However, the Sheffield Telegraph this week covered a story about a shop in Hillsborough that is in its centenary year.

“Corner News” is on the corner of Middlewood Road and Dykes Hall Road and a customer’s research found that the property had been used as a newsagent’s shop since 1910 (it had been a butcher’s previously).

Top story! And congratulations to Corner News!!!

Much of the area to the north and west of the city falls within the Peak District National Park. While rural communities play an important role in making the city successful, for example by acting as a strong draw for leisure visitors, they often face issues which need action to help them flourish.

Although the average household income is higher in rural areas, this can mask small pockets of deprivation. For many people, particularly young families, a lack of affordable housing which meets their needs is an issue.

And for those relying on public transport or on a low income, particularly elderly and young people, it can be difficult getting to the shops or other facilities.

A draft strategy and action plan for rural communities will be considered by Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet on March 24th. It aims to improve opportunities for employment and training, and support people in starting their own businesses. It would also look to increase affordable housing, and housing provision for older people.

This rare undershot wheel [where the water runs under the wheel] has taken years to be renovated and is supposed to be turned on a regular basis to keep it in good working order. Has anyone seen it turned recently?

Our forthright, home grown in S6 Councillor Arthur Dunworth was hopeful that a local group of volunteers could perhaps run the wheel on a regular basis. But this seemed to be contrary to the wishes of the redevelopers of the wheel [formerly know as Geman Wilson's] and now turned into well equipped and desirable apartments.

So the saga appears to continue. As local archaeologist and fellow fan of the proposal of the plan to open up Sheffield Castle, Lloyd Powell, recently pointed out, Sheffield has no appointed Heritage Officer. Could this be a problem with historic building conservation issues?

Come on Sheffield City Council what’s the position regarding this unique piece of not only NW Sheffield, but Sheffield industrial archaelogy?

Ron Clayton

As well as a feast of books on offer, there will be a story-telling corner for children as well as tea, coffee and chat.

Email missionenabler@btconnect.com to find out more.

There’s lots on offer in Stannington:

• Stannington Players is always looking for new members – phone 234 2176 – either on stage or off (set-building, props, DIY, costumes and more) and there’s a chance to see how good this friendly theatre group really is in April (22nd – 24th) when they stage “No Dinner for Sinners” at Lomas Hall.
• Stannington Mixed Choir always welcomes new members and rehearses a wide variety of music with three concerts a year. No auditions or sight-reading skills are required and rehearsals take place at Stannington Methodist Church, Knowle Top, Stannington Road on Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Call John 2340742 – or just turn up!
• Stannington Brass Band welcomes new members of any age and ability to join its Training Band. Tuition and instruments are provided and rehearsals take place at Malin Bridge Sports and Social Club on Sundays from 6pm-7pm. Contact Christine Wilson on 230 6393.

In 2009, new routes starting out from Bolsterstone brought the sponsored walk to the Stocksbridge area.

The circular walks start and finish at Bolsterstone Village Hall, with a choice of circular routes of varying lengths around the Broomhead and More Hall Reservoirs on the moors.

• The 5-mile walk, which is suitable for families with young children, goes to Underbank Reservoir, and loops around Whitwell moor.
• The 10-mile walk extends the 5-mile walk to include Broomhead Hall and Broomhead Reservoir.
• The 15-mile walk extends the 10-mile walk to include Spout House Hill and More Hall Reservoir.

Money raised through sponsorship supports Christian Aid and CAFOD in their work to end poverty.

For more information and to register visit the May Day Trek website or phone 230 5694.

Nearly 40 pubs are closing each week, resulting in job losses and millions of pounds lost to the economy. The Prime Minister wanted to look earlier this year at how government intervention can help community pubs, as businesses struggle in tough economic circumstances.

New help will include £3.3 million for business support to make pubs more successful and help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running. Business support is also in place for struggling membership clubs, we will be slashing “beer ties”, and a consultation is underway on proposals to cut the requirement for music licences in certain venues.

Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the local community to have their say. Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be also banned. The planning laws will allow pubs to branch out their business without planning permission into new commercial ventures, ranging from restaurants to gift shops and books shops, without the additional expense and time of seeking approval from the council.

The measures will give landlords the opportunity to have direct access to specialist, tailored business advice through ‘Pub is the Hub’, currently a voluntary support service for community pubs. Government funding of over £1m will ensure that the group act as a specialist first-stop shop for advice on business support and diversification. Pub is the Hub will act as a gateway to advice, supporting pubs directly or passing them on to the most appropriate service such as Business Link.