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We are now putting the JUHS newsletters on our website. Just go to joinedupheritagesheffield.org.uk/newsletters and you'll be able to access what we've sent out since the start of 2025.

JUHS upcoming bi-monthly meeting - crafty historic maps and Central Library update

For our upcoming bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday 23rd September at 4pm we will be returning to the wonderful Grade II*-listed Leah's Yard, in Cambridge Street. We're grateful to them for making the Assembly Rooms available to us again. Read the agenda or find out about getting to and accessing the venue.

We have guest speakers lined up to tell us about an innovative combination of historical research and heritage craft and update us on the future of the Central Library and Graves Gallery.

Rhiannon Thomas is a historian and embroiderer, and her project "Mapping Meersbrook" uses historic maps and local historical research to inspire intricate stitched artworks. She will bring samples of her remarkable work, and it promises to be a great introduction to this highly creative approach.

Francesca Frascina from Sheffield City Council will introduce the new feasibility project on the Central Library and Graves Gallery. This focuses on designing library, art gallery and other services for the future and how the Council's commitment to this much-loved building can be part of delivering these.

We do hope to see you there, but if you're not able to be there in person then as usual this will be a "hybrid" meeting. You can take part online via Zoom using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86525335169?pwd=qSjzzUkp6uoXxQ6PoFgDYtTf7Sivnx.1.

Castlegate Festival including history talks by Simon Ogden and Robin Hughes

Castlegate Festival 2025 runs from 13th to 21st September. Highlights include opportunities to engage with the past, present and future of the magnificent Harmony Works, the former Sheffield United Gas Light Company offices (a.k.a. Canada House) with guided tours and drop-in sessions.

Hear more about the history of Castlegate on Saturday 20th September, 3-5pm at Harmony Works. Simon Ogden (Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust) and Robin Hughes (Joined Up Heritage Sheffield) will be the speakers. Admission free, no need to book but space is limited so arrive promptly to avoid disappointment.

Read the full programme here.

Sheffield Black History Month 2025: "Standing Firm in Power and Pride" - can you help please?

Across the UK, Black History Month (BHM) takes place in October every year and is an annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of African heritage people in the UK.

The theme for BHM 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”; and is testimony to the many achievements of inspirational individuals (and resilient communities) that are an integral part of the nation's heritage and Sheffield's narrative.

Can you help us please?

The African Cultural Heritage Forum is raising urgently needed funds to upgrade the popular community storyboards that go on free public display each year (for use with local schools /EDI workshops); and to support our local creatives and artists.

As a charity, run by volunteers, the Forum is registered with both the Fundraising Regulator and HMRC Gift Aid. If you or your organisation are able to contribute or support please get in touch.

You can also make a direct donation safely online at Just Giving.

Please share your plans and ideas for celebrating BHM 2025.

Meanwhile the Forum (along with Sheffield City Council and others) is busy supporting local communities and creatives. We would love to hear news of your organisation's plans and ideas at africanheritagecultureforum@gmail.com.

Help save "Hero of the Blitz" historic fire engine

A "hero" fire engine saved lives during Sheffield’s darkest hour. Brought in from Barnsley, it roared into burning streets as bombs tore the city apart in the Blitz.

Now it needs rescuing itself and a major appeal has been launched to restore this wartime icon in time for the 85th anniversary of the worst of the bombing raids this December. Click here to make a donation.

The £18,000 target covers not only the £9,000 stage one restoration of the fire engine, to return it to its wartime colours and livery, but also the chance to secure a rare, roadworthy WWII police car.

It’s a race against time with The Sheffield Blitz Memorial Trust hoping to add both vehicles to take pride of place in a newly expanded, permanent blitz exhibition set to open at the city’s National Emergency Services Museum on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

New book: John Curr: The Man Who Revolutionised Mining

John Curr, a leading Sheffield inventor, innovator and mining engineer in the late 1700s and early 1800s, was the Duke of Norfolk's colliery manager in Sheffield and a great industrial innovator. He created the first underground railroads for moving coal, introducing steam power to mining and bringing increased safety to pits in Sheffield and elsewhere in the UK.

He was also a prominent Catholic who laid the foundations for the creation of the Cathedral Church of St Marie in Sheffield, in addition to being the father of Joseph Richard Curr, a priest who moved to Leeds to minister to residents during an outbreak of Typhus which had already cost three priests their lives and, in 1847, would take his life, too.

Fr Joseph's sacrifice led to his being named a Martyr of Charity and Servant of God. His life is also commemorated in a tiling monument in St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield.

The book is published by Heritage Hunter, www.heritagehunter.co.uk, price £25. Read the review by Bob Rae.

Reminder: Sheffield Conservation Advisory Group seeks new chair

After many years in the role the current Chair, Philip Booth, is standing down at the end of 2025 and a new Chair will be appointed in January 2026. With this planned retirement of the current Chair, we are looking for nominations for the role of Chair of the group.

Nominations will close on 22nd September 2025.

The election of the new Chair will be undertaken by the Group Members at the Meeting on 13th October 2025. The elected Chair will take up their role at the Group's meeting on 12th January 2026.

Please Note - The role of Chair is non-political and therefore will not be open to elected members of the Council or to employed Officers of the Council.

If you think you, or someone you know, has the skills to undertake this role of Chair, please send an email to conservationadvisory@gmail.com asking for more details. Please ensure you have asked any third party individual if they consent to be nominated by you and provide their email address.

Read more about the aims of the group and the nomination process.

Reminder: Council for British Archaeology (Yorkshire) Autumn Seminar in Sheffield

The Council for British Archaeology (Yorkshire) will hold their Autumn seminar on Saturday, October 18th in Sheffield Workstation Creative Lounge, and there are still tables available to your group free of charge. The programme will feature archaeological studies on Yorkshire-based sites by students and recent graduates, as well as local students' studies on any archaeological subject. It's a chance to meet tomorrow's archaeologists and get them interested in your group's work. Email info@joinedupheritagesheffield.org.uk for more details.

CBA(Y) also offer small grants up to £500 to members and affiliated groups. Previous grants have included £500 to produce a historic map of Bradford, £300 for a pottery report and a £500 contribution to dig and geophysics costs. To find out more, or to discuss potential membership, email grants@cba-yorkshire.org.uk. You can read a summary of grant guidelines here.

Council for British Archaeology (Yorkshire) is a charitable organisation run by volunteers to benefit those interested in the welfare and understanding of Yorkshire’s historic environment; our aims are to encourage and promote greater public knowledge and involvement, and, where possible, advance and assist relevant research.

www.joinedupheritagesheffield.org.uk
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