Newspaper Archive: 1920s

Thursday 1st January 1920 Portsmouth Evening News (page 2)
The Sheffield Amateur Sports Club, Limited, at their annual meeting yesterday, launched a gigantic new scheme, involving an increase of capital from £3,000 to £25,000. It was stated that the directors had purchased Abbeydale Park of 25 acres, at Dore, as a permanent sporting ground, for £4,500. This will be the headquarters of local cricket, hockey, Association and Rugby football clubs.

Monday 23rd February 1920 Sheffield Daily Telegraph
Froggat Edge Mystery. How it was solved by Jack Slack, of Dore.
A remarkable funeral.
The death of Jack Slack, as he was familiarly known in and around the Dore neighbourhood, has removed a well-known figure from this district of Derbyshire. He was a sort of all-round handyman - the man who got in coals, cleaned the windows, assisted the keepers and farmers of the district, and did any odd jobs.

Years ago, it was stated. Slack was crossed in love, and from that date he has not done any regular work. Well educated, and coming from a well-known local family, he was always courteous, and he was loved by the children, with whom he was fond of chatting; always bowed with great ceremony to the ladies and to the gentry of the neighbourhood, he was most polite. But Jack had no fixed home, and for many years he frequently slept in a hayloft, and it was while there he met with an accident that ended in his death.

He was buried on Saturday in Dore Churchyard, and the people of Dore saw to it that he had a decent interment. The Rev. W. R. Gibson (Vicar of Dore) conducted the service, and the attendance at the funeral was such that might have been expected at the interment of a country squire. Hundreds of people were present in the pretty little churchyard at Dore; they came from all over the countryside to pay their last tribute of respect to a man who, in spite of his singular mode of life, was a great favourite among the people for miles around.

The Vicar in a short address referred to the respect with which Jack Slack was regarded which, he said, was accounted for by the fact that he had so cheerful a disposition, was always willing to assist those who applied to him for help, and for the courtesy and regard he had always shown to others. Though he was satisfied to lead a life (of) apparent discomfort and loneliness, this did not sour his nature against those who fared better than he did. He suffered more than they could tell. He was a man with a fellow feeling and had a regard for the feelings of others. In spite of the conditions under which he lived he was a true sample of "Nature's gentleman".

Slack was well-known throughout the moorland district of Northern and Mid-Derbyshire. He tramped miles across the sheep paths, helped the keepers in the game season, and hundreds of Sheffielders met him at various times on his wanderings, accompanied only by his dog.

Many years ago there was a great sensation in this part of Derbyshire. A local resident went out on to the moors, and was caught in a terrible snowstorm - one of the worst that has ever been experienced in the Peak district. Search was made, but no trace of the missing man could be found, and to this day the tragedy is referred to as the "Froggatt Edge" mystery. But the mystery was solved. Jack Slack was doing one of his tramps across the moors. He had his dog with him, and the faithful hound, running in front of him, made a discovery and commenced to bark. Slack moved forward to ascertain the cause, and there in a hollow he found the skeleton of the man who months before had been overcome by the great storm and had fallen down and died far away from human habitation.

Monday 28th April 1920 Sheffield Daily Telegraph (page 4)
The Hallamshire Rifles Totley yesterday marched to the Totley Rifle Range where an open air service was conducted by the Rev. G.W.Turner.

Saturday 31st July 1920 Sheffield Daily Telegraph (page 5)
Platelayer's Death.
Bradway Man knocked down in Dore Tunnel
The circumstances attending the fatality in the Midland Railway tunnel at Dore, on the 29th instant, in which a platelayer, William Faxon [Walter Faxon] (38), of Bradway, lost his life, were inquired into by Mr. M. S. Brodhurst, Deputy Coroner, at Totley station last evening. Mr. Ernest Clegg watched the case for the relatives and the National Union of Railwayman. Mr. O. Abmey, District Controller, appeared for the Midland Railway Company. Josiah John William Faxton [Faxon], 16, Wentworth Road, Penistone, identified the body as that of his brother. He had been a platelayer on the Midland Railway for 12 years, and was perfectly healthy and possessed good hearing. Witness had never heard deceased suggest doing anything harmful to himself. Colin Prince, Greenoak, Totley, said he had been foreman platelayer in Totley Tunnel 27 years. The deceased had worked under him 11 years, always in the tunnel. The gang started work at 7.30, and finished at 5 o'clock. He, personally, watched for trains and was always on the lookout. On the day in question they were employed on the up line from Manchester to Sheffield. Th atmosphere in the tunnel was very thick, and they did not start work on this account, but were waiting for the air to clear. Witness heard the train approaching and blew his whistle as a warning when it was about 200 yards away. The deceased was standing next to witness. When the train had passed he missed the deceased, and on searching found him in the six foot way quite dead. He had no idea why he was in the six foot way. He had no right to be there. Wilfred Salter, another platelayer, who was working with the gang, said he had had 14 years' experience of the work. He heard the ganger's whistle, and he replied to it, the call being carried on by the rest of the platelayers. Although it was his duty to do so, Faxon did not whistle. Deceased was always a very careful man. The driver of the train in question deposed to blowing the engine whistle on approaching the tunnel, and five times while the train was in the tunnel. He was travelling at about 25 miles and hour. Questioned by the Coroner, witness stated that the air in the tunnel was very thick. He did not see the platelayers, but noticed the naphtha flares as he passed. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from misadventure."

Monday 28th August 1922 Evening Telegraph (page 6)

Misfortunes Never Come Singly

Circus performers, clowns, and others have their own pet superstitions and one of these is that accidents always happen in the rule of threes. Dr. H.G.Grable used to travel all over the world with Barnum and Baileys famous circus. Here are his views on this curious belief in the rule of threes. I never had much faith in the rule of threes, which is the bugbear of circus performers, but during my four years with the show I have seen some inexplicable cases of triple accidents " said Dr. Grable." Last year we had a burlesque on the balloon horse Jupiter he cannot go with us because the horse and apparatus together are too heavy for the tent poles. Three clowns went up instead. One evening one of the tree broke his arm. For the next performance it required all the persuasive powers of the management to induce another clown to take the place of the injured one. Finally they succeeded in getting one and for several weeks the act flourished as before. Then again a clown was brought into my hospital car, and he had a broken arm. The act was a simple one and apparently without any danger whatever attached to it but a superstitious fear seized the clowns and it was impossible to persuade them to continue with it. Strange enough before the season ended the third clown who had been associated with the first two in the balloon act also suffered a broken arm, but he did not break it in that act. 

Friday 13th October 1922 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 8)
Canada's National Game.
How Lacrosse is Developing in Sheffield [Extract]
Since the start of the game in Sheffield last year two clubs have been formed - the Sheffield University Lacrosse Club (men) and the Sheffield Lacrosse Club. Both play at Abbeydale Park, Sheffield, Amateur Sports Club ground, Dore. Mr. W.O. Townsend, Surrey street, is the honorary secretary of the latter club and Mr. I. H. Strachan, Applied Science Department, The University, the hon. secretary of the former.

Monday 11th December 1922 Sheffield Daily Independent (page 7)
A Happy Evening
Totley Club's Dinner and Prize Distribution
The members of the Cross Scythes (Totley) Bowling Club spent a happy evening last Saturday at headquarters on the occasion of their first annual dinner and prize distribution since their re-formation. In the absence of the President (Mr. Westerman). Mr. F.G. Dakin, M.B.E., presided over an excellent gathering, and was supported by Messrs. H. Crowther, F. Stone, J. Wint, G. Wait, and  A. Shaw (secretary). The rose bowl competition winners were presented with their prizes by the chairman in the following order. 1. H. Green; 2. H. Crowther; 3. T. Thompson; 4. G.T. Evans; 5. A Shaw; 6. G.W. Wells; 7. W. Kaberry. A capital musical programme was provided by Messrs. Machin, Marsh, Fletcher and Harrison. 

Saturday 17th February 1923 The Derbyshire Times (page 6)
To the Overseers of the Poor of the Township of Totley;
To The Chief Constable of the County of Derby;
To the Superintendent of the Police of the District; and
To T. A. Howes-Smith, Esquire, the Clerk of the Licensing Justices of the Division of Eckington.
Take Notice that I, Phoebe Jukes, of Abbeydale Hall, Totley, near Sheffield, intend to apply to the Licensing Justices for the Division of Eckington sitting at General Annual Licensing Meeting to be holden at the Court House, Renishaw, in and for the Petty Sessional Division of Eckington on the 5th day of February 1923 or at some adjournment thereof for a Justices' License for Billiards at a house situate and being known as Abbeydale Hall, Totley, near Sheffield, in the occupation of Joseph Kendrick, and me, the above named Phoebe Jukes, carrying on business there as "Kendrick & Jukes."  The Owners of the said premises are The Sheffield Amateur Sports Club, Limited. Given under my hand this 2nd day of February, 1923. (signed) Phoebe Jukes.

Tuesday 20th March 1923 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 6)
Church's Loss
Death of Mr. Samuel Swift, Sheffield
Sheffield has lost an ardent church worker and a tradesman of the old type by the death of Mr. Samuel Swift, who for 61 years was with the firm of Messrs. Thomas Porter and Sons, provision merchants, of King street, Sheffield. He had been at work on Saturday, and when with his only surviving brother, Mr. James Swift, 21, Montgomery road, Nether Edge, as late as 9.15 on Saturday night, he appeared to be quite well, but died suddenly on Sunday from heart failure. His home was at Grove road, Totley Rise, and he leaves one son and two daughters. His wife died about four years ago. He was born at Aldam Mills, near Barnsley, and came to Sheffield when he was thirteen years old, to start as an apprentice with Messrs. Thomas Porter and Sons. On the death of the two sons of the founder of the firm, about thirty years ago, he became co-partner along with the two Messrs. Slagg, and had been actively associated with the business ever since. He was one of the first churchwardens at St. Peter's Church, Abbeydale, when that church was built, and at one time was a sidesman at Ecclesall Church. He had also done a vast amount of work in connection with other churches in the parish.

Wednesday 21 March 1923, The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 4)
Funeral of Mr. S. Swift
Last Tributes to a Well Known Business Man.
A large and representative gathering attended the funeral at Dore Parish Church yesterday afternoon, of the late Mr. Samuel Smith, who died very suddenly on Sunday last at his residence, Sunnyvale, Totley Rise. The principal mourners were: Mr. Charles Swift (son), the misses Emmie and Linnie Swift (daughters), Mr. Frank Swift (grandson), Mrs. Charles Swift (daughter-in-law), Mr. James Swift (brother), Miss Swift (sister), Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall, Mrs. Smith (Beauchief), Mr. and Mrs. J. Ellison, Mr. Frank Ellis, Mr. Alec. Slag, Mr. Frank Slag, and Mr Robert B. Grayson (Solicitor). About 35 members of the staff of Messrs Thomas Porter and Sons, King street, Sheffield, of which firm Mr. Swift was the senior partner, were also present. The service was conducted by the Rev. W.R. Gibson, Vicar of Dore. The late Mr. Swift had been with Messrs. Thomas Porter and Sons for more than 40 years and was well known and respected in business circles in the city. He was formerly warden of the Church of St. Peter;s, Abbeydale, and had until quite recently, been a regular attender at Christ Church, Dore. He leaves a son and two daughters. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. Harry Green, Totley Rise.

Wednesday 16 May 1923 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 5)
Mr. Samuel Swift, Sunny Vale, Grove road, Totley Rise, for 60 years connected with the firm of Thomas Porter and Sons, left £4,915 (net personalty £3,414).

Saturday 23 February 1924 Sheffield Daily Telegraph (page 10)
Dickens' Production At Totley
An excellent performance of Dickens' "Cricket on the Hearth" was given last evening in the Dore and Totley Union Church Institute by members of the Guild and Literary Society. The parts were taken by Miss P.M. Seed, Miss M. Hartley, Miss H.M. Plumbe, Miss E. Unwin, Miss C.M. Whitehead, Mr. H.W. Todd, Mr. A. Walkland, the Rev. J. Wesley Green and Mr. E.D. Nicholls, and were sustained in a way which made the performance very enjoyable. A short comedy sketch, "Spring Cleaning," was also given. There was a large and appreciative audience over which Mrs. Plumbe presided. The proceeds were in aid of church funds.

Friday 3 July 1925 Sheffield Daily Telegraph (page 5)
Dore Missionary Effort
Under the auspices of the Primitive Methodist Women's Missionary Federation a largely attended drawing-room meeting was held, yesterday, at the Dore Church. In the absence of Mrs. Plumbe, of the Unity Church, Totley, Mrs. Baxter presided, with Mrs. Bell as vice-president. Mrs. Vine gave a review of the missionary work of the churches, and solos were finely rendered by Miss Evelyn Daniels. Miss Fretwell accompanied. Elocutionary items were contributed by Miss Davies Leadbeater, and Mrs. Frost. Mrs. Gordon and the Rev. J.T. Goodacre also took part in the proceedings. Tea was given by Mrs. Marriott, and a collection for the African Missions realised £5 13s. 6d.

Thursday 14 January 1926 Sheffield Daily Telegraph
Interesting Portrait.
Sheffield Centenarian For Cutlers' Company
Mr. George Wainwright
The collection of portraits which the Cutlers' Company possesses has been enriched by the presentation to the Company, by Mr. W.C. Mitchell-Withers, of a portrait of Mr. George Wainwright, a Freeman of the Company, who lived to the great age of 107, and who died about the year 1821. Interest in the picture is increased rather than diminished by the meagre details available respecting the life and achievements of Mr. Wainwright. The occasion which led to the painting of the portrait was the celebration of the jubilee of George III, in Sheffield. On this occasion 71 old men, none of whom was under the age of His Majesty, who would then be 72, were entertained to dinner at the Cutlers' Hall by the Cutlers' Company, and each man received gifts of a hat and coat. Among those who received the gifts was George Wainwright, of Whitely Wood, who was then 96 years of age.

One can but conjecture that it was the great respect in which Mr. Wainwright was held, coupled with his great age, which induced a number of Sheffielders of that day to guarantee the cost of painting the portrait for the purpose of presenting it to the Cutlers' Company. Mr. Robert Brightmore was the master Cutler at the time.

Little is known of the man himself, except that he was a native of Dore, and that he was at one time in the employ of the grandfather of Samuel Mitchell, who at one time owned the picture. The portrait was to have been paid for by subscription, and presented to the Cutlers' Company. So many of the guarantors, however, died before the picture was completed that instead of being paid for by subscription, it was bought by Robert Brightmore for the sum of 200 guineas. It afterwards came into the hands of Mr. Samuel Mitchell, of The Mount, a nephew of Mr. Brightmore, and through him it descended to Mr. W.C. Mitchell-Withers. Thus, nearly a century after it was painted, the picture will fulfil its original purpose of gracing the hall of the Cutlers' Company.

The Picture and the Artist
The work is a good example of the type of portrait painting in vogue at the time of its execution, writes our art critic, and depicts the venerable old figure of the sitter clad in a brass-buttoned coat and holding a stick in one hand and a soft hat in the other. The features are clearly and faithfully recorded in the style of painting which aimed at full detail, and its technical success as a painting executed in such a manner is fully apparent. Apart from the portrait of Mr. Wainwright the background possesses its note of interest for Sheffield antiquarians, for the artist has made use of the device of introducing an open window through which a distant view of what is assuredly Sheffield is seen. It is the Sheffield of the days when green fields and trees were adjacent to the city's landmarks, the spire of St. Peter's, and what is probably the dome of St. Paul's, being plainly visible.

The picture was painted by Charles Henry Schwanfelder, who was born in Leeds in 1773, and who occasionally practiced the art of portrait painting though his chief pursuit was the painting of animals and landscape subjects. He enjoyed considerable reputation as a Court painter in the time of George III., being appointed animal painter to His Majesty, and at a later date to the Prince Regent. The artist died in 1837.

Friday 15 January 1926 Sheffield Daily Telegraph
Mr. George Wainwright
The Newest Portrait at the Cutlers' Hall
Bit of Local History
Great interest has been taken in the announcement, which appeared exclusively in our columns yesterday, that the portrait of Mr. George Wainwright, a native of Dore, has been given to the Cutlers' Company by Mr. W.C. Mitchell Withers and is to be hung in the Cutlers' Hall, Sheffield. By the kindness of Mr. R.L. Foxon, Accountant, "Telegraph" Buildings, High Street, we are able to give something more about George Wainwright. Mr. Foxon has loaned to us the Rev. James Everett's book "Historical Sketches of Wesleyan Methodism in Sheffield and its Vicinity," and in this appears the following about Mr. Wainwright.

"Totley, a village about five miles from Sheffield, had received visits from preachers. Preaching was at first out of doors, generally under a sycamore tree; but it was not long before George Wainwright took in the preachers, and permitted them to preach in his house. He bore with patience the taunts of the rude, the reproofs of his friends, and the still heavier hand of the outrageous mob. Never could he be induced to turn the Methodists out of doors. Preaching was in the village a considerable time before a society could be formed. Sarah Green, one of the first members, had a clod of earth thrown at the side of her face; and turning her head round, she received another. "There," said she, without being either grieved or afraid, "you have taken me on both sides." Few places for the size had greater disturbances in them than Totley. The people were determindly opposed to everything in the form of religion; which reflects the greater honour on the man who opened his door for the truth.

"George was born on January 28th, 1714, at Bamforth, about two miles from Hathersage, in Derbyshire. He there learned the trade of weaving, and then removed to Dronfield in 1739, where he lived til 1743. From thence he removed to Totley, and was married in 1744. There he spent a great part of his life; and his next remove was to Whitely Wood, where he met in class as long as he was able to attend. While at this place the following paragraph appeared in 'The Iris' of April 25, 1805: 'We are informed that there is now living at Whitely Wood, near this town, a man called George Wainwright in the 100th year of his age. He is a weaver and works at his trade, is stout and hearty, and can walk faster than most young men, he is not short of breath, but (according to our correspondent) is likely to live as long again as he has done.'"

"The correspondent of 'The Iris' must either have been incorrectly informed of his age, or George must have died at the great age of 115, instead of 107. On his residence at Dore during the latter part of his life, he became infirm, and through his non-attendance his name, unfortunately, was omitted in the class-paper, which should have continued till the end.

The Jubilee of George the Third
"At the Jubilee of George III, 50 old men were selected out of the town and neighbourhood of Sheffield, whose separate ages exceeded that of His Majesty's. To these, coats and hats were given. George Wainwright was one of them, and, in the language of a friend, 'was king of them all' in point of age. A subscription was proposed to be entered into for the purpose of having his likeness taken, in order to be placed in the Cutlers' Hall. A full length portrait was accordingly taken by Schwansfelder; but the subscriptions not having been paid in, the painting remains in the possession of Mr. Mitchell, of Broad Lane. It was customary for some gentlemen during the last years of his life to provide a repast for himself and his descendants, on the anniversary of his birthday, as a tribute of respect to his age and character. The following is a hymn sung on th e last annual festival and composed for them occasion by John Holland, author of 'Sheffield Park' etc.

Before the flood, five hundred years,
Protracted oft' the light of man.
Now, frail threescore and ten appears
A very hand-breadth and a span.

Lord, still Thou sparest this heir of heaven.
In patriarch age, to dwell on earth,
Surviving fivescore years and seven,
Departed since the pilgrim's birth.

Thousands, born on his natal day,
Who first with him beheld the sun,
Have smiled, and wept, and pass'd away-
Their earthly joys and sufferings done.

"One thing which tended to awe the people in Totley was the sudden death of a young man who, a little before his exit, had been very active as a persecutor in pulling the preacher from his stand, and offering other acts of violence. It was perfectly unnecessary for serious characters to view it as a judgement; the wicked themselves viewed it as such, and their own comment was not without its salutary effect."

Everett (who wrote the book from which we quoted, visited Wainwright at Dore (where he had retired) on April 11th, 1821. He found the old man sitting amongst his descendants, "like a connecting link between the living and the dead; a being in whom the light of existence has already been partially obscured the the encroaching shadows of death." During this visit Everett made a pencil drawing of Wainwright, at the same time adding materially to his stock of information relative to early Methodism in these parts. Four days later this venerable worthy passed away, aged 107.

Monday 25th October 1926 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 9)
Totley Bowls Club Dinner
Friendly Fixtures Only Played by Members.
Successful Year.
The Totley (Cross Scythes) Bowling Club is one of the few clubs who play nothing but friendly fixtures. During the past season they have played home and away fixtures with Chatsworth, Baslow, Brincliffe, Wadsley Social Club, and the Post Office bowling teams and won each encounter upon the aggregate scores. Over 70 members met together, on Saturday, at the Cross Scythes Hotel on the occasion of the annual dinner and prize distribution. Mr. J.W. Turner (president) presided, supported by Messrs. F.G.  Dakin, W. Plant, W.S. Hall (treasurer), F. Oakes (secretary). Mr. Dakin in proposing the toast of the "Totley Bowling Club," mentioned that efforts were being made to make the green for next season in a condition fit to compare with the best in the district. They could claim to be the most successful club whose activities were confined to the playing of friendly matches. Messrs. F. Oakes  and W. Hyland had only lost one match during the past two seasons. During the evening a presentation of a handsome clock was made by the president to Mr. W.S. Hall, in recognition of his services as treasurer. Mr. F. Oakes' win in the annual handicap proved most popular, for in the final with Mr. J.T. Pearson only one point decided the honours. The complete list of prizewinners were: Annual handicap: 1. F. Oakes; 2. J.T. Pearson; 3. H. Crowther; 4. W. Kaberry; 5. W. Wise; 6. T. Wint; 7. R. St. I. Smith; 8. E. Lake. Ryedale Shield: 1. T. Chapman; 2. J. Salt. Doubles competition: 1. J.T. Pearson and E. Coleman; 2. F. Oakes and C.L. Marcroft. Flying handicap: J.W. Turner. Holiday handicap: 1. C.L. Marcroft; 2. W. Wise; 3. H. Green; 4. J.H. Slack. A splendid musical programme was provided by Messrs. A. Dakin, H. Robinson, Vincent Arthurs, D. Vickers and H. Jones (pianist).

Thursday 30 June 1927 Sheffield Daily Telegraph
Manor of Ecclesall

Talking of records reminds us that an old friend and antagonist of ours, who conceals his identity under the very thin disguise of "Carolus Paulus" is writing a book on "The Manor and Parish of Ecclesall." Judging from the list of contents, it promises to be of exceptional interest. The volume is to be published by subscription, and already there are over 250 subscribers -  a sufficient number to indicate how great is the interest taken in the work, but not quite enough to indemnify the author against loss. The price of the book is 6s. 6d. paper, or 8s. cloth, and applications for a volume to be reserved should be sent to "Carolus Paulus", Ribbledene, Totley. We hope our readers, who are interested in the ancient records of Sheffield, will become subscribers.

Wednesday 13th July 1927 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 3)
Amateur Sports Club
Need for Hard Court Tennis at Abbeydale Park
Reduced Overdraft
The annual meeting of the Sheffield Amateur Sports Club was held at 18, York street, the registered office, yesterday. Mr. H. B. Willey, who presided, said that with regard to the financial position, the overdraft which a few years ago was £7,000, is now £2,345, and this is practically covered by the amount of £2,250 due under the mortgage of Abbeydale Hall. As, however, the Sports Club was a progressive affair, further capital expenditure continued to be necessary, and during the past year certain improvements to the ground were effected, in particular the new Bankers' hockey ground. In order to cope with the extended area of playing fields which require attention it became necessary to purchase a motor roller. This motor roller had not yet been paid for, and was the chief item in the account of sundry creditors £527.

Tennis Club Idea
With regard to the future, there was always the question of establishing a tennis club. There was always the nucleus of a very fine tennis club, which, if hard courts could be provided, would rapidly extend into a club of considerable dimensions which would prove a very valuable asset to the club. The increased number of subscriptions which would result from a flourishing tennis club would go a long way towards solving the income problem. With regard to the income and expenditure account, it would be noticed that this year there is a deficit of £167, but with regard to this deficit it should be pointed out that £100 has been allowed for depreciation and there is a further item which should also be mentioned, namely, in the accountancy charges amounting to £33 12s. There is a special payment in this year's accounts in connection with the company's liability for Income Tax. Every economy was being effected as regards expenditure. It was, however, a great struggle for the clubs to raise the amounts at which they were assessed, and it was therefore with very much regret that the directors were compelled to raise the assessment for the ensuing year. If, however, this assessment was  not raised, the clubs would certainly be faced with another deficit which would in time produce a serious problem.

Bank Holiday Fete
With a view to helping the funds of the club, Mr. Shepley and Mr. Edwards had been good enough to organise a fete on August Bank Holiday, and it was hoped that all members of the Sports Club and their friends would do their very best to make this a tremendous success. Helpers were still urgently needed. Their duties were chiefly to act as showmen, and anyone willing to help should send in their name to Mr. Shepley. If they had a fine day and the Fair was the success it deserved to be, having regard to the amount of work put in by Mr. Shepley and Mr. Edwards, and the other helpers, the proceeds would be applied in payment for the motor roller, and the balance, if sufficient, would be utilised for the provision of hard tennis courts and generally improving the financial position. There was no doubt that the grounds were very fully used, and each year that went by showed that the provision of these grounds for amateur sport had been very well justified. Many important matches had already taken place, and today and tomorrow the Collegiate C.C. were having their annual match with the M.C.C. The retiring directors, viz: H. A. Potts, Col. D. S. Bransom, D.S.O., F. Ludlam, R. Hargreaves, Wynyard Dixon and R. A. Rowley Morris were re-elected. 

Saturday 22nd June 1929 Sheffield Independent (page 2)
Norton Rural District Council
Purchase of Mowing Grass, Sheep Grazing
The Norton Rural District Council is prepared to receive tenders for the grazing of sheep at the Greenoak Recreation Ground, Totley, area about 8 acres. The Council is also prepared to receive Tenders for the purchase of the mowing grass at the Recreation Ground, the contractor to undertake all the necessary work in connection with the cutting and removal of the grass, which must be done to the satisfaction of the Council. Tenders must be received by me not later than Monday, 1st July next. Lawrence Richmond, Clerk to the Council. Offices. West Bar, Sheffield. 21st June, 1929.

Thursday 29th August 1929 The Sheffield Daily Independent (page 7)
Bridle-Track Disappears
Holmesfield to Dore
Housing Need
What was once a delightful old bridle track leading from Holmesfield to Dore village and Sheffield and flanked for great part by grassy, primrose-lined banks and hedgerows, will soon disappear entirely. Until recently, part of the bridle track could be seen leading from the main Abbeydale road South and up by the side of Abbeydale Park, but housing developments and road-widening have resulted in only a very small piece being left. This also promises to be swallowed up within the next few months. The old "high road" as it was called used to lead down Twentywell lane, across Abbeydale road South, up Water lane on the opposite side of the road, and then curve to the left from Abbeydale Park and through what is called Ashfurlong.

Tracing the Road
The road then wound to the right again, and up what is now known as Dore road, formerly Dore New road. From here it continued down through Ryecroft Farm, across a ford in Ryecroft Glen, through the Ecclesall Woods across Abbey lane and through the woods again until it reached to the bottom of Button Hill, Millhouses. The road then continued up Button Hill until it wound to the right, passing eventually, across the present Carter Knowle road, until it reached a farm yard near Banner Cross Hall. It then went through the fields to the top of Brincliffe Edge, and apparently continued down into Sheffield. The old Water lane, by the side of Abbeydale Park, has now been replaced by a road which continues round the wide bend, followed by the old bridle track until it reaches a point only a short distance from Dore road, which runs from Dore village into the main Abbeydale road.

What Photograph Shows
Part of the portion of the original bridle track which is still left is shown in the photograph reproduced on the back page. Another part also remains intact, where the road begins to curve back from the top of Abbeydale Park towards Dore road, but this is now being widened. Cutting across the loop of the new road at its largest point, and completing the "D" shape, is Cavendish avenue, alongside which used to run the old footpath which was a short cut for people who wanted to miss the mud of the bridle track. Water lane was so called because no matter how dry the weather was, water could always be found running down the side of the road.

Interesting "Cutting"
About half-way up Twentywell lane, there can still be seen a cutting in the side of the road into which carts, coming down the lane, could draw out of the way to let any, coming up, pass. The road, of course, was only just wide enough for one cart, and it was the rule that the cart coming up should always be given the right of way. Another old bridle-track which used to run down by Totley Rise through Bushey Wood to the bottom of the village green in Dore, has disappeared. Picture on Back Page.

Wednesday 4 September 1929 Sheffield Independent (page 4)
Blind Lover of Cricket
City Sportsman's Memories
Rare Relics
A Sheffield man who, although he has been blind for ten years, goes to every important cricket and football match at the Bramall lane ground, told a "Sheffield Independent" representative in a chat yesterday how he "saw" the matches. He is Mr. Thomas Glossop, of Brinkburn Vale road, Totley, Sheffield, a razor manufacturer, and an amateur horticulturist of considerable local fame. In addition he is probably the moist enthusiastic supporter Yorkshire county team, and cricket generally, have. The fact that is 76 years old and blind does not deter him from enjoying matches to a greater extent than many people. I found Mr. Glossop in his garden with his wife, writes a "Sheffield Independent" representative. He is a little gentle-voiced man, wearing thick spectacles. "These are my eyes," he said, placing an affectionate hand upon the shoulder of his wife. "I go will her to Bramall Lane. We always sit on the same seat, and the people know us, for they reserve our place, and pass the time of day.
 

Boyhood Enthusiasm
"The scene is a blur to me, but you see, before I went blind, I went to every match of importance, and I can picture the scene in my mind. My wife tells me what is going on, who is batting and bowling, how the fielders are placed, and what the score is. In that way I can "see" a match as well as anybody. I used to know all the county cricketers by sight, for I followed cricket closely. It has been my hobby all my life. I was born in what was then Bright street, now Fitzwilliam street, almost within sound of the cricket bell, and when I was a small boy and I worked for my father I used to get up at three o'clock in the morning to get my work done so that I could be on the cricket ground for the opening of play."
 

Mr. Glossop went on to talk of his horticultural successes when the Abbeydale Amateur Gardening Society was alive. The Society offered a cup for competition each year to the member who gained the most points in the show, and Mr. Glossop won the cup for six years in succession. In fact, he was the only man to hold it and it is still in his possession.
 

Autographed Trousers
His interest in horticulture in undiminished, although he can no longer see the flowers he tends so lovingly. He took me into his house to show me some of the treasured trophies which have been given to him by famous cricketers. There was a bat which his son, Mr. W.W. Glossop, captain of the Sugg Thursday team, uses. It was presented to Mr. Glossop by Victor Trumper, who led the victorious Australian team of the 1905 Test Matches. There was a ball used in the Test Matches of 1909. Mr. Glossop's most valuable relic, however, is a pair of Hopkin's [Hopkins'] trousers, which in 1909 that player found had been autographed by all the members of the Australian team in indelible ink. The names included M.A. Noble, Macartney, Roger Hartigan, Warren Bardsley, B. Ferguson, Frank Lather [Laver] and others. Of course Hopkins could not wear the trousers, and gave them to Mr. Glossop in exchange for a "safety razor." Mr. Glossop had made the razor so "safe" that Hopkins could not open it, and decided to have an ordinary razor instead. The joke, related by Mr. Glossop, is still talked of in Australia. At night Mr. Glossop finds solace in the wireless. He listens to the news bulletin, and hears all the cricket results. 
"That is my salvation," he told me. "I love the wireless, for it places me on the same level as others. I spend hours listening." 

Saturday 7 December 1929 Sheffield Daily Telegraph (page 6)

Totley Rise, Near Sheffield.
With Excellent Bus and Train Services from and to the City of Shefield.

A Small Freehold Estate 
Containing a total of a bout 14 acres, having extensive road frontages to the main road from Sheffield to Baslow, to Mickley Lane, and to Glover Road, which intersects the Property. To be Offered For Sale as a Whole, or if not sold, in the following Four Lots:-
    
LOT 1. -With Vacant Possession. The brickbuilt Dwelling-House, Outbuildings, Yard and Garden, situated at the corner of Mickley Land and Glover Road, at present unoccupied. Area about 32 perches. For Key to View, apply to Mr. T.E. Bailey, Brook Terrace, adjoining the Lot.
LOT 2. -The Close of Excellent Accommodation Grass Land, containing about 1 acres 2½ roods, with a frontage to Glover Road of about 280 feet. Tenant, Mr. James Gledhill. Apportioned rent £4 0s. 0d.
LOT 3. -A Similar Close of Land containing about 2 acres 1½ roods, with a frontage to Glover Road of about 370 feet. Tenant, Mr. James Gledhill. Apportioned rent, £6 0s. 0d.
LOT 4. -With Vacant Possession, The Triangular Piece of Land containing about 10 acres and possessing exceptional road frontages to the main road from Sheffield to Baslow of about 2,040 feet, to Mickley Lane of about 1,160 feet, and to Glover Road of about 610 feet. All Free of Tithe and Land Tax.
 

Ernest S. Mitchell will offer the Property for Sale by Auction on Monday, December 16th, 1929, at 6 o'clock p.m., at the Cross Scythes Hotel, Totley, subject to the General Conditions of Sale of 1925 and to such Special Conditions as shall be read.
For Printed Particulars and Plan apply to Mr G. F. Barnes, F.S.I., Chartered Surveyor, Bank Chambers, Central Pavement, Chesterfield; the Auctioneer, 10 Gluman Gate, Chesterfield or to Bramley and Coombe, Solicitors, 4 and 6 Paradise Square, Sheffield.