EDGE December 2008/January 2009

CHELSEA PARK BONFIRE NOV 2008

The St Andrews scouts, as part of their Administrators badge, were challenged to produce a newspaper style article on a local or scout based event. The article below, by Patrick Barker, was selected to appear in this months EDGE
72nd St Andrews Scout Bonfire This years annual bonfire was well organised by 72nd St Andrews and the fireworks were a spectacular addition to the huge fire. Wood was sup-plied by local residents. Many people turned up to see the spectacular event, where food was served by the cubs, scouts, beavers and guides and cooked by the scout leaders. The event began at 6:00pm and lasted into the night. The whole event was greatly accepted by the local residents. As the fire died down people moved in like a pack of lions on its prey. Next year I expect a magnificent fire as usual from the dedicated scouts. And hope for it to be as successful if not more successful than this years fire.

Thanks for supporting our appeal to reinstate a bus shelter at the No. 22 terminus. Its now back!

EDGE April 2009

Many of you will have noticed the work going on at the Brincliffe Edge Road entrance to Chelsea Park. It is now complete and reflects the same fencing style used around the children's play area near the Chelsea Road entrance. The new entrance on Brincliffe Edge Road, which NENG has been pressing hard for some time, is a modern take on a traditional kissing gate - with room to move a buggy through before closing the gate behind you. Albeit it if you have a large buggy or a wheelchair you might have a bit of a squeeze!

Now that we have such an excellent entrance, is it time that we link the two entrances to the park with a solid path? The possibility of running a discreet path through the woods at the top over the existing track down to the path at the corner of Brincliffe Towers, has already been discussed by the NENG General Committee. This would compliment the new path that NENG is already seeking funding for via the Council, which will run from the main entrance on Chelsea Road to the small pedestrian only entrance on Chelsea Road for the purposes of alleviating damage caused by walkers and muddy conditions. Send your thoughts to the next editor.

Could a path run again between these gate posts?

EDGE Feb 2009 The Continuous Past Howard Trott, guest editor

Walking around the streets of Nether Edge, its not hard to see the signs of its pre-Victorian past, before George Wostenholm developed the new estate which he called Ken-wood, and the nature of the area began to change radically to accommodate the needs of the expanding middle classes. At this time, say about 1830, the area had no straight tree-lined roads, just erratic tracks and lanes linking the isolated settlements of Cherry Tree Farm (opposite the present Union pub, at the top of Machon Bank Road), Machon

Bank Farm at the bottom of what is now Sheldon Road, Upper Edge (now Fountside) and Nether Edge (Brincliffe Oaks) farmhouses. The Cherry Tree and Machon Bank sites have com-pletely disappeared, and all that remains of Upper Edge is part of the seventeenth-century boundary wall between Fountside and Ladysmith Avenue at the top of Byron Road. The fu-ture of the Brincliffe Oaks/ Nether Edge Farmhouse looks increasingly uncertain. It has to be preserved the whole area is named after it!

Bulb planting with Clifford School Oct 2008

Bogus Callers Warning From PCSO Sarah Hague of South Yorkshire Police, Meersbrook Station, Tel. 2963184
There have recently been two serious incidents, one in the Carterknowle area, the other in Abbeydale Road South. Each involved two bogus callers, claiming to be from the Water Board. They told the householder they had instructions to test the water and not to worry about the cost. After being invited inside they ran the kitchen and bathroom taps and stole money, in one case 100. In both instances the men are described as white males aged 20 -30. Please remind your readers always to check ID and if you are still unsure, contact the relevant agencies involved. Do not ring the number on the ID presented as this is often false. If you see someone acting suspiciously, get as much information as possible regarding description, clothing, vehicle etc. and contact the police.

Well Done NENG Carollers! From Andrea Watts

NENG Carollers. Many thanks to the small group who braved the elements back in December for our usual outing. Despite smaller than usual numbers and inclement weather, we raised 90.00 for the Cavendish Care Centre, which one of us gift-aided. We have re-ceived a letter of thanks from them. Special thanks to Meadow Bank Avenue residents who so generously encouraged us, and to the Stag and Union landlords and customers.

Return of the NENG Traffic Survey Richard Ward It seems hard to believe that its coming up to five years since the last Nether Edge traffic survey! Sadly, I think its safe to assume that things are no quieter than they were in 2004. That said we need to believe that we can influence the ways in which we adapt as a community to the ubiquity of cars. We can and should address their inconsiderate use. However, to win arguments and gain investment in safety measures and alternatives we need good evidence. Our own locally gathered survey data provides part of the mosaic of factors that make a strong argument for targeted action. We need better pedestrian crossing places, improved cyclist safety and measures to deal with inconsiderate parking, speeding and a host of other concerns. So, to move on, my purpose in writing is to: (a) Recruit traffic survey volunteers and (b) Identification of Hot-spots. Send me your concerns, with a bit of background information and Ill discuss with the NENG committee which might be priorities the Group can and should support.

EDGE March 2009

STOP PRESS Funding for the Farmers Market road closures Following pressure from NENG, the council, keen to ensure the continuation of the very successful quarterly markets along Nether Edge/ Glen Rd, have agreed to find the funds to pay for the road closure adverts which will cover the next 18 month period.

Note from Robert Spooner If you gave money to ASSIST at the Nether Edge autumn farmers market, thank you we hope you enjoyed the home grown apples in return. Your money will be vital in continuing the work we do; supporting destitute asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution. These people end up living a horrible life of limbo, desperately trying to survive; as well as being made destitute, they are not allowed to work, so cannot have any form of income. We give welfare payments to some (20 per week), find accommodation for some (in three houses used by

ASSIST, with volunteer hosts, or in the night shelter), and give advice to many others with regards to furthering appeals. Although wed love to support every destitute asylum seeker in Sheffield, unfortunately we only have the funds to help around 70. Even more depressing is the news that, due to the economic crisis, lots of our bursary funding may be lost, and donations from individuals have plummeted. So we are facing a crisis ourselves; if we cannot raise the same amount of money as we have spent this financial year, we cannot continue ASSISTs work on anything like the current level. We are extremely aware that many of you will also have been hit hard by the economic crisis, but would ask you to seriously consider if you could give anything to us. Any donation will be greatly appreciated go to www.assistsheffield.org.uk to make a donation. Chelsea Park in the snow Feb 2009

Richard Ward reports on Vodafones Appealing Outcome

Readers of Edge will recall that Vodafone hoped to site antennae on the roof of the old chapel occupied by Henry Hall on Union Road. The proposed alterations to the building included the erection of pretend chimney stacks to conceal the antennae. Local opposition to the plans was substantial and well informed.

To quote the main thrust of the judgement reached by the Planning Inspector (following Vodafones appeal): I consider the main issues in this case to be whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area and if not, whether any harm is outweighed by the need to site the installation in the location proposed. The report goes on to analyse aspects of the proposal, eventually stating that: For these reasons I conclude that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of Henry Hall and would fail to preserve or enhance the appearance of the Nether Edge Conservation Area. EDGE Sept 2009
Brincliffe Oaks Planning approval has been given for redevelopment of the former Brincliffe Oaks pub:- The old farmhouse section to be converted into 2 semi-detached houses; 3 new detached houses to be built along Nether Edge Rd; along with a small block of 6 flats on the site. One of the horse chestnut trees is to be retained and landscape planting undertaken. Lantern Frolics - from Jack and Kate Massey A gem of a little theatre is ours in Nether Edge! Built in Victorian times by an indulgent father of talented girls, who wanted their own performance space. There was a stage and auditorium and a gallery. An open fire warmed the theatre, which had sofas and armchairs for the audience. Two tiny dressing rooms were in the roof space. When the girls had grown up, the theatre was left to rot until the 1950s. Dilys Guite, a teacher of speech and drama spotted it and approached the owner, with an offer to do it up, if they could use it for plays. This was agreed, materials were begged and borrowed, and it was opened to the public in 1959. The generous owner gave the theatre to the Dilys Guite Players, with a similar clause to the Windmill Theatre - it must never close, and if it did, the Players would not profit by it the proceeds would go to the Red Cross. We are determined never to close this marvellous place, but sadly, the roof has developed some serious problems over the years, which are in urgent need of attention. The costs are in tens of thousands of pounds, and we are delighted that NENG is donating the proceeds of the next Farmers' Market to our Roof Fund. To get things off to a good start, the first task is a proper survey of the roof and a reliable estimate, and then we shall probably be asking the generous public to "donate a tile" at a pound a time! Please help us save this unique piece of Nether Edge history. Meanwhile, I hope you will come along to the Farmers Market and enjoy seeing a few of our Lantern Frolics.

EDGE Oct 2009

Letter from Bob Telfer - Bus Development Manager, South Yorkshire PTE. Direct line: 0114 221 1428 Number 10 bus Further to our correspondence earlier this year, Im letting you know that from next Monday there will be a duplicate No. 10 bus operating on schooldays at the busy morning time. This extra bus will start at the Heeley Bridge end of Broadfield Road at 0830 and will run as far as the Hallamshire Hospital. The times will be as for the service bus, but please note that with potentially fewer passengers per vehicle the drivers may have a slightly quicker journey, and as the times shown at each stop are approximations the bus(es) could come earlier than shown; the crucial guide time is 0830 from the Broadfield Road/Saxon Road junction. We hope that this will overcome the problems that you and others have highlighted to us.

EDGE Nov 2009

Abundance
Last month, we advertised that a group of us would try to help with harvesting fruit locally fruit that would otherwise go to waste. We started in a very small way, harvesting a pear tree notified (as a result of the article) by an EDGE reader. It took about 30-45 minutes and was great fun. The class 1 fruit went straight to Brincliffe Towers; the "class 2" fruit was then destined for juicing and chutney. Two people who do a lot of work with Abundance came along with some equipment and lots of expertise, so we were not left to flounder.

CHANGES TO THE 22 BUSfrom SYPTE

Following on from last months correspondence, readers might like to know about the revised 22 bus route. Essentially the changes are as follows: 1. Instead of running to/from Wybourn the service will go to/from Woodhouse. Between Nether Edge and the city centre the route will be un-changed except that buses towards Nether Edge will pick up on Commercial Street, above Ponds Forge, instead of near the markets on Waingate.

2. Buses will revert to operating half-hourly throughout the evening (currently the frequency drops to hourly after about 2100). Evening users should certainly welcome this. 3. The Sunday timetable will become half-hourly throughout, from early morning to end of service. Currently it runs every 20 minutes during shopping times. 4. Times of journeys will change, but the 10-minute weekday daytime frequency will be maintained.

EDGE Dec09/Jan10

New Post Box on Chelsea Road.

Following a request from a NENG member, commenting upon the growth in dwellings in our vicinity, the Royal Mail has installed a new post box outside Chelsea Park.

As already explained in a previous EDGE, we are planting up a small site (adjacent to the top of Frog Walk) at the Psalter Lane roundabout. Last year we started by planting a new tree and 5 new shrubs, and we have recently added another 4. On Sun. 20th December, we shall be putting in herbaceous perennials - some tall as well as shorter ones. The project will be ongoing as we gradually acquire all the plants we need and make changes as necessary. We hope that we shall eventually end up with an attractive

gateway to our area. Our intention is to create a long-lasting garden requiring no fertilisers or insecticides that will make a positive contribution to the biodiversity of the locality. If you would like to join our team to help with occasional maintenance work, please get in touch with Mark Doel (266 6401) or Marian Tylecote (258 2337) or Chris Venables (255 0805)

EDGE FEB 2010re

B+Wpring Editorial by Howard Trott guest editor

In mid-December we saw the first snowflake of Winter. In early January we had the heaviest fall of snow in living memory (or so I believe) and Nether Edge was transformed. On the day when schools closed and buses stopped running, it was a joy to be able to take a walk around the deserted streets with a camera and enjoy the beauty of it. (Cant you guess, Ive recently retired?). And I didnt go before Id put out food and water for the birds, because many of them have had a very hard time just surviving and it will be interesting to see if theres a noticeable effect on the breeding numbers recorded this Spring. Even the large mammals like badgers have struggled - its hard to dig worms from rock-hard snow-covered ground. The cold is no problem for the ring-necked parakeets however - they survive quite happily at home in their natural habitat in the foothills of the Himalayas. At long last Ive managed to catch sight of them, four of them, vivid green with very long tails for their size, in a tall tree near Montgomery Road last week. People are also reporting seeing more redwings and especially fieldfares than usual at this time of year. But the wildlife thats preoccupying us most at the moment is living inside the house, in our bathroom, and its the ladybirds. My grand-daughter and I counted twenty of them a couple of days ago. We even had one buzzing frantically round a ceiling light the other night, just like a moth in a flame. I wonder if any other readers have seen large numbers of ladybirds (or anything else of interest) over-

wintering in the house. Please let me know if you have. You can contact me at htrott@blueyonder.co.uk or tel. 0114 2508743. EDGE March 2010 Editorial Joanna Saunders
I spent nearly all Saturdays of my childhood with my grandmother. The day included playing out in the woods and fields, finding newts, learning to knit and after a hearty roast lunch (with the Yorkshire pudding on its own with gravy as a first course) Grandstand and then a story. The story was either a wonderful fairytale, or if I could persuade her, her wartime memories. My grandparents and their small son (my Dad) lived in Barkers Road at the beginning of the war and whilst browsing through NENGs wonderful histories of the local area, he mentioned his memoire an edited extract is printed below: In my recollection, as a child growing up during the war, I dont think we ever felt very frightened by events, but later I came to realise that my parents had known fear during the Great War and in the late summer of 1939, in fear of the safety of his family, my father took us to live away from the city in Hathersage. We went to live with relatives and the whole family marshalled its forces against the enemy joining the army, navy, ARP, LDV and Mothers Union. I joined the Wolf Cubs. War came to Hathersage during the summer of 1940, heralding the really scary part such as the occasion of the first air raid when we all sat around the living room with our new gas masks on our knees, at the ready. Then a bomb dropped in the field behind the house, causing blast damage and we headed back to the house in Sheffield whilst repairs were carried out. We arrived in time for the blitz on Sheffield, three days after my eighth birthday in December 1940. We were watching Redskin Raiders on a Pathescope Cinematograph when the sirens sounded at about 7 pm on the Friday evening. As the projectors take-up spool had not got the hang of what was expected of it, the film was curled all over the kitchen floor, abandoned, as we retreated into the cellar at the sounds of the first attach. This was serious, unlike our first air raid alarm. On that occasion we had heard no sound of an aeroplane and the conclusion was that it must have been a false-alarm. On reflection, I think the wardens had probably been testing their new equipment and thereby conditioning people into believing that there would be no cause for panic a second time. This was certainly more serious when the whole area erupted in deafening noise. This was a time to feel scared. Only my father had heard such sounds before. Apart from the occasional forays that my Father made upstairs to return with reports of activity around the fires raging in Nether Edge Hospital, we remained in the cellar for 9 hours. On the following morning I was whisked off back to Hathersage, by our butcher in his van, through the debris littering the streets of Brincliffe Edge, wondering how it was possible for the whole of a house front to be lying in a pile of rubble in the front garden while pictures on the interior walls were still apparently hanging undisturbed. At some point during the morning the ARP Wardens told my Mother that the area was being evacuated as an unexploded bomb had been located over our garden wall in Edgebrook Road and that she must leave the house. When my father returned home to the empty house, all he found was Bluey the budgerigar a fatality of the blitz. Dad eventually returned to live in Nether Edge about 20 years ago and now lives on Bannerdale View. You can read more about the history of our beautiful suburb in the following books:Old Sharrow & Nether Edge in Photographs; They Lived in Sharrow and Nether Edge; and The Story of the Workhouse and Hospital at Nether Edge all available from ALD Design and Print Phone 267 9402, where you can get the first two titles for 5 this month and the third for a further 5!

Sustainable Building update - Nick Parsons energy@heeleyfarm.org.uk Thankyou for printing the report of my presentation on sustainable building in the December/January EDGE but Id like to clarify a few points. Solar panels, (water heating solar thermal) or electric (photovoltaics - PV)

are always worth considering, IF you have an unshaded roof facing between South and South-West. The newly-announced feed-in tariffs for PV payment for your renewable power station will increase considerably the rate of return and, if you are looking for one, shorten the pay-back period. The Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) is due to come in in 2011, although if you are with a certain supplier of Green energy, you can get a payment for heat already. So why might you NOT install solar thermal, if you had the money? A basic system will give you about 160 litres of piping hot water on a good sunny day. Do you really need that? For some single people and couples who are already very water-aware and who would not use this much then all the financial and CO2 savings figures are illusory if you dont use the water (which would otherwise have been heated by the main heating system) you dont make the savings. If you cant use all the water, consider whether to spend that money on something more prosaic insulation perhaps!

Not just great cakes - a caf to be proud of !

At a ceremony last month, Nether Edge caf Homemade was named Sheffields Best Healthy Food Establishment in the first city-wide Healthy Choices Awards. Facing stiff competition from established and prestigious restaurants and cafes in Sheffield, the caf was selected from a shortlist of 6 finalists. Trudi Colman and Justine Twigge opened Homemade on Nether Edge Road nearly 18 months ago. Their lunches, cakes, burger nights, bistro evenings and outside catering have quickly become firm favourites with customers. The judges praised the wide range of healthy menu options that they offer and also highlighted the healthier cooking methods used during preparation.
Community Forestry in Nether Edge The Sheffield City Council Community Forestry Team have been very busy in the Nether Edge area recently with tree planting at Carterknowle Junior School, building a new school garden at Abbeydale Primary School and Tree planting at Empire Road Common Ground and Broadfield Park with more planting days in the pipeline in the Sharrow and Nether Edge neighbourhoods. We will soon be taking a delivery of new fruit trees one of which will be planted in the community flower beds on the Psalter Lane/Cemetery Road round about. We will be planting a new Crab Apple tree especially ordered by members of NENG. Street Force are currently building a new path in Chelsea Park to improve access to the play park. To celebrate the opening of the new path, the Community Forestry team are planning a tree planting event with local children on the 23rd March from 10am onwards. We welcome all volunteers! We will be planting new Alder and Elm trees along the new path, as well as clearing scrub to help improve the wildflower meadow. Cutting back of overhanging vegetation and scrub will allow more light to the meadow, which will help improve the local biodiversity as well as making the meadow more colourful. Please come down and lend a hand on the 23 rd March in Chelsea Park!

If you have more tree planting ideas for us to help us improve the environment of the Nether Edge neighbourhood over the next year please give us a call. For more information please call Ed Thatcher Mob: 07816596228 Email: edward.thatcher@sheffield.gov.uk or Angus Hunter Mob:07855225172 Email: angus.hunter@sheffield.gov.uk

EDGE May 2010

Annual Report of NENGs activities Chris Venables We have had a very busy year working hard to improve the conditions of life in the community. NENGs reputation is greater - due mainly to the successful Nether Edge Farmers Markets which have exceeded all our dreams. Success has itself caused complications as weve had to battle for council help with litter collection, road signage and deal with overcrowded roads. We vary the stallholders - giving local people the chance to run their own stall. As well as the large donations weve made to various charities, some stall holders have raised funds for their own good causes. Other visible actions relate to the environment : including tree planting with the Community Foresters at Common Ground and St Andrews Psalter Lane Church, planting perennials at the top of Frog Walk (on the small piece of council land weve a contract to maintain), and everyone has, I hope, enjoyed the daffodils we planted in the Autumn -provided by StreetForce. Improvements to Chelsea Park include work on the wildflower meadow which Marian manages, and a new path and trees (funded by Viridor Credits Environmental company). Last years Open Gardens project coordinated by Helen and Kate was very successful with 12 gardens to explore. Having decided to make it an optional 2-day event its a shame that to date only 4 gardeners have offered to open up. I hope that our recent better weather and gardens coming to life will encourage more to volunteer. Less tangible actions have involved networking with various community groups, Councillors, the Community Assembly South team and other council officers on : Requesting notification before leaf sweeping (so cars can be moved in time) Discussing snow clearance arrangements Advising groups wishing to establish their own community market (eg Sharrowvale) Improving public transport (eg no.10 bus) Supporting the 20s plenty campaign for a 20mph speed limit on residential roads.

Although not universally popular (we all like to get to our destination as quickly as possible) we believe the benefits would far outweigh the negatives and would make life pleasanter, healthier and safer for everyone - especially if installed as part of the PFI contract to resurface all Sheffields roads and pavements and if the road humps, which cause much frustration and damage to cars, were also removed. We continue to monitor large local planning applications especially the Brincliffe Oaks and Psalter Lane campus. Through careful use of subscription fees, receipts from advertisers and much volunteer time, were able to produce and deliver 1000 copies of EDGE each month and still have funds to donate to local charities including: The General Cemeterys Events brochure Common Grounds kitchen improvements Chelsea Park bonfire run by 72nd Scouts Nether Edge Wildlife Groups activities. We would welcome approaches from other local groups for financial support - please contact me or talk to us at our AGM. Concerned about the risks inherent in running the Farmers Markets, and potential ones if plans to make the land and building at Brincliffe Towers a community resource materialise, we have sought legal advice about the personal liability of committee members. Its recommended that NENG becomes a company limited by guarantee. Our aims and objectives wont change but members will have the assurance that their liability is limited. Many thanks to all those who have helped during the year. Please let me know if there any projects you would like to get involved with eg bulb planting, Frog Walk maintenance, litter picking around your are or the Farmers Markets.

MUCH MORE THAN A MARKET -David Pierce

For me, a large penny dropped at one of Nether Edges early markets two years ago. Because I spend most of my time attempting to act as a master of ceremonies at the control point where the entertainment is provided I cant claim to be familiar with all thats going on. But on that occasion one of the performances was a production of Hansel and Gretel by the University Drama Group. They presented it on the street at the junction of Glen Road and Nether Edge Road and as I looked at the scores of happy children sitting cross-legged on the road entranced and excited by the story and the acting I realised that something quite significant was happening. Thildy, Chris and Huw had managed to create something that was truly amazing. Since then the Market has gone from strength to strength with the tenth due on June 13th. Its success can be measured in so many ways and its about different things to different people. The traders and the local shops have easy measures of its value; their customers have others including convenience, quality and the satisfaction of supporting local producers. The Bowling Club has made a major contribution to it by allowing access to the greens and with the help of the Kings Centre creating a wonderful, old-fashioned festive family atmosphere with picnics, games and childrens entertainment. At our market weve had stalls selling locally produced pork, ostrich, venison and other meat, vegetables, flowers and plants, hot food stalls, local craftspeople with jewellery, ceramics, artwork, and then bookstalls and a variety of others. Weve had entertainment by morris dancers, street dancers, local school choirs, clowns, belly dancers, jazz and skiffle groups, young entertainers from Abbeydale Picture House to name just a few and support from thousands of local residents and visitors. Its been so successful (partly due to the fine weather weve arranged for each one so far!) that weve extended it along Glen Road and into Sainsburys car park and other areas of the city are now emulating it. Sheffield may be justly proud of its Heart of the City but it doesnt compare with our very own community enterprise in the Heart of Nether Edge.

Alex Quant writes about the Sheffield General Cemetery Trust The Friends of the General Cemetery (FOGC) was formed in 1989 by a handful of residents on Cemetery Road, Sheffield. Since then this voluntary organisation has grown in size and the Friends has now become the Sheffield General Cemetery Trust (SGCT). The Trust carries out many organised events within the cemetery including education tours and workshops, with a cemetery tour on the 1st Sunday of every month starting at 2pm outside the Gatehouse, conservation work to maintain and enhance the monuments, the landscape and the paths and historical research of the cemetery and its occupants. Our aim is to encourage everyone to enjoy this historical site by walking its paths, learning its history or simply as a quiet place to sit and contemplate. New volunteers are welcomed every Tues. 10am2pm to carry out practical conservation work. We supply the tools, gloves, training and refreshments. The Trust is very grateful for the regular support of the NENG and are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary of this June's Farmer's Market. Email - sgct@gencem.org Web - www.gencem.org

Update on Demolition of Psalter Lane Art College Sheffield Hallam University organised a meeting on 8th April with local residents that border onto the Psalter Lane campus. The purpose was for SHU and the demolition contractor to discuss individual concerns. I spoke to the majority of people after their sessions and they appeared happy that their concerns had been addressed. The NENG team were the last to be interviewed therefore we used this as way of a summarising the position. The main points are that the demolition contractors will park their private and demolition vehicles within the secured campus grounds and usually enter from the gates on Brincliffe Gardens nearest Psalter Lane. They will set about demolishing buildings in a anti-clockwise direction from the top of the site nearest Brincliffe Hill. The peripheral walls, railings, trees and the Old Blue Coats school building will be protected. The rubble is to be shredded using a dust reduction device that uses Hydrant water, this will therefore not effect water pressure in the area. Different building materials will be separated into piles. Metals, wood etc. will be removed from site by lorries that will not use side roads. The concrete and brick rubble will be crushed and reused on-site for levelling the ground and filling in foundation voids. In summary the good news is that the measures SHU and their contractor are using appear to address residents concerns for sustainability, noise, dust, disruption and the protection of trees and property. SHU also suggested producing a Question & Answer news sheet for residents who could not attend the meeting. The bad news was that fly tippers have been seen and on one occasion stopped by a resident and I have notice dumped material on Brincliffe Hill. Also, metal thieves have been stopped by the site security and I understand are being prosecuted. I would therefore ask that you keep a watchful eye on the site and report any incidents. SHU have shown consideration to residents and it is good to reciprocate. David Bower, bowerd@btopenworld.com tel.221 6393 EDGE June 2010

THE BIG LUNCH IN NETHER EDGE

Rupert Road held their first (in living memory) street party last July. The sun shone which always makes an event memorable! but more significantly, relationships were made which are helping to build a better community. We were already in the privileged position of being on a very friendly street. A number of families work hard at inviting neighbours round for Christmas nibbles or simple coffee mornings. So when we heard about the Big Lunch idea, some of us thought wed give it a go. (www.thebiglunch.com). We began by dropping a leaflet through the doors of everyone on the street to let them know of a planning meeting. A self selected group turned up and already a sense of anticipation surrounded the idea. All of us are busy people with other commitments and we decided that in order to make it the success we wanted it to be, we should keep everything simple. A few official things had to be arranged: liaising with the council regarding the road closure and insurance both are compulsory but not hard to do. We also canvassed locals to decide on the best date for as many as possible. Then we let everyone know what was happening and invited them to be part of the fun. What did we do? On the day, eager volunteers ran around setting the street up: teenagers put up the bunting; others ran off to pick up tables which wed managed to borrow; still others carted pot plants and garden umbrellas from their gardens to make the street area look pretty. It was great to see everyone beavering away to make it special. By 12 oclock on the day of the party, our small team had readied everything and we waited to see who would come. It was a nerve wracking half an hour or so before folk started to trickle out of their homes to the first Rupert Road Street Party. We had set up simple (no cost!) side shows which ran all afternoon things like how many cardboard boxes can you pile on top of one another? How many car tyres can you wear; ping pong balls in jam jars,

etc - so folk could join in with those either individually or as a team. There was a prize for the highest scoring family/team). Others sat around and chatted with neighbours who they might only know by appearance, or maybe not at all. Others loaded the tables with their contributions of food what a feast. Amazingly, the sun shone all the time we were partying. By mid afternoon, we had a road full of people and food, celebrating the rich diversity of our neighbourhood. Even those who were a little shy or suspicious joined us towards the end of the day and were asking if we couldnt do this more often. Result! This year, a few more came to the informal planning group and there is real momentum for the next party. New ideas were thrown into the mix: a tug of war; a talent show; line dancing and a table tennis tournament. So why not give a street party a try on Sunday 18th July. It doesnt have to be clever for it to be a lot of fun and a real community building experience. Judith Stovell, Rupert Road, Nether Edge

EDGE June 2010

Freeman College @ the Merlin

Freeman College has moved their speech and drama curriculum from the Merlin into the 10,000 sq ft former Co-op Funeral Parlour on Eyre Street whilst they raise the funds for the refurbishment of The Merlin Theatre. Director of Fundraising David Heugh, said the college had spent nearly 80,000 removing asbestos from The Merlin and this had affected many of the front and back stage areas. He said the college still plans to undertake a major phased refurbishment but the credit crunch has affected many of the traditional donors to arts projects and therefore the project will take longer than anticipated. Former Merlin users are eager to get back to the 200 seat theatre and David said that a refurbished theatre would connect with many of the local schools, community groups and once again host Off The Shelf and The Sheffield Childrens Festival. Freeman College Sterling Works, 88 Arundel Street, SHEFFIELD, S1 2NG Telephone: 0114.2525982 Visit the acclaimed award winning FUSIONS Caf on site. EDGE July/August 2010

NETHER EDGE BOWLING CLUB offers far more than bowling to its members. The green is used for both bowling and croquet these days and its the only croquet club in Sheffield. Coaching is available for both these sports.

NEBC also has 3 full size snooker tables and would welcome new players. We also host the Psalter Scrabble Club which meets every Thursday evening and would also like to see new players. The Lounge, with fully staffed bar, is also available to be hired for private functions at very reasonable rates. find out more from Chris Browne on 266 1624 or 0778 664 2286

PICK IT UP!
Every morning I walk around the corner to the local shop to collect my daily newspaper. As I go on my short journey of less than a hundred yards I am always astonished by the amount of litter that can accumulate overnight. Depending upon prevailing conditions such as the direction of the wind or whether it is school holiday time, the amount and nature of what is discarded by people varies. It can consist of sweet wrappers, fast food containers (and their contents), plastic bags, empty bottles and cans, newspapers, cigarette packets, some items that are hard to describe and others which should not be described here. I deposit these in a nearby litter bin which is sometimes full to overflowing, in the nearest wheelie bin if it is that day of the week, or in a litter bin outside the shop. I was not always so socially responsible. In the past I might have walked past it all frowning as I went and cursing the public services which were unwilling or unable to keep the streets clean. Then I thought that I should put into practice what I had often heard preached and become a better citizen by bothering to attend to the problem myself. Its not nearly as easy to pick up litter as it is to write about it. Its easier to avert ones eyes or simply to ignore it. There are, for me at least, a number of psychological problems to overcome. You have to interrupt your walk to the shop, stop and then stoop to pick up the litter. Why should I bother when its a job that should be attended to by others? After all, we pay enough in taxes dont we? There are lots of other people walking along this road but I appear to be the only one bothering. Some of my neighbours have to step through litter in order to get into their cars parked at the pavement whilst others are no doubt contributors to the problem. So why should I pause, even for a minute, on my trip to get my newspaper? It will only take a moment or two but Im in a hurry. Then theres a difference between collecting one comparatively large and clean item of litter and extending the task to pick up smaller items further along the pavement. Where does it end I often wonder? Finally though, I have a handful of wet, dirty and often smelly stuff as I cross the road to the litter bin. And the next day I do the same. Sometimes another pedestrian will pass as I am in the midst of my collection and I light-heartedly explain to them what Im doing partly to defend or justify my actions to myself but also in an attempt to persuade them to sympathise with and support my good neighbourliness and do the same. If you want to emulate my litter-picking activity why dont we try and be more organised? David Pierce, Montgomery Road, Tel. 281 9414

Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch has been around for over 25 years and is going from strength to strength. What follows tells you a little bit about the background, what it does, and why and how you can get involved. How Did Neighbourhood Watch Start? Neighbourhood Watch started in the United States and came to this country in 1982. Today there are over 170,000 schemes covering some 6 million households nationally. What Does Neighbourhood Watch Involve? As the name suggests, Neighbourhood Watch involves watching over your neighbourhood and watching over your neighbours. It is also a system of communication. Information is communicated to you from the police and other agencies, such as Trading Standards, about criminal activity in your area. In turn you have a direct line of communication to the police and the other relevant agencies to let them know of problems in your

neighbourhood, and to provide them with information that might prove useful in combating crime and antisocial behaviour. There are three main methods for the police to communicate information to you. First there is Watchline, a system that allows the police or Neighbourhood Watch to send out pre-recorded telephone messages about incidents that have occurred in areas near you. Second there is the South Yorkshire Neighbourhood Watch web site. This has a public section, but you can register to obtain access to sections that allow Watch members to enter information about incidents on an interactive map of South Yorkshire. This means you can see what is going on around you and alert other Watch members to things that you become aware of. Third, there are regular meetings for Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators with the police. What Is The Role of the Co-ordinator? As with most voluntary groups, someone needs to take the initiative to start a Watch and keep it running. This person is the co-ordinator. They are registered on a central data-base to receive the Watchline messages and to attend the meetings, and they are responsible for ensuring that information gets out to the others in the Watch. Increasingly, though, the responsibilities of the co-ordinator are being shared by a group of residents, and this is easily accommodated. What Are the Advantages of Being Part of Neighbourhood Watch? Direct access to information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your area. A chance to help the police to combat crime and anti-social behaviour. Up-to-date advice on making homes and neighbourhoods safer. A sign on your street warning potential burglars that there is a Neighbourhood Watch there. Door stickers for all members of the Watch.

How Do I Find Out More? If you think that you would like to set up a Watch and would like to know more, take a look at the wealth of information on the web site www.synwa.org, then contact your local community policing team or the Director of South Yorkshire Neighbourhood Watch who has special responsibility for your Safer Neighbourhood Area: Stephen George. Tel: (0114) 236 4564 Email: s.a.george@sheffield.ac.uk

NETHER EDGE FARMERS MARKET AND SUMMER FAIR SUNDAY 13th JUNE 2010

... Theres something for everybody

Open Gardens : Sat 19 June 2010

Update from the South Community Assembly Team

What are we doing? As you may be aware last year the South Community Assembly team consulted with local people about what they like and dislike about their area. This information helped form the South Community Plan which highlighted 16 priorities. Our current top five priorities are Improving our parks and open spaces Improving local and district shopping areas Improving the cleanliness of our streets Reducing anti-social behaviour and crime Providing more activities for Children and Young People But do you think these are right? This summer we are asking residents to tell us if we are working towards the right priorities and whether these should remain our top 5. If you would like a copy of our current community and our questionnaire please contact please contact Sarah Lucas on 205 3050 or e-mail Sarah.lucas@sheffield.gov.uk.
EDGE Sept 2010

Last month, NENG agreed to sponsor the Sheffield Abundance project the sum of 300 for two trailer bikes, which were needed to transport excess fruit from local gardens, to prevent waste. You can read more about this project in this letter from the group.
Some of you may already be familiar with what the volunteers of Abundance do; but for those who are unaware of Abundance, I shall shed some light on the work we do. Abundance began in the Autumn of 2007 by Stephen Watts and Anne-Marie Culhane. Stephen and Anne-Marie realised that there was an abundance of surplus fruit (apples, pears, plums and quince) in peoples gardens, going to waste, so they decided to take some decisive action. Together with a group of friends, they began offering to pick the fruit in peoples gardens, so it would not be wasted; they realised that many people werent able to pick all their apples (often they could only reach the lower boughs), or they didnt have the time to do so, but were happy for Stephen, Anne-Marie and friends to harvest this fruit so they could enjoy as much fruit from their own garden as they wanted. This is how Abundance first took root in Sheffield. Upon harvesting a tree, the fruit is sorted, and the best of the fruit is offered to the owner. As fruit trees often produce far more than the owner can deal with, there is often plenty to take away for redistribution. The volunteer harvesters are able to take a small number of the fruit home with them (home-made apple crumble!) with the best apples finding their way to various needy venues in the local community. Since 2007, these centres have included Sharrow SureStart Centre (Sharrow Lane) and Sheffield Childrens Centre (Shoreham Street). On London Rd, Shipshape (one-stop health information and well-being shop) Highfield Library and the Roundabout Project For Homeless Young People (13-17 St Barnabas Road, off London Rd ) received Abundance fruit, as did Broomhall Nursery (all of these being within an apples throw of Nether Edge). Other grateful receivers have been the Cathedral Archer (Homeless) Project, the Salvation Army Hostel (Fitzwilliam Street, city centre), Bens Centre (a drop-in support service for vulnerable street drinkers in the city centre, Orange St) and the Surestart Centre in Burngreave. Damaged or bruised fruit is not wasted either; fruit juicing events are held, where the fresh juice is drunk by our volunteers and their friends and we also hold chutney workshops, where the fruit can be preserved to be enjoyed throughout the year. All of these events are open to all, so it would be lovely to see any of you when harvesting begins. Many of your neighbours in Nether Edge either contribute their trees, or are directly involved in various aspects of Abundance. You are probably aware of the pear tree we picked last year with the help of some of the committee and members. Abundance recently won the Grassroots Award in the Guardian Ethical Awards 2010.
Please also visit the Abundance section of the Grow Sheffield website www.growsheffield.com/pages/groShefAbund to find out more, or contact Lucy Corcoran sunshinecorkers@googlemail.com or Daniele Rinaudo abundance@growsheffield.com (See EDGE Oct 2009 for photo of pear tree picking)

Public Transport Discussion - Maggie Ellis Roy Mitchell, SYPTE, Principal Public Transport Manager, was invited to an open meeting at Nether Edge Bowling Club (NEBC) on 20th July 2010 to talk to concerned bus users. This meeting was arranged by Ian Wallace following reports in the local press of proposed changes to local bus services by First Group, effective from Sunday July 26 th. These include changing the frequency of a number of routes and ceasing to run others including the No. 3 bus. Introduction by Mr Mitchell The SYPTE is responsible for the bus tram and train services within South Yorkshire. Since deregulation in 1985 a bus operator who is registered with the Traffic Commissioner to run a particular route is free to specify and change the frequency of any service and charge what fares it considers to be appropriate. SYPTE can no longer run bus services directly, but has the ability to fill gaps in the network where there is a social need and does this by subsidising low-use routes, usually early morning or evening services. It also operates the travel concessions system.

The SYPTE is aware of dissatisfaction with the current services and fares and has produced a proposal called Sheffield Bus Vision as a way of revising the current bus network to better effect, with a consistent fare structure. The plan is to: Put all the routes out to tender (quality contracts) :- SYPTE will have the power to remove contracts from poor performing operators. Control fares and introduce a smartcard scheme covering all operators. Only allow services to be changed once per year. Public consultations on the scheme are underway, with paper and online questionnaires at www.busvision.co.uk which must be returned before September 3rd and it is hoped that the contracts could be introduced in about 3 years time. The bus operators are opposed to these changes. Summary of Question and Answer session SYPTE will know on 3rd September if consultation on the Sheffield Bus Vision has been supported by users from the public consultation, who would then support a subsequent approval of a Quality Contract. A positive response to the questionnaire is needed from the public in the first stage to indicate any progress . Ticketing would become simpler with a smartcard - one ticket being valid on all bus operators. The present PTE Transport Subsidy provides approx 31m for concessionary fares and another 9m goes to bus and tram operators for unprofitable routes. In addition operators receive a grant (Bus Service Operator Grant) of 43p per litre of diesel used. 82% of Sheffield car parks are privately operated and competition between them has reduced prices such that Sheffield bus fares are often higher than car parking costs, discouraging bus use!!! No.51 bus is currently trialling a reduced fare scheme until September. If bus usage picks up the scheme may be extended but some consider the reduction not radical enough. Train fares from Meadowhall to Sheffield are cheaper than the tram because rail fares are regulated allowing train operators to only make one annual increase to an agreed formula. Discussions are in progress about allowing disability scooters onto trains. Currently, scooters are not an approved vehicle to carry. DDA (disability access) legislation does not apply to single deck buses until 2015, to double deckers from 2017 and to railway vehicles from 2020!! The introduction of a better service to the railway and bus stations (no local buses from the Nether Edge area now use the bus station) is being looked at as well as re-siting of bus stops on Arundel Gate (once the new tower at Fitzalan Square is completed) to improve access to station and shops. The cross-city routes are being monitored. Any changes to routes and timetables can only take place at the next planned timetable change.(October 2010) The Highway Authority says that the right turn from Pinstone Street into Furnival Gate was impractical so that Buses coming out of town are now being sent around Arundel Gate roundabout using extra fuel, increasing emissions and also congestion on Pinstone Street, Arundel Gate and Furnival Gate frustrating and delaying passengers. A second opinion on this road layout and subsequent constriction costs would be prohibitively expensive. Engineers are trying to improve the reliability of electric bus due signs in shelters. Installation of public announcement systems on buses, to help the blind, amongst others, are very expensive but are being considered. We are very grateful to Mr Mitchell for coming and to NEBC for allowing their premises to be used for this meeting. EDGE Oct 2010 NENG asked Councillor Jillian Creasy to update us on progress with this initiative

Is Twenty Plenty for Sheffield?

If drivers keep to 20mph or less, the number of serious accidents drops dramatically. If streets are safer, people are more inclined to walk or cycle, creating a virtuous circle of less car use. That is good for community life, health, wealth and the environment. Until now, the Council has implemented discrete Child Safety Zones (like the one in Nether Edge) using physical measures (humps and bumps) as well as signs. But there is another way of encouraging motorists to cut their speed. This is by designating wide areas as 20s Plenty zones, using signs alone. It only applies to residential streets, not main roads, and relies on a change in attitude by residents and the drivers who pass through their area rather than physical barriers and police enforcement. Recent guidance from the Department for Transport in the UK reflects this approach. Residential streets in large parts of London and the whole of Portsmouth have been designated as 20mph zones with encouraging results. The Green Party has been pushing for Sheffield to do the same and the Lib Dem administration is supportive. Much of the highways budget, including the money previously designated for Child Safety Zones, has now been allocated equally between the seven Community Assemblies. Council highways officers are in the process of contacting Community Assemblies to ask them if they want to opt in to 20s Plenty and to come up with suggestions (and cash) to treat suitable areas. We hope this bottom up approach, which is vital for community buy-in to any scheme, will not preclude creating zones which span more than one Community Assembly. One suggestion has been to create a 20s plenty zone on residential roads in the quadrangle bounded by London Rd, Abbeydale Rd, Carterknowle, Ecclesall Rd South, Ecclesall Rd and the Inner Ring Road. This would include parts of South, SW and Central Community Assemblies. At the same time, the Highways PFI (Private Finance Initiative) is progressing. A private firm will be contracted to bring roads, pavements, lighting and signs up to standard and maintain them for 25 years. Hopefully, highways officers will be able to coordinate implementation of the 20s plenty scheme with the PFI maintenance work. So there is all to play for and this is a good time to be telling the Council that 20s Plenty. For more information go to www.20splentyforsheffield.org.uk

Frog Walk Pocket Park

Nether Edge Traffic Light Planters maintained by StreetForce as requested by

NENG EDGE Nov. 2010

BEADS 4 AID Kate Housden

On a bright autumn morning I spent a very pleasant couple of hours talking to Hilary Webb and exploring her collection of vintage jewellery, mainly necklaces from the 1920s to the 1960's, all the colours of the rainbow, glass, crystal, butterfly wings, a treasure chest for those of us who love beads. Not only does Hilary have the best selection of vintage necklaces I have ever seen, she will also restore and repair those favourite pieces that you cant bear to throw away when they fall apart or lose their lustre. She told me that a broken necklace I had left on the market stall for repair was made of Czech crystal beads and that a similar item was retailing on ebay.US for 65! She sources her stock from internet auctions, donating her own time and materials so that the restored jewellery can be sold at affordable prices for charity. Over the last 3 years Hilary and her friends on the Beads 4 Aid stall at Nether Edge market have raised approximately 2000 per annum in aid of the Uganda Childbirth Injuries Fund (UCIF). The charity provides operations for African women (some as young as 12yrs!) who have acquired fistulas after prolonged, traumatic childbirth. As a result they are permanently incontinent, disowned by their husbands and ostracised by society. They can only be cured by surgery, which is complicated and beyond the means of village people. A retired UK surgeon, Mr Brian Hancock, founded UCIF (income 22,000 per annum) and with the support of 2 other surgeons, gives his spare time to help these women. The money pays for flights, specialist surgical equipment and the cost of the women's stay in a mission hospital together with their travel and any other expenses. If you'd like further information on UCIF please Google: friendsofkamulimissionhospital.

. If you would like to support the charity please use the December market to pick up some great Christmas presents on the Beads 4 Aid stall. Anytime you have jewellery for repair/ alteration or need something for that special occasion you can contact Hilary by e.mail hilary.webb@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01142552056.

Composting: Recycle Now Compost at Home scheme

Great tips to ensure you don't 'fall' be-hind with your composting this autumn A few suggestions to support your autumn composting habits and ensure that you have a supply of compost ready to use in the spring. Weve also included some tips on how to make good use of all those seasonal offers on fruit and vegetables and a link to some new animated videos which will dem-onstrate how your everyday household items are recycled. Many of us are missing a trick if we don't continue to use our compost bins through the colder months as well as during the spring and summer. Adding waste through the cooler weather helps to keep the com-posting momentum going at a time when decomposition will naturally slow down. Home Composting is easy to do all year round; here are some great tips to ensure we keep a good thing going by not overlook-ing our compost bin or heap during these cooler, darker months: Help next years' plants grow by making use of this year's tired vegetation. Adding spent bedding plants to your compost mix will help to capture all the nutrients and will give your new plants a great start when you wake the garden back up in the spring. Bring the inside, outside! A third of our household waste can be com-posted at home. Anything from loo roll tubes and egg boxes to coffee grounds and tea leaves are all welcome additions to your compost bin. Make your compost mixture more a-peel-ing. Don't forget to regularly add your kitchen waste to your compost. It will really appreciate the peelings from your tasty winter vegetables.

NENG Carollers
Advance notice to any singers to get their voices in trim for the annual get together of the NENG Carollers. This is a very ad hoc group of all ages who spend an eve-ning before Christmas regaling local residents, and collecting for a local charity. We plan to meet at 6.00pm, Friday December 17 th, at the Stag, Psalter Lane, and finish at the Union. All welcome (no unaccompanied children). For further information, contact Andrea & Donald Watts (andrea@andreadonald.plus.com) or Chris Lowry (chris@watsonandlowry.me.uk) EDGE Dec 2010/ Jan 2011

GETTING RID OF UNWANTED TELEPHONE CALLS, TEXTS, FAXES, DOORSTEP VISITORS, MAIL AND SPAM
TELEPHONE CALLS It is illegal for UK companies to call someone who has indicated that they dont want the calls. Simply join the Telephone Preference Service register. Web address www.TPSOnline.org.uk The calls it wont stop:Random number generators (write the no. down and complain to the regulator at PhonePayPlus) Silent Calls (Register with Silent Callgard Service) 0844 3722325 Outside UK calls (do not engage in discussion) NEVER PAY TO BLOCK THESECALLS AS IT IS ALWAYS FREE

UNWANTED MAIL. Simply join the Mail Preference Service register at the same online address. You can also stop Junk Mail at the same time on www. StayPrivate.org website Tel 0800398893 UNWANTED FAXES simply join the Fax Preference Service register at the same online address or tel 08450700702 You can even join the Baby Preference Service register at the same online address if you find that as a result of having a child, you get a lot of unsolicited communications! UNADDRESSED LEAFLETS ETC. Post request to FREEPOST RRBT-ZBXB-TTTS, Royal Mail Door to Door opt out Kingsmead house, Oxpens Road, Oxford OX1 ! RX. or E-mail optout@royalmail.com COLD CALLERS. Put up our free MSE No Cold Callers sign. Energy companies in particular are obliged, by law, to take notice of the sign TEXTS Reverse billed text messages, where you get charged for receiving a text to your phone, are becoming increasingly common with people being scammed out of 100s, without realising until it's too late. However sending texts to people who have explicitly specified they don't want them is unlawful. If you're receiving a premium rate text messages then it's easy to stop them. Just text back STOP or STOP ALL' If this fails, get in touch with your network provider and asking them to stop the messages. If you're still tearing your hair out as a last resort get in touch with the premium rate regulator PhonePayPlus and it'll investigate your complaint. SPAM how to stop Spam is the million dollar question. Very little works other than putting the address in you filter blocks and unsubscribing regularly from email updates which you no longer want. Takes time but often worth it

REMEMBER see our advice from the police on the opposite page
Always ask to see official ID . Dont sign anything, even a quote ( often a contract in disguise). A trader must advise you in writing that you can cancel any contract. IF THEY DONT, YOU STILL CANNOT BE HELD TO ANYTHING IN THE CONTRACT. FURTHER PROTECTION:- you have a 7 day cooling off period (for anything bought over 35.00.) Cancel in this time and you are entitled to get your money back including a deposit but you may need to pay for return delivery. Similar rights apply for buying on-line or by phone.