Jump to content

beady

Members
  • Content Count

    215
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by beady

  1. Was sad to hear the old estates have either gone now or are going downhill a bit? I Was brought up on the Flower estate and had a brilliant childhood with good pals and neighbours who looked out for each other. There were sometimes families who had a few problems but nothing other areas had I suppose. Went through the old Shiregreen schools on Bracken Road where the staff seemed good and did what they could with the resources they had in those days. The schooling reminds me of 3 books I have recently read all set in the Shiregreen area and can thoroughly recommend them. Two are set in a big house a nice steady walk from the area and a poetry book written by Five sisters who reminisce about their chilhoods The two fiction come biography books were written by Lora Adams and are The Belle Fields and Ashes of Roses which is the sequel. The poetry book is Say Kangaroo and written by , would you believe , Five Sisters! I bought my copies on Amazon for a few pounds and hope anyone who gives them a try enjoy them as much as I have.
  2. Nope - it's definitely not the architectural feature of 'molehills' put there when they completed the new junction by the side of the cooling towers - always thought these a strange addition unless they wanted to 'lose' hundreds of tons of limestone? The Newlands Hall area has definitely got large disruption to the ground as per the satelite view so that could be it? It's about the right location as well I think. Must have caused some hole in the ground wherever it is!! Just glad it's not the moles coming in as mentioned above and anyone who wants to try it as a ski slope is more than welcome?☺️☺️
  3. Bit of information would be interesting for anyone who might use the A1 North (around Ferrybridge in particular). Travelling up the other day and just to the south of the cooling towers, my passenger noticed a massive mound off to our left (to the west of the carraigeway - maybe 4 or 5 miles distant). Couldn't look myself - busy with driving at the time. They said it looked like Yorkshire's own 'Mount Fuji'! Just for our interest we Google Mapped etc but can't find any trace of it - so presume it's pretty new to the landscape? Any information would be welcomed. Thanks in advance
  4. Just a quick one - just found out that The Belle Fields mentioned above is being offered free in e.book version by Amazon - not sure for how long or how to get hold of a freebie but just thought I'd mention it? Good reading!
  5. HOORAY - just found out the sequel for Belle Fields written by Lora Adams mentioned above - has now been finished and published! What a good read this book was and having now read the sequel - Ashes of Roses I now have the answers to what happened to various characters in the first book. I can now rest easily that at least one got what they deserved and I'm a little concerned how some of the others 'turned out' in the end. What well written books I can recommend - read Ashes of Roses in just 2 sittings - couldn't put it down! Hope anyone who enjoyed Belle Fields enjoys this sequel as I did. - got mine from Amazon as an e.book for a couple of pounds each. Good reading:)
  6. I was told some years ago from a reliable source that 2 houses were bombed and totally destroyed in the north of the city on the road to Deepcar and Stocksbridge. They were located about 300 metres on the left just past the Middlewood Tavern (now closed and boarded up) - travelling out towards Deepcar. All that's left is hidden behind a stone wall but you can still see if you look carefully the overgrown walls (up to 1m high) - showing the layout of the buildings. Hope this helps?
  7. Just come across a poetry book which might be unique - written by 5 sisters - each contributing both poems and drawings of their memories of childhood, growing up and experiences of adult life. Some poems are quite 'deep', others covering early Christmases, pets, school etc etc are a joy to read. The title is 'Say Kangaroo' - (the narrative explains why - even the title is apt)-the author - would you believe - Five Sisters. I bought mine on Lulu as a paperback but I think it's available as an e.book. Another you might try - I enjoyed reading it a great deal, is The Belle Fields by Lora Adams. It's a romantic novel set in late Victorian times and covers life in one of the local 'big houses' and how far apart the 'family' and those serving them were. Very well written and can't wait for the promised sequel. Got mine on Amazon as an e.book for only a couple of pounds. Don't want to spoil it for anyone but the twists and turns kept me guessing, the end was out of the blue (a bit sad)? and that's why the promised sequel is a must get for me! If anyone gets either - hope they enjoy them.:)
  8. One myth some 'older' folks might still 'dine out' on was that of some kids PASSING the old 11+ exams while the majority went on to be taught at local secondary modern schools. Sorry if it comes as a bit of a shock to some who 'passed' and went on to grammar schools - there was no pass threshold - it was purely a numbers exercise, parental option and in some cases the primary each child sat the two exams at. Simply put if any kid was in a 'lean' year they were accepted into the grammar system (many realising too late the work and pressure was beyond them - struggling and being unhappy as a result)? Obviously if the year was a 'bulge' year many kids who would have done well in the grammar system were condemned from the start, probably leaving with no or little qualification. Add to this the kids who were on request of parents allowed to re-sit, some parents who couldn't cope with the shame, appealing and winning. Some fair system that was don't you think??
  9. Reading this thread and the potential serious consequences, has anyone any experience of what any bank considers 'negligence' on their customer's part? I readily understand divulging pin nos., not reporting lost or stolen plastic cards etc etc but was wondering whether not taking up the offer with Noddle can be classed as negligent?? Will be interesting when, not if the stolen info starts to be used.
  10. Hi Cyclone - thanks for that, I appreciated that the design and contractor have very different functions but thought after Haydn had commented he /she was involved in this type of work - albeit in design, then at least he / she could pass on appropriate comments / answers? It looks like a response has appeared which I'm thanking Haydn for and perhaps will get back when I have the time.
  11. Hi Haydn - if you're one of the team that's designing these so-called improvement and causing so much grief to thousands of folks daily over very prolonged periods, are you in any position to comment on the points I raised a few posts above? Would like any answers /comments so that I can at least rationalise in my mind why such madness is being allowed to go on and on!
  12. This situation I'm afraid is one of the wonders I just can't understand. We need additional capacity on our motorways but the way it happens at a snail's pace just beggars belief. I often think just who is responsible for letting contracts in the Department of Transport and who is actually holding these face-less wonders to account, what time scales are specified, why so much of the motorway is 'given up' to the contractors to do with as they seem to wish and are liquidated damages actually charged for over-runs to the contracts? It beggars belief that this situation is just going on all the time and no-one seems to be able to do anything about it - we just put up with it, grin and bear it as though it was a freak of nature! I travel through the various roadworks regularly and seldom see any work-force - to see signs saying 'my dad works here' is a standing joke. The whole system needs to be looked at and I would start by asking the following:- Why so long stretches need to be handed over to the contractors in one go? Why there isn't 24 hour working to reduce the length of contracts? Just what is the estimated costs to individuals and the economy in time and money during these prolonged works? Are liquidated damages actually imposed for any over-runs? Who, if anyone letting the contracts or managing them, have any financial interests in the companies involved? With the amount of costs to the taxpayer and massive inconvenience to the motorists and economy, if there isn't an independent body set up by Government to oversee this work, why isn't there? If any contractor isn't performing and treating the public like they are mindless idiots who will put up with anything - if they are invited to tender for future contracts - why are they? Would love to have any insight into any of the above.
  13. Folks might like a couple of books I've enjoyed set in and around Sheffield? Fred Kitchen's Brother to the Ox is a biography of a farm labourer early in the 20th century. He talks about his life around Edwinstowe, Maltby and in his later years as a milkman cum smallholder in Sheffield. Really enjoyable reading. Also The Belle Fields by Lora Adams is a relatively recent book which on looking at the author's notes and dialect used, is set in a village near Sheffield and covers through many twists and turns, the life of a young woman entering into service as a kitchen maid in a local Big House. A very good 'page-turner' - uplifting in parts and sad in others with a really unexpected conclusion. I gather a sequel is on its way - can't wait to see how the main characters fair - one I hope she leads a happier life, one I would hang, draw and quarter and one I feel so sorry for! Good reading
  14. Haven't read all the posts but presume Bonanza has been mentioned? The above reminds me of a couple of old jokes which made me smile when I remembered 'em:- The Lone Arranger was lying on his death-bed when Tonto came to his side and asked if he had any last wish? Lone Arranger thanked him and said he would love to know exactly what Kemosabe meant as his trusted friend had called him this for many years. Well, said Tonto - I'm not sure I want to tell you but as it's your last wish it means "You look a right pil....ck in that mask!" and The Arranger was lying on a dirt road one day with his ear to the ground - he was lying still and really concentrating. Tonto rode up and asked him what was happening? Arranger told him that a stage-coach with 6 horses, the front horse had 2 white fetlocks, the driver has a white hat on, has the reins in his left hand and the front wheel has a loose spoke - passed this way five minutes ago! Tonto was amazed and asked how he could tell all that from listening to the ground? It's because 'They've just run over me - that's why!!":)
  15. Thank you De Batz for your input. I had no idea my book would be classed amongst the type of fiction that the search turned up. Why historical Victorian fiction should unleash such stuff is quite amazing. I have spent some time putting other keywords in Amazon's search window to find out what sort of books come up and have changed my keywords accordingly. My book 'The Belle Fields' now sits within a group of similar types of literature (I hope). A very salient point to remember for other writers? Having noted your books and author name I will take a look. Can 'The matter of faith' and 'Heaven's avenging angels' be read as stand alone books or do you have to read the first to get the best out of the second? My author name, by the way, is a 'pen-name'. I used my children's names and as an added quirk some of my characters have names (and personalities) derived from our family pets.
  16. Hi De Batz, It would appear we have used the same route to get published. I used KDP and CreateSpace to produce an ebook and a paperback, both available on Amazon. It seemed at the time to be a long winded process and sometimes felt more difficult than writing it but it was worth the trouble. I tried several literary agents but I either got a rejection or they have taken so long to reply I have given up on that route. The story began as a Victorian romance but has ended up being much more than that as my characters developed. It's threaded with plots and intrigue and I've tried to include twists and turns, and particularly an unexpected end. I'm presently working on a sequel. The research I did was very interesting and helped me to portray life in those times, particularly the class prejudices and rural celebrations eg. Mayday and Christmas. The book is called 'The Belle Fields.' What's your book called? Is it still available on Amazon and CreateSpace, I'll look it up if it is. ---------- Post added 28-06-2015 at 20:39 ---------- Thanks for that - what a good idea - might give it a try although I might find it a bit embarassing? I do support NSPCC and The Poppy Appeal Lottery on a monthly basis so in a way these brill charities are getting some of my hard earned (although very little) royalties by default anyway. Worth some thought though - thanks:)
  17. I've just spent a couple of years preparing and writing a historical fiction novel. It's been published via Amazon and has sold reasonably well so far - got some positive feedback from friends and family who have read it so I'm quite happy that it's being enjoyed. Has anyone on here been lucky to get this far? (It seemed difficult at some stages 'cos of other commitments) I'm presently busy (when time permits) writing a sequel and enjoy doing it but I'd love to promote my first so as many folks as possible can read it and hopefully enjoy it. Anyone any ideas how I can best promote my book? I'm trying the obvious (word of mouth, posters in strategic spots, facebook etc etc) but would welcome any other suggestions. Thanks in advance.
  18. Just read a book which has a chapter on the May Day celebrations of yesteryear (The Belle Fields by Lora Adams) which covers very well how this time of year was celebrated not that long ago. It made me think of the way we used to celebrate this time of year. I remember going to infant school all dressed up in white (including pumps) and dancing around the maypole after much practice beforehand and the coloured tapes making patterns on the pole which seemed so high to a nipper! There was a May Queen selected along with her attendants - again all in white. The book brought back some great memories of how we used to have a lovely time. Anyone out there remember similar goings on when they were kids? The book is set in a local village I think around 1900 and covers a young village girl's experience going to work as a kitchen maid in the local Mansion where her life is set into turmoil - a sad and unexpected ending though - so beware! Some other good reading is Brother to the Ox by Fred Kitchen - that covers the life of a farm labourer set at the same time as the book above - the chapter on the trip to be hired at the Statute Fair in Doncaster is a good depiction of how folks were hired / bought just over 100 years ago.
  19. Thanks for all the information and advice - it's very much appreciated. Pretty sure will go down the self-publishing route and take it from there? I'm not really in it for the royalties - I just want to share my work and hope folks who will read it, enjoy it? Thank you again for for your kind and informative responses.
  20. Just written a novel over the last few years, more of a hobby than anything else. It's fiction set in Victorian times and covers the relationships between 'normal' village folks and landed gentry, with romance, manipulation and even murder thrown in! Friends and family have suggested I consider publishing the story as they say they've thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Perhaps they were being kind?? Is there anyone out there who has published their 'pride and joy'? I've contacted various literary agents and am awaiting responses, thought about 'self-publishing' and am considering e-books as a last resort. Any advice on the best way forward would be welcomed. Thanks in advance:thumbsup:
  21. Thinking of moving from a Ford S-Max to a C-Max mainly because of the poor mpg of the larger S-Max. It wouldn't be too much of a compromise on space or performance but the C-Max mpg figures look very promising (average around 60mpg). I'm getting 44.6mpg from the S-max, a 1.6 diesel but was expecting better than this - a bit of a disappointment really although I know you should take the manufacturer's figures as a guideline only. I also appreciate style of driving, types of roads / speeds, topography etc also affect what you can expect. If any C-Max owners could advise on what they're actually getting (1.6 diesel especially), so I can decide whether to change would be a great help. I don't want to swap unless it would be a fair increase in mpg - thanks in anticipation:help:
  22. Thanks for that Planner - looks like it isn't this project versus the gritting cuts but it's still being funded from your and my pocket through 'national' taxes! Presumably SCC don't contribute directly to any of the funding agencies involved in this project? Funny (not you I presume) - that some folks think 'cos it's from central / EU funds it doesn't matter then? As a point of interest do you / anyone know of any schemes funded locally which seem a bit of a luxury when such a brave and dangerous decision is being made to reduce road safety in bad weather putting kids and old etc at risk when cars and wagons will be 'skating' about?
  23. The majority of the by-pass is the national speed limit for non-dual carraigeway stretches (60) - which is in my opinion plenty fast enough particularly in bad weather and again in my opinion a very poorly designed road in places (3 lanes, short slip roads on and off, 'T' junctions on to the 60 limit road etc etc) - done on a shoe-string budget! I don't know of anyone who's been caught either but they're not going to be boasting about it I presume? Whether working 24/7 or not they've proved a godsend around there. If working, I understand your reg no is taken entering and leaving along with actual times - then calculations are made if you've beaten the actual time you could travel between the cameras at the max speed permissable. Wonder if the numbers of prosecutions are low they might be doing what they were designed to do and a number of folks are still with us who wouldn't have been?
  24. Always amuses and worries me when folks who are entering or leaving average speed areas start to brake and think what they've been doing / about to do! Either they've already broken the law if leaving and have averaged above the limit or on entering think they're ok after leaving the camera behind to speed up again! The idea of these being a 'cash cow' might have been justified in the past but they're really just trying to save lives. Just look at the barmy accident and sadly death records on the Stocksbridge by-pass before and after the installation of these cameras!
  25. Heard some guy talking about this on the radio - shame about the trees and the disruption - will be interesting if things improve when it's all done? He mentioned the likely costs (think half a million - the majority funded from some central 'bottleneck reduction funds' - although he definitely mentioned that our Council taxes are having to be spent as well to part fund the project. Has anyone any idea what that contribution will be when we've already seen major austerity cuts and more to come? Pity he wasn't asked at the time. With the proposed cuts to Winter gritting in some of the highest areas, seems misguided to spend local money here if such drastic decisions are having to be made?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.