Pinegrove country club, SHeffield, March '09

[boxfrenzy]

There's nothing like a good leisure centre. And this is nothing like a good leisure centre...
I'll be honest, this place is rubbish. It's nasty, dangerous and yet I'm writing a report. Why? Because for some people, the history of this place is important.
The name is great; I expected to see pink tanktop wearing, perma-tanned people enjoying their "leeshure" time here. Sadly I was wrong.
Storm clouds over Pinegrove


Inside the sports hall.


In 1995, a large crowd gathered to watch the boxing match, in the middle of the sports hall. Local boxer Clinton Woods fought here twice on his way up to the top, IBF light heavyweight champion of the world. The promoter of the fights was Dennis Hobson. He went on to promote Ricky Hatton.


A lonely shuttlecock.


I took this picture from a squash court.


This part of the place was pitch black. (clever light painting readers). Up the stairs and right leads to horrid changing rooms and toilets. Every possible bit of metal of any value has left the site via a flatbed truck driven by an unpleasant man.


Inside the bar. The bricks were to hold up the ceiling and prevent it from collapsing. Trying hard as I might, I can't think of one reason why anyone would bother.


Thanks for reading. You might want to go and wash your hands now.