It was June 2004 when we first asked the City Council to reduce the speed limits on the roads leading through Bolsterstone and in the village itself.  The subject has remained on our Action Plan ever since so we took the issue, again, to the first of the Community Assembly meetings and can now report the outcome. The officer in charge of the matter has now informed us that speeds have been measured at three locations along the routes in question and an average speed taken.  He has also visited the routes with a representative from the Traffic Police.  Unfortunately for us he reports, “Bearing in mind the nature of the roads, the quite low measured speeds, low vehicle numbers, and very few injury-accidents, I have to conclude that there would be virtually no benefit from reducing the speed limits along these routes.”  It would seem that, not only will we have to be satisfied with this response, but will also have to hope that the drivers who insist on roaring down More Hall Lane threatening everyone in their path and those that race along Stone Moor Road will drive more considerately in future!

If you haven’t paid a visit to the Venue in Stocksbridge yet September will be a good time to do so.  From the 9th, local landscape photographer, Steve Tivey will be mounting a display of his work simply called “Earthshapes” at the Gallery in the building’s Springmill Terrace.   Many of you will be familiar with Steve’s landscape photographs through local prints sold as cards but this exhibition will display a wider range of his photographic work as well as giving the opportunity to order a copy of his book, “Ring of Stone”, which is a photographic essay of the Bolsterstone area.  The exhibition may be viewed Monday to Friday between 9am and  9pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12noon. The bar is open Monday to Thursday from 6pm in the evenings and from 12 noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Food is also available Friday and Saturday lunchtimes with a carvery on Sundays. The Venue also has a wide range of forthcoming events during September, from an evening with a clairvoyant to various tribute bands, as well as community education courses such as beading and tai chi.  For more information please contact www.thevenuestocksbridge.co.uk or ring 01142 283 8692.

One of the best Flower Festivals in the City will be held at St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone over August Bank Holiday from Saturday 29 August until Tuesday 1 September.  The theme this year will be “A child shall lead them”.  As well as beautiful floral displays in the Church and its environs community group volunteers will decorate the village pump and village hall and yard.  On Sunday evening Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir will give a concert in the Church beginning at 7.30.  For tickets or more information ring 2882498.  Various other events will take place in Church over the weekend and the usual delicious and homemade refreshments will be available in the village hall.  In support of the event Bolsterstone Award Winning Community Garden will be open to the public.

Free membership of Bolsterstone Community Group is open to anyone who supports our aim.   For further information please contact Group Chairperson, Frances Tivey on 01142 883390 or email bcg@bolsterstonevillage.fsnet.uk