Story by Graham Jones | Photos by Ange Droz
Celebrate Pitsmoor was a non-religious event organised by Reverend Huw Thomas at Christ Church on 30th September. This buzzing event attracted scores of former, current, and wannabe residents of Pitsmoor to celebrate their locality and history. Everyone had a story to tell, some going back to the 1930s. Old friends and neighbours were reconnected. There were happy memories and, I suspect, some selective amnesia too.
Apart from the wealth of human treasure at this appropriately historic venue, there were photos of Pitsmoor dating right back to Edwardian times which were projected on to the walls of the church. People brought along their own pictures, family artwork and artefacts. Sheffield Museum service had a stall and there was an archive of Contact magazines; this used to be the parish paper and was sold in local shops until the 1990s. My own favourite item was a specially bound volume of parish magazines dating from the end of the nineteenth century, the original Burngreave Messenger, perhaps? There was also a wedding certificate from Christ Church dated 1866 with photos of the happy couple.
I felt very honoured to take in an archive of the Burngreave Messenger for people to look at. Unfortunately my pride was slightly dented by my need of a floral shopping trolley to get them there, in broad daylight as well!
There was some mention of the popular “Pitsmoorians of the past” Facebook group, which links old friends and their memories.
It was a great event and full credit must go to Huw Thomas and his team for organising it and giving such a warm welcome. Special thanks also to the people who made all those incredible cakes!
Christ Church will be holding a Christmas Fayre on 25th November 1-4pm. There will be games, bric-a-brac and craft stalls, and a visit from Santa! If you’d like more information or to book a stall (£5) contact 07539 031 684.
