Directory of Previous Talks

Andy had always, since the age of 3, wanted to be a soldier and at 16 he realized his ambition, by joining the Coldstream Guards, and after 24 years’ service, he ended up as their Regimental Sergeant Major.  It was clear to see how Andy had achieved this position. He had spent time on many … Read more

Rosemary gave us a thought provoking insight into the harsh realities of women and children working in coal mines over the centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, whole families worked underground – men, women and children, some as young as 6 years old.  Concern for safety was negligible with many of the mines were … Read more

Bill Alty, a young 91 old, recounted his time in the Royal Navy during the Second World, War and his experience during the D Day landings. Bill came from a very poor background, his father being out of work for the first two or three years of his life. On the 3rd of September 1939 Bill … Read more

Eric was a young man of eighteen and working at Husband’s in Sheffield when he volunteered to join up.  He hoped that by doing so, he would be able to choose the unit. He joined the Royal Engineers thinking that this unit would keep him out of serious conflict.  Each sapper had to have a … Read more

This was the second part of a two part presentation given by Ian Howard on the quadrupling of the railway lines down the Sheaf valley between 1890 to 1904. In his first part Ian  covered the work from Dore and Totley , through Beauchief and Millhouses to Heeley. This was well illustrated because although photography … Read more

This was part 1 of a double presentation showing the changes that took place along the Sheaf valley during the widening of the lines by the Midland Railway in the short period around 1900. Part 1 covered the stations and facilities from Dore and Totley, through Beauchief and Millhouses to Heeley. Each location was illustrated … Read more