Dore to Door internet edition

General interest - Summer 2002

Abbeydale Hall Mystery - Stepping out - Boundary walk

Abbeydale Hall Mystery

Readers will probably recall the sorry saga of Abbeydale Hall being passed to Sheffield College by Sheffield Council a few years ago, without public consultation over its possible continuing community use. It was then cynically treated as a disposable asset by the college and sold to the highest bidder. Plans for a pub and restaurant came to nothing, leading to a planning application for flats. Against the odds and the recommendations of planning officers, permission was granted for blocks of flats on the site, without regard to the gardens at the rear or the setting of the house, once described as "the mini Chatsworth".

Now it seems a greater mystery exists around the fate of the hall.

We are now led to understand that for the last 14 years, a dispute has existed over the ownership of the hall, and that all the above took place in the full knowledge that this dispute existed and had not been resolved.

The saga goes back to early in the last century and by the nature of things is complicated by the passage of time and gaps in records. However, in brief, it seems that one Joseph Kendrick rented Abbeydale Hall in 1923 four years after the death of Ebernezer Hall’s widow, before taking out a mortgage for its purchase in 1925, running it as a hotel. It appears that in 1927 he asked a firm of estate agents to find a tenant or buyer, but nothing was resolved until 1931. It seems then that a Dore resident saw it for sale, and placed a deposit on the property, before approaching local Norton District councillors who agreed to take over the purchase and ordered the Clerk of the Council to refund the deposit. Yet no record of the council subsequently obtaining or paying over the funds can be produced. A Land Registry search for September 1931 shows Joseph Kendrick as still the owner.

In the meantime Joseph Kendrick went to Norway in June 1931 to work for the government and was killed by the Gestapo in 1942. Back here the Sheffield Extension Act was imminent possibly resulting in the purchase not being pursued by Norton DC in advance of the Sheffield take-over.

It appears the property stood empty until early in the Second World War when it was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence until 1953. At this time they received a rejection of a planning application made to erect buildings on the site and returned the keys to Sheffield City Council. The rest is recent history. In 1988 Mr Kendricks grand daughter and her husband, being concerned about the future of the site and wishing it to be kept for the benefit of the public, approached Sheffield Council to resolve the position.

Since then the council has admitted it did not buy the property and has no evidence Norton District Council did so. They have suggested it was "given by a generous benefactor" and quoted the Statute of Limitations, which if Joseph Kendrick died as a result of war crimes would not seem to apply. Finally the family have decided negotiation will not work and are now taking legal advice in respect of ownership and original covenants on the site.

Can you help? The family are keen to hear from anyone in the area, current or past resident, who can throw any light on the issue. In particular - What was the Hall used for between 1934 and 1939?

Likewise from the cessation of Norton District Council i.e. up to 1952 and from 1952 t 1996? They believe that through these later periods the property was either unused, in the possession of the Ministry of Defence, used as a Night School and for daytime language courses and from the time it was acquired by the Sheffield College was empty and unused once again.

Finally did Norton Rural District Council ever complete the purchase of Abbeydale Hall and if so, when, how and who did they pay?

If you think you can help please in the first instance contact me on 0114 236 9025.

Stepping out

The arrival of summer brings brighter days, early dawns and warmer, longer evenings the perfect incentive to shake of your winter lethargy and rediscover the outside world

Walking is a great way of increasing the amount of physical activity you do and can help reduce stress and blood pressure, keep the heart strong and aid weight management. Just 30 minutes a day is thought to be enough to make a difference. This does not have to be 30 minutes of concentrated activity. Walking a few minutes to work or to the shops twice a day, getting off the bus a few stops early, and taking the stairs instead of the lift will all add up and make a difference to your fitness levels. For more information visit the Walking The Way To Health website at www.whi.org.uk

If you prefer not to walk alone, guided walks are a lot of fun giving a chance to chat to others or find out interesting facts on the area or wildlife etc. The Dore Village Society for instance offers regular short walks up to 6 miles in the area around Dore with a group called the Wyvern Walkers (see below).

If you would like to meet new people and embark on longer distance walks, consider joining a local walking club. The Ramblers’ Association for example has groups throughout Britain and also campaigns for walkers’ rights. You can check their website at www.ramblers.org.uk for details of local groups.

If you are looking for something a little more strenuous, ask your local walking club if they do guided hill walks. It is important to attempt your first few hill walks accompanied by experienced hill walkers as even when walking the most seemingly innocent looking hills you can suddenly find yourself scrabbling at some height. If this is new to you, you will appreciate the expert advice and support from your experienced co-walkers. You can search for walks that suit your own capabilities at www.walklink.com

If you are ready for a bigger challenge, why not try climbing? There are hundreds of indoor and outdoor climbing walls around the UK where you can learn to climb different a variety of walls before, once you are ready, embarking on some authentic mountain climbs. Climbing is not just an effective way of getting fit but also measuring your achievements against pre-set goals and therefore a great confidence builder. At www.ukclimbing.com you can find down to earth and practical advice on indoor and outdoor climbing throughout the UK.

Boundary walk

A date for your diary, Saturday 22nd June. One day after the longest day of the year and two days before Midsummer Day. On that day the Dore Village Society will be organising a walk round the Ancient Boundaries of Dore. It is a walk to which EVERYONE is invited.

Whereas the total length of the walk is approximately eleven miles, there will be opportunities for people to join and leave the walk at various points, to suit age and energy!

The route is all on footpaths (and three short lengths of road), all very close to the old boundaries of the village. These paths will take us along Limb Brook, the River Sheaf, Oldhay Brook, Blacka Dike and part of Burbage Brook. We are fortunate in having fine woods, streams, historic sites of mills and forges, and open moorland on our boundaries and, of course unsurpassed views of the surrounding countryside.

Lunchtime, on Burbage Moor, will be a highlight of the day when Rony Robinson (author and Radio Sheffield presenter) will be reading some of Richard Furness’ poetry. The lunch stop will be easily accessible for non walkers, but you will have to bring your own lunch and sustenance.

What finer way to mark the old custom of beating the bounds, on a day in high summer? Come and join us, for the whole journey (about six hours), for a mile or two, just for lunchtime. You can even use the walk for sponsorship of your chosen charity. The DVS will be sponsoring Macmillan Horizons Appeal for the walk and if you would like sponsor forms for this they will be available.

Make a day of it. Bring your family and friends.

For more details of the walk, the starting point, and the lunchtime break, contact me on 236 5043, any Committee Member of DVS or look out for the notices on the DVS Notice Boards.