Sheldon Jottings for August 2013

The Fell Race was a great success, not so many runners as previously but considering the hot weather it was not the best conditions for running such a gruelling race. Almost 100 runners was considered a very good turnout. What impressed the Sheldonians was the great atmosphere of enjoyment, friendly rivalry and excitement. It was also superb running – to walk round the course would be enough for us! Congratulations must go to Phil and his team for their flawless organisation.

Sheldon Day 2013

Sheldon Day 2013

Sheldon Day thankfully dawned cloudy and cooler than the sweltering, humid temperatures we had been experiencing. As usual the village swung into action and one of the most colourful and action-packed village fete days began. To arrive and park with the help of John, Mick and Phil then walk through the village in its wonderful setting was a totally unique experience. You pass the cake stall – irresistible, a cream tea – superb, Ethel back with her stall, splat the rat, pick a golden nail, buy a card or painting, take a luck dip (really for children but it is amazing how many adults have a go). Then browse the book, plant and bric-a-brac stalls, listen to the band, try to win a bottle or chocolate or many other delights and you are still only half way round. On past the Church with its stunning floral display, go wang a wellie, inspect tractors, engines, produce and animals. Have a go on the coconut shy, watch or show your canine friend in Sheldon’s truly unique dog show, learn about our village history and catch – or drop – an egg. Watch the mass of coloured balls rolling down the street and enjoy many other delights such as pork sandwiches and ice cream…the list is endless!

There were some incidents. One dog show competitor in the ‘ 6 hairiest legs class’ took one look at the opposition and bottled out! Ian had someone bring back a ‘bad ‘ coconut! A cake left on the cake stall to collect later was ‘exchanged’ for an ‘inferior’ (costing less) one! The first prize of the day, however, must go to the sight of Bernard the turkey, sitting in the front passenger seat of Oliver’s Landrover being driven back to his pad with one claw hanging nonchalantly out of the window – ever the survivor!

This magnificent day was organised by a village of some 80 inhabitants – it never ceases to amaze us how it is done. Thanks to Andrew and the organising team for another most successful year and our congratulations to everyone who was involved. The preliminary totals have been posted – well over £3,100 has been collected for our various necessary causes in the village. As a visitor from Australia wrote in the Church visitor’s book ‘Well done Sheldon!’

The Tractor Run on the Sunday was also a great success. We counted 25 tractors of all ages taking part including the Police tractor. What a stirring sight they were as they all roared out of the village.

We have a newcomer to our beautiful and lively village. A steady flow of admirers have been to visit Shelly, a foal, who was born during the weekend of 6-7th July at Rose Farm. She is the first foal to be born there for many years and is owned by Pat and Ralph’s grandson, Matthew. Despite this and the excitement of Sheldon Day, the cycle of the farming year goes on with silage and some hay gathered, sheep have been shorn and all the 101 maintenance jobs are being done.

On a very sad note we hear Wendy S’s mother died during Sheldon Week – we send our deepest sympathy to Wendy and her family at this difficult time.

Georgina informs us that Derbyshire County Council has let her know that the bottom of Kirk Dale will be closed from the 19th until the 21st August for ‘tree work’. We will all need to use alternative routes into and out of the village during these 3 days. DCC insist that this section of road is called Trueblue Lane and not Kirk Dale as we all know it (they say Kirk Dale is our colloquial name for it – how wrong can they be! We all know Trueblue Lane as a track, certainly not vehicular, don’t we?). Thank goodness our parish chair pursued where exactly DCC meant when they said Trueblue Lane would be closed!!!

Dates for the Diary

  • Parish Meeting – Wednesday 21st August in the Village Hall
  • Cream Teas – Sunday 25th August from 2pm in the Village Hall
  • There will be no Vicar’s Coffee Morning or History Group Meeting in August

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