a degree. So, I'm in Stoke; the knackered midlands city forged out of a concoction of several local towns.

Christ, I miss Sheffield.

I miss the beautiful countryside, the stunning views, the snow on the Peaks in winter, walking around Graves Park in a howling gale and leaning against a fence as the Highland Cows stare back at me blankly. I miss Ecclesall Road; the cafes and bars, the cool little shops. I miss the houses stacked on impossibly steep hillsides. I miss going to Broomhill, spending a fortune in Record Collector and then heading to the pub for a pint. The Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallaries, City Library (what a beautiful building that is), the Cathedral, Paradise Sqaure. I miss all those.

So, I left London and returned to eduction and University. I live in Stoke. A city, like Sheffield, licked to a splinter by the loss of traditional industry. Unlike Sheffield, however, Stoke has become a bitter, angry place with an unhealthy, nasty undertone of racism. Fifteen thousand people voted for the BNP candidate in the recent mayoral elections. I've witnessed out and out racism on many occasions; racist graffiti dawbed across buildings, the National Front marched through the city on the weekend I moved here. I've stood in the city centre and overheard racist abuse. Only this morning I went to a local carboot sale and witnessed further incidents. Sheffield is lightyears ahead in development; rich in culture, vibrancy and a sense of self identity.

Sheffield, of course, has its problems. Like anywhere, it isn't entirely a bastion of racial harmony but its a damn sight better than here. And one day I'll be back to stay.

sounds like you need to head back up here pal, as they say theres no place like home.:|

Then why did you go to Stoke?

Sheffield's got two huge University's they must of had somthing to offer. You can even become a Rocket Scientist and/or Brain Surgeon.

Originally posted by brooksy
sounds like you need to head back up here pal, as they say theres no place like home.:|

Couldn't have put it better brooksy.

Been away from Sheffield for 30 years and would go back tomorrow if I could.

Get yourself back as soon as poss Sean.
Wish you luck.

Thanks Philip and Brooksy; one day I'll be back home! Karl, it was simply a case of a last minute decision to get out of London (moving there was a huge mistake) and taking a place on a University course that would get me into the career I want. Sheffield University offered the same course, but frankly is in a different league to Staffordshire University. As it was, I noticed an advert for the course, sent them some of my work and talked my way onto it. Sheffield's course is years established and would have been full by the time I'd decided to get the hell out of London, so Stoke it is. :mad: Oh well!

well I feel rather blue as I will be leaving sheffield in June after 16 happy years here

I am moving back to north wales which IS pretty
but I will miss sheffield so very much.............

grotty hillsborough corner and cheesy chips after too many beers

rivlin valley and lodge moor were I walk my dogs

friends down ecclesall road and in all bar one

I have a lump in my pants

cherio

Originally posted by SheffieldSean


So, I left London and returned to eduction and University. I live in Stoke. A city, like Sheffield, licked to a splinter by the loss of traditional industry. Unlike Sheffield, however, Stoke has become a bitter, angry place with an unhealthy, nasty undertone of racism. Fifteen thousand people voted for the BNP candidate in the recent mayoral elections. I've witnessed out and out racism on many occasions; racist graffiti dawbed across buildings, the National Front marched through the city on the weekend I moved here. I've stood in the city centre and overheard racist abuse. Only this morning I went to a local carboot sale and witnessed further incidents. Sheffield is lightyears ahead in development; rich in culture, vibrancy and a sense of self identity.

Sheffield, of course, has its problems. Like anywhere, it isn't entirely a bastion of racial harmony but its a damn sight better than here. And one day I'll be back to stay. The reason scummy areas have more BNP support is because the BNP ARE scum. They have exploited the poor deprived people of Stoke. I'm glad Sheffielders don't seemed to be as tricked by these hatemongers. Appart from one or two jokers on here we seem to be a tolerant bunch:clap:

I agree. I think Sheffield has a greater sense of selfworth to go down that road. Stoke really is run down; and the BNP have exploited that to their advantage. I've never seen anything like the racial problems in this city. As soon as I can, I'll be moving out.

Originally posted by karl101
Then why did you go to Stoke?

Sheffield's got two huge University's they must of had somthing to offer. You can even become a Rocket Scientist and/or Brain Surgeon. My only 2 pennies for today, but.

Universities, not so hard is it ;)Originally posted by miniminch
The reason scummy areas have more BNP support is because the BNP ARE scum. They have exploited the poor deprived people of Stoke. I'm glad Sheffielders don't seemed to be as tricked by these hatemongers. Appart from one or two jokers on here we seem to be a tolerant bunch:clap: You can't be all that tolerant if you're calling them scum. Even if you don't agree to someone else's opinion and are tolerant you should value and respect their point of view, whatever it may be, and even if it isn't returned.

Fair point though, Stoke is a bit of a s**t hole in all fairness.

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
My only 2 pennies for today, but.

Universities, not so hard is it ;)

I think you'll find 'but' is a conjunctive and really shouldn't be used at the end of a sentence. Still, I'm sure you knew that didn't you?

;)

Hi Sean,
just to make you even more jelous. Recent changes on abbeydale road are like this, lots of old unused shop units have now been reborn as ethnic grocers. Seven days a week their fruit and veg and other fresh produce on the pavement under awnings, giving a feel of a mediterranean or indian market. It just seems so alive on there now. And a polish restraunt has opened too. A short distance away a huge mosque is taking shape, opposite the old lowfield school. This huge complex with it's high minarets, will change the skyline of the sheaf valley. It will look so colourful and impressive.

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
My only 2 pennies for today, but.

Universities, not so hard is it ;)You can't be all that tolerant if you're calling them scum. Even if you don't agree to someone else's opinion and are tolerant you should value and respect their point of view, whatever it may be, and even if it isn't returned.

Fair point though, Stoke is a bit of a s**t hole in all fairness. Let me explain. when I say tolerant I meant the act of accepting ANYONE no matter of what race, colour, creed they are from. It might be a bit hypocritical but I do not believe we should tolerate racists, terrorists, murderers or paedophiles. They are moral acts and can be discriminated against. Where people have run from or the colour of their skin or their religion and or their culture are not moral acts but facts of their lives and I would not condemn anyone on these grounds. BNP should not be tolerated they breed in the sewers and should be flushed away. We should rebuild these societies if only to get rid of these types of mindsets. :thumbsup:

SheffieldSean: Aye, should have been followed by my next sentence with no break :)Originally posted by miniminch
Let me explain. when I say tolerant I meant the act of accepting ANYONE no matter of what race, colour, creed they are from. It might be a bit hypocritical but I do not believe we should tolerate racists, terrorists, murderers or paedophiles. They are moral acts and can be discriminated against.I'm sorry, but I can't believe you think like that, you're acting the exact same way you wish the BNP never did ! If I were to judge the both of you, I'd put you in the same bag ! As you say, yes very hypocritical. Yes you think they're disgusting, fair enough, but you can't just say they're scam (or nowt else) without expecting the same reaction you just had against them, against you !
We are all free to think what we want, and as far as I can tell, allowed to express our points of view (whatever they may be) in a civil manner. You are by all means free to feel that way, disgussed, sick, whatever, but you're reacting the exact way you're expected to, and be careful.
The BNP is entirely free to state their opinions (politely off course)(don't care if you think they don't it that way, tis not the point).

IF you believe the BNP should not be allowed to do so, then I suggest you stay in line and do the same. It's a vicious circle:
- we all have our say.
- none of us have.
There can be no alternative without public uprise and unfairness.

I really do see what you're writing, and I understand what you're saying, but ! (gosh, a grammatical error :hihi: )

Now I'll open the window 'coz it smells of BS.
Blimmey, see the time, dinner time.
PS: Surely a few spelling mistakes have managed to hide themselves there ;)

Originally posted by SheffieldSean
I miss the beautiful countryside, the stunning views, the snow on the Peaks in winter, walking around Graves Park in a howling gale and leaning against a fence as the Highland Cows stare back at me blankly. I miss Ecclesall Road; the cafes and bars, the cool little shops. I miss the houses stacked on impossibly steep hillsides. I miss going to Broomhill, spending a fortune in Record Collector and then heading to the pub for a pint. The Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallaries, City Library (what a beautiful building that is), the Cathedral, Paradise Sqaure. I miss all those.


Gosh, what a lovely description of Sheffield. I feel all blurry eyed.

I drove through Stoke once... quickly.

I always thought Stoke-on Trent was rhyming slang...

I moved from Sheffield to New Zealand four months ago. I don't miss the crowded housing, or the dirty air.

I do miss the beer though. Kiwis ain't got a clue and wouldn't know a decent pint of ale if it jumped out of the glass at them!

Someone have a few for me!

Thanks for that SheffieldSean. I moved away from Sheffield just over a month ago and wasn't missing it at all until I read your post. I brought a bottle of Henderson's with me and thought that would suffice.

But reading about Graves park... Eccy Road... Silly houses on stupid hills...

Sigh. There's no place like home.