Rivelin valley.

[hillsbro]

Just above the Norfolk Arms leaving Sheffield there used to be a "lay bye" with a small hut selling ice cream and soft drinks etc.

There were also some swingboats in the field behind. They were something of a long-standing tradition in Rivelin - some more swingboats were beside the double bend (here is an old photo) but they had gone by the post-war period.

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Edited September 17, 2012 by hillsbro
Link to photo added.

[mikeG]

We used to cycle from Crosspool, up Sandygate/Redmires Road, turn right before the dam along the rough track, through the woods and come out at the swingboats. Couldnt do it now. By the time I got to the Plough, I'd have run out of puff.

[rabitter]

when we were cycling early sixties we used to call for a mug of tea in that layby and always had 20 mins on the swingboats

[PopT]

As a kid we always called this place 'Little Wembley'.

 

it was one of our Sunday walks from Owlerton.

 

We loved the place and the Ice Cream.

 

Happy Days! PopT

[Allen]

Any explanation of the name "Little Wembley" Pop T?

 

My cycling days there was early sixtie with my sister and Dad.

I remember the cabin and the swing boats.

 

We called it "Swingley".

[hillsbro]

nearest post office would be on the corner of rivelin valley road and manchester road.

Yes, this was Rivelin Bridge Post Office. It sadly closed in 2006, after 120 years of providing services to local people. The adjacent café also didn't prove viable, and the property was sold by auction in 2007. The whole area was much more popular for walking etc. in the days when more people took country walks as a form of recreation. Despite the 1960s improvements to the paths, dredging the old millponds etc. and establishing the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, Rivelin doesn't attact the numbers of visitors who, a few decades ago, would walk down from Stannington, Crosspool etc. Such a pity as it's a lovely part of Sheffield.

[skippy]

I remember playing on some ordinary swings in the 40's, they were on the right after going across the dam road ?

As Hillsbro said, Rivelin was a very popular spot years ago, we kids used to spend most of the school holidays exploring around there, I lived at Crookes in my younger years and it didn't take us long to get down there.

I bet you stopped for a drink of water from the trough opposite the Bell Hagg Inn Mike ?

[PopT]

Hi Allen

 

When Belle View opened in Manchester it was known as, 'The Wembley of the North'.

 

I can only think that the nickname 'Little Wembley' was a take off from that.

 

I think we must remember there wasn't a lot of cheap venues for the ordinary families and such places gave some focus to a weekend walk and all the kids loved it.

 

What more could they want, swings, Ice Cream, crisps and cups of tea.

 

How things have changed.

 

Happy Days! PopT

[david weston]

The family who ran the roadside snack cabin and lived in the house above it with the swingboats were known for 'sharp practice'. As young teens in around 1959, a friend and myself were asked to widen a pathway there for them. They provided basic refreshments and promised payment of a few pounds when finished. When the job was done excuses were made and we didn't get paid. We actually informed the police and were told by a local officer that they were known for doing this type of thing. Needless to say, we never got paid. They also employed slave labour from the Hollow Meadows mental hospital up the road. One chap from there who served the tables was once shouted by the lady of the house and said to us " That bloody Dolly, I'll hit her with this sodding tea pot one day !"

[harestone]

If you use Facebook there's a group page dedicate to the Redmires pow era, Not absolutely sure but this link may take you there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/140800861342/10151202918881343/?notif_t=group_activity

 

Apologies if already posted, I don't have time to read the whole thread.