She arrived in the city in 1988 to teach at Birkdale boys' school in Broomhill but she has just waved goodbye to the boys and moved over the road to become head of neighbouring Ashdell Prep School for girls.

Formerly a teacher in Somerset, Anne has grown to love city life. "Sheffield was so different from village life, where you had to have a car to get anywhere apart from the local pub," she says. "It has made me appreciate having the facilities and resources so close at hand.

"My two teenage daughters, Lisa and Olivia, have just finished exams at school and are now enjoying for themselves the opportunities in the city centre.

"At weekends I enjoy walking with my husband Peter and dog Lola in the various parks that Sheffield has to offer. I enjoy reading, we are fortunate to have the Ecclesall library fairly close. I often went there when the girls were younger to get books for their homework projects.

"At Waterstones bookshop in Orchard Square I have spent many hours browsing through the latest editions, particularly before holiday time, when deciding which novel to read by the pool…

"Meeting friends for a coffee in the café after shopping in the thriving city is a welcome treat."

Gardens at Ashdell

The Ashdell grounds are beautifully kept and full of colour. They are tranquil when girls are in classes and provide lots of nooks and crannies for 'thinking space'. At other times, sitting on a bench, it is full of life with the girls happily playing or chatting in groups during playtimes.

Chatsworth

The house, grounds and garden centre are well worth visiting. When we have friends or family staying with us we frequently visit Chatsworth. Whatever time of year there is always something different to do or see. The maze in the grounds is a great place for children and adults to explore. Every time we visit the garden centre we bring another addition home with us.

St Marks Church Broomhill

It is a delight to attend concerts in this church; the acoustics are incredible. The schools' concert during Broomhill Festival is a highlight. The vicar, Adrian Alker, regularly takes assemblies at Ashdell which helps the school feel included in the local community.

It is at the centre hub of Broomhill and provides an excellent venue for the annual garden party.

Sports facilities

We are so lucky to have such excellent and invaluable facilities on our doorstep. My family has made great use of most of them.

Certainly the swimming pools at Hillsborough and Ponds Forge are at the top of our family-days-out list. My girls enjoy trampolining and spend many Saturdays bouncing with Abbey Flyers at All Saints sports college.

Ashdell has just had its first sports day at the Institute of Sport – Peter Elliott kindly gave out the prizes at the end. It was a fabulous afternoon and we didn't have to worry about the weather…

Forge Dam

What a lovely place to walk the dog. The bacon butties, or ice creams depending on the weather, are a great incentive to encourage teenage girls to walk, too! You are guaranteed to meet someone you know on the walk or at the café.

It is hard to realise you are so close to the hustle and bustle of city life when walking through the woods.

Endcliffe Park

So close to everything, it's a little like London's Hyde Park, only a short walk from the cosmopolitan Ecclesall Road area. Everything is inside this park: a well-equipped playground, space where there is always something going on like the fair, circus or just lads playing football. It was the final clue in the Friends of Ashdell treasure hunt around the Broomhill area.

Theatres

Sheffield is lucky to have such good productions in superb theatres. Not just the Lyceum and Crucible but the Lantern and Merlin theatres, too, produce interesting dramatic productions.

My daughters are both very keen on drama and have been involved in productions at both the smaller theatres in the last few years.

The fact that the Lantern was built many years ago by a father for his daughter (because she liked acting) is a story that interests many budding actresses.

Rother Valley

My fondest memories of Rother Valley are when I pushed my younger daughter round the lake in her pram while the elder one was learning to ride her bike.

There were lots of different water sports to watch. It's a good place to have a picnic and watch the jet skiers. Nowadays my husband plays golf there whenever he has an opportunity.

Eating out

I enjoy cooking at home during the weekends when there is more time. My husband cooks during the week. However, it is nice to have a variety of restaurants within walking distance.

La Vina on the Ecclesall Road is one of my favourites on a Friday night after a busy week; others I enjoy are Vittorias and Nonnas, with friends. When not walking to a local restaurant I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at the Dore Grill or the Cricket Inn on a summer evening.

We have spent many enjoyable evenings with friends at the Dore Moor Inn. In fact one of my fondest memories was just before Christmas a few years ago with friends. While we were enjoying the food and soaking up the log fire atmosphere, it had been snowing and we had to walk home. It took a long time but it was fun.

It is also very pleasant sitting on their patio area at this time of year.

Our local pub, the Union, has hosted enjoyable 'wine tasting with a twist' evenings in which we have participated with friends and neighbours. Now and again we enjoy a quiet drink there: my husband likes the real ale and I enjoy a nice glass of wine.