The art of conservation
THE Dronfield bypass provides the perfect excuse to miss it. Even the recently improved services to the train station have done little to dramatically increase footfall.
But that only adds to the tranquillity to one of the area's best kept secrets – Dronfield Conservation Area, according to Rory Boyd who runs one of the area's main business hubs, The Grange offices on Church Street.
The architectural gem – which dates from the 1800s –sits opposite the towering parish church that dates from the 12 century.
Many businesses have been switching to Dronfield during the current climate due to its low rents and geographical position – situated between Sheffield and Chesterfield on the South Yorkshire/Derbyshire border.
It is also home to big operations like LAND and William Lee Foundry.
Rory Boyd lives in Dronfield with partner Helen and has five children and six grandchildren.
As well as running The Grange serviced offices, he also owns and manages properties in the area's main commercial thoroughfare – High Street.
His main business is Boydrory Structural (www.boydrory.co.uk) – he has been a leading structural engineer for four decades.
More information on offices available in Dronfield Conservation Area from 01246 291990.
Araj Indian restaurant
This has to be one of the best curry houses in the region and is set bang in the middle of Dronfield Conservation Area.
Opened just a few months ago, it's a fabulous upstairs venue with great ambience and mouth-watering cuisine.
Set on the historic Church Street with its pubs, hotel and coffee house – the buzz about the area is obviously growing amongst restauranteurs as interest in the latest vacant space has been very encouraging considering the present climate.
A passion for Steel City
I was born in Doncaster which I continue to love to this day - it has one of the best railway links in the country & one of the best racecourses.
So why then do I have this passion for Sheffield? It started with my higher education in the mid 1960s that took place at Sheffield Polytechnic, now Hallam University. I came to live and work in Sheffield thereafter ABD continue to this day 40 years on. Sheffield has therefore forged my life which I continue to enjoy with vigour. I work and play hard!
Sheffield Football
I am an avid Sheffield United supporter but mainly from the armchair these days. My second team, though, is Sheffield Wednesday. This is at the cost of Doncaster Rovers, my third team who have done terrific this season. Against the majority of United and Wednesdayites I would dearly love for someone to take over Sheffield Football Club and amalgamate with United and Wednesday. Then prepare for the world stage as one team called Sheffield Football Club, the oldest in the world. There must be some football entrepreneur out there who could take this on!
Relaxation and a good walk
I love Dovedale in Derbyshire's White Peak. For bed & breakfast, stunning views and a help yourself bar, Hillcrest House Hotel in Thorpe next door takes some beating.
The Coach & Horses in nearby Fenny Bentley is great for food.
I think the Derbyshire walks around Dronfield and district are some of the finest in the country (all credit to Dronfield Rotary club who have done an excellent job with the countless styles and signs they have erected). I have walked these on a daily basis with my German Shepherd dog, Shep, for 14 years but sadly old age has taken over and he is now confined to house and garden.
I love gardening, inherited from my father. I find it the most rewarding of hobbies and one of the cheapest ways of keeping fit.
Enjoying family life in Dronfield
I have five children and six grandchildren and my partner Helen has two daughters and four grandchildren, so never a dull moment. Family get-togethers at our Dronfield house are regular. We are fortunate to have a large back garden which the grandkids love.
Kito's and other eateries
I love Kito's Italian restaurant in Woodseats which my partner Helen introduced me to – you just need to remember to bring your own wine.
For good basic English food I love the Miners Arms in Dronfield Woodhouse and The Gate at Cutthorpe where you can enjoy breathtaking Derbyshire views from the dining table.
Favourite pubs
I love old traditional English pubs with The Green Dragon in Dronfield andThe Miners in Dronfield Woodhouse topping my list. I love the early bar after work!
Mexico Links
I lived and worked in Mexico for five years and I have a Mexican son so ties there remain strong. Again Sheffield comes into the equation as I worked there for Davys, a Sheffield based worldwide engineering company who won the largest ever contract awarded by the Mexican Government to a foreign company. I would love to be active in forging greater links between the Sheffield and Mexico.
Perhaps my Mexican son could be instrumental in this as he is studying civil and structural engineering, my own profession.
Ambitions
To continue to work and enjoy life. I hope to buy a second home in Cuernavaca, Mexico, but I'll still retain my passion for Sheffield and the surrounding region.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
