Sheep killed by uncontrolled dog

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We’ve just been informed of a boxer-type dog having killed one of the Gregory’s breeding female sheep, worth hundreds of pounds. The incident happened at approximately 14:30 hours, in the fields between Deep Dale and the top of the village.

We understand that a witness saw an adult couple with the dog, which was running free off the lead. Whilst the dog was mauling the sheep, the owners were heard to shout a name similar to “Tyson”. The witness then attempted to speak with the male owner, but we understand that they both just walked away in the direction of Magpie Mine.

This incident has been reported to Derbyshire Police, and we would ask anyone with any information to contact us.

Legislation

  • The Countryside and Rights of Way Act requires people to keep their dogs on leads around wildlife between 1 March and 31 July and at any time near farm animals.
  • Section 1 of the Protection of Livestock Act makes it a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock on any agricultural land.
  • Section 3 of the Animals Act imposes a strict liability (i.e. there is no defence) on the keeper of a dog where the dog causes damage by killing or injuring livestock.

Vandalism in the village

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May VandalismWhilst cleaning the village noticeboard the other day (which was paid for by a grant from the Peak District National Park Authority), Sheila H noticed that somebody had vandalised it by carving their name, and various other works/pictures into the woodwork.

We hope that the damage is just superficial, but it will cost time and money to repair. This isn’t the first time that property in the village has been vandalised, and we are certainly noticing an increase in antisocial behaviour (e.g. parking, litter, noise, trespassing, dog attacks).

The National Park Authority talks of sustainable tourism, but the sad reality is that tourism has a detrimental impact on the lives of the residents of our village and the wider National Park.

Those of us who are lucky enough to call Sheldon “home” are very happy to share it with visitors who respect our property and the surrounding countryside.

Sheldon Jottings for May 2013

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The unseasonal weather and the heaviest fall of snow for years brought out the best in everyone in the village. A great community spirit prevailed with folk helping each other and looking after their neighbours. The Gregory’s seemed to be everywhere clearing the drifts, some of them over 6 feet high, and they still had their work to do on the farm. The council gritters and snow ploughs were conspicuous by their absence and thus the milk lorry could not get through, so 3 days worth of milk at the farm was poured away.

Several villagers have asked us to thank all those who helped out, clearing snow, shopping for those who were unable to get to Bakewell, clearing paths to houses, to the Church and Village Hall, and for just being there as one can feel quite ‘hemmed in’ with such deep snow. Rosemary and Sam were particularly grateful for all who helped them – the wartime spirit is still alive and well in Sheldon! Several events were cancelled due to the conditions – the Palm Sunday Church Service, the annual History Group Exhibition and Easter Cream Teas.

Just one story of the many which will be told about the Easter weather of 2013 – Julia, checking on her sheep on Kirkdale, heard a tinkling in her ears but could not understand where it was coming from. Then suddenly it dawned on her, it was icicles in her hair being blown against each other in the wind! Mercifully, all their sheep are alive and well and now – it’s lambing time! During the cold winds of Easter the first lambs were born at Top Farm – new life to herald what we all hope will be a long, warm and beautiful late Spring and Summer. Amazingly, the tough but so delicate looking snowdrops were still flowering under the mountains of snow and they still are up here as we write this on the 9th April.

Our good wishes go to Wendy S who is recovering well from her recent major operation – hope you will soon be feeling on top form Wendy – from all of us.

There is a History Group visit to the Magpie Mine on Weds May 15th. We will be meeting at the Mine at 7.00pm for a conducted tour with Keith Gregory, a member of the Peak District Mines Historical Society. This is a great opportunity for those new to our village or Ashford, or for those who have not had the chance of a real tour of the site to learn more about it. For those who have a pretty good understanding of the Mine it will perhaps refresh and add to their knowledge. Come and join us for a pleasant and instructive evening.

For anyone who would like to know more about Sheldon go to our website at www.sheldonvillage.org.uk (editors note: Congratulations, you are already here!) The Nature Watch section on the website is written by our resident ecologist and you will find some wonderful pictures of our local wildlife.

Dates for the Diary

Sun May 5th and Sun May 26th
Cream Teas in the Village Hall

Sheldon Jottings for April 2013

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Kath Melland and family wish to sincerely thank everyone, relatives, friends and neighbours for their comfort and support throughout this very sad time of David’s passing. Thank you for cards, flowers and donations and to everyone who braved the weather on David’s funeral day. Thank you to Rev. Tony and Aron for conducting the funeral making sure the people outside the church could hear the service.

We need to complete our eulogy to Pauline, whose milk delivery many of us rely on. Public transport can stop running when it snows and schools can close, but Pauline battles through with her deliveries and these begin at some dark hour of the  morning long before most people surface.  Sheldon, sitting on the edge of a plateau at over 320 metres (1000 feet) gets real weather and amounts of snow unimaginable in places even just slightly lower in altitude. We are not afforded the necessity of a council plough/ gritting lorry when it is really needed – so thank you again Pauline.

We have been asked about the appearance of the small twee stumps around a green at the top of the village. Can anyone enlighten us all? We are a rugged, working village and immensely proud of it.

Some good news – Sheila has justly been awarded a Derbyshire Dales District Council Chairman’s Community Award for her services to Sheldon. The ceremony was on 21st March at the Town Hall, Matlock; hearty congratulations Sheila!

Take note – Weds April 17th at 7.30pm in the village hall, the History Group welcomes Danny  Wells to give a talk about Joseph Paxton. Paxton, known as ‘the busiest man in England’ was an architect, garden and park designer and much more. He was responsible for several features and buildings at Chatsworth and in the surrounding area and is buried at Edensor.  All are welcome.

Our famous cream teas in the village hall begin again after the difficult and dreary winter – March 31st – cancelled due to bad weather,  May 5th,  May  26th and August 25th. Please come and visit us and really indulge yourselves!

Don’t forget to comment (by April 2nd) if you feel strongly, on the plans for the night time switch-off of most of our street lighting. Everyone will have received notification of this via e-mail or paper copy.

Dates for the Diary

Vicar’s coffee morning: Tues 16th April at 10.00am in the Cock and Pullet, afterwards APCM in the church.

Parish Meeting (AGM): Weds 10th April at 7.30pm in the village hall