Dore to Door internet edition

Book Reviews - Autumn 2003

Walking the Rivelin - Mr Fisher’s Ducks - Historic Walks in Cheshire - Battlefield Walks in Yorkshire - Trams & Trolleybuses - A Hillsborough Camera - Medieval South Yorkshire - Totley District in Old Photographs.

Few areas of the country can have as many interesting localities to visit as we have around Sheffield. Walking the Rivelin is a new pocket guide based on a 2 ½ mile walk along the beautiful Rivelin Valley which its once contained 21 mills and dams. Researched by K Kendall and published by the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group, the guide takes us from Malin Bridge to well deserved refreshment at Rivelin Post Office. On the way the history and stories around each of the wheels unfold, reminding us of a busy past and of a short life expectancy caused by the grinding dust. Finally some poems provide a lighter touch and there are notes on the conservation group. Walking the Rivelin cost £2.50 + p&p and can be obtained by calling 230 6790.

Given the interest they generate, and their contribution to local village life, it seems only right that our village ducks should feature in a book of their own. Mr Fisher’s Ducks is the appropriate title for Marjorie Dunn’s latest childrens book. Illustrated by David Heslop, the story centres on an adventure undertaken by the ducks when their leader, named Ecgbert, is too ill to lead them on their daily walk. You will not be surprised that disruption to traffic, a dog warden and picture for a Christmas card feature along the way. Written for children, but aimed at adults, Mr Fisher’s Ducks costs £4.75 with profits going towards Pearson’s Holiday Fund for Disadvantaged Children and other local charities. You can buy your copy a Green’s shop or Dore Garage.

Sometimes the incentive to walk is an interest in history and the desire to see for oneself where events have unfolded. Battlefield Walks in Yorkshire is certain to encourage one out and about to learn more about the key sites and events in the county. Yorkshire has witnessed everything from minor skirmishes to the most bloodthirsty battle on British soil at Towton during the Wars of the Roses. Twenty-three walks cover the Battle of Heathfield in 633 to an RAF station in World War Two. Each walk has key information, a sketch map and historic facts. Battlefield Walks in Yorkshire is published by Sigma Leisure, price £6.95 ISBN 1-85058-775-2

It is hard to imagine today with only Supertram as an example, how important and common trams were at one time. Trams & Trolleybuses in Doncaster tells the story of trams and their successors between 1902 and 1963. Over 130 b & w pictures capture the vehicles and their surroundings with the story told in an introductory chapter plus deep picture captions. A book for the enthusiast, Trams & Trolleybuses is published by Wharncliffe Books price £9.99 ISBN 1-903425-29-8

The increasing fascination with Sheffield’s history has been reflected in recent years by a number books on different suburbs. A Hillsborough Camera is the latest of these containing a collection of photographs capturing the history and changes over the last 100 years. Mainly in black and white but with some in colour, we start with a picture of the authors Victorian family in 1905. Pictures then range from damage done by the Sheffield flood, to street scenes, landmarks long lost and inevitably Hillsborough football crowds. If you know the area, or just like collections of old photographs, A Hillsborough Camera will appeal. Put together by J Wrigley and published by Pickard Communication, it costs £7.99 ISBN 0-9544045-3-X

Well known local author David Hey has recently produced a new book; Medieval South Yorkshire, published by Landmark Publishing. This is the latest in a collector’s library series, several of which we have already reviewed. In the same hardback format with black and white pictures and illustrations, David explores and enlightens us on the period, looking at the Roman and British legacy, the origin of place names, the impact of Lords and religious houses and the way more ordinary people lived. Using the remaining evidence on the ground and medieval sources the book reveals a fascinating part of South Yorkshire’s history. Meticulously researched and presented in 190 pages packed with interest and information, Medieval South Yorkshire costs £19.95 ISBN 1-84306-080-9

New book by Brian Edwards

Following his previous books on Totley, Dore and the Peak District, Brian has, after two long years (including falling off ladders, various family illnesses and computer crashes), finished his latest publication: Totley District in Old Photographs.

In the 88 pages there are nearly 140 pictures of life and environment in the 20th century, most of which have not been published before.

Apart from Brian’s own collection, illustrations from family albums have been kindly lent and together they present an opportunity to own this unique publication. There are views long lost to road improvements, housing developments and changes to the landscape.

Of particular interest are the shots of Totley Rise as the area progresses from horse-drawn to motor traffic, of Owler Bar and rare motor cycles, and of the Cross Scythes as it passes through various landlords.

There are tug o’war, shooting, football and cricket teams; studio portraits from family collections; old post cards and many more subjects.

The retail price of the book is £11.99 and signed copies can be obtained by post, price £12.50 including p&p, direct from Brian Edwards at:

Two Stones, Mires lane, Great Longstone, Derbyshire DE45 1NP.

Telephone 01629 640752 or

Email: brianedwardsgl@talk21.com