After Dr Jenny Stephenson’s presentation on medicinal plants from around the world (see Previous Talks for a summary), we revert to a local topic for our next meeting on Monday, 15th June when Simon Ogden will speak to us on “Putting the Sheaf back in Sheffield – and the River Porter too!”
The River Sheaf was once a defining feature of Sheffield’s geography, flowing through the city centre before joining the River Don. But as the city industrialised in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Sheaf was culverted – buried beneath roads, markets and car parks. Like many urban rivers, it was treated as a nuisance or a sewer, rather than a living system.
Sheffield has over 150 miles of rivers and streams, and much of the history of the city is because of the river network. The historical city centre and where it all began was where the rivers Don and Sheaf converge. Simon Ogden had a 35-year career with Sheffield City Council, and was head of regeneration from 2003 to 2018.
Except when a Bank Holiday disrupts the sequence (as happened in both April and May) Stumperlowe Probus Club meet on the first and third Monday of every month in the bar of Fulwood Sports Club. We gather at 10am for complimentary coffee or tea, with the main business of the morning starting at 10.30am. Out of an active membership of 60, we regularly have attendances of 40 or more, so come early to claim your seat.