Well, it’s April, and that means swallows again at last. It is the best time of the year and the swallows make our village something special.
Congratulations to Nigel Etchells, who was presented with a Derbyshire Dales community award by the Council Chair in recognition for all his voluntary labours for the village at Matlock Council Chambers on March 10th, complete with food, speeches and official photos; thanks also to Mickey for all her continuing support both to Nigel and to the village. Nigel is now the fourth member of our village to receive such an award! It certainly says something about the community spirit of everyone in this village that so many have been so honoured.
Nigel and Mickey meanwhile have visited Marjorie Fearn in her new home across the Pennines. Lots of reminiscences of Sheldon, and of the Monday lunches Mickey and Marjorie used have in the Cock and Pullet. She is settled, looks very well, and the day Nigel and Mickey went all the grandchildren were there as well. Marjorie sends her love to everyone and says she has not forgotten the place or anyone in it!
A huge thank you to everyone who brought photos or lent their photos for Sheldon History Group’s evening of scanning old photographs of the village! Georgina reports they scanned in approximately 50 old photographs on the night, and created a huge spreadsheet where each photo was numbered and given a description and date where possible. After they have finished scanning these, the group will move on to more modern ones. Eventually, there will be a book! Julia and Marlene, as usual, made delicious cakes to accompany the scanning evening.
Don’t forget Friday April 29th, Sheldon’s celebration of the Royal wedding. We still need children in the village who would like to volunteer to be the Sheldon Prince or Princess. Please let Georgina know as soon as possible. Children of all ages up to 16 would be welcome. Please let Georgina know if you know of someone who may be interested, and please spread the word. Lots of surprises are planned for the day, and the commemorative mugs (with Sheldon written on them) and the cake are ordered!
A brilliant night was had by seventeen Sheldon ladies on their trip to see Calendar Girls. The night started in the coach with drinks and nibbles. My spies tell me the interval was spent star spotting, and a few more light(?) refreshments. Thanks to Lindsey for organising it, and for the food on the trip as well.
We’re very proud of Sheldon’s lack of light pollution, so it was easy for Julia to look out the farm window to see the huge lights of the Discovery space shuttle coming right over the village on a beautiful clear March night; another reason for keeping light pollution away.
Happy Easter everyone!
Parish meeting: April 13th (AGM elections)
Coffee morning: April 5th in the pub at 10 am