2024
Thursday October 24th at 7:30 pm – Problem of Pain
Jane Robinson, a senior physiotherapist at the Children’s Hospital gave a talk on the problem of pain.
Friday 27th September – Harvest Celebration
A couple of dozen people gathered in the activity centre to mark autumn and harvest-time. The traditional harvest display of food donated by residents was supplemented by artwork and a harvest wreath (which was later auctioned) made by Florence Rothman. A variety of seasonal readings and songs were shared.
We were joined by a volunteer from Grace Foodbank who explained its work in supporting individuals and families in the Low Edges area. Revd Godfrey Smallman, from All Saints Ecclesall and Whirlow Spirituality Centre, gave a reflection on “wisdom from above …. full of mercy and good fruits.”
In true Whinfell style the afternoon concluded with plenty of sandwiches, scones and cakes. Several bags of food were sent to the Foodbank, together with over £200 in cash.
Sunday 18th February 2:30 pm – Film and Tea
Mike and Kathleen showed the film ‘My Fair Lady’. A film which is a firm favourite and once again very much enjoyed by those present. It was followed by an excellent afternoon tea.
2023
Thursday 16th November 7:00 pm – Quiz 
A lot of fun was had by the three teams taking part in the quiz, which was held in support of Tear Fund, a charity which ensures that people in less developed countries receive appropriate help to secure their futures. Midway during the evening those present enjoyed a very good supper provided by Pauline and Phil Winn.
Friday 3rd November – Coffee Morning
Many of us enjoyed a happy and relaxed atmosphere, as we ate croissants au chocolat with our coffee and chatted to our neighbours.
Sunday 22nd October 2:30 pm – Film and afternoon tea
The film, My House in Umbria’ was shown at the Activities’ Centre. There was a relaxed atmosphere as thirty five residents and friends discussed the film as they enjoyed afternoon tea. The film was well received.
Thursday 19th October – Concert
Another very successful concert was given at the Whinfell Activities Centre last Thursday. It was arranged by resident Mike Cox who had again recruited a number of solo singers to present an entertaining evening of songs, mostly from musical theatre. The numbers included items from Guys and Dolls, Carousel, My Fair Lady, Joseph, Breakfast at Tiffanys and Fiddler on the Roof. There were also some very old pieces, including one based on a 16th. Century English poem and an 18th. Century love song. As well as some regular singers, Mike introduced some new talent which included a 15 year old boy and a man in his mid eighties. Complementing the music were some humorous readings from T.S,Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Cats. These were given in superb manner by resident Judith Moore. The accompaniments and a solo of Ivor Novello medley was by regular pianist Peter Waring.
The concert was successful, not only as a very enjoyable show, but by the fact that the evening was a sell-out. Indeed it was sold out within two days – an indication that Whinfell residents really appreciate the programme of events at the Centre.
Thursday 21st September 2:30pm – Harvest Thanksgiving
Over twenty Whinfell residents, representing eleven different households, gathered for the annual Harvest Thanksgiving at the Activities Centre. We enjoyed some seasonal readings from volunteers, as well as songs, then listening to the Rev Canon Mark Brown from All Saints who gave us the opportunity to reflect on all we had shared. All this was followed by the ever popular tea and cakes.
It was especially nice to welcome some new residents to Whinfell as well as catching up with old friends. Generous donations of tins and packets of food were displayed before delivery to Grace Food Bank.
Monday 11th September 7:30 pm – Talk by Pam Jackson
Local author Pam Jackson, who writes as Pamela Cunningham, entertained us with an excellent talk on her life in ballet and how she became a writer. Her first book, ‘Do You Believe in Shooting Stars?’ contains many details about Art Deco in the earlier part of the last century. She described it as a murder mystery as well as a beautiful love story. Her novel, ‘Gherkins and Garters’ was not only inspired by her ancestors, who owned a pickle factory, but also ‘coloured’ by her experience on the stage.
Her talk was well received by those present and many took the opportunity to buy her books.
Saturday 6th May The Coronation
A very special day!
Many residents watched the spectacle of the Coronation together at the Activities’ Centre on the large screen. Others joined them later for a Coronation Lunch, provided by a band of helpers. Michael Cox gave the royal toast and we all joined in the singing of the National Anthem.
2022
Thursday 8th December 7:30 pm – the Development of Whinfell Court
Kathleen & Mike Cox presented a fascinating illustrated talk on the development of Whinfell Court from its very beginnings after the land was bought by Mr Hardy. It featured very interesting photographs of the building site in its early days, the site office in a caravan and the first dwellings to be finished. Many of us were not aware of how long early residents lived on a building site and endured many inconveniences.
There were many photos of former Whinfell residents and tributes were paid to the value of their pioneering endeavours in creating a wonderful community here. Those of us who now enjoy living in a beautiful area, amongst a happy, friendly community are indebted to the first residents who sowed the seeds of friendship and the importance of working together in harmony.
Thank you to Kathleen and Mike for an insight into life in the early days at Whinfell. Their reminiscences were well received.
Thursday 24th November 7:00 pm – Big Quiz Night
Well our grey matter was well and truly challenged, some fairing a lot better than others!! The moral – be careful who you choose to sit next to! It was all good fun and many thanks to Phil and Pauline for a good evening’s entertainment.
Wednesday 16th November 10:30 am – 12 noon – Coffee Morning
Residents enjoyed the opportunity to chat with their neighbours over a cup of coffee.
Sunday 6th November 3:00 pm The film “A Private Function”
Residents enjoyed afternoon tea whilst watching the film, ‘A Private Function’. It is a comedy about life in Yorkshire in Wartime written by Alan Bennett, starring Maggie Smith and Michael Palin.
Thank you to Kathleen Cox for organising this event.
Wednesday 19th October 7:30 pm – S2 Foodbank, Sheffield
Terry Gallagher gave a talk on the work of the S2 Foodbank in Sheffield. Residents of Whinfell give regularly to the Grace food bank and some to the S2 one so it was interesting to hear how donations are distributed to those in need.
Wednesday 19th October 10:30 am – 12 noon – Coffee Morning
This was an opportunity to chat, catch up and enjoy a cuppa with friends.
Thursday 13th October 7:30 pm – Musical Concert
Residents and their guests enjoyed an excellent concert with music from Broadway musicals and solo items performed by well known faces at Whinfell. There was a couple of surprising new singers and a beautiful recitation by Judith Moore. We also enjoyed a very humorous reading.
It was well attended and light refreshments were served.
Wednesday 5th October – 7:30 pm – Talk “Taliban in Afghanistan”
Michael Waters gave a very interesting talk on the Taliban in Afghanistan which was well received. Before refreshments Michael answered questions from the audience.
Wednesday 28th September Whinfell Harvest Celebration
At Whinfell Harvest Celebration. twenty-one residents shared a short act of worship, which included pertinent readings, songs and music, to reflect and give thanks for the good things we have experienced over the last year.
Contributions were received for the Grace Food Bank.
Afterwards, we enjoyed an excellent tea provided by Phil and Pauline Winn. Many thanks to them both for a really special afternoon.
Wednesday 21st September 10:30 am – 12 noon – Coffee Morning
This was a lovely opportunity to catch up with friends over coffee.
Monday July 25th until Friday July 29th
An amazing display of Lego models was staged in the Activities Centre for young and old, not only to see but to have plenty of hands on experience building their own creations. Brian and his son were on hand to explain the significance of the Star Trek characters, cars and aeroplanes etc. Many of the models were ‘mind blowing’ with their intricacy and astonishing level of detail. The children attending had a great time creating their own ideas. Thank you Brian.
Sunday 5th June – ‘Platinum Jubilee Street Party’
Once in a lifetime! There will not be another Platinum Jubilee so the British people, all over the country, staged amazing celebrations in honour of this event. Whinfell was no exception, and the residents came together to enjoy our own ‘Street Party’. Peter Holloway, Brenda Hayley and Sandra Scaife, along with a band of helpers, organised a very special event, which was held in the Activity Centre because of inclement weather. Phil Winn was the master of ceremony. A great deal of thought, planning, time and effort went into the success of Whinfell’s Platinum Jubilee celebration.
The room was decorated most effectively with red, white and blue bunting and balloons and the tables laid attractively, following the same theme. On arrival, residents were greeted with a glass of prosecco. 18 members of the Sheffield Chorale Society, under the guidance of their conductor, entertained us with beautiful music before and after our celebration afternoon tea. Many residents contributed to the ample fayre which we all enjoyed.
Peter took the opportunity, as we were all gathered together, to say a few words of appreciation to Brenda and Paul Hayley, who will shortly be leaving Whinfell, for all they have done for our community over many years. They were presented with a gift with our thanks.
The event ended with a toast to the Queen. The choir accompanied us in the singing of the National Anthem. As we left, we were given a ‘Jubilee’ cup cake. Thank you to all those who made this event so special and memorable.
Click on a photograph to enlarge the image.
Thursday 24th March – Know you Butterflies
Robin Hodges gave an illustrated talk about butterflies. Through the clear detail of his photographs he explained the differences between species and how to recognise the male from the female. It was well received by those attending.
Thursday 17th March – “Inspired by Iceland”.
Mike and Kathleen Cox entertained about 30 people with a very informative, illustrated talk on their trip to Iceland to visit friends and to travel to the south of the island. It not only featured beautiful photographs of the spectacular scenery but a fascinating insight into the culture of the Icelandic people and detail of their unusual traditions.
For refreshment we all enjoyed a slice of ‘Wedded Bliss’, a traditional Icelandic cake. It was a most enjoyable evening.
The money realised from the event will go towards funding a defibrillator for Whinfell.
2021
Sunday 19th December – Carol Singing
The carol-singing, held on the lawn by the pool, was very successful. About 20 people attended, including some who have not been to other events. We had a small brass band to accompany the singing and they had a bucket collection to help their funds. Philip and Pauline Winn led the event.
Thursday 16th December
The concert just before Christmas was a very good event and was much enjoyed by those who attended. We had a mixture of songs ranging from Broadway musical numbers to opera as well as Christmas and seasonal pieces. Judith Moore made a superb contribution, greatly enjoyed by everyone, with her rendition of Noel Coward’s “I’ve been to a marvellous party”. Ray and Kath Lawrence did a small skit about a doctor’s waiting room and the accompanist eter Waring performed “Troika” as a piano solo.
Songs included “A Foggy Day in London Town”, “Santa Lucia”, “Non Piu Andrai” from Marriage of Figaro, “Where is Love?”,” Fly Me to the Moon”, “Over the Rainbow”, “Scots Nativity”, “Stars”, and “The Judge’s Song” from Trial by Jury.
It ended with an ensemble chorus of ”We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
Monday 22nd November – Craft Afternoon
Seven residents attended the Craft afternoon, when Sheila demonstrated how to make a decorative Christmas cone by covering a polystyrene egg shape with tiny squares of Christmas fabric! It proved a bit of a challenge for the less nimble-fingered but there was success all round. A few also created a three dimensional bell using card and fabric. Everyone enjoyed the company, a cuppa and a mincepie or two!
Saturday 20th November – Quiz Night
How many segments are there in a typical orange?
How many hearts does an octopus have?
Which is the largest desert in the world?
These were just three of the questions in the Quiz held in the Activity Centre on November 20th. Teams took a welcome break for food and chat at the mid-way point, turning back to more of the questions in the second half. Sheila Smith and friends were the winning team who took home “gold” medals (made from chocolate), but everyone agreed it was an enjoyable evening.
We hope to hold a similar quiz next November to which all will be invited.
(In case you were wondering the answers to the questions above were: 10, 3 and the Antarctic Desert)
Saturday 30th October – Halloween Party
The Halloween Party proved to be a most enjoyable and successful event. A huge thank you to those who spent a lot of time and effort organising the decorations and food. The atmosphere was set with a balloon arch, lights, decorated pumpkins and spooky cob webs. A splendid fire kept us warm. Guests were greeted with hot butternut squash soup followed by burghers or hot dogs. Phil and Pauline led us in a sing song around the fire whilst we enjoyed hot chocolate and cake. Peter entertained us with a festive game.
An excellent evening! Thank to Brenda and Radha for providing the photographs.
Tuesday 28th September – Whinfell Harvest Festival
On September 28th people gathered in the activities centre for a harvest festival celebration. The event had been postponed by a fortnight because the organisers, Phil and Pauline Winn had been in Covid isolation. Unfortunately, the change of date meant that a number of people were unable to come, but generously sent donations for the display.
Janice, Dot, Sheila and Margaret shared poems and readings, some of which recalled times when harvest festivals in village churches were big events for agricultural communities. Some traditional harvest hymns were supplemented by a recording of John Rutter’s “For the Beauty of the Earth”. Pauline gave a brief talk about the Grace Foodbank in Low Edges, to which many residents regularly donate. Phil read a prayer for foodbanks, supplied by the Trussell Trust.
After “We plough the fields and scatter”, we chatted over tea, sandwiches and cakes.
Rather than a traditional display of fruit and vegetables people brought items suitable for use by the Grace Foodbank. As a result, another car-load of supplies was taken there.
Kathleen and Mike, who were on holiday on our re-arranged date, regularly take donations of Food to the Grace Foodbank. Like most foodbanks they are expecting to be particularly busy in the coming months as rising the rising costs of food and energy put extra pressure on the most vulnerable.
Thursday 9th September – Whinfell Concert
Thirty four residents and friends were delightfully entertained by 7 singers and a pianist to a varied programme of songs written over a period of 150 years. The evening began with ‘Oh, what a beautiful morning’ sung by Mike Cox. Mike also amused us with ‘I live in Trafalgar Square’ and ‘Reviewing the situation’. Other comic songs were ‘In the bath’ and ‘Joyce the librarian’. There were songs from opera, ‘Caro Mio Ben’ and ‘Deh Vieni Alla finestra’ and well known songs from times gone by such as ‘Those were the days’ and ‘We’ll gather lilacs’. The evening finished with ensemble and audience participation singing ‘We’ll meet again’, a pertinent choice as this was our first concert post Covid-19. Refreshments were served in the interval.
Wednesday 1st September – Coffee and Homemade
Twenty four residents enjoyed coffee with homemade scones, cakes and biscuits at our first event post Covid-19. We look forward to many more events this year.
2020
Sunday 16th August – Post Lockdown Celebration Lunch
Each year we hold a Summer Garden party at Whinfell, but this year we planned to make it an extra special event to celebrate coming out of lockdown and meeting one another again. The new gazebos were erected along with those lent by resident; tables and chairs were carefully placed to comply with social distancing; the food was bought and prepared and the garden carefully manicured but the weather let us down. Nevertheless we went ahead and made the most of very difficult conditions, coping with the rain and the limitations of social distancing. It was wonderful to see neighbours we had not seen for weeks and to chat face to face. It lifted everyone’s spirit.
We were entertained by Maxwell Thorpe who sang music from his operatic repertoire. Had the weather been kinder it would have been such a different event, but we all made an effort to enjoy ourselves and each other’s company. Thank you to all those involved in organising it.
15th June – Pinhole Camera Exhibition
Robin Hodges mounted an exhibition, for a fortnight, of his pinhole photographs. The two pinhole cameras, which he had made and used for producing the images, were on display. There was an explanation of how pinhole photography works and how to achieve different results according to the conditions and the object to be captured on film. Because Covid 19 restrictions were still in place, visitors were able to enjoy the display in their own time. It was well received.
9th February – The film, Carousel followed by Afternoon Tea
The weather was atrocious as Storm Ciara swept through the country so it was the perfect excuse to be inside to enjoy a film and afternoon tea together in the Activity Centre. We forgot the wind and rain as we were immersed in the wonderful songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s film, Carousel – Mr Snow, June is Bustin Out all Over, If I Loved You, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Soliloquy (My Boy Bill), When the Children are Sleep, What’s the Use of Wondrin.
After the film we enjoyed each other’s company as we shared afternoon tea.
2019
Tuesday 17th December .. Winter Fest
Wednesday 6th November .. … a talk by Michael Waters – “The Fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1919”
Michael was a career diplomat and in the 1990s spent several years as adviser to Chris Patten, Governor of Hong Kong until the Handover in 1997. Michael has done a lot of research about the Ottoman Empire and how it once dominated the Middle East. His talk, which was very well received, covered the extent and influence of the Ottoman Empire and how the major powers, including Great Britain divided up the Middle East after the First World War. It generated many questions and there was prolonged discussion on the after-effects of the fall in the current problems in the Middle East toady. Michael also gave us an insight into the contribution of Lawrence of Arabia and Gertrude Bell and details of the Sykes-Picot agreement.
A very good evening for all those who attended.
Thursday 31st October – Halloween Night Fire-pit Party
About 40 residents and friends enjoyed traditional hot dogs, hamburgers and hot jacket potatoes, followed by Yorkshire Parkin and Lemon Drizzle cake, around a glowing firepit. The garden in front of the swimming pool had been appropriately decorated for the occasion and Peter entertained us with some challenges. Thank you to all those who provided a pleasant evening.
Wednesday 4th September – a talk by Kerry Brooksbank
In 1914 when the German’s invaded Belgium, Kerry’s grandmother had to walk to Holland with her children where she left them safely expecting to visit them regularly. But the border was closed and she didn’t see them for 4 years, which is why she began making subversive pictorial lace as her response to the trauma.
Kerry’s talk vividly described the appalling conditions of occupied Belgium and how his grandmother became totally absorbed in lace making to fill her spare time and to help her cope with the ever present stress. Having taught herself the basic techniques, she created breath-taking pieces of lace depicting images pertinent to the progress of the German invasion in the First World War.
Apart from the last piece, the Peace Fan, owned by the family, her five lace pictures are on display in the Lace Museum in Antwerp. Her first picture, Defense of the Yser, depicts a lion, (Belgium), removing the crown on the head of an eagle, (Germany). Those present literally gasped with amazement that such a detailed image could be created with fine linen thread simply wound round hundreds of pins. The other pictures are entitled the Production, Belgium – bowed but undefeated, America joins the War, and King Albert 1. All of them unbelievable in their fine detail and incredible craftsmanship.
The evening was well attended and received.
Sunday 21st July – Summer picnic and Concert
Thankfully the weather was kind to us for the Summer picnic and concert. After an excellent buffet tea we were entertained by an accomplished pianist and several vocalists who performed songs from Gilbert and Sullivan and popular musicals.
Wednesday 3rd July – an illustrated talk on Ethiopia
Dr. John Williams and Diana Merrills gave a very interesting, illustrated talk about their recent trip to Ethiopia. It was very well received.
Wednesday 5th June at 7:30 pm ‘Toujours Amis, Toujours Unis’
Sylvia Dunkley, the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield gave a very fascinating, informative and illustrated talk on the story of the links between Sheffield and the northern French town of Bapaume. Her slides gave us a wonderful insight into how Sheffield became involved with Bapaume after the Great War through the endeavours of Alderman William Wardley, who set up the French aid appeal and the generosity of George Lawrence, a Sheffield businessman who owned a razor blade factory.
We saw many photographs of Bapaume including the crèche built with money donated by Sheffield and of the memorial which was erected on the road to Serre village. Robert Hatfield donated a teak casket containing a roll of honour naming 4890 Sheffield men, many from the Sheffield pals, lost in the conflict. The link with Sheffield and Bapaume continues.
Sylvia’s talk was very well received.
Wednesday 15th May A talk on banking security
Elizabeth Wilson from Nat West bank gave us a very informative talk entitled “Bank Security” which covered all aspects of personal financial security such as scams and identity frauds. She stressed how clever the perpetrators of such crimes are and how easily people are taken in by their devious emails and telephone calls. The advice, as ever, is do not give your bank details to anyone one by phone or email. If contactless cards are not kept in a special protective wallet they should be stored with other cards in a purse or wallet so that the magnetic strip cannot be read. Alternatively do not use them and destroy any you may have. For your security you can only use them without a pin on four consecutive occasions. Every fifth time you are asked to give your pin number.
March 25th The Singing Vicar
The Reverend Canon David Perkins, vicar of Edensor entertained us with amusing anecdotes of his life at Chatsworth interspersed with a medley of songs. The evening was well attended and the entertainment enjoyed by all.
February 22nd Mrs Findlay’s Broadwood Square Piano
Michael Hannon gave us a fascinating talk about his mother’s Broadwood Square piano. In tracing the history of the Broadwood Square Piano, which his mother Hilda Denny bought in 1977 in Ballycastle, Michael discovered the family history that linked his mother’s family (the Denny family) with the descendants of Mrs Dorothy Findlay, widow of the wealthy Glasgow Tobacco Merchant Robert Findlay, who bought the piano new in 1804. Michael explained how his mother’s family became linked to the Findlay family by virtue of the shipbuilding industry. Michael’s great grandfather, Peter Denny (1821–1895) was a shipbuilder and became a business partner of Thomas Dunlop Findlay, a grandson of Dorothy Findlay. Michael’s talk thus linked together the piano’s journey and the shipbuilding empire they both shared.
Refreshments were served.
2018
23rd April St George’s Day Celebration
The Whinfell St. George’s day Celebration took place om Monday 23rd April at 7 pm. The event was well attended despite dark clouds and a constant threat of rain. The light shower did not dampen spirits as the 50 or so guests were greeted by a welcome drink, including traditional mead. A brief talk on the weapons of the 13th century was followed by a re-enactment of a skirmish by members of the Escafeld Medieval Society. After this very interesting demonstration guests enjoyed a two course Medieval-themed meal.
A donation was made to the Society for their time and effort on behalf of Whinfell.
Brenda Hayley
Events in previous years
An excellent lunch with great neighbours!
A Musical Lunch with Dore Gilbert & Sullivan Society
If you plan an outdoor event on August Bank Holiday weekend you’ve either got to be very lucky or very confident – fortunately for us Kathleen chose the right day to hold a Musical Lunch. Last Sunday 25 August was perfect for the event, warm but not too hot, dry and pleasant. Julie and I sat in the sunshine and savoured a very nice NZ Sauvignon Blanc, good food, and some excellent music from the Dore Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Their varied programme contained some familiar and some not so well known G&S, some operetta and highly enjoyable excerpts from My Fair Lady and Les Miserables (or ‘the Glums, as David has now and forever labelled it!). There were some superb solos from the choir members along the way. David sang a love song to Judith and Pat – they seemed to enjoy it! Our own Mike Cox took us promenading along les Boulevards de Paris with some style! 
Our thanks go to the G&S Choir for their participation in this memorable event, and of course to the tireless Kathleen and Mike and all the people who helped including Mary and Brian, Sue and Ian, Joy and Tom, Julie, the Tent Teams and anyone I may have forgotten – sorry!
A packed Community Centre was treated to an emotional talk on Kindertransport from Dorothy Fleming, who came from Vienna to Leeds in 1938 because of the unspeakably cruel regime that ruled ‘Greater Germany’ and was soon to dominate most of Europe.
Dorothy told her story elegantly and with much wit, and the affection for the family in Vienna she was forced to leave and the foster family in Leeds who welcomed her to Britain was clear to see. From a lady with too much experience of the worst of the last century, a telling moment was her comment that when asked if it could happen again, she now answers “Maybe”.
Thank you Dorothy for an enthralling evening.
Other events this year –
New Year’s Eve Four course dinner to welcome the New Year
3rd February we held a Curry Lunch
27th February Norman West spoke about investigating major incidents
20th March Frank Able’s interesting talk about Humanist funerals
21st April there was a Pie and Pea Lunch
17th May John Williams showed his slides of Katmandu
23rd May Barbara Cassidy gave a talk about quilting
