The days are beginning to shorten and Autumn is on the way. The silage is collected in its plastic around the farms and the hay is in the barns. The show and sheep dog trial seasons are ending and the swallows and martins will soon be leaving us for the winter. But we have had a wonderful summer, the weather has been beautiful and this lovely area in which we live has never looked better.

During the summer Doris and Ian celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a party with friends and family. Our belated congratulations to them both and may there be many years of happy married life ahead.

A new resident has been making its presence known to us all. A donkey has taken up residence at Top Farm. We are told his name is Charlie and we understand that he is very partial to apples!

The Sheldon Fell Race was a great success with over one hundred runners – a wonderful evening and excellent organisation. After following the same route since it was started, the course was slightly amended this year. Nevertheless, it is the same length as it has always been and just as challenging! The winner – E. Fitzpatrick – recorded the excellent time of 25 minutes. We are certain it would take us 2 hours 25 minutes!!! Well done Phil and all his helpers – you gave us a great evening.

After twelve hours of rain which stopped at about 1.30pm, a rather soggy Sheldon Day got underway. It was inevitable that many of the activities and takings would be less than usual but the final count was amazing. Although about £1,000 less than last year, we still raised a very creditable £2,500. Well done everyone! This is a remarkable effort from such a small village and involves almost everyone – from the organising group planning for months beforehand, those who put up bunting, set up the stalls and tents, those who donate plants, books, bric-a-brac and prizes and decorate the Church, those who park cars, run the stalls, cream teas and activities on the day and those who pack everything away afterwards, store the equipment and do all the other jobs which need doing to enable the visitors to enjoy our village day. Take a pat on the back everyone, absolutely fantastic!

DIARY DATES

Tuesday September 9th
Vicar’s Coffee Morning followed by Church Meeting in the ‘Cock and Pullet’

Saturday September 20th
History Group visit to Masson Mills and Arkwrights Mill, Cromford
Meet 10.30 at Masson Mills