The festive season has come and gone. Bernard, the turkey and his 2 female companions have survived another Christmas and we all look forward to the coming year. The white hellebore flowers with their yellow centres are brightening up the gardens, 2 cows and their calves are living in the croft at Top Farm, owls have been heard eerily calling in the night, the resident sparrow hawk continues to decimate our small bird population, George has had his 1st birthday and Harold has just celebrated his 84th. 2013 is in full swing in Sheldon.
John Herbert’s funeral dominated events before Christmas. The service was attended by so many people, it was standing room only in our small church. From Queensland, Australia to Sheldon, via Hong Kong and Singapore, running radio stations, training BBC reporters, as Professor of Journalism setting up courses at Staffordshire University, Chair of the Peak Park Planning Committee and our own Parish Meeting, John led a successful and eventful life. After the funeral we all came together in the village hall to enjoy food and drink prepared by the people of the village as a tribute to John. Our thoughts as ever are with Margaret and her family. He will not be forgotten.
A week before all this the village Light-Up took place. Another successful event organised by Pauline and her helpers raising £332 for the Air Ambulance and £270 for the Church. As well as the now famous turkey baps, the lights on the engines and Andrew’s tractor, Father Christmas (Brian P) on his sleigh giving exciting rides for the children up and down the village, Lindsey and Colin’s mulled wine, tea in the warmth of the village hall with Pat, the event brought some much needed light and joy to the pre-Christmas period.
The Carol Service was held on the Sunday before Christmas. Rev. Tony excelled, lighting some 40 candles around the Church celebrating the birth of Jesus and we were all given candles to hold during the service. The 9 readers and Sermon were excellent and the 30+ who attended sang the traditional carols with gusto, helped by Stephen on the organ. Julia and Michelle provided drinks and mince pies after what everyone agreed was a truly uplifting and enjoyable hour.
We would like to extend a warm Sheldon welcome to Angela and Alistair who have moved into Devonshire Arms Farm and hope they will be very happy here.
With the Council still refusing to grit our roads again this winter even after a request by the police following 2 crashes on the Dale, one involving Pauline’s milk float which was turned over (she survived unhurt), one can only hope for a mild few months or a change of heart on the part of the Council before something even more serious occurs.
Important Dates
Parish Meeting Weds 13th Feb 7.30pm
History Group Weds 20th Feb 7.30pm
Vicar’s Coffee Morning Tues 5th Feb in the Cock and Pullet
Editors Note
Jottings are now being written by Brian, Marlene and Bronwen