First Impressions

These days Sheffield is at the far end of a canal with a flight of locks at the very end.  It’s therefore probably not surprising that numerous boaters don’t bother to make the journey opting to turn at Bramwith Junction for the River Trent or Leeds.  However we think these boaters don’t realise what they are missing.  Sheffield is proving to be an interesting destination and we have extended our planned stay for a few days to see more.

Today we went exploring some of the city.  The route from the canal basin took us to the main railway station which has obviously undergone a major renovation.  The water feature at the front was rather attractive.

The new looking indoor market is located in the SE corner of the inner city.  We wandered around the stalls but managed to resist parting with our money.

Our son wanted to visit the nearby Decathalon outdoor store for a new shirt but came away empty handed.  The walk back to the canal basin was via a different route and this is where we noticed a rather unusual building.  It is clad in stainless steel and appears to have a major vent in the roof.

On the other side it had a name “the HUBS” and on closer inspection I identified it as the University Student Union

We were obviously in the university quarter of the city as there was another building around the corner.

Hopefully it’s sufficiently large for you to read the text.

Walking in towards the centre of the city we passed the cathedral.  You can read about the cathedral here.  What interested me was the contrast between the old part in the right of the photo below and the new to the left.  Why?  I did wonder if it had suffered bomb damage in WW2.

Wikipedia doesn’t mention damage during WW2.  During the last 100 years the cathedral has been renovated, extended and realigned.  This new extension was completed in 1966.

Paul from CV Marine has informed us there is a food festival this weekend and suggested the Kelham Island Museum is well worth visiting.  Apparently this Monday the River Don Steam Engine will be operating.  It’s a 12,000 horsepower (9 MW) steam engine built in 1905 to power an armoured plate rolling mill.  Much of this armoured plate was used in the construction of the Dreadnought class of battleships.

Mick & Pip,  My plan is to visit Wilson Tyler next Tuesday.  I’ll ask if they will allow me to take some photos of Oleanna.

Vic & Pete,  Yes, we were aware you are very familiar with the location and thanks for the heads up regarding the kiwi burgers.  We can probably supply the beetroot.