Michael Clarke With so many members having been involved directly or indirectly in Sheffield’s industrial scene, there was a palpable frisson of expectation as our Chairman introduced this week’s speaker, Bryan Peters. We were not to be disappointed. Bryan was to take us on a journey through a career spanning fifty-five years and, in so doing, remind … Read more
Our Speaker this week, our very own member Peter Jackson, clearly had a spring in his step. His daughter-in-law, Julia, had just given delivery to a baby boy, Albert Joseph, weighing in at 5lbs 4oz. But proud Granddad was about to captivate us with a talk about something rather weightier: Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) weighing up … Read more
By any standard in living memory, 2016 has been an exceptional year. The Queen’s 90th birthday, Andy Murray’s second Wimbledon, GB’s performance in the Rio Olympic Games. But it’s likely that all this will be overshadowed by what has been a year of political turbulence, which has shattered the established order. Brexit, Farage and … Read more
Ever heard of Trevor Adlett, Reg Cooper, Harry Double or Fred and his Buffer Girl wife Ivy? Ever wondered what was there before the construction of yet another student residence or that car park where the ticket machine always jams? Our speaker this week, retired Headmaster and local historian Peter Machin, was to stimulate our … Read more
Think of Barnes Wallis and thoughts go to Dam busting bouncing bombs accompanied by Eric Coates’ splendid 1955 film signature tune. Our speaker this week, Peter Rix, opened his presentation by reminding us that his subject’s achievements were much wider that those associated with the exploits of 617 Squadron at Mohne and Eder. Wallis’s portfolio … Read more
Think of Sheffield and for most, the next thought is stainless steel. This revolutionary material was to transform the production not just cutlery but everything from aero-engine components to hygienic surgical instruments, razor blades, artificial hips and much more. Our speaker this week was writer, historian and comedian, Andy Messer of Dronfield who, using illustrative … Read more