Following a very successful year with increasing member numbers, and some really first class speakers, Stumperlowe Probus finished the year with a visit to Kelham Island Museum – the Industrial museum of Sheffield’s Steel, Hand Tool and Cutlery heritage. Earlier in the year we had received an excellent talk from John Hamshere, the Museum Director, in which he detailed the vast amount of work which had to be done to restore the museum to its current state after the floods in Sheffield of June 2007.
Our visit, conducted by John, allowed us to see the workshops of the “Little Mesters” (Master Craftsmen) who each had their own speciality in the tool and cutlery making process. Interactive displays and an amazing replica of the steel making process in which children become the raw material along with ones for adults, allowed us to touch the exhibits and brought to life all the items about which he had previously spoken. A fascinating step back into the great steel making days of Sheffield. 
Watching the colossal 12,000hp River Don Engine in steam rumbling away (see picture), which rolled the armour plate for the Dreadnought ships, was the highlight to a really marvellous tour. If you come to Sheffield – don’t miss it! (http://www.simt.co.uk/kelham-island-museum/river-don-engine) We meet on Mondays and visitors are always welcome – see our website for details – http://stumperloweprobusclub.moonfruit.com/