Dronfield Eye Issue 222 June 2024

dronfield
Tel: 01246 416027
heronpublications.co.uk
88
PAGE
EDITION
EYE
Ready for the 2024
Butterfly Count? P59
The man who gave
us Cliffe Park P22-24
Meet our new
Town Mayor P14
Summer Homes & Gardens
P52-71
Dronfield
defibrillator
concerns
P45
Issue 222 - June 2024. Delivered free of charge to all homes and
businesses in Dronfield, Coal Aston, Holmesfield, Dronfield Woodhouse,
Hill Top, Hundall, Gosforth Valley, Apperknowle, Holmesdale, Unstone,
Hallowes, Barlow, Cowley, Millthorpe, Troway, Unthank and beyond
Join in the local
commemoration: P34

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dronfield EYE
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145 Reviews
This award-winning magazine is produced
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Dronfield Woodhouse, Dronfield Hilltop, Gosforth Valley,
Apperknowle, Hundall, Holmesdale, Unstone, Hallowes,
Barlow, Cowley, Mickley, Millthorpe, Troway, Unthank and beyond.
Editor: Mike Firth; Editorial: Deborah Wain;
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Design: Helen Firth; Accounts: Rachel Gee;
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Cover Picture: Painted Lady
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See story on page 41.
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4

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mayor ’ s EYE
CHATSWORTH FIREPLACE
AND STOVE CENTRE
mayor’s
EYE
Coun Susan Burkitt, Town Mayor of
Dronfield, presents her final monthly
round-up for Dronfield Eye readers
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Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Dronfield’s Mayor, Coun Susan Burkitt, attended the
inaugural meeting of the Life Business Club and she is
shown here with her husband and consort, Keith Burkitt,
and the Life Project’s Andy Evers and Anna Rattigan
T
HIS is my final column for Dronfield Eye as my term of
office draws to a close.
On 18th April, my husband and consort Keith and myself had an
invite from Dronfield Eye editor, Mike Firth, to attend the launch
of Life Dronfield Business Networking Group at Life Dronfield’s
Church Street premises which are being restored.
The event was well attended and informative and it was lovely
to meet and chat to people from different local businesses. Andy
Evers and Anna Rattigan have worked so hard to get Life started
so that it can be used in the future as a community hub for the
benefit of Dronfield.
Sunday, 28th April, was a busy day for Keith and myself, and
Deputy Mayor, Pam Jones. We were once again invited to the
Dronfield 10k and Fun Run, where I had the privilege of starting
both races. Despite it being a cold and wet day, this annual
event was, as usual, a success and it was also a great pleasure
to hand out medals to all the participants.
Later, together with Tim Heaton, director and valuer of Saxton
Mee estate agency, the event’s main sponsor, we handed out
awards to winners of the different age groups. Congratulations
and thanks go to all the volunteers for their hard work and
dedication. Later the same day, Keith, Pam and her husband
William and I were invited by NE Derbyshire District Council
Chairman Coun Martin Thacker MBE, to attend a Civic Service
held at St John’s Parish Church, at Walton, with the Chairman’s
Charity Appeal in aid of Ashgate Hospice.
Finally, before I hand over to the next Mayor, I would like to say
what an honour and privilege it has been to serve you all as the
Mayor of Dronfield for the past year. Thank you to everyone
who invited me to attend their events. I have met so many
amazing people, adults and children alike, along with the many
groups of volunteers who do so much for others.
What a great and caring town we live in. Thank you all so much
for making my year a very special one.
• Meet the new Town Mayor: Page 14.
6

A wow
of a
wetroom!
H
2O Bathroom Solutions have created a wetroom with a wow
factor for a client who makes kitchens for a living.
Because of Steve O’Brien’s trade, he has exacting standards and the team at H2O
Bathroom Solutions ably met his expectations.
Steve, who shares a bungalow in Chesterfield with his partner, regularly passes the
bathroom company’s showroom at Chesterfield Road, Woodseats, as he drives to
visit a relative. Armed with measurements and ideas for what is a modest-sized room,
he called in to browse the displays. The fact
that he was given time and space to do so
immediately put him at ease.
Steve said: “There were no pushy salespeople.
I was left to approach them when I was ready and I
prefer that approach.”
In his own time, Steve shared his plans and on a
second visit was able to see the designs for his
project which were fine-tuned accordingly. Later,
all orders were finalised in preparation for the
installation.
Like many other H2O Bathroom Solutions’ clients
featured in this magazine, Stephen was impressed
with the quality of products and the final finish of the job.
He loves the large grey tiles - patterned inside the shower - the large illuminated mirror, the
upright towel warmer and radiator, the neat and tidy washbasin with draws beneath, the
push-button wc, and - of course - the large drencher shower with a hand-held shower too.
Steve described the end-to-end service provided by H2O Bathroom Solutions as “spot-on”.
In particular, he appreciated the fact that an initial rough estimate was adhered to and that he
received an itemised bill.
“They were great to deal with and I can’t fault them at all,” he concluded.
Open from Monday to Saturday with out of hours and Sunday
appointments available by request.
Car park at the rear of the showroom.
685 CHESTERFIELD ROAD • SHEFFIELD • S8 0SL • T 0114 2554646
www.h2obathroomsolutions.co.uk

dronfield EYE
Mountain excitement for triplets
Twelve-year-old Dronfield
triplets with Type 1
diabetes are to climb the
UK’s highest mountain to
raise funds for the charity
that supported them
H
ATTIE, Thomas and Freddie Soar will take on the
gruelling trek to the top of Ben Nevis, which stands
more than 4,400ft above sea level, in their school holidays
in late May.
The determined trio will be joined by family members and
cheered on by supporters who have already pledged more than
£1,000 to help JDRF, a charity dedicated to funding research into
the condition.
Prior to their diagnosis, the triplets had already overcome a
great deal, having been born prematurely; Hattie weighing 3lb
2oz, Thomas 3lb 1oz, and Freddie 2lb 3oz.
They were born at The Jessop Wing in Sheffield but then
transferred to Chesterfield Royal’s NICU after a couple of weeks
as there weren’t enough beds. Hattie spent five weeks in
hospital, Thomas seven and Freddie nine before being allowed
home.
Freddie was the first of the siblings to be diagnosed with Type 1
diabetes, during lockdown in
2021, then Hattie in 2022.
Thomas, who also has
hemiparesis - a form of
cerebral palsy - was the last
to show symptoms shortly
afterwards, but by then
parents Tracy and Martyn
knew exactly what to look
for.
Tracy, a primary school
teacher originally from
Meadowhead, said: “As
parents, it’s the kind of news
you dread. We didn’t know
much about Type 1 diabetes
but enough to know it was a
serious condition that they
would have to manage for the rest of their lives.
“It was a lot for them to process, but they have dealt with it far
better than we could have hoped for. They have helped and
supported each other and never once asked ‘why us?’”
The triplets are under the care of Chesterfield Royal Hospital for
their diabetes.
The family has been supported by JDRF from day one, including
receiving an information pack with ‘Rufus the diabetic bear’ when
8
From left: Freddie, Hattie
and Thomas in the T-shirts
of their favourite charity
The triplets as babies. From left: Thomes, Hattie and Freddie
each was diagnosed. They have also experienced first-hand the
difference that research can make, with advancements in
technology even in the last few years making the condition much
easier to manage.
Martyn, a shop manager, added: “When they were first
diagnosed, they had to have at least six injections of insulin daily
and were constantly having to do finger-prick tests to check their
glucose levels. They now have a sensor attached to their arm
that monitors glucose and an electronic insulin pump, which only
has to be changed every few days.
“They started secondary school last year and have had to be
much more accountable for managing their meds, so the
difference has been life-changing.
“We’re incredibly proud of them and know that, although Ben
Nevis will be a real challenge, just like everything else they set
their minds to, they will smash it.”
The triplets, who attend Henry Fanshawe School, have been
training for their climb since
Christmas, clocking up
hundreds of miles around the
countryside close to their
home.
They say they want to show
that having diabetes won’t
hold them back.
Hattie said: “Sometimes
people stare at me and I tell
them I’m half robot because of
all my gadgets! It’s changed
my life but I won’t let it stop
me.”
“Diabetes has made my life
harder, but I’ve learned that it’s
not something to be afraid of,”
said Freddie.
Thomas added: “Luckily, I knew a lot about diabetes already
because of Freddie and Hattie.
“I sometimes find it tricky to change my insulin and sensor
myself, but I get through things and I have a lot of people to help
me.”
To sponsor the siblings, visit their Just Giving page by searching
‘Tracy Soar’
For more information about the charity, visit jdrf.org.uk

Island paradise
kitchen should provide the heartbeat of any home and the fabulous one installed
for Danny and Salwa Galvin has already become a real hub of activity.
The centrepiece is a spectacular ‘island’ complete with six stools and a hob,
enabling family and guests to sit and dine together and chat about all manner of topics...
one of which will surely be ‘Who was responsible for this tremendous kitchen
transformation?’
The answer to that is Meadowhead-based Sheffield Kitchen Interiors, a family-run
business which has given new life to old kitchens - large and not-so-large - throughout the
city and beyond.
Said Salwa: “We gave them the house keys to do all the work while we went away on
holiday, so when we returned it was fitted and done. And I couldn’t be happier - I’m
absolutely over the moon about it.”
The space for the Galvins’ sumptuous new kitchen was created with the removal of a wall. In
addition to the island, other design highlights include painted, handle-less, white gloss doors
with matching units, quartz worktops, upstands and windowsill in white shimmer, plus an
Abode four-in-one hot tap in matt black serving an Abode white granite one-and-a-half bowl
sink beneath the window.
Said Salwa: “I told Lisa what I wanted and she did all the planning.
“I suffer from back pain, so all the designing was done around me. I can’t praise Sheffield
Kitchen Interiors enough; their communication was excellent and they came up with many
suggestions to make the kitchen work for me.
“It looks lovely and is so easy to maintain. My mum has seen it and now she wants the
company to fit a kitchen in her bungalow.”
FREE, no-obligation quotations
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Call 0114 274 7288 for your free quote
Family-run business giving a friendly, professional service from start to finish
Exceptional standards of workmanship, using state-of-the-art technology and top products

dronfield EYE
Charity group’s
running total
nearing
£200,000
A
FURTHER enforced change of venue
hasn’t halted the amazing fundraising
efforts of one of Dronfield’s most successful
groups.
Explained organiser Roy Cutts: “In April, 2023,
Dronfield Woodhouse Charity Circle, operating
from Dronfield Woodhouse Sports & Social Club,
decided to support The MS Society Chesterfield
as one of the staff was a sufferer.
“Regrettably, in the autumn, the club closed and
we wish to put on record our sincere thanks to the
staff, in particular Claire, Lee and Amy, for the
support they gave us whilst operating from the
club, and providing free suppers.
“Luckily enough for us, The Miners Arms had just
reopened and we returned there to continue our
fundraising, which in turn enabled us to present
the MS Society Chesterfield with a cheque for
£6,000 recently.
“This year our chosen charity is Masto UK, again
chosen because one of our supporters is a
sufferer, and we will continue to operate from The
Miners Arms as long as we can
“Our grateful thanks go to Taylor Taylor
hairdressers, Geoffs DIY, Alfred Dunham & Son
Ltd for donating raffle prizes, along with Martin
Harrison for supplying pork pies for Sunday night
supper.
“Since we started fundraising at The Talbot Arms,
we have now raised £197,216 for various charities”.
Pictured are, back row, from left: Gina
from the MS Society with fundraiser Roy
Cutts. Front, from left: Leann from the
MS Society, Russ Dennett ex-Human
League guitarist who presented the cheque,
and Kat, manager of The Miners Arms
Ken Simpson
O
NE of the last surviving D-Day heroes
has died just months after celebrating
his 100th birthday.
Ken Simpson, pictured, was called up at the
age of 17 and served in the Royal Corps of
Signals as a driver.
He was among troops who took part in the
Normandy landings which are being marked by
the nation on June 6th – the 80th anniversary
of D-Day itself.
Ken still lived at home in Beauchief prior to being taken into
hospital in Sheffield several weeks before his death on May 2nd.
He laid a wreath during Dronfield’s Remembrance Sunday
commemorations last year, receiving a spontaneous round of
applause from the hundreds gathered at the War Memorial.
Ken’s funeral is due to be held at Sheffield’s City Road
Crematorium at 11am on Friday, 31st May.
Honours explained
I
N the Dronfield area, there is so much to be grateful
for and many individuals who serve in the
background - but how do we say thanks?
Nominating people and organisations for national awards
like the King’s Honours and the King's Award is often a bit
of a mystery.
Advice is at hand at an event on Tuesday, 4th June, from
7-9pm, at Dronfield Civic Hall.
Nick Hodgson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, will be speaking
about National Honours and how to nominate someone for
an award, while David Coleman, Deputy Lieutenant, QPM,
will share information on eligibility criteria, recent winners
and what they receive.
There will also be a chance to hear about the work of
Foundation Derbyshire.
Limited places are available; contact: Tony Bethell, on
07789 594 552; tonyb@doctors.org.uk
10

Fancy seeing you again!
Company
founder Phil
Dalton MIoR
with colleagues
Kallum and Julian
W
AY back in 1997, the world welcomed its first camera
phone, Chesterfield reached the semi-finals of the FA
Cup and Katrina and the Waves won Eurovision for the UK.
Climate change didn’t make the headlines.
Meanwhile, that was also the year Phil Dalton and his colleagues
installed a new roof on David and Clair Combie’s large detached
home. David remembers it well and, as a reminder of a job well done,
he saved the five-year guarantee given to him by Phil on completion
of the project.
Twenty-seven years on, the rigours of our wet and windy weather
meant the couple spotted water dripping on the inside of a back
bedroom window. It was time for a return visit by Phil.
The guarantee had long-since run its course, but sometimes the
best peace of mind you can enjoy is when you deal with workers
who you can trust. That’s been the case with the Combies who were
delighted to discover that Phil’s company was not only still around,
but that it had flourished in the intervening years. Dalton Roofing now
has 16 teams of workers based at their Sheepbridge premises.
So Phil, who had set up his original roofing business in 1990, found
himself back on familiar territory when the couple called him out.
The ravages of 27 winters had taken their toll on some of the felting
in the Combies’ roof and it needed replacing. Scaffolding was
required to allow Phil’s colleagues to temporarily remove a few rows
of tiles in order to replace the brittle, old felt, with a modern,
breathable variety.
While up their ladders, the Dalton Roofing professionals also
repointed a chimney stack and removed moss which was
overwhelming three sides of the property’s rooftop - another result of
the wet, mild climate we have these days.
Phil recalled that it wasn’t many years ago that special paint was
used on new rooftops to imitate the look of moss and give properties
a weathered look!
With the work completed to the Combies’ satisfaction, the couple
shook hands with Phil and looked forward to a further 27 years or
more of trouble-free roofing.
Family-run Dalton Roofing pride themselves on being able to handle
all manner of roofing issues, working on properties of all shapes and
sizes.
DALTON ROOFING
647 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 9ED
Phil Dalton, left, with David Combie and
the guarantee from 27 years ago
0114 2799 799
info@dalton-roofing.co.uk
www.dalton-roofing.com

westminster EYE
westminster
EYE
NE Derbyshire’s
Member of
Parliament, Lee
Rowley, provides his
monthly update for
Dronfield Eye readers
Class 4 & Class 7 MOTs
• All Makes
• Diagnostics
• Repairs
• Servicing
• MOT
(Cars & Light Vans)
• Aircon
• Clutches
• Exhausts
• Tyres
• Diesel
Specialist
• Land Rover
Specialist
Here for all of your
SERVICING and MOT
requirements
S
PRING has arrived in Dronfield and that can only mean
one thing: the annual Dronfield 10k!
It was a huge pleasure to take part in the 30th 10k supporting
the 7th Dronfield Scouts Group, along with 800 other runners,
including Coun Alex Dale.
Despite a very rainy start, it was another fantastic event and
I’m very grateful to everyone who organised, supported or
ran it.
This year, I was running to raise a little for research into Motor
Neurone Disease after having spoken to a local resident about
the tragic and terrible impact it had on her dad, who lost his
battle against MND a number of years ago.
Huge thanks, too, to everyone who supported me and to
everyone who raised money for charity.
Separately, we’ve also had some further good news for
Dronfield, following the award of £250,000 to the Life Project
which I wrote about last month. In the last few weeks, the
Government has also awarded a £70,000 grant to the Sports
Centre to help reduce energy costs.
The grant will pay for a new cover and a variable speed
filtration system – all designed to try to limit the loss of energy
and, therefore, reduce bills.
It’s another example of levelling up support won from the
Government to try to help our community.
Potholes
Onto another topic which, I know, is close to people’s hearts:
potholes. It has been the worst winter, by far, of any of the
years I have served as an MP following the atrocious
weather.
We can’t control the winters (or the level of potholes they
make on our roads with wildly swinging temperatures and lots
of rain) but there is a lot of work underway to try to deal with
them.
The County Council is filling in about 2,000 a week at the
moment across the county, and also doing some more
fundamental resurfacing where roads are really bad. It will take
some time, although I can see a number have been filled in
across Dronfield already.
I am continuing to report them where they are visible and the
council will try to fix them as soon as is possible. The council
has 1,000 miles of road to do, so please bear with them – but
they are starting to get there!
As ever, if there is anything I can assist with, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch on 439222 or lee.rowley.mp@
parliament.uk
12

dronfield EYE
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13

dronfield EYE
New Mayor and Council Chair
Coun Pamela Jones receives
the Mayoral Chain of Office
from her predecessor, Coun
Susan Burkitt, who will
support her as Deputy Mayor
over the next 12 months
Elected as Dronfield Mayor and Town Council Chair, 2024-25,
Coun Pamela Jones introduces herself to Dronfield Eye readers
S
O where do I begin? My husband, William, and I came to Dronfield 50 years
ago this year, in the swinging 70s, driving a Mini 1000 up from Clapham,
with our young son, Daniel, on the back seat.
In order not to be disillusioned, I was brought off the M1 through Tinsley with the
bessemer convertors blowing in the dark. Dronfield felt like I had arrived in heaven!
An upward career move brought us from London with William re-locating to the
Sheffield office. Our second son, Ben, was born in Dronfield two years later.
Yet another upward career move took us to Al Ain in Abu Dhabi emirate of the UAE,
returning to Dronfield a few years later and settling back into our Crofton Rise home.
Both boys attended Henry Fanshawe school and, 34 years later, we moved to Hill Top
Road were we still reside.
Working as a paralegal for a number of years at a firm in Sheffield, all of my working
life has been spent in the legal profession with experience ranging from criminal to
family law.
William continued to travel in the Middle and Far East and he has always expressed
the view that he felt happy leaving the boys and I in Dronfield as it was a safe and
friendly place to live.
We are both involved in Dronfield Town Twinning and have visited our twin town of
Sindelfingen to represent Dronfield at the annual Strassenfest and also at the 50th
anniversary of our Town Twinning with Sindelfingen.
William has been a councillor for five years and I have helped at Town Council events
such as the Gala and Christmas light switch-on over this time. Then last year I decided
that I wished to give back to the community which has been so good to our family.
I was successful in being elected District Councillor for Barlow and Holmesfield and
Town Councillor for Gosforth Valley. Over the initial year of my Town Councillor role, I
have been Deputy to Mayor, Coun Susan Burkett and her husband /consort, Keith, and
attended a number of events and functions to assist her. They have all been very
enjoyable and Susan has ensured that I have seen what the Mayor’s role entails.
This has prepared me well and I am looking forward to being your Mayor and
promoting the local community, clubs and events in any way that I am able. Be assured
my focus will be on keeping you all informed of my activities and upcoming events and
ensuring that I am available for you to contact at all times.
L
ABOUR’S Claire Ward (pictured)
has been elected as the first
Mayor of the East Midlands.
The new role - part of a devolution deal
for the region - covers Derbyshire and
Nottinghamshire.
The new Mayor – a former MP in
Watford - received 181,040 votes to
secure her victory.
N
ICOLLE Ndiweni (above) has
been elected as the new Police
and Crime Commissioner for
Derbyshire.
The Labour candidate took up office on
9th May and will serve a four-year term
until 2028.
14

dronfield EYE
Bethany
MAEVE
WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHER
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Tailored goals
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Our warm and welcoming
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and guide you ‘step by
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Our Adult Social Dance classes are all
about having fun and a good time,
allowing you to forget the pressures of
daily life and put a spring back into your
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HAVE FUN SOCIALISE STAY ACTIVE
Rediscover a more Confident You!
www.dronfielddancetheatre.com
15

dronfield EYE
Front centre is David Godwin with, from left: James Ogden,
Isla Hitchen, Isabel Allen and Ewan McDougall. Rear, from left,
are Lorna Shaw (Assistant Scout Leader), James Purdy
(Scout Leader) and Grant Nankivell (Section Assistant)
HIRTY-two members of 5th Dronfield Hilltop
Cubs had a sleepover with a difference... A
night at the museum!
Great British Car Journey, the award-winning classic
car museum in Ambergate, Derbyshire, hosted the
pack for a special, action-packed sleepover.
Assistant Cub Scout Leader and organiser Chris
Smith explained: “Last September I appealed for Cub
sleepover ideas and got some great responses and
Great British Car Journey came up trumps! The pack
had an absolutely brilliant time. It was the perfect
venue for a sleepover.”
Ahead of bedding down for the night amongst the
museum’s classic cars, Cubs enjoyed a range of
activities, including rides in the Rolls-Royce -
nicknamed Jam Roll - which once belonged to Lord
Baden Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement.
Cubs arrived at the museum with their sleeping bags
once it closed its doors to the public for the day, and
left the site before it reopened the next day.
General manager Ian Gardecki said: “It was a great to
host the Cubs. Despite all the activities and pizza
supper, the excitement got to a few of them and there
wasn’t much sleep. I heard reports that some of the
Cubs were asleep on the backseat of their parents’
cars before they’d even left our car park the next
morning!”
Chris added: “The Cubs’ activities included driving an
electric car, going out in Baden Powell's Jam Roll, a
1930s Wolseley and a 1980s Bentley, several different
activities in the museum and a workshop session. We
finished with our own 'Pinewood Derby' races with
cars made on a Cub and parent evening the week
before and decorated at the sleepover. We couldn't
have asked for better.”
Following the successful event, Great British Car
Journey is hoping to welcome other Scout, Girlguiding
and Cubs groups who are looking for sleepover with a
difference. To find out more, call 01773 317243.
Four from 5th
receive major
Scout honour
F
OUR Scouts from the 5th Dronfield Hilltop
troop proudly received the Chief Scout’s
Gold Award.
James Ogden, Isla Hitchen, Isabel Allen and Ewan
McDougall were presented with the awards by
Dronfield District Commissioner, David Godwin.
The Gold Awards represent the pinnacle of a
Scout’s achievements before they move on to
Explorers.
Local group leaders say they would like to be able
to give more young people the chance to achieve the
accolade, but there are waiting lists for most groups,
primarily because more adult helpers are required.
Anyone who can give some time to help should
contact andy.shaw@dronfieldscouts.org.uk
A night at the museum for Cubs
T
16
5th Dronfield
Hilltop Cubs
pictured at
their Great
British Car
Museum
sleepover

Stop!
Here at Bespoke Blinds & Poles, our conversations are currently
falling into four categories:
1. How can we stop light coming into our bedrooms?
2. How can we stop insects coming into our home?
3. How can we stop heat leaving the room?
4. How can we stop all of the above!
Says Maxine, co-owner of Bespoke Blinds & Poles: “We are in
British Summertime with lighter mornings, the weather is
encouraging insects to look for shelter inside and people still have
their heating on which is also attractive to our buggy friends.”
Luckily Bespoke Blinds & Poles has a solution: BlindScreen.
A neat flat profile, BlindScreen can house a blackout blind for
blocking light, or a light filtering cellular fabric for filtered light
control, or a fine screen for stopping insects entering a room.
Or, if you cannot decide between, you can house two fabric
choices in one frame: double the solution! Simply pull across the
options that suits you best during the day/night.
Continues Maxine: “Cellular blinds are a great solution for
regulating heat flow; and in a bedroom, the fully blackout design
is also a great solution for a good night’s sleep. These blinds can
cover anything up to 6m wide, making them ideal for both
windows and doors, including bifolds.
“The manual draw removes any hanging cords - ideal for a childsafe
environment and you can house two fabrics on one system,
if your space is used throughout the day and night .”
Now in their 17th year of trading, Bespoke Blinds & Poles are also
in their fourth year of operating as “service by appointment” at the
showroom. Available Wednesday to Saturday, with evening
appointments available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (outside
these hours by request).
For the busy customer it is an ideal way of maximising your time
when planning your day, knowing you arrive to a showroom that is
ready to meet and greet you. No waiting for service, no
interruptions, just relax, take a seat, and have your discussions
surrounded by beautiful products, with an expert, friendly advisor.
Booking an appointment is free, and easy to do - simply call or
email the showroom with your favoured dates/times and they do
the rest. For added confidence, don’t forget Bespoke Blinds &
Poles are both Which? Trusted Traders and Derbyshire County
Council Trusted Traders.
REMEMBER: Bespoke Blind & Poles specialise in apex windows,
bay window poles and tracks, external awnings and blinds, insect
screens, motorisation, shutters, as well as all the ‘normal stuff’.
6 Hutcliffe Wood Road Beauchief Sheffield S8 0EX
Tel 0114 2363100
www.sheffieldblinds.co.uk
Email: info@sheffieldblinds.co.uk
Follow us on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The showroom is open on an appointment only basis. Call us to reserve your slot.

dronfield EYE
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18

Something for all occasions
• 100s of brand new card
designs now in stock
• Gift wrap and bags
• Helium balloons
• A wide choice of gifts
including mugs, candles,
bracelets, Barley Bears,
photo frames
• Gourmet chocolates
• Plants
• Dairy Milk and Toblerone
personalised chocolate
• Bunting, flags and party
decorations
and so much more for you
Don’t forget Father’s Day!
Cards, gift wrap and bags
Chocolates
Bottle openers and coasters
www.cardsandgiftssheffield.co.uk
T: 01246 412436 E: info@cardsgiftssheffield.co.uk
Unit 5, Dronfield Civic Centre, S18 1PD
Winner of the RETAS for
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Greeting Card Retailer’.

dronfield EYE
Don’t look down, Olivia!
D
RONFIELD Eye’s Olivia Firth rose to the
chalIenge of supporting a worthy charity...
by abseiling down one of Sheffield city centre’s
tallest buildings.
Supporters of youth homelessness charity
Roundabout raised more than £12,000 when they
discovered a shared head for heights and
adventure.
The sponsored Roundabout Abseil saw Olivia join
the charity’s team of thrill-seekers in descending
from the top of Sheffield Hallam University’s 160ft
main Owen Building at Howard Street.
Roundabout partnered with professional provider
Dolomite Training for the abseil and they were
responsible for the equipment, participant safety
and all abseil activity.
By the time everybody had their feet firmly back
on the ground, they had raised a combined
£12,210.
Said 20-year-old Olivia: “I chose to take part
because the charity provides help to people of a
similar age to myself who are facing homelessness.
“I must admit, I was feeling the nerves as I was on
the roof of the Howard Building but I reminded
myself of the charity I was raising money for. Four
minutes later, I was back on the ground feeling very
proud of myself and my accomplishment.
“In total I have rased £405 through sponsorship
which is so much more than I thought I would raise.
I would like to thank everybody who has sponsored
me and I am so pleased I could do my part for a
worthy cause.”
Roundabout events fundraiser, Denise Lawrenson,
added: “This is the third abseil organised by
Roundabout, and we are so grateful to have had so
many people sign up to take on this challenge.
“This was a truly fantastic achievement and we
really do thank everybody who signed up and made
this a great day of adventure, raising an incredible
amount to support homeless young people in our
region.
“Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the experience
and I’m sure many of them would have jumped at
the chance of doing it again if they could!”
Find out more about Roundabout’s event
programme for this year and how you can get
involved at roundabouthomeless.org
Olivia Firth manages a smile for
the camera as she abseils down
the city centre Owen Building
FIFTY RATHER INCREDIBLE SHEFFIELDERS
Who made our list?
Find out in Issue 50 of My Kind of Town
Available from Heron Publications on 01246 416027 or via
heronpublications.co.uk Also: Wards, New Leaf, Ferndale, Dronfield Cards
& Gifts and Waterstones stores at Meadowhall and Orchard Square.
20

dronfield EYE
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21

dronfield EYE
This was the man
who gave Cliffe
Park to Dronfield
Dronfield’s most popular park is celebrating its
90th anniversary this summer. Mike Firth looks
at the remarkable life of the benefactor who
gave the land for the enjoyment of local people
W
22
HAT could Dronfield’s beautiful Cliffe Park possibly
have in common with Sheffield University Students’
Union, 19th century watchmaking, a couple of art galleries,
one of the country’s first large-scale mail order businesses,
a wing of the Children’s Hospital and an RNLI lifeboat?
The answer is J.G. Graves.
He is the figure from history who was one of this area’s most
successful entrepreneurs, an influential civic figure and, most
famously, one of the Sheffield area’s most generous public
benefactors.
It’s difficult indeed to take any route
through the city without seeing some area
which was touched by his kind donations of
land, money and works of art. That is exactly
what J.G Graves did for us here in Dronfield
and Cliffe Park, home of the annual summer
Gala, first welcomed the public in 1934.
It is perhaps slightly odd that this great
Sheffielder – awarded the Freedom of the
City in 1929 – was actually a Lincolnshire
lad, being born in Horncastle in 1866.
Moving West to Sheffield in 1880, John
George Graves began his employment as a 14-year-old watch
repairer, working for William Wichman in Gibralter Street.
After about six years, by which time he had completed his
apprenticeship, he set up his own business with £10 capital. With
contacts throughout the East Midlands, he developed a trade
selling lever-watches which he bought in bulk from a Birmingham
manufacturer and sold on at lower prices than popular imported
American versions of the time.
Plaque in Cliffe Park
August, 1883, saw
the Post Office
introduce an inland
parcel service which
proved a boon to
J.G. Graves. He
used this
revolutionary
service to create
one of Britain’s first
mail order businesses
to sell his watches far and wide.
Alderman J.G. Graves
Customers bought the timepieces on credit, paying a deposit
and then the outstanding amount in regular instalments. Graves
introduced hire purchase to the vast majority of people who did
not have, or could not have, a bank account
to obtain an overdraft.
This most attractive and reliable mail order
business expanded rapidly from selling
watches to offering a range of locallymanufactured
products including jewellery,
cutlery and tools.
In 1894, Graves had eight staff, in 1896, 41
employees, and, by 1898, 200 workers.
In the early years of the 20th century he
was employing 2,000 Sheffielders, with 20
premises spread all over the city. In 1903 he
opened a large new headquarters at
Westville, on Durham Road.
Not happy with being one of the city’s largest employers, by this
time Graves had been elected to serve on Sheffield Council,
eventually becoming Lord Mayor and an Alderman.
Looking around the city and its surrounding neighbourhoods, he
expressed concern at the dearth of recreational facilities for his
employees and other Sheffielders. He also noted that so much
parkland and other areas of beauty was in private ownership.

dronfield EYE
Above: Some of the J.G. Graves Ltd employees shown
outside their Enterprise Works factory in Sheffield
Right: Cover of a 1950s Graves shopping catalogue
So he set about buying large areas of land and donated them to
the city - and Dronfield - either directly or through the charitable
trust he set up.
Perhaps the most famous land donation made by this
philanthropist was in the south of the city, now Graves Park, which
is Sheffield’s largest public park. However, he also made sizeable
contributions towards the purchase of Ecclesall Woods, Blacka
Moor and parts of Porter Valley. He bought the site of the old
Abbeydale Scythe Works which was restored to become
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Museum.
He donated £10,000 of the £24,000 required to purchase
Ecclesall Woods and, just across the road, also bought and
donated land which became Beauchief Gardens.
Several Sheffield institutions bear his name as a result of the
contributions he made to their creation, such as the Graves Trust
Homes, Graves Health and Sports Centre at Norton and Graves Art
Gallery, to which he donated a large collection of art works. His
donations also helped establish Sheffield University’s Students’
Union, know in part as the Graves Building.
On another level, he ensured the inner-city children of Sheffield
had playgrounds to enjoy.
In the 1930s, in the city centre, Graves reputedly bought and set
up the small garden and seating area at Balm Green, off Barkers
Pool, because he didn’t want new building lines to obscure the
views of the magnificent new City Hall.
As if all this were not enough to keep him fully occupied, Graves
was also a big lover of the great outdoors and was both a keen
rambler and cyclist. At the age of 41, he reputedly rode form
Sheffield to London in just 19 hours.
He once wrote: “To gain a knowledge of the topography and
attractions of our beautiful countryside, nothing that I have ever
sampled will compare with a journey on a well-made bicycle.
23

dronfield EYE
Today, Cliffe Park, its
sports facilities,
playground and
Gosforth Lodge are
managed by Dronfield
Town Council
“To go as you please
where and when you
please, independent of
trains and petrol and all
under your own control, I
reckon to be a
combination of exercise,
pleasure and
convenience which has
not so far been
excelled.”
When J.G. Graves died
in 1945 at the age of 79,
a service of cremation
took place at City Road
and his ashes were
interred in Sheffield
Cathedral. His successful
businesses – watch
importers, electro-plate
and cutlery merchants –
continued for a time until they were bought by Wigfalls who then
sold the mail order business to Great Universal Stores.
HAT did J.G. Graves sell?
W The boss of the local business once made a famous
boast in an advertisement: “I provide everything”. Looking back
through other advertisements and catalogues, J.G. Graves Ltd
did indeed seem to sell items to fit most requirements.
Starting out selling watches, the business soon diversified to
sell other Sheffield-made items including the city’s famous
cutlery, silverware and ultra-sharp razor-blades.
In the era of so many exciting technological advancements, this
was the first company offering easy payment terms for items
such as radios and gramophone record players – made in teak
or oak.
Once you had your gramophone, you wanted records, of
course, and J.G. Graves could help, of course, with a choice of
4,000 titles.
Moving on, once the catalogues were distributed far and wide,
J.G. Graves really came into its own prior to Christmas and for
the first time the Great British public were able to buy gifts by
mail order.
For children, you could buy train sets, books, blackboards, toy
cars, scooters, tricycles, rocking-horses, dolls, soft toys, and
much more. For a loved one, how about ordering a barometer,
teapot, banjo or hot-water bottle, hat or camera?
24
W
HY no knighthood for J.G.?
If J.G. Graves was such a hugely successful and
outrageously generous fellow, why on earth was he never
knighted?
It could well have been because of a public spat he had – and
won – with the General Post Office in 1900-01. In those days the
GPO was owned by the Government.
With his mail order business posting vast numbers of small,
registered packets throughout the country, Graves argued that
the GPO should collect them from his premises – but they
refused.
Not to be beaten, Graves had an idea for retaliation. He
delivered vast numbers of packets to the main post office in
Sheffield’s Haymarket using a fleet of horse-drawn vehicles, just
before the end of the day’s business.
This overloaded systems at the post office as clerks had to
check each packet and issue receipts. It also caused traffic chaos
the likes of which had never before been seen in Sheffield city
centre.
With the public behind Graves, the popular press of the day had
a field day, depicting the local Head Postmaster in particularly
unflattering caricatures.
The official eventually backed down and arranged for his
vehicles to collect the packets from Graves’ warehouse, this
practice being later endorsed by GPO headquarters in London.

dronfield EYE
Dronfield Gala: The best free show in town!
M
ARK your calendars for Sunday, 30th June, and enjoy
a day filled with joy and delight and a traditional Gala
atmosphere.
Dronfield’s annual Gala starts at 12pm and continues until 5pm
and is again being held in the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Park.
This year the Gala will have a local shopping section, where
small businesses and local creatives will showcase their products
including wax melts, candles, mini-Lego figures and natural dog
treats. Discover unique treasures and hand-made crafts at stalls
run by carefully selected local vendors. There is a diverse
selection on offer, from more than 15 local craft stalls.
To keep you energised throughout the day, you can sample an
array of culinary delights in the food zone, with Greedy Greek
Deli, Cow Boy Burgers, Latin Fusion and Chefstefuk providing
amazing loaded fries and mac and cheese! There’s even a
pancake bar making its gala debut, along with Salute Prosecco
and much more on the day!
The fun doesn’t stop there. MadeitVR will be hosting their
Virtual Reality gaming experience at this years Gala.
Our feathered and furry friends will be in attendance, courtesy
of the Aviary, with a static display of some amazing birds of prey.
DB Animal Therapy Petting Zoo are bringing along a selection of
their cutest animals.
There will also be inflatables including total wipeout and infinity
tower with mega-drop slide, mini pony rides courtesy of Unicorn
Party Ponies and facepainting.
Revel in the delightful melodies from the wonderful Ladies
Voices, and the always popular live music performances from
Dronfield Music Tuition.
The Dronfield Town Council-organised event is free to attend,
so join us in Cliffe Park on Sunday, 30th June, for a day of fun
and entertainment. Dronfield Gala promises to be an
unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. See you there!
Craft and Charity Stalls Fairground Rides & Inflatables
Infinity Tower with Mega Drop Slide & Wipeout DB Animal
Therapy Petting Zoo Live Music Wild Experience With Birds
Of Prey Food & Drink Stalls Virtual Reality Gaming
Experience Mini Pony Rides
The Dronfield Gala is a great aernoon of family fun! Make sure you don’t miss out...join
us in Cliffe Park from 12noon on Sunday 30th June. Don’t forget entry is FREE and a
number of the acvies on the day are also FREE!
25

dronfield EYE
A breath of
fresh air for
young people
Our teenage
correspondent,
Sophie De’Ath,
reports on a
worrying trend
with vaping
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H
OW many young people do you know who vape?
Studies have shown that the trend is ever growing.
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) is an organisation set up
by the Royal College of Physicians to end the harm caused by
tobacco.
They have conducted many studies into vaping in recent
years and in 2023 found that 20.5% of children had tried
vaping, which had increased from 15.8% in 2022, and 13.9% in
2020 prior to the first Covid lockdown.
This phenomenon began as an attempt to prevent people
from smoking, with initiatives such as the Government providing
a million smokers with a free e-cigarette starter pack. However,
it has recently transitioned into a trend among youths. Smoking
is less of a concern for young people; vaping has now fallen
into its place.
As vaping has become so popular, grasping their opportunity,
many brands have created flavours (such as watermelon,
lemonade and cherry) and packaging containing every colour
of the rainbow in order to appeal to young people.
‘Flavoured air’
This, combined, with the lack of knowledge about the effects
of vaping and individuals believing it’s “just flavoured air”
(a common view among my peers) the sales have been
soaring.
Despite there being limited findings about the consequences
of vaping, there have in fact been reported incidents of young
people suffering as a result of vaping. A teenage boy nearly
died after vaping caused ‘a catastrophic reaction in his lungs’
report doctors in Nottingham.
The Government has become increasingly aware of this issue
and therefore is attempting to make a change. It wishes to ban
disposable vapes by 2025, as well as restricting the flavours
and packaging of refillable vapes under their new ‘Tobacco and
Vapes Bill’.
It is likely that, as a consequence of this Bill, there will be
a decrease in vaping among youths: a change for the
better!
26

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dronfield EYE
Hub’s creature comforts
28
A local community hub is celebrating its
second anniversary. Deborah Wain reports
F
ARIDA McGann established the volunteer-run
Dronfield Woodhouse Community Support Hub, at
Moray Place, to help people connect after the Covid-19
pandemic.
Farida was inspired to develop the project while she and
her husband Dave were suffering from the effects of Long
Covid.
She had been checking in on an elderly neighbour during
lockdowns and thought others would benefit from support.
Farida identified an empty community building managed by
Rykneld and gained their backing, together with charity
Rethink.
From the first session, the idea took off and Farida has
worked tirelessly with Dave to develop the project.
A single community group has grown into a packed
calendar of sessions and activities, both at the community
building and much further afield.
Those who attend range from those in their 40s to their
90s; all benefiting from a safe meeting place for people to
improve their social skills and well-being and beat loneliness.
Farida said she had got just as much out of the project as
those who come to the Hub.
She said: “In the last few months, we’ve been joined by
even more people. We’re like a big family really – I absolutely
love it and haven’t regretted for a minute setting it up.”
Weekly get-togethers include a health and well-being
session on Mondays, from 10.30am-1pm and a well-being
group on Thursdays, from 10.30am-1pm.
Activities
Regular activities include games, arts and crafts, and
friendship meals with regular outings to similar initiatives in
Sheffield for creative writing and in Chesterfield, which
includes a visit to the market.
There is chair-based yoga and curling and guests have
provided health advice, Citizens Advice services, help with
electronic devices and other support, while the Hub is also
involved with Derbyshire Time Swap. The list is endless –
friends have even gone on a London theatre trip!
For anyone living with or looking after someone with
dementia, the Hub is hosting the Rainbow Care Group for a
day, on Wednesday, 29th May, from 10.30am-1.30pm
They offer specialist services and have the philosophy that
just because someone has a diagnosis of dementia it doesn't
mean they should stop living, laughing and having fun. Other
representatives will be attending from the Living Well team
and Derbyshire Carers.
People are invited to go along to find out more and enjoy a
cuppa and a chat. The hub is also supporting the Time for a
Cuppa campaign to raise funds for Dementia UK. Visit
Farida’s Just Giving page to donate.
Call 07821 691192 for more information on the Dementia Day
or other sessions, or call in.
More information about the Hub, full listings of what’s
happening and more, can be found on the website at
www.dronfield-woodhouse-community.com
The hub played host to a number of unusual guests at a
recent session. The team from Animal House Zoo, at
Chesterfield, visited with a range of creatures, including
a Horsefield tortoise, a lesser tenrec, a royal python, a
leopard gecko, a barn owl and a giant train millipede.
There was a chance to learn more about the animals and
handle them.

dronfield EYE
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29

dronfield EYE
John elected new
Probus President
D
RONFIELD Probus - the organisation for retired
businessmen - has elected a new President, John
Pashley. John is familiar to many people in town through
his long association with Dronfield Players.
Said John: “I joined Dronfield Probus Club a year prior to
the Covid epidemic after being asked to join by my life-long
and very special friend, the late David Roe. I am very pleased
and honoured to have been asked to take the role of
President for the forthcoming year, particularly as I’m a
relatively new member.
“Having lived in Dronfield and surrounding area all my life I
am still active with Dronfield Players drama group which I
have been a member of for 53 years. I served as Chairman of
the group for more than 20 of those years and I am now also
their Life President.”
John says he is very fortunate to have a wide and
respectful group of friends within Dronfield from all walks of
life.
“I started my working career as a compositor for Arnold
Biggin & Sons, printers in Dronfield, when I left school and
remained in the print industry for many years, finally
working for Sheffield Hallam University within their printing
department.
“After working there for 15 years I then set up my own
photographic business, covering many weddings and various
events around the area before retiring in 2020, partly as a
result of the Covid epidemic.
“It is with great pride that I now serve as President of Dronfield
EMBERS of Dronfield Footpaths and Bridleways
Society started their summer walking programme
by stepping out along the newly-refreshed Drone Valley
Way.
The Way is a 7.5 mile route devised by Barry
Jex and the society 20 years ago and
links Dronfield and Chesterfield town
centres.
The society recently bought way
markers to replace those missing
from the route.
The society’s Peter Carr
explained: “Coun Suzie Perkins,
the Mayoress of Chesterfield,
who had joined us on the
re-launch of the North
Chesterfield Way last October,
and enjoyed that walk, had
suggested we should do a
walk from Dronfield to
Chesterfield and finish at the
Mayor's Parlour.
“Twenty-three of us set off from
Dronfield Civic Centre to walk the
way-marked route that takes you
through Mill Lane, Metapic Wood, The
Unstone Line and Ramshaw Woods, before
we began the steady climb to the masts on the
hillside above Unstone and into Grasscroft Woods
30
John Pashley receives the Dronfield Probus Club
Chain of Office from outgoing President, Roy MItchell
Probus Club and I will do everything in my power to ensure the
continued success of the club, which provides a valuable and
interesting outlet for retired professionals.”
Striding out on the Drone Valley Way
M
overlooking Chesterfield.
“The industrial heritage of this area has almost been taken
over by nature and, in stark contrast to the mines, coking
ovens, railway lines and spoil heaps that were here, there
is open grassland and woodlands supporting
bluebells, ransoms, forget-me-nots and
many other wildflowers and wildlife too.
“It was all downhill to Old Whittington,
stopping briefly by Revolution
House, then we continued along
Newbridge Lane to reach the
canal, and from there, Tapton
Lock to meet Barry and
continue with him along the
canal and River Rother to
Chesterfield and its Town Hall
on Rose Hill.”
The group was met on the
steps of Chesterfield Town Hall
by Coun Perkins and Mayor
Coun Mick Brady.
“It was a great end to a great
walk,” added Peter.
For more information about the
summer walk programme, visit
dronfieldfootpaths.org.uk
Leaflets for the Drone Valley Way walk are
available from Dronfield Library, The Barn and Tapton Lock.

dronfield EYE
Jenny’s big day out
at Derby Cathedral
T
HE Bishop of Derby, Right Rev Libby Lane, recently licensed 11 people to be
Lay Readers and among them was Jenny Whittaker, from Dronfield.
Lay Readers are people in the church who are authorised to lead services, give talks
and sermons and provide leadership for local churches in all their activities.
Jenny has been a member of St Andrew’s Community Church since 1988 and, as well
as being the Parish Children’s Worker in the early 2000s, has been the Director of
Children’s work for Valley CIDs (Christians in Derbyshire), focusing on work with children
in schools. Two years ago, Jenny began the training to be a Lay Reader.
A group from Dronfield with Holmesfield Parish travelled to Derby Cathedral for the
special service.
As part of her leadership development, Jenny has been a member of a small group
developing new activities based at and around St Andrew’s during its celebrations of 50
years in the Gosforth Valley, including the successful Gosforth Valley Community
Festival last September.
The festival will take place again this year in a bigger format on September 7th with a
wider range of groups and businesses being represented. Meanwhile, keep an eye on
the cross outside St Andrew’s as it is currently dressed with Spring flowers.
The Bishop of Derby, Right Rev Libby Lane, with Dronfield’s Jenny Whittaker
Station bench greets
lonely and isolated
T
HE memorial seat at Dronfield Station has
become a ‘Let’s Chat’ bench.
There are numerous Let's Chat benches where
people who are lonely, feeling isolated and in need
of support can meet and simply talk.
Members of Friends of Dronfield Station had a
discussion with Louise Hall, Senior Development
Manager at Derbyshire County Council Public
Health, at the recent Community Get2gether in
Dronfield Sports Centre when they were asked if a
plaque could be attached to the station bench.
Project manager Philip Brightmore said: “We felt
that this was a very important, relevant subject and
wanted to give it our support.”
Local Let's Chat benches can be found by visiting
LetsChat Map or by calling 01629 533190.
Pool covers will cut costs
RONFIELD Sports Centre is to receive a £69,897 funding boost for
D its swimming pool.
The grant has come from Phase II of the Government’s Swimming Pool
Support Fund – a £60m capital investment programme administered by Sport
England, to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools.
Dronfield will use its share of the money to pay for new pool covers and
variable speed filtration. Both will reduce running costs and save energy.
Coun Steve Pickering, Cabinet Member for Environment and Place at NE
Derbyshire District Council, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve
the energy and cost efficiency of our buildings and this is another great
example of that.
“Dronfield already has air-source heat pumps, which are to be
commissioned in June, solar panels, LED lighting and cavity wall insulation, so
these latest improvements will help to make it even greener.”
Pool covers are put on overnight to insulate the pool and reduce heat loss
and evaporation while variable speed filtration means the rate of flow of pool
water can be decreased overnight, in turn cutting the energy used by the
pool pumps which run around the clock. It is hoped the pool improvements at
Dronfield Sports Centre will be in place by the end of the year.
Stop smoking boost
D
ERBYSHIRE County Council is to receive more than £5 million over
the next five years to help reduce smoking rates across the county.
The money comes from the Government’s Stopping the Start fund, which
aims to see the number of people who quit smoking double in that time
period. In turn this will support the Government to achieve its aim that
England will be smoke free by 2030.
Latest figures show that in Derbyshire 14% of people aged 18 and over are
smokers. Live Life Better Derbyshire - offers a free, 12-week stop smoking
service. Find out more via the Live Life Better Derbyshire website or ring
0800 0852299.
32
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EYE on d-day anniversary
June 6th marks the 80th anniversary
of D-Day. Deborah Wain looks at how
the event will be commemorated
locally and she also tells the powerful
stories of two brave local heroes
who took part in the 1944 landings
D
RONFIELD people are being invited to come
together for the lighting of the beacon in
Sindelfingen Park as part of international
commemorations on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
D-Day, on 6th June, 1944, was the largest naval, air and land
operation in history, involving hundreds of thousands of troops.
There were 210,000 Allied casualties of what was called
Operation Overlord, including almost 37,000 ground forces
and 16,000 air forces killed in the invasion of Normandy’s
Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, as
well as the long and bloody campaign that followed.
At 9.15pm, on Thursday, 6th June, beacons will be lit
on all five beaches as well as in villages, towns, and
cities across the UK and beyond.
The beacon represents the heroism of those who
landed on the shores of the Normandy beaches,
bringing light for the world during an especially dark
period of war.
Dronfield Town Council has asked residents to gather
from 8.45pm. The lighting of the beacon will be preceded
by a short service, and the Town Mayor will read the International
Tribute in line with other ceremonies. Saxophonist Keith Burkitt
will be performing music from the 1940s. People are advised to
arrive in advance as timings need to be accurately adhered to.
The last time the Dronfield Beacon was lit was in 2022 to mark
the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Locations such as care homes or pubs,
which would like to take part in D-Day 80,
are being encouraged to light an official
Lamp Light of Peace. More details can be
found at www.d-day80beacons.co.uk
Dronfield Eye has been asking readers to
share stories and photographs of family
members who took part in the
Normandy landings.
Email deb@heron
publications.
co.uk
From Dronfield to Normandy
Joseph Simpson, known as Joe, was a private - or
sapper - in 84 Field Company of the Corps of Royal
Engineers. He landed on Sword Beach early on D-Day
in scenes captured in an iconic photograph of the
event. Joe’s daughter, Tracey McNeil, of Unstone, has
shared an account he wrote after the war
J
OE Simpson grew up at Dronfield’s Buckingham Terrace,
known locally as ‘Cammell’s Row’ as it was built to house some
of the employees of the Wilson Cammell steelworks, based on
Callywhite Lane. He married his wife Pat at the age of 19 and only
months later was called up.
Joe’s company, based in Scotland, consisted of about 270 men.
Joe wrote that the company was chosen for beach work in the very
early stages of invasion training, which took place in Scotland and
elsewhere. Eventually, he and comrades were sent to a camp near
Portsmouth to await finals commands for D-Day.
On June 2nd, the men embarked on a tank landing craft (LCA) - an
amphibious assault craft for landing tanks - at Gosport, then moving to
Newhaven.
Joe wrote: “During the evening of 5th June, the captain of the ship told
us that next morning we should be doing our task on the Normandy
beach.
“I was in possession of the “secret” envelope containing orders for
myself and the other sappers on board, and I could now take a look at
them, so I opened the envelope and there were all the maps and
information I needed.”
The invasion began at around 6.30am on the 6th, and Joseph landed
at 7.45am, earlier than had been anticipated. Records show 160
sappers from the company landed around that time and 50 more later
34
Pte Joe
Simpson

EYE on d-day anniversary
in the morning.
Joe told how he was pleased
to set foot on “solid ground” and
“take my chance with the
others”.
He disembarked in Queen
Sector, one of the quarters
Sword Beach had been divided
into, briefly describing the sight
that met him: “The beach was
well aflame with everything and
a number of dead were lying
around.”
Other published accounts
reveal the scene to have been
one of utter horror and
confusion as men were met by
Joe as
a boy
shelling, mortars and small arms fire while facing a real threat of
drowning in storm-lashed waters.
A photograph by Jim Mapham captured the dramatic moment
some of the members of Joseph’s company went ashore in what
has become one of the most famous images of D-Day.
Once on dry land, Joe set off to find those comrades who had
landed before him.
“They had the job of finding suitable exits from the beach to the
coast road that ran quite close to the sea at that point, directly
behind Colleville Sur Orne.
“The first sapper I
found told me the
bad news that my
platoon officer had
been killed very
soon after he left the
LCA.”
The platoon
Sergeant, Webber,
was by this time in
command and was
busy sweeping more
exits, while early
exits were being laid
with Sommerfeld
tracking, mesh
designed to stabilise
Joe (right) and a pal on two wheels –
his bike sports a plate which reads
‘Patsy’, the name of his wife
ground for use by
aircraft.
Joseph went on: “I
was platoon
despatch rider, but had not much riding to do with the beach
being so compact, so I went to work with the section to which I
belonged before I took to despatch riding.
“It was now after midday and the platoon had had quite a
number of casualties. Shell fire from the extreme left flank was
getting pretty regular. It seemed to come from guns across the
River Orne and also from much heavier artillery on the coast to
the east. Flashes of the guns could be seen quite plainly against
the dark background of the hills. Most of the casualties, however,
were caused by mines.”
Records show the slain officer Joe referred to was Lt John
Parker Symon, from Edinburgh, who died aged only 22. Five
other members of Joe’s company were also killed in action that
day.
Tracey said: “Like many others, dad was very humble and didn’t
speak much about what happened to him, but it must have been
terrifying for him. I think of my own sons at that age.”
Tracey has always understood that Joe walked onto the beach
on one side of a tank with a friend on the other side, who was
badly wounded. Joe helped him ashore but the pal was among
those who died.
Joe’s own account, which was left with his papers after his
death, ends with him singling out two men from his company who
he said would “always live in my memory of the beaches”. These
were his commander-in-chief, Maj Smith, and L Corp William
Campbell, who dragged a barrow full of explosives up the beach
under heavy machine gun fire and was later decorated with a
Military Medal.
The company remained in the area into the summer, creating
and maintaining exits from the beach, as well as protecting water
supplies and carrying out mines clearance. They later went on to
Belgium Holland and Germany. The family were told years later
that Joe was among British soldiers who went into the Nazi
concentration camp Bergen Belsen following its liberation.
Joe stayed in the Army until some time after 1946. Joe and Pat
went on to have four children and he worked as a driver and
mechanic.
He was employed by Gunstone’s bakery for 24 years, taking
workers to and from the site. Joe sadly died in 1992, aged 71.
Jim Mapham’s iconic D-Day photograph.
Men from Joe’s unit are in the foreground
• Some of the information for this article is from Marc
Dyos’ book ‘From the Shores of the Moray Firth: The
Story of 84 Field Company Royal Engineers, 1944 to 1945.
Joe and Pat and their eldest children Josephine
and Patrick. The couple went
on to have two more children, Martin and Tracy
35

dronfield EYE
EYE on d-day anniversary
Into D-Day horrors on a bicycle
Deborah Wain tells the story of
another local D-Day hero who arrived
on Gold Beach on the fateful morning
of June 6th, 1944, carrying a foldaway
bicycle. Eric Broadhead went
on to be badly wounded saving lives
Y
OUNG Eric Broadhead was a butcher
living and working at the family shop in
Meersbrook when the Second World War
began.
Initially, Eric was a member of the Home Guard
but, in 1942, he was called up, aged 21, to serve
with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
However, he was to eventually transfer to the
Durham Light Infantry as the regiment needed
replacements following the campaign in North
Africa.
Eric’s first taste of active service was to be during
one of the most famous days in military history - D-
Day, 6th June, 1944 - the start of the Allied invasion
of Normandy, which led to the liberation of France
and put the Allies on a decisive path towards
victory.
Not that Eric or his unit compatriots in C
Company, part of 151 Brigade, knew a great deal
about what was ahead of them while at a
preparation camp near Southampton in the days
leading up to the beach landings.
The men had been equipped with collapsible
folding bikes, which they carried on their backs,
and their days were spent practising how to use
them in combat.
Eric’s daughter, Anne, explained: “They were
given minimal information on their role in the
landings. The objective was to capture the beach
head and press on to the high ground.
“They knew little of the whereabouts of the
assault but were to hold their ground until the
armoured division went ashore.”
Anne knows some of the detail of what Eric went through as he
wrote an account of his wartime service, probably during the
1950s.
Eric wrote that in the run-up to D-Day he knew he was bound for
On his
butcher’s
boy bike
outside
Meersbrook
Park
36
Eric in the uniform of the Durham Light Infantry
France but little else: “At the time, Normandy meant nothing to
me; when I landed, I didn’t even know where we were.”
By 4th June, Eric’s unit was on board the leaking United States
landing craft, Infantry 501, which was anchored in Southampton
docks awaiting instructions. That evening, the troops were told
they would be going the next day. However, because of bad
weather, the invasion was postponed for another 24 hours.
At 9pm, on June 5th, the men were issued with anti-seasickness
pills, a sure indication that things were moving. Infantry 501 joined
the hundreds of other craft embarking on the journey from Britain
to Normandy.
Anne said: “When it got dark, dad went below deck to his bunk
and tried to sleep, but he was awakened by a dreadful sickly
feeling, the craft was rolling and he was feeling terrible.
“At 5am, on 6th June, Dad was still feeling sick but crawled on
deck to get some fresh air. He described the scene he saw as
unforgettable; ships and boats of every shape and size, landing
craft, battle ships, torpedo boats, over the expanse of the
channel, and overhead Spitfires and Hurricanes racing towards
France.
“Dad discovered they were heading towards Arromanches,
designated Gold beach by the Allies.”
Eric’s unit was in the second wave of invaders- the first was at
6.30 am and he and comrades went ashore just two hours later.
Anne continued: “The men had to get kitted up. For Dad, this
included the collapsible bike, a rifle, ammunition and a stretcher.

EYE on d-day dronfield anniversary EYE
He could hear the Naval gunfire.
“Ten yards from the shore, the craft ran aground,
dropped its ramp and Dad jumped off into the sea.
The water came up to his chest. He said the
struggle to the beach was the hardest ten yards of
his life.”
On shore, the battalion re-grouped, got their
bikes up the beach and began pedalling along the
narrow French country lanes. They took the high
ground, commanding the beaches without incident.
However, they were mistaken for Germans and came
under fire from their own side and tragically one man was
killed.
Having survived the first night, the next few days were spent
pushing further inland, sometimes coming up against resistance.
Anne continued: “Dad’s main job was to act as a stretcher
bearer, taking casualties back to treatment centres. He also had
to stand guard at night with the threat of German parachutists
trying to infiltrate their lines. Occasionally he and his mate would
suffer optical illusions in the darkness.”
On 12th June came the order to move off to relieve other troops
and trenches were dug at the edge of a wood close to the enemy
Eric’s Christmas greetings to the family back home
line. Shortly before midnight, Eric was called out with a
stretcher to bring in a casualty.
From Eric’s account: “We crossed a couple of
fields keeping as low as possible, with one eye out
for mines. Eventually we found the lad with a
bullet in his foot. First aid was almost impossible
under those conditions. We carried our patient
back, stopping to listen for the enemy every few
yards. It was a hard journey and by the time we
handed him over to the Medical Officer at the
primitive dressing station in an outsized trench it had
taken four hours to travel five miles.”
Further attacks resulted in heavy casualties and Eric witnessed
men suffering horrific injuries as he went back and forth to rescue
the injured.
Not surprisingly, it was only a matter of time before Eric himself
was wounded by shrapnel.
“We had got to a hedge and were trying to get a stretcher
through it when I felt my arm go numb. I looked down and saw
blood trickling through my jacket,” he recounted.
Three of the unit’s four stretcher bearers were wounded. After
eight days in France, Eric was sent back to England for treatment.
Shown here on Gold Beach in Arromanches when Eric visited for the 40th D Day anniversary in 1984
37

dronfield EYE
EYE on d-day anniversary
Pictured here in 1984 with Mme Gondree, of Cafe Gondree,
reportedly the first place to be liberated in France
He was not fit to return until November, by which time his unit
was in Holland. The casualty rate was high. Of the 120 men of C
Company who began the invasion, only four remained.
Eric later served as a cook in Germany and by the time of his
release in 1947 he was an acting Sergeant whose military conduct
was described as “exemplary”.
In the early 1950s, Eric took over the family butchers’ shop at 72
Derbyshire Lane. He married his wife, Dorothy, in 1955 and the
couple went on live at Norton Lees and have two daughters,
Lynda and Anne. In 1971, Eric and Dorothy moved their shop
across the road to number 35 and remained there until retirement
in 1988.
In 1984, Eric, joined by Dorothy, was proud to return to
Normandy with other veterans as part of the D-Day 40th
Anniversary commemorations. It was the first time he had been
abroad since the war.
The itinerary included crossing the famous Pegasus Bridge and
a visit to the Gondree cafe, to meet the family who were
reportedly the first family in France to be liberated.
The group visited Sword Beach, went past Juno beach to Gold
Beach and saw the remnants of the Mulberry Harbour in
Arromanches and the D-Day Museum there. The trip also
included a visit to Bayeux and the British Military Cemetery where
Eric found the grave of one of his comrades, Lt Donald Maney
Laycock, of Dore, who died aged 22, on 12th June.
Sadly Eric died in 1992, aged 69, of cancer. In 2004, Dorothy,
Lynda and Anne travelled to Normandy to go back in his memory
for the 60th anniversary. Lynda has since also passed away.
Dorothy and Anne today live at Norton.
Anne said: “I shall be immensely proud to watch the 80th
Anniversary commemorations this year and see the few veterans
left honouring all those no longer here who played their part in
D-Day.”
Dorothy in front of the Pegasus bridge
memorial in 2004. The original bridge was
an important capture of Allied Forces
38

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dronfield EYE
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41

Dronfield
Town
Council
News
Town Mayor
and Council
Chair elected
COUN Pamela Jones has been elected as
the new Town Mayor and Chair of Dronfield
Town Council, succeeding Coun Susan
Burkitt.
Coun Jones represents the Gosforth Valley
Ward and also serves as the representative
for Barlow and Holmesfield on the NE
Derbyshire District Council.
At the Annual Town Meeting, Coun Jones
expressed her honour at taking on the role
and said she is very much looking forward
to her year in office.
Coun Susan Burkitt was also elected as
Deputy Mayor and Vice-Chair at the same
meeting.
Members thanked Coun Burkitt for her
year as Mayor and all her great work
championing Dronfield, its residents,
businesses and fantastic local community
groups.
• Meet the new Mayor: Page 14.
New Tractor for
Outside Services
TOWN Councillors agreed to invest £20,000
in a new New Holland tractor to help bolster
the outside services team's maintenance
duties in Dronfield. This decision has been
made due to the retirement of the current
tractor which was beyond economic repair.
The new tractor will be used in the
cemetery as well as for grass-cutting and
general maintenance, ensuring that public
spaces remain well-maintained and safe for
all residents and visitors to Dronfield.
The new tractor is a significant benefit to
the maintenance capabilities of the Town
Council.
Council Leader steps down
Retiring as Town Council Leader, Coun Angelique Foster
receives flowers from the outgoing Town Mayor, Coun Susan
Burkitt (right) and the new Mayor, Coun Pamela Jones
COUN Angelique Foster, who has held the position of Leader for the last nine
years, announced that she was to stand down at the annual meeting of the
Town Council, held on 13th May.
Coun Angelique Foster was first elected as a councilor back in 2011 and will
remain as a member of the Town Council.
Originally from France, Coun Angelique Foster has lived in Dronfield for
more than 20 years and has been a key figure in local government for over a
decade.
Outgoing Town Mayor, Coun Susan Burkitt, presented Coun Angelique
Foster with flowers and gifts and thanked her on behalf of the Town
Council for her significant contributions during her time as Leader of the
council.
THE Town Council agreed to support
the Hedgehogs R Us Highways Project,
which aims to raise awareness around
the plight of hedgehogs.
With numbers in decline and hedgehog
awareness on the rise, there has never
been a better time to get involved in
hedgehog conservation. A Hedgehog
Highway is a 5in gap in a fence and is
essential in the battle to prevent the
Supporting Hedgehog
Highway Project
extinction of the hedgehog. This gap
allows them to forage for food, access
nesting sites and meet other hedgehogs.
The hedgehog shaped fence surrounds
raise awareness to the plight of
hedgehogs, create talking points and
encouraging others to take part in the
project. The Council will be purchasing a
box of 50 Hedgehog Highways.
Chair of the Environmental Committee,
Coun Pam Jones, said: “The Hedgehog
Highways will be available for collection
from the Town Council office on a first
come basis and we encourage any
resident that would like to take part to pop
into the office any time between 10am and
2pm, Monday to Friday, to collect their
Hedgehog Highway.”
Contact Dronfield Town Council:
Civic Hall, Civic Centre, Dronfield, S18 1PD
Tel: 01246 418573 - www.dronfield.gov.uk - townclerk@dronfield.gov.uk

dronfield EYE
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43

dronfield EYE
Golfers remember
their friend Doug
Golfers are preparing to tee off for a charity day
in what has become an annual event in memory
of a local dad-of-three. Deborah Wain reports
T
HE Doug Fisher Classic 2024 takes place on Friday, 14th June, at Hallowes
Golf Club. Doug, a plumber from Dronfield, sadly died in 2020 after suffering
a number of complications arising from diabetes.
The event was set up in 2021 and is organised by Doug’s widow, Tracey, and his twin
brother, Lel, together with Doug’s friends John Leedham, Paul Shale, Jason Porter, Andrew
Bird, Jerry Short and John Gibson.
So far, £18,000 has been raised for Wells-next-the-Sea Community Hospital’s Mermaid
Dialysis Unit which provides holiday treatment for visitors. Doug and his family were able
to use its facilities when he had to undergo daily dialysis.
This year’s funds will be going to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
Appeal in support of another friend, Kevin Hudson, recently diagnosed with MND.
More than 70 golfers are confirmed to play on the day. The action is followed by an
awards ceremony, raffle and auction, and then music from teenage singer Preston Bird
The Doug Fisher Trophy
and a disco with DJ Brad Gee.
Tracey said: “Our annual Charity Golf Day is all about
bringing Doug’s friends and family together to celebrate his
life. Doug loved golf and played as long as he was physically
able to do so.
“Even when he became too ill to play, he joined his friends
on a golf holiday in Albufeira, Portugal. Money was really tight
for us at that point and all of Doug’s friends had a whip-round
and paid for him to join them. I believe that’s when Doug first
said the words that are etched on his gravestone: ‘I may not
have the best of health, but I do have the very best of friends’.
“Our friends got our family through some extremely difficult
times as Doug’s health deteriorated, helping with hospital
appointments, weekly visits and, in the later stages, rallying
around to help with an amazing DIY SOS project on our family
home. The list is endless.
“They gave constant emotional and logistical support to
make each day so much easier. Now with the Golf Day, the
amount of support we receive each year is phenomenal.
“I know Doug would love the fact that this year’s event is
supporting Kev with his MND diagnosis. It’s a way of returning
a little of the kindness and giving Kev the support that Doug
received throughout his illness.”
Sponsors include Barrett Steel, Heraeus UK Ltd, and
Partsplus Sheffield. Raffle tickets will go on sale prior to the
event from The Atrium Coffee Shop at The Forge, Euphoria
Hair and Halo Hair. Prizes include a £250 Amazon Voucher
donated by Partsplus Sheffield. To donate visit:
justgiving.com/page/tracey-fisher-1708868277494
Kevin Hudson playing in one of the previous fund-raising golf days
44
Competitors in a previous Doug Fisher Golf Day at Hallowes

Hundreds of local people
helped to fund the Dronfield
area’s life-saving defibrillators,
but St John Ambulance claim
many of them have already
reached the end of their
lifespan. Mike Firth reports
HE number of life-saving
defibrillators located in and around
Dronfield could become seriously
depleted.
At the last count, the town and surrounding
villages has around 50 devices sited on
private and public buildings but St John
Ambulance say that 21 of these are at the end of
their lifespan and need to be replaced - or removed.
Many of the S18 defibrillators - costing in the region of £1,000
each - were funded by local charities and public donations and
supplied by St John.
Now local businesses have received letters from the charity
telling them that defibrillators installed just five years ago have
reached the end of their useable lifespan. Without further
funding, St John is unable to replace them.
One of the letters was received here at Dronfield Eye where the
outside of our magazine company premises has housed a
publicly accessible defibrillator since February, 2019.
We were told: “We hereby give you notice to terminate the
memorandum of understanding. The defibrillator installed has
now reached the end of its useable lifespan. We would be
pleased to provide a replacement unit for the defibrillator and
related installation and maintenance services and provide a
quote.”
Said Eye editor Mike Firth: “We didn’t fund the defibrillator - we
only pay for the electricity to power it - but we are now being
asked to pay for a replacement or lose it. I don’t recall being told
the unit had a lifespan of only five years and other people have
been surprised by this.”
Five years ago, David Smith of Peak Pharmacy raised £1,000 to
fund a St John defibrillator outside their premises at the
Greendale shopping precinct and he has also been told a
replacement is already required.
On receiving his letter from St John, he told us: “We were never
told it would only be suitable for five years. I understand the pads
and batteries may need replacing from time to time but other
people have told us the defib should be good for 15 years. I’m
planning to contact the manufacturers to ask what is going on.
“However, there is no way we will be removing this defib from
outside our premises because it is a potential life-saver.”
Stephen Thompson, of Moss Valley Meats, has received a
similar letter. Startled to learn that the lifespan of his unused
St John-supplied defib had expired, he contacted one of the
unit’s manufacturers, ZOLL Medical, to enquire if the five-year
lifespan was correct.
“They informed me this is incorrect. Their AEDs do not have a
five-year life-span. They provide regular self-checks and provided
the AED passes its self-test, it is ‘Rescue Ready’, and in good
working order,” he said.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson said: “We are proud to
have helped bring life-saving defibrillators to communities and
have been responsible for their upkeep for the last five years. It is
with regret that we have had to make the difficult decision to no
longer maintain defibrillators on non-St John Ambulance owed
properties when they reach the end of their useable lifespan.
dronfield EYE
Time called on Dronfield defibs?
T
“Like many organisations, we are facing
increasing costs and the financial impact of
the pandemic and as a charity we need to
focus our limited resources. We have
contacted the proprietors of the buildings to
inform them of the situation and wish to
support them in any way we can with
making alternative arrangements to keep
the defibrillators ready for use in an
emergency.
“There are 21 defibrillators in the Dronfield
area that have reached or are nearing their
end-of-lifespan.
“There are a further five defibrillators that
have reached their end-of-lifespan but as
they are currently on buildings occupied by
St John Ambulance, the charity will continue
to maintain them.”
Replacement defibrillators are offered for sale
by St John and groups or businesses which no
longer wish to have a defibrillator on their premises
can have it removed at no cost. Other businesses also sell defibs.
Meanwhile. The Rotary Club of Dronfield’s Liz Hepworth told us
she hoped the letter did not turn out to be a scam as it was a big
concern for many people.
She said: “Our club has given a small grant towards defibs but we
haven’t totally funded any. But if it comes to the people of
Dronfield needing to have a crowd-funding campaign to pay for
replacements, we may be able to help organise it.”
• Has your group or business been contacted by St John warning
that your defib has reached the end of its lifespan? Email
mike@heronpublications.co.uk
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45

EYE on food & drink
Cherry and Nutella Cheesecake
Belly Pork Spare Ribs
Taste the Med at Meadowhead
Mike Firth and family visit an old
favourite with new people at the helm.
Now they are even bigger fans!
I
F you’ve booked your summer holiday and are excitedly
marking off the days on your calendar, why not get
ahead of the game with a visit to Ferdinando’s at
Meadowhead?
The first feel of warm summer sun persuaded many people to
do just that and, on the Thursday
evening when we called, every table
was fully booked, making for a
splendid atmosphere.
This restaurant is now in the hands
of Nihat and Alfredo, two familiar and
vastly experienced restaurateurs who
are delighting in greeting customers -
and friends - old and new to share
the delights of their new venture.
Their menu - which demands to be
read from start to finish - offers
everyone’s Italian favourites, plus
many surprises, and the daily
Specials Board is a further
temptation.
Pollo Picante
Ferdinando’s, under its previous management, was a favourite
venue of the Firth family for many years, but Nihat and Alfredo
have taken the business to new heights.
The pair have been at the helm since the start of the year and
are thrilled that many of their former customers have followed
them to Meadowhead.
No visit to Ferdinando’s is ever complete for wife Helen without
sharing one of their rather special garlic breads topped with
cheese, so that was our pre-starter starter!
Helen’s ‘real’ appetiser was a Mozzarella and Tomato Salad,
daughter Olivia began with a Deep-Fried Mozzarella and I found
my Belly Pork Spare Ribs to be meaty and delicious, having been
marinated in paprika, chilli, garlic and honey and presented with
a barbecue sauce. Everything looked a picture - so we took
several!
For mains, I devoured a Calzone filled with chicken, ham, red
onion, mozzarella and garlic butter and crowned with a tomato
sauce.
Olivia opted for her favourite
Ferdinando’s dish, Pollo Picante,
featuring tender chicken breast
cooked in a spicy sauce of chilli,
tomato, garlic, peppers and white
wine.
Helen couldn’t resist the description
of one of the evening’s ‘specials’, and
was thrilled with her Pork Fillet,
presented in a creamy, peppery,
mushroom sauce and accompanied
by a selection of fresh vegetables.
Did we have room for a dessert?
Well maybe we could tackle one
between us with three spoons, so we ordered a Cherry and
Nutella Cheesecake which was delicious and again spectacularly
presented.
A splendid night out and we will be back soon. Recommended -
but book in advance!
Ferdinando’s, 329 Meadowhead, Sheffield. Tel: 0114 2745202.
Web: ferdinandos.co.uk Open: Tuesday to Saturday 5-10pm.
Sundays noon-9:30pm.
Garlic Bread with Cheese
Deep-Fried Mozzarella
Mozzarella and Tomato
46

EYE on food & drink
Pork Fillet
Alfredo (left) and Nihat
Under new ownership
Introducing new owners Nihat Sari and Alfredo Giuliano
Having both worked together in some of
the best Italian restaurants in Sheffield
and Dronfield for over 20 years, they
are two of the best in the business! With
Nihat taking care of you in the front, and
headchef Alfredo making all of your
mouth-watering dishes in the kitchen,
this is the newest place in town that you
HAVE to try. All of the food is freshly
prepared, the bar is fully stocked, and
the homemade desserts are definitely
not to be missed.
Half price pasta and pizza
every Sunday from 12noon until 9.30pm
Fully licensed bar - Please call to reserve your table.
Book now for Father’s Day for
half price pasta and pizza
329 Meadowhead Sheffield S8 7UP 0114 2745202 www.ferdinandos.co.uk
Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm-10pm
Sunday 12noon-9.30pm
We look forward to you dining with us!
47

dronfield EYE
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48

dronfield EYE
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49

EYE on the past
Mum on old
school photo
J
IM Pashley called into the
Dronfield Eye office to
enquire if we would be
interested in sharing this old
school photograph with readers.
It shows girls at Dronfield Junior
School and Jim believes it would
have been taken towards the end
of the 1920s or early 1930s.
His mother, then called Dorothy
Linacre, is circled in the picture. She
sadly passed away three years ago,
aged 98.
Around the time of the
photograph, Dorothy and her family
lived at The Knott, at the bottom of
School Lane, and later moved to
Hallowes Rise.
On track
at Barlow
A
RECENT Eye on
the Past feature
included photographs of
the old railway line which
served Barlow.
Here are images of the
Victorian track which ran
to Monkwood Colliery,
Furnace Lane, Barlow. The
pictures are dated March,
1913.
Reproduced with thanks
to the Dronfield Heritage
Trust Photograph Archive,
dht.mediafiler.net
Unstone
bridge image
T
HE Brook, at Unstone, is
the title of this picture
which has a date of around 1905.
It shows the old bridge at
Unstone Green, which spans the
river to the ancient lane leading
to Whittington.
The stone-built bridge is now 288
years old, evidenced by its date
stone of 1736.
Readers can enjoy more
photographs of times gone by with
an online visit to the Dronfield
Heritage Trust Photograph Archive
at dht.mediafiler.net
* Send your old local photographs
to info@heronpublications.co.uk
50

Childhood Dronfield memories
These tales seem like only yesterday to Anne
Greenan, a proud resident of Dronfield, who has
fond recollections of growing up in the town
M
Y childhood memories of Dronfield are of growing up
feeling safe in a village environment, when it was
safe to play out after school and Dronfield was surrounded
by fields instead of housing estates. When the main road
through Dronfield was an abundance of individual shops,
and the railway station was a hive of activity.
Born in 1951, I have lived in Dronfield all my life, as did my
mother and grandmother. We all lived in the same row of
terraced houses, two-up two-down, with a cellar and an outside
toilet, but what an abundance of warmth and the sense of
belonging I felt.
The winters were cold and the snow so deep it drifted up
against the toilet door. My dad had to dig out a pathway and put
a paraffin lamp in the toilet to stop the pipes from freezing up.
But my memories are always of being warm, having coal fires in
both downstairs rooms, thanks to my dad, who being a miner had
his coal allowance delivered and tipped into the yard every
month. Dad and my brother would shovel the coal into the
wheelbarrow and then tip it down the cellar-chute.
I remember mum cooking in the coal oven. Always roast beef
on a Sunday and her chocolate
cake was so moist, I have never
tasted any better.
I remember rain and wind lashing
up against my bedroom window,
but I was always warm. At
bedtime, mum would wrap a coaloven
shelf in an old flannelette
sheet and put it in my bed to keep
me warm - no electric blankets
then or central heating.
Friday night was bath night! The
tin bath was carried up from the
cellar, pans of water boiled on the
open fire, and I would have my
bath in the kitchen in front of the
fire.
Dad, being a miner, always came
home from work at about 2.30pm.
His shift started at 6am and the
cage brought him back up to the
surface at 2pm. Mum would
always have plenty of hot water
ready for him to have his bath, no
showers or changing rooms at work
in those days! I remember him coming home, always black and
covered in coal-dust wearing hob-nail boots and a cap.
Summer days during the school holidays were mostly spent in
Cliffe Park, as it is now known. Mum would always do her
shopping and housework in the morning and after dad had come
home and eaten his dinner, she would pack sandwiches, round
up all the kids in the yard and off we would go to the park until
nearly dark.
Barlow Welldressings was an event never to be missed. Mum
would be the leader with all us kids following behind. Our route
was the same every year: up to Hill Top, through two fields and
along the cart track, always stopping to have our packed lunch
alongside the stream. After the procession, we would spend time
at the fair before walking the same route home, calling at the Hill
Top pub for a lemonade and a packet of crisps before returning
home tired and exhausted from our expedition.
Dronfield Feast was another day on my special calendar of
memories. I always remember the weather being sunny and
warm, joining in with the fancy dress competition and marching in
procession behind the band. All the family would attend from
near and far. Aunties, uncles and cousins would all get together
and return to our family home for tea, the kids having their tea
first and adults on the second or even third sitting!
Christmas was so special. All family members would visit each
other in turn for Christmas afternoon tea. I remember walking to
Dronfield Woodhouse through fields of snow to visit one auntie,
uncle and cousin.
Turkey sandwiches and home baking would always be in
abundance and we would play bingo and cards, that is, until
some of my cousins decided to cheat! We would then find other
games to play to amuse ourselves, no computer games then.
The downfall was the walk home, being tired and exhausted. I
remember mum would say “walk to one gas lamp and run to the
next” we’ll get home quicker. Dad always put plenty of coal on
the fire before we went out so that on our return the house
would be warm and cosy.
The main road through Dronfield was the main area of activity. I
have listed below shops and companies I can remember:-
Mr & Mrs Lock’s clothes shop; National Westminster Bank; Mr
Evans’ fruit & vegetable shop; Nelsons’ sweet and tobacco
shop; Simpsons shoe shop; Barclays Bank; E&D Steel the
ironmongers; Mrs Bliss with
cakes and buns; Post Office;
Railway Station; Mr & Mrs Smelt’s
shop which sold large wedges of
cheese, lard and butter cut by a
wire; the newsagent; Butlers
Foundry; Spooners fruit &
vegetable shop; the gas
showroom; chemist; barber’s
shop; Dunhams hairdressing; Mr
Cartridge the butcher; opticians;
solicitors; launderette.
The High Street remains
mostly the same today with the
Library.
Dunham’s builders’ yard and
funeral directors has always
been there as long as I can
remember.
I remember Hartington Road
always having a Co-op, except it
was sectioned into three separate
shops: Haberdashery, butchers
and groceries. Further along
Hartington Road was Mr
and Mrs Hall’s fruit and vegetable shop, hairdresser Mrs Lewis and
Mr Street’s clothes shop. He also offered credit facilities where you
could purchase various items and pay on a weekly basis.
There was only one main Infant and Junior School in Dronfield,
this was on School Lane.
The only one at Dronfield Woodhouse was William Levick which
was on the main road - now know as Meadow Grange Nursing
Home.
If you were clever enough to pass your 11-plus, you would
transfer to Henry Fanshawe Grammar School. If you didn’t pass
the exam you transferred to the Secondary Modern school at
either Gladys Buxton or Gosforth.
Many days, months, and years have passed since those
treasured days and I look back with fond memories and I feel
very privileged to have spent my childhood days growing up in
that era.
Cliffe Park was a family favourite
EYE on the past
51

EYE on homes & gardens
Welcome to our Homes & Gardens Guide
Summer’s here and whether you
have plans to move home this
year or upgrade and improve
your current property, this
Dronfield Eye Homes & Gardens
Guide is overflowing with ideas
to help you along the way
F
INDING the right home for your
budget and lifestyle is key to any
successful move. But what nudges one
property ahead of another might just be
determined by your heart.
Period properties have a special appeal for
many of us with their historic architecture,
high ceilings and large windows. These
homes are often showcased in hit TV shows,
such as Downton Abbey.
Furthermore, they are often in desirable
locations close to the heart of towns or in more
rural spots.
Property website Rightmove reveals that ‘character’ and ‘period’
both ranked in the top 20 search terms home movers looked for
this year.
In addition, it analysed the types of homes people are searching
for using its keyword sort tool, which narrows down their search
results to show available properties with a particular architectural
feature or style.
So which era reigns supreme with home-buyers?
Victorian homes took the top spot while Georgian homes came
Owning a period property such as this one is the dream for many of us
in second place, and Edwardian in third.
Rightmove’s property expert, Tim Bannister, said: “Home
hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of
properties that we see in period dramas.
“Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by
their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors.
“You’ll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable
locations which include convenient access to schools and
transport links.”
Family run business established 1982
Installing Maintaining Repairing
Come and join us for late night
shopping and a glass of fizz
Wednesday 26th June 9am-8pm
Open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
“A beautiful home and giftware store”
4 HUTCLIFFE WOOD ROAD, BEAUCHIEF,
SHEFFIELD, S8 0XE
RUTH@WORKLTD.ORG.UK
Roofing repairs and general buildings maintenance
109/111 Chesterfield Road, Dronfield S18 2XE
01246 411088
dobsonroofing@aol.com
www.dobsonroofingservices.co.uk
52

Hunting for a new home?
If a new home is in your
future, find out how much
your home could sell for
before you make a move.
Contact Staves Estate
Agents about your home’s
estimated value and find
out how we successfully sell
over 87% of the houses we
market, compared to a
competitor average of 67%.
For further information contact:
01246 419993
dronfield@stavesestateagents.co.uk
34 CHESTERFIELD ROAD, DRONFIELD, S18 2XB
212 White Lane, Gleadless
SHEFFIELD, S12 2GL
0114 3992777
gleadless@stavesestateagents.co.uk
861 Chesterfield Road,
WOODSEATS, S8 0SQ
0114 2746400
info@stavesestateagents.co.uk
www.stavesestateagents.co.uk
2A Bushey Wood Road, Dore,
SHEFFIELD, S17 3QB
0114 3950573
S17@stavesestategents.co.uk
*Data courtesy of TwentyEA. For more information,
please visit news.twentyea.co.uk/spotlight-disclaimer

EYE on homes & gardens
The Kitchen Gallery
SHEFFIELD
EST 1919
Alfred Dunham
& Son Ltd
BUILDERS MERCHANT
Independent kitchen stockist with kitchens
to suit everyone’s style and budget
We are a family-run business with over 33 years
experience and offer free, expert advice from qualified
kitchen fitters in our large, impressive showroom.
LARGEST
STOCKIST IN
DRONFIELD
OF ALL HAND &
POWER TOOLS
PAVING SLABS
GARDEN TOOLS
HOSELOCKS
HOSEPIPES
& FITTINGS
621-627 London Road - Sheffield - S2 4HT
Tel 0114 258 3899
www.thekitchengallerysheffield.co.uk
info@thekitchengallerysheffield.co.uk
SERVICING THE LOCAL BUILDING INDUSTRY SINCE 1919
56 Snape Hill Lane
Dronfield
S18 2LG
Telephone
on 01246 413205
or 01246 290205
E. & D. STEEL.
- DIY
- TOOLS
- IRONMONGERY
- PAINTING
& DECORATING
- GARDENING
- KEY CUTTING
- ELECTRICAL
- & MUCH MORE
28-30 Chesterfield Road,
Dronfield, S18 2XB
Tel 01246 413242
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm,
Sat 9am-4pm
Designing & installing bespoke home decks
to transform your garden
Friendly, local service - Based in Dronfield
Great value for money - Free design service
Call 07804 116776
www.deckitright.com
Approved Installer
54

TheTilePlace
Visit our stunning local showroom
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Slate
- Stone
- Limestone
- Glass
- Adhesives
- Grouts
- Levellers
- Underfloor
Heating
Your one stop
shop for all your
tiling needs
Free measuring
Supply & fit service
Trade & public welcome
Visit our newly extended showroom with
a greater range of tiles to choose from!
10% OFF
WHEN MENTIONING DRONFIELD EYE
Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 30/6/2024.
Unit 10 Callywhite Business Park Callywhite Lane Dronfield S18 2XP
Tel 01246 768696 www.thetileplace.net

EYE on homes & gardens
Oh we do
like to be
beside the
seaside!
L
OCATED right at the heart of the
country, we couldn’t be further away
from the coast. However, that probably
makes us pine for the seaside more than
most.
This can be reflected in the décor of our
homes where there is a definite summer coastal
trend.
The award-winning studio, Howark Design,
saw styles such as ‘Coastal Grandma’ rising last
year and this relaxed design style remains very
much on-trend.
This classic coastal look adds touches of
sophistication and luxury to waterside and
landlocked homes alike.
All you need is the smell of fish and chips!
Insurance Approved Locks & Safes
01246 540833
183 SHEFFIELD RD,
STONEGRAVELS,
CHESTERFIELD, S41 7JQ
www.unicolocksmiths.co.uk
ALL TYPES OF SECURITY KEYS CUT
TO CODE INCLUDING CAR KEYS
British Standard, Insurance
Approved Ultion Cylinder
Fitted £92
MULTIPOINT
LOCKS FITTED
& REPAIRED
FROM £200
Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 30/6/24. Quote Dronfield Eye.
Standard Car keys from £20
Ultion / CISA Astral Keys Cut £15
Yale Superior / ABS / WXM Keys Cut £16.50
‘Mul­T­Lock’ Keys £16.50
Cylinder Keys From £5.40
Mortice Keys From £9.00
Cabinet Keys From £4.20
56

EYE on homes & gardens
Here at Truestyle Windows, a FENSA
registered company, we offer a friendly and
competitive service, taking pride in our
family run business that genuinely cares.
With a wealth of experience in all aspects of
building work from uPVC windows, doors
and conservatories to joinery, roof and
plastering work. We specialise in the supply
and installation of windows, doors and
conservatories.
If you are planning on some home
improvements, maybe updating your
windows and doors, or adding a
conservatory or orangery to your home,
please contact us. You can come along to
our showroom to gain some inspiration and
ideas of how you might add those quality
features to your home.
WINDOWS & PORCHES
DOORS
Our uPVC ,
composite or
aluminium doors
give you a range
of finishes and
colours to choose
from. Even more important are the
security measures incorporated in all of
our external doors. We now offer a range
of internal aluminium doors too.
“Small enough to care, large enough to succeed”
A family run business with over 30 years experience
supplying high quality products and offering first
class workmanship.
ALUMINIUM BI-FOLDS & SLIDERS
CONSERVATORIES & TILED ROOFS
Unit 3, Shireoaks Network Centre, Coach Crescent, Worksop, S81 8AD
Showroom open Monday - Friday 9am-4.30pm
Call to arrange a free, competitive, no obligation quotation on freephone 01909 384821
Email sales@truestylewindowsltd.co.uk Website www.truestylewindowsltd.co.uk
Summer is the perfect time to have that new fireplace or stove installed. Get ahead of the
rush when the cold weather returns and visit the experts at the Fireplace Factory to discover
the large range of stoves, fires and surrounds to breathe new life in to your home.
Here at the Fireplace Factory & Stove Centre we have been warming the heart of Sheffield’s
homes for over 30 years. Located just off Abbeydale Road, we are the largest fireplace and
stove display showroom in Sheffield, boasting an impressive range of many makes and
models to inspire our customers ­ including some models that area exclusive to us.
• Expert advice
• Master craftsmen
• Home visits
• No pushy selling
No smoke with our fires... Our wood­burning
strove range meets the latest Eco design 22 compliant
requirements for lower emissions, offering a fantastic
economical and environmental way to heat any home.
STOVE CENTRE SHEFFIELD
5 Aizlewood Road, (off Abbeydale Road), Sheffield, S8 0YX
COME AND SEE OUR ‘LIVE’ WOOD BURNING
STOVE DEMONSTRATIONS EVERY SATURDAY
CHECK OUR 5* REVIEWS ON GOOGLE
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ­ FIREPLACE FACTORY & STOVE CENTRE
Est 30 years
Tel: 0114 255 5794
info@fireplacefactoryoutlet.co.uk
www.fireplacefactoryoutlet.co.uk
57

EYE on homes & gardens
Have you spotted these
insects in your garden?
A
CROSS the region, the search is on for exciting insects
including native species spreading and a problematic
non-native or alien, the Asian Hornet.
The native species are beetles that visit nectar-bearing flowers
when they are adults, but whose larvae feed on the deadwood or
old or dead trees.
There are two species we want people to look out for and one
is the Lesser Stag Beetle, the other, the very distinctive
Rhinoceros Beetle.
These creatures appear to be
spreading with climate change
but also because of conservation
management of the region’s
woodlands which has involved
leaving dead wood as standing or
fallen timber.
In Sheffield, for instance, we
have been doing this since the
1980s and it seems to be paying
off in terms of biodiversity. By the
1970s, many woods in parks and
elsewhere across the region were
left depauperate in vital
deadwood by intensive ‘parkstyle’
clean management.
Because of this and declines of
rare and important insects across
the whole of Europe, we decided
to change management to
provide increasing quantities of
this missing, or at least depleted,
habitat. However, now a few
decades on, these stunning
insects are turning up in places
like the Gleadless Valley,
Ecclesall Woods and Graves Park.
However, they have been
spotted elsewhere and even in
people’s gardens when they are
58
Wood-boring beetle holes in dead willow timber
Picture: Prof Ian Rotherham
Prof Ian Rotherham
explains that some
visitors to our
gardens are more
welcome than others
drawn to lights in the summer evenings.
So, these are two important insects to watch out for and if you
can, to photograph and send me the records. I am particularly
interested in Graves Park and the surrounding areas but other
records from the wider region do help to build a better picture.
The other insect to watch for, the Asian Hornet, is something of
a problem and has received plenty of coverage in the wider
media. Chris Packham, amongst others, feels it may not be quite
as bad a problem as we are told
but only time will tell.
This is an aggressive and newlycolonising
member of the wasp
family and a big worry because it
preys voraciously on honey bees.
Hovering outside beehives they
prevent honeybees from
collecting nectar and pollen to
feed their colony and the adult
bees venturing out are swiftly
predated. A single hornet nest
may consume around 11kg
annually.
It is smaller than our native
hornet (which is also colonising
our region and loves big, old,
hollow trees). The native is
distinctly orange in colouration,
and clearly different from queen
wasps which in springtime trigger
reports of ‘hornets’ but are smaller
and quite yellow.
The shape and colour of the
Asian interloper is very obvious,
and the yellow legs are
diagnostic. They are marked with
black plus an orange face, have a
thin yellow band near their middle
and a broader orange/yellow
band lower down the abdomen,

EYE on homes & gardens
Get out for the
Butterfly Count!
Rhinoceros beetle
Picture: Paul Ardron
near the tail. Originating in the Far East they are moving
into southern England from continental Europe.
There are also concerns about risks to public health
since the Asian hornets can be very aggressive around
their nests. They can be constructed quite low to the
ground in bramble, thickets and the like which means they
can be unwittingly disturbed with potentially bad
consequences.
Prof Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on
wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on
ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org ; follow his website and
blog: ukeconet.org & ianswalkonthewildside.
wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside
Lesser stag beetle
Picture: Nell Dixon
W
ILDLIFE charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed the
dates of this year’s highly anticipated Big Butterfly Count,
which will take place from 12th July until 4th August.
The annual citizen science programme attracts tens of thousands of
people out into their garden, local green space or the countryside to
spend 15 minutes counting butterflies and helping to inform conservation
action.
Hot on the heels of scientific evidence that proves counting butterflies is
good for your mental health and wellbeing, reducing anxiety by almost
10%, the charity is calling on people to get ‘Out for the Count’ this summer.
Dr Zoë Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation said:
“We need as many people as possible to take part in this year’s Big
Butterfly Count to help us see what’s happening with our butterflies and
moths.
“We’re getting reports that although many species have been seen early
this year, likely due to the very warm early spring, sightings are actually
down, which is probably a result of the very wet and windy weather. So
people getting out and counting will be invaluable in helping us to gauge
what’s going on!”
Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment, and with half
of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with
extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects
are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.
The Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind
and is a positive way that everyone can help. As well as contributing to
important scientific data collection, taking part in the Count is a great way
to enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.
Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and
solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is
open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK - towns, cities or the
countryside. No green space is too small; a back garden, a small terrace
or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane
are all important spaces to explore, track and report.
Last year, more than 135,000 Counts took place up and down the
country, with participants spending a combined total of almost four years
counting butterflies.
Dr Randle added: ‘Over 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths were
recorded in last year’s Count, with the Red Admiral reigning supreme with
almost 250,000 sightings.”
For more information, and to take part, visit bigbutterflycount.org or
download the free Big Butterfly Count app.
59

EYE on homes & gardens
Your Dronfield Garage Door Specialists...
CITY
GARAGE DOORS
All major manufacturers supplied and fitted.
With over 20 years experience dealing with and fitting
garage doors we are able to provide you with a
FREE NO OBLIGATION ON-SITE SURVEY AND QUOTE.
Better Plants for Better Gardens
INSTALLATION AND REPAIRS - INSURANCE QUOTES
EMERGENCY CALL OUTS - AUTOMATION
Electric operators fitted
to existing doors from £385
Tel 01246 912102
www.citygaragedoorservices.co.uk
sales@citygaragedoorservices.co.uk
See our
reviews on
Summer plants now available.
Transform your garden with pots,
plants, patios and hanging baskets.
Summer opening times:
Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 10am-4pm
Dyche Lane, Dronfield, S18 3AA
Telephone: 01246 413311
www.newleafplantcentre.co.uk
Stapleton Building Limited is a family run business, working in the Sheffield and Dronfield area,
we offer all aspects of building works and provide a highly efficient and competitive service. Our
team of skilled and experienced tradespeople carry out all projects we undertake to the highest
standard using quality building materials and approved suppliers. We are fully insured and carry
out all works to meet current UK Building Regulations.
At Stapleton Building Ltd, we offer all aspects of building services, from the initial consultation
stage to project sign off on completion.
www.stapleton-building.co.uk
stapletonbuilding @ outlook.com
60

EYE on homes & gardens
SPRING SALE NOW ON!
NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY
DOUBLE
ORTHOPAEDIC
DIVAN BED
FULLY ASSEMBLED
BEDROOM
FURNITURE
with matching headboard
Choice of colours
NOW ONLY £299
Different sizes and colours available
Discounted prices
KING SIZE, TOP QUALITY DIVAN
WITH TWO FREE DRAWERS
AND MATCHING
HEADBOARD
NOW ONLY £599
Open 9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat
359a Sheffield Road,
Whittington Moor,
Chesterfield, S41 8LQ
01246 455388
Chesterfield Ltd
*Pictures for illustration
www.bedtimechesterfield.com purposes only
ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 20 YEARS! FREE PARKING OUTSIDE SHOP
61

• contemporary
• traditional
• modern
www.supafituk.com
info@supafituk.com
We look
forward to
seeing you!
My magnificent
media wall
SUPAFIT are known far and wide for the quality of their bespoke
bedroom furniture and the professional, reliable service they provide.
The family-run business, based in Dronfield, is also occasionally called
upon to use their expertise to handle other domestic projects, and a
trend in recent years has been in the number of people requiring fully
fitted media walls.
One of their delighted customers explained: “I had been recommended
to use Supafit for my media wall as everything is made to measure and
made bespoke to fit your room.
“I have recently renovated my house and wanted something
minimalistic, but stylish. I wanted somewhere I could display books
and nice ornaments that I have, so the open shelf unit with a glass
door works perfectly for that.
“The colours I chose are really neutral to go with the rest of the house
and I love it. I chose taupe for the units and a stone grey back panel in
Stockholm to add texture.
“Supafit have been great from start to finish with the measuring
process, designing and fitting. It was smooth sailing and I’m so happy
with the outcome.”
BEECH WORKS, WREAKES LANE, DRONFIELD, S18 1PN 01246 412100
Designed, manufactured & fitted to your own personal requirements

EYE on homes & gardens
Easy Living
Landscaping
Soft & Hard Landscaping
Garden Design & Build Service
Driveways & Porcelain Paving
Water Features
Decking & Fencing
Artificial Grass
Turfing & Seeding
Outdoor Lighting
Summer Houses,,Pagodas & Shelters
Book your site visit - contact Wayne on
01246 700145 or 07792 803069
www.easylivinglandscaping.co.uk
FB Easy Living Landscaping
20% OFF ALL NEW ROOFS
UNTIL 30/6/24
A1 Roofing is a family-run business with over 30 years
experience in all aspects of roofing and general building. We
have grown into the successful business we are today
because we promise and deliver the best possible service to
our customer in a timely, courteous and professional manner.
We offer a complete range of roofing and roofline services including:
• Roof replacements
• Chimney repairs/rebuilds
• Flat roofs
• Guttering repairs
• EPDM
• Exterior painting
• Rubber flat roofs
• Lead work
• Roof repairs
We also install new UPVC
• Roof cleaning
Fascias, Soffits and Guttering
Swift House, High Street, Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3UX
T 01246 888850 M 07428 809 656
A1roofing122@gmail.com www.A1roofinguk.co.uk
VISIT
OUR SHOWROOM
VIEW OUR
WEBSITE
PRODUCTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME
•• DOORS •
••
•••
Need New Windows and Doors?
Visit urbanwdc.co.uk to arrange a free quote
Cooler in Summer
Warmer in Winter
Building Control
Approved
Eco-Friendly &
Quick Installation
Fully Customisable
Or join us at our Clay Cross Showroom for free advice on styles and choices
0800 090 3849
0800 090 3849 • www.urbanwdc.co.uk • sales@urbanwdc.co.uk
We won’t
be beaten
on quality
or price!
63

Window replacement can
CUT CARBON EMISSIONS
from your home and REDUCE
YOUR HEATING BILLS.
UP TO
18%
UP TO
18%
of your homes heat
is lost through
windows.*
Upstairs windows replaced
* Figure based on research by Energy Saving Trust.
Call us on: 0114 281 3333
S1 4EA & 216/218 Oakbrook

These days most homeowners
suffer from a lack of
storage space. So many
precious items that need to
be kept – but where to store
it all? That’s where Yorkshire
Loft Ladders come in.
The company, based locally,
offers homeowners the opportunity
to maximise their
storage space with a loft
ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding
and a light all fully fitted in
less than a day from just
£277 + VAT. But it’s not just
the affordability of the package
the company offers that
makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders
stand out as manager
explains:
Quality in the materials that
we use for all our installations
and the fact that all our
loft packages are fitted by
time served tradesmen so our
customers are assured of the
best job. Integrity in that we
will turn up at the time we
say and make sure the house
is spotless when we leave,
and Value in that we offer
our services at a price people
can afford. Our business
relies on referrals and we got
a huge amount of our calls
from people who have been
referred to us by our existing
customers - that simply
wouldn’t happen if we didn’t
adhere to our overriding
principles.
lead to more happy customers
is true and we work hard
to make that happen for
every installation we carry
out!’
So, if you want to make use
of your loft space, however
big or small, call on
0800 612 8359 and he’ll be
happy to pop round and give
you a no obligation quote so
you too can make use of your
loft!
‘Our watchwords are Quality,
Integrity and Value.
At the end of the day the old
adage that happy customers

96/0523
HERE FOR YOU
FOR EVERY MOVE
YOU MAKE
Our professional agents are experts in:
Sales
Lettings
Mortgage Services
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Property Management
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Surveying
... and much more
SCAN ME
Go directly to the experts.
Book your free valuation with Blundells today.
Sales 0114 345 0385 Lettings 0114 345 0622
blundells.com

EYE on homes & gardens
patio plants
HERE COMES
SUMMER
hanging baskets
hardy plants
relaxing
Ferndale Garden Centre
Dyche Lane, Coal Aston, Dronfield. S18 3BJ
01246 412763
GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE IN STORE
BESTSELLING DOORS FROM ONLY £92
Units 1 & 2 Pottery Lane East, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9BH
Tel: 01246 555611 Web: www.doordistributors.co.uk
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm Saturday 9am-2pm
C
V
£
Pop into our showroom if you want traditional or contemporary doors to enhance your home,
complementary door furniture, casings, fire check doors, door closes or smoke seals. Our friendly,
knowledgable team will offer advice on choosing the perfect door to complete your interior
design scheme. A fitting service is also available.
NEW Hormann external door range
Strong, long lasting and affordable. Quality without compromise.
Visit our showroom today and see the
Hormann range of external doors.
67

Whatever you do at home, stay warm!
SPECIAL OFFER
3 WINDOWS AND
1 COMPOSITE DOOR
FROM £2395
Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid until 30/06/24
• A++ rated triple glazed upvc windows
• A rated double glazed upvc windows
• A rated aluminium windows
• Upvc and composite doors
• Aluminium bi-folding doors
• Conservatory upgrades
• Fascia, soffit and guttering
• Glass units
• Lock replacements
• Finance available
• See Stay Warm’s integral blinds - No
need to clean your blinds ever again!!
Unit 25, Lucas Works, Sheffield Road, Dronfield, S18 2GG
Tel 01246 901107
staywarmwindows.co.uk

Distinctive & individually designed interiors
Specialists in interior design and made-to-measure soft furnishings,
Soft Options Interiors offer bespoke services to create inspirational
interiors to suit everyone and every budget.
Owners of Soft Options Interiors, Claire and Suzanne, have over 50
years’ experience in the interior design industry, so it’s safe to say
you are in safe hands.
If you are relocating to a new home or looking to renovate an entire
house or refresh one space with soft furnishings, or achieve a
dramatic new look with wallpaper or paint, the team have the ideas
and skills to make your ideas a reality.
Soft Options Interiors create made-to-measure soft furnishings in
their own workroom, including curtains, blinds, valances, pelmets,
swags and tails, cushions, throws and bed covers.
Customers can choose fabric and wallpapers in traditional and classic
designs and bold contemporary prints, with brands including GP & J
Baker, Linwood, Romo, Sanderson, Zoffany, Morris & Co, and
Prestigious.
Claire and Suzanne are proud to be stockists of Karndean luxury
flooring and the highly-regarded UK-based The Little Greene Paint
Company. They can give you expert advice on their paints and
products and keep a full colour range of sample pots in store for you
to take away and try at home.
Soft Options Interiors’ association with long-standing Sheffield
company Ponsford was forged in January 2020 and their customers
are warmly welcomed by Claire and Suzanne, who work alongside
colleagues at Ponsford to help customers choose their furniture and
create a truly stunning look for their homes.
Although visits to the showroom are not strictly appointment only,
booking a time slot is preferred.
Telephone: 01246 290239
Showroom: 32 Chesterfield Road, Dronfield, S18 2XB
www.softoptionsinteriors.com
Open Monday to Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Home design visits and measuring service available at other times by arrangement

EYE on homes & gardens
Concrete post fixings
and Gripple trellising system
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concrete posts with no drilling needed
Fence and wall brackets
Shed security bars
Garden accessories
Aprons, bags and gloves
Children’s gardening
Home and garden
ornaments
Weather vanes
Wall art
Great gift ideas!
You’re welcome to
visit our garden
O
NE of the local area’s loveliest gardens opens for the
National Garden Scheme this summer.
Fernleigh, at 9 Meadowhead Avenue, Sheffield, S8 7RT,
looks a picture thanks to the efforts of Chris and Keith
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The public are invited to call in on 30th June and 25th August
from 11am to 5pm, entrance £3.50, children free.
Plants and home-made refreshments are on sale and there is
an animal search for children.
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01246 462666
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EYE on events
DRONFIELD Arts Festival is back for 2024 promising music,
dance, drama, and lots more.
Dronfield Heritage Trust hosted its first Arts Festival back in
2018 and it instantly proved a hit. This year’s event runs across
the weekend of June 21st-23rd.
Of events already listed, kicking things off on Friday June 21st is
Arancini: Balls of Fun at the Manor Gardens.
It is an entertaining mix of comedy sketches and spoken word
with songs brought to you by two middle-aged writer/performers
Helen Rice and Sarah Carratt, who really should know better!
On Saturday the children of Dance Dronfield will demonstrate
how traditional folk dancing is done… before giving audiences a
chance to join.
Meanwhile, Ladies Voices and Young Ladies Voices are at The
Barn for an acoustic spectacular in the gardens.
Also join Miniver Academy as they showcase their new show.
Talented young singer Ava Bateman is among acts lined up for
Sunday. Ava expertly fuses together genres of Latin, pop,
acoustic and alternative to create a unique modern sound.
Also on Sunday, DanceDaze bring their energetic street dance
routines to the Civic Hall while Sheffield U3A Ukulele Group will
get everyone singing along to favourite tunes.
For more information on timings, venues and tickets for certain
events visit dronfieldartsfestival.co.uk
JOIN Dronfield Hall Barn this half-term for an all things
flying children’s craft.
During a drop-in session, children will make all manner of flying
fun crafts, such as a rocket, butterfly and dragonfly gliders and
much more. There will also be a garden trail. All children must be
accompanied by an adult.
Cost is £3 per child, pay on the day, 30th May, from 10am - 3pm
All material is provided.
THE Bluebirds D-Day 80th Anniversary Performance takes
place on Friday, 7th June, at the Winding Wheel Theatre,
Chesterfield, at 7.30pm.
Join The Bluebirds for a celebration that honours history and
highlights the timeless charm of the vintage era. Anticipate an
evening filled with nostalgic tunes, surprise guests, and
unforgettable singalong moments. Tickets from Chesterfield
Theatres.
The following day, Saturday, 8th June, the town of Bolsover
hosts a commemoration of D-Day with a Bolsover Blitz event in
the town centre.
The free-to-attend event will feature re-enactments, stalls, food,
live music, military vehicles and more, from 10am-4pm. There will
be a two minutes’ silence to commemorate those who died
during the Normandy campaign at 11am.
CHESTERFIELD Philharmonic Choir will be taking you on ‘A
Musical Tour of Europe’ at their concert at the Crooked
Spire church on Saturday, 6th July, at 7.30pm.
The programme includes some well-known favourites – among
them Panis Angelicus, by Franck, Ave Verum Corpus, by Mozart,
but the overall theme is a musical journey with something for
everyone.
The choir will sing in English, French and Latin. The
accompanist is Kathleen Hesford and conductor is Steven
Roberts, the choir’s musical director.
Tickets are adults, £15, seniors £12, students and unemployed
£6, and under 16s free, from 07542 398803, or via
chestphilchoir.org.uk, from choir members, and on the door.
ORGANISERS have confirmed that the Chesterfield
Children’s Festival will return to Queen’s Park on 27th and
28th of July.
This year’s event is being organised with the help of local
young people and will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial
workshop for babies and family life drawing.
The free event, organised by Junction Arts and funded by Arts
Council England, celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and
play.
Last year over 8,000 families attended the event, with 4,000
children participating in the activities, which ranged from yoga
classes to tie-dye workshops.
A GEORGE Stephenson re-enactor will be taking centre
stage at an event to celebrate the famous engineer and his
connections with Chesterfield.
Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church will be hosting
the free event on Saturday 8th June, from 10am-4pm.
As well as being able to answer questions and pose for
pictures, the re-enactor will also deliver two talks. At 11am, he will
be speaking about the life of George Stephenson and then, at
2.30pm, he will explain more about George's life in Chesterfield.
There will be handling objects and Victorian costumes to try.
Refreshments will also be available.
Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson's final resting place
and features a stunning stained-glass window commissioned by
his son Robert.
TUDOR Players will be returning to Sheffield’s Library
Theatre this Summer with Sheila’s Island, by Tim Firth.
Bonfire Night 2019; Sheila, Denise, Julie, and Fay are Team
C in Pennine Mineral Water Ltd’s annual outward-bound teambuilding
weekend. Somehow, Sheila has been nominated team
leader, and, using her cryptic crossword-solving skills, has
unwittingly stranded her team on an island in the Lake District.
Our intrepid heroines find themselves manufacturing weapons
from cable ties and spatulas, and creating a rescue flag with
plastic plates.
A remake of Neville’s Island with an all-female cast, Sheila’s
Island is equal parts fun romp and tragic character story set
against the backdrop of the rural Lake District.
The play will run from Tuesday 11th to Saturday 15th June. Doors
6.45pm, curtain at 7.15pm. Tickets can be booked by emailing
tickets@tudorplayers.net or calling 0114 285 3450. Tickets are
£13 (£12 concession).
72

EYE on events
Bank Holiday arts bonanza
T
HE 18th Derbyshire Open Arts Weekend takes place over
the Bank Holiday with plenty of talent on display locally.
The event features 200 artists in 61 venues across the county -
some individually, others in groups - and showcases a rich variety
of work.
In the Dronfield Eye area,
make a trail to see John
Sutcliffe, an award-winning
artist showing his textured
abstract landscapes,
portraits and linocut prints in
Apperknowle. Lynne
Wilkinson captures life, light
and colour in her paintings;
she is at her studio in
nearby Summerley.
An interesting textile piece
with links to Japan, by
At 48 Bents Lane, five
artists gather together to
show a range of artistic
abilities. Amanda Crump is
Jeanette Jackson
inspired by folklore, fairy tales and legends to produce her
fabulous ceramic creatures that could have stepped out of a story
book.
Inga Wilson makes tactile ceramic forms inspired by the
organic textures of natural objects and weathered surfaces.
Hannah Dempsey is a young artist who works in oil paint, water
colour and inks to create expressive art depicting animals,
especially birds. Jeannette Jackson stitches, dyes and uses
mixed media with cloth to evoke her fascination with Japan and
the landscape of her local environment.
And Cass Rawlings likes to experiment with a variety of media
John Sutcliffe’s Murmurings of the
sublime. He is exhibiting at Little Well,
High Street, Apperknowle
and techniques;
handmade paper
and cloth, painted,
stained and waxed
with both hand and
machine stitch
pieces.
Meanwhile, Val
Hudson exhibits
her beautifully
evocative abstract
paintings in Barlow;
she layers oil and
wax on canvas,
scratching back to
reveal what lies
beneath.
Artists will be on
hand to talk about
their methods and inspiration and look forward to welcoming
visitors to their venues.
You can pick up a brochure from Dronfield Library and other
local venues and the artists themselves, it is also on line at
derbyshireopenarts.co.uk The website map is interactive so you
can create your own tailor-made trail and get to see as many
venues as possible. You can also check Facebook, Instagram and
Twitter for the latest updates.
Derbyshire Open Arts is funded entirely by artists’ subscriptions
and brochure advertisers and run by volunteers.
The event runs over the late Spring Bank Holiday, from May
25th-27th, from 10am-4pm.
74

EYE on events
Recording in
Dronfield...
and big in
Japan!
Deborah Wain reports that local
singer-songwriter Kat Eaton,
pictured, has a busy summer of
European shows ahead of her -
and one close to home
S
INGER-songwriter Kat Eaton is set to embark on a
major tour following the success of her newly-released
second album, recorded right here in Dronfield.
Kat moved to the town with husband, song-writing partner and
guitarist, Nick Atkinson, in 2022. She will perform at venues in
the UK and Europe, including festivals in Germany, France,
Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
And local fans will be able to catch Kat, Nick, and the rest of her
full band at a gig at Sheffield’s Yellow Arch Studios, on June
28th.
Kat’s love for blues, soul, jazz and gospel started from an early
age, listening to her dad’s record collection at home in Sheffield.
She has subsequently gone on to establish herself as one of the
hardest working and most talented performers in her field.
Kat has supported the likes of Jools Holland, Paul Carrack, The
Teskey Brothers, Marc Broussard and Mamas Gun, as well as
selling out multiple headline shows and co-writing with people
like Caro Emerald, Ruby Turner and Roberta Campos.
Kat’s second album, ‘Honestly’, produced by Nick, features fresh
original material, some of which was previewed when Kat and
Nick did an acoustic show at Coal Aston Village Hall last
November.
One of the tracks is ‘Saturday Night at the NBT’ – a homage to
the New Barrack Tavern, on Penistone Road, Sheffield; about Kat
and Nick’s memories of watching Frank White at the venue each
weekend. Kate describes him as “a huge influence and mentor”.
The band behind Kat on the album have played with the likes of
Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, and Gregory Porter.
DRONFIELD Heritage Trust is opening up its archives to
the public at Dronfield Library on 6th July, from 10.30am-
1pm.
The group holds a fantastic collection of local Dronfield and
the surrounding villages records, 10,000 photographs and a
map and wills collection.
Go along and talk to the extremely knowledgeable volunteers
who will be able to answer queries.
CHARIOTS of Fire is a heart-pounding Sheffield Theatres
production set to a soaring musical score.
1924 Paris Olympic Games, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell
race for acceptance and glory as they vie to become the fastest
men on Earth.
Based on an extraordinary true story, both men yearn for the
simplicity of the track as they battle for their faiths and nation in
this inspirational and moving tale of courage, honour and
conviction.
Adapted from the Oscar-winning movie by Mike Bartlett (King
They include two musicians who also live in Dronfield; Jeremy
Meek who has played bass for Joan Armatrading and Paul
Carrack, and John Trier, piano player for Richard Hawley.
Kat said recording sessions in Dronfield had been followed by a
few drinks at Coal Aston’s Cross Daggers.
She said: “So far, I'm pleased to say the response to 'Honestly'
has been amazing. It's always daunting releasing new music,
especially if you write songs that are brutally honest and
revealing, so it's a huge relief to know that it's going down well
with the public!
“We've had support from BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4 and BBC
Radio 6 as well as support overseas on national radio stations in
the EU and US.
“We're sending LPs and CDs to fans all over the world and it's
even being sold in record shops in Japan! This album has truly
taken on a life of its own and we can't wait to play these songs
live for the first time.”
The UK tour, which includes a gig at the famous Ronnie Scott’s
jazz club in London, includes original numbers from ‘Honestly’
and Kat’s first album ‘Talk To Me’, as well as arrangements of
songs by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Ray Charles and Nina
Simone.
Coincidentally, the Sheffield show takes place on the date Kat
and Nick both have birthdays!
“Our full band live show is just a massive party really as it will be
a triple celebration!” Kat added.
For more information visit kateaton.com/tour
Picture: Chris Saunders
Charles III) and directed by Artistic Director Robert Hastie
(Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) in his final
production for Sheffield Theatres.
Chariots of Fire comes to The Crucible in Sheffield,
from Saturday 6th to Sat 27th July. Tickets from Sheffield
Theatres.
THE bumper, free-to-enter Lowedges Festival returns
this summer with a new name and in a brand new
location.
Lowedges and S8 Festival is to take place at the Bowshaw
showground on Sunday, August 11th, from noon-5.30pm.
The festival has teamed up with the Bowshaw car boot sale
and doubled in size, making it one of the area’s biggest events
with a huge number of attractions.
They include Viking and Medieval reenactments, live
performances, birds of prey, a dog show, fun fair and a classic
car and bike show.
For full details visit lowedges&s8festival.co.uk
75

dronfield EYE
By Chris Nowell at Stanage Edge
Northern Lights
captured locally
by Eye readers
By Mark Lee at Mam Tor
D
By Helen Coulson in Barlow
RONFIELD Eye readers gave up their sleep time to witness
one of the world’s most remarkable spectacles, the
Northern Lights.
Also known as Aurora Borealis, the beautiful dancing ribbons of light
have captivated people for millennia, but are hardly ever visible from
this part of the world. However, on Thursday, May 16th, the conditions
were perfect thanks to an extreme geomagnetic storm which enabled
people throughout the UK to enjoy them.
Thanks to these people who shared their photographs with us. Many
more images can be enjoyed on the Dronfield Eye facebook page.
76
By Claire Davison in the Hope Valley
By David Illingworth in Dronfield
By Vicky Johnson in Dronfield

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dronfield EYE
Spectators shelter beneath their umbrellas at the start of the 10k event
Runners undeterred by weather
Splashing through puddles on the Fun Run route
T
HE decision to switch the date of the
annual Dronfield 10k from March to a
hopefully warmer day in May was greeted
by one of the wettest days of the year so
far.
But 842 runners were undeterred,
completing the full 10k event around Dronfield
Woodhouse and the Gosforth Valley, plus
hundreds more taking part in the Fun Run,
splashing their way around a shorter route.
Again organised by 7th Dronfield Scouts,
many competitors raised tens of thousands of
pounds for good causes through sponsorship.
Main race winner was Jack Wergan of
Hallamshire Harriers in a time of just 32min
44sec.
First female to cross the finishing line was
Hannah Walker, representing Dronfield
Running Club, in 38min 17sec.
This year’s event was sponsored by local
estate agents Saxton Mee. The Mayor of
Dronfield, Coun Susan Burkitt, was official
starter for both races and helped to present
medals after the event.
Eleven members of staff from Meadow
Grange Residential Home on
Holmesfield Road took part in the
Dronfield 10K and Fun Run: Claire
(who did the whole 10K) Nic, Leticia,
Tammy, Kerry, Dan, Ben, Sammy, Eve,
Carla and a seven-year old boy,
Harley. They managed to raise £610 for
Demetia UK
78

dronfield EYE
Let us help you with your journey to independence,
we are proud to provide the products that will make
your life that little bit easier.
VISIT OUR STORES TO
SEE A RANGE OF:
• Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
• Beds
• Rise & Recline Chairs
• Footwear
• Daily Living Aids
• Stairlifts
• Incontinence Products
Please come and visit us in store:
27 Causeway Lane
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AS
01629 706767
Unit C The Glass Yard
Sheffield Road
Chesterfield
Derbyshire, S41 8JY
01246 383000
Alfred
&
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Son Ltd
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
56 Snape Hill Lane
Dronfield S18 2LG
Telephone day or night
on 01246 413205 or 01246 290205
Private, caring, local family business who have lived in
and supported the surrounding districts for four generations.
• Independent, family business, Est. 1919.
• All types of funerals are catered for, including
unattended funerals, simple funeral services,
woodland burials, religious, non-religious.
• 24 hour service with private chapel of rest.
• Pre-payment funeral plans.
• Mercedes fleet, or alternative if requested.
• Home visits available.
• Members of the National Association of
Funeral Directors.
A personal and dignified family business that cares
79

dronfield EYE
Pair deliver
vital supplies
for Ukraine
D
RONFIELD people have been helping with an appeal to
send aid to Ukraine.
Volunteer group ‘Helping Our Ukrainian Friends’ recently ran a
local appeal to collect a wide range of items, including food,
medicine, personal hygiene products and electronics. The
donations are pictured about to be sent to the war-torn country in
what is the group’s 14th trip.
Friends Tony Bovill and Richard Astle started the project after
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, seeking to help their
friends Igor and Galya Mokryk.
The couple had accommodated them in Donetsk when they
attended the Euro 2012 football event and later became refugees
after Russia annexed the Donbas in 2014.
Tony explained: “Igor is now the director of the Kyiv Heart
Institute. He asked that we source various medical items and deliver
them to Gliwice in Poland, from where he could arrange transfer to
Kyiv.
“Our first journey was in March, 2022, and involved Richard and I
fundraising and hiring a van and delivering purchased and donated
medical goods. We made further contacts on that first trip and our
project built from there.”
Helping Our Ukrainian Friends is now a community of people
across England, Poland and Ukraine, all dedicated to helping
Ukraine, and now supplies a huge range of support.
Tony continued: “Gift boxes for Ukrainian children have been
made at Stonelow and Dronfield Juniors, we have helped with three
summer camps for orphaned, widowed, and displaced refugees,
and we have bought generators and provided battery packs,
hundreds of camping stoves, and gas bottles to counter attacks on
power systems.
“We have also delivered tonnes of tinned and dried food, sanitary
products and supported their transfer to frontline communities.
“We are now partnered with two Ukrainian charities and have
bought torniquets and blood kits to help wounded soldiers and
civilians. We had two decommissioned ambulances donated to us,
made them fit for use and drove them to Kyiv; they are now on the
frontline near Kharkiv with a Ukrainian paramedic team.
For the first time, the group was accepting musical instruments
and games destined for orphanages in the Kharkiv region.
Local donation sites were the Cross Daggers at Coal Aston and
Drone Valley Brewery, at Unstone, while Life Dronfield is helping
the project with storage.
For further information visit helpingourukrainianfriends.com
80
Launch of new
Dronfield
business group
D
RONFIELD has a new business networking
group, organised by the Life Dronfield team and
supported by Dronfield Eye
Two Thursday morning breakfast meetings have been
staged already, hosted by Life at the former Church Hall
premises on Church Street which they are converting for
community use.
Meetings are free to attend and in addition to guest
speakers, businesses are invited to make a two-minute pitch
to share with others.
Representatives of companies large and small have
attended.
The next meeting
is to be on
Thursday, 20th
June, 9-10.30am.
Information and
details of how to
register from Anna
Rattigan at
anna@life
dronfield.org

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Call Luke today for a free quote
07747691525
Japanese Jiu Jitsu
Every Monday at Dronfield Leisure Centre
Juniors 7pm-8pm, Seniors 8pm-9pm
New
Club at
Renishaw
Every Weds Email emjjaokamijiujitsu@gmail.com
6:00pm-7:00pm
Visit www.okamijiujitsu.com
LUMLEC
Electrical
All aspects of electrical and
security system works undertaken
Sam Lumley sam@lumlec.co.uk
01246 518206 71 Coniston Road
07530 903259
Dronfield
DRONFIELD FELT ROOFING
Built up felt roofing, garages, porches,
extensions etc.
All work guaranteed. FREE estimates.
Gutters cleaned, repaired, replaced.
Storm damage, insurance work, ridge tiles
replaced, slates and tiles replaced. NO VAT
Mobile: 07932612472

A local company that cares about you!
Dronfield’s longest established body repair centre
Unit 1, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield, S18 2XP
T: 01246 292 261 www.europacrashcentre.com
Dronfield Landscapes
Private & Commercial Contracts
Trees, Hedges, Fencing, Turfing, Lawns
Mowed, Garden Maintenance,
Seasoned Log Sales
Fully Insured, All work to BS3998
Waste carrier licence
Chris: 07976072785
Richard: 07789497104
richard.jbc@hotmail.co.uk
Hazelbarrow Farm, Norton, Sheffield S8 8BA
UPVC SPRAYING
Your local call out mobile repair service.
Quick, reliable and hassle-free at reasonable prices.
From cracked screens to water damage,
battery replacements and more.
Our expert technicians are here to help!
Quality, refurbished iphones available at fair prices.
Call James now on 07795 405960.
Email: james@firstchoicemobile.co.uk
www.firstchoicemobile.co.uk
Transform the look of your home for a fraction of the cost
• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Kitchens
Selection of colours and a 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
For your FREE, no obligation quote call 07768 667647
www.paulhobsondecorating.com
View our Google page to see our work
Paul Hobson uPVC Spraying, part of Paul Hobson Decorating
- Established 1995
smarter electrics
Electrics
EV Chargers
CCTV & Security
Networking & WI-FI
Rewires / Electrical Inspecon
Working Locally in Dronfield &
Surrounding Area. Please call/
email for FREE Friendly Advice
tel : 07917 624977
www.smarterelectrics.co.uk
dan@smarterelectrics.co.uk
TIRED OF CUTTING
YOUR LAWN?
Your new lawn is in safe hands with us! Our fantastic range of
artificial grass and years of experience make Artifical Grass
Solution the perfect choice for your new artificial lawn.
Call for a fast quote on 0114 2474283 or 07787 192136
or email info@artificialgrasssolution.co.uk
www.artificialgrasssolution.co.uk
SD
Hodgson
Builders
M: 07444 124285
M: 07387 003805
Brampton - Chesterfield
E: sd.hodgson@yahoo.co.uk
Over 30 years experience
All work guaranteed
• Roofing
• New builds
• Stone work
• Extensions
• Renovations
• Brick work
• Structural work
• Insurance work
• Free quotations
• Fully insured
• References on
request
• Plans drawn
See our projects on Facebook
SD Hodgson Builders/
Stone Specialist

SPECIAL OFFER
Tongue &
Groove Shed
£470! (delivered
& erected)
DG TV & AERIAL SERVICES
TV, DAB AND FM AERIAL INSTALLATIONS
DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS AND REPAIRS
SATELLITE REPAIRS
FREESAT INSTALLATIONS
EXTRA TV POINTS
Qualified Engineer
10% OAP DISCOUNT - FREE CALL OUT
All Work Guaranteed, No VAT
CHANNELS MISSING? PICTURE BREAKING UP?
TEL: DARREN ON 01246 590756
MOB: 07785 568368
www.dgtvandaerials.co.uk
BROOKSIDE BUILDERS
Tel 0114 2471599
Mob 07790 581084
email brooksidebuildersltd@gmail.com
brooksidebuildersltd.co.uk
buildersinsheffield.co.uk
STEVE GEE
Professional Painter
and Decorator
• Property Extensions
• Garage Conversions
• Property Modernisation
• Replacement Roofs
• UPVC Windows and Doors
• UPVC Fascias and Gutters
• All types of general building work
Call for a FREE no obligation quotation
07879 634299
stevygee@hotmail.co.uk
UK Window
Repairs
WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIR SPECIALIST
• Double glazing replacement panes
• Handles • Hinges • Locking systems
• Letterbox replacement
Call Andy on 07855 473499
or email: andy@ukwindowinstallations.co.uk
BOILER INSTALLATION, SERVICING & REPAIRS,
NEW RADIATORS, BATHROOM INSTALLATION,
OR JUST A LEAKY TAP?
Work for Landlords Welcome ­ Emergency Call Out
Whatever your plumbing needs,
call 07909 916453 or 01246 410706
www.sgplumbingandgas.co.uk
sgplumbingandgas@gmail.com 226480
PROCHECK
ELECTRICAL
Services we provide include:
Full & partial rewires
Periodic Inspections / Landlords Reports
Refurbishments
Fire Alarm testing / Repairs
Member no.
22370
119 Holmley Lane,
Dronfield S18 2HQ
info@procheckelectrical.com
For any electrical work
needed, call for a free quote:
07843 053584
07795 215853
01246 291404

TMP JOINERY
Home Improvements & Property Maintenance
All aspects of joinery work
Free no hassle estimates
Skirting - Architrave - Doors - Flooring
Stud walls - Alcove units - Shelving
Bespoke gates - Decking - Garden structures
RIDGEWAY GARDEN SERVICES
Reliable Garden Maintenance
- One off tidy ups -
- Soft landscaping-
- Turfing and lawn care -
- Hedge trimming and pruning -
- Competitive prices and free quotations -
Contact Tony on 07841 192638
TMPjoinery@yahoo.com Facebook: TMP Joinery
Call: 01246 454193 Mob : 07928771635
CPC
CHARLIE’S
PRISTINE CARPETS
REVIVE YOUR CARPETS, REFRESH YOUR HOME
We are a local Dronfield carpet and upholstery cleaning service. the
business was started by a group of ex-servicemen.
Our team are fully DBS checked and our work is fully insured.
Discounts are available for Emergency Service workers, Armed Forces,
Blue Light card holders and over 65s.
SafeNet Alarms Ltd
Family Business - More than 20 years experience
Contact us for any enquiries or for a FREE, no obligation quotation
Tel/text: 07463 122 632 Email: CPCenquiries@outlook.com
Or visit our website: charliespristinecarpets.co.uk
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGE POINT
APPROVED INSTALLERS
Charge point installations for
homes, workplaces & public spaces
Design, supply and maintenance
SAVE UP TO £350 on charge
point installations with the OLEV
Homecharge Scheme*.
Call us on 01246 291 404
or 07795 215853
*Subject to certain criteria.
Email enquiries@rapidev.co.uk Website www.rapidev.co.uk
DBJ ROOF REPAIRS
• Flat or pitch repairs
• Geplacement roofs
• Gutters/soffits cleaned
• Dormer cladding
Give
us a call
today for
a FREE
QUOTATION
on 01246 415990
NO JOB
TOO SMALL!
Call John: 07913 510326
Johnbuttle18@gmail.com
NO JOB TOO SMALL!
• Over 40 years experience • Fully insured
• Full City & Guilds qualifications • Excellent rates

LOVE YOUR LOFT
HIGH QUALITY - FIXED PRICES - FULLY INSURED
Loft ladders and hatches
supplied and fitted from £170
Other packages and
upgrades available
BARGAIN BUSTER
9 sqm flooring, ladder, hinged
hatch and light only £495
Mobile: 07517 437302 Freephone: 0800 0855 322
www.loveyourloft.co.uk
Pro Plumb
Boiler Service from £60
Book-keeping and accounting.
Friendly and reliable service
with over 40 years’ experience.
Dronfield based.
07557 107158
wmtowning@gmail.com
NIGEL’S HEDGE & CONIFER SERVICES
Services:
Full/part rewires
Extensions
Extra sockets/lights
Fault finding
Testing
• HEDGES TRIMMED
• CONIFERS TRIMMED
• CONIFERS TOPPED • WEEDING
• SUPPLY & FIT FENCING
• REGULAR GRASS & GARDEN
MAINTENANCE
• OVER 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE
• NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL
I highly recommend - very reasonable and very obliging!
John & Di Whitehead, Dronfield Woodhouse
Call Nigel or Gav on 07718 983155 for your free quote
TOP DOGUE ELECTRICS
Domestic & Commercial
Electrical Services
01246 628151
07799975910
www.topdogue.com
Seven Hills
Building & Construction
Refurbished Driveways & Landscaping
Interior and Exterior
Multicoloured Asphalt Driveways
Distinctive Paving
Drainage and Flood Protection
Home Improvements & Roofing
427 London Road, Sheffield, S2 4HJ
07548 375566 0114 470 1491
paul@sevenhillsconstruction.co.uk
www.sevenhillsconstruction.co.uk
25%
OFF
Valid until
30-6-24
Financing is available
Dronfield and area
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Part of The Cleaning Centre
Superior cleaning of carpets and upholstery
Deep cleaning with no soaking - Over 30 years experience
Fully insured and highly trained - A good honest family firm
Call 01246 418250 and ask for Shaun Ashmore

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Accounts & Tax Returns for sole traders,
partnerships & limited companies
Self Assessment Tax Returns
New business start ups
General tax planning & advice
35 SALISBURY ROAD, DRONFIELD
DERBYSHIRE S18 1UG TEL/FAX: 01246 290261
E-mail: info@johndanson.co.uk
FOR A PROFESSIONAL SIONAL JOB
WHERE QUALITY COUNTS
OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
ALL BATHROOM & KITCHEN WORK
CENTRAL HEATING WORK
SMALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN
FREE ESTIMATES
FULLY INSURED
CLEAN & RELIABLE
CUSTOMER RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE
01246 410837 or 07816 867959
ECKINGTON ROAD, COAL ASTON, DRONFIELD, DERBYSHIRE S18 3AW
JOHN TOMLIN
Kitchen Fitter
30 years experience designing and fitting
FREE QUOTE, CALL JOHN 07583 156305
Howdens Kitchen Supplier
Services
Plumbing
Joinery
Electrics
Plastering
Professional, friendly and affordable
Repairs, fixing doors, curtain rails
All UPVC windows, doors, dry verge, fascias, soffitts
Fencing, driveways, walls, drainage, hedges/trees
Roof repairs, ridge tiles, felt roofs
Complete bathroom, plumbing, tiling, floors
Free estimates - All work guaranteed
Daytime
07966 577104
Dale Montague
Electrical LTD
DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
PAT TESTING • INSPECTION & TESTING • MAINTENANCE
Certified for Electrical Vehicle Charging Points
Part of the Government Grant Scheme
Solar Panels and battery storage
T 01246 453094
M 07891 217981
E Dalemontagueelectrical@outlook.com
www.DME-LTD.co.uk
Contact
Alex on
07827 966365
01246 917631
AM PAINTING
& DECORATING
of Dronfield
Friendly, reliable,
quality service
Free quotations
available
LTD
VW - AUDI - SEAT - SKODA
SPECIALISTS
SERVICE - REPAIR - TYRES
16 HUNTER PARK CALLYWHITE LANE, DRONFIELD, S18 2XR
01246 292 756

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Speak to our friendly team of experts in Dronfield
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