NorthBound Magazine May 2021

#22 may 21

tramlines is on!

Richard Ashcroft, The Streets and Royal Blood are coming to Hillsborough Park

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contents

FEATURES

TOPBRASS

30

Phil Turner (MD)

phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Nick Hallam (Sales director)

nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING Nick Hallam

nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk

FINANCE

Michael Johnson (Accounts)

michael@exposedmagazine.co.uk

against modern football!

Amid rumours of backroom tension and a rebellious streak aimed toward the suits of the Meadowhall Imperial League, Royal Oak assistant manager Steve Bracknall sits down with NorthBound Magazine to get an update as football returns to the forefront of everyone’s minds.

editorial

Paul Stimpson (Editor)

paul@northboundmagazine.co.uk

photography Matthew Crowder Marc Barker

coverphoto Giles Smith

thebusinessstuff

NorthBound Magazine is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1b, 2 Kelham Square Kelham Riverside Sheffield, s3 8sd The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and while every effort is made

59 street art

Sarah Haworth reflects on how the city’s urban galleries provided welcome stimulation during those seamlessly endless lockdown walks.

to ensure information throughout Northbound is correct, changes prior to distribution may take place which can affect the accuracy of copy, therefore Blind Mice Media Ltd cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific entertainment listings.

GetinTouch!

01142757709

20 movers & makers

For this month’s issue, we focus on Penny Withers is a Sheffieldbased ceramic artist with a studio at Yorkshire Artspace in the city’s Cultural Industries Quarter.

regulars 6 NEWS 12 home + garden 36 shot of the month 38 tv + Film 52 food + drink

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news

young entrepreneur Inspirational 19-year old Jack Mitchell, from Sheffield, has now raised over £5,000 for Paces School after creating and selling wooden works of art from his home during the coronavirus lockdowns.

Jack, who has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy affecting both his arms and legs, communicates using an Eye Gaze. Despite these challenges, he wanted to help Paces, the South Yorkshire specialist centre, charity and school for individuals with motor disorders and complex brain injuries.

He has been busy over the past year at home making wooden clocks, cactus pots, candle holders and much more. He sells them and delivers the products, sociallydistanced, to his customers, donating the money raised to the appeal for a new home for Paces School.

Currently based at High Green, the charity are fundraising to allow the school

to move to a new base with state-of-theart facilities to support more children with life-changing skills using conductive education – such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, communication and self-care – in an environment they can have fun, develop friendships, and feel like they belong.

Julie Booth, Head of Fundraising at Paces, said: “Jack is an absolute superstar and we are so incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and grateful for his support to allow us to help more children, adults and families in the future.

“Our vision of moving Paces School to a new home will only be possible thanks to the generosity of people like him, and his family and friends, who are doing extraordinary things. We thank them all for everything they have done to support the charity.” pacessheffield.org.uk

Have a story for us?

Drop us a line at paul@northboundmagazine.co.uk or call 0114 275 7709 and let us know!

6 | www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk

Local Shout!

Fancy helping out in the local comunity?

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has launched a competition giving schools across England the chance to win an exclusive trophy visit, as well as exclusive tournament merchandise.

Pupils from schools across Sheffield have been challenged with showcasing why their city is the perfect host for this year’s tournament, which will see 21 nations arrive in England for what is set to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.

The best entries from schools in Sheffield and the other hosts will be selected to be a part of the official promotional activity for their town or city. Videos from non-host areas will also be compiled in a special montage showcasing all the other amazing places to visit and things to do across England in preparation for the tournament.

As well as the opportunity to be part of the official RLWC2021 promotional activity, a grand prize winner will be selected to receive a trophy visit to their school with one of the official RLWC2021 ambassadors and some exclusive RLWC2021 goodies.

To get involved, all you need to do is upload your video to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo, ideally a private link, and share this in an email to education@rlwc2021.com, including your town/city area in the subject title and your school’s name and address in the email body. Submissions open on Wednesday 21st April and will close on Friday 28th May. rlwc2021.com/competitionterms

news

FOX VALLEY TURNS 5!

Fox Valley Shopping Centre in Sheffield celebrates their 5th birthday in June and will be marking the occasion with an outdoor Food to-go Fair!

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June there will be over 40 of the regions very best local, independent food and drink traders attending the Fox Valley Food Fair selling exciting food to go, sweet treats and drinks.

Traders will include Icarus and Apollo Vegan food-to-go, Wentworth Woodfired Pizza, Vinny’s Ice Cream, Bradfield Brewery, The Old Bridge Bakery, Hawkins Distillery, Yum Catering Bratwurst and many more.

There will also be children’s rides and an exciting line up of local musicians playing across the weekend including Hannah Rowe, Livi Attwood, Tom Masters and Graham Lindley.

The first phase of Fox Valley opened to the public in on 16th June 2016 and was officially launched by Joanna Lumley OBE. Stores to open in phase

one included Aldi, Pontis Italian Kitchen, Costa Coffee, Pets at Home, Sorelle Jewellery and many more. The second phase launched in September 2016 and introduced stores including Sandersons Boutique and JoJo Maman Bebe.

Fox Valley’s birthday weekend is usually celebrated with their annual Food and Music Festival in partnership with The Valley Music Festival. Due to Covid-19 restrictions plans have been adapted to ensure a scaled back, but safe and enjoyable outdoor event is able to take place.

Claire Reynolds from the Fox Valley Centre Management Team said: “We are really looking forward to hosting our Food Fair later in the summer to celebrate Fox Valley’s 5th Birthday with a range of fantastic independent traders and local musicians!

“Our weekly and monthly markets have proved a popular and safe way for customers to shop with us throughout the pandemic, so hosting a Food Fair

with covid safety measures in place is a great way for us to celebrate our anniversary whilst welcoming shoppers in a safe way”.

Fox Valley’s Food Fair will take place from 10am-6pm on Saturday 12th June and from 10am-4pm on Sunday 13th June. foxvalleysheffield.co.uk

The home of Tramlines, Farmers Blonde and some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful scenery, there’s more to North Sheffield than meets the eye.

Have you got an interesting historical fact that NorthBound readers need to know? Email paul@ northboundmagazine.co.uk

A Grave Affair

The overgrown and abandoned Victorian graveyard Wardsend Cemetery is situated in the Owlerton district of the city and known for being the resting place for many victims of the Great Sheffield Flood in 1864.

However, two years before the disaster the cemetery was the scene of an extraordinary riot after rumours spread about the sexton, Isaac Howard, digging up and desecrating human remains. An angry mob made largely from relatives of those buried in the cemetery turned up at the sexton’s house after some graves were found to be empty and proceeded to set the building on fire. Luckily for Howard, the mob couldn’t locate him and his wife was able to flee the burning house without harm. Following an inquiry, it was found that the disgraced sexton was digging up the bodies to sell to the Sheffield Medical School for dissection and Sheffield Magistrates sentenced the disgraced sexton to three months imprisonment.

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news

saveculture Grant means exciting changes for Sheffield Museums Sheffield Museums, the new unified museums trust which brings together Museums Sheffield and Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, has been awarded £159,000 in the second round of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) this week.

It now serves as one of the city’s largest cultural organisations, operating Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Graves Gallery, Kelham Island Museum, Millennium Gallery, Shepherd Wheel and Weston Park Museum and caring for the remarkable collections they house. This week’s welcome funding news comes as the trust is finalising its plans to reopen the city’s museums and galleries in May, government restrictions allowing.

Over 12 months since their doors first closed to the public, Sheffield’s museums and galleries continue to be hugely affected by the pandemic. Extended closure has seen a huge loss of income that would normally be raised through its shops, cafes, corporate hire, ticket sales and the generous donations of visitors.

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As well as preparing for reopening, the trust is also working on plans to delight, inspire and engage visitors in the months ahead, including new exhibitions and displays, belated 50th birthday celebrations for Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, and a move to free entry at both Abbeydale and Kelham Island Museum, which will come into effect later in the year.

Kim Streets, Chief Executive of Museums Sheffield, welcomed the new funding: “We’re hugely grateful to the Department for Culture Media and Sport and Arts Council England for this vital funding which will help us reopen and lay firm foundations to build on over the coming months.

It’s wonderful to receive the news as we begin our journey as Sheffield Museums – the new Trust not only brings together fantastic museums, remarkable collections and a massively talented team, it presents a wealth of opportunity. We’re currently working on plans for reopening and beyond, and we look forward to sharing those in the next few weeks.”

Find out more at www.museums-sheffield.org.uk.

news

LoggingOn

thinkingoutsidethebox

Sheffield Official Music Box Company launch new range Out of all the industries to feel the harsh sting of the pandemic, the live music sector has taken one of the hardest hits. Graham Wrench and Tilde Bruynooghe of Electric Canyon Management, whose roster includes Richard Hawley, Tom Hickox and Studio Electrophonique, put this enforced downtime to good use by launching the Official Music Box Company last year – a Sheffield-based company that produces beautiful hand-cranked music boxes.

The inspiration behind the business began when they produced a one-off music box for Richard Hawley’s iconic ‘Coles Corner’ in 2020. The product was a huge hit with fans, leading the duo to discuss making more boxes for a wider selection of artists, eventually settling on Northern Soul classic

‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ by Frank Wilson to get the ball running.

“It’s been a bit of a silver lining for us really,” Graham told NorthBound.

“We’ve now had some time to get The Official Music Box Company off the ground, and the reactions have been great so far. The music boxes are cute, cool, good quality and just something a bit different I guess. ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ by Frank Wilson has is the world’s most valuable 7 inch single, so it felt like a great place for us to start!”

The limited edition Frank Wilson boxes are available at www. theofficialmusicboxcompany.com and retail at £15.95. Royalties are paid to the songwriters involved and they’ve already got a whole host of music boxes from a diverse range of artists in the pipeline.

Watch this space.

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Sheff Life

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Sheff Life

Getting Ginny With It! Spotlight on Locksley Distilling Co. An idea formulated in the Big Apple and fermented here in the Steel City, Locksley Distilling Co. produce a range of high-quality artisan beverages including their famous Sir Robin of Locksley gin.

After living in New York for eight years, husband and wife team John Cherry and Cynthia King moved to Sheffield in 2012 to start their own craft distillery. Sheffielder John had worked in the wine and spirits industry for two decades, with experience ranging across both hospitality and retail, seeing first-hand the craft brewing scene blossom Stateside and eventually travel across the pond. After meeting some inspirational distillers in the US, he thought that craft distilleries could be the next big thing and together they began laying the groundwork for the company.

Incorporated in January 2013, Locksley Distilling Co. launched their first gin a little over a year later. Named in homage to folklore legend Robin Hood, said to hail from the Locksley (or Loxley) area of Sheffield, Sir Robin of Locksley was one of the first off-dry style gins on the market, with a distinctly sweet taste and notes of elderflower, pink grapefruit and liquorice. It was an instant hit and to this day remains the company’s best-selling product.

Named in homage to folklore legend Robin Hood, said to hail from the Locksley (or Loxley) area of Sheffield, Sir Robin of Locksley was one of the first off-dry style gins on the market As predicted, craft spirits followed craft beers and the ‘ginaissance’ ensued, with the number of UK distilleries doubling between 2015 and 2020. “The first few years were pretty crazy,” says Cynthia. “We initially thought we’d be focusing on export, but the gin scene took off here and we toured the UK with the first ever nationwide gin festival, while John was catching flights to New York to try get it going over there. Our first gin we called a “sipping gin” – meaning you could sip it neat, which was quite unusual at the time, and it became our flagship product.”

Lockley Distilling Co. have been based at Portland Works since 2015, a grade-II* listed building home to a lively community of independent

artists and small businesses. Their ethos is fairly straightforward: high-quality, tasty beverages with no shortcuts taken and a commitment towards working in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. Local produce is used, organic botanicals are sourced, fair prices are paid, waste is actively reduced, and they actively choose to work with smaller independent retailers in the Sheffield region when it comes to stocking their products.

A local approach is also adopted when it comes to collaborations, having worked with the likes of Thornbridge Brewery, Bullion Craft Chocolate and Foundry Coffee Roasters, amongst others. Cythia explains that in what has been a challenging year, Locksley, along with so many other independent businesses, have had to adapt and take things online. “We’ll be doing virtual gin tastings and masterclasses, setting up online calls and zoom parties where people can still experience what we offer and learn about the making process. Obviously, things will look a little different this year, but we are working to make sure we can still provide people with some quality products and a good time.”

Locksley Distilling Co. 0114 249 0359 Portland Works, Randall St, S2 4SJ www.locksleydistilling.com

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garden www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk | 13

IN BLOOM Now’sthetimeto get crackingwithyour garden!Here’sfive tips to makesureyouryard will blossomthisspring…

Tidy your borders Before doing anything, an idea to get you into the swing things is to have a general tidy up and get rid of any leaves and debris from flower beds and borders leaving bare soil. Dispose of any weeds you can see instead of composting them as the seeds will germinate and cause you more problems later on. Before you start the next step, dig a 5cm layer of compost.

Start planting now It’s an easy mistake to make to think that the best time to start planting is in May, just before the summer. In actual fact, you can start much earlier than that. At this time of year you could add plants such as tulips for a nice bit of colour in your garden. If you prefer something a little different then you can chuck in some vegetables like lettuce or peas. Starting now will ensure your garden will be flourishing within two months.

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Sort your Lawn Your lawn will have been neglected over the winter months, the poor old chap.

Now’s the time to blow the dust of the mower and give it some much needed TLC. Begin with the blades lower for a shorter cut to make sure the grass stays sturdy and grows out healthy. If you’re starting out with a new lawn, now’s the time to sow grow seedlings or lay turf.

Prune the shrubs Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from plants or shrubbery. You can cut back the old dead growth of deciduous grasses and herbaceous perennials now, although, if you’d like to be wildlife friendly, it’s best to leave these until early spring. Plants from last year that survived the winter will need to be trimmed, too.

Home & Garden

Wildlife friendly Birds help control pests, balance the ecosystem and add ambience. You can build nesting boxes with to attract particular birds, and help to provide a consistent and clean water source. Plant natives that offer food sources and make sure there are trees nearby for nesting and shelter.

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A Moment In Time A brand new book from photographer Peter Dewhurst takes a sympathetic view of a Darnall - an established industrial community on the outskirts of Sheffield seen during a time of significant structural change. You can buy Peter's book here: blurb.co.uk/b/10385558days-past or from Cafe Royal Books, who have also published two books based on Peter's work. They are available here: caferoyalbooks.com.

Life Through a lens

Image: joshua atkins

Tramlines

Good times are back!

Image:Joshua Atkins /Fanatic

The line-up for Tramlines 2021 has been released and it’s a certified banger...

Tramlines, Sheffield’s biggest city-based music festival has announced the lineup for its 2021 event, taking place at the 35,000 capacity Hillsborough Park from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July. Headliners have been revealed as The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft, plus over 35 more acts have been unveiled including The Kooks, DMA’s, Pale Waves, Little Simz, The Pigeon Detectives, Blossoms, The Sherlocks, Dizzee Rascal, Tom Walker, The Fratellis, Sundara Karma and more.

Tramlines 2021 takes place after the first ever sell out event in 2019 and an unplanned hiatus in 2020.

Since humble beginnings in 2009 when Tramlines launched as a free, multi-venue, inner-city festival, Tramlines is now a firm fixture on the UK festival circuit receiving many accolades including the UK Festival Award for Best Metropolitan Festival in 2019 and 2011. In keeping with the last two events, Tramlines Festival 2021 takes place in one greenfield site, Hillsborough Park, just a few miles North West of Sheffield City Centre and will feature five stages of music, comedy, performance, art, and handpicked food and craft ales.

The Friday night headliner for the 13th edition of Tramlines on ‘Sarah Nulty’s Main Stage’ will be The Streets whose enigmatic frontman, Mike Skinner has performed exclusive DJ sets for Tramlines in the past but performs live for the first time providing a perfect start to the weekend’s festivities. Brit Award winning Rock duo, Royal Blood are the Saturday headliners, hot on the heels of their 3rd LP, ‘Typhoons’ whilst former Verve frontman, Richard Ashcroft takes the prestigious Sunday night slot.

Tramlines Festival Operations Director, Timm Cleasby said, “The pandemic has hit us all very hard in a million different ways but the support that Sheffield has already shown us is incredibly humbling for us all. We’re super excited to bring you what I feel is one of our strongest line ups. The 3 main headliners have been on my list for a good while now and we’ve got some brilliant returning friends as well. All this said we’re very serious about the public’s safety and take our responsibilities regarding COVID very seriously. We’re keeping a close eye on developments and will act accordingly should things change.

The 2021 lineup for Tramlines is packed with some of the UK’s all-time rock and indie favourites.

Appearing are poster boys of the noughties indie wave scene, The Kooks, ‘Chelsea Dagger’ indie

swingers The Fratellis, the platinum selling The Pigeon Detectives, and Blossoms who were inspired by Manchester’s indie rock movement.

Also appearing will be The Snuts who’s debut indie rock LP, ‘W.L.’ was launched in April 2021 and shot straight to number 1 in the charts. Adding an international injection to the rock offering are, from Sydney down under, the DMA’s who’ll bring rock ballads aplenty.

Dizzee Rascal is back in 2021. The ‘Bonkers’ artistperformed an electrifying set for Tramlines in Ponderosa Park back in 2015 regarded by many as one of the best Tramlines shows from over a decade of events. Also taking to the mic over the weekend is Little Simz, a furiously talented rapper hotly tipped by Dizzee, who’s trademark uncompromising style will light up the stage on Saturday.

As ever, Tramlines welcomes a slew of talent from across its home city and the Yorkshire regions. The ever popular four-piece, The Sherlocks join the bill whose impressive credits include being the first unsigned band after the Arctic Monkeys to sell out the legendary independent venue, the Leadmill.

The ever-cherished singer and songwriter Lucy Spraggan who’ll deliver her folk pop signature style as seen on album number five released in 2019, and on her recent quirky cover of The Proclaimers ‘500 Miles’, plus the heavy, fast-paced indie sounds of The Reytons, the loud punk sounds of The Blinders and Sheffield favourites the Everly Pregnant Brothers renowned for their amusing spoof numbers.

This is just the first wave of talent set to perform at Tramlines 2021. Festival-goers should keep an eye out for further lineup announcements, plus further announcements from across the festival site including brand new areas, comedy & cabaret entertainment, fabulous food and drink offerings and much much more.

Tramlines Festival will be working closely with the local authorities and following all the latest government guidance. If for any reason the festival is not able to take place then in keeping with 2020, ticket buyers will have the option to retain their ticket for next year’s event or recieve a face value refund on their purchase prices. More information here: tramlines.org.uk/update-on-covid-19/ Keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements at www.facebook.com/tramlines­

movers&makers

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Penny Withers Photography: Marc Barker // @ marcabarker Penny Withers is a Sheffieldbased ceramic artist with a studio at Yorkshire Artspace in the city’s Cultural Industries Quarter. She has a degree in Fine Art from West Surrey College of Art and a post-graduate certificate in Education. Penny curated the Sheffield Ceramics exhibition ‘Shaping the Earth’ at the Millennium Galleries in 2016 and has been instrumental in setting up the no-smoke community wood kiln at Manor Lodge. In 2019 the artist launched the solo exhibition ’Scale”, a celebration of the Peak District landscape including monumental ceramic columns based on grit stone edges and standing stones.

“The technique of throwing on a wheel drew me into ceramics,” says Penny. “It requires a focused, meditative state of mind. I began by making functional pottery, which led to experiments in off-centre throwing. The pieces I make today are thrown and flattened forms on which to create illusionary landscapes, by pouring and combining interactive glazes.”

Penny’s work is sold through several UK galleries. For more information visit pennywithersceramics.co.uk

Movers & Makers

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let’s covid by the

*****

Stay Positive, Stay Safe & Support our Community.

Whether you’re grabbing in or grabbing out, your support means the world to our local independents #lovelocal

Getting you there, safely.

Your safety is our priority, which is why we have taken special measures to ensure safer travel for Sheffield students.

Order a vehicle with a screen partition.

Contactless payments on the app.

local food to your door Download the citygrab app for delivery to your Uni halls.

All hail the ale!

Wantto beinvolved ina huge celebration of Sheffield’s beer andspirit scene?

NorthBoundMagazine, Exposed Magazine andMeze P ublishing are coming togetherto produce ahugecelebratory book of the city’s beerscene.

We’re looking forbreweries, stories, photographers - the joblot! Interested?Drop an email to paul@northboundmagazine.co.ukformore information.

Image by Marc Barker

Sheffield Shorts

“On Nights” Words: Jake Pearson // Illustration: Joe Bunting (joebuntingdesign.com) The shrill shriek of the alarm clock pierced through Frank’s warm, fuzzy, dreamlike state and caused him to sit up violently. He hit the snooze button and laid his head back on the pillow. Five minutes passed and the same event occurred but this time Frank tried to keep himself awake, staring at the ceiling with exaggeratedly wide eyes. Frank decided to allow himself another 30 seconds in the warmth of the bed before stepping out into the world, so he began to count backwards. 30, 29, 28, 27… That was as far as he got before his eyelids closed and he dozed back into slumber.

Frank jolted up. He looked at the clock and let out a sigh.

Frank lent his left leg out of the bed and searched the floor for his slipper, his foot darting back and fourth across the wooden flooring, each toe the nose of a bloodhound trying to pick up a scent. Frank eventually rolled himself fully out of bed and placed both his feet in their corresponding slippers. He put his robe on, first left arm, then right, then tied it around the waist and opened the curtains. The sky was grey and full of thick fog, so thick it looked as though you could take a bite right out of it. Frank yawned a great, lion yawn then headed downstairs.

Frank made his way into the kitchen and sat at the table. His wife Jane was there. “Afternoon” she said with a smile. Franked smiled back at her and rubbed his eyes. Jane poured him a cup of coffee and asked if he wanted anything to eat. She opened the fridge and took out a packet of smoked bacon and a carton eggs. “Bacon and eggs?” she asked. Frank smiled again and nodded.

As Jane heated the frying pan Frank got to his feet and headed toward the living room. Frank’s son, Tommy, was sat on the carpeted floor playing with a small toy truck. Frank knelt down and picked up another truck, a blue one. Tommy watched his Dad as Frank revved the truck backwards quickly across the carpet, once, twice, three times. Frank then held the truck tight to the carpet before letting go. The truck shot across to the other side of the room and crashed into the door.

Tommy laughed at his Dad and tried to replicate what he had just done. Frank got back up to his feet and walked back into the kitchen.

The smell of bacon now filled the entire house and made Frank hungry. He sat back down at the kitchen table and took a sip of his coffee.

“Tired, love?” Jane asked.

“Bloody knackered” Frank replied, taking another glug of coffee.

“Not much longer now though, is it?”

“No, one more night then back on days for a month” “I told Tommy I’d take him to the pictures tomorrow morning if you want to come?”

“I’ll see how I feel.”

Jane scraped the bacon and fried eggs out of the pan and onto a plate, which she gently laid in front of Frank.

“Thanks, love.” Frank said.

Jane smiled at him and walked off to tend to Tommy.

“Right you, bath time.” Frank heard her say as she took Tommy in her arms and carried him upstairs.

Frank wolfed down his breakfast and coffee and headed upstairs to get ready for work. Jane had Tommy in the bath and the two were playing with the bubbles and a toy ship when Frank entered the bathroom. Tommy splashed about as Frank washed his face.

Frank shouted his goodbyes as he pulled on his overcoat, fastening it tight across the waist and pulling the collar up high against his face in anticipation of the cold. He was instantly hit by a gust of wind as he opened his front door. The wind didn’t die down as he made his way out of the house and down the street. The sky was dark now as the night drew ever closer. Frank walked with his hands stuffed deep inside his pockets as he passed houses, houses that gloated warm contentment of the evening. Windows glowing with the warmth of lamps and fireplaces. Families huddled together in front of the telly.

Frank closed his eyes as a bitter wind blew harsh into his face. He was thankful to eventually reach the shelter of the bus stop. The bus pulled up and Frank got on. It was full of people heading to town.

Friday night. Frank leaned his head against the window and as the bus set off he felt the vibrations all through his body.

The bus home was always a much more pleasant journey. The sun was just about peering over the top of the houses, bouncing off of the illuminated slate roof tiles. The bus arrived at Frank’s stop and he got off, thanking the driver as he did. On the opposite side of the road there was a crowd of people waiting for the bus in the opposite direction. Fresh faces. Sleep still in the eyes after a good night’s rest.

Frank made his way up the street and towards his house. He softly slid his key into the lock and turned it gently. He knew Jane would get up if she heard him, but it was too early yet and she should sleep for a little longer.

Frank opened the door and slipped off his shoes before tiptoeing across the carpet. He undressed downstairs and headed up to the bedroom in just his underwear. He opened the door with precision and care and, after cautiously pulling back the duvet, he climbed into the warmth of the bed. Jane stirred and muffled but did not wake. Frank looked at the clock. It was six-thirty. Frank set the alarm for nine o’clock. Two and a half hours sleep and then off to the pictures Frank thought. Frank smiled to himself, then closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

STRONG NORTHERN &

‘Hendo’s’, ‘the Black Stuff’, ‘Relish’ is a Sheffield institution, adding spice and savour to any dish.

Splash it on Rarebit, stir it in Shepherd’s Pie, teem it into your Bloody Mary, tip it over Fish and Chips for a fuller, richer flavour.

To find out more and where you can find Henderson’s fabulous relish, please call 0114 242 5724 or visit hendersonsrelish.com

Available in all good grocery stores across the city, and online at www.hendersonsrelish.com

Bracknall: football manager

Cover bracknall feature

During the first lockdown much attention was given, and rightly so, to the impact of temporarily losing our restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops. But another body blow perhaps not given the coverage it deserved was the cancellation of Sunday league football across the country, an impact felt harshly in cities like Sheffield where grassroots footy serves as the lifeblood of amateur competition.

If Sunday league is the lifeblood of Steel City sport, then Steve Bracknall is a seasoned donor to the cause: one of many unsung heroes routinely washing kits, pumping up match balls, chasing subs payments, booking training pitches, printing out directions, and – with limited success – ensuring key players aren’t turning up too hungover on game day.

It’s been a tumultuous year for the game, and just as Steve’s beloved Royal Oak FC prepares for a return to the pitch the club’s been found itself weathering a fresh storm. Rumours of an imminent takeover have sparked tensions amongst the staff, with the outspoken assistant manager pulling no punches in airing his views on the matter. We caught up with Steve last month to get an update on the situation.

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bracknall

Nah then Steve, how are you getting on in this crazy world we’re living in today? Happy to see some restrictions lifted?

Ey up. Firstly, let me thank you from bottom of my heart for taking an interest in my club, Royal Oak FC. It’s nice to see the press take an interest in grassroots football for once. That’s the heartbeat of the footballing community. Never mind the Premier League or the Champions League, Sunday mornings are where I am at, developing the next generation.

In terms of this COVID lark, well, it’s been a nightmare hasn’t it? I’m worried what shape my lads will be in when we return to action this month. Our number 9, Tommy, bought a beer machine in lockdown and our utility man, Housey, isn’t exactly Joe Wicks in the kitchen – but these are all things we can assess when we get back training. We’ve got a new 4G training pitch up at Hillsborough Club and that excites me. Although I don’t fancy seeing Our Nikki’s face when she sees all them black bits of rubber in the carpet, but that’s all part and parcel of the game. It’s a rollercoaster and I’m here to ride it.

Let’s talk Royal Oak. Big change seems to be on the agenda with a takeover bid incoming from Malin Motors magnate Gary Wainright. What’s the latest at the club?

Listen! I know how these money men work and they don’t phase me. Ya see, what’s happened is our manager Paul Sampson no longer drinks in Royal Oak, where we run the club from. He takes his wife Deborah to some fancy wine bar up Dore now. That’s where he’s seen Wainright!

Thing is with these 10 bob millionaires,

they promise you the world: new kits, new tracksuits, fancy sponsor. I’m led to believe that he’s part of a consortium that includes Tommy Craig who used to play Tommy Harris in Coronation Street. He’s even telling us that he will get Jamie Cook from Arctic Monkeys to play right back when he’s not on tour. What he doesn’t know is that I know Cooky’s dad and he’s heard nothing about it. It will take more than name-dropping to impress me. though. Anyway, I want commitment; I need to know that my players will be ready to play week in, week out.

What are your worries about a fresh influx of cash – surely it’s all part of the modern game?

We’ve all seen what these owners do. They get their feet under the table, splash the cash and before you know it you’ve moved grounds, you’ve changed the colour of the kit and people who speak their mind, like me, are history. Look what’s happened with Chris Wilder at Sheffield United with this prince… I WILL NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO THE OAK. There have been rumours of a rift between yourself and the Royal Oak manager, Paul. How would you describe your relationship at the moment?

Listen pal, me and Paul go back twenty years. We played together at Red Rose.

There’s nothing we haven’t won between us both. I’m not talking about 5-a-side tournaments we’ve won, I’m talking proper domestic success at county level.

Between us we know the game inside out. He’s a mate and always will be. I also respect that he’s first team manager and I’m assistant. I’ve not got a problem with that. I also respect the fact that he’s my

gaffer at work and owns the electrical firm I work for; that could have been me and he knows it, but I chose a simple life.

I don’t need the stress. I’ve got enough on my plate with our Nikki, our Olivia and Bonehead, our dog, at home. Paul just needs to realise that all that glitters ain’t gold. We are the Royal Oak, always have been and always will be. I haven’t forgotten my roots – that’s the difference.

How’ve the players been responding to it all?

They want clarification; we all do. Talk of a takeover only causes unrest. On the Royal Oak badge it says ‘SIMO AMUL’ – that’s Latin that for ‘Together as One’.

It’s what we stand by. We’ve got a lad in Matthew Wynne who could walk into any Sunday league team in Sheffield. Okay, he’s unpredictable and sometimes doesn’t turn up but he’s my Jack Grealish, him. If there’s uncertainty behind the scenes he’ll walk. I don’t want that and neither does Paul. Wainright needs to put up or shut up!

Let’s dry and drill down into the Bracknall footballing ethos here. Are there any past and present coaches you’d say you’re particularly inspired by?

Fifteen years ago everyone told me that tika-taka would change the game of football forever. They called me old fashioned when I stuck to playing four at the back. However, I’m not saying I always play 4-4-2: I often play Wynny in a free role, give the lad some freedom. I want my players to express themselves but what I don’t want is them messing about with it at the back. If you get ball in fullback position, it goes and goes

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bracknall

long. Have you seen the size of the grass on Concorde Park recently? You can’t be playing triangles on that. No chance.

I don’t like to model myself on other managers, but if you’re making me then its Brian Clough or Alex Ferguson.

If you were given an unlimited budget to bring in five players to improve the squad, who are you tapping up and why?

I don’t need money. I never have needed money. I can tell if a player is worth signing within five minutes of watching him. It’s the same when I meet them off the pitch: I figure them out straight away. I want honesty, there’s not enough of it these days. Give me honesty, give me passion, give me loyalty and you’re welcome at the Oak. Once you’ve established that with me, I can work with

you, develop you. I see myself as a mentor both on and off the field. I don’t need money. Pay your subs every week, put a few quid behind the bar for Terry and June (landlord and landlady) at the Royal Oak and that’s me happy.

Must be nice to see the lads back out on the pitch. How’ve the performances been since the season started up again?

We haven’t played since the re-start.

We are waiting for the Imperial League to provide us with a plan on how we are going to finish the season. They relegated us via algorithm in lockdown. Well, they won’t break me. It’s same with any governing body: they’re all out of touch with the common man. They sit in their suits and dish out the rules and regs. They don’t think about us on the shop floor.

That’s all I’m wiling to say on the matter

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before I get myself in hot water. We’ll be ready for Operation Restart when it happens. Mark my words.

Finally, what are your aims for the league this year?

Relegation means we are in the third tier of the Imperial League for the seventh time in our history, so it’s got to be promotion. I’ve made no secret of what my overall aim is for this club. It’s to take them to the Meadowhall Premier League.

If I do that, I can retire a happy man.

There’ll be tears, anger and sadness on the way but me and my lads dream. If you can’t dream then what have we got? I still believe.

A short film ‘Bracknall’ is available to watch online now @SteveBracknall

Shot ofthe month

shot of the month

Tramlines

Joshua Atkins (FANATIC) captured this crowd shot of Johnny Marr playing at Tramlines in Hillsborough Park 2019. It seemed like such a long shot, but the good times are truly on their way back!

A budding snapper yourself? Send your Shot of the Month over to paul@northboundmagazine.co.uk and you might just be next month’s featured photographer!

TV & FILM

TV & Film

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TV & Film

SHEFFIELD: SET CITY Made in Sheffield, the brilliance of Kes (1969) It’s kind of pointless to give an introduction to Kes; particularly if you’re from the area, it will be the first film that comes to mind when someone says ‘Yorkshire-set film,’ but for the uninitiated, Kes was directed by the master of social realism, Ken Loach, who is still making films today. His last effort was Sorry We Missed You, which is based around a delivery driver living in poverty, but the story of Kes centres on something quite different.

The titular Kes is not the main character, as you might think, but a kestrel adopted by the film’s protagonist, fifteen-year-old Barnsley lad Billy Casper. The film is adapted from the 1968 novel A Kestrel for a Knave (which, full disclosure, I have not read). But I have seen Kes, and on the surface, the story of a boy living in a poor area finding meaning while caring for a bird might sound the kind of heartwarming fare you’d seen in a Disney movie. Kes, though, is much more morose than those sort of films, concerning itself far more with loss and familial tensions than the animal-human relationship.

Like much of Loach’s work, those tensions stem from the fact that Billy lives in a city marred by poor government policy which, historically, has neglected the North of England, and the people in the area who uphold those norms such as teachers, social workers, and so on. Billy is caught in the middle of all of this: he is in education, but his career choices are fairly narrow.

His brother is a miner, and his bitter personality prevents Billy from going down that path; he could work in a shop or become an apprentice, or take on various other reliable career paths, but none of these solve the issue at the film’s heart: Billy’s experience in his hometown has made him want to leave.

In Kes, Loach puts forward a cynical worldview.

The film is bookended by two moments of tragedy: the first of Billy sleeping in the same bed as his brother having been up working at the same time as he needs to go to the mine; and the second of Billy finding out his brother has killed the Kestrel.

The symbolism in Kes isn’t as subtle as in other anti-capitalist films, like Kyoshi Kurasawa’s Tokyo Sonata, which has a relatively similar

theme, but the ease with which Kes can be understood democratises the artform: Ken Loach isn’t making films for college graduates and academically-minded people; he’s making films for those represented by his work, and he’s not talking down to them.

This democratisation of art is the reason Loach has remained popular over the years.

On top of that, Kes doesn’t approach its subject matter from a distance, in a chin-stroking manner; Loach puts the audience right in the middle of it, engaging them emotionally and putting them directly in Billy’s position. Films like Kes are ones which could really only be set in ex-mining communities (or, in the context of Kes, a current mining community), because there were few other places in the UK in which poverty and social inequality were like blankets covering the entire area; social inequality exists in other areas, of course, but the South – London, Cambridge, Oxford, etcetera – exist in two halves, and this is why social realist films in those areas are based around the conflict between the rich and the poor, whereas ones set in the UK’s devolved nations or the North of England will be about existing with it – and how that affects the self and the people surrounding it.

Ken Loach’s film is the purest, and most effective, example of this. Kes has retained classic status over the years because of the finer details included in the simple tale of a boy and his Kestrel.

Written by Frazar McDonald.

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On the big screen

New sky thriller

showtrial

Sky announces supernatural crime thriller The Rising, a new in-house production from Sky Studios Sky today announces a new eight-part supernatural crime thriller The Rising which is due to begin filming in the Lake District next month.

The Rising is the first series produced entirely in-house from Sky Studios, Sky’s production and development arm, who are working with executive producer Julian Stevens, producer of The Fall (BBC Two) and Informer (BBC Two).

The Rising is the story of Neve Kelly (Rugaard), who discovers that she is dead. She’s scared and confused by this new existence. But, when she realises she has been murdered, she’s furious. She’s determined to find her killer and get justice, believing that it was someone she knew. ane Millichip, Chief Content Officer, Sky Studios said, “Following a successful production collaboration on The Third Day, The Rising is the first series produced entirely in-house at Sky Studios. It re- enforces our ambition and commitment to building high-quality production capability that sits alongside our work with independents. It’s fantastic to be working with Julian Stevens and a world-class team of established and emerging talent, who are delivering a fresh and impactful take on the supernatural genre.”

Filming has begun on Showtrial, a brand new BBC One drama from writer Ben Richards (The Tunnel, Strike, Cobra), produced by World Productions (Line Of Duty, Bodyguard, The Pembrokeshire Murders) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Zara Hayes (Poms, Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist) directs Filmed and set around Bristol, Showtrial explores how prejudice, politics and the media distort the legal process, in a timely legal drama full of dark humour.

Ben Richards, creator and writer, says: “I am delighted with the cast that has been assembled for Showtrial. It is a brilliant ensemble of talented actors that feels modern, energetic, and perfectly suited for the complex characters and storylines.”

Zara Hayes, director, says: “These scripts are thoroughly gripping and yet say something truly resonant about the justice system. I couldn’t be more honoured to bring them to life along with such a wonderful cast and the dream team in British TV drama…”

Ourpickof the flicks The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness Crime docu-series about a journalist looking into murders linked to a satanic cult. The Son of Sam case grew into a lifelong obsession for journalist Maury Terry, who became convinced that the murders were linked to a satanic cult.

on the box

wentworthstars Servants’ quarters at Wentworth Woodhouse ‘star’ in new Netflix drama The Irregulars Long-abandoned servants’ quarters at Wentworth Woodhouse are about to be streamed into the living rooms of crime drama fans in over 190 countries The Grade I listed stately home in Rotherham being regenerated by a Preservation Trust was used as a location for major new Netflix series The Irregulars, which was released on March 26.

Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the plot follows a gang of troubled street teens in Victorian London who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and the elusive Sherlock Holmes.

Wentworth Woodhouse, which is owned and being regenerated by a Preservation Trust, welcomed the crew in autumn 2019 and February 2020. The Netflix production mainly ‘stars’ the unglamorous, workaday areas which were crucial to the smooth-running of the 18th century household. Designers created an outdoor set where a series of workrooms dating back hundreds of years cluster around open courtyards.

This fascinating part of the site, which once bustled with servants going about their daily lives, is not yet open to the public.

Set designers transformed the old Slaughter House off an area called Back Yard to create the Duck and Quiver Inn, a principal filming location.

“The ground in front of the Slaughter House was covered with a very un-Victorian layer of Tarmac, so the location team did us a great favour and removed it, revealing the original cobbles,” said Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust CEO Sarah McLeod.

“We were thrilled to host the world’s leading streaming entertainment service and hope they return if there’s a second season.

“Filming is a very important source of income for the Trust. We will be glued to The Irregulars. It’s always exciting when we have film crews with us, but even more so when we finally get to see the production on screen.”

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Image: Thesupermat

Jimmy Cliff: Leadmill (2004) It’s not often you get to see a true music legend perform. I’ve been lucky enough to see a couple – Stevie Wonder and Eric Burdon spring to mind – but to see one at the legendary Leadmill here in Sheffield was to good an opportunity to pass up. By 2004, I’d listened to and loved a lot of reggae music but had never really experienced it in a live situation. I went to the Leadmill that night full of anticipation and a real sense of wanting to experience something new to me. Coincidently, I’d watched the seminal film ‘The Harder They Come’ starring Jimmy himself not long before the gig. I remember his band taking to the stage first and, with a slickness I’d not really experienced before, seconds after picking up their instruments, dived straight into a short instrumental medley of Jimmy’s hits. The sound was incredible and immediately there was a real joyous vibe in the crowd. Jimmy took to the stage not long after and with a similar sense of timing and showmanship launched into his opening song without missing a beat. A particular highlight of the set was his mesmerising performance of ‘Many Rivers to Cross’,, where his voice, despite his advancing years, was just as clear and crisp as the day he first sang it. My kry memory of the gig was that joyous sense of togetherness and how incredibly good Jimmy and his band were – a real eye opener for me. I don’t think I’ve been to a happier gig since.

a night to remember For the best part of two decades now, singer-songwriter Ed Cosens has been an ever-present influence on the Sheffield music scene. Since co-fronting Judan Suki in the early noughties with school pal Jon McClure and fellow bandmates Alex Turner and Matt Helders, Ed has been on a journey that has seen him top the charts and tour the world with Reverend and The Makers, soaking up life-changing experiences and honing his craft until the came to strike out on his own, releasing debut solo album ‘Fortunes Favour’ last month.

It’s been an incredibly tough time for the industry, so to celebrate the local venues that’ve provided some important steps on his musical story so far, Ed’s put together a guide to some of his favourite gigs experience in the Steel City.

Fortunes Favour by Ed Cosens is out now via Distiller

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Oasis: Sheffield Arena (1997) For people of my age who were into music and the whole Britpop culture, especially here in the north, the Be Here Now tour were THE gigs to go to. Oasis, at the height of their fame and the Britpop movement at this time, were without doubt my favourite band and a huge reason why I was in a band myself. We all queued for three days to get tickets! This was a time before booking tickets online was really a thing, as the internet itself was still in its early days. No mobile phones, certainly no social media, so the only way to guarantee a ticket was to get in the queue and wait. There was a real community spirit between all those mad enough to queue; there were people with guitars playing all the Oasis songs and no trouble or bad vibes to be seen at all. It also transpired that my future wife, Rachel, was also somewhere in the queue, quite possibly only a few people away as we’ve later worked out! We were all there for one thing and one thing only: to get that golden ticket. The actual gig itself is a bit of a blur. I remember a hugely elaborate stage setup, mirroring the Be Here Now album cover, where the band themselves emerged from a giant red telephone box on the side of the stage and just a sense of absolute carnage at the front! More than just the gig, though, I knew it was just important to be there and to celebrate something that was such a big part of my life at that time.

Image: steve matthews

ed cosens

Wilko Johnson: The Greystones (2011)

Image: Paul Windsor

Image: Dean Chalkley

Wilko Johnson, for those who don’t know him, was a former member of 70s Rhythm and Blues band Dr Feelgood, and has also played with Ian Dury and the Blockheads amongst others. He is perhaps not as wellknown as he should be, but his influence as a guitarist is much greater than his fame. He certainly had a big influence on me as a guitarist and opened my eyes to new ways of playing. I had seen Wilko once before whilst working behind the bar at The Boardwalk on Snig Hill – a much missed venue – just a few years earlier. This was my first time seeing him properly as a punter and to be able to see him at such an intimate venue meant I was more than excited. I met a couple of friends in the bar to have a couple of drinks before the gig, it was December time, so rude not to, when all of a sudden the lights went out. Literally. There had been a power cut in the area and no one really seemed to know what was going on. After a short time, we got word that the power outage shouldn’t last too long so everyone in the now packed Greystones bar decided to hang on in hope the gig went ahead. Now, huge credit to the Greystones and its staff that they managed to keep the bar open and the beer flowing, which ultimately would be my undoing later that evening. Time ticked on and hope was beginning to ebb away when all of a sudden, at the last minute, the lights sprung back into life, welcomed by a huge cheer from the crowd, who only seconds later had begun to resign themselves to the long walk home. We were quickly herded into the backroom where to an especially rapturous greeting, Wilko took to the stage. It was magical. The less said about the end of this boozy evening the better, however!

richard hawley: leadmill (2003) arctic monkeys: boardwalk (2005) Having been really close to the Monkeys in those early days, I’d been to gigs and played with them on many occasions, so I was well aware that by the time of this gig something really interesting was beginning to happen for them. Their EP, Five Minutes with Arctic Monkeys, had just been released and excitement was rife. This gig has always stuck in my mind, but not really because of seeing the guys play, as I’d seen that many times before, but it was the audience that made it memorable. This was the first time that the crowd pretty much sung back every lyric and had really started to go nuts. I especially remember when the opening strains of ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ (then still called ‘Scummy Man’) started: the volume of the singing visibly took Alex a bit by surprise and it really was a moment where I think we all knew things would never be the same again.

This gig was to promote Richard’s 2003 album, Lowedges, my favourite album of his, and I’d even go as far to say one of my favourite records full stop. I’d been recording not long prior to the gig with Colin Elliot, Richard’s co-producer and bass player, at the renowned Yellow Arch studios. It was a session only to do a couple of demo recordings with an early band of mine, and I was just my finding my feet really, but whilst in the studio Colin played me a couple of the tracks from Lowedges. I was blown away, and my love affair with Richard’s music began. The Leadmill on that night was busy, but certainly not full – which, quite frankly, at the time I couldn’t believe and I remember thinking, “Where is everyone?”

It was maybe a year or so before Richard’s real breakthrough album, Coles Corner, so I guess the audience was only made up of those who’d already cottoned on! My overriding memory of the gig was just being transfixed by Richard, his guitars, and how the songs sounded being played live – just beautiful.

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Have some interesting tales from your trade? Send them into paul@northboundmagazine.co.uk

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tales of the trade

5 things you only know if you’re a...

...a SOUND ENGINEER You can come across some interesting people in this job If you mean proper musicians that play instruments and perform live, then yes, plenty. If you mean someone from the latest series of X-Factor, then probably not (although there may have been one or two!). There are loads of messy events and stories over the years, but most are far too salacious for the pages of a good wholesome family-friendly magazine. You can have two that are pretty tame. I can tell you for a fact that Damon Albarn will beat you at ping pong, as he is a grand master at it and tours the world with a full-size flightcased table in the back of the articulated truck! And Buster Bloodvessel from Bad Manners is a nightmare and to be avoided.

He won’t turn up to soundcheck, pretends things aren’t working, and thinks he’s hilarious. Ha-bloody-ha! If you want the proper gossip and scandal you’ll need to buy me a beer or three and take an oath of silence!

When it comes to “making it”, it’s about more than just having talent.

There are obviously a lot of variables, so you can never say for sure; but I can definitely tell if they have the right attitude to make it. In my experience these are: a fantastic hard work ethic, super charming people skills and a mystical ability to capture the zeitgeist, bottle it up with a capitalist fervour and flog it to the eager kids following as you pipe out your merry tunes. Being naturally gifted rarely builds a career in the music industry on its own – although it doesn’t do much harm as long as you also possess the vital attributes above.

It’s not all about the technical stuff, you know…

Technical skills account for maybe 20% maximum, people skills = 75%. Some situations require you to have immense empathy, patience and emotional understanding; others are a mental and sometimes physical battle that require the response of a savage tyrant! (I would like to thank my former comrades Brian and Ash

at The Grapes for many an invaluable lesson here!). The key is deciding which strategy is the appropriate one to take! The remainder is split between boozing skills (around 2.5%) and lumping heavy speakers about skills (again 2.5%).

It’s a team effort … In most situations. Put someone in a strange venue with no assistance, chances are they’ll spend the entire sound check looking for breakers to turn the rig on and where the microphone stands are kept! The secret behind running a great live venue is the symbiotic relationship between the house team and the touring crew – advancing, maintenance and preparation is vital! Obviously that all goes out of the window when there’s been a three-hour traffic jam on the M1 and the talent turn up 15 minutes before showtime; that’s when the real fun starts and certainly sorts out the pros from the have-a-gos!

Some people can get on your nerves “Can you turn my son/daughter up? They’re not loud enough!”

“F*ck off!”

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Light up Your Life 2021 spring fashion is all about adding atouchoffire and scarlet to your wardrobe…

RALPH DARK RED PINSTRIPE OLLIE SLIP DRESS

Cow’s signature vintage rework is a favourite here at NorthBound. This Ollie slip dress is made from a genuine Ralph Lauren shirt in dark red cotton with a burgundy pinstripe with the original Ralph logo on the chest. A cute mini length and spaghetti straps make the perfect dress for spring and the *fingers crossed* slightly warmer temperatures.

wearecow.com // £35

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fashion

Recycled Wool Tailored Coat The ‘Austen’ by Lucy and Yak is a gorgeous long coat with a wonderful mustard colour. As with everything, Lucy and Yak use recycling fabric to create the coat which has a lot of amazing sustainable qualities.

lucyandyak.com // £30

Collectif Bamboo Clutch

This bamboo clutch is a great bag to finish off your colourful outfit. You can use this as a clutch bag or use the detachable chain handle. This style features a bamboo twist lock, which ties together to this fabulous tropical feel bag.

misssamanthasvintage.co.uk // £16.45

Seamstress of Bloomsbury Dolores

A stunning 40s dress recreated from an original pattern in Miss Sam’s extensive archive, available in their very own authentic and natural 40s Rayon Crepe De Chine fabric.

This style is flattering for all body shapes and super comfortable for day wear or dancing. It has beautiful top shoulder smock stitching detail, inseam side pockets and ties to the back for ultimate fit adjustment.

RED WAFFLE DUNGAREES

A quality basic to have hanging in your wardrobe, these dungarees come with a waffle knit design and long bottoms giving off a classic 90s look.

wearecow.com // £35

misssamanthasvintage. co.uk // £79

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Culture

Sheffield is open!

Largest artist showcase outside of London celebrates 23 years Open Up Sheffield, one of the largest and most successful open studio events outside of the capital, will return in a new online format for the whole of May. With no event taking place last year due to coronavirus restrictions, this is the first Open Up since 2019 – an event which saw a total of 86 individual artists and 9 groups hosting a series of workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions.

This year, artists will have their own dedicated page via the Open Up Sheffield website with photographs featuring their artwork, along with information about the artist, virtual studio demonstrations and artwork tours, contact details and whether the artist will be open to visits by appointment. These pages will be left available to access and browse for up to a year.

Open Up Sheffield is a free event and prides itself on being family-friendly. It is now a validated Children’s University Learning Destination, meaning that children can complete an art activity in their own time in order to earn credits to gain awards and certificates. Please follow the link below to access the activity: openupsheffield. co.uk/childrens-university.

This year’s event is dedicated to Paul Schatzberger, from Walkley, who passed away from kidney cancer in December 2020. Paul was an Open Up Sheffield artist for many years. He was an inspirational former Sheffield GP, a talented photographer and an accomplished musician, making in each one a strong contribution to the life of the city.

Paul was a regular Open Up Sheffield artist and great supporter of the annual event for many years. Hailing from Walkley, he was an inspirational Sheffield GP, retiring from medicine in 2007 and devoting himself to music and photography.

Whilst still a GP, he photographed staff and pa-

tients on a health worker’s trip to Cuba in 1992 and highlighted the commitment of staff despite huge economic difficulties at the time.

His work also included images of inner-city Sheffield and a series on death and dying, capturing key moments in people’s lives through his warm, sensitive and unobtrusive presence.

Paul’s later works explored and presented his own observations of personal and external space. His photographs have been exhibited across the world, gaining many accolades and his work is in private collections – a lasting tribute to his skill, compassion and vision.

Open up Sheffield is one of the largest and most successful open studio events outside of the capital, which will return in a new online format for the whole of May due to coronavirus restrictions. This year, artists will have their own dedicated page via the Open Up Sheffield website with photographs featuring their artwork, along with information about the artist, virtual studio demonstrations and artwork tours, contact details and whether the artist will be open to visits by appointment.

This year there will be no published brochure but all information will be on openupsheffield. co.uk, or you can email info@openupsheffield. co.uk.

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food & Drink www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk | 53

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Taken from the brand new book, the Little Book of Sheffield, available on Amazon and mezepublishing.co.uk now.

VeganMocha Pancakes Prep time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 2-4

For the pancakes 125g self-raising flour (can be gluten-free) 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of sea salt 150ml Oatly Chocolate Oat Drink 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract 1 double espresso (40ml) Coconut oil, for frying Mixed fruits, to serve For the mocha syrup 1 heaped tbsp vegan chocolate powder 1 double espresso

The Whaletown Coffee Company is an award-winning speciality coffee shop in Crookes, serving Cuppers Choice Coffee Roasters on house and guesting different European Roasters every month. For a small place it has made a big impact nationally for its consistency, customer service, and for its dedication to sustainability and coffee industry innovation.

Who doesn’t love a pancake? They’re perfect as breakfast or dessert, and the only way to make these even better is, of course, adding coffee! For this I am using a washed Nicaragua Jinotega double espresso from Sheffield’s own Cuppers Choice Coffee Roasters. I understand not everyone has access to an espresso machine in their home, so I suggest either bringing home a double espresso from your favourite local, or if you have a Nespresso pod machine, get the pods from Colonna & Small’s or April Coffee Roasters, for example.

For the pancakes Put the flour, baking powder, and sea salt into a large bowl and thoroughly mix them together. Add the chocolate oat drink, vanilla extract and double espresso, and whisk them together until the batter is smooth and looks so good you want to lick it off your whisk.

Heat a frying pan and add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Spread the oil around the pan, then add about 2 tablespoons of the pancake batter into the centre of the pan and spread with the back of a spoon in a circular motion. Cook the pancake until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip to the other side and cook for a further minute, allowing the pancake to rise and become fluffy. Place the pancake on a baking tray in the oven on a low heat to keep warm while you make the rest.

For the mocha syrup Put the vegan chocolate powder in a small bowl or mug, add the double espresso, and mix together with a fork until the powder has dissolved and the mixture resembles a thick dark sauce.

To serve Stack your pancakes on a plate, pour the syrup all over them, and add any fresh fruit you desire. Easy. Tasty. Caffeine Dream.

Whaletown Coffee Co. 227 Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1TE www.whaletowncoffee.com

54 | www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk

FOOD + DriNK

www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk | 55

food + drink

56 | www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk

food + drink

Like a fine wine!

Mitchell’s Wine Merchants is an integral part of Sheffield’s retail community, and their name has been known in Meadowhead for 85 years.

The store is run by John Mitchell and his daughter Frankie, who is the third generation of the family to do so. Mitchell’s grandfather was a publican at the George IV pub on Infirmary Road when he sent his son, Dennis, to Henry Fanshawe School in Dronfield. On his journey in to school, a row of shops in Meadowhead caught Dennis’ eye, and he went on to be an apprentice butcher before eventually opening his own butchers there in 1935. In 1961, the family moved out of the living quarters inside the shop and Mitchell’s father refurbished it into a beer off, later to become the wine merchants it is today, thereby opening a new chapter in the life of the family.

Sheffield runs in Mitchell’s blood, and the family really are built into the brickwork of the city. His great-grandfather, Henry Sampson, owned a pub back in the 1860s called Adelphi, which was where Sheffield Wednesday and Yorkshire Cricket were founded. The pub was pulled down in 1970 and replaced by the famous Crucible theatre, and even further back down their line of Steel City ancestors is Thomas Boulsover who invented the Sheffield plate.

The merchants are highly regarded throughout Yorkshire, winning a huge number of awards including Wine Merchant of the Year twice, as well as the same in the beer and spirit categories. The heavily stocked cabinets feature more than 1000 wines, 600 whiskeys, and 1000 beers in total – 500 of which are craft brews. It also holds an impressive selection of Havana cigars, being the second largest retailer of this product in the north.

From starting as a small family business to most recently delivering far and wide, Mitchell’s continues to achieve. Sending out 100 deliveries a week both locally and nationally, they have made it easier for everyone to try their wines, bringing the fun straight to your doorstep. With such an illustrious history and unique array of products, Mitchell’s place in Sheffield is firmly secured, and he hopes that the family will continue to bring some of life’s biggest pleasures to the locals of the city for more generations to come. www.mitchellswine.co.uk 354 Meadowhead, Sheffield S8 7UJ

www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk | 57

Culture

If These Walls Could Talk Sarah Haworth reflects on how the city’s urban galleries provided welcome stimulation during those seamlessly endless lockdown walks.

Pete McKee: The Snog

Local artist Pete McKee is deeply rooted within the city, and this gloriously larger than life elderly couple embraced in a kiss is one to make you smile.

Painted on the side of Fagan’s pub, the message is resounding: “Till the end of our days I will love you forever. Through the ups and downs I will never leave your side”.

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Culture

Lockdown can be dull and monotonous, yet seeing colour and creativity etched across the city’s walls often helps you to muster up those happier feelings.

Particularly this year, the positivity that radiates from street art too often taken for granted has really struck a chord with me, adding a few welcome bursts of light into the darker days.

Sheffield’s street art is symbolic to the city and constantly evolving; some murals have stood the test of time and become etched into the city’s culture, while others have popped up in the past year.

While taking my government-approved strolls during a cold and often miserable lockdown, a few pieces in particular spoke to me, and this is my way of paying tribute to the art that kept me dreaming of better days.

Mila K: This is Just an Interval With the long, dark days and unforgiving weather during a winter lockdown, it was easy to feel like the whole thing was never-ending. However, it’s important to remember that things will get better, and that this is just an interval! This work

by Mila K, painted on the doors of the 02 Academy in 2020, reassured me that we will sing and dance again one day.

JupiterFab: The Conversation Internationally renowned Italian street artist Jupiterfab visited Sheffield in the summer of 2019, leaving behind this beautiful image in Kelham Island. The mural shows three people having an engaging conversation, phones cast aside, providing an important moment of reflection on how we communicate in the modern world. It’s quite strange to see this today, with most interaction still being held from afar or via an internet connection, and I found myself longing for moments like this to return.

Marcus Method, Stog, i.d.s.t. and Skeg: Bethel Walk Collab Mural This colourful collab piece between Sheffield street art icons popped up only recently, and it’s well worth checking out for its sheer vibrancy. The lettering was created by Stog and i.d.s.t, whilst the patterns and fills were painted by Marcus Method and Skeg. It was lovely to see such bold shades added to an otherwise dismal passage, contrasting everyday greys with beautiful colours.

Jo Peel: Alma Street Mural Jo Peel’s murals are instantly recognisable. She juxtaposes bold black and white industrial locations with bright blocks of colour and natural beauty in the background. Often 62 | www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk

this is just an interval

Culture

including Sheffield staples, she takes great pride in the city, and this iconic Alma Street mural features the old Henderson’s Relish factory in the foreground. Although grey and industrial in places, Sheffield also has many natural colours to showcase, and Jo manages to translate that dichotomy brilliantly in her work.

Bubba 2000: Tribute to the NHS Bubba 2000 is a stencil artist with many iconic sketches dotted around the city.

His art is always engaging and thoughtprovoking, and this one is no different, using his talent to show his gratitude for the NHS during the pandemic.

Phlegm: Devonshire Quarter Born and bred in Sheffield, the enigmatic Phlegm has been painting walls in the city for many years. His surreal monochrome illustrations are beautifully done, paying homage to the collection of sculptures in ‘Mausoleum of the Giants’, his hugely popular showcase that debuted in 2019. This impressive mural is one of his earlier works, featuring a giant holding onto a dreamlike world, and you soon find yourself lost in its intricate details.

Kid Acne: That’s the Spirit Born in Malawi, based in Sheffield, Kid Acne is an illustrator and hip-hop musician, and his inimitable street art will be familiar to many. From large-scale slogans to female warriors, his art is inspiring, connecting the community on a deeper level. Though painted a few years ago, this mural now has a more poignant meaning; the words are hopeful and motivating, reflecting the strong ‘spirit’ of the city in the face of the pandemic.

Rob Lee: Picture House Social Brazenly 70s, retro and geometrical, Rob Lee painted this larger-than-life optical illusion onto the Picture House Social in 2019, linking music and popular culture with street art.

His illusions draw in passers-by, and they are immersed in the movement of the mural, which reflects vibrations in its lifelike curves.

Something about the piece feels warm and familiar, and it has quickly become one of my favourites.

Trik 9: The Gay Quarter Wings Well known in Sheffield, Trik 9 has created numerous murals over the years, using a wide colour palette to brighten up many a wall around the city. This most recent one is no exception, with the stunning wings paying homage to the Pride flag on the outside of Queer Junction, celebrating the community by communicating visibility and strength.

www.NorthBoundmagazine.co.uk | 63

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