Peeks at the Past volume 2 - Sheffield armourer to the British Empire - Yorkshire's Flying Pickets - Peak District Walking on the level - Family walks to discover North Wales- Walks in Severn Country - Walks in Warwickshire and Worcestershire - Peak District Treasure Hunts - Deep Secret - New city map for cyclists

Peeks at the Past volume 2 is exactly what it says on the cover, a look at curiosities, places and people from the past, drawing on clues and remains still visible today. Author Ann Beedham has managed again to produce a fascinating 114 page collection of fact and stories, illustrated with colour photographs, maps and drawings. Some of the tales and anecdotes come from outlying districts, but that only makes the book more likely to get one exploring new places. Ecclesall Church, Abbeydale House, features around Kelham Island and the Botanical gardens are just some of the 32 places included. Creswell Crags, Wingfield Manor and Wirksworth take us further out of the city. Both volumes of Peeks at the Past are available from city bookshops, published by Pickard Communication, priced £11.99. Vol 2 - ISDN 0-9547264-1-3

Given Sheffield’s industrial decline in the last 50 years, it is difficult to imagine that in the first half of the last century Sheffield supplied Britain and her Empire with vast amounts of armaments and the military hardware. The demands for armour at the start of World War 1 prompted massive investment and productivity gains. Again as Britain re-armed in 1938 it was declared that a half square mile of Sheffield was more vital to the war effort than anywhere else in the country. Sheffield armourer to the British Empire explores in 140 pages, the industrial and human consequences of this outstanding period of Sheffield’s history. Published by Wharncliff Books price £9.99 ISBN 1903425-13-1.

Nearer to today, and already slipping into history, is the story of the 1984-85 miners strike. Yorkshire’s Flying Pickets is based on the diary of one miner Bruce Wilson who as a young man, and with his mates, was in the thick of the action. This is an insight into the ‘Coal not Dole’ battle from a miners point of view, with action, humour and ultimate sadness. Published by Wharncliff Books price £9.99 ISBN 1903425-51-4.

It might seem impossible to enjoy a gentle walk without steep climbs in the Peak District, but prolific author Norman Buckley set out to do just this in producing Peak District Walking on the level. By finding good footpaths, well-surfaced bridleways and quiet lanes, he has been able to put together 28 walks along attractive routes between the hills and down the valleys. Ranging from 2 to 6 miles, each with a clear map, photographs and detailed instructions, these are within the capability of nearly all of us. Most are circular and have details of the height gained, parking and refreshments. Whether you are setting out on the process of getting fit, or find your hard walking days are past, this is a book for you! Published by Sigma Leisure price £7.95 ISBN 1-85058-811-2.

There is no better way to see other parts of the country than on foot, and wherever you go someone will have published a useful walking guide. Better still if you find yourself staying with an author and can draw directly on their knowledge. Anna and Graham Francis made their escape to Wales several years ago and set out to explore the walking potential of the countryside around them. Family walks to discover North Wales is the result of their labours, detailing 21 walks across the area. Each is illustrated with landscape sketches and clear maps and unique 3-D overviews. Descriptions of the terrain, ascent and time needed are all included, but it is the details about the routes and potted histories which bring the areas walked to life. This book 195 page book is a bargain at £4.95 available from the publisher Gwasg Carreg Gwalch on 01492 642031 or by order from all good bookshops ISBN 0-86381-679-7

Everyone has their favourite walking area, but surely one of the most popular must be the West Midlands and Welsh border counties. Specialist published Meridian Books has recently produced two new titles to add to its growing catalogue. Walks in Severn Country by Roy Woodcock provides an absorbing account of the geography and history of the river, accompanied by twenty walks that follow the river on its journey to the sea, while exploring some of the fine towns and countryside that it passes through. Walks range from two to twelve miles and there are illustrations, maps and black and white pictures for each in 128 pages. Price £ 7.95 ISBN 1-869922-49-2.

Walks in Warwickshire and Worcestershire by Des Wright is a third collection exploring further, some of the attractive countryside in two West Midlands counties. The 21 walks are all circular and can be reached easily by car or public transport and range between 2 and 9.5miles. Most are flat but with one more strenuous walk of 14 miles. There are some black and white photographs, maps and clear instructions. 112 pages price £6.95. ISBN 1-869922-44-1.

Peak District Treasure Hunts is the first of its kind, a book for puzzle fanatics who are fond of the great outdoors. The book contains 16 hunts taking from 2 to 5 hours of short car journeys and walks, with all the clues based on fixed items such as pub names, plaques and headstones. There are no prizes to claim but you can be sure of a mystery tour in beautiful countryside and familiar Derbyshire villages. And in case you get lost, the solutions, with maps and photographs, are provided at the back of the book, so no cheating! Ex Dore resident Ian Almond has enjoyed himself, and so will you. Published by Sigma Leisure at £7.95 ISBN 1-85058-810-4

Finally as autumn comes the temptation to settle down with a good novel can prove irresistible. Well known local children’s author Berlie Doherty, twice winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, has crafted her most recent book Deep Secret to meet this need. As usual, utilising familiar local territory, the story evolves around the lives of families living in the valley destined to be flooded by Ladybower Reservoir and a surviving twin who must learn to live without half herself. The book traces the emotions of the village families, and the secrets that emerge as the community rebuilds itself. The book is absorbing and well written, readable at all levels from 11 upwards. Settle down for a good read! A Penguin book priced at £12.99 in hardback. ISBN 0-141-38039-X.

New city map for cyclists. An updated version of the Sheffield cycle map has been produced by the city council. It includes official cycle routes, those recommended by cyclists that avoid some of the more difficult traffic spots, cycle lanes, train routes, 20 mph zones, cycle shops and public toilets. For a free map, call 273 4286 or email andy-wild@sheffield.gov.uk.

Web site maintenance by
Stratton & English Software Ltd.