zakes

“Sleep peacefully Mr Thomas…it was a pleasure to have met you and your colleagues.” Zakes. I got to see (and hear) the Moodies whilst I was living in Western Germoney. 1xHamburg and 1 xHannover. This was during the 80s. I next saw them about 10 years or more ago in Sheffield. They were to be playing at the City Hall. Anyway, I gathered my Moodies elpees, CD;s and some press stuff together. It was my intention to get the things signed. After discovering where the group would be staying (hotel), it took a cuppla phone calls, I arrived at the Marriott in Nether Edge . The Marriott is (was) the former Kenwood hotel but after being various other names over the years the hotel is once again called Kenwood (I think) LOL. Having come across Ray Thomas who was hobbling, and using a walking cane, we spoke. Ray was suffering at the time with gout. I was suffering too with the occasional bout of gout…eating too much offal and suppin’ too much stooonses! LOL. Gout became our topic of conversation and. We spoke about a single bedsheet feeling as heavy as a ton of bricks on our feet (foot) and during the height of gout, how a relief from pain it would be if someone was to cut your (our) foot off. During our chat I de-bagged me record sleeves, and he kindly signed ‘em for me. John Lodge and Justin Haywood signed stuff too, including their solo stuff. I missed Graeme Edge, I was caught off guard (too much rabbiting with the others). They had to set off for their performance. I found Ray Thomas to be sincere, respectful, kind and friendly. A good bloke. Some of the stuff Ray and other Moody Blues signed for me: Moody Blues Blue Sur La Mer Caught Live + 5 Days of Future Passed – mono, stereo and deramic sound system Seventh Sojourn Collectors Series Octave Musica Rock Every Good Boy Deserves Favour The Magnificent Moodies (German original 1965). Hayward & Lodge signed this album too but they weren’t in the Moodies then. And others. Ray Thomas: Hopes Wishes & Dreams From Mighty Oaks both unsigned. I acquired these at a later date. Justin Haywood: Moving Mountains Classic Blue Night Flight Songwriter. John Lodge Natural Avenue. Justin Haywood & John Lodge: Blue Jays Press clips: 1981 1987? Particular favourite Moodies songs of mine are: Question. Isn’t Life Strange. Tuesday Afternoon. And the song about transvestites … Knights in White Satin.

St. Barnabas’ (Alderson Road) Any memories?

Whacko! Kids Vote for Cane Just come across this in my extensive private library.

Anybody from Hackenthorpe? Hackenthorpe and Zakes Part 64 It was approaching 1960 when the Zakes phratry arrived on Hackenthorpe, in N.E. Derbyshire. My first school was Rainbow Forge Infants, which was 5 minutes walk from our Corporation house, on Carter Lodge Drive. The school was quite nice, and I really liked the pond which had Goldfish and Lilypads with beautiful white flowers. We had a class photo taken at school, I wish I still had it. Does anybody have a copy? When I reached Junior School age, I thought I would be going to Rainbow Forge Juniors. Luckily, I went to Birley Spa Juniors, which was a 15 minute or so walk higher up the estate. At Senior School age I attended Carter Lodge School in 1965, but I left this school almost 3 months later when we Zakes’ moved up the hill to live at Newstead, lower Birley. We lived in a Vic Hallam house (pigeon hut) on Newstead Rise. -- Rainbow Forge Infants When I first arrived at this school the other children mentioned how I spoke differently to them. This was due to me having lived in other places with mi Dad being in the R.A.F. I quickly picked up the Hackenthorpian accent though. LOL. I liked the children and the teachers at Rainbow Forge. I wasn’t involved in any misdemeanours (didn’t get caught LOL) at this school, hence no punishments. -- Birley Spa Juniors Looking back, I treasured all pupils at Birley Spa, it was a great time, I walked up Birley Spa lane each morning and almost always met other pupils along the way…Patricia Millington and Denise Naylor (both Car Forge close), Julie Webster (Dyke Vale Avenue), and other such dolls. On being closer to school I saw other pupils approaching from the direction if Spa View Road. The cutest of them was Jean Sykes, who lived on Cotleigh Close. Jean looked like Elizabeth Taylor (address unknown) in the Cleopatra film, a Goddess and an Empress. Coming down Birley Spa Lane was Elaine Lawson. I liked that Elaine wore a different coloured hair band each day. I liked her teeth and also the way she kissed. The Lawson’s flitted to Torquay? Paignton? Area circa ’62-‘63. Kay Osborne was another cutie-pie coming down to school from Occupation Lane. I attended her 9th or 10th birthday party. Lucky her. LOL. -- In school I was punished a few times during my time there. The headmaster, Mr. N. Rawlings gave me a good slippering on 2 occasions. Regardless, Mr Rawlings seemed to be a decent type. Mr Williams gave my legs a slapping loads of times. Psychological warfare was his game, pillock! A twentieth Century Schizoid man. Two other lads in class also copped it big style from Williams. Mr Wilson was another trunt. Wilson claimed to have a black-belt in Karate, and in Judo. He was left-handed, wore horn-rimmed specs, had a full, untidy beard, and the lower part of his nose was very wide with large nostrils. He was a strongly built bloke at just under 6-feet. It was important to him that we children understood he was in charge. If any child wasn’t paying heed to what he was saying, Mr Wilson would head smartly to the child’s desk then raise his hand as if to chop (rabbit punch) them. He would di the chopping action but would stop about an inch from contact. Obviously, the child would cower or cringe. I remember one day Terry Cosgrove or Danny Spokes (Dyke Vale?) Timothy Conroy (Springwater) Steven George (Car Forge) Nigel West (Cotleigh) and I mucking about. In a flash Mr Wilson was at my desk with hand raised ready to chop. I was caught unawares but managed to tilt my chair away from him and throw myself onto the floor. Wilson was glowering down at me with full anger in his eyes. I was really convinced he was going to ‘do’ me. I was about 10 or 11 years old. The girls in class were not exempt from this treatment but they wisely paid full attention and behaved themselves some of us boys weren’t as clever as them girls. LOL. Miss Morton, who had a face like a shrivelled apple, was nasty too, she was verbally venomous. She wore those Mrs Merton (on TV) type specs. Miss North and Mr Auger were the kindest teachers in my opinion. -- Carter Lodge School I arrived at this school in September 1965. I already knew a fair amount of the new newcomers, who had been at Birley Spa Juniors. Others I knew, were children I was acquainted with from playing-out, adventuring on the estate and surrounding areas, evenings, week-ends and holiday times. During the 10-12 weeks I spent at Carter Lodge, I managed to get into plenty of bother with some teachers. Mr. Croft, the headmaster, had the pleasure of caning me once. The deputy-head, Mr Rodgers, caned me on two occasions on me hands. Rodgers used full force, I remember him gritting his teeth. Mr. Kirk, the sports (games) master, slapped my legs a few times in the gym. I was in fear of Kirk, but strange as it may seem, it made me more determined to get further under his skin. I seem to recall Kirk had thrupenny-bit shaped framed specs, and his hair was a shock of grey, cut in military crew-cut fashion. My eldest brother had been a top-sportler at Carter Lodge, and I think Mt Kirk had expected me to be the same. “Tuff bobbar Kirkey, I perform when I wish to perform”! Mr Fretwell, AKA ‘Noddy’ Fretwell, was another trottel. During a lesson he would slowly stroll (stalk) quiet-footed (a sign of a sneaky type) around the classroom, weaving his way between the desks. He would then approach from behind pupils busily writing in their exercise books. Fretwell would then silently appear over the shoulder of a pupil to read what he (pupil) had written. If ‘Noddy’ didn’t like what he read, or of the pupil had made a mistake, Fretwell would instantly punish him. Fretwell punished by clenching his fist with the middle-knuckle of his middle-finger, then wrap the unsuspecting pupil at the back (sometimes top) of the head, a surprise attack. Fretwell was also quick and adroit rapping pupils knuckles with a ruler. The Perspex rulers were ruddy painful. Mr Morgan, the music teacher was a also a cruel sod (verbally) at times, but he was sometimes amusing. We pupils used to sing a song about him when he was out of earshot. To the tune of…Build a Bonfire (put the teachers on the top): Henry Morgan plays the organ And he plays it rather crammy And his sisters’ got a pimple In the middle of her <removed>. Some other teachers names I recall at this moment are: Mr Feinberg Miss Gaunt Miss Marsden Mr Driscoll Mr Pegg Mr Loy Mr Revel(l) Who was the lad who got a garden-fork stuck in his foot during a rural science lesson? Me Mum once worked as a cleaner at Mr Feinberg’s house. Who was his Missus, LOL. -- At Newstead (Birley) I went to Birley County School (my favourite school). I attended this school for 2 ½ years until I was shown the door (gates). I had many canings and a few detentions at this school. I managed to get under the skins of 6 teachers: Lines, Knox, Phypers, Fidler, Shimwell and Phipps. The lasses and the lads at Birley school were second(ary) to none. My final school was Hurlfield Boys Comp (later mixed). I spent 1 ½ years at this school. I received a few canings at my time there from Mr Houdmont. My favourite teacher of all schools I attended taught here. Mr Keith Turton. He caned me twice. LOL. A wonderful bloke now sadly dead. -- Looking back now I did enjoy my education. It was better than some had who came up the slum way, and it stuck to them, and it always will, Despite the veneer of a grammar school education at Thornbridge. -- Some short memories of my Hackenthorpe times: My favourite three girls were: Jean Cottam (Delves), Jean Sykes (Cotleigh) and Barbara Allen (Springwater). They were excellent examples of femininity. Denudating gardens of fruit, and occasionally veg. Girls teaching me a thing of two and me passing what I’d learned onto other girls. LOL. A good few smashed windows…I now take this opportunity to apologise to the victims…not! Two court cases at Renishaw House. Policeman Disney didn’t have to Force (gerrit?) the issue but he did. A nasty trunt! -- I was always good to people I liked, I’d do anything for them, but I despised most people who had authority, and those who thought they were better than others.

Stonehouse Pub Memories Here is another pic of … A Berni Inn. The snap was taken 5 years after the one Mester Hillsbro kindly put on. Judging by the L-Plates outside the eatery I presume there was a learner-school for motorbike riding nearby. The mother of a mate of mine – Leonard (Len) Southern worked here late 60s-ealy 70s. Len had a sister called Sonia. They lived on the Hollybank estate, behind the Rex Flicks, in Intek. Len later worked as a Commis waiter at the Grosvenor Hotel in Sheffield 1970ish. Ontarian. Berni Inns had lovely steaks. Unfortunately, there were: No Bison steaks No Buffalo steaks No Caribou steaks fresh from Cariboo No Moose steaks fresh from Moose Jaw… All not served with chips and mushy peas. Sorry Sir. Here is the drinks price list from 1971: -- Now back on topic…I used to sup in the Stonehouse with a mate called John. He later emigrated to OZ in 1974.

Tin Pan Alley Fitswilliam Street The Tin Pan Alley music bar was wedged atween O’Hagans bakery and Lounge pub, and Shepherds Opticians at the top left of Fitzwilliam (sp) Street, going upwards. O’Hagans pub was previously called Hornblower, but the pub was at its best when it was the Raven Hotel (Whitbread). Apart from myself, other famous people who frequented the Raven in the 60s-70s were – Anna Ford (newscaster), when she was a spewdent at Sheffield University, and possibly Jeremy Paxman. I once saw Allan Holdsworth (Bradford’s finest) suppin’ a pint in theere one afternoon. He must have been performing in Sheffield that evening. Just to mention afore I forget, the Hornblower did a lovely pint of Murphy’s, which makes it unlikely Guinness was served there. The Tin Pan Alley was at one time Bar 8. The premises were the former premises of Ironmongers Neville Watts. I worked at Neville Watts in the early 70s for one year an one week, a record for me at the time. LOL. I resigned my post theere to start working at Globe and Simpson car spares on West Street. This clever, well thought-out idea thickened my pat packet by between 50p - £1 per WEEK. LOL. At Globe’s oo’ertime was available but not at Neville Watts. I went in Bar 8 / Tin Pan Alley a fistful of times. I recall seeing Rockett 88 performing theere. I was granted my request that evening when they did a brilliant rendition of…Walking the dog. I already knew Stuart Arfield (lead guitar), and Prof. on drums. Rockett 88 was an excellent blues band. Rockett 88 once had a brilliant harmonica player called Alan (I’m not sure whether he was a full – member of the band, or a guest performer), a North-Easterner from the North-East. I first came across Alan in the mid-90s at the Alpha hotel on Montgomery Rooad. At the Alpha on Friday evenings, an often drunk Alan played his harmonica, sometimes a mouth organ. There were also some others there playing acoustic guitars. Steve, Richard and his bird, Jane (singing) and some others who were Irish (like Steve) played. Every person enjoying a good time. An atmosphere similar for years at The Dog & Partridge (Tetley) in town. I supped Stones at the Alpha. If ever I was short I could get drinks on tick then pay back the following week. That left me short again. LOL. The bloke running the Alpha was a Asian, possibly Pakistani background, a good friendly and kind man, called Max? I also remember the old thin man who worked there as night porter. -- Another harmonica / vocalist with Rockett 88 at a later date was a fellow called Pete. He used to frequent the Psalter Tavern (Vaux) at one time. I don’t think he stayed long with Rockett 88 though. -- There you have it 16niffrig, confirmation of TPAs existence. Plus anecdotes. Such a pity that that West One monstrosity was built. Ugh! The above info is from mid-90s onwards.

Gold Label Down Again. 1. At the age of 16-17 I drank Gold Label barley wine…it was the second time I had supped it. The first time and the last time. Ugh. The place of my near poisoning was the Minerva (Whitbread), on Charles Street. 1970-71. I do remember seeing many women drinking Barley wine when I wondered around the pubs. One particular ‘lady’ I saw drank the stuff as if there was no tomorrow, in the Bull & Oak (Whitbread) on the Wicker. -- 2. Anybody remember Gold Label lager? also Whitbread. -- 3. I recall during the mid-90s I spent some time in the Stag (Whitbread) on Psalter Lane. Some of the beers were Trophy, Boddingtons, Eden, and Castle Eden. The lagers included Stella and Gold Label. At a later date I was told, due to a member of the Heineken family joining the board of directors at Whitbread, Gold Label Lager, was no longer brewed, which would then increase the sales of Heineken lager. Can anyone confirm this? I don’t SUPpose it (Beer)matters really because not long afterwards, John Major started with his Monopolies and Mergers Commission thing, which seemed to speed up the process of pubs perishing. -- 4. Having come back to Britain in the 90s (abroad 17 years), I was unpleasantly surprised to see ‘Pints’ poured into unlined glasses. Under measures! When Tony Blair (Stalinist Tory LOL) became Prime Minister, he approached the beer people as regards to re-introducing outsize (lined) glasses. Their response was that pints would then go up in price due to new glasses being produced – 16p per pint. Blair tried again a later date, but again without success. Just think how many under-measured pints are poured per week in this nation, it’s a handsome profit for the beer people…thieving rats! Cut out the snobbery, and bring back full pint measured electric beer! And bring back staff who can work out prices in their heads instead of mucking about at the computer tills. I stand corrected on any of the above.

Did Ansell’s Brewery have any pubs in Sheffield? I’ve read through this interesting thread, and would like to (will) add a few bits to it. Any inaccuracies are undeliberate, so please don’t ‘bar’ me. I don’t claim to have supped at all the pubs mentioned in this pooast. In(n) no particular order: 1. I can’t recall any Ansell’s pubs in Sheffield. I remember an opticians shop called Ansell’s though, on Pinstone Street. They had the glasses but not the beer. 2. The Office pub at Upperthorpe was a Shipstones pub at one time at one time when it was called Eversley House. The British Oak at Mosborough was also a Shipstones. 3. I can only recall three home ales pubs. The Whitehart next to the church at Eckington bottom, Fiery Fred at Darnall, and the Pomona on Ecclesall rooad. The Pomona then became a Youngers (Scottish & Newcastle) pub. Other Youngers were the Nailmakers Arms at Norton, the Claymore (Newcastle Brown on draft) in town. The Athol hotel on Cross Burgess Street or Charles Street, was also a Youngers (previously Shipstones?). The derelict Carwood (Tetley) on Carlisle Street East (or Carlisle Road?) was later done-up by Youngers and became a video-bar (?) called Whispers. 4. The original Mulberry Tavern was a Richdale pub, but were later bought out by Hammonds (?), saucy sods. Let it be clear that Hammond Inns didn’t have any connections to Hammond Innes. The pub was demolished 1973 then re-built in 1976, as a bass (Stones) pub on the same site. Bring back the original version! From my private collection. The Half Moon on Mather Road near the Darnall Greyhound track was also a Hammonds house at one time. Don’t forget Nell’s on Cambridge Street. 5. Did any of you ever drink Brew X (ten)? and Brew XI (eleven)? I drank brew X at Dog & Partridge on Attercliffe Rooad. As for Brew XI, I supped it in Congleton (Cheshire) when I was in the T.A. (tight arses) in 1972-74. 6. Bentleys beer has at one time or another been sold at: Dog & Partridge – Attercliffe Road Robin Hood – Aughton Bronx – Saville Street East Ball Inn – Upwell Street Rockingham Arms – Rockingham Street Wellington – Brightside Lane Bentleys was also available at the Spa Club at Frecheville in late 60s – early 70s, although the Spa club selled mainly Whitbread products. I assume Whitbread bought-out Bentleys, but maybe Bass had shared in Bentleys, hence some Stones pubs in the above list. Is there a connection atween Bentley (BYB) in Woodlesford, and Bentley Old brewery in Rotherham? The Horseshoe (horses hoe) Inn on Bellhouse Road also sold at one time Bentleys Rotherham ales. -- Reight, it’ll soon be last orders. Let’s crack on 7. Mansfield beer. When I had dranked a few pints of bitter, I always had the feeling I’d ‘etten a big bagful of cooking apples. LOL I’ve supped Mansfields at … but not all in one day: Surrey & Fringe (Outdoors and Indoors) (later Surrey, then Graduate) – Surrey street Howard (Hotel) (previously Tetley) – Howard Street Golden Plover – Hackenthorpe Hackenthorpe Social Club Fairways Golf Course – Birley Lane Trades and Labour Club – Duke Street Double Top – Watterthorpe Pike & Heron – Cansley Fulwood Inn – Ranmoor Little Mesters (later Burtonwoods beer) – Broomhall. 8. I’ve also supped Burtonwoods at: The Wellington at Langsett Road / Wood Street. It was previously a Tetley pub, now the Hillsborough Hotel. The Red Lion (previously Tetley) on Duke Street. Paul and Anne (?) Hodson managed the pub mid ‘90s. 9. Kings Arms – Commercial Street was definitely a Higsons pub, in my time til it cloised 70-71ish? Whether the beer was brewed in Liverpool or under license by Whitbread in Sheffield, I couldn’t say. It was not a Hammonds pub, unless before my time. In this shot from 1968 you can see (magnifying glasses at the ready) on the right below the bank, a Bass sign, followed by the Higson brewery sign. That’s where the Kings Arms stood. Directly across the road is the Gas Company. A pace or two higher up from the gas place is a sign fixed to the wall. That’s the Gambit Chinese restaurant. I believe they got cloised down for having haif-a-dog hanging in the fridge / freezer. I hate to think what they had in the beer. Anyroad, the entrance to the Kings Arms was a big revolving door. Inside, the ground-level had a full-sized snooker / billiards table. Up the wide carpeted staircase to the first-floor was a bar where ‘men’ of a different leaning sipped their drinkies. I enjoyed snooker so stayed downstairs. LOL. Kings arms was demolished 72-73ish? I have also drunk Higsons, at Everton Supporters Club, in Liverpool (1973?), on the day I saw Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2-1. I was there for autographs, Liverpool, Newcastle, and waiting for Everton players returning from their match at Coventry (?). 10. Does anybody recall wetching the Strippers, stripping-off at Sunday dinner-time at the Dog & Partridge (Stones) Attercliffe Road, and at the Staniforth Arms (Whitbread), Staniforth Road? This was during the 90s. We usually wetched the first 3 strips (missed out on the fourth) at the Staniforth, then sprinted down the hill to the Dog & Partridge for last orders and more importantly the final strip. If anybody starts a thread about their memories of that time, then I’d like to do a detailed post of that time. This is also an invite for the strippers to post, they may remember me in the front row. LOL. I remember a bloke used to drive up from Mansfied every Sunday without fail. 11. Home Ales and Shipstones Ales have started brewing again, in Nottingham. 12. I started drinking in 1969 when I was fiveteen. I enjoyed to travel around the pubs in search of pinball machines. I once got fined £3 at Nursery Street Juvenile Court in 1971. My first ever pint was at the Foresters (Whitbread) on Division Street. I was with my work mates from Davy’s Fargate shop. Mine hosts at the Foresters were Bill and Maggie Stewart. Always smartly dressed they were. Prost Kumpi. Extra: 13. Some pubs my mate Cuttsie (here here here here here here and here) has supped in(n). This bus would have taken him part of the way to some of these pubs. 14. Stuff Ansells!!

Neville Watts – Monty’s Motors Hey up, thanks for sensibly clicking onto this thread. During 1972-73ish I worked for one year and one week at Neville Watts Ironmongers on Fitzwilliam Street, City Centre. The shop was situated atween the Raven (Whitbread) pub, and Shepherds (Sheppards) Opticians (this shop is still theere). One of my many duties at N. Watts was to write a postcard to customers to inform them items they had ordered were now to hand and ready for collection. Some customers preferred their items to be sent by post or to be delivered by our van driver, Tom Lunn. When Tom sadly died, and a lovely man he was… he was replaced by Frank Wong, a Scouser of Chinese origin. Items included the usual ironmongery: kicking plates, door closers, locks, keys, escutcheons, etc. One of our customers was: Mr. Dimberline at Monty’s motors, out Oughtibridge – Deepcar way? His name has come back to my mind hundred’s of times over the years. Who was Mr Dimberline?

St. Catherine’s R.C. School. Did any of you go here.

Remembering Studio 7 in the Wicker! 1. I remember some occasions when I visited Studio 7 [see here and here]. I recall seeing Waterhole. James Coburn and Margaret Blye starred. -- I also recall seeing On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, with George Lazenby as James Bond. Me and mi latest bird had gotten up close and were sharing the contents of a box of Poppets… mouth to mouth. There was suddenly an ear-splitting din when Bond had just returned to his hotel room and was set upon in the dark. The shock the noise made us spill the rest of our Poppets all o’er t’flooer. -- Ref. Post 6. Jules et Jim sounds like an interesting film title for those in the know. LOL. To use my imagination, it sounds like an early World cup film (Jules Rim-et). LOL. -- 2. There were times when I went to Studio 7 on mi own too. I often borrowed mi Dad’s off-buff coloured rain coit when I went. It was creased-up, and greased-up and it made me look like and feel like … Frank Marker. Huh. -- 3. Ref Post 32. Bentley’s Car show room. It was once mentioned to me many moons ago that Bentley’s had a goose (or geese) to keep guard at the showroom instead of a dog. Could this be true, or is it a load of bull bobbar?

When did the first Chinese Restaurant / chip shop open Here is a shot of Golden Tiger restaurant at the junction of London Road / Abbeydale Road. 1972. Its wedged ‘atween Highfield Library and Trinity Church. The scaffolded Royal Hotel is to the right. -- This photo is of London Road – Boston Street in 1972. Note the mandarin shrift on the sign attached to the amusement arcade. Was there possibly an upstairs Chinese restaurant? If so, what was it called? Suggestions: - Man King? - Ung Flung Dung? - Gung ho? TC Harrison’s far right, after Tiffany’s -- Ah’ve just discovered this, in this, in my extensive private library. Exactly where ‘Brenda’s’ now stands.

Glossop Road Swimming Baths Here is summat that maybe of interest. Gerra wesh!

Hackenthorpe and Zakes Part 63. Nah then Downsunder, Als, I have to agree with you on this one occasion... Lol. The following. I recall the Page's lived next door to the Darwents. The Page's were; Ken Page... father Keith... son Heather... daughter Glynis or Glennis... daughter Mrs Page i never met. It's possible Glennis/Glynis is older than Heather but definitely younger than Keith. Keith is about the age Downsunder quoted. The Townsend's lived a few doors further on. Sorry I.S. and G.T.

Hackenthorpe and Zakes. Part 62. A Heartlighting View. Stephen George Anecdote No. 5. It was early Sunday morning, during the latter half of 1961. I’d etten my usual breakfast of Shredded Wheat, then I was ready to go out. As usual, I didn’t have a fixed-plan as to where I’d be going to. I almost always seemed to decide upon my destination once I was stood on the main pathway outside our house, on Carter Lodge Drive. __________________________________ Having laced and knotted my footwear items, I egressed our house. Having made sure to slam the door behind me, I soon reached the main path. Slamming the door behind me on Sunday mornings was a weekly ritual. If I didn’t have a peaceful lie-in, then I couldn’t see why others should have one. I had at times been tempted to lift our ribbed galvanized dustbin lid, then to crash it down onto the bin a dozen times or so, then run off, but I thought it would be overdoing it a bit. Let sleeping dogs lie. Strolling down Carter Lodge Rise, I had decided to go down to the Shirebrook River. I always enjoyed the walk down to the river. There was an earthy footpath all the way down. Once on the path, there was a rich golden field to the left, and one to the right. These two fields were wheat fields. On the edges of the path/fields grew Camomile, Poppies, and Shepherd’s-Purse… best to see between May, and early Ernting. The Camomile with its Daisy-like flowers, exuded a most powerful aroma. The red Poppies always seemed to dance in a gentle breeze. They reminded me of the girls at school… quite pretty really. The Shepherd’s-Purse had white flowers, the plant was sticky, and it had small seed pods. These pods would often stick to my woollen socks, and to my shoe laces. The nature lesson continues. On reaching the end of these two fields, there was a slight rise where two old stone gate posts stood. Any fool could see a gate had once hung from one of the posts (before my time). At the same spot there was also an almost fully collapsed small wall stretching the width of the two fields, replaced by a poorly planted small sturdy hedgerow. The hedgerwo was a ‘divide’ to the next two fields heading down towards the Shirebrook river. These two next fields were different to the first two, in that one of them (the left one) was a ryefield, the other a barley field. After the August harvesting, all four fields would produce the same produce the following year. Together, the four fields looked like a golden inland sea. At a guess, I guessed the fields would give up 5-score bushels of crop per acre. Next came a wide expanse of amny types of wild grasses, plants and also many types of wooden trees. At this point, the air was markedly cooler (even in summer) because I would be very close to the river. After the Shirebrook River, the lowest point of the walk, the path then steeply meandered upwards, to Wood’uss. _______________________________ However: On reaching the bottom of Carter Lodge Rise, I was now stood on Carr Forge Road. Directly across the road was a jennel (hard J) leading to the cornfields. The estimated length of the jennel was forty-foots. I had a change of heart (Christian Barnard and all that jazz) as regard to my destination. I now wanted to go to the massive expanse of Gorse bushes that grew behind Birley Spa Junior School, my school. Marching up Carr Forge Road, I soon bypassed Carr Forge Lane, situated to my left (I wasn’t walking backwards). On reaching the big curvy curve at the top of Carr Forge, I altered my mind once again. I decided to call at Stephen George’s house, on Carr Forge Mount, no. 19, to see (ask) if he was coming out to play… he came out to play. ________________________________ Having mooched around parts of the estate, Stephen an I, both aged almost 8, befound ourselves on Main Street. We were aimlessly ambling towards the heart of the village. On nearing Hackenthorpe Hall, we both heard the sound of voices, singing. The (un)melodic voices were the voices of boys. The singing was coming from the Methodist Church, that stood almost bang opposite the cottage abutting Hackenthorpe Hall. The cottage was in a bad state of disrepair, and I had played (adventured) inside it on a few occasions. I always did prefer the big grey/black stone buildings in Main Street, to the colour of the housing brickage of the estate. It seemed quite evident to Stephen and I, that choir practice was being practiced inside the church. Outside the church were heavy duty black railings (black-japanned), similar to the ones outside Hackenthorpe Hall. The church had large windows, with a big wooden door atween. The building was also in a slight ramshackle condition, but nowhere near as bad as the cottage. __________________________________ This next part is very vague, and I fear I may have got some details wrong. I am referring to the church interior. ___________________________________ After some gentle prodding from me, Stephen agreed to us going into the church. Once inside, we saw in the front of us a raised wooden oblong section, with steps (also wooden) going up both sides. The section looked not unsimilar to a dock in a court of law. In the section were boys (about 10 or so), stood singing hymns. The boys seemed to be between 2-6 years older than us two. Stood to our left was a man who seemed to be in charge. Another man was nearby hanging about on the sidelines. The loud singing, and the smell of dry-rot are the things I vividly remember. __________________________________ After the hymn had come to a close, the main man invited us both to join in. We weren’t sure, but with a little prompting we agreed. We took our places inside the ‘dock’, which was tiered. The tiering was 2, possibly 3 high, not unlike a stand at a football stadium. We sang several hymns, and it was most enjoyable to be able to sing out loud. The hymns were mainly the ones familiar to us both. Fight the good fight with all thy might. Onward Christian Soldiers. – (I never liked that one). All glory, laud, and honour. During: All things bright and beautiful (I liked the purple headed bit)… I began to deliberately sing some different words (to the hymn). As usual, in situations of naughtiness, Stephen’s face became rubicund. Stephen started to titter quietly, and I was half laughing, half singing. Some of the other boys glanced at us in a stern missbilligend way. When the singing practice was done, the main bloke beckoned us both down to him. He asked us if we had enjoyed ourselves. We yessed his inquiry. He smilingly told us that we would be most welcome to come on the following Sunday, but the giggling had to stop. We promised to be good Christians in seven days time. _________________________________ By the time next Sunday had arrived, the novelty of singing in church had worn off. It had seemed okay as a one-off. I felt that Stephen had felt the same way… but I was mistaken. Having answered the door, mi Mum screechingly informed me I had a visitor, it was Stephen… Blummin’ ‘eck! __________________________________ ‘Round twenty-odd minutes or so later, we arrived at the Methodist Church. We were slightly late, but the main bloke smiled, and seemed pleased to see us. We were then waved to our positions in the ‘dock’. With hymn-book in hand, we sang our hearts out. After having sung so sweetly through a couple of hymns, I just couldn’t resist being me. I once again started to sing the wrong words, and to la-la-la but this time we both broke out into uncontrollable giggles. The choir-master (main man) then demonstratingly beckoned us both down from the ‘dock’, then he pointed us both to the exit door. He was stood straight-backed like a drill-sergeant, and with the face reminiscent of an angry Madagascan puff-adder. It was wazzing it down outside. R.I.P. Stephen George. I will never forget you. ____________________________________ Footnote: The church was closed down not long after this. A new church had been built on Spa View Road, higher up the estate.

Herdings County Primary School Was the school near to the site on this photo form 65ish?

Gleadless Valley Secondary (Modern) School ('64-'65) Here is a photo from 1965ish.

Ellesmere Road School, did you go there? Here is some info that may jog memories 1956

Memories of Wigfalls Ref. Post 227. Val Brierley. I recall your Dad, Richard Brierley at Wigfalls Spital Hill shop. The shop was on the left going up from the Arches. Your Dad was the undermanager. I vaguely remember he sported brown wavyish hair and wore horn-rimmed specs. He and the Dreary manager wore smart dark suits. Your Dad sometimes wore a smart Tweed jacket and grey trousers with razor sharp creases. He looked a little like Paul Laidlaw from TV’s Bargain Hunt. The shop was badly lit and had a definite atmosphere of a funeral parlour, and the place smelled of pipe tobacco and dry-rot. The shop was the least modern of the Wigfalls shops, though the London rooad branch came a close second. I generally didn’t converse with the shop management, that was left to my driver Mick Headford who originated from Hastings. I always tried to avoid authority anyway. Spittal Hill was the only shop I can remember than never gave Mick and me a cuppa. The shop wasn’t a busy shop compared to the others. Wigfalls at Spital Hill was also the worst shop to deliver and collect from, because of parking problems. We used to have to park on Spital Street / Lane / Handley Street. Due to demolition of old buildings in that area (1971-1972ish), we had to lug televisions, Radiograms etc, over rubble and bricks sticking out at all angles. I remember on one cold snowy day, Mick and me, slipping onto our backsides while carrying a very heavy 26” screen (the largest at the time) telly with an enormous wooded cabinet. We were sat in the snow and bricks nursing the telly in our laps. LOL. There was another Wigfalls shop on the other side of Spital Hill but it didn’t sell televisions. It was near to the East House pub (Tetley) where a decade previous, a Somalian man went wild with a revolver killing three persons, and crippling another for life. I have often wondered if the Somalian bloke had been enraged by bad service on the part of Wigfalls. One never knowns. Ref. Post 218 – Sheff71 There was a Wigfalls shop on Main Road, Darnall. It was on the left, almost at the junction of main road Greenland Road. Over the junction (continuation of Main Road) was the Rose and Crown pub (Tetley). One day our van had a collision with a car (Mini). In the shopping precinct car park facing Main Road. The detailed info of this is in post 112. More info of Wigfalls to be found in post 65. Both posts are from me. -- At our depot (Bruce Works) on Mowbray Street, there was a bloke who we could speak with if we had any complaints, Harry Green, who lived at Frecheville, and often played cards in the BIrley Hotel (Stones). One Friday, Harry had overheard me getting all mardy about me being quartered (but not hung and drawn) due to me having been late clocking-in early in the week. I really shouldn’t have gotten ratty though, because I knew the rules. teenage tantrum. LOL. Harry advised me to wise(n) up. He told me that if I was going to be late in the future, just phone in from a phone-box, and tell the office people that I’d pulled me back, or some other injury / illness. That would then guarantee me getting fully paid for that day off. He did warn me though, not to pull the rick too often. LOL. Nice one Harry. -- Original poster – Alan Stepney. With all the info on this thread, together with the last time you posted…6-4-2008, I expect your book to be as thick as war and peace! Shake a leg, pal! Did you have a bruvver called Alex, who used to play for Millwall then Chelsea? Reply not expected.

St Barnabas’ (Cecil Road) C.E. School. ’64-‘65 Here is a pic of your old school. Does anybody else have any memories?

Settling an argument! Winstons. Nah then Stunmon, as I have plenty of time on my hands, here is Winstons from a different angle in 1974. If you have any further alleged arguments then feel free to ask me for photos, seeing that Hillsbro has been fired, and that’s a first. ---------- Post added 18-11-2017 at 21:53 ---------- Settling an argument! Winstons. Here are two more shots of Winstons. One shot is the same as the photo Mickyboy kindly put on, but slightly lower down the hill with different people. The second shot shows only half of the Winston shop, but highlights the café next-door, Paramount. Here and Here. 1973 and 1972. -- Padders mentioned the Paramount photo bought back memories for him. I wonder if he ever eated the speciality of the house. A doorstep sized Red & White streaky bacon sandwich, with a generous splodge of Red sauce. The sandwich then cut through with a very Sharp Blade-d knife. Yummy. -- I remember one of my visits to the Paramount during the early 70s. I had gone in for one of dem famous bacon sarnies, and a cuppa char. Whilst there, I got chatting to a female customer sat at the table next to the window. During our conversation, I noted we had the same interests (including sex) as each other. Having polished off my gut-busting doorstep sarnie, I wiped mi gob with one of those ultra-soft serviettes the Paramount always had. Suddenly, my co-conversationess grabbed me, and we were immediately locked in a wild passionate kiss. I was certainly not going to be complaining about the girl’s oral assault on me. After all, we both were on Snog Hill. This is a made-up story, a falsehood. LOL. Two much time on my hands (wrist).

Albert Keates, Sheffield Organ Works Have any of you had any dealings with this company? Many years ago, my girlfriend and I were having a snag or two with ‘our’ organ. After much discussion, we decided to visit Keates, after a short inspection the sales woman at Keates assured us we didn’t need a new organ. Instead she gave a demonstration with the Electric Blowing Equipment which was quite good, but the Silent Blower did the trick. Job done. We had no further snags with the organ, although I did visit Keates on an often basis.

Edwin Gowers and son. Grocers. Did any of you shop or work at Gowers? Mi Aunty Lily used to shop at the shop on Rural Lane on occasion

The Sheffield Free Brewery Co Do any of you know where the site of this brewery was, and which pubs sold its beer?

Hillfoot county school 64-65 Photo from 1968