Sheldon Jottings for February 2011

Welcome to our newest residents, John and Anne, from Newmarket near Cambridge who are leaving the delights of that part of the world for the even greater beauty of Sheldon. A warm and heartfelt welcome to you both. Good to see you both settling in to Spinney Cottage.  Meanwhile work goes on at the other two cottages that have changed hands since before Christmas. A busy buying and selling  time in Sheldon.

Sincere condolences to Gill Harper and her family. Gill’s mother died suddenly at the beginning of January. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time.

The Nativity service this year was due to take place on Sunday December 19th but alas, for the second year running, unbelievably, the snow came and it had to be cancelled. Which was a great pity, although necessary. But at least the intention was there, which I suppose is the main thing! Dare I mention next year? Or is that really tempting fate.

Nineteen village ladies are heading off to Manchester Palace Theatre to see Calendar Girls on the 25th February, door to door transport very kindly arranged by Alan. I’m sure a fun filled night will be had by all! Who know, what next, a Sheldon calendar?!

Georgina is busy organising a special Sheldon celebration for April 29th, the Royal Wedding day! Village hall is booked  all day.  We will have the oldest Sheldon resident present to preside! And the youngest as well, with hopefully all ages in between.  Maybe even commemorative mugs for all the young people in the village. As Georgina says:”  We may be a small village, but we don’t half pack a punch!” More next month.

You might have seen an article in the local papers regarding “counting stars” and light pollution. John Tanner is the technical lead on a project to preserve the dark skies of the National Park and he needs our help to produce a map of light pollution. It’s called Orion in the Peak. If you know anyone in the local area who might be interested in taking part, please feel free to spread the message. John is very keen for children to get involved, the more the merrier. The idea is to measure the darkness of the night sky between 28 January and 2 February to produce a map of night sky quality in the Peak District National Park. It is all at http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/darkskies Contact John Tanner if you want to be involved.

Congratulations to Andrew Lester, fully licensed driver now, passed his driving test first time. Well done Andrew.

And finally, after a very Happy Christmas and New Year and six months of tender loving care (yes really) Colin and Lindsey’s Oxford sandy and black pigs are off to the big pig sty in the sky. Orders been taken for half pigs!

Dates for the diary:

Parish Meeting: Wednesday February 8th at 7:30pm
Village Coffee Morning: February 8th Village Hall 10:00-11:00am

Sheldon Village Royal Wedding Celebration

Kate & William

Kate & William

To celebrate the marriage of Wills and Kate, we are planning a bit of a party in Sheldon’s Village Hall, for residents and close family only.  Events will start on Friday 29th April from 11am with the projection of the Royal Wedding as it happens, onto our new, large screen in the Village Hall.  After this, plans include officially opening the celebration with the crowning of a ‘prince’ and ‘princess’ of Sheldon (chosen from volunteers amongst our younger residents!), followed by possible presentation of commemorative mugs to our village youngsters.  There will be party food (please could everyone bring some food with them on the day e.g. sandwiches, crisps etc), possibly a big celebration cake, music and games, involving everyone from our youngest resident to our oldest.  Plans are in the early stages, so if anyone has any ideas, please let Georgina Tanner know.

Please come along and join in the fun on the day (no excuse as it’s a day off from work!), and bring your close family too.

More info to follow as plans progress……..