Just as the old year ended, the best present of all, a new baby in the village! Elizabeth and Mark Fisher are very proud of their little man, George James, who was born on the 28th December two weeks early, weighing 6lb 13oz. Elizabeth says a big thank you for all the kind messages, cards and gifts George has received. Congratulations from all of us!
Sheldon’s spirit of community involvement was seen clearly over the Christmas period. The Christmas tree in the church (donated as always by David and beautifully decorated by Julia and Michael), the Christmas Day flowers serene in their elegance and beauty (thanks Marlene). The Christmas morning Church service was very special. About 18 of us shared Christmas morning together, and enjoyed Canon Tony’s reindeer hat! At the end of the service, Canon Tony set us singing a couple of carols together, with Elizabeth playing the harmonium.
The Sunday before Christmas we, at last, had the nativity procession after two years of postponement. About 40 people of all ages joined the procession as it wandered slowly and prayerfully up the road, stopping along the way for carols and readings, and ending in Harold’s barn at Top Farm, which Julia and the family had made into a stable of whom the Infant Jesus would have been very proud! Mince pies and other refreshments capped a wonderful afternoon, and set the scene for the start of a typical, community inspired Sheldon Christmas; a fitting end to a year full of community activities in this small village of ours.
A great surprise for me in January with a Matlock Mercury award for what the Paper described as ‘dedication to Sheldon’. This came as a total surprise, and here’s me thinking I know everything that goes on in Sheldon! Not this time. Such an award is really for everyone in the village because there is such an amazing sense of togetherness and community spirit here; everyone helps. Thanks to those who nominated me, it was much appreciated, and I was very touched.
Sheldon History Group started 2012 with a talk by Brian Greasley on ‘The Sheldon Hoard’. This is a collection of coins which were found in Sheldon, and which have recently been tracked down and photographed by members of the group.
Broadband: please remember to fill in your survey forms that John delivered to every household in the Parish. If your house isn’t on our broadband map, then he hasn’t got your form yet.
Finally, the mystery of the black cat deepens! Pauline has been feeding a black cat, and enjoying doing it, together with the tortoiseshell that has also adopted her. Both remained after Emma and the family left, and now the black cat has a collar on it. So, if anyone has laid claim, could they let Pauline know as she will be happy to hear it has a new home!
Next coffee morning: Tuesday 7th February in the Village Hall.
Parish Meeting: Wednesday Feb 8th in the Village Hall at 7:30pm
Please note that only registered voters within the parish are able to attend the Parish Meeting, and public attendance is discretionary and by arrangement only.