Event - Workshop to explore Old English (Sheffield)

MEMBERS of the public are being invited by Sheffield University students to take part in a project tomorrow [15th May], which will explore the language and culture of the Anglo-Saxon period.


Tomorrow’s event at the Jessop West Exhibition Space, on Upper Hanover Street ,will run from 10am until noon. At that event, people will be able to join in workshops on Old English and talk about that period in history.

English student Faye Guest, 22, said: “Old English language is still very much present today, from place names, to river names and the way in which we speak, and so we’re very keen to showcase this to the public.”

Dr Rebecca Fisher, a leading expert on Old English, added: “The event is a chance for members of the public to see what the students are working on, and for the community and students to work together to share their knowledge of this thrilling historical period.

“Magical charms, worship, the Old English language, sixth-century living conditions and an Anglo-Saxon crime scene are just a few of things visitors can expect to experience.”

The event is free but places should be reserved online at http://www.engagewitholdenglish.co.uk/

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/workshop-to-explore-old-english-1-4544415

News - Will ‘secret museum’ ever return? (Sheffield)

QUESTION marks are hanging over the future of a ‘secret’ Sheffield museum which has now been closed for six months.

The Traditional Heritage Museum on Ecclesall Road is owned by Sheffield University but has been run in recent years entirely by volunteers.

Based in the former hall of Endcliffe Methodist Church, it features a variety of displays representing Sheffield from past decades.

A university spokesman said the museum had been closed due to health and safety concerns but refused to give further details.

“The University of Sheffield has undertaken a full assessment of the property and will be discussing its findings with the relevant people. The museum will remain closed at this time,” he added.

But volunteers and supporters fear the museum may now have shut its doors for good.

Regular visitor Peter Bolt, of Marshall Road, Woodseats, said its permanent closure was on the cards.

“It has provided a unique experience over the years, giving an insight into how trades and shops used to provide services to people in a bygone era,” he said.

“The museum is the only one of its kind in Sheffield - we do not have anything like it on the same lines.”

The museum opened in 1985 and has a variety of walk-through displays, including a replica kitchen from the 1920s and a variety of Sheffield shops, such as Pollard’s tea and coffee and Renwick’s Basketmakers.

The interior of Pollard’s Coffee and Grocery shop was created from original fittings preserved from the former shop on Glossop Road.

Other collections date from 1850 to 1950 and illustrate life and work in Sheffield, including several displays reflecting the ‘little mester’ trades.

Another preserved shop is Thackeray’s, which used to be in a terrace house at Upper Hanover Street.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/will_secret_museum_ever_return_1_3706050