The Ski Club was formed in 1969 by a group of enthusiastic amateur skiers to promote the sport recreationally, and to create a community for members to gather and go on group holidays, to gain experience and to meet socially on a regular basis.
The Club is based in the South Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom but we have members all over the UK and abroad.
The club is run by a committee which is elected each year. The Committee meet regularly to look after the memberships’ interests, arrange group ski holidays, social events etc. We welcome new members, Beginners, Intermediates, Expert or Non-Skiers alike.

THE EARLY DAYS BY ALBERT HATTERSLEY

We were very fortunate in the late 40’s and 50’s/60’s because winters were usually very snowy. Our equipment was very basic; the skis were usually government surplus ex-army skis, solid hard wood, no metal edges and very poorly designed bindings; once you were in the binding you stayed in them, no safety aspect at all. Our ski sticks were lengths of cane with cane baskets the size of dinner plates on the end. The boots we wore in the beginning were our climbing boots with a groove cut into the heel to allow the strap of the binding to hold. Later we were able to buy leather ski boots. As time went on, interest in skiing grew; the first ski tow that I remember in the area was a farmer’s tractor jacked up off the ground and the wheel of the tractor was used as the driving power for the tow rope. A couple of years later a proper ski tow appeared. A group of skiing enthusiasts approached an engineering friend and asked if he could convert a mini car engine to a ski tow, which he did. In payment for his work we, the group, laid a new concrete drive at his home.

The interest in skiing in our area grew and grew, most of the local skiing was done at Ringinglow or on the Snake Pass. One day a few skiers were talking in Tanky’s ski and climbing shop in High Court, and discussed the possibility of forming a ski club.

A small group met in the basement of Tanky’s shop and decided to go ahead with the idea; it was advertised in the shop and a few other people turned up at a meeting at the West End Hotel. Naturally we wanted the club to be called The Sheffield Ski Club, but a certain person stated that he had already formed The Sheffield Ski Club although it appeared to be memberless. However, as this first official meeting was in the borough of Hallam, we should call the club The Hallamshire Ski Club. Shortly after it’s formation all our social meetings were held at various venues but for a long time at the Norfolk Arms at Ringinglow.

In the following years , the committee, on behalf of the club arranged regular bus trips to the Cairngorms mostly organised by Dennis Coath. We would be picked up on Friday evening, stay in a hotel in Kingussie, the bus would then take us up to the slopes throughout the weekend and arrive back in Sheffield at around 4/5am Monday morning if we were lucky and the bus didn’t break down as it frequently did, either on the outward or return journey.

Another ski tow arrived on the scene – it was bought by Bryan Stokes (Tanky) and was portable which enable it to be used in many parts of Derbyshire mainly up the snake pass, when the snow had gone from Ringinglow. The mini ski tow was later donated to the Hallamshire Ski Club where it remained at Ringinglow for many years, in fact, it was only dismantled in December 2008.

Due to the devotion of the committee and members, the Hallamshire Ski Club is now a most successful club.

A Concise History of The Hallamshire Ski Club

By Clair Helm (nee Stokes)

Since deciding that The Club history should be recorded I have witnessed several conversations about how it started, where it started and most controversial, who was there!!!

There have been many dates quoted ranging from 1966-1968, venues named as The Mail Coach Inn, The West End and the unofficial meetings at the basement of Tanky’s shop on High Court. As for the names that may or may not have been present, I couldn’t possibly comment, as I was still  just a twinkle in Tanky’s eye!!!

The 7th November 1968 saw the first Open Meeting held at The Mail Coach Inn, West Street. However, other sources have said that prior to this (possibly as early as 1966) several friends met in the basement of Tanky’s shop in High Court. Names mentioned were Mick Allen, Pete Jennings, Albert Hattersley, Tom Ferguson and Sheila Stokes.

young Clair Stokes

All of the above got together whilst skiing in Derbyshire, at places such as Ringinglow and Edale (yes, there used to be snow in them there ‘ills!!). Apparently, ‘they all just used to turn up!’. The harder ones use to travel 2 ½ hours to get to Appleby on a Sunday morning to ski at Dun Fell for the day. The weather was ‘horrid!!’ – high winds, snow, mist and ice – Perfect!! I believe that back then, to get to the top of the slope, they used to walk up, carrying their ‘tackle’ (Heaven forbid!!). The first tow was a home built modification of a mini engine!! The funds of which were raised by donations from the members!! That was until Tanky ‘acquired’ a Bimbo tow from Brighams, the basis on which all subsequent tows were built.

So back to the meetings…..
Several meeting places were frequented, including The West End Hotel and The Hallamshire Tennis Club. Certainly during the late 1970’s The Club met at the back of The Rising Sun, Abbey Lane, at the Castle Climbing Club building, because I remember that!! I believe that The Club began meeting at The Norfolk Arms as a regular event around 1985 onwards, as we had become too big!!

Sheila Stokes
Founder club member

Returning back to the early days, many of The Club traditions have stuck through the years.

Opening Night has always been near the beginning of November. Unfortunately, in (2001) we have had to break traditional slightly by moving it to Tuesday night. The Christmas Noggin seems to be quite a traditional meeting time also. I believe that it has grown to the current ‘get together’ over the past few years from members getting together to exchange Christmas cards. Lastly the AGM was first held 9 th May 1969 at The Norfolk Arms and I am pleased to say that this is still the same (second Wednesday of May).

One of my learnings whilst researching the history was how it became the ‘Hallamshire’ Ski Club. Way back in 1966 (67 or 68), there was already a Sheffield Ski Club – whatever happened to them I do not know! As the meeting area (and presumably skiing area) was the Hallamshire area, I suppose this is how it became to be named!!

Local skiing certainly was the ‘birth’ of The Club, however it was not long before members were travelling further afield. In 1969 The Club travelled (by bus) to the Cairngorms for their first ‘Scottish Experience’. I’ve heard many stories of these Scottish trips that followed and it would be fantastic to see this tradition be restored, but I think we are all spoiled by the European sunshine and the European beer!! The first foreign ski holidays were organised by Tanky and Sheila, although neither of them can agree on the first destination, the nearest is Austria!!

Soon after members were enticed into travelling further afield by the extensive (no sorry, expensive!) Alpine resorts. No long standing club member will forgot ‘Dennis’s Trips’. As a child the most exciting part was the coach trip. Of course having smaller bums and shorter legs myself and my junior travellers were perfectly happy, however, I do now sympathise with the ‘grown ups’ who did not have the privileges of more modern coach transport!!. I understand that the gins were a necessity!!

In more recent years The Club holidays have become more civilised and there are several and variable trips organised by members. From what I hear, they have become more and more popular.

Believe it or not, many a day and night have been spent at Ringinglow playing on the white stuff. Alas, this has unfortunately not been in recent times but ask any ‘established member’ and they will reminisce the times with great enthusiasm. They were the times when knees weren’t quite so sore (and the Sheffield Ski Village wasn’t built!). In 1986 I can witness skiing for several weeks, it must have been up to April. It all culminated with a fancy dress day, supported by Welwyn’s Chilli Pot and I think there might have been a bit of Gluhwein involved too. I can fondly recall a hula girl (no sorry, I think it was as a ‘Savage’, mum?), Superman (Dennis?) and someone in their underwear (????!!!!) Enough said!!! We skied, honest!!

Over the past years The Hallamshire Ski Club has seen its membership start from a handful of enthusiastic skiers, reaching a peak around 1986 of 400 hundred, to an average of approximately 25 presently.

Tankey Stokes - founder member

Whos Who

Sheila Stokes

Founder club member

I first skied when I was 25’ish, in lace boots and wooden skis with cable bindings, which never worked. My first ski holiday was Aviemore, Scotland. We were also in tents and it was like an endurance test (I’ve never recovered). I’ve been on many ski holidays to various resorts, and even skied at Ringinglow. I haven’t a best holiday, they are all good. My best apres ski was Sauze D’Oulx, Italy. The funniest thing that I saw was a pair of skis with boots, no feet in them, sliding down the slope at Westendorf.

I have been the Club Secretary for many. many years but decided to retire (2020) as Club Secretary.
My ski ambition is always to enjoy it and qualify for a free lift pass. My two ski tips are always to wear trousers when dancing on tables, and “T**’s To The Fall Line”!!
Sad to say Sheila passed away December 2021. She was an active member and helped to run the club and encourage members to participate in club activities.
She will be greatly missed,
Welwyn D’Roza

Welwyn D’Roza

Club President

I first skied in 1970; Aviemore, Scotland using a pair of leather clip boots with cable bindings on wooden planks! Managed to learn the ‘Snowplough’ by the 2nd day. (I could Ice Skate very well which helped). By the end of the week doing ‘Stem Turns’. There is an old saying, “ If you can ski in Scotland – you can ski anywhere, on anything, in any weather. I must admit to skiing in the Cairngorms, Scotland on good snow, slush, sugar, ice, rocks, Heather, mud & plastic. In sunshine, rain, fog, gales, horizontal hail (pebble dashing) and heavy snow falls.
Since then (many, many years in Scotland) I’ve got married & 2 kids who can ski almost as good as me! I have now skied most of the French Alps, but I have also skied in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the plastic slopes of the Sheffield Ski Village and the Ski Domes in the UK. Not forgetting the local ski slope at Ringinglow (Jacob’s Ladder), Sheffield and various other local hills. I am passionate about skiing and help to keep the club alive and running. My ambition is to still be skiing but with a free lift pass, which I achieved in 2022 in Andoria.

Tony Marples

Club Chairman

My first experience of skiing was in Scotland, Glencoe. The weather was too bad for climbing, so we had an afternoon trying to ski – on ice! I have spent many years backpacking in the UK and climbing/mountaineering in the UK and in the Alps. Many years went by after that first ski experience before my first proper ski trip, on proper snow. We had a family trip to La Rosiere, the kids were 4 & 6, I was 46, definitely a late starter.
Since then I have managed at least two ski trips a year, both the kids are now way better than me. My son is way faster, and my daughter puts me to shame by the ease at which she glides down Black runs, both of them patiently waiting at the bottom. I just manage to survive the week with an unhealthy cocktail of tablets to keep the torn shoulder, broken elbow and creaking knees working!
The experience of skiing with a group of friends both on the piste and afterwards in the chalets make for some memorable holidays.

Sophie Barton

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Club Vice Chair​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I’ve always enjoyed sport and all of it’s challenges but never skied. After taking early retirement I started lots of things I’d never done before, including skiing! I seized the opportunity to tag along with my brother-in-law on my first ski holiday in the Czech republic… and I loved it. In search of more like minded people I discovered the Hallamshire Ski Club right on my doorstep. Within three weeks I was in Serre Chevalier with them, Airbnb apartment right next to where the group was staying – this chalet was full but I was determined to go!
I am very much a latecomer to skiing but love the excitement and challenge of the slopes. I’ve been made to feel very welcome since my first contact with the club and appreciate the patience and advice of the experienced members

John Hebditch

 Club Secretary

Skiing Profile to come

Janet D’Roza

Club Treasurer & Holiday Coordinator

It all started because I am nosy! My friends were talking about a skiing holiday and I thought I might be missing something, so I asked if I could go too! This was back in 1982 and I’ve skied every year since! (We managed three trips in one year once!) My first trip was a Hallamshire Ski Club trip to Auris en Oisans (near Alpe D’Huez, France), and after the first day I wanted to go home! By the end of the week I was well and truly hooked – I improved very, very slowly with a lot of help (and patience) from other members of the Ski Club. I’ve done the majority of my skiing in the French Alps, but have been to Austria on several occasions and the French Pyrenees once, but so far I’ve managed to avoid skiing in Scotland!!

This skiing has got a lot to answer for – I married a skier (yes, we met on that first holiday in Auris!) and we now have 2 skiing children! (all grown up now) I even skied when I was pregnant with both children – which I said I would never do, but I couldn’t bear the thought of not going skiing for a year!!

Roger Horner

Club Membership Secretary

I have been skiing since 1976. My first ski holiday was to Murren in Switzerland where I went with my 7 year old son,  this was an interesting holiday as Murren in those days had mainly “T” bar lifts, the bar went behind my knee’s,  After that I was hooked. Since then I have skied in many resorts in Europe, America and Canada. I have been a member of the Hallamshire Ski Club since 1980 and a committee member since the late 1990’s, the first four years as treasurer, and since then as membership secretary, I also have just been asked to update and maintain the Club web site which has been a challenge as I have never built a site before. My favorite resort is Zermatt in Switzerland where I have been a number of times.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the Club and web site please use the ‘Contact Us’ form to let me know.

Jane Parker

Club Committee Member & Social Secretary

I started skiing in 2016 as part of a dare with friends on a drunken night out.
First experience was 2 days in Aviemore, Scotland and then 4 days in Val Cenis in France.
Had to take a year off due to an accident skiing in Castleford that tore the ligaments in my hand and damaged my shoulder.
Returned to skiing in Valmeinier, France. Due to lack of confidence and ability this ended in me being brought off the mountain by a skidoo and rescue dog as I’d missed the last lift back to the resort!
Not to beaten, I returned to Valmeinier 3 weeks later and conquered my previous fears.
Since then we’ve been back to Valmeinier twice and returned to my favourite place Val Cenis, France. Skied with the club every year since.

Tom Moore

Club Committee Member & Website consultant

I heard about skiing in Y4 at King Ecberts School, Sheffield. The trip was arranged by Mr. Johnston (The PE teacher). This was in October 1993 and the trip was three months later. We spent a week at La Clusaz after attending four sessions at Sheffield Ski Village and I skied down 1 green and 2 blue runs. After I left school and started college, I heard about another ski trip they were planning, to Les Deuz Alpes for another week. I took a few more lessons to improve my stem-christie turn and begin to do a parallel stop in my last year at school. In Les Deuz Alpes I skied my first true red run. I found parallel turns easer to do on real snow than on plastic. In 1998 I went on a skiing trip with my family to Chamonix and improved even further. Between ’98 and 2004’ I went skiing in Scotland with my brother-in-law to Glenshee, Glencoe and Aviemore. I’ve also been skiing with the Ski Club to Leeds ski slope and to Manchester with some relatives, and Edinburgh Ski slope with my sister and family.

I’m on the committee to represent the younger members of the Club.

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