trevthetyke

Hi Martin, I used to work in Holborn in the mid 70's. What did you do at the Cockpit and when were you there? I used to sing in a country band and we used to some big shows including .....wait for it....Theatre Royal Drury Lane, that was quite an experience. You're right, Pam was a hell of lady, political activist, social worker, nurse (got her degree in her 60th year), nurse educator, counsellor and one heck of a wife, mother, grandmother, friend etc. Glad you found someone again, be happy, be well. Cheers Trev.

Hi Martin, just picked up on this as I explained in the pm I sent you. Coping is the right word. I'm lucky in that I am still fit and active so fill my time with activities. I play badminton 3 times a week, hockey in the winter, snooker once a week and I'm just getting a band back on the road. I miss Pam so much but try to concentrate on the 40 wonderful years we had. She was also a social worker, that's how we met. I was running a kids home in Islington and she was working in another one nearby. I still have family in Silkstone common so get up there a couple of times a year. I was a copper in Worsborough before social work and last time I was up I met a chap who I helped in 1968 when he was 15. He did good also. It makes me happy to hear of people like yourself who came through what must have been a very traumatic experience. Never know, when I'm up there we might meet for a drink. Anyway, as usual, it was good to hear from you. Best wishes Trev

Hi Martin, Someone mentioned Thornseats recently so I thought I'd check in and see if any activity. I hope things are good with you. I'm slowly adapting after losing my wonderful wife last year. I'm still in touch with Ruth and will be seeing her later in the month. Her brother lives near Portsmouth, sadly in a care home now and I am bringing her sister-in-law up to visit for a few days. No doubt we will be reminiscing about the old place. Is it really nearly 50 years ago?? Drove past there last year when I was up, complete wreck, such a shame. Best wishes, Trev

Hi Martin again. Wasn't on for a while as I now have a different carer's role for my wife. Spoke to Ruth, of course she remembers Betty. Just remembered another lady worked there called Carole, I think her husband worked for the water board and they had a house on the edge of one of the reservoirs. Ruth was always so well organised and always had a birthday cake in the freezer in case anybody new came in who had a birthday. She is still like that and if anyone turns up unexpected she can rustle a meal up no problem. One of her nieces got married a couple of weeks ago and Ruth made lord knows how many Parkin loaves so that 100 guests could have a piece instead of traditional wedding cake. Good to hear from you again and no, I didn't find anything to worry about in your previous post.

Haven't been on for a few days and blimey, I'm glad I came in again. Great to hear the stories about the different people involved with Thornseats and Bradfield. I hope you are as proud as you deserve to be with what you've achieved. I spoke with Ruth who was the cook and she certainly remembered you Martin and she was upset to hear about Stephen Butler. I know she still sees some of the old kids around Sheffield, I must try and get their names. Keep posting please, I find it all so interesting.

I remember Stephen Butler, probably remember you too. Sorry to hear of his early death. I'm pleased to see you have done well. I worked in child care for many years and, though I loved the job and hoped I made a difference, we seldom see the results of our efforts. I am still in touch with Ruth who was the cook, she will be very interested to hear this. Best wishes.

Unless things have changed, which I doubt, you catch a bus to Lower Bradfield and then walk from the village. It's quite a walk but lovely.

It was still a childrens' home in the 70's. I worked there. I took a job as it was going to be an intermediate treatment centre where kids from the city could spend short times away from the pressures of their environment. Unfortunately it became a long stay home and I did not feel it right that kids from the city were living in a false environment long term when they would have to return to their natural home one day. In those days the place was impressive. The office was called the cedar room because it was just that, floor, walls and ceiling, all cedar and when you entered it you could smell it. There were intricate carvings all round and in each corner was a carving of the head of William Jessop. The lounge had a big open fireplace at one end and that was also hand carved with hunting scenes. Unfortunately, someone had stripped the varnish from it and the wood had dried out and was starting to crack. I had a room which looked straight down the valley to Sheffield, wonderful. Never used them but there were snow shoes in the cellar incase of being snowed in. The maintenance man was a wonderful local man with a wonderful name "Mr Merryweather". So sad to see the place go to rack and ruin, the owner should be ashamed.

I think I'm cracking up. It was a big church on the left hand side going towards Sheffield. Sorry about this, it was 50 years ago. A little further along a road branched off to the right like a y junction, could be Nanny Hill on the map. Strange that because his Nan lived there and I think he lived further up. Oh well, sorry for wasting your time and thanks for trying to help.

I'm very confused now as when I look at Google maps I can't see the old church where we used to play in the crypt at the youth club.

You're certainly in the right area. He used to live up the hill just behind the war memorial. Maybe he's lying about his age ;-). Another lad called Pete Luddington used to be in the band as well.

Would like to get in touch with Pete Wragg. Went to Penistone Grammar School in the late 50's. I used to sing in a band with him. We played in the crypt under Stocksbridge church. I continued with the music, would like to know what Pete did with his talent.