BBC Sheffield & Portland Works

It's funny that even when something is right on your doorstep, you might never visit it.

This was the case for me and Portland Works. I had heard a lot about it, and followed their story for a couple of years. They were trying to buy the building off the owner when it faced being converted into flats, thus ending 130 years of manufacturing history. But had never visited in the 6 years I have known  Sheffield.

That was until Friday, when I was invited back onto Rony's show for a 100 years of Stainless special. The show was broadcast live from Portland Works, and I was amazed by what I saw.

At the entrance you are greeted by a higgledy piggledy selection of post boxes which help to give you some indication of the variety of businesses, artisans, craftspeople, cutlers, creatives and musicians that all call Portland Works 'home'.

The whole place is a cluster of tiny workspaces, filled with all manner of tools, machines, materials, piles of bricks and wonky doors. It's utterly charming but also completely functional for the needs of the tenants.

If you have yet to visit this amazing collection of creativity that is right on our doorstep, I seriously recommend a trip down. It is steeped in history and completely inspiring. Their next open day is part of the National Heritage Open-Up Weekend. They are opening their doors on Sunday 15th September and will be running a series of workshops and demonstrations. Find out more here.

After opening it's doors in 1877, it is one of the earliest surviving examples of an integrated metal trades complex. Portland Works was the first place to manufacture the famous Stainless Steel. The buildings were saved following a community effort to sell shares in the Works. They raised enough money to complete the purchase, and are now in their second phase of share selling to complete vital repair works.

I can clearly see why it was so importnant for them to save Portland works. Not only to preserve the past, but the secure the future for these micro businesses. You can find out more about purchasing shares and helping this amazing place by visiting this page.

Outside Portland Works there are a series of posters advertising the sorts of skills contained within their brick walls. You can find Stuart Mitchell - a knife maker who learnt his craft from his Father. Mary Sewell - A fine artist.

Paul Hopprich - Specialising in quality cabinetry. Mark Jackson - 'Squarepegs' an innovator of an contemporary coat hook system for schools.

During the programme "Rony's friends" I was joined by Ron C a.k.a Mr Sheffield. The point of the show is to discuss various topics in the news. We covered all sorts of topics from whether you own any Sheffield Stainless Steel (which I do thanks to the fabulous butter knives in this post), whether brides should do a speech at their own wedding, Don Valley Stadium potentially being saved as a community asset (similar to Portland Works), rent-a-bikes in Sheffield, and the internet! We covered a lot of ground and I always find it really interesting to see what the other 'friend' has to contribute to the same topic.

As I don't own a TV, or read newspapers, I always find it a bit tricky to talk about news topics, but somehow I am able to muster up enough passion that I keep getting invited back!