Sheffield's art and soul
Wendy Snook is a volunteer on what's thought to be the largest arts event of its kind in the North of England.
Sheffield-born and now living in Rotherham with husband Phil, she is a key member of the dedicated group that have built up the Great Sheffield Art Show to a showcase for more than 1,300 pieces of work from more than 600 artists.
Wendy is a keen craftsperson, involved with both Sheffield and Rotherham Lacemakers. She is also a member of the Wmen's Institute, which has an active craft group.
Wendy is proud of everything the show has achieved over 22 years. "The greatest effect is that many artists have risen from an amateur status to the professional ranks over the years directly as a result of the show. Many other amateur artists, who originally would not have had the confidence to exhibit their work, are now happy to enter the show and sample the delights of a sale to the public."
Liberal Democrat leader and Hallam MP Nick Clegg will open the 22nd Great Sheffield Art Show at Sheffield University's Octagon Centre. It runs from July 10-12, with a preview evening on Thursday, July 9.
Meadow Bank Avenue, Nether Edge
I was born in the early 1940s and thankfully have no memories of the war. I do, however, have happy memories of my childhood. I spent the first 22 years living in Meadow Bank Avenue, Nether Edge. This private road, shaped in an oval with a walled green area in the centre, offered a safe and exciting place to play. A short cut'called "the wiggle woggle" would lead to the shops and tram terminus at Nether Edge. A favourite trip on the tram with my mother was to Fargate and always included a drink and a jap fancy cake at Davy's caf.
The Bear Pit, Botanical Gardens
I was educated at Sheffield High School, which were not my happiest days, but the highlight of the week would be a 'nature walk' into the Botanical Gardens and a visit to the bear pit. In the last six years I have enjoyed my visits while helping with the annual Arts in the Garden. This event transforms the gardens into a wonderful party atmosphere. I am impressed with the high standard of care in the maintenance, making it a real pleasure to see.
The local church
Psalter Lane Methodist Church, now St Andrews Psalter Lane, played a very important part in my early life. Every Sunday consisted of two services and Sunday School in the afternoon.
I had the honour of becoming the School Queen and every Whit we paraded down into Endcliffe Park wearing our finest clothes. Later we enjoyed the youth club where I met my husband Phil. We were married and our children were christened in the church.
Buildings
Over the past few years I have noticed many new buildings going up in Sheffield.
I really love the renovation work on Sheffield Midland Station.
During my college days at the 'polytech', Ponds Street, training to as a cookery demonstrator, and later on my daily train journeys to Barnsley, working for the Yorkshire Electricity Board, I got to know the station very well.
Mama's & Leonies, Norfolk Street
These days, if we visit Sheffield, usually by tram to save parking, we shop, go to a show or concert or, of course, to do our stints at Great Sheffield Art Show. Our favourite place to eat is Mama's & Leonies in Norfolk Street. They make the best garlic bread and vegetarian pitza in town.
Activities
As already mentioned, I'm happiest when I am making bobbin lace or I have a needle in my hand. I am not an artist – or am I?
However, I really enjoy working with 'the team' on the GSAS. We have a good time together but it involves a lot of hard work, from committee meetings, selection days and then the show.
I like to be really organized on the sales and information desk but I do get a lot of questions that are difficult to answer during the show.
Treats
Sheffield and Rotherham are the 'Gateway to Derbyshire'. For many years my favourite birthday treat was to visit Chatsworth – my country home!
In fact on my 50th I actually met the Duchess while we were walking through the park. After I had explained about my love of the park and house she promised the take great care and to continue to make it a beautiful place to visit.
The blues – but not SWFC
My favourite colour is blue – but this does not apply to a certain team in Sheffield. I hate football. The only sport I really enjoy watching is tennis and athletics. I played hockey at school but usually ended up with sore ankles, so that ended that.
Weston Park Museum
Some of my cherished moments are when I'm being a granny to our five grandchildren. Unfortunately four live in Brackley, near Oxford, and one in Philadelphia, USA.
On the rare visits to us I love to take them to Weston Park Museum, where I was taken to as a child. In recent years Sheffield has made this so much more enjoyable for children. The numerous 'hands-on' activities for them makes it such an exciting place to visit.
I enjoy the exhibition which recaptures life in the Fifties and Sixties in Sheffield.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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