Is there anyone out there who went out Sundays with the Clarion Ramblers during the second world war. Both my father, Albert Ernest Wright, and my mother, Marion Wright, went out with them and as a boy I did too. My father always led one ramble each year.
If you were with them, you’ll remember that it was a time when GHB Ward was still alive and writing our handbook. If you remember my father or my mother, please get in touch. I’d like to hear from you.

Sorry, can't help out in your request but just as a matter of interest do you remember a little wooden hut -cum- cafe near the junction of Hathersage Road and Sheephill Road ?
I'm sure it was still open in a limited sort of way until at least 1951 ? We kids used to walk all round there and we always used to know the place as the " Clarion Crow " [ not Carrion ! ] . I didn't know why they called it that name at the time .

Hi FarEast — The wooden hut you’re talking about was The Sheffield Clarion Cycling Club and I remember it well, before the war and after. Don’t know anything else about it though.

I Remember the Clarion huts which used to be well patronized on weekend in the summer. The clarion was either the first stop on our way out to somewhere else or the last stop- usually at tea time -on our way back to get the tram at Beauchief post office.

Our family members were great walker in their day (between the wars) but it was a much more leisurely pace in my day.

Going a bit off subject, the big annual (men only) family walk was to take the train from Victoria Station and get off at the last stop before Woodhead. I think the places was called Haselhead (not sure about the spelling). Then walk over the top,come down the valley by the Derwent and Howden(?) Dams, passed Ladybower Dam and catch the train back from Bamford Station.

Such a walk would probably be considered to be "simple" these days but I thought it was pretty good at the time. I only did it once and then they closed the station at Haselhead and that was that.

Regards

Hi Falls — They’ve since closed the Woodhead line altogether. It only operates between Manchester Piccadilly and Glossop now, for commuter trains. Sad to see it go, but it was along time ago and I’ve got over it.

The Clarion Cycling club was a wooden hut set back from the road where you could get a cuppa and meet a lot of fellow walkers/hikers. Just after the war the farmers tried to close some public footpaths and one of the Clarion people organised a hike to prevent the closure.

yes I do remember the Clarion Club House Dore Moor Sheffield as all 4 of my grand parents and my mother and father helped to build the club house in 1919/20 . my father was also sadly involved in the selling of the land at the end, . I have many documents and photos relating to the club house . Many photos of the cycling club dating from 1910. For the Clarion Fellowship at Wincobank [ of which my mothers family were among the founder members} which began in 1909 , I have the record of their meetings and their activities up to 1926. All of these I intend to put on a web site where they can be seen by all, before placing them in the sheffield archives to preserve them. If any one has any photos or documents or written memories of these times to add to this web site it would be great. will place a note on this forum when the web site is finished .I am being helped by my friends from these Clarion days who I am still in touch with.
The Clarion Club House was not only used by the club house shareholders, [who could stay there overnight,] but also by the Clarion Cycling Club , and Clarion Ramblers . At the Club House there were the Clarion Entertainers, a Clarion Football team, Clarion Cricket team, there was a putting green , a bowling green, childrens playground,and a wonderful view of Sheffield from the club house verander at the back. The general public could buy their cups of tea and sandwiches in the cafe, or could even bring their own tea and just get hot water during the war years.
The roadside hut you refer to was , before the first world war, in Cordwell Valley, probably on the land of Edward Carpenter, and was used by Heeley Clarion Fellowship ,[of which my fathers family were members] at weekends.
It was transfered to the Dore Moor land in 1920 where it became the roadside shop.My grandparents were Samuel and Annie Walker, and John William and Amy Fieldhouse. My mother and father were Arnold and May walker. G.B. Ward , was a shareholding member of the club house, though his first love was the Clarion ramblers .

yes I do remember the Clarion Club House Dore Moor Sheffield as all 4 of my grand parents and my mother and father helped to build the club house in 1919/20 . my father was also sadly involved in the selling of the land at the end, . I have many documents and photos relating to the club house . Many photos of the cycling club dating from 1910. For the Clarion Fellowship at Wincobank [ of which my mothers family were among the founder members} which began in 1909 , I have the record of their meetings and their activities up to 1926. All of these I intend to put on a web site where they can be seen by all, before placing them in the sheffield archives to preserve them. If any one has any photos or documents or written memories of these times to add to this web site it would be great. will place a note on this forum when the web site is finished .I am being helped by my friends from these Clarion days who I am still in touch with.
The Clarion Club House was not only used by the club house shareholders, [who could stay there overnight,] but also by the Clarion Cycling Club , and Clarion Ramblers . At the Club House there were the Clarion Entertainers, a Clarion Football team, Clarion Cricket team, there was a putting green , a bowling green, childrens playground,and a wonderful view of Sheffield from the club house verander at the back. The general public could buy their cups of tea and sandwiches in the cafe, or could even bring their own tea and just get hot water during the war years.
The roadside hut you refer to was , before the first world war, in Cordwell Valley, probably on the land of Edward Carpenter, and was used by Heeley Clarion Fellowship ,[of which my fathers family were members] at weekends.
It was transfered to the Dore Moor land in 1920 where it became the roadside shop.My grandparents were Samuel and Annie Walker, and John William and Amy Fieldhouse. My mother and father were Arnold and May walker. G.B. Ward , was a shareholding member of the club house, though his first love was the Clarion ramblers .

You surprise me. I was a member of Sheffield Clarion Ramblers before and during the second world war and not one member ever used it. I knew G.H.B Ward and have photographs of him, but never knew he was involved with the hut. Check all the Rambles in the Clarion Handbooks and you’ll find that none ever used the Hut.

G.H.B.Ward was the 54th person to take out shares in the Club House, he then lived at Storth L odge Moorwood Lane Holmsfield . this info. comes from the Clarion Share Ledger book, these shares were held by him till 1960.
The activities of the Clarion movement were so diverse, were you involved in any other of them ? did you go to any of the Easter Meets ?

I Remember the Clarion huts which used to be well patronized on weekend in the summer. The clarion was either the first stop on our way out to somewhere else or the last stop- usually at tea time -on our way back to get the tram at Beauchief post office.

Our family members were great walker in their day (between the wars) but it was a much more leisurely pace in my day.

Going a bit off subject, the big annual (men only) family walk was to take the train from Victoria Station and get off at the last stop before Woodhead. I think the places was called Haselhead (not sure about the spelling). Then walk over the top,come down the valley by the Derwent and Howden(?) Dams, passed Ladybower Dam and catch the train back from Bamford Station.

Such a walk would probably be considered to be "simple" these days but I thought it was pretty good at the time. I only did it once and then they closed the station at Haselhead and that was that.

RegardsI did that walk once when I was about 12 years old, on my own, talk about a bog trot. I think that it was normal for Sheffielders from a certain generation to walk everywhere and not even think about it. I'm still the same today even with bad feet. Best place in the World for building strength and stamina was Sheffield.

Gaye — I went on every ramble in the Clarion Handbook, and a few more besides! Only remember going on one Easter meeting and, if my memory serves me, it was held in a clough behind the Barrel Inn which I believe still stands at the side (and atop) the very bad and well-potholed Sir William Hill.

That easter meet would have been for the ramblers only . The National Meets were held in a different location each year, in places such as Chester Warwick Lincoln, York,etg. and were attended by over 1,000 people from all sections of the Clarion and from all over the country. Do the Sheffield clarion ramblers still meet ?
There were 2 photos of the Clarion ramblers hung on the wall of the Barrel Inn when I went there last year.
Gaye
P.S the Clarion was 3 'huts' joined together with stone built foundations, making it the Sheffield Clarion Club House ,one of many club houses across the country. 'holiday homes' as Denis Pye described them in his book.

That easter meet would have been for the ramblers only . The National Meets were held in a different location each year, in places such as Chester Warwick Lincoln, York,etg. and were attended by over 1,000 people from all sections of the Clarion and from all over the country. Do the Sheffield clarion ramblers still meet ?
There were 2 photos of the Clarion ramblers hung on the wall of the Barrel Inn when I went there last year.
Gaye
P.S the Clarion was 3 'huts' joined together with stone built foundations, making it the Sheffield Clarion Club House ,one of many club houses across the country. 'holiday homes' as Denis Pye described them in his book.

Alas, I have no idea whether or not the Clarion Ramblers still meet. I lost contact some — many — years ago. During the 1980s (could have been the late 70s) I made a request, through a solicitor, to reproduce every edition of the Clarion Handbook. They were written entirely by G.H.B. Ward and obviously his copyright. He had been dead for some years, but his executors, then holders of that copyright, refused my request out of hand without giving any reason. That was the last contact I ever had.

would you be interested in writing about your memories of the clarion ramblers for a sheffield Clarion web site.?
The material I have of my own , and that of other friends from the Clarion Club and Clarion Cycling , we are making first the web site, and then putting all the documents and photos in the Sheffield archives.
We had a meeting last week, didn't get too much work done but had a great time reminiscing and looking at photos.
See you also lived around Hunters Bar and went to the school etc.
I lived 351 Sharrowvale Rd , for first ten years, then Murray rd till marriage.now live not far from Clarion Club House land.

Hi,

Gaye - it would be great if you could get your documents into the public domain via the city archives. There are already bits and pieces about the ramblers in a couple of archives - including, if I remember correctly, a full back catalogue of the handbooks. I'll search these out and post references.

All the best,

TRW

would you be interested in writing about your memories of the clarion ramblers for a sheffield Clarion web site.?

Yes, but most of their names have escaped me, although I can still describe them. Like I said, both my parents led a ramble each year, and somewhere — I’m not sure where — I have a photograph of a group with GHB Ward. Can’t remember where it was taken though!

Have had a meeting last week with my contacts from the Clarion cycling and Club house . We decided to try and get more people to donate material to archives and to the web site.
Have been copying all material and photos that we have . think a web site would get to a lot wider audience .
There is a lot of material in various librarys and archives around the country
which is hard for people to get to see
We intend next to try get some publicity asking people to contribute more material / photos of Sheffield Clarion in all its activities, before it all gets destroyed.
Never knew the history of the Clarion Movement in my childhood (which was spent at the Clarion club Door moor from 1935 to begining of the 60's,) and I am finding it very interesting
I have quite a few of the Ramblers handbooks, I did know that there is a full set of themin the library having already enquires there and at the archives .
I was informed that these books were all they held on the Clarion
If you have anything to contribute would like to talk to you about it

I regularly go to the central library and archives in Sheffield since starting this project , and would be willing to meet anyone at these venues who has anything they would be willing to contribute.

would you be interested in writing about your memories of the clarion ramblers for a sheffield Clarion web site.?
The material I have of my own , and that of other friends from the Clarion Club and Clarion Cycling , we are making first the web site, and then putting all the documents and photos in the Sheffield archives.
We had a meeting last week, didn't get too much work done but had a great time reminiscing and looking at photos.
See you also lived around Hunters Bar and went to the school etc.
I lived 351 Sharrowvale Rd , for first ten years, then Murray rd till marriage.now live not far from Clarion Club House land.

Yes, I’d be happy to write something for you.

Not sure if you know of, or would be interested in this book...

The Best of the Clarion Ramblers
edited by David Sissons

"The legendary Sheffield Clarion Ramblers' Handbooks, written and edited almost single handedly by G.H.B. Ward - The King of the Clarion Ramblers' - for over fifty years, are now recognized as gems of outdoor literature. Collected here into a single fascinating book."

http://www.halsgrove.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=CECLAR

Hugh

Hi Hugh
Yes thank you I have a copy of Wards piece, bought it when it firsr came out.

Hi,

Gaye - it would be great if you could get your documents into the public domain via the city archives. There are already bits and pieces about the ramblers in a couple of archives - including, if I remember correctly, a full back catalogue of the handbooks. I'll search these out and post references.

All the best,

TRW
I promise you that they will be, trying to get more info / photos . Still working on web site which will get them to a much wider audience. Do you have any connection to the Clarion ? Do you have anything to contribute to web site / archives .?

Hi,

I'll try to get some references together and pop them on here (when I get a chance) - amongst other things, I spend quite a lot of time researching/writing C20th history, with emphasis on the British labour movement, Sheffield or both - so have come across the Clarion Ramblers a fair bit. I also know a couple of people who may have been connected so I'll ask around.

Back soon!

TRW

Yes, I’d be happy to write something for you.

I'd be interested in the setting up of a Sheffield Clarion Ramblers website. I tried doing this in 2001, but got distracted by a publishing opportunity, realised in 2002 in the form of the book, 'The Best of the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers - Ward's Piece'. Incidentally the club is still in existence and members go walking every Sunday. The last of G. H. B. Ward's children died in June 2005, and the house - Storth Lodge - is currently up for sale. G. H. B. Ward lived there from 1915 until his death in 1957. His daughter, Miss F. E. Ward, continued to live in the house until last year. Some of Ward's library, letters, notes and other belongings are scattered in at least four locations at present, and there is a debate about their future.

David Sissons

Interesting how events stick out in memory and one of them is the Clarion where after picking blackberries on Long Lane we would walk up to the Clarion for a cuppa and sit in the summer sun or play rounders.

I Remember the Clarion huts which used to be well patronized on weekend in the summer. The clarion was either the first stop on our way out to somewhere else or the last stop- usually at tea time -on our way back to get the tram at Beauchief post office.

Our family members were great walker in their day (between the wars) but it was a much more leisurely pace in my day.

Going a bit off subject, the big annual (men only) family walk was to take the train from Victoria Station and get off at the last stop before Woodhead. I think the places was called Haselhead (not sure about the spelling). Then walk over the top,come down the valley by the Derwent and Howden(?) Dams, passed Ladybower Dam and catch the train back from Bamford Station.

Such a walk would probably be considered to be "simple" these days but I thought it was pretty good at the time. I only did it once and then they closed the station at Haselhead and that was that.

Regards

I think that path you're referring to is Cut Gate. We used to do it regularly with the Rutland cycling club in winter. Great fun. And still would be.

Is anyone interested in the creation of a 'Sheffield Clarion Ramblers' web site?
or what is the feeling regardings a meeting with the idea of setting one up.

Hello Albert,
Yes I'd be interested in a meeting with the aim of setting up a Clarion web-site.
Dave Sissons

Not sure if you know of, or would be interested in this book...

The Best of the Clarion Ramblers
edited by David Sissons

"The legendary Sheffield Clarion Ramblers' Handbooks, written and edited almost single handedly by G.H.B. Ward - The King of the Clarion Ramblers' - for over fifty years, are now recognized as gems of outdoor literature. Collected here into a single fascinating book."

http://www.halsgrove.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=CECLAR

Hugh

It makes fascinating reading, as well as being a must for anyone interested in the history of Sheffield and the Peak District. Just one warning though, it's not the complete handbooks reprinted, but what the author calls "an opportunity to sample the 'Best of the Clarions'".

Hello Albert,
Yes I'd be interested in a meeting with the aim of setting up a Clarion web-site.
Dave Sissons

David
I will be in direct contact shortly if you are still at Surrey Street?
If anyone else is interested in creation of a 'Sheffield Clarion Ramblers'. Please get in touch.

Albert T Smith

Yes would be interested in a meeting regarding a 'Sheffield Clarion' web site
covering all aspects of the Clarion activities in Sheffield not only rambling .

David
I will be in direct contact shortly if you are still at Surrey Street?
If anyone else is interested in creation of a 'Sheffield Clarion Ramblers'. Please get in touch.

Albert T Smith
Yes I am still at Surrey Street.

David Sissons.- I'll pop in a week after next then we can make more arrangements.
Gaye. - If you are able to gather your material together, preferably copies, I personally can not see any reason why any and everything about the Clarion should not be available on a Web Site for ALL to read in comfort.
It also protects material from becoming, ' Private items available to the ones who can afford to see them '. I must have paid upwards of £400-500.00 for the Sheffield Clarion Handbooks which I've obtained. When a site is done, I want them to go to the Sheffield Library. Anyone else wanting to come aboard. Just say so.

My Grandfather was a member of the Clarion Club, he died in the early 1940's. His name was William Henry allford, he used to go on the moors Trespass walks and was an early member of the Labour Party. If anyone comes across his name can you let me know? Thanks.

David Sissons.- I'll pop in a week after next then we can make more arrangements.
Gaye. - If you are able to gather your material together, preferably copies, I personally can not see any reason why any and everything about the Clarion should not be available on a Web Site for ALL to read in comfort.
It also protects material from becoming, ' search for private items available to the ones who can afford to see them '. I must have paid upwards of £400-500.00 for the Sheffield Clarion Handbooks which I've got. When a site is done, I want them to go to the Sheffield Library. Anyone else wanting to come aboard. Just say so.

, my daughter has started to draught the web site. Would like to talk to you about this ,and about the written material and the many photos I have .
and of course what other information you have beside the ramblers Handbooks
The material I have dates from 1909 to the 1970's and covers many aspects of the Clarion Fellowship wincobank, Club House Dore Moor, Vocal Union, Cycling club, Clarion Players. I live in Sheffield and visit the library Surrey St frequently.

Katerina. If I find something I'll let you know.
Gayne - I go in hospital for a quick operation this week. So I'll fix something up with you sometime next.
G.H.B.W. would have been pleased and proud of us
Though what he would have thaught of my spelling and gramma thats another thing!!

I note from the Star that the Sheffield Clarion Club are passing close by where its founder member G.H.B.Ward lived during this Sundays walk.
May I ask someone to take a photo with his home in the background for possibly using in a future web site. I'm certain that if a number are taken,
a ballot of the clubs members could indicate which one to use.

, my daughter has started to draught the web site. Would like to talk to you about this ,and about the written material and the many photos I have .
and of course what other information you have beside the ramblers Handbooks
The material I have dates from 1909 to the 1970's and covers many aspects of the Clarion Fellowship wincobank, Club House Dore Moor, Vocal Union, Cycling club, Clarion Players. I live in Sheffield and visit the library Surrey St frequently.

I've had my operation and. I'll call to see David Sissons next week.
So it will be 'All Go' now and your daughters web site writing experience should stand her in good stead for a masters degree when its finished!!
I firmly believe that we owe to the Ramblers of the early 1900 a web site that will ensure that they are never ever forgotten and thier written or graphic work they left behind dose not become a speculators, 'Quick Buck'.

If you let me know day and time you are visiting Mr Sissons I could meet you at library, any day but wednesday.
My interest is not in the clarion ramblers , as much has been already written about them , but in the other branches of the clarion movement that existed in Sheffield.
My documents / photos, cover the Clarion fellowship Wincobank 1909 /26 (where Ward is recorded as taking the chair at one of their meetings), the Clarion Club House, Dore Moor 1920 / 1970's ( which was not part of the G B H Ward ramblers , though Ward himself was a shareholder ) . and the Clarion Cycling Club earliest photo 1910 to 1950's.
My wish is to see all the above , along with the ramblers , under the same umbrella i.e. ' SHEFFIELD CLARION ' , or at least linked in some way .
Both sets of grand parents ,and my parents ,were involved with the Clarion movement all their adult lives. which is why I have so much inf.
Have tried to speak to Mr Simmons on my visits to the library quite a few times but he has always been out.
Look forward to hearing from you
Gaye

I'll come back to you. I 've a feeling that our final objective is the same.
Was a Mrs Ethel M B Gallimore a shareholder also?

no shareholder of that name recorded in Clarion Club House share register.

no shareholder of that name recorded in Clarion Club House share register.


Thank you. Are you aware of anyone else who wants to get a Clarion Web Site up and running? Or anyone reading this. Are you interested?

Hi Albert. If the site includes the old Clarion Ramblers Handbooks I would be very interested. They've been an invaluable historical source for me for a long time, and would be the same for a lot of the history buffs on the forum.

Hi Albert. If the site includes the old Clarion Ramblers Handbooks I would be very interested. They've been an invaluable historical source for me for a long time, and would be the same for a lot of the history buffs on the forum.

It is a voluntary working group to get the Web Site under-way.
If you realise this and you are interested, I'll add you to the 'Group'.
Anyone reading or following the above and wish to join, Please let me know.

It is a voluntary working group to get the Web Site under-way.
If you realise this and you are interested, I'll add you to the 'Group'.
Anyone reading or following the above and wish to join, Please
12.11.2006 07.29. PM.

I can't say many were interested!! A lot of talk. - not much action.

I trust this clarifys where the various Clarion groups come from.

The Clarion, a socialist weekly, was established by Robert Blatchford, a Manchester journalist, in 1890. The paper first appeared in Manchester on 2nd December, 1891. Blatchford announced that the newspaper would follow a "policy of humanity; a policy not of party, sect or creed; but of justice, of reason and mercy." The first edition sold 40,000 and after a few months settled down to about 30,000 copies a week.

In 1893 the Clarion began serializing Blatchford's book Merrie England. When it was eventually published as a book it sold 750,000 copies. In 1895 began to use the work of the illustrator Walter Crane.

The Clarion newspaper also became involved in a wide-range of different activities including missionary vans, cycling clubs, choirs, handicraft guilds and holiday camps. The newspaper also sponsored Cinderella Clubs that entertain children from the slums. Robert Blatchford boasted that he would "convert England to Socialism in seven years". However, it soon became clear that Blatchford had overestimated the power of the Clarion and when he was asked about this a few years later, he replied that "the British working classes are not fit for Socialism yet".

Blatchford upset a lot of the Clarion readers with his enthusiastic support for the Boer War and opposition to organisations such as the NUWSS and the WSPU that were demanding the vote for women.

Sales fell but revived after the 1906 General Election, when 29 Labour Party MPs were elected. Blatchford increased the size of the newspaper and began to employ talented socialist writers such as George Bernard Shaw. By 1907 sales of the Clarion had reached 74,000.

After the First World War Blatchford moved to the right and became a passionate advocate of the British Empire. In the 1924 General Election he supported the Conservative Party and declared that Stanley Baldwin was Britain's finest politician. The Clarion ceased publication in 1931.

I found this article using Google and asking for 'Clarion'.
(Most people would realise that I didn't write it!!)

I've had my operation and. I'll call to see David Sissons next week.
So it will be 'All Go' now and your daughters web site writing experience should stand her in good stead for a masters degree when its finished!!
I firmly believe that we owe to the Ramblers of the early 1900 a web site that will ensure that they are never ever forgotten and thier written or graphic work they left behind dose not become a speculators, 'Quick Buck'.

I'm at work on Monday (27th Nov), Tuesday (28th Nov), Friday (1st Dec) and Saturday (2nd Dec). Then all days the week after except Friday and Saturday.

I'd be really keen to contribute to a website, although I would probably be in a better position to write some background info about the nature of the Sheffield labour movement and the city's political landscape in the era of the ramblers rather than specific work about the ramblers themselves.

A few of the oral history testimonies at Surrey Street relate to the ramblers, as do various other bits in archives in Sheffield and further afield.

John

ps. Albert - I'm off to reply to the other thread now, I can't believe you're 'Smithie's' grandson!

I'm just wondering if my grandfather (G W Womersley) was in the Clarion ramblers - I know he used to do a lot of walking in the Peak District and I was told he was on the protest walk about Ramblers Right of Way (1932 - at Strines???) Would anyone have membership lists???? Please let me know.... !!!

I'm just wondering if my grandfather (G W Womersley) was in the Clarion ramblers - I know he used to do a lot of walking in the Peak District and I was told he was on the protest walk about Ramblers Right of Way (1932 - at Strines???) Would anyone have membership lists???? Please let me know.... !!!

I suspect that you are correct that G.W.Womersley did a lot of walking in the Peak District. He was in fact, a committee member on the Sheffield and District Ramblers Federation elected in 1929 or 30. It was characters with your Grand Fathers standing and abilities, that eventually allowed us all to enjoy the Peak District today.
Though this is, I believe, because of the forsight of Mrs Gallimore, later known as Mrs Haythornthwaite. Founder of the Sheffield Branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England. That the countyside was retained to enable us all to enjoy as it is today. If your Grandfather was a Member of the Clarion Ramblers I do not know though I trust someone else will help you..

Who is the oldest member or former member of the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers today? Did they know G.H.B.Ward? If so what was their impression of him?

New ' Sheffield Clarion' web site under construction which includes , Sheffield Fellowship Wincobank, Sheffield Clarion Club House Dore Moor, Sheffield Clarion Cycling club, National Clarion Easter Meets.
Anyone interested in looking at , or has anything to contribute to the web site
i.e. documents - photos or written memories , please contact me on ' pm's '

Article in Guardian newspaper (24/4/2007 )by Roy Hattersley mentioned that Dame Grace Tebbutt ran the Clarion tea hut on the Sheffield to Hathersage road. I am presuming that this hut was situated on the Clarion Club House land at Dore Moor.
Does anyone have any more information about her involvement in the Clarion movement ? Her name does not appear in the club house share register book.

does anyone have an old Clarion badge for sale . If so please contact me on P.M.'s

What is the name of the new, ' Clarion Web Site ' ? Please.

I believe my grandparents were members of the clarion ramblers.
My gran often spoke about their walks in the countryside. I believe they also took part in the trespass over edale ?

Does anyone remember them...

Joesph and Winniefred Crookes from walkley.

If anyone has any photos I'd love to see them

My gran was also in a cycling club - but I know little about that.

cheers
s

I believe my grandparents were members of the clarion ramblers.
My gran often spoke about their walks in the countryside. I believe they also took part in the trespass over edale ?

Does anyone remember them...

Joesph and Winniefred Crookes from walkley.

If anyone has any photos I'd love to see them

My gran was also in a cycling club - but I know little about that.

cheers
s
If I find anything. I'll let you have it.
Roughly what year(s) were they in the Clarion?

Hello,
Thanks for this ! I believe 30's and 40's but I think they were more active in the thirties.
It'd be really cool if you have some information about them as I remember my gran speaking about rambling but I have nothing tangible :(

Hello,
Thanks for this ! I believe 30's and 40's but I think they were more active in the thirties.
It'd be really cool if you have some information about them as I remember my gran speaking about rambling but I have nothing tangible :(

There is a Ernest Crookes address in 1921, 265 Chesterfield Rd.
who bought a share in the Clarion Club House, Dore Moor, Sheffield, on 25.5. 1921
The club house was situated on the Hathersage Rd between the Dore Moor pub and Fox House, it was built in 1920 demolished at the end of the 1960's.
Perhaps your grandparent?

There is a Ernest Crookes address in 1921, 265 Chesterfield Rd.
who bought a share in the Clarion Club House, Dore Moor, Sheffield, on 25.5. 1921
The club house was situated on the Hathersage Rd between the Dore Moor pub and Fox House, it was built in 1920 demolished at the end of the 1960's.
Perhaps your grandparent?


I'm still not able to hook up to your website. Have I got the correct Address?

After your e-mail I hooked up to - To be annouced shortly.
and I think that it looks very, very good.

More supporting material from anyone, even copies would enhance the Clarion site.
If anyone as got any minor bit of information about the Clarion Club's and Clarion Club house that was built and used, on Hathersage Road. Opposite the Sheep Hill Road Junction. ( I think that a horse stable is there now )

Please let Gaye have it or contact her.

Hi Albert,
Are you entering it all into 'address', 3rd line down from top of screen ? then click go at end of line.
You do not enter it into 'Google' .
will send you it again in an e-mail.

Hi Albert,
Are you entering it all into 'address', 3rd line down from top of screen ? then click go at end of line.
You do not enter it into 'Google' .
will send you it again in an e-mail.

Gaye: Look two post back ( #060 ):- I've posted it!!
(Hope I've done right. If I haven't, tell me and I'll take it off.
Then you can come and give me a good nagging for being a nosey old sod !!.

Hi

This is my first attempt at entering a forum. I came across this thread whilst trying to find information about my father- in -law and his many involvements in the Clarion and Sheffield Ramblers from 1920's up to his death in 1974. My husband's parents were Lucy North and Cyril Peacock and for many years before they married they were very keen walkers and joined the clarion group and the went on with others to become the Ramblers. I have a handbook belonging to Cyril from 1930 and he became social secretary for many years. A very keen and active walker and photographer he gave many a slide show and lecture on the Dales, Lakes and Scotland. I know very little about this quiet unassuming man and would be pleased to hear if anyone has any knowledge or info about him

Hi

This is my first attempt at entering a forum. I came across this thread whilst trying to find information about my father- in -law and his many involvements in the Clarion and Sheffield Ramblers from 1920's up to his death in 1974. My husband's parents were Lucy North and Cyril Peacock and for many years before they married they were very keen walkers and joined the clarion group and the went on with others to become the Ramblers. I have a handbook belonging to Cyril from 1930 and he became social secretary for many years. A very keen and active walker and photographer he gave many a slide show and lecture on the Dales, Lakes and Scotland. I know very little about this quiet unassuming man and would be pleased to hear if anyone has any knowledge or info about him

I will have a good look to see if I can assist.
Is any information obtainable from the 1930 Handbook?

Hi

Sorry about the e-mail that came first as I had not seen your posting on the forum until no. the above title is that of the 1929/30 rather tatty handbook and inside are the following names
President Mr W. S. Sanderson......
Vice Pres. Mr G H Roberts (Sen)....
Treasurer C W Womersley ....
Secretary Mr W S Jackson....
Ass. Sec. Mr G h Casson....
Book Editor Mr G H Roberts (Jun).....
Auditors Mr C Peacock and Mr A Platts
etc

I also have a "Ramblers Association" Area News page from Autumn 1974 From the then Hon. Secretary Mr W N Norton which ican send by e-mail attachment if it helps. In brief it refers to his soon to be wife Lucy North , The Wichman Sisters, Norton's cousin Alfred, whom I believe left the Clarion Ramblers to become the Sheffield Rambling Club. The letter then tells us that he becane social secretary and thirty and more years later he was the secretary of the Halycon Rambling club. Anyway I don't know if this helps but thanks for taking the trouble to reply

T. Peacock

Hi

Sorry about the e-mail that came first as I had not seen your posting on the forum until no. the above title is that of the 1929/30 rather tatty handbook and inside are the following names
President Mr W. S. Sanderson......
Vice Pres. Mr G H Roberts (Sen)....
Treasurer C W Womersley ....
Secretary Mr W S Jackson....
Ass. Sec. Mr G h Casson....
Book Editor Mr G H Roberts (Jun).....
Auditors Mr C Peacock and Mr A Platts
etc

I also have a "Ramblers Association" Area News page from Autumn 1974 From the then Hon. Secretary Mr W N Norton which ican send by e-mail attachment if it helps. In brief it refers to his soon to be wife Lucy North , The Wichman Sisters, Norton's cousin Alfred, whom I believe left the Clarion Ramblers to become the Sheffield Rambling Club. The letter then tells us that he becane social secretary and thirty and more years later he was the secretary of the Halycon Rambling club. Anyway I don't know if this helps but thanks for taking the trouble to reply

T. Peacock

Could that be "G W Womersley"??? He was my grandfather and my family all say he was involved in the Clarion Ramblers..

Yes I believe so, think they were all keen ramblers and the tatty handbook I have has poems and articles by G W Womersley I may be able to copy some of them on my scanner but the book is very delicate from age and is actually crumbling . If I do and you would like to have them then let me have your e-mail, it may be a few days time before I can get them done

T Peacock

What a great number of people are not aware of is. That had it not been for the activities of the Sheffield Clarion Rambling Club, formed by G.B.H.Ward in 1900 whilst also the first secretary of the Sheffield Labour Party. Along with the enormous assistance given by the then Mis Ethel Ward, the daughter of Thos Ward (Scrap Dealer) who became Mrs Ethel Gallimore, who became a widow in 1916 during the first world war before forming the Council for the Protection of local Scenery later to become the C.P.R.E. ( Sheffield and Peak District) and becoming Mrs Gerald Haythornewaite in 1937.
The Peak District National Park or the Green Belt around our city would not exist.

Sheffield would today, be a copy of all the other Cities in Britain with the ribbon housing development's along all major and minor roads that eventually connect up with all other smaller communities.

Because the building over of this the land did not take place around Sheffield. Today, and quite correctly, we often take it for granted that it is ours to enjoy.

Hello Gaye
as a child many years ago, I can recall going to the Clarion Club House with my parents. My father played cricket and i'm quite sure the club house was used as a changing room for the players as the cricket pitch was adjacent to the club, but I could be wrong.

Yes there was a cricket team at the club house for many many years , and during the summer a cricket match every weekend weather permitting .
was your father playing in the Clarion team or were you the opposition ?
you are not wrong,part of the club house was used as a changing room . The cricket pitch was in the ajacent field to the club house.
If you enter 'sheffield clarion movement' into yahoo
it will take you to the Sheffield Clarion web site, which although only partly complete, you will find a photo of the club house by clicking on to 'clarion club house '
Hope you find this interesting , if you have any photos or written memories to contribute to this web site please contact me on the private messages

Im new to this so hang on a min and ill send the proper message!just making sure this works!

Dear all,


I am currently researching for a TV production company and was wondering if anyone could help me?
Im looking for the following:

Any old member of the Clarion Ramblers of Sheffield and Derbyshire
Who was walking in the Peak District in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s
Anyone who remembers or is related to the founder George Ward
People who understand what the ethos of the Clarion Movement was
What the ramblers experiences were
Why they enjoyed what they did
If they would be willing to be filmed to create a piece about their experiences

If anyone has any information about the above it would be great to hear from you,
if you email me on AmeliaRodmell@truenorthproductions.co.uk,

Thank you for your time

Amelia

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has memories or material about Sheffield Clarion Ramblers' involvement in getting the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 implemented. The crucial period would be the 1950s and 60s, so it is all a bit far back, and perhaps the Clarion weren't particularly involved, but if they were I'd appreciate hearing about it. The 1949 Act made very heavy demands on local volunteers, particularly in drawing up the draft maps which eventually became the definitive rights of way maps we have now (to the extent that they are definitive even now). Is there anyone out there who knows about Clarion ramblers walking the paths on the maps first drawn up by local authorities, checking whether all the paths they believed to be public were on the draft map, attending hearings in contentious cases and so on? Similarly, were Clarion ramblers active in pushing for access areas, or lobbying on behalf of, say, greater powers for national parks. I would be glad to hear from anyone on this topic, whether Clarion or not.

Hi there - I just wanted to write and tell you that my father, Albert Jackson, bought the 11.7 acres (not sure from whom) about 30 years ago and we have had it ever since, and have had horses since that time. When we bought the land it had obviously been unattended for years and was overgrown. I belive it was also used as a cricket club and as far as I have been told famous cricketers played there. My sister and I have had unquantifiable fun over the years there and my father's ashes are scattered in one of the fields! I have some paperwork for the rambling club that someone in Dore passed on to me. I will be watching this space with interest!

Hello. I lived at the Clarion for about 2 years in the mid 50's. My parents were the caretakers and I guess they got the accomodation included in the "wages". I can remember a few things about the place, for example no mains services of any kind, "helping" cut the long grass round the cricket pitch (I was only 7 at the time) and how cold it was in winter.....real winters then of course.

Hello Peter, I do not think my parents went rambling during the war but my father born 1909 must have gone rambling with them from being 16 with his family, they were the Tingles. Was your father ever Lord Mayor? When the book about the Clarion Ramblers and G H B Ward was published a photo was put in the Star I could see my father, GHB was pointing with his stick and on the same row was a young man in shorts hugging his knees, that was my father, his future brother in law was next but one toward GHB. I cannot see my two aunts but they would be there somewhere, Nellie often was the leader in some of the walks in the books that I have. I have a few photos of the family on rambles and have taken them to my only living aunt who has put some names to them.

Hi Meltman, thanks for your comment, how exciting!! I can only think then that you had as much fun as we have done up there being intrepid explorers - we even found some old cricket balls and treasures and whether my dad was having me on I don't know, but he did mention that Geoff Boycott had played there at some stage! Another person lived there but not in the relatively comfortable way that you did (in spite of no mains services, which there still aren't apart from water) called Peter, a proper tramp who lived there for many years and was a 'caretaker of sorts' - he lived in a shelter that he made next to the stream in the woods.

By the way, does anyone know if True North Productions actually made the film of the Clarion Ramblers as mentioned in May last year? I would love to see it, or if not offer my help in any way, ie access to the land for people to reminisce?!

Hi lisejacko, I've remembered how we got our water supply as we had no mains water laid on then. We had a kind of barrow contraption with 2 wheels and on it fitted 2 steel galvanised bins with lids, a bit smaller than the old dust bins. My dad used to fetch water as required from a roadside spring a bit further up Hathersage road on the right hand side as you go towards Fox House. The spring fed into a stone trough, I think the spring may still be there but the stone trough wont be, it will have been "removed" by now. I remember two main problems with getting water besides the slog uphill pushing the cart. In winter the ice had to be broken and removed before any water could be scooped up into the bins. In summer the trough had to be emptied and cleaned of water contaminated by oil, lorries used to overheat on the way out into Derbyshire and they would stop to top up their radiators, often with an old oil can! Oh, the good old days eh?

Hi Meltman, it all seemed a bit like hard work - especially when there was a stream running right through the middle of the land! I don't know about the trough, although there is a stone structure on the right hand side just before the peak park sign, that could be it. It's great to hear your stories and imagine what it used to be like. When we bought the land there was the remnants of an old structure in the top field - on hard standing, so something must have been there originally? By the time we got there it was the remains of a caravan I think! Thanks for the message.

Hi lisajacko. Thanks for your comments. I remember the stream being partially dammed up to form a so called swimming pool, a lot of the children used to play there whilst the parents did the cricket thing. Also, when we first moved in we were told not to drink water from the stream. It went under the road and up onto the moors towards Houndkirk road and there were occasionally dead sheep found in the stream, hence using the spring. I dont know about the remains of the hard standing but there may have been an outbuilding at some time. The road just above the junction with Sheephill road used to have a sharp bend with a bridge over the stream, this was all reshaped some years after we left. When we lived there there was a police box, like the Dotor Who one, on the corner. I had an accident one summer, it was very hot and there had been a delivery of supplies to sell at the weekend, "pop", crisps etc and it had been in the sun all day. After school I was helping my dad move it to the store room ( the old room with the stage) using a sack barrow to move the crates when some of the bottles of ice-cream soda exploded and gashed my ankles. My dad "ran" to the farm down Hathersage road to get an ambulance. When it came with the police we were told in future we could use the phone in the police box. I finished up in the Childrens hospital getting stitched, I still have the scars. That's all for now....more stories as I remember them.

I have 5 Clarion Ramblers books which were passed down to me years ago by Major Tom Harris of Ashford in the Water, they are the 1930/31, 1931/2, 1934, 1937/38 & 1947/48. The 34 one has the name "Sam Bingham, Derwent" in it.

I have 5 Clarion Ramblers books which were passed down to me years ago by Major Tom Harris of Ashford in the Water, they are the 1930/31, 1931/2, 1934, 1937/38 & 1947/48. The 34 one has the name "Sam Bingham, Derwent" in it.

Hi, mikep, that's really interesting.. Would you mind having a look to see if you could find my grandfather's name in them?? He wrote some articles in the Onward Rambling Club's handbook from about 1930, I would love to be able to find any more he wrote.. The family all say he was involved with the Clarion Ramblers and I believe he was on the Kinder Trespass. His name was G W Womersley.

Thanks very much!!! :) :)

Hi, mikep, that's really interesting.. Would you mind having a look to see if you could find my grandfather's name in them?? He wrote some articles in the Onward Rambling Club's handbook from about 1930, I would love to be able to find any more he wrote.. The family all say he was involved with the Clarion Ramblers and I believe he was on the Kinder Trespass. His name was G W Womersley.

Thanks very much!!! :) :)

Hi carolW, The name Womersley crops up earlier in the thread. There may be something there about any articles he may have written. I have looked through my copies but can,t find anything I'm afraid.

Hi Meltman, it all seemed a bit like hard work - especially when there was a stream running right through the middle of the land! I don't know about the trough, although there is a stone structure on the right hand side just before the peak park sign, that could be it. It's great to hear your stories and imagine what it used to be like. When we bought the land there was the remnants of an old structure in the top field - on hard standing, so something must have been there originally? By the time we got there it was the remains of a caravan I think! Thanks for the message.

Hi Lisejacko, so much to tell you !! I was at the auction when your father bought the land from the the shareholders of the Clarion Club House which was situated on your land . It was built in 1919/20 and was very popular to a large amout of people through the depression of the 20's and 30's and through the 2nd world war right up to the begining of the 1960's when the motor car took over and people could get further afield.
My family were all involved in the building of the club house , both maternal and paternal grandparents and my mother and father. This was where Mum and Dad met and did their courting !! With your fathers permission I scattered their ashes on the Clarion land , so I can assure you your father is in good company.
To see the full history of the Clarion land there is a web site being constructed by my daughter from all the photos and documents left to me by the family . Enter the following into Yahoo Clarion Movement(not google yet) and it should take you to the web site. Find the home page and click Club house link
I myself went to the club house from being a few weeks old up to around the begining of the 1950's . We stayed there overnight at weekends and I remember staying there for at least a week during the war when Sheffield was being bombed.It is remembered by me and many others as a wonderful place , so many happy memories . I am fortunate enough to live today in Dore and have a view of Blackamore and Houndkirk moor from the back of my house.
I think your father was pulling your leg about the famous people who played cricket there . The cricket field was where you now keep your horses , it was to say the least rather uneven and the fielders had to dodge the cow 'pats' The cows which were owned by the local farmer were the only lawn mowers, except for the actual cricket pitch which was done by a proper lawn mower.
The team that played there were Clarion members and I think they were in some small Sheffield league as there was a match most weekends during the summer.
Do you still have the raspberry canes down by the river below where your stables are? Dad had an allotment there , vegetables have never tasted as good since those days.
Please get in touch through the e-mail address on the Clarion web site I can tell you all the best places to find treasure . Did you know that when the road over the bridge was being altered a bag og gold was found by the workmen under the bridge. To think how many times me and my friends had played there or passed under it on our way up the moors !!
Yes that stone structure was the water trough from which the water was fetched now no dought commandeered by the waterboard no doubt
The top field where you found the remains of a caravan did in the heigh days have 6-8 caravans up there . Suplies of milk and bread etc could be ordered throught the Clarions residential stewards ., and they would have had to use the chemical toilets which the members used . These were emtied by the council every so often. Sounds awful but we are talking about a time when half of Sheffield had chemical toilets at the bottom of their yards/gardens and their housing conditions were appauling.
Hope to hear from you soon

Hi lisajacko. Thanks for your comments. I remember the stream being partially dammed up to form a so called swimming pool, a lot of the children used to play there whilst the parents did the cricket thing. Also, when we first moved in we were told not to drink water from the stream. It went under the road and up onto the moors towards Houndkirk road and there were occasionally dead sheep found in the stream, hence using the spring. I dont know about the remains of the hard standing but there may have been an outbuilding at some time. The road just above the junction with Sheephill road used to have a sharp bend with a bridge over the stream, this was all reshaped some years after we left. When we lived there there was a police box, like the Dotor Who one, on the corner. I had an accident one summer, it was very hot and there had been a delivery of supplies to sell at the weekend, "pop", crisps etc and it had been in the sun all day. After school I was helping my dad move it to the store room ( the old room with the stage) using a sack barrow to move the crates when some of the bottles of ice-cream soda exploded and gashed my ankles. My dad "ran" to the farm down Hathersage road to get an ambulance. When it came with the police we were told in future we could use the phone in the police box. I finished up in the Childrens hospital getting stitched, I still have the scars. That's all for now....more stories as I remember them.

I think you are the gentleman who wrote to me about the time you and your family spent at the club house.I have now included your letter in the web site ( still not quite complete !) but if you are interested in looking you can find it by entering into yahoo 'clarion movement' then Click on 'Sheffield clarion movement' and it will bring you to the home page where you will find a link to the club house and then a link to club house residential stewards.
Or you can also find the web site by entering into google 'homepages.shu.ac.uk/~kfrost4' would be delighted if you would get in touch through the e-mail link on this web site and let me know what you think .Hope the photos you will find here will bring back some pleasant memories .

Hi - those of you interested in the Sheffield Clarion handbooks might like to know that the Moors for the Future project is planning to republish excerpts from the Handbooks as digital audio files that can be downloaded for use on MP3 players and mobile phones, as well as GPS receivers. They should include walk descriptions, poems and songs, and place-name explanations, as well as news about the project. First one is supposed to be due after Easter.

Are there any updates on the Clarion Ramblers websites etc please?

My grandfather used to lead some of the walk - I have photos of the walkers in Derbyshire in huge snowdrifts.

Are there any updates on the Clarion Ramblers websites etc please?

My grandfather Charles Albert Wright used to lead some of the walk - I have photos of the walkers in Derbyshire in huge snowdrifts.

there isn't a web site about the clarion ramblers . a full set of the yearly clarion ramblers handbooks can be seen at the central library in Surrey St, in the local studies department on the second floor. these give full details of all the rambles undertaken that particular year, along with the name of the leader of each ramble.
There is also a book called The best of the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers, Handbooks 'Wards Piece' which is in the library .

Hi Lisejacko, so much to tell you !! I was at the auction when your father bought the land from the the shareholders of the Clarion Club House which was situated on your land . It was built in 1919/20 and was very popular to a large amout of people through the depression of the 20's and 30's and through the 2nd world war right up to the begining of the 1960's when the motor car took over and people could get further afield.
My family were all involved in the building of the club house , both maternal and paternal grandparents and my mother and father. This was where Mum and Dad met and did their courting !! With your fathers permission I scattered their ashes on the Clarion land , so I can assure you your father is in good company.
To see the full history of the Clarion land there is a web site being constructed by my daughter from all the photos and documents left to me by the family . Enter the following into Yahoo Clarion Movement(not google yet) and it should take you to the web site. Find the home page and click Club house link
I myself went to the club house from being a few weeks old up to around the begining of the 1950's . We stayed there overnight at weekends and I remember staying there for at least a week during the war when Sheffield was being bombed.It is remembered by me and many others as a wonderful place , so many happy memories . I am fortunate enough to live today in Dore and have a view of Blackamore and Houndkirk moor from the back of my house.
I think your father was pulling your leg about the famous people who played cricket there . The cricket field was where you now keep your horses , it was to say the least rather uneven and the fielders had to dodge the cow 'pats' The cows which were owned by the local farmer were the only lawn mowers, except for the actual cricket pitch which was done by a proper lawn mower.
The team that played there were Clarion members and I think they were in some small Sheffield league as there was a match most weekends during the summer.
Do you still have the raspberry canes down by the river below where your stables are? Dad had an allotment there , vegetables have never tasted as good since those days.
Please get in touch through the e-mail address on the Clarion web site I can tell you all the best places to find treasure . Did you know that when the road over the bridge was being altered a bag og gold was found by the workmen under the bridge. To think how many times me and my friends had played there or passed under it on our way up the moors !!
Yes that stone structure was the water trough from which the water was fetched now no dought commandeered by the waterboard no doubt
The top field where you found the remains of a caravan did in the heigh days have 6-8 caravans up there . Suplies of milk and bread etc could be ordered throught the Clarions residential stewards ., and they would have had to use the chemical toilets which the members used . These were emtied by the council every so often. Sounds awful but we are talking about a time when half of Sheffield had chemical toilets at the bottom of their yards/gardens and their housing conditions were appauling.
Hope to hear from you soon

hiya inreference to the workmen thaat found the gold sovereigns at clarion bridge, i'll tell you how it happend, it was the 27th december 1958 and the coins were found in the wall on the left hand side of the bridge wall, the men were sent to repair it as it was falling down on the inside i seem to think a car had damaged it over christmas when the workmen were taking the loose stones to start rebuilding the wall, under one stone were the coins, (not in a bag but loose there were 98 full sovereigns and 2 half sovereigns. after they were handed over it was returned as treasure trove and the two workmen recieved £ 316 total £158. each how do i know well i was one of the two workmen,the coins were mainly 1800s and one or two early 1900. my mate at the time was ted emmett a bricklayer. it was not when any road works were being done as we were on our own.

hiya inreference to the workmen thaat found the gold sovereigns at clarion bridge, i'll tell you how it happend, it was the 27th december 1958 and the coins were found in the wall on the left hand side of the bridge wall, the men were sent to repair it as it was falling down on the inside i seem to think a car had damaged it over christmas when the workmen were taking the loose stones to start rebuilding the wall, under one stone were the coins, (not in a bag but loose there were 98 full sovereigns and 2 half sovereigns. after they were handed over it was returned as treasure trove and the two workmen recieved £ 316 each how do i know well i was one of the two workmen,the coins were mainly 1800s and one or two early 1900.

Thank you for the above info.
The land up to the bridge belonged to the Sheffield Clarion Club House.There is a Clarion web site that I and my daughter have been compiling which contains details about the club house and land at Dore Moor. you will find it if you are interested by by entering 'sheffield clarion movement ' into 'Yahoo' .
I myself spent many happy hours in my wellington boots playing in the stream under the bridge and never found a penny !!.
It was a very dangerous at the bend in the road which went over the top of the bridge, there were many accidents there over the years. I have been in touch with someone whos father was killed on this bridge in 1960 , he was riding a motor bike, so its nice to hear a happier story. I believe that the road was widened and made safer some time after this accident.
With your permission I would like to include your information about the bridge in the web site also.

Thank you for the above info.
The land up to the bridge belonged to the Sheffield Clarion Club House.There is a Clarion web site that I and my daughter have been compiling which contains details about the club house and land at Dore Moor. you will find it if you are interested by by entering 'sheffield clarion movement ' into 'Yahoo' .
I myself spent many happy hours in my wellington boots playing in the stream under the bridge and never found a penny !!.
It was a very dangerous at the bend in the road which went over the top of the bridge, there were many accidents there over the years. I have been in touch with someone whos father was killed on this bridge in 1960 , he was riding a motor bike, so its nice to hear a happier story. I believe that the road was widened and made safer some time after this accident.
With your permission I would like to include your information about the bridge in the web site also.

hiya by all means you have my permission, another snippet about that day in december 1958 my mate and me were dropped off at the bridge all we were told was to repair the damage at first we looked at the right side buttress it looked as if a crash had happened some time before the top square stone was twisted and there was no way we could have put that right.i seem to remember that day when we were dropped off around 8.30 am the drivers mate said ill be back for you a at 12 when we asked why he said we're due for snow around that time, and he was right it started about 11 i'd never seen it snow as much in such a short time, when i asked how he knew he said the signs were in the clouds, he was a country lad from totley called percy. a little more useless info sorry.

I've recently discovered the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers and a web search lead me this thread. I notice that nothing new appears to have been posted for quite a few months. Has any progress been made with the proposed web site, also I can't find any word of the planned downloads from Moors For The Future.

P.S.

If anyone has any handbooks that they would like to sell, please get in touch.

I've recently discovered the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers and a web search lead me this thread. I notice that nothing new appears to have been posted for quite a few months. Has any progress been made with the proposed web site, also I can't find any word of the planned downloads from Moors For The Future.

P.S.

If anyone has any handbooks that they would like to sell, please get in touch.

I have1930,1931,1934,1937 & 1947 in good condition.Make an offer.

Reply to MikeP57, could you send me a 'pm' with your email, I can't send you a 'pm' as this is only my second post on the forum, apparently I need to have 5 before I can 'pm' anyone! Looking forward to hearing from you.

hiya by all means you have my permission, another snippet about that day in december 1958 my mate and me were dropped off at the bridge all we were told was to repair the damage at first we looked at the right side buttress it looked as if a crash had happened some time before the top square stone was twisted and there was no way we could have put that right.i seem to remember that day when we were dropped off around 8.30 am the drivers mate said ill be back for you a at 12 when we asked why he said we're due for snow around that time, and he was right it started about 11 i'd never seen it snow as much in such a short time, when i asked how he knew he said the signs were in the clouds, he was a country lad from totley called percy. a little more useless info sorry.

you have given me the name of your work mate , will you give me yours for the web site ? Were you working for Sheffield council at the time? My husband was a bricklayer for Sheffield council works department at this time

you have given me the name of your work mate , will you give me yours for the web site ? Were you working for Sheffield council at the time? My husband was a bricklayer for Sheffield council works department at this time

hiya my name is bill white, i worked for three years or so for the city engineers dept until nov 1959 i was 21 by this time, also when my cheque arrived from the british museum i had to send it back as the name on it was william waite.

you have given me the name of your work mate , will you give me yours for the web site ? Were you working for Sheffield council at the time? My husband was a bricklayer for Sheffield council works department at this time

hiya my name is bill white, i worked for three years or so for the city engineers dept until nov 1959 i was 21 by this time, also when my cheque arrived from the british museum i had to send it back as the name on it was william waite.also when i told my grandmother of the find she said she remembers my granddad having one gold sovereign for a weeks work.

hiya by all means you have my permission, another snippet about that day in december 1958 my mate and me were dropped off at the bridge all we were told was to repair the damage at first we looked at the right side buttress it looked as if a crash had happened some time before the top square stone was twisted and there was no way we could have put that right.i seem to remember that day when we were dropped off around 8.30 am the drivers mate said ill be back for you a at 12 when we asked why he said we're due for snow around that time, and he was right it started about 11 i'd never seen it snow as much in such a short time, when i asked how he knew he said the signs were in the clouds, he was a country lad from totley called percy. a little more useless info sorry.

You should have been up there in 1947. the snow then was 10ft deep .
No one could get through to the stewards who lived at the Clarion club house for over a week . My father and another clarion member followed the first snow plough on foot carrying food supplies for them .
If you remember this area-- I can tell you the snow came above the Door Moor inn which is situated further down the Hathersage Rd towards Sheffield .
That was a real winter !! I was 12 at the time , but I still remember it, and we have never had a winter as bad for so long a period since

hiya my name is bill white, i worked for three years or so for the city engineers dept until nov 1959 i was 21 by this time, also when my cheque arrived from the british museum i had to send it back as the name on it was william waite.also when i told my grandmother of the find she said shee remembers my granddad having one gold sovereign for a weeks work.

Thanks for the name

You should have been up there in 1947. the snow then was 10ft deep .
No one could get through to the stewards who lived at the Clarion club house for over a week . My father and another clarion member followed the first snow plough on foot carrying food supplies for them .
If you remember this area-- I can tell you the snow came above the Door Moor inn which is situated further down the Hathersage Rd towards Sheffield .
That was a real winter !! I was 12 at the time , but I still remember it, and we have never had a winter as bad for so long a period since

hiya just read your letter about the harsh winters on hathersage rd i once asked my mate ted why do we get these stonewalling jobs only in the winter months his answer was so we would have to work to keep warm, just imagine being there in the summer we'd have been taking the sun. also we never worked near fox house inn either ha ha.

I came across this topic because I was reading that wonderful book "The Pioneer Ramblers 1850-1940" in bed last night, saw mention of the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers, and decided to do a Google search this morning to see if the club still existed. This thread came up near the top of the page.

Although I am a regular walker these days, my first love as a boy/young man was cycling, and I used the Clarion Clubhouse on Dore Moor regularly in the 1950s up to, I think, around 1957.

I remember that later on we used to use the Pewit Cafe at Owler Bar (which for some reason we always pronounced 'pugh-it'!), so perhaps that was when the Clarion Clubhouse had closed down.

At the time I lived in Doncaster and used to ride out into Derbyshire regularly on a Sunday from the age of eight or nine (seems unbelievable now) with either the Doncaster Wheelers or the Doncaster Section of the Cyclists' Touring Club (Sheffield Dist Assn). When we had been into the Peak District we would stop for tea (baked beans on toast and a mug of tea seem to ring a bell) at the Clarion Clubhouse before continuing on our way home. The return through Sheffield, especially on rainy evenings, quite often saw at least one rider (me on several occasions) get their front wheel trapped in a tramline and come crashing down, most usually in front of the Midland Station where there was a section of adverse camber if I remember rightly.

My own recollection (and I am happy to accept that I am probably totally wrong), was that the Clubhouse actually belonged to the ramblers, and that we cyclists were merely allowed to use the facilities. I remember rows of bikes leant against the wall of the clubhouse, piled four or five deep. If yours was at the bottom of the heap, it was easier to delay your journey until some others had left, rather than try and extricate your bike from the tangled mass of handlebars, brake cables, saddlebags, etc. Happy days!

yes you are totaly wrong !! if you enter 'sheffield clarion movement' into yahoo (NOT GOOGLE) you will find a web site 'homepages.shu.ac.uk/~kfrost'
here you will find the history of the clarion movement which began at the end of the 1800's . The ramblers and the cycling were only part of the many activities .
The club house was not built untill 1919/20. It was built by many 'clarionets' who participated in all the many clarion activities and came from all over Sheffield .
Hope you find this interesting if you have anything you would like to contribute to this web site, either photos or your memories .please e mail me , you will find the e-mail on the web site
Gaye

Just joined this site and noticed the Clarion.

My mum was the steward there in the early 50's and I can remember fetching the water from up the road with her. There was a cart which held two dustbins. In the winter we melted snow!

There were several bad winters and we were usually cut off. I can remember walking with her to Dore Mixed Infants, and losing mum straight down in a snow drift as it would not bear her weight. I dug her out and she still made me go the rest of the way to school.

The AA man used to give me a lift sometimes, clinging to the rails round the top of his sidecar.

Dad worked at Banners and then Tinsley Wire Works.

We moved to Lincolnshire in 1953.

My wife's grandad Arthur H Moore (1883 - 1966) & Uncle Eric Moore (1916-2000) are believed to have been in the Clarion Rambers. Maybe uncle's John H Moore & Arthur Moore too.
It is said they took part in the Kinder Mass Trespass of 24 April 1932.
Do these names mean anything to anyone who was involved in Clarion Ramblers or are they in any of the Year books?
Also is the story of the Clarion Ramblers being involved in the Mass Tresspass correct?
John

Hi Allan, If you look on this site ,just above your entry, you will see how to find the web site about the Clarion . From the main page click on 'club house' (bottom right), then from this menu click 'residential stewards', and you will find a letter sent to by a Brian Mears whose family were the stewards from 1955which you might find interesting.Perhaps you would contact me on the e-mail given on this site with your memories of your time spent there which I could include here ? GayeJust joined this site and noticed the Clarion.

My mum was the steward there in the early 50's and I can remember fetching the water from up the road with her. There was a cart which held two dustbins. In the winter we melted snow!

There were several bad winters and we were usually cut off. I can remember walking with her to Dore Mixed Infants, and losing mum straight down in a snow drift as it would not bear her weight. I dug her out and she still made me go the rest of the way to school.

The AA man used to give me a lift sometimes, clinging to the rails round the top of his sidecar.

Dad worked at Banners and then Tinsley Wire Works.

We moved to Lincolnshire in 1953.

My wife's grandad Arthur H Moore (1883 - 1966) & Uncle Eric Moore (1916-2000) are believed to have been in the Clarion Rambers. Maybe uncle's John H Moore & Arthur Moore too.
It is said they took part in the Kinder Mass Trespass of 24 April 1932.
Do these names mean anything to anyone who was involved in Clarion Ramblers or are they in any of the Year books?
Also is the story of the Clarion Ramblers being involved in the Mass Tresspass correct?
John

You need the local studies department, in the main library on Surrey St central Sheffield. Here they have the complete set of the Clarion Ramblers hand books. They also have a copy of a book about the ramblers called 'Wards Piece' which gives the history of the ramblers and the mass tresspass. You can't borrow these books but you can read them there Gaye

You need the local studies department, in the main library on Surrey St central Sheffield. Here they have the complete set of the Clarion Ramblers hand books. They also have a copy of a book about the ramblers called 'Wards Piece' which gives the history of the ramblers and the mass tresspass. You can't borrow these books but you can read them there Gaye

Hi Gaye, Thanks for that but I live up in the north east & had hoped someone has access to them.
John

Hi Gaye, Thanks for that but I live up in the north east & had hoped someone has access to them.
John

looked in the rambling books that I have which are mainly from before 1st world war and 1940/50. The books give only the names of the presidents, secretaries, treasurer, committee members etc, not unfortunately the names of the individuals who went on each walk . I cannot find any with the name 'moores' among them .
The mass tresspass in 1932 was mainly by walkers/ramblers from Manchester , but they were joined by some 30 people from Sheffield many of whom would no doubt have been from the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers .The book about the Clarion Ramblers was published in 2002 I am sure you would be able to still purchase a copy should you wish, although I have looked at my copy and can find no reference to Moore . Still it is an interesting book .
Gaye

looked in the rambling books that I have which are mainly from before 1st world war and 1940/50. The books give only the names of the presidents, secretaries, treasurer, committee members etc, not unfortunately the names of the individuals who went on each walk . I cannot find any with the name 'moores' among them .
The mass tresspass in 1932 was mainly by walkers/ramblers from Manchester , but they were joined by some 30 people from Sheffield many of whom would no doubt have been from the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers .The book about the Clarion Ramblers was published in 2002 I am sure you would be able to still purchase a copy should you wish, although I have looked at my copy and can find no reference to Moore . Still it is an interesting book .
Gaye

Many thanks Gaye for the information.
John

Hi All, Just joined the Forum. I was a member of Clarion Ramblers from 1952 to 1956 when Nat. Service got in the way. Remembered two sections, Old`is and young`is, we were all apprentices from various industries, and plenty of girls were members. Good times, going from Sheffield Victoria on a double headed train to Hartington YHA Hostel for the weekend, being told off for jumping onto the track because the train was too long for the platform!! Helping the RAF Mountain Rescue, on an exercise to "find" a body on Kinder, I fired a Very pistol off, didnt know it was loaded, lucky it pointed into the ground! Dont remember the "Huts", only one I used was the one at the top of Dore & Totley, along with 200 cyclists!
My Dad and Uncle were on the 1932 Kinder adventure, my Dad was a policeman and if apprehended would have been sacked off the force.
Happy Days, where are we all now?? More laters.

You now have to enter
' http://www.dawnlittlehales.com/clarionsheffield.co.uk/index.html ' intothe top line on your screen to find the Sheffield Clarion web site. here you will find pictures of the Clarion huts and where they were situated.They were built as a club house for Clarion members of all the different Clarion activities.
If you were in the Sheffield Clarion Cycling club in the 50's you will also find pictures of members in this period .
Do you have any photos of you or your family in either the ramblers or the cycling club that you could send me copies of to include in this web site ?
Please contact me on the e-mail address which you will find on the Clarion web site if you have. Thanks

The Clarion hand books cannot be reproduced. But would like to include on the ' Sheffield Clarion ' web site copies of any photos you may have of members actually on Clarion Rambles, with if possible with the names of ( some if not all) the people and which ramble it was taken on or the approx date.
By sending me copies you retain the rights to the original photo, As I only want your permission to show them on the web site.
The site contains up to now, sections about the Sheffield Clarion Fellowship groups - Sheffield Clarion Club House Dore Moor, - and Sheffield Clarion Cycling Club .
The web site cannot be advertised on the open forum, so do please contact me on ' pm ' if you have anything you can contribute
Thanks Gaye