Heritage Open Day 2025
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Theme; Architecture and changes of use to public buildings in Walkley.
See separate times for each building
Sheffield Buddhist Centre past, present and future
Howard Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 3RT 10.00-16.00
Visit and learn the history of an important Walkley building not usually open to the public with presentations of the architectural and social history of the buildings that have existed on the site and guided tours. https://www.sheffieldbuddhistcentre.org/
St. Mary’s Church
Howard Road, Walkley Sheffield South Yorkshire S6 3RX 10.00-16.00
To celebrate the theme of architecture, St Mary’s Church is opening its doors and bell tower to celebrate the design, construction and history of the church and the adjoining school. There will be additional displays about other local buildings and Walkley Cemetery. www.stmary’swalkley.co.uk
The Former St. Mary’s School Howard Road,
Walkley Sheffield South Yorkshire S6 3RX Time tbc.
The School will be open to former school pupils, adult learners at the college and the general public, to discover how the building use has changed many times from 1871. Meet the teams from Sheffield Yoga School and Sheffield SNU Spiritualist Church to see how they have transformed the spaces inside
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
https://www.sheffieldhods.com/
Walkley Community Centre,
7A Fir Street Walkley S6 3TG 12.30-16.00
Walkley Community Centre Special Opening of this Historic Building with the Walkley Historians & RVCG (Rivelin Valley Conservation Group)
A chance to meet the Walkley Historians and friends in the former Walkley New Reform Club The event will visit the Ruskin Hall with its sprung dance floor and stage, the original Snooker Hall, including the restored stained glass WW1 memorial window and the Appleyard Room.
The historians will also display a selection of local photos, maps, census material, books and merchandise. They will be joined by the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group & transport historian Paul Fox, looking at tram sheds, bus termini & public toilets http://www.walkleycommunitycentre.org/ http://rivelinvalley.org.uk/
Walkley Ebenezer Methodist Church
Greenhow Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 3TP 13.30-16.30
The building will be open to visitors who will see how the Methodist church in Walkley has changed over the years, from the development of the church building on South Road to the move into what was the School Room building that is still used today. Visitors will also be able to witness how the building is used today and chat to our current building users about the activities and services they provide for the local community.
Walkley Carnegie Library
South Road Walkley S6 3TD 10.00-14.00
This Open-Day at Walkley Carnegie Library is an opportunity to learn about how the library has changed since it was built. Developing from a formal library service with separate readings rooms for ladies and gentlemen, to opening Sheffield’s first children’s library and progressing into the 21st Century. https://www.walkleylibrary.org.uk/
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ https://www.sheffieldhods.com/
Walkley to Rivelin – the heritage and wildlife of the Rivelin Valley further details.
Walkley Community Centre, 7A Fir Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 3TG
20 Sep 2025 12.30-16.00
In person
Pre-booking not required
This is part of the larger Open day at Walkley Community Centre and five other buildings in Walkley.
Volunteers from Rivelin Valley Conservation Group will explain how the fast flowing river Rivelin was used to power the watermills in the valley, where cutlery, tools and anvils were produced.
A display by volunteers from Rivelin Valley Conservation Group will explain the structure of the old mills and bridges by the river along the 3-mile nature and heritage trail, which is one of the most popular routes in the valley. Look at old photos, drawings, current and old maps of the area, and pick up some trail maps. Come and see a 3D model of part of the valley, and a working model of a waterwheel and grinding workshop. We will also tell the story of the construction of Rivelin Valley Road.
Children’s activities will include a nature corner about animal homes, including a ‘where do I live’ game where children can try to match the ‘house’ to the animal. We will also have drawing and making activities and some creepy crawlies to look at.
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
https://www.sheffieldhods.com/
How can you help?
Did you go to school/work at the former St Mary’s School on Howard Road? Or do you have memories of it as Walkley Institute/Sheffield College?
Did you Attend St Joseph’s Junior School or have a connection to the St Joseph’s Industrial School or Hospital?
Do you have any information on the people who designed or built any of these buildings?
If so: Contact the Walkley Historians. [email protected]
