Summer 2001

Joan Stratford was the Headteacher at Totley All Saints Church of England School from 1985 until her early retirement in 1997 and it was largely to her credit that efforts to rationalise the school out of existence were defeated a few years ago. Appropriate then that Joan was prompted by her memories and the feeling that there was a long and interesting story to be told, to write a history of the school from 1827 to 2000.

The book starts by detailing the impact of local benefactors and the enclosure acts in funding the education of the poor, the building of the original school house on Totley Hall Lane, still standing as a private residence, and a new school on its present site in 1877. Its subsequent development and the personalities involved is explored using contemporary reports and giving at the same time a wider insight into life in the local community.

Changes brought about by new education acts, the reduction to a primary school only status in 1965 and the battle to secure its future as a church school is all explored. There is also a rich collection of photographs reflecting events, pupils and staff. A History of Totley All Saints Church of England School, Sheffield 1827-2000 is a must for anyone interested in the development of education or who has been personally associated with the school as pupil or parent. It is available in hardback price £14.99 or paperback price £10.99 from local shops or by phoning 230 8428.

Yorkshire is rich in man made heritage, with many towns and villages well worth a visit and some reflection on their past. Two recent publications from Wharncliffe Books set out in their own ways to illustrate and guide the reader or visitor to the story behind the place and street names of the areas they cover.

Streets and Trails of the Yorkshire Dales covers the popular tourist areas around the towns of Settle, Malham, Giggleswick and Grassington. These share an interlinked history preserved in old greenways and turnpike routes across the moors and phases of development and depression.

But it is the information on the history and character of each settlement, followed by the origins of their street names that provides a fascinating insight into the past. Grassington's folds and yards, often tucked away out of site, are an essential ingredient of its character. Settle has a Duke Street, previously Duck Street, but renamed as not being grand enough for the main thoroughfare. Malham has a Finkle Street meaning crooked and winding, Grassington a Badger Gate, a badger being a travelling trader licenced to buy and sell corn.
Full of photographs old and new, Streets and Trails of the Yorkshire Dales is a fascinating 112 page paperback to read at home or to use as an invaluable guide when visiting the area. Price £ 9.95 from main bookshops or on 01226 734222.

Street Names of Haworth is, as its title suggests, an illustrated guide to the origins of the local street names of this village in the heart of Bronte country. Following a brief history of development, the derivation of names are intriguing from the logical Prospect Street with a pleasant view, to the more surprising Tim Lane named after a bell in Haworth Steeple. This 64 page pocket guide is well worth its £4.99 if you are visiting the village.

Walking is now one of the most popular pastimes, but not always enjoyable what with the English weather and foot & mouth restrictions. Not suprisingly, more and more people are taking walking holidays abroad, especially in the winter, and there is an increasing awareness amongst Mediterranean countries of the potential to extend the tourist season this way. There are specialist firms offering walking holidays with a leader, package tours with a walking option or you might prefer to set your own pace. If you do then Holiday Walks in Mallorca could be your guide to an excellent break.

Mallorca is an ideal walking destination, only 2 hours flying time from here, with plenty of reasonably priced accommodation, a mild climate and, away from the tourist hot spots, some beautiful mountain and coastal scenery. This book provides a helpful introduction, even listing useful web sites, before detailing 28 suggested walks mainly in the most attractive north and west of the island.
The walks range from 3 to 20km, most taking 2-3hrs, are fully detailed with maps where helpful and take in all the popular spots making an excellent starting point to exploring the island. Some can be stretched by those looking for a more demanding schedule and there is always the challenge (not in this book) of the Massanella, Mallorca's second highest peak.

Although the Balearic islands are becoming more environmentally aware, now is the time to walk there, before access is restricted by rich European expatriates. Holiday Walks in Mallorca is written by Graham Beech and published by Sigma Leisure price £9.95 and available from all good book shops.
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The beauty, mood and character of a landscape can be captured in pictures or words. Poetry in the Parks is a collection of poems and pictures celebrating the 50th anniversary of National Parks of England and Wales brought together by Wendy Bardsley. For each of the eleven parks there is a section with both the familiar and new poetry reflecting its chosen landscape. Each reader will find their own of choice, some long some short like 'A Man Must Climb' by Showell Styles:

A man must climb his mountain-side of
years
And from each conquered height of age or
fame
Look down above the precipice of fears,
The bogs of doubt, and see the way he
came;
How every venturous mile was rich with
gifts,
Streams where he thirsted, scented turf for
rest,
And so press on into the mountain rifts
No wanderer, but a long-expected guest,
Until he feels full in his face and free
The summit-wind of high eternity.
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Dore is mentioned twice in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, some indication of its relative importance, being sited on the boundary of the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria. For a long time Anglo-Saxon England comprised a number of separate kingdoms in a fluid state of political alliances and periodic warfare. It was King Ecgberts defeat of Mercia, and his acceptance as their king, which led to the accommodation with Northumbria at Dore and his eventual acknowledgement as King of all England.

Anglo-Saxon Weapons & Warfare describes the weapons and equipment of the Anglo-Saxon warrior from the end of the Roman occupation to the beginning of Viking incursions along with an analysis of the nature of warfare in the period, reasons for conflict and the tactics used.

Its author, Dr Richard Underwood, draws on archeological and historical evidence, combined with the practical experience of making and using weapons as a member of living history and re-enactment societies. Contemporary records are few, but Roman accounts and illustrations from items excavated are drawn on to build a compelling picture of the warrior elite and their role in society.
Any study of the Anglo-Saxon period would be incomplete without taking into account the weapons and methods of warfare in use. This comprehensively illustrated book provides a valuable addition to our knowledge and understanding of the period. Anglo-Saxon Weapons & Warfare is published by Tempus Publishing, 01453 883300 price £15.99 in paperback

Book Reviews
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