beady

Now you remind me gracie I do remeber BLOGGO painted in black on the side of the gunstand / lightstand? We always knew this stand to be the gunstand - and the other circular one higher up on the ridge to be the searchlight stand but earlier in this thread it's been mentioned it is the other way around? Whoever BLOGGO was and the years it was there makes it a great advert for masonary paint - exposed to say the least and probably copping for a lot of atmospheric pollution day after day when Sheffield really buzzed industrially? Would agree about the brick 'cone' as well - it had a long exposed concrete pipe running under it from the Honeysuckle Road end and disappeared on its route towards Grimesthorpe. We used to climb on to the top of it as kids - it was a 'fort' to us young 'uns! That spiked fence and gate always interested me - just why was it there and who spent to erect it - including the gate (with about a metre space under it caused by erosion etc) - and what was the straight driveway running above the length of the fence - ever put there for? Would love to know but we're going back a fair way now for anyone to remember.

From memory I would agree that Bannerdale was the upper school for Abbeydale Grange (merged with the younger 'Lower' building on Hastings Rd end of the overall site) when comprehensive education was introduced in Sheffield - mid to late 60's. Was it the Girls' Grammar before then - the Hastings Rd building being for the boys? I would hazard a guess that the Bannerdale Centre closed as a school in the late 80's - early 90's and was empty for some considerable time before being brought back into use for teacher training / Education Dept. offices. Hope this helps and my memory ain't deserting me????

Hi Cat - thanks for the photos and your mentioning the searchlight and gun stands. From my memory I remeber two structures, 1 was a concrete oblong about 12 feet by 10 and standing about 3 feet off the ground - much lower in height - further down the ridge towards Grimesthorpe - and the other located up near the trig point - not far from the old 'castle' looks like the 1 in the photo - a much bigger structure of concrete with a brick top where in the centre there was about a 3 foot 'well' where maybe a searchlight was positioned? I now wonder which was used for the gun and which the searchlight? I always thought the concrete block was for the gun but might be mistaken? Would be too much to suppose anyone out there actually operated either during the War. Wonder also if they were first built for the Great War and used in anger during the Second? would love to know after all these years!

Hi and welcome - glad someone else has mentioned the old cottages - as kids we were always a little scared walking through the passage half way along to follow the steep path down towards Brightside. You'll recall the route ment us walking down beside folks' back gardens. I remember the livestock and if your old relatives kept a goat tethered on the front - it once got one of its horns stuck up my cardigan while I was stroking it and it dragged me all over the place before I could be freed. Not sure which of us was the more scared - the goat or me? Seem to remember a bolt of lightning tore the roofs off some of the cattages - maybe in the 60's and there was quite some damage? Glad as well you recall that old property a little higher up as per the foto kindly put on the forum. Happy days those - a real free childhood compared to today!

What memories Wincobank Hill bring back and the fun we had as kids on there. Free to roam in those days I can still vividly remeber the gun and searchlight stands (with the open base of the light stand forming a brill 'den / cave). The old 'castle' cum house and white cottages just below towards Jenkin Road. You could walk through a passage 1/2 way along the row and walk down the long steep path towards Brightside. The reservoir below the steep grassy slope of the hill where farming was done - seems like dozens of sylarks hovering above all day singing their hearts out. On the side overlooking shiregreen there were loads of small oak bushes forming a thick 'wood' - at least so it seemed to us kids - brill den country. I also recall a very long steel spiked fence which ran all the way from the old grey tip (we called them the greyhills) - to the daffodil road entrance to the hill - there was a gate at that end with a big gap under it. Could never understand why that fence was ever erected - it seemed to have a pathway / driveway running paralell to it on the upper side. there was also the frogspawn pond on the tip just below Honeysuckle Road and a big tip just below the Greyhills with a big seemingly bottomless crater filled with all sorts of chemicals / scrap / water. Often wonder what the devil was down there?? I could go on for ages about our childhoods on that wonderful spot where you seemed on top of the World! Hope this may bring back some memories to folks?

Just a thought if folks have a thermostat 'managing' the hot water temp on the cylinder - the 1st thing I did when we had kids was to set this at 30 degrees - this proved more than hot enough for baths, pots etc and most important of all stopped at a stroke any chance of accidental scalding in full baths / under taps etc! Saved a load of money and energy too. Food for thought??

Sure was a lot of money of money to be made when the old 'Board' schools etc were dropped in the 70's and 80's eg Huntsman's Gardens, Coleridge Road etc etc. The dressed stone and slated roofs (a lot of Westmoreland and Porthmadoc slating) - the cost was just peppercorn due to the salvage!! Anyway regarding oldsest school buildings - still in use - my money would be between Intake J & I (the original building fronting on to Mansfield Road) or Parson Cross (C.E.) J & I - on the left going up Penistone Road - the old house on the bottom side of that school (if still there) predates the school building by some years but hasn't been used to teach in I understand. Perhaps the old Low Bradfield building (taken over by Sheffield in 1974 and sadly closed to kids about 20 years ago) - the kids being transferred to Dungworth J & I - could have beaten the lot when it was open?

Sorry to hear your bad luck and looks like lucky escape from a much more serious situation. VOSA would welcome your details for their records and possible action. It's a disgrace Saab seem to be waiting for the worse to happen before they act. Wonder if the senior management are worried about possible future litigation when someone is seriously injured or worse? Hope you have some luck with Saab - they seem well versed though on how to say they can't help - look for the reasons - not replacing with Saab parts and not repaired by VAT registered garage! They seem to be the usual fob-off! Interesting ain't it - who in their right mind would fit the same coil springs which have so suddenly failed after such a short time? Anway would love to know how you get on? The Beamer driver by the way might like to google bmw coil spring failure before they go as fast as they want - they have had their problems and it affects the rear springs as well on some models! Hope you get your motor sorted.

Daft ? - not old enough to know but were these switched off after dark in the War 'cos of the blackout? Did the authorities rely on the cowls above 'em as seen today to stop sun glare - to maintain the blackout? Always remember a mate of mine in the RAF in the 50's - when a kid in the War he was always told by grown-ups that you couldn't see a red light from a plane. Some wake-up call when he flew a jet fighter to Rhodesia and the first thing he saw marking the runway was - you guessed it - a red light!

Talking about being security conscious in the village - just a word to the wise. Been loads of times and make it a chore just to start and run the motor a couple of times during the stay to keep the battery topped up etc. The number of non-starters on the leaving days says it all? On 1 occasion when popping to the car on the bike I saw a guy in army denims trying about 5 or 6 car doors on the same row as mine (including mine)! He didn't see me and when he moved on from mine I whipped to the reception and literally within minutes loads of security vehicles / personnel appeared from nowhere. I was told they have been having problems with this bod climbing over the fence and casing cars / villas etc. They'd been after him for ages apparently. That was some years ago - we've never had a problem and always thoroughly enjoyed our family hols there.

Hi JoeS - sorry but it definitely affects your model and year - you can see for yourself the numbers involved - try 'googling' saab coil spring failureand just have a look at the forums - beware 'it'll make your hair curl' - make sure you're sat down when you read the tales of woe! I think it very wise to have 'em checked - tell 'em to pay particular attention to the bottom coil where the plastic coated sheath may have worn through allowing water / road salt penetration - corrosion - fatigue and imminent failure. Best scenario on actual failure would be warning creaking and break at low speed / parked, the worse situation would be no warning, at speed and the spring meeting up with the tyre / wheel rim / spokes - this happend to mine although luckily at the end of a journey - parked outside then 'twang'!!! I was impressed as my wife and 2 yougsters (3 and 5) got out as you can imagine! Good luck with the check - be interested what's found? - Just thought - for about £150 - 200 you might consider renewing 'em and forget it - not a big job and it won't always be at the back of your mind - especially at a steady 70 on the M1? How Saab are dealing with this issue just beggars belief - it makes the Clio bonnet problem recently championed by VOSA and Watchdog - like an Enid Blyton kids' novel.

Quick update if anyone's interested? VOSA have advised that there's an ongoing investigation into this problem by the American equivalent of VOSA where they're very concerned about the number of failures involved. The US agency is due to report in August and VOSA will wait 'til then before deciding how to best act - although continue to monitor the situation. VOSA have reported they are not aware of any serious injuries or worse specifically caused by spring failures but are concerned about numbers involved. Will keep folks on here up to date as things progress if anyone wants me to?

Thanks for this, VOSA have requested details of the damage, service history, mileage, etc and are currently investigating. If you've had to contact the so called customer care at Saab - I'm sure you'll agree they're poor at best - just don't want to know. Wonder if you're reading the same info on Saab forum as I have - the incidence of front springs going just beggars belief - some on cars with mileages much less than 42K! Sad that such a well-known name is being tarnished with this problem? Wonder if all coil springs are made in China - I understand Saab's are? I personally would want to know if it hadn't already happened that my springs weren't corroding away quite merrily and would fail without warning - possibly at speed! The spring failed on the bottom coil by the way and the N/S was about to go when renewed at the same time as the busted one. If one goes I can assure you it will come to light without an MOT inspection - in no uncertain terms! I recommend everyone gets them checked - look for corrosion on the bottom coil where the plastic sheath has worn away.

VOSA have now been in touch and want more info on the actual incident + service details etc. They seem very concerned with the incidence on this make although it seems a regular problem on a lot of cars whatever make? Presume VOSA will be in contact with Saab with a view to a possible recall. Now it is obviously known by Saab I would have thought they are now open to possible future litigation when (not if unfortunately) the worse happens to some innocent! Not sure how the springs can be checked on any recall but I would have thought they could be 'sheathed' to stop 'em tilting on failure and either shredding the tyre or even worse entering the alloy wheel spokes with obvious dire consequences?

Mentioned on this forum a few months ago about a front coil spring failing on a 3 year old (42K) Saab motor. The car (93 Sports Wagon) was just out of warranty, been serviced properly and driven very carefully. When you pay through the nose for a motor like this one you would expect no real worries for some time? Having now had a chance to research this a bit, and bearing in mind what happened when the failure occurred (spring tilting and wedging itself against the tyre and alloy rim locking it solid) - I've found no end of similar cases up and down the country on the Saab owners' Forum. Looks like the springs were made in China - good start - and suffer from corrosion / fatigue and usually fail (sometimes without any warning) or after a bit of moaning and groaning from the front end when travelling! The worst case I've found happened after only 20K and one driver suffered a shredded tyre and was forced off the road. She accepts it was a lucky escape and she wasn't doing 70 on the motorway!! Been in touch with VOSA who have already been made aware of the potential dire consequences of this situation. Reason I'm posting this is to advise any owners possibly for peace of mind - to have theirs checked either at servicing or pop in and have someone take a look. Seems they are all failing on the bottom coil, usually - but many not - on the near-side, and where the plastic sleeve on the bottom of the spring has worn through and allowed water ingress and corrosion. Don't know whether VOSA will require Saab to do a recall similar to the Citroen problem or whether they will let it go? If they do I would presume they're possibly liable when the worst will happen? Glad I'm not the person to make that decision! Anyone out there already had a problem? - If so you might contact VOSA?

Did I miss owt? Yep I think you did - you seem to be in denial about what loads of others around you probably think about what's going on and seem to not care a jot about their feelings. Wonder why you seem oblivious to comments above about people just not wanting this problem on their land. Whether moggies have a right to roam or not - why do folks inflict this situation on others? You ask for examples of things I don't want from other folks' pets, I would include and are sadly ongoing - obviously killing birds, particularly fledglings, eating food I put out for the birds (not at this time of year), that would just invite birds to their deaths, urinating on my car wheels and spoiler, sitting on the bonnet when it's just been run (have to leave the alarm off 'cos as they jump on it triggers it), digging up newly planted seeds, leaving birds' remains for me to clear up before my kids find 'em, taking fish out of my pond - leaving poo aroud or worse burrying it in my veg. patch - I could go on! Yep I'm too polite to mention it to the owners - I would rather keep their friendship but it does wear a bit thin. Going back to the thoughtless and selfish point I made - think I rest my case there.

After these comments you might have missed my point? Are you going to comment on the main point I was trying to make - and seems to be a mute point with loads of other folks above. Simple really - do you think it's ok to allow cats to enter other folks' property and cause damage, fouling, stink where they mark their territory, carnage to wildlife and annoyance to many? Why should cats be treated any differently to other pests in a lot of people's eyes? For folks to talk about other predators (magpies, crows, jays etc) - now that's natural 'cos they kill to eat. Not sure whether cats do that or are the 'gifts' some posters refer to above half eaten? Seems a lot of moggies just kill for killings sake or just torment and frighten their prey half to death as an amusement. Don't get me wrong - I'm a great pet lover but I get fed up with other folks' cats on my property causing me problems. I wouldn't want others' dogs either but don't have a problem with that.

Haven't had the chance to read all the points folks have made above. What this lot has done to ordinary people's attitude to our so called leaders (whatever party and which was perhaps tenuous at best anyway) - just beggars belief. What with the 'spin' and deceit over the last 10 years, mismanagement of the economy - even the Government living on 'tick' and now this fiasco - I wonder if anyone in their right mind will ever trust these folks again? I'm sure the faithful will still blindingly vote as they have before but I would hope that even they stop and think. I feel sorry for the MPs who've played the game and are now copping the flak (if there are any) - Add to the expenses scandal the 2 Labour House of Lords peers who are facing a vote of censure and possible suspension - I really can't see why we should face yet another year of a seemingly weekly apology by our Prime Minister - let's just get on with an election - and get some massive changes to the representatives and system! The country is bankrupt, the Government is bankrupt, we're all to pay back their mismanagement costs for years to come. What a shower and shambles - like top bankers - our so-called leaders should be utterly ashamed of themselves! My only hope is that people have long memories. Can anyone comment why only the last 4 years has been highlighted to be investigated. Fraud, larceny, embezzlement doesn't have a shelf-life does it? I think the phrases 'I'm sorry', 'It was a mistake' etc etc just ain't good enough anymore - neither is just resignation!

Think you may find that most dog-owners don't let their pet roam because they are responsible and thoughtful to others around 'em. Talking about dangerous and aggresive - ain't that just what a lot of moggies are to wildlife? I understnad that you can't stop cats going on to others' properties and causing a nuisance, damage and slaughter - perhaps folks would be better not having one - that is an option believe it or not! (you may even help the neighbours who are probably too polite to mention it - have you ever thought what others around cat owners think)? - There seems to be a misguided way of thinking that if you own a cat then you have every right to allow it to cause mayhem wherever it cares to wander. Looking at the voting above it seems clear to me just how selfish / thoughtless some moggie owners are. ps I can't abide foxhunting either (with a passion) but if I had a choice of that or the problems some moggies cause without any remorse from the owners - I think I would prefer the former be reintroduced!

She mentioned Grange Lane - was that the Ecclesfield Foundry? By the way her maiden name was Brown. Not sure where her husband was a driver - could have been at either plant or even travelling between 'em? Wonder if they are remembered by anyone? - my aunt is in her mid / late 80's now but can recall quite vivdly her working days, particularly during the War when a slip of a kid! She was given a quite responsible job to replace a guy who'd been called up - something regarding the technical side of moulds / sand quality / density etc? Not sure having never worked in such a place myself.

Got an elderly aunt who may have worked there during and after the Second World War. Think she met her future husband there - he was a driver after leaving the army in '45 (stationed in Iceland of all places)! I recall my aunt talking about sand moulds for shells - think she had some responsibility for the quality / density of the moulds? Albert and Doreen Corton ring any bells?

Can't see anywhere anyone questioning just on who's land this annual slaughter occurs? Folks who continuosly allow their moggies to roam - just where do they think they go? I know loads of folks who detest cats but have to put up with 'em doing their business in their gardens - digging up newly planted seeds - taking fish out of ponds - killing birds visiting the garden etc etc. Would these people put up with a neighbour's dogs forever tramping into their garden and doing their business? Would think they'd be the first to moan! I've got 3 cats around me and it never fails to amaze me how selfish / thoughtless the owners are. They're supposed to be pets but are kicked out in all weather - clawing at the door at daybreak to get in - frozen to death in winter - ironic to call 'em pets - they never see 'em other than at mealtimes!

Just as a matter of interest - under the old West Riding - was this school located in the present Greengate Lane Primary School? WRCC schools were brought into Sheffield MDC on 1st April, 1974. After seeing the state of repair and actual facilities the WRCC palmed Sheffield off with - the date was apt! Sheffield Education at that time was a very progressive system eg a special school for every type of special need - the WRCC school building stock put back capital spend on original Sheffield schools for years!

Sounds like the brakes pads were replaced possibly with any anti-squeel shims not put back properly / missed altogether? Any groaning is a bit worrying - have a feel at the front hubs with the wheel trims removed after a few miles and see how hot they're getting on either side. They will get warm after a few miles - that's normal - but not too hot to the touch! If they're very hot then the pads are binding on the disc - not returning after each braking. They need looking at again if any of the above appear - you might check the master brake-fluid reservoir under the bonnet as well to make sure it's at the correct level or not over-full which can occur after pad renewal - careful the fluid is a brilliant paint-stripper! Don't be tempted to use old / unsealed fluid and keep everything spotlessly clean! If necessary top up with appropriate fluid - check for spec in handbook or if over-full take some out with a clean straw - dip in and put finger over end and decant into a container for disposal - don't re-use! When new pads are fitted they should bed in without any noise (grating / squeeling) and go steady with the braking for the first 200 -300 miles. Hope this helps - if you're worried about using the motor just pop into somwhere and ask 'em to have a look everything has been refitted properly - if the original mechanic isn't available?

Seems totally unfair to me - could it be that he won't need a qualified driver at his side any more although why that should prompt such a hike in premium beats me? Might be worth shopping around for other qoutes or consider him taking the Pass-Plus? - that should reduce his costs. mentioned above it's so unfair to clobber all new young drivers - they ought to at least give 'em a chance to drive responsibly rather than making a blanket decision to nail all of them. It must be a right money-spinner for the insurance companies.