SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY

WOMEN’S CLUB

Helen says thank you, on our behalf, to Rosemary at “The Croft” Garden Party

NEWSLETTER No 30

SEPTEMBER 2007

1 September 2007

Dear Members and Friends,

Welcome to a new academic year! Here are reports from members about what we have done together during the past half year, and information about the wide range of activities available for you to join in during the coming half year. We do hope you will manage to come to some things.

We must say (sadly) a big Thank You to Barbara Guest who retires from her stint as Chairwoman after three years during which she has made a great success of the role. She will still be around to enjoy the events of the coming years, but her place will be taken by Hilary Page, apprenticed to the post for the past few months, whom we now welcome as Chair. The exchange is made at the AGM

We need more members for the committee to replace retiring members.

The committee meets about 6-weekly from September to July, in members’ houses. It is a friendly committee and the work is shared out between the members. The term of service is three years: of course there is flexibility. You can obtain more information about the committee from members or from: www.suwc.group.sheff.ac.uk. We invite nominations in time for the AGM, to be held at Tapton Masonic Hall on Wednesday 17 October at 2pm. Therefore please send nominations by 3 October to Eileen Buckley at 0114 230 5198 or [email protected].

2 Please remember to book your place at events using the forms supplied with this Newsletter. Please send a separate cheque for each event, otherwise refunds in case of emergency are much more difficult to make. Also, please note that we can refund your money only with three days’ notice of cancellation for any particular event. The £2 for guests who are coming to talks may be paid for at the door. Reply slips for this half-year’s events should be returned to Sheila Duncan, 54 Quarry Lane, Sheffield, S11 9EB,

See the SUWC Web Site, for any additional information about events. www.suwc.group.shef.ac.uk Best wishes, Jasmine Simeone Recent Events

25 January: talk “A Man’s World – The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire,” by Joan Unwin

You don’t have to be a native of Sheffield to be proud of its Cutlers’ Company and Hall. However, accurate facts of its origins and history do not go amiss and who better to enlighten us than Dr Joan Unwin? After careers in biology, education and local history, she is the current Archivist with access to unbroken records since 1625. Comparable with the Livery Companies of London and other cities, the Company of Cutlers of Hallamshire grew out of the medieval religious fraternities and craft guilds. The manorial court of the Earl of Joan Unwin Shrewsbury had earlier 3 exercised some control of the long-established knife- and scissor-making activity of Sheffield and surrounding country. In 1624, an Act of Corporation formed the Company, which guarded the interests of the craftsmen and ensured the quality of the products. In the 1670s, the protection of the Company was extended to include scythe-smiths and file- makers. The making of files was a huge activity of the region yet, sadly, no files are made in the UK today. Sheffield at the time was a small place and much of the manufacturing activity took place in the surrounding countryside, making use of the extensive waterpower. Thus, the Hallamshire designation was a somewhat notional area of 6 miles from the parish centre.

The structure of the Company involved a Master, who normally held office for a year, two Wardens, who often succeeded to the Mastership, 6 searchers and 24 assistants. All freemen of the Company had to have served an apprenticeship within the area. So, by virtue of the nature of the trade, all were male. Even, as time passed and admission was extended to other edged tool-makers and steel-men, it remained a man’s world. The Master Cutler was the main civic dignitary, representing Sheffield at home and abroad, at least until 1920 when a Lord Mayor shared this role.

The present Cutlers’ Hall, built in 1832, and much extended in 1906, is the third Hall on the same site. It has been embellished and remodelled over the years and owes much to the generosity of many Members of the Company and, especially to many of the Master Cutlers. 4 Dr Unwin gave us a thumb-nail sketch of some of the prominent Master Cutlers, many of whose names are commemorated in buildings, foundations or institutions in the city. These included Thomas Jessop, John Brown, Mark Firth, Robert Hadfield and Arthur Balfour. Sir Stuart Goodwin, though choosing never to be Master, was a great benefactor to the Company and to the City. Sheffield has had its own Assay Office since 1773, and the Cutlers’ Company owns the largest and finest collection of Sheffield hall-marked silver in the world. This collection aims to have a piece from each year and is constantly being added to. The provision of the Goodwin Design Award, founded in 1956, gives designers, including students, an opportunity to keep Sheffield in the forefront of metal-work design.

The Cutlers’ Feast, held annually in May, is a great occasion for the Company to extend and return hospitality, display some of their great collection of silver, and promote the trade of the city. There is always a distinguished speaker-guest. Though still predominately a male occasion, there are nowadays 20 women among the 340 freemen, though as yet there are no women in the Company. On the occasion of the Cutlers’ Feast, the Mistress Cutler invites some lady guests to a Dinner in the Lower Hall. At the end, these ladies are allowed to troop up to the balcony of the main Hall to hear the main Speaker! At least, they get a glimpse of the sparkling occasion.

Although the old restrictive practices no longer operate, there is still an important function for the Company in Cutlers’ Hall 1906 protecting the name of 5 Sheffield in manufactured goods, in promoting the affairs of the city and in maintaining the Hall and its traditions. Dr Unwin suggested that our members might like to arrange a visit to the Hall and I’m sure that this idea will be eagerly taken up. Sheila Duncan

17 February: Ranmoor Parish Centre Supper

The Women’s Club supper at Ranmoor Parish Centre on 17 February was, as usual, a very sociable and enjoyable occasion. Many members and guests assembled for an evening of good food, wine and conversation – just the kind of event to brighten an otherwise cold and wet winter’s Saturday evening. Thanks to Jo Steiner, we had all been commissioned by telephone to contribute something different to the buffet. One of the chief advantages of this arrangement is that everyone contributes their ‘star’ dish, with the result that culinary standards are remarkably high.

Among many excellent dishes, I was particularly taken by a Venetian Squid Risotto which would have graced any Five Star restaurant! The whole event was master- minded with care and precision by the committee, from Rosalie Kirkwood’s skilfully selected wines to Marian Watson’s attractive flower arrangements. My daughters Frances and Elizabeth ‘manned’ the dishwasher and helped with clearing up, showing a domestic zeal that is rarely in evidence at home! The committee’s thanks go to everyone who helped in any way and to the many guests whose presence added to the congenial atmosphere. Sheila McGregor

6 9 March: talk: A Writer’s Life, by Berlie Doherty

Local Author, Berlie Doherty, celebrated her 25th year of being published this year and luckily for us she spent the afternoon in our company. She enthused us all with her entertaining accounts of these years spent in Derbyshire, ensconced in her Berlie Doherty barn in Edale, overlooking the Pennine Way, the lambs, chickens and horses. She showed us some of her collection of A4 books, preferably with William Morris prints on the covers, where she likes to keep each story “contained”.

We were enthralled to hear how as a child with her father, they made up stories together: many of these early ones being sent to the Liverpool Echo where a box of chocolates was the coveted prize. At fourteen she was too old for these competitions and stopped writing until training to be an English teacher years later. Her first story Requiem, was broadcast on Radio Sheffield which promptly commissioned many more. This launched her career and gave her confidence with which to continue.

We watched video footage of the creation of Ladybower Reservoir, a story that inspired The Drowned Village, later broadcast on Radio 4.

Latterly, Berlie has written librettos for children’s opera and of course as she read extracts to us from her new

7 novel the idea that the words sing off the page made perfect sense. A collection of her books from Rhyme and Reason, many of which have been translated into other languages, were available for purchase, signing and general perusal. We marvelled at the beautiful illustrations by Jane Ray, the Lyrical artist.

The afternoon went very quickly, questions and answers flowing thick and fast. We all appreciated the commitment and hard work involved in producing so many books and look forward to exploring the forthcoming web site. Marisse Evans

20 April: Lunch at “Sparks”

For this ever-popular event in our annual programme, about 50 members and friends, including one brave husband, converged on Sheffield College. We came by diverse routes, a good choice being by tram. Attentive students welcomed us, took care of coats and tempted us with delectable titbits as we enjoyed some drinks.

When seated at five round tables with ten diners apiece and the menu inspected, there was a buzz of consternation. What was our starter, Cullen skink? It wasn’t even St Andrews Day! The combined efforts of the Scots present and the students assured doubters that Cullen was a place and the dish was haddock soup but the word ‘skink’ stumped most.

Our dish was a nourishing, tasty yet delicate, creamy, smoked haddock soup, served, traditionally, with triangular toast. Novices and knowledgeable alike did it full justice.

8 For those who wish further enlightenment here are some snippets. “Skink”, a Gaelic word originally meaning “essence”, in culinary terms came to be applied to a kind of soup-stew. In most parts, this was based on shin of beef or ham shank. Cullen, a fishing town on the coast between Aberdeen and Inverness, was a place where fish was more plentiful than meat and the thrifty women began to use smoked haddock to produce a cheap, nutritious, healthy dish – the Cullen version of skink. For long it was mainly honoured locally, but as fish became more scarce and expensive, the fortunes of Cullen skink rose and it is now sometimes served as the first course at Burns Suppers and in gourmet circles. You can even buy it tinned in supermarkets. Our version was the real thing, essentially comprised of flaked, smoked, haddock, coarsely pureed potatoes and onions in milk and with seasoning and cream. The dish has reached new heights recently by inclusion in the Oxford English Dictionary!

Our main course was grilled chicken breast with a spicy sauce, a little sausage wrapped in bacon, and vegetables. The chicken was extremely moist and tender and the helping very generous. We still were able to do justice to beautifully presented poached pears with ginger ice cream in a ginger biscuit cradle topped with redcurrant sauce. Those who could, finished off with tea or coffee.

Our service had been attentive, supervised, friendly and informative as we kept asking questions of the students about their course and the set up. One day’s waiters are often the next day’s chefs, as the students rotate through the 9 range of tasks. At the end of the meal, some of us were asked by individual students to complete an assessment form about their performance on the day.

Altogether, this was a very ample, very flavoursome, interesting, friendly meal at a bargain price. We were glad to have the opportunity to express our appreciation not only to the dining room students and staff, but also those who had been the chefs for the day and had prepared such a delicious meal. In thanking them all, on our behalf, Barbara’s remark that we hoped to see some of the students in due course in Sheffield restaurants was well received. As we lumbered back to the tram stop, considerably heavier, we could feel proud of the high reputation of the Catering College in Sheffield and we felt privileged to share in their endeavours. Sheila Duncan

10 May: “Your Health – How Bees can Help”, a talk by Gloria Havenhand:

This interesting and lively talk was attended by 34 members and guests.

Gloria described the idyllic Troway Hall nestling in the Moss Valley, with its acres of medieval meadows not ploughed for 450 years, its 5 miles of wild hedgerows, and plantations of fir trees.

Troway Hall honey is special because it contains propolis. Propolis is made by the bees from resin which they obtain in Gloria Havenhand in Bee-keeping Regalia! 10 copious quantities from the fir trees, especially the Douglas Fir. Resin is waterproof and antiseptic so it protects cracks in the bark of the trees from infection by bacteria or fungi. The bees use propolis to waterproof their hives. The production of propolis by the bees enhances the antiseptic properties of resin. Therefore, propolis cream, or honey containing propolis can be used to help heal ulcers, burns and pressure sores.

Troway honey contains more propolis than other honey, even the famous Manuka honey of New Zealand! Most honey has this bio-active property to some extent. But be careful what you buy!! If honey is heated it loses its antibacterial activity. Most supermarket honey is blended, which is to say it has been heated perhaps several times. Gloria’s advice was to buy local honey from a known forage, which has not been heated.

As well as the antiseptic uses of propolis, Gloria suggested several other possible beneficial products of the beehive as follows: honey can help the heart, and boost the immune system. It also helps children to stop bedwetting, and can assist the metabolism of calcium and so help prevent osteoporosis. It is also helpful for arthritis. It was suggested pollen capsules can reduce hayfever symptoms and that propolis cream can be used as an analgesic, and to help psoriasis and acne. Also, queen bee jelly (Royal Jelly) may promote longevity.

After the talk, members of the audience clustered around the sale table like bees round a honey pot (!) eager to try out these claims for themselves. I bought the borage honey – it is fragrant and delicious. 11 Gloria kindly donates fees from her talk and profits from sales to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Troway Hall honey and bee products are obtainable from Waitrose and from Troway Hall, 01246 413809. Hilary Page

12 June, Tuesday: Garden Party at The Croft

This year’s afternoon tea at “The Croft” was as well attended as always. Ladies were tempted by a wonderful selection of cakes and scones (with strawberries and fresh cream of course!)

Although the weather forecast had been rather uninspiring, we were only affected by a short shower of June rain, which had us all rushing for shelter, cup and saucer in hand. As the pleasantries continued, the weather improved enormously and we were able to regroup on the terrace to hear Helen, in Barbara’s absence, present Rosemary with a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful card that Hazel had designed especially for the occasion, this being Rosemary’s last year in residence at “The Croft”. We are all very grateful for the past seven years’ garden parties when we have enjoyed the hospitality of “The Croft” and Rosemary. We wish her and Bob the very best for the future.

This year’s charity was “The Samaritans” for whom £125 was raised by the combined efforts of our members who provided cakes, a Bring-and-Buy stall as well as raffle prizes Marisse Evans.

12 The Croft Garden Party

13 20 June: Outing to Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent:

The Women’s Club visit to the Potteries Museum in Stoke- on-Trent on 20 June was about as “hands on” an experience as you can get. After a winding but scenic journey through the Peak District to Stoke, we were first of all treated to coffee and an introductory talk and then admitted in small groups to the museum’s ceramics store, where we were given the chance to examine a specially selected group of ceramic pieces, from a 2,500 year-old pot to an elegant Susie Cooper plate.

Handling the objects was enjoyable, instructive and a little alarming. However, we followed the curators’ instructions conscientiously and suffered no mishaps. They encouraged us to reach our own conclusions about different materials and methods of manufacture by looking closely at the objects, asking questions and using our powers of deduction. I, for one, learned a great deal.

Before and after our buffet lunch, we had plenty of time to look round the galleries, where some 5000 ceramic items are currently on display (though it is hard to credit, only a small proportion of the entire collection). Everyone no doubt had their own particular favourites. I found it hard to resist the several hundred cow cream jugs donated to the museum by Gabrielle Keiller in 1962, the wonderfully wacky shapes and 14 patterns of the 1950s tableware and one of Grayson Perry’s typically transgressive vases. Elsewhere in the museum, a World War II Spitfire, designed by the Stoke-born Reginald Mitchell, was also a major attraction for many members of the group.

Our thanks must go to Marian for making all the practical arrangements and to the curators, Julia Knight and Andrew Watts, for giving us privileged access to the store and providing such a knowledgeable introduction to the collection. It really was a smashing (sorry!) trip. Sheila McGregor

10 July: Talk “Against All Odds” by Roger Mitchell

This talk was attended by over 50 members and guests.

Potteric Carr is a nature reserve in an area of low lying land south east of Doncaster. It was the site of a duck decoy, built in 1657 as a means of trapping ducks and raising some income for the poor of Doncaster. The decoy was drained in 1771 and later planted with trees.

In the 1840’s the site was covered with railway sidings – the transport of the mining industry. Most of the sidings have gone. The reserve is now bounded by the M18 and crossed by a number of used and disused railway tracks including a high speed line from London to Edinburgh. 15 This fragmentation of the site by the railways made agriculture uneconomic. In the mid 20th Century mining subsidence returned the area to its former fen and bog conditions, and wildlife flourished unnassailed.

In 1968 a small area of the Carr was designated a nature reserve by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. It was expanded to its current size by the mid 70s and there are plans to increase it further. English Nature have designated it a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its reed and fen communities.

A topical feature of the reserve at the moment is that parts of it are used as a flood relief area for Doncaster. Water comes from the Mother Drain and includes an outflow from a water treatment works. Quality of water has been a concern in the past. We were shown slides of the digging of five huge tanks or ‘cells’ through which the water passes sequentially, being filtered and cleansed by reeds. The cells include brick rubble to remove phosphorus. The cleansed water is returned to the Mother Drain and will in due course provide water for a new area of reed fen to the south.

The disused railway lines have been used to construct footpaths and have the advantage of being raised on the railway embankments affording a good view over the marshes. There are 8km of paths with 10 birdwatching hides.

In the 1970s the whole area was threatened with obliteration by the building of the M18. The route 16 was changed at the last minute thanks to the ability of the enthusiastic team at Potteric Carr to demonstrate that the site met the objective of nature conservation which had been newly introduced to the planning requirements. (Thank you Europe!)

The talk showed how ‘Against All Odds’ – railways, mining, water and motorways, the reserve had been created by enthusiasts working doggedly over many years with the various planning authorities and public bodies.

Barbara congratulated the volunteers for their achievement and was joined in this by the audience when she thanked Roger for his talk. There were many questions Clearly we are looking forward to the October walk (Tuesday 2nd ) and seeing Potteric Carr for ourselves. It is flat and easy walking, and there is a café and visitors’ centre. We will see many species of birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and mammals, including all the characters from Wind in the Willows. Hilary Page

17 Forthcoming events

21 September, Friday: Coffee morning: 10.30am Tapton Hall of Residence

Make the perfect start to the new academic year. As this is likely to ne the last event we shall hold at Tapton Hall of residence, do come along and revisit your memories of the place for the last time there. We hope that you will join in with reminiscing over the photo albums as well as looking forward to future events with friends old and new. We hope that members of the International Women’s Club will join us too.

A Reply Slip was enclosed with the last newsletter, an additonal one is included with this in case you have lost the former one, did not return it, or would just like to be sure of a place! Please return it to Marian Watson.

2 October, Tuesday, Walking Group: Potteric Carr

As promised at Roger Mitchell’s talk last July we shall be going to Potteric Carr for the October walk. Derek Bateson has offered to guide us round, but more important to help with identifications. Bitterns are not guaranteed! Members who are on the walking group email circulation list will receive details from Di Curtis in the usual way, but anyone who feels that they can walk the (level) third of a mile from the car park to the field centre and café are welcome to join us. It will make sense to share cars so if you would like to come please contact Barbara Guest (0114 230 4192). No Reply Slip is necessary for this event.

18 17 October: 2pm, Wednesday, Tapton Masonic Hall: Annual General Meeting and talk: “Endcliffe Crescent” by Eva Wilkinson.

In 1824 Thomas Asline Ward and eight others bought three closes of land at a sale of the Endcliffe Hall estate and formed the Endcliffe Building Company. They approached the surveyor William Fairbank to draw up plans for the development of the site. The initial plan was for four pairs of houses on either side of the crescent, but only the four pairs on the west side were built. At a meeting in 1827, when the houses had been built, it was decided to allocate them by drawing lots. Eleven more houses were added between 1857 and 1883. Some of the people who lived in these houses form the basis of the talk. At the time of the 1881 census, when the population of Sheffield was 280,000, the residents employed some 2,450 people between them.

Do come along if you can! There is a note on the Reply Slip (return to Marian Watson) about lifts – both giving and taking; and please see the item at the beginning of this Newsletter about the need for nominations for the committee.

8 November: 7pm, Thursday, University House: “What happened when a Chemistry Professor met a Dress Designer” by Tony Ryan

Wonderland exhibition will have up to eight dramatic dresses made from dissolving textiles which will be lowered into enormous spherical glass bowls. At all times there is something extraordinary to see amongst these exhibits which will dissolve, chemically react and explode as they are lowered into the bowls and will no 19 longer exist when the exhibition closes. The metaphor of the dissolving dress is emblematic of the disappearing bottle, the concept at the heart of the Wonderland of Alice.

The intellectual process involved in artists and scientists working together has led to the development of the three products that demonstrate a different model of collaboration and through their development support innovations that would not have been possible independently. Please return Reply Slip to Sheila Duncan

5 December, Wednesday: Christmas Kaleidoscope and Cream Tea at Chatsworth

Christmas at the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire promises to be the most colourful and atmospheric yet. We have a group entry to the house, booked for 1.30 pm. This is for a free-flow visit; guests follow a clearly marked route round the house in their own time. Afternoon tea will be in the Burlington Room (located in the Stables area) at 3pm. The tea consists of a home baked scone with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, sandwiches and a pot of tea.

There are possibilities for Christmas shopping in the Orangery or the other gift shops where a wide range of seasonal gifts, books and decorations are on offer, many exclusive to Chatsworth.

The cost of £15.00 for the outing includes the entrance fee to the house and the cream Tea. We will make our own way by car to 20 Chatsworth, where there is a fee for parking of approximately £2 payable at the gate. Please meet at the house entrance at 1 pm to collect your ticket. Please return Reply Slip to Sheila Duncan

15 January 2008, Tuesday: 2pm University House: Talk: “Creativity taught or caught? Is it possible for schools to develop the creativity of schools and young people”, by Pat Cochrane.

Pat Cochrane is the Chief Executive of CapeUK which runs creative projects in schools, carries out educational consultancy and research and provides training for teachers and school leaders. Thanks to CapeUk’s track record over nearly 10 years, it is now advising the Department for Children, Families and Schools on creativity and learning.

Pat’s talk will offer an insight into some of the challenges currently facing the education system and highlight the innovative work that CapeUK has done, from projects involving technology and science to developing a school based radio station. Reply Slip to Sheila Duncan please.

21 February 2008, Thursday: Visit to the Famous Hodsock Priory Snowdrops

Depart 9.30 am Endcliffe Vale Rd at junction with Riverdale Road: using our own transport (see reply slip )

There is a very interesting garden with fragrant flowering winter shrubs and borders, and a walk through woodland carpeted with snowdrops.

21 Coffee on arrival and lunch in the new facilities at 12.45. Pay as you go. Parking is free, admission £4, no dogs. Wrap up warm, wear suitable shoes. Wide choice of winter flowering plants, including snowdrops, for sale. Reply slip to Sheila Duncan please.

Some interesting things to do:

Walking Group:

This meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 9.30am. Organisers are Di Curtis (tel. 01433 620724 or email: [email protected]) and Jo Steiner (tel. 230 4943 or email: [email protected]). If you are interested in joining the group, contact Di or Jo. There is also a shorter walk available most months, Jo Steiner is the contact for members interested in that!.

Instead of meeting at Sorby Hall as formerly, walkers are advised to park nearby on Riverdale Road and meet on the corner of Riverdale Road and Endcliffe Vale Road, ready to depart at 9.30 am.

Film and Theatre Group – Theatre Visits

Sheena will continue to arrange theatre visits outside Sheffield, perhaps three a year – suggestions welcome. We mostly go to the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, and transport is up to individuals to choose – public transport (National Express or train) or, of course, by their own arrangement, by car. Shopping is an added attraction on a visit to Leeds!

22 In order to be sure of being on the contact list, which needs revising, please will you let Sheena have your up-to-date e-mail address; or if you do not have e-mail, your telephone number. Let her have your details either on [email protected] or 0114 2678004. At the same time, you can let her know if you want to book a place on our first proposed theatre visit, which is to be: West Yorkshire Playhouse on Thursday 22 November at 2 pm. Simon Schama’s Rough Crossings, adapted for the stage by Caryl Phillips. “Sweeping from the deep south of America to the scorched earth of West Africa, Rough Crossings is a compelling true story of human courage, political will and the heroic struggle for a home”.

Tickets wlll cost £12 each and cheques should be made out to SUWC, to reach Sheena by 19 October, please. Of course, if you find you can’t go eventually, you can pass your place on to someone else. Guests are welcome too! Usually Sheena has the tickets available for collection at the theatre on the day of the performance.

Hazel Brocklehurst’s Art Group:

Some exciting work has been produced and has been on show at Tapton Hall coffee mornings in the past. For further information please contact Hazel tel: 0114 266 6257

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NEWSLETTER No 31 will be published in January 2008.

Copy deadline for review items is 28 days from the date of the event; final copy deadline: 25 January 2008. In future, in the interests of economy, a word limit of 500 will be imposed on reports

Please send items for inclusion by email or Royal Mail to:

Jasmine Simeone, 46 Cobden View Road, Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1HQ; Email: [email protected]

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