Heeley Walk and Talk

Do you live in Heeley? Did your family live here in the past? Do you have any memories of the area; old photos, documents or stories? If you do come and join in with the Heeley Walk and Talk Project!

Starting on Friday 25th of January, Heeley Walk and Talk is a new, exciting three month project funded by the South Community Assembly and based at Heeley City Farm.

Project leaders at the Farm are inviting Heeley residents, both past and present, to come and share their memories over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and contribute to an Oral history project. Visitors will also get a chance to look at the community archive which has been produced by Heeley Heritage volunteers, and includes archaeological finds from digs on the Heeley City Farm site.

Sally Rodgers, who is the Farm’s Community Heritage officer, said,

“This is great opportunity for us to learn more about people’s memories of Heeley and we are working towards producing a guided walk booklet, with content being driven by what we learn from people’s contributions”

As well as the coffee mornings, where people can share their memories in more detail, visitors can also take part in a short, guided walk around the Heeley area with the Farm’s Health Champions and Sally Rodgers, and learn more about the history of Heeley.

Shelly Davis the Farm’s Older Wiser Warmer Project Officer who initiated the walks said

“Heeley has a lot to offer, the views are fantastic and I have learned so much about the history of the area already on previous walks. We want everyone to share this and to give people an excuse to get out in the fresh air together and have a chat”
“The walks are gentle and fully accessible and we will continue in all weathers, within reason!” continued Shelly “We meet at 10am in front of the South Yorkshire Energy Centre (SYEC) at the Farm and if you don’t fancy a walk you’re welcome to come inside for a chat and some cake!”

The Heritage Walks take place at 10am every Friday morning between the 25th of January and the 29th March initially although they will continue into the spring.
The special Reminiscence Coffee Mornings will be running alongside the Heritage Walks on the 25th Jan, the 1st,8th & 22nd Feb and 1st March between 10 am and 12.30pm in SYEC.
During February Half term there will be additional family Walk and Talk activities everyday between Monday 18th and Friday 22nd February. These will include games, activities, crafts and an archaeological finds workshop.

The project will culminate with a celebration event on the 16th of March 10am to 2pm.

For more information please contact:

Shelly Davis – Older Wiser Warmer Project Officer shelly.syec@heeleyfarm.org.uk
Sally Rodgers – Community Heritage Officer youngroots@heeleyfarm.org.uk
Both can be reached on 0114 3039981

South Yorkshire Energy Centre, Heeley City Farm, Alexandra Road, Heeley, S2 3EE