Event - Writer's historic journey in the footsteps of Robin Hood

A STAPLEFORD writer is nearing the end of a journey exploring the historic boundaries of Sherwood Forest.

Dave Wood set out walking the ancient woodland on July 30 and is due to complete his journey on Saturday.

"It's all been an adventure," he said.

"Sometimes you have to force yourself to stop, because you are not noticing your surroundings anymore. So you nip into the nearest pub and chat with the people there.

"We have been through some forested areas and we have woken up at 6am to see the mist. It has been absolutely stunning to see."

Mr Wood's National Lottery-funded Creative Perambulations of Sherwood Forest project started at the Victoria Embankment, which was once part of the forest.

The previous major perambulation of Sherwood Forest was carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape.

Mr Wood's wanted to replicate the original journey, noting how the landscape has changed.

Walks have taken place in areas including Oxton, Burton Joyce, Lowdham and Colwick.

His project has seen him write about his experiences, explore the great outdoors and chat to the locals.

"Some places have been completely different," he added. "My route from Annesley to Skegby was completely industrial, and you almost wouldn't imagine it being part of Sherwood Forest."

The project has seen people join him on his travels, ranging from large groups to smaller numbers.

"We have had groups of 25, of 15, and once it was just me and a man with his dog," he said.

"But the interesting thing is the local people you meet, who just open their arms to you.

"I have had people telling me about things like mosaic monuments to old pits, and heard all about the heritage of all sorts of places.

"And sometimes you just discover surprising people.

"One bloke I met makes sculptures out in his allotment, but you wouldn't guess it."

He said the area had changed over time, but not always for the better.

"Some good things have disappeared," he added. "There used to be an old pit hill in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and one of the blokes I spoke to said when mist set in it looked like a volcano because of the steam coming up.

"You also get areas of social deprivation, because the mining areas have just died out. But there are some beautiful, interesting areas."

The end of the project will be marked on Saturday with tree-planting ceremonies at Victoria Embankment and the Hook Nature Reserve, in Lady Bay, West Bridgford.

Read about the journey on www.creativesherwoodforestperambulations.blogspot.com

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Writer-s-historic-journey-footsteps-Robin-Hood/story-13731330-detail/story.html

News - Grant award helps museum expansion (Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet)

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet has received a National Lottery grant to fund preparatory work towards a £900,000 project aiming to ‘transform’ the museum.

Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, which runs the site, off Abbeydale Road South, has been awarded £47,200 to help develop the plans, which involve creating a learning centre for educational visits, restoration of water wheels and construction of new workshops for use by modern-day metalworkers.

The trust is to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund again later this year for the balance of the funding to make the scheme a reality.

Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust said the work would ‘transform’ the museum.

Trust chairman Alex Pettifer said: “We’re delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support, it is a truly significant success for the trust.

“Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a place of outstanding historical significance and it is important that we continue to preserve the site.

“Sheffield will be a much better place for the protection of the historical and industrial heritage of the city and how it helped place Sheffield on the world map.”

Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet provides a great insight into the industrial heritage that is synonymous with the local area. “We are pleased to give initial support to this worthwhile project.”

The museum incorporates numerous 18th and 19th century listed buildings and is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/grant_award_helps_museum_expansion_1_3815585

News: 17th Century trek to Warsop trek (Sherwood perambulation)

A RAMBLE following a route traced by a 349-year-old map of Sherwood Forest will visit Pleasley Vale and Warsop on its next stage.

‘Perambulatory poet’ Dave Wood, who is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, is following the route of the 1662 map and the fourth stage will be a trek from Skegby to Market Warsop on 2nd September.

Dave said: “The nine-mile section is far greener. Skegby to Market Warsop goes into country park, heritage sites and follows the River Meden for a while too.

“At one point we’ll pass St Chad’s in Pleasley Vale which has its own legend.”

Dave is keen for walkers to join him and for more information contact 07709977684 or email davewrite2002 @ yahoo.com. Also follow http://creativesherwoodforestperambulations.blogspot.com

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/17th_century_trek_to_warsop_trek_1_3724769

News - Historic building dating back 1,000 years to receive new lease of life (Millhouses)

AN ANCIENT former corn mill on the edge of a Sheffield park is to be rescued from dereliction – after a project to bring the building back into use was granted £50,000 of National Lottery cash.

Millhouses Corn Mill has stood beside the River Sheaf for almost 1,000 years, at the junction of Abbeydale Road South and Archer Road, and the surrounding suburb was named after the building.

It was originally linked to Beauchief Abbey but the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 saw the mill pass into the ownership of the local Lords of Ecclesall.

The mill ground flour for the next 400 years, originally using water power but changing to steam during the 19th century. New technology replaced the stone-grinding methods in the 1930s and, along with many other mills of its type, it closed and the site fell into disuse.

It was bought by Sheffield Council, which used a neighbouring building for storage, but the site was abandoned six years ago.

John Brighton, secretary of the Friends of Millhouses Park, said: “The Friends took an interest when the council abandoned the site and severe deterioration set in.

“The small corn mill building has not been used for many years.

“Its stone roof is in danger of collapse, the walls bulging badly, and weather has affected the roof and floor timbers so the whole building is in danger.

“A partnership has been forged with Carterknowle and Millhouses Community Group and Sheffield Council to raise funds needed to get it back into use.

“The award of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund allows work to restore the building to start in the autumn.”

Mr Brighton said bids are being made to other sources for £140,000 to improve the interior, so it can be developed for community use – although specific plans for what facilities it will house have not yet been determined.

Fiona Spiers, regional head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “I’m delighted that this award will conserve the mill and highlight the historical significance of the site and how it has shaped the local community.”

The Friends have invited Lord Mayor, Coun Sylvia Dunkley, to officially launch the Small Mill Building Restoration Project at a celebration being held at the site on Tuesday, June 14, from 7pm, which is open to local residents and also includes a performance by band Brick Budgie.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/historic_building_dating_back_1_000_years_to_receive_new_lease_of_life_1_3443474