Dan Reynolds in 1976

As happened during the 1939 war, it was compulsory to billet members of the forces if you had the room available. Any buildings which were spare were used to stable the horses, so as you may gather, the friendship between civilian and soldier was simply grand.

Offset from the range was the camp where many bell tents and marquees were erected. These were what the soldier used as his home during training. Eight, or even ten men to a bell tent! There was a specially built swimming pool where they were able to take a bath, and most likely to do any washing. There was no supply of water: the pool relied on water from land drains, and surplus water eventually found the stream. The narrow lane opposite the entrance to Monny Brook Farm leads to the stream, and on close examination you will find an iron pipe with running clear water, which was carried from here to wherever. I would imagine the water supply to the pipe was from a spring in the vicinity. Up to around 1975 this was the only water available for the tenants at Monny Brook Cottages, the last tenant being a Miss Diana Burgess. These were sold, demolished and then rebuilt.

As I understand there were many springs in times past which supplied water for the population. A friend of mine, Willis Pearson, was told by his father that there was a well at the rear of 5 Hillfoot Road, and it was his great-grandfather's duty, twice a day to unlock the cover to the well, and the womenfolk would come along to collect water.

There was also one on Summer Lane, and according to Arthur Turner this
was continually over-flowing, and he and Fred Fox were detailed to concrete over the well. Yet another which I remember in use was in Hall Lane which was protected by an iron gate, and I most remember its use when the steam roller, which maintained the roads, was used to lower a pipe into the well to pump water back to its tanks.

During the years of war we children were interested by the searchlights probing the skies for any aircraft, presumably Zeppelin as it found its way to Sheffield and, I am told, dropped bombs on Skelton Works which I think was in the Heeley district. No doubt data can be found on this in records at the Town Hall.

Part 2

Life in those days was very hard for our parents, in fact you could describe it as just an existence. The employer was able to call the tune and the employee had no defence. The wives must have had a very trying time making ends meet, what with food and clothing for man, wife and children, of which there would have been five or six in many households. Looking back I often wonder how my mother, and many like her were able to keep going. You can only say it was dedicated love for the children. Just imagine, her day would start at 6 o'clock in the morning till up to 12 o'clock at night, washing, cooking, baking, ironing, mending etc, and during all that time she would have very little rest, and yet was able to find the time to help a neighbour during illness or whatever.

A great friend of my mother was Mrs Holding, who lived in a house opposite Shrewsbury Terrace where we lived. I often meet her daughter Mary (Mrs Pearce), and she remembers the times my mother would help her mother with the wall papering and sewing, and besides payment she would give her eggs and a boiling fowl. She was most certainly a good friend, and I'm sure the same was said of my mother by Mrs Holding. This was typical of the small community spirit of those days; what a pity that this is lacking in the way that people choose to live today.

The first thing the wives had to do in the morning was to light the fire, which was the only means for boiling water and cooking. The fireplace, or range as it was called, was a Yorkshire range of which there were different types, but every cottage and the so called gentry had this kind of range. It was a fireplace, with its fire in the centre, hot water boiler to the left, and over to the right was the oven, and above there was a plate called a hob, where meals could be kept hot. The fireplace was surrounded with stone slabs, on the top slab there was usually a wooden mantle shelf decorated with a chenille cover, which would hang about nine inches deep. These were of varying design and colour and looked beautiful. 

After meals a table cloth covered the table, this was also chenille. The stoves were black- leaded two or three times a week and they really looked grand. The fender would be brass or burnished steel with fire irons to match, and believe me; when they were polished, which was every Saturday morning & they looked superb. I suppose you could say it was a pride and joy to the room, when you come to think the stove was always warm due to the fire burning in the region of sixteen hours a day. In fact, the porridge (main breakfast dish) was placed in the oven at 10.00 p.m. and would cook overnight.

Monday was the big wash day. A big pot in the corner of the kitchen was heated by a small fire which was just over half filled with water, when boiling soap and clothes were thrown in and the woman would agitate them with a round stick. When ready they were transferred to a dolly tub and a peggy leg would be used to stir them.

Afterwards with added soap they were rubbed up and down the rubbing board then to the sink to be rinsed with cold water, finally to the mangle where they were fed between wooden rollers and turned by a wheel, then hung out to dry: this depended a lot on the weather. They must have had muscles like buck navvies after that, but they didn't flinch or grumble, no it was just another day.

The floors downstairs were stone flags and these were covered with cheap lino and hand pegged rugs. Many are the times we kids would help our mums to cut up the material, anything was used - old coats, trousers and such were cut up into strips about 5" by 3/4". With a hooked awl they were laced into the webbing (webbing is hardly the right name as it was a sugar sack purchased from the grocer). The rugs varied in size but the one in front of the fire would be about 60" x 30" and were very heavy. Every working class household had these rugs, upstairs it was just lino.

Money was scarce, wages were low and everyone lived on the breadline, but it was an accepted way of life. We were happy, brought up properly, discipline was strict at home and at school, we made our own entertainment and were far from being bored. Bored is a very much used word with children and teenagers of today, and this is not entirely due to unemployment but due to parental upbringing.

There were no toilets, hot running water, sewerage, electricity or gas in the cottages rented by the working class. 'Middens' were used for two purposes, at the rear was where the ashes and refuse were thrown, and at the front was where you relieved your call of nature. `Cesspools' were for sink waste, and lighting was from paraffin lamps which varied in design and fixture. Some hung from the ceiling, but most were free standing. They were made of brass, and once again added brilliance and charm to the room. 

These lamps had glass chimneys and, of course, accidents would happen, and when one did break we had to walk to Dronfield Woodhouse to the home of the travelling hardware man by the name of Mr T Gillespie. He came once a week and sold paraffin soaps (carbolic), fuel and whatever, you name it and it would be on his dray.

In those days if your parents, especially your father asked you to do anything you obeyed or woe betide you. You only refused once, when off would come his leather belt and two or three strokes round the legs made you realise who was the master. That was discipline, it was a way of life and you took it in your stride.

The same discipline was metred at school, only with a cane by the Headmaster, Mr John Wood. At the time it really hurt but was appreciated in later years. Mr Wood was a very strict disciplinarian and as headmaster he ruled the pupils' and teachers' lives at school. There were a few times when punishment was administered because he would not listen to an explanation. 

One instance that sticks in my mind was when I was five years young and in the infants. It concerned a boy called Muggy Belbin (Muggy was a nickname which was common with boys and girls), who lived in Bradway Bank. It was winter time and he and his pals were snowballing each other as they approached the bus terminus at the Cross Scythes. Just as the passengers were walking away from the bus, who should be there but Mr Wood and Miss Crookes, the infant teacher, who always wore those big straw hats decorated with flowers and fruit, and held in position with long hat pins. Well, the inevitable happened; a snowball hit her hat, probably causing a little discomfort. After assembly at school, despite the fact he owned up to throwing the snowball and apologising in front of the children for the incident, he was caned on his legs and paraded in front of each class. I can picture him now, his face streaming with tears. Mr Wood did not accept his explanation. In this case it was pig-headed discipline, but having said that I'm sure we all admired him.

I remember when we reached the age of around eleven and was able to join a competition called the `Bird and Tree'. A number of pupils were selected to study and make notes of a bird and tree of their choice over a period of twelve months.

After that period we were given one day each for bird and tree to write down our observations under the scrutiny of Mr Wood and a member of the trust. The school was closed, except for the competitors. This competition was organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, for which I still have a medal. For some unknown reason this no longer exists, which seems wrong because it kept us very much in touch with the wild and plant life, and had there been the same interest today, who knows, it could well have a bearing on conservation in this area.

Our schooling was at the C of E School, and children in classes Six and Seven were able to study for a place at Dronfield Grammar School, then called Henry Fanshaw. If you passed with full honours, education and books were free, but for minor honours just education was free. Up to a few years ago pupils at Totley School, when sitting for exams, were able to name Henry Fanshaw as first choice. Whether this choice remains I know not.

The C of E School was also the place of worship for protestants, and the Wesleyan Chapel (now a residence) for the Methodists. Both were well patronised by young and old. The services were conducted at the C of E by an ex-army chaplain called Captain Faggerty, and lessons read by Mr A J Foulstone. The latter was a very dedicated man in whatever line he pursued, and always seemed to be in a hurry in all his activities. A great man who should never be forgotten.

The Sunday school for the little ones was cared for by Miss Harris, who at the time of writing is a resident in a private nursing home. Again, a person who performed a good and valuable service for the youngsters, she also gave piano lessons. There were others who assisted at the school, but Miss Harris and Mr Foulstone are the two I will remember for their love of activities that brought much pleasure and religious teaching to children and parents.

After the war ended a memorial to those killed in action was erected, also a club was formed for ex- service men. Many local stone masons were employed in the building of the war memorial. Horatio Taylor was one I remember. The name plate is headed by R Milner who was the son or Mr and Mrs Milner of Totley Hall, so you would assume that was reason enough for his name to head the list, but according to an old friend of mine, Joe Marshall (who furnished me with a lot of information), Roy Milner was the first volunteer and also the first to be killed in action, so it had nothing to do with his, or his parents' status in life, and knowing Joe I believe that to be so.

The memorial is on land adjacent to Baslow Road which many years before had been used as a tip. This piece of land, the school playing fields and the allotments belonged to the church (Dore), and rents from such were part of the vicar's living. I feel sure the field next to the Cricket Inn also belonged to the same church authorities.

The club was one-storey stabling of the past converted to a two-storey building with a flight of steps leading to the club, the lower part was for storage and vans. This and surrounding properties were owned by Mr Evans, the grocer. Both he and his wife were grand people to know, caring and understanding and without doubt earned them a lot of respect from the working class who purchased at the shop. Purchases would be paid for on a Saturday after the man had handed his wages to his wife. No doubt tick (credit) existed so I would say profit was not the objective when the club was built.

Part 3

Around this time we boasted a very good tug-of-war team and were unbeaten in a radius of three miles, and when I say there was some very strong competition from very strong men, I mean just that. The one determined factor for our team was the Coach, Constable Bagshawe, who trained them twice a week in the field at the back of Cannon Hill Farm, (see photographs of them in training and when relaxed).
The ages of the men would be early forties and what a fine body of men they were. As I remember they once took on a team picked from the army troops at the rifle range and each were rewarded with a cut-throat razor which were inscribed to mark the event. Unfortunately all seem to have been lost. The rope, as used when training was loaned by Tennants Brewery.

The Totley Tug O'War team in 1919, posing with knuckles pushing out the biceps, after winning the trophy against villages in a three mile radius. From left to right standing: Joe Marshal (worked for Totley brickworks digging for ganister on Fisher's Moor off Strawberry Lee Lane), Israel Salt (in charge of the mine), Tommy Duddy (worked for George Creswick senior at Cannon Hall Farm), Tom Wright (landlord of the Grouse Inn at Totley Bents), Billy Gascoigne (traction engine driver for the brickyard), Straightback Bagshawe (trainer and village bobby), Joe Hillman (a 'comer' who replaced Frank Taylor because he was living in Holmesfield at the time and was thus not eligible) and Tom Reynolds (father Dan). Front row from left: Jack Wortley, Oscar Creswick, Duncan or 'Hunkie' Coates (7th son of a 7th son, worked down ganister mine), George Pearson (market gardener at St. George's Farm).

There was quite a lot of interest in affairs in most villages, but I can only speak for Totley. There was a garden produce show and sports event every year. Prizes were donated by local business men; many first prizes were solid silver. The produce show was for allotment holders only, but one person who shall be nameless was allowed to exhibit his produce, even though he was not a holder, but I admit that he had a garden near his home. His garden was very private so no-one was able to pry or do any scouting. Whereas on the allotments competition was keen and you had to be sure about your chances. 

Anyhow, to cut the story short, this person won many first and special prizes, and it was assumed he had cheated, so as the saying goes "If you can't beat `em then join `em'", which is exactly what my dad did. Come the next show my dad's exhibits romped away with the first and special prizes. I became involved in this through my interest in our allotment. The Wednesday before the show on Saturday was choir practice at Dore Church, where I was a choir boy. I was told to call at the house of Dick Wragg who lived in Drury Lane, Dore, and say "Mr Reynolds, my dad has asked me to call", whereby he gave me a cardboard box and said "Mind tha dun't knock `em abaht and tell thi dad to let me 'ave `em back when tha comes to church on Sunday". I did as was instructed, delivered the parcel to my dad then returned the package on Sunday. Dick Wragg said "Good lad, I'm tekkin' these t'Daily Mail show next week". It turned out that the package contained six potatoes called 'Arrun Banner' which were first class.

Part 4

The sports events were a great attraction for us kids, and took place in the field in the area of Totley County School which was owned and loaned for the day by Mr Tom Earnshaw of the Grange which was opposite. Although I remember taking part I never remember winning a prize, but it was still great fun. The older kids, that is, the teenagers, entered with a competitive spirit as there were good prizes to be won.

The main event, except for the tug-of-war, was the steeplechase which commenced by running once around the field, through the gate, up Baslow Road, down Hall Lane using the footpath to Woodthorpe Hall, then on the footpath through the fields to Mickley Lane, up Mickley Lane to Baslow Road and continuing to the entrance of the show area, once again around the field then to the finishing tape. The prize was a solid silver cup about fifteen inches high and was donated by Mr Tom Newbould, who was the first developer of Heatherfield - more of him later. He made a bold stipulation that the winner retained the trophy for one year only, and had to be won three times in succession before the winner could claim it outright. It was eventually won by none other than that great Totley athlete, Archie Thomas, but not before the two brothers, Neville and Fred Marshall were inscribed on it.

The pity about this cup was, and I make no bones or pull any punches, is that in later years Archie had the inscription erased and donated to the Hope Valley Football League. To me that was very unjust, and I feel if Tom Newbould had foreseen this he would have had second thoughts. Some of you didn't know Tom and his interest in Totley, and that this trophy was for a running event, and could now have been the trophy for the local Reu Race which takes place yearly.

At this point I must refer to Frank Taylor who devoted a lot of time to the youth of the day. It was way back in 1920 that he persuaded many of the local young men to start keeping pigeons with a view to racing them. They did so, and very successfully, by flying from as far as Tamworth. Frank belonged to a pigeon society, and flew his pigeons from abroad and won many trophies. In 1923 he persuaded the athletic types to practise and join Sheffield United Harriers and Athletic Club, the three foremost were Ron Hoole, Herbert Green and afore-mentioned Archie Thomas. 

A few years later the show and sporting events collapsed due to the introduction of non Totleyite committee men who introduced fur and feather. Prize money far exceeded funds for prizes and you sensed what would happen. So that was the end of what may today have been a big attraction for residents and outsiders, as now happens in some villages in Derbyshire. 

The TRA do a very good job, also the Crown Inn in trying to help the residents to revitalise the spirit of young and mid-age, but the response seems ignored. Here we have a much populated community with almost no facilities at all, which seems incredible to me after how much others and myself attained in our lives. The sports club still exists on small funding, not forgetting that the sports ground at Totley Bents was free and able to take collections; they are not allowed to do this now but have to pay Sheffield Corporation a fee for playing cricket and football, which prompts me to ask the question "Why, when this is a kind of common land, and who gave Sheffield the right to maintain this area?" Though this description has brought me up to the present day, I felt it had to be mentioned as a comparison.

The Ex-Service Mens Club which was founded was later taken over by Totley Social Club, and as lads of fourteen and over it was a good meeting place. There were card games and two billiard tables on which tournaments were held every year to decide who was best player. A cricket team and football team were also started. The subscription was one shilling (5p) per year, which was half of our spending money. We fourteen year olds got about two bob (10p), so we were not able to use the billiard tables as much, but we were happy and contented. The steward, Billy Drury, was a very dedicated man and used to hound us on pay day (Friday) if we owed any money. His sister, Lucy used to keep the place clean and I feel sure their services were free. As happened with the show, new members were elected on the committee. First one and then the other billiard table were disposed of to make way for Whist and Solo drives until eventually it was closed.

The social club's governing bodies at that time were Marriot Fox, Fred Fox (no relation) and A J Foulstone, and we looked on them as three old fogies. Although I admired and had great respect for the latter they were behind the times, hence the word 'fogies'. Opposite the club house is Cross Grove House where lived a Mr and Mrs Milnes who were moving house, and through their interest in village life offered the committee first refusal to buy, but it was turned down. It could well have been the social club's headquarters with space at the rear for activities. I may be wrong, but I feel sure there were a few people in Totley who would have sponsored this venture had they been approached, as was proven when the Totley show operated.

As I mentioned, we lived in Shrewsbury Terrace where the rent was nine shillings a fortnight (45p). Next door was Cannon Hall Farm, the tenant being Mr Fred Creswick who had two daughters, Ida and Marjorie. We were all play pals so spent a lot of time at the farm and in the fields, but what I remember most was of the night times when we used to go and help Tommy Duddy pulp the turnip, cut the chaff and cut the cow cake. After the turnips had gone through the pulper it came out exactly like potato chips, the hay, which went into a chopper came out in half inch pieces, and the cow cake with slabs around twenty seven inches by twelve inches came out cubes of one inch. These machines were operated by a wheel around thirty inches in diameter and turned by a handle. The turnip and hay were mixed to make lick to feed the cows, they were fed the cake separately. We spent hours there and enjoyed every minute.

 Our parents purchased milk from the farm where there were two kinds - old and new. The old was cheaper as it was what was left after having had the cream skimmed off. When a cow calved and the milk was too rich for the calf we were given that free - it was called 'beastings', yellow in colour, and made fine custard.

 When they killed a pig, which would be a sow, the menfolk in the terrace would assist and what a spectacle it was to watch. The butcher, Jack Wright, would go into the sty and thread a noose inside and over the snout to make sure its mouth was tightly shut, and then very reluctantly it was hauled and pushed to the scratch, a kind of table about twenty inches high, two foot wide and fifty four inches long. On either side the outer frame extended around twelve inches which formed handles for carrying when taking to hang after being scraped. It was no easy task getting the pig to the scratch and the even bigger problem was lifting it onto the scratch.

 When each man had made sure he had a firm hold, the butcher inserted the knife into the jugular vein, it was then that the men were able to demonstrate their muscle power. We kids kept our distance on top of the wall and thought it great fun, but thank God more humane methods are used today. 

 After having been hung for a day the pig was cut up for ham shoulders and belly bacon (after salting), the fry and head were given to the men, which meant we had a feast of a time - so to speak. We would blow up the bladder and use it as a football, that is if my dad didn't get there first because he used to hang it up to dry then shape it for a tobacco pouch. The intestines were cleaned by water under pressure which turned them inside out, the bag was done likewise and all was good eating. They say nothing is wasted on a pig and that is so, except at the farm they put the blood vein to waste - happy memories to me!

 Our activities in the winter, apart from snowballing and sliding was sledging on Older Dam where we had lots of fun. Those of the men who could skate would skate on the dam, which is now filled in and grassed over, but fortunately evidence to prove it was a dam remain. It was said that the dam was dangerous, at the shuttle it would be around ten foot deep and at the other end at the bottom was sludge. I never remember of anyone having an accident so we were probably lucky. 

Part 5

There were a few who typified with life in a village, such as Jimmy Larder, Jack Slack, John Osboume, Jack Fox. Of course, you can't help but mention Joe Marshall for whom I have extra respect. Jimmy Larder used to ply a horse drawn service between Dore and Totley rail station and Totley, or wherever. The state of the roads were rough and many pot holes were encountered. Miss Harris had contributed a small article in the Totley Independent saying how she had made the journey from the station to Totley and what a rough ride it was, especially when a wheel dropped in a pot hole. I remember he used to bring water cress to our house, whether this was a little sideline I don't know. He was a small, smart man who was always pleasant and operated the service when the wagonettes came through Totley on their way to Derbyshire.

In later years, Sheffield Corporation ran a double decker bus service from Millhouses to Totley, (Cross Scythes). The roads were much the same except the pot holes were not as common but still a rough ride. They were open top deck and behind each seat was a rainproof cover for you to use as protection when raining. Three men were allowed to sit alongside the driver and the fare was tendered through a pigeon hole in and above seating. The wheels had solid rubber tyres, and always on reaching Cross Scythes the driver used to refill the radiator with water.

This service proved to be a godsend for the working class as our parents, mostly our mothers, were able to board a bus at Totley to Millhouses and then board a tram car to town and the market - the old rag and tag, where great savings were made on purchases. Mind you it was hard work for the women walking from stall to stall making a purchase with the bags becoming heavier, though once returning home they never complained and very little help was offered by the menfolk. Such were the times, ways of existence and duties a woman conformed to once she married.

Jack Fox, a big chap who in his later years lived in a hut at the rear of number one tunnel shaft, would always be seen with his faithful dog by his side. He was seen many a time poaching, and apparently paid the penalty when caught. He never married, and though he spent a lot of time at his parents who lived at the old cottage to the right of the Cricket Inn, I have a feeling that there was no love lost between them. Though not a popular man, I found him interesting and a pleasure to talk to, and he never condemned anyone, which says a lot for village life where chatter and gossip took place. He was quite a different chap to the 4 already mentioned both in character and disposition, but again I admired Jack.

 We now come to Jack Slack, but before referring to him I have to explain how his main function in our life came about. In the days of my early childhood, there was no gas, electricity or sewers, just cesspools and middens were cleaned out every fortnight. This is where Jack comes in as it was his job to jump in and shovel the garbage and such into a tank type of horse drawn cart, after which all was swept and a generous amount of powdered disinfectant was strewn around. 

I was never interested in finding out where this was tipped, and to this day do not know of any tipping area. ' It was never understood how a man like Jack was doing such a distasteful job. He lived rough, much the same as Sweedy in farmers barns, but his mannerisms, vocabulary and his respect of others befitted any learned man, always tipping his bowler to the womenfolk, addressed the menfolk and always greeted you with the time of day - a true gentleman. It was assumed, though he would not give any inclination, that he belonged to the aristocracy and maybe differed with his family as to the way working class were exploited. The clothes he wore were all given to him, and more often than not his shoes were much the worse for wear. 

 He was very much respected in Dore as he spent much time there and would help the gardeners in Dore Road. Here were the homes of many Sheffield industrialists. You would describe it today as the millionaire belt. After having him to talk to you, you could not help but like him - a great chap, but alas ill health claimed him and it was thought he would be buried in a paupers grave, but they were mistaken. The residents rallied round and he was given a proper funeral. I was in the choir at Dore church on the day of his funeral. He was given a full service and the church was packed with mourners from all walks of life. On coming out of the church to the burial, I had never seen as many flowers and wreaths in my life waiting to be placed in the grave. It would be nice if anyone had a photograph of this mark of respect for a true gentleman.

As I said, I was a chorister at Dore church, the choir master being a Mr A Farnsworth. The dress for service was an Eton jacket, pinstripe trousers, white shirt with deep white stiff collar, black tie, shoes and socks. For services rendered, we were taken for a day trip to the seaside. Once we were taken to the Wembley Exhibition. At Christmas, we had a party in the old school (opposite the war memorial), and afterwards were presented with an annual of The Scout, Chums or Boys Own. Inside, was a piece of paper on which were three addresses of the people who had contributed to the prize. We were expected to write to the people concerned thanking them for the gifts and also their support to the church. I am not alone in assuming that the funding for our dress as choir boys, trips to the seaside, plus the funeral for Jack Slack was met by these people, who more or less all lived in Dore Road. Never will that class of people be repeated, I'm sorry to say.

Joe Marshall was a very good friend of mine and was able to give me much information, especially with regard to common land of which Totley has three areas. Two are quarries and the other one, as we all know, is the peace garden adjacent to the C of E school. We all must be grateful to Stan Bingham, his wife and helpers who toiled week in, week out to transform this tip into the picture it is today. The stone troughs which are the original troughs used when it was a pound for stray animals, were located and lifted by a heavy crane. The area was bigger until it was decided to make it a drive to the old Wesleyan Chapel.

The two bench seats already there are in honour of T Sampey and Frank Taylor. I am told Mr Sampey's son made a generous donation to the project. I along with others cannot see why Frank Taylor was chosen. I feel they did not do enough research otherwise they would have chosen Mr A J Foulstone, a great man who devoted the better part of his life to the community. I admired Frank for his sporting interests and devotion to whatever for the young men of the day, whereas Mr Foulstone's interests were spiritual. His daughter Freda was a school teacher at the C of E school and now lives at Baslow.

One of the quarries, of which there were two, was situated on the right hand side of Baslow Road, just inside the border of Derbyshire and South Yorkshire which is now used as a tip for road materials by Derbyshire County Council. The other one is at the end of the narrow lane opposite Monny Brook Farm entrance, where we were allowed to quarry stone for our own use. Joe Marshall and my brother Richard Reynolds, who owned the farm quarried a few times to repair walls at the farm.

The recreation ground at Totley Bents was left to the people of Totley and near districts as a playing field. You were able to graze geese and donkeys, but no cloven footed animal. The deeds pertaining to these four areas were deposited in the vestry at Dore church, and by appointment would be allowed to see them. The last time I made enquiries about these I was told that they were in the safe keeping of Wilson Solicitors.

Frankie Fisher, who with his brother Bill and two sisters, lived at the Old Field Farm. He was a chap who lived by his wits and would often be seen in the village selling a rabbit or some eggs, and if anyone wanted a chicken he would oblige. He was a real wily bird, always dressed reasonably well and smoked a clay pipe, often upside down. He had a walking stick which he called his ash plant and wore a coat which was probably made in the first place for a "beater". They were men who used to drive the game towards the guns and these jackets, which almost reached the knee, had big pockets inside which most certainly were used to place game which the dogs had failed to find.

 On a Sunday, the wagonettes used to take trippers into Derbyshire, and what a grand sight to see the four horses in hand come rattling by, and I mean rattling on the limestone road surfaces. No doubt after one or two trips, the backside was numb.

The Cross Scythes had every indication of having once been a coach station where a change of horses took place. It had under cover stabling for at least eight horses, complete with hay racks and two big stone drinking troughs. There was also a farriers shop and a tea room where passengers were able to have a meal whilst waiting for a change of horses. The Cross Scythes Hotel was first class and really looked the part. There were brown earthenware lions, one at the top and one at the bottom, each side of the stone stairway and one at each end of the rockery at the front. They were about twenty two inches long and proportionate; the posture was laying down with front legs outstretched. Maybe someone somewhere was able to acquire one, but on the other hand, as we have seen so often, were probably demolished.

There were five pubs in Totley:

• The Grouse Inn on Totley Bents - Landlord: T Wright
• Cricket Inn - Landlord: O Creswick
• Crown Inn - Landlord: E Snowdon
• Ye Olde Cross Scythes Hotel - Landlady: Misses Swallow
• Fleur de Lys - Landlord: Kirby

The pubs were in great demand when the tunnel was being built and the law had to be enforced on many occasions by the two law officers, Constable Bagsshawe and Sergeant Hall. At the rear of the Sergeant's house were the cells.

There were three shops:

• One Grocer/Baker - Proprietor: Charlie Jackson
• One Grocer/Greengrocer - Proprietor: Walt Evans
• One Milliner/Dressmaker - Proprietor: Emily Green

There was also a Post Office, the proprietor being Tom Bradley.

At the Grocer/Baker (now the Post Office) you were able to purchase dark, medium and light loose treacle. At the rear of the counter were three barrels with a tap and we used to take a stone jar for whatever amount. Every housewife made the good old fashioned parkin and we kids loved it.

At Totley Rise, there were many shops and led me to think that it was another village. However I could still say what kind of shop was what and who was its proprietor. Starting at the top and working down:

• Marrison Grocer - Wine Merchant and Beer-off
• Thompson Butcher - Home fed and killed (slaughterhouse at the rear)
• Booker - Post Office
• T Wint - Corn and General Dealer
• S & E Co-op - Manager: Moseley
• Cartledge - Butcher
• Wint - Pastry & Confection
• Mottershaw - Sweets and Tobacco
• Roebuck - Chemist
• Greaves - Milliner
• Collet - Fish and Chips
• Theaker - Newsagent - Sweets and Tobacco

These shops had a good flow of business catering for Dore, Bradway and Totley, and even today attract much business.

Down the lane in front of Marrisons, were three houses where lived Mr Scott, Mr Martin and Mr Hawes, the latter being a staunch Wesleyan and rode a tricycle to church and to his employment in Sheffield. One son of Mr Martin worked for Mr T Wint for many years, and later on operated a newsagent and tobacco business, (now run by his son) at Baslow Road near the Mobil petrol station. 

 As aforesaid, Marrison ran a wine shop, beer-off and groceries, and a Mr King, salesman, would come round and take delivery orders which in turn were delivered by Jack Wingle on horse and dray. Thompson butcher was a hard man with his workforce and catered more for the affluent. He owned much surrounding land and his highlight were the Highland cattle kept in the fields, (now Marstone estate).

 Frank Cartledge the butcher, was a different person than Thompson, he leaned to the working class and earned much respect. Mr and Mrs Theaker who sold tobacco, sweets and daily papers, were two small people and always jolly. Mr Theaker spoke bluntly and was very amusing in fact - they were both down to earth Yorkshire folk who kept a parrot near the doorway of the living room to the shop.       

Part 6

At the back of the shops at Totley Rise leading to the chemical yard is a lane much used in those days by horse traffic where they had to cross the stream (ford). Pedestrians used the existing footbridge. Once we became part of Sheffield, some blundering idiots in the Town Hall had a low wall built at the side of the stream to stop this traffic, hence we lost the ford.

There were around eight cottages in the chemical yard, and a large two-storey building, where in the past chemicals were produced. It was later known as the boundary called Brookvale. In the 1920's it was bought by C J Marcroft, a slater and builder, and was used as a joiner's shop etc. It was here that I was employed as an apprentice and earned ten shillings per week for forty six and a half hours.

The sign Brookvale Laundry, was made of wooden lettering and ran along the ridge. In the basement of the building was a big gas engine and on the walls were many large bracket supports for shafting. A smaller building attached to the main was where Bill Bradbury offered his service as farrier wheel.

Leaving the chemical yard and on the way to Greenoak, you came to Brookvale Terrace where you would find the building of Harry Green's business - joiner and funeral undertaker. A Mr Gledhill lived in a house nearby and he cultivated the monkey gardens better known as Laverdene estate. Along with his family, he ran a very successful wholesale business in Sheffield market with all home grown goods, with forced rhubarb being a highlight. His permanent workforce was of three or four and during the school summer holidays about four schoolboys were employed.

 My brother and I were employed five and a half days per week and were paid fifteen shillings, which was very, good in the year 1922, as in 1924 I only received ten shillings as an apprentice for forty six and a half hours as I said earlier.

Continuing up the lane with high hedges on either side, you came to Lemont Road where there were four back to back houses. Mr Carr, a smallholder, owned land behind Lemont Road, (now Greenoak Park). A few surrounding fields which were later sold to C Thompson, who eventually sold to Sheffield Corporation hence the housing estate (enough said!). Continuing up Baslow Road, and opposite was Greenoak House. A little further to your right was a newly made road leading to Heatherfield which was being developed by Mr T Newbould. Further up to your left is Main Avenue, developed by Mr Sheard. At the time about thirty houses had been built. Leaving Main Avenue and to your right was Totley Grange, after which you came to the Olde Totley of which I mostly refer.

The gentry were Mr Tyzack, Mr Ellison, Mr Mills, Mr Adams, Mr Milner and Mr Earnshaw. Mr Tyzack, barrister and gentleman farmer, owned and farmed land at Avenue Farm. He was also a member of the parish council. His land bordered the narrow lane leading to Dore, and due to some mishap due to the width of it, it was brought up at the next council meeting where he said he would give the land required at no charge for widening. He was asked if he was prepared to pay for the cost of earth movement which was instantly declined. His offer was therefore withdrawn. The road is much the same now as then. We were in N E Derbyshire in those days and Derbyshire County Cricket Club played many matches at Abbeydale Park, and in the 1930's Abbeydale Hall was used as council offices.

 Mr Ellison lived at Grove House (opposite the Crown Inn), a grand residence with beautiful gardens and running brook with two entrances, one at Hillfoot Road, the other a private road over the brook at Totley Brook Road. The gardener was Mr Woodfin, who lodged with Mr Bowley at Rose Cottage on Hillfoot Road.

Part 7

 Mr and Mrs Mills who owned and lived at Cross Grove House were really charming people - when they moved house they offered the premises to Totley Sports Club before putting it up for sale. The offer was declined. I feel sure the money could have been found if certain people had been approached.

Mr and Mrs Adams lived at Green Oak House, a nice residence with two entrances, a coach house and stables over which were living quarters for the gardener. The house, coach house and, stables are much the same today except the ground floor to the house is now shops.

Mr and Mrs Milner lived at and owned Totley Hall, the farm and estate which stretched as far as Totley Brick Works, and also the wood we know as Gillifield. Mrs Milner interested herself in village activities including the school and church. Many times we school-kids were allowed to visit her gardens and glass houses where Mr Lewis (head gardener) would explain the whys and wherefores of plant life. We saw very little of Mr Milner as he suffered from bad attacks of gout, but this did not forgive him for the trick he played on his gardener Mr Green, who on reaching pension age was still employed but the amount of pension he drew was deducted from his weekly pay packet saying it was a tax legality. They employed many staff - Mr Holding the Chauffeur, Mr Thomas the Butler, Mr Bradley the Gamekeeper, Mr Lewis the Head Gardener assisted by Mr Green and apprentice Master Cook, also about six indoor staff (cook etc). At Christmas Mrs Milner gave us kids two new pennies for carolling. I guess she was fond of children as her own two boys were grown up, in fact one, by the name of Roy had been killed in action in the 1914-18 war.

 Mr Tom Earnshaw lived at the Grange, a residence I always admired. There were two entrances: the one at Baslow Road was half circular with two large stone gate posts. At the sides, about two feet from the ground, were five one foot high wrought ironwork and gates to match. Inside the gate was a lodge which was most likely for the groom, Mr Western, and his family. We assumed it was the groom as a habit was adopted when grooming horses which was to blow hard. This formed a continual habit with him and he was nicknamed `Blower'. His duties after Mr Earnshaw died were general dogsbody and living in tied property. There was little he could do about it, but as long as he was able to visit the Cross Scythes for his pint he was happy.

We kids had plenty of interests - scouts, clubs, girl guides and brownies, and on the Wesleyan side they have Recobites and Band of Hope. We attended them all, religious denominations did not affect our pleasure. I remember when the scouts disbanded, Ernie Thomas (bugler) was allowed to keep the bugle. We had lantern slides (magic lantern), many of these shows were given by Mr Mottershaw, who lived at Number 2 Chapel Walk. He founded the Sheffield Photographic Co and was also a pioneer of the movie picture. The shows were held at Totlev C of E School and were well attended by young and old.

 Sunday School sports were held in the fields (now Corporation housing estate). We amused ourselves in all kinds of games - peggy, whip and top, etc for the boys, shuttlecock, hopscotch etc for the girls. We were lucky to get a penny a week for sweets but were never bored. On winter nights we played indoors, board games and a Meccano kept you busy yet relaxed.

At Hillfoot Road lived Mr Dronfield and family who ran a small coal business. Five tons was delivered in bulk, was then weighed by the hundredweight, transferred to strong hessian bags and humped to his customers. This was after having done a hard day's work as burner (firing of kilns) at Totley Brick Works.

At Number 2 Chapel Walk lived a Lady Croft and her maidservant Mrs Graves. One of the maid's tasks in summer was to sling a hammock between two apple trees and when Lady Croft was seated would rock the hammock to and fro. When a ton of coal was delivered Mrs Graves would ask three or four of us lads to carry it by way of buckets to the coalhouse and we were paid a few pence each.

Mr Green, who lived at Number 5 Chapel Walk, converted an outhouse into a chip shop in later years. Entry was by way of steps bordering the two properties. Mrs Green often used to threaten we lads if unruly (which I assure you was often - devilishment is more descriptive than unruly). Her lack of being able to see a joke didn't help and inspired us to persist, but it was all good clean fun in which we revelled.

At Bole Hill Lodge on the Moor lived Mrs Hyde (nee Alice Hassell) whose grandfather, George Siddall, was one of the keepers for the Duke of Rutland. Around the corner at the top of Blackamoor was yet another keeper's lodge. The keeper was Harry Siddall, reported then as being the best besom maker and dry waller in the district, but he was also bone idle. He lived there with his wife and about five children. This was a very lonely place with access only for the keeper and his family, so the children, who never went to school, were not used to strangers and consequently were inclined to be wild. The mother, Mrs Siddall, was a very lovely and kind woman and many a chat I have had with her when as postwoman she delivered the mail, after which she would purchase groceries and walk back home, and that was no mean task. How she did it I don't know, why she did it was for the love of her children. It is really unbelievable what lengths a mother would go through for her loved ones in those days.

There were three ways to reach the house: one on Fox House Road at the end of the plantation, one at the entrance to Blackamoor Park at the end of Strawberry Lee Lane, and the third about half a mile beyond Bole Hill Lodge as you approach the big moor. Eventually people started to use these ways, and one person that comes to mind is Mrs Parker who lived at 359 Baslow Road. About two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting her daughter, Mrs Hartley at Bushey Wood Road and we talked of Totley when she was a child. She went on to say as her mother used to enjoy her walks to the moors using the way to Strawberry Lodge, and told of how her mother described the children as being frightened when she approached and would scamper into the house to peer at her at sill height through the window. Eventually they were more daring and in time she was able to speak to them. One day she approached the house and one of the children called Tommy was sat straddled on the gate. She said "Hello Tommy" to which he replied "Ado", she asked how his mother was to which he replied "Ma's in bed". "Oh I hope she isn't poorly" she asked. "Her's nobbut calvin"' (having a baby). The same boy now lives at the old peoples home for men on Ecclesall Road. Mr Parker interrupted to relate a chat he had with the vicar of Dore, Mr Gibson. He told me with smile on his face how he had visited Dr Parsons at Totley Brook Road where the maid called Martha (a girl from the same family) was knelt down washing the steps. He greeted her with "Good Morning Martha, winter draws on". She, misunderstanding what he had said, replied "`Ave nobborgor' `em on but 'av got stuff to make `em". I consider the two incidents amusing and witty. After we were taken into the township of Sheffield and the park, that is Blackamoor was bought by J G Graves and given to the Parks Departrnent, the Siddalls moved out. The new tenant had a poultry farm and a small time cafe where you were able to buy tea and the like. This eventually ceased and not long after, the building was demolished. Recently the Sheffield Parks Department rented the park for sheep grazing until the conservation group stepped in with evidence that they had contravened a clause written in the gift by J G Graves. The same happened when groups of horse riders were using the park any old how. You will now see notices denoting bridle paths. I would say at this point how indebted the people in Sheffield are to J G Graves for his presentation of parks etc, a truly generous and thoughtful person who always had his fellow men at heart.

Jack Fox used to say one could always guarantee to poach rabbits and game on the Duke of Rutland estate (Blackamoor) but not anymore. As kids when walking out with our parents the moor was loaded with grouse. You never hear or see them today. The moor is no longer a gathering for the guns on the "Glorious Twelfth" of August - there must be a reason. Our local doctors were Dr Parson of Totley Brook Road and Dr Thorne of Baslow Road (now a private nursing home opposite Shapes). The nurses were Miss Barron and Mrs Jessop who were also midwives. Dr Thorne was a very down- to-earth man and a great friend of the working class and spoke in the same dialect. Services had to be paid for so many people had a good working knowledge of herbs and would use them in times of illness.

Part 8

I must tell you what I mean by Dr Thorne being down-to-earth. My parents had to call him out one Sunday and it was around 1.00 pm when he arrived. The dinner was on the hob (the shelf over the fire) waiting to be served. He stood with his back to the fire and inquired of the patient, then went upstairs and examined. On coming back down he once again stood as before but this time he turned around and casually helped himself to a portion of Yorkshire pudding and then another, then said "By Gum lass, tha' knows way to a man's 'eart", and looking at my dad said "And don't forget to show thi' respect". I can only imagine that payment for his services was on a weekly basis.

Dan Reynolds, aged 98

The nurses' main role was childbirth though at times the arrival had taken place before they came. Neighbours were always at hand at these times, and also in sickness. It was a case of do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and one has no regrets. Frank Taylor made a tape for Brian Edwards and mentioned how his mother acted as midwife on many occasions, such was the caring way of life.
The first infringement onto agricultural land was by Mr Sheard who planned the area and commenced building houses. Next was Mr Tom Newbould who planned and developed the lower part of Heatherfield. Stone for the roads was provided from a quarry on site (hence Quarry Road). My dad (bomber) was ganger in charge, though he only built a few houses. One he did build was raffled off - the name of the said property is Blighty. Both men could have made it publicly and gained the confidence of the people and local council but neither he nor Mr Sheard finished what they originally planned. In later years Eddie Sheard commenced building in Main Avenue but being a raw recruit in the building business he eventually decided to pack it in.

Eventually Cannon Hall Farm and acreage was on the market and was bought by H Kelling - a builder. This would be around 1924 and that was when building started in earnest. The buildings were used as joiners shop and stores and the farm yard was used for making building blocks (coke breeze). Very few bricks were used and all outside walls were stuccoed and I have to say that those properties were as good and as solid as any brick structure, so one has to give credit for his formula to block making. He was also a show man with poultry and kept quite a big flock which were fed and cared for by Mr Fred Fox, a staunch Labourite who built the hall at Greenoak Shopping Centre. Originally it was called Labour Hall and though it functioned as such for a few years it was taken over by the Army, later for varying business ventures, now the tables are completely turned and it now belongs to the Conservatives.

One often hears about certain people who have healing powers, which are scorned by a few, but a Mr Duncan Coates was able to rub away warts. A Mr Dick Fisher will testify to this who, when taken to Duncan a few times was rid of his warts. Apparently (or so one is led to believe) he is a seventh son of a seventh son, and they have these gifts.

I always had great admiration for Frank Taylor, whose chief hobby in life was pigeons and racing, and, I might add, was well known in the Homing Pigeon Society, and a winner of many trophies. He was able to get a few of the teenagers interested in acquiring pigeons and racing, and the farthest they flew was Tamworth, which if my memory serves me right, was the final stage before going overseas. Edward Lewis is the only survivor of these, and would be delighted to recall those times.

A few years later Frank was able to get a few interested in steeplechasing and they joined the Sheffield United Harriers. I have my brother's fixture list at hand for 1923-24, and the headquarters forTotley was the room at the Crown Inn (now car park), and among the names is coach Frank Taylor.

Training runs were first Tuesday each month at the Crown Inn, Totley, the next training at Cricket Pavilion, Dore, on third Tuesday in each month. The subscription was four shillings adult, two shillings juvenile. Needless to say my brother never made the grade, but three that did were Herbert Green, Summer Lane, Ronnie Hoole, Totley Bents and Archie Thomas, Baslow Road. The latter became a great runner, winning many prizes.

When Totley Social Club was formed Frank was once again to the fore by way of being trainer for the football team, and guided them from strength to strength, being top of Hope Valley League. The social club was a thriving club at the time, but as we grew older, transport to Sheffield was better and more frequent, and we tended to drift away. Eventually the room was used for Whist and Solo drives. The billiard tables were sold and eventually that was the end. One has to accept change in life style, but they were happy days.

Around the 20's there was quite a lot of poaching, mainly rabbits, and a few men from the district of Heeley used to come. The police were alerted, and eventually caught them, and they would face charges at the Court House, Dronfield. The Magistrate was a Mr Wilson from Horsleygate, who never showed any mercy so one can imagine they were sent to prison. This Mr Wilson was Master of the foxhounds and on their visits to Totley would meet at the Crown Inn. I admit it was a lovely sight but the sport was cruel. All the landowners allowed the hounds and horses to roam the land as was necessary. Not long after we were taken over by Sheffield they banned all hunting in South Yorkshire, which was a setback for the hunters as they lost out to quite a few hundred acres of hunting country.

The End - Dan Reynolds, Totleyite 1910 - 2009