Wind
Writing Challenge 2023
Posted by Chris Sissons on May 3, 2023
Writing Challenge ยป Chris Sissons
At the Summerhouse, next to Dore Station, yesterday, I was talking to C. He was born in Sheffield in 2003, so never knew oyl int rowad, nowt but a lad, wants to be a marketer, God help him. He said he liked this part of Sheffield and would like to live here.
I pointed out that this is part of Sheffield Hallam, the country’s wealthiest parliamentary constituency. Loads of huge houses, set back in their own grounds, home to steel magnates, university professors and drug barons. How did this come about?
To answer this, we must travel back to 1982, when I studied at the Urban Theology Unit, in Pitsmoor on the other side of Sheffield, beyond the Wicker Arches.
Two people that year triggered my interest in the city; John Vincent and Ed Kessler. They were both lecturers. I suspect Ed was the true inspiration because prior to his interests in parables and urban mission, he was a town planner in the States. John was the founder director of UTU and some of his lectures were inspired by Ed’s insights.
John called the Wicker Arches, Sheffield’s Brandenburg Gates. The Brandenburg Gates, like oyl int rowad have lost their cache with younger generations. The Wicker Arches symbolise the division between rich and poor Sheffield. They mark the boundary between wealth in the South and poverty in the North, more or less.
But, here’s the thing … the reason for this division is the prevailing wind. It blows from Southwest to Northeast. So, the residents in Hallam (Dore, Totley, Millhouses, etc) breathe air from the Pennines. As the same wind crosses the city it picks up muck from domestic fires and all the little mesters and larger industry until by the 20th century, run your finger along the indoor window frame and it comes out black. Hang out your washing and it comes in dirtier than it went out – more so the further northeast you go. The air may be cleaner today but the inequality stuck. Life expectancy in Hallam is significantly longer than in Burngreave where I live on the wrong side of Wicker Arches.
I know what you’re wondering, where does the wind blow after the Lower Don Valley and Northeast Sheffield? Most Sheffielders will tell you it goes to Rotherham, which explains a lot.
This year's writing challenge, fueled by prompts, is about the City of Sheffield. Be surprised by what's included and even more surprised by what's left out. This is Post 4 and there are 21 altogether. Share your thoughts and your love for the City in the comments. The first Post 0 is Context: Sheffield. The last post 3 is Birth of a Dynamic New City? The next post 5 is Why Sheffield?
For those youngsters who have no knowledge of oyl int rowad, follow the link to compound your confusion.
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