Sunday afternoon in Sheffield

Hello,

First of all, I must say "thank you" to everyone who left a comment on my last post - I have enjoyed reading them all, they were lovely and encouraging. Normally I do like to respond to each one but I'm afraid it has been one of those weeks when time has run away from me.  

So back to this afternoon when I have enjoyed some enforced relaxation. Now my elder son is at University in Sheffield, he has joined a brass band based in the city. Today the band had an engagement to play in Weston Park and so we drove up the motorway to Sheffield. It was my first visit to Weston Park and what a beautiful, well cared for park. 

We are quite old hands at taking younger members of the family to brass band events in parks so I was well prepared with my folding chair, my cup of tea in a flask and, of course, my portable project. 

But there was one thing missing. 
Now, I'm beginning to think I'm developing a particular sixth sense. 
I really wanted a coffee (well, I hadn't drunk a proper coffee for several days). So once I'd dropped my son at the Bandstand, I had a wander round the park, but didn't have to venture far before BINGO! I'd spotted a well-known coffee maker just outside the park. Suddenly I was a woman on a mission, and in very little time I'd ordered a small, extra hot, skinny latte and a cinnamon swirl. And here I am back in my chair, now properly ready for the concert to begin! 

I do like to see bandstands being used for their intended. purpose.

 And most are quite ornate - look at the ironwork in the photo below. And can you see the stained glass panel? 

Very appropriate! 

During the interval my son and I made a short tour of the park. 

The duck pond below was large enough to be a boating lake. 

There were lots of people enjoying the park, even though the afternoon was overcast and chilly. 

One group of people were having a bbq, another were having a child's birthday party and the 2 tennis courts were full. Before long we found ourselves just outside the park, drawn to this ivy-clad building we could see, which we learnt was Firth Court, opened in 1905 and part of the original University of Sheffield. 

What a grand entrance!

Here are just two of the four entrance doors with huge brass handles

And opposite Firth Court was the original Sheffield Children's Hospital, opened in 1876. The newer hospital building that adjoins this is an eyesore in comparison to the original building. 

Then it was time to head back to the park for the second session of brass band music. 

By now even my vigorous knitting was failing to keep me warm, so in someways it was nice to get back into the car, even if it was just to face the slow journey home back down the motorway. 

Since my elder son started university at Sheffield, we have been discovering different parts of the city and it really is a lovely city with some magnificent buildings and attractive open spaces. I look forward to seeing more. 

I wish you all a good week

xXx