“We are a city of great people, with big hearts and plenty of good works.”
I pedal up on my bike, away from town and quickly onto Ringinglow road – it’s an uphill slog but within 20 mins I am at the top of Stanage edge. “Wow, that view is stunning,” I mutter to my friend, still trying to quieten my burning lungs. He reminded me I said the same thing the week before. I must have been to this same spot at least 30 times this year but its beauty never fails to overwhelm me.
Sheffield is my home. My small family and I absolutely love it here!
Seven years ago, my eldest was four years old and we hit a key juncture in our lives. At the time we were living in Bradford, my wife and I having lived in numerous cities and towns up to that point. We asked the question: where shall we go and what are we looking for? The world was our oyster. But despite a flirt with the idea of New Zealand, it was an easy decision – we wanted to raise our kids and create our ‘life’ in Sheffield, a city where our brief encounters (including getting married here) had drawn us in.
There was a pull and attraction that has not disappointed. The earnest, fearless, warmth and camaraderie that is endemic in northern towns. The romanticism of the past ‘forged’ with the technology and entrepreneurial-ism of the now. We felt invited with open arms.
I have fallen in love with the city and have been fortunate that my professional roles have given me the opportunity to get under the skin of this urban gem. Learning about the veinous corridors that feed its beating rhythm. During these unprecedented past 24 months I have had an insight into the challenges and discussions on how our city might recover on the back of Covid-19. Where diminishing resources might be allocated and the cry for collaboration across all sectors. What I know is our humility is our greatest strength and our biggest downfall. We have an eco-system that is appealing but hard to define. However, the endeavour, progress, new levels of shared purpose and accountability provide reasons for hope. If only we can articulate the beauty and passion of our city and actively bang on the door of opportunity.
“The romanticism of the past ‘forged’ with the technology and entrepreneurial-ism of the now. We felt invited with open arms.”
I am privileged to be surrounded by great people and a network of communities that are forces for good; exceptional small charities like the Snowdrop Project and Gold digger Trust, anchor groups such as the Chamber, Sheffield Businesses Together and Sheffield Digital, not to mention incredible businesses birthed and nurtured in Sheffield who are mobilising communities and upping the financial literacy of our city.
My view is that together we can encourage aspiration and pursue what’s possible. We are a city of great people, with big hearts and plenty of good works. If we can be brave, then the rest of the world just might know how great we are as well.
