Early in January the snowdrops were already showing white and some even nodding their heads. The aconites in the warmer parts of the garden were opening their yellow flowers and the white and purple of the hellebores were ready to begin their annual display. We are promised much colder weather during the latter part of winter so those plants beginning to grow in answer to the mild weather will need watching.
Virtually all the animals are inside now sheltered from what may come, only the hardiest are still outside. The first lambs have appeared in the fields on our route to Buxton and have been outside since they were first noticed at the end of December.
Increasingly large flocks of starlings are flying over the village on their early morning and twilight journeys to and from feeding in the fields towards Monyash and Flagg, from their roost on Middleton Moor. However, we are told numbers are well down on last year. The jackdaws are beginning to investigate the openings, nooks and crannies of the tithe barn looking for nesting sites. We hear that two collared doves have already started building a nest. They may have to put their efforts on hold if colder weather comes!
There is a Parish Meeting this month on Wednesday 10th February in the Village Hall at 7.30pm, we look forward to seeing you there. As always there will be a welcoming cup of tea and cake, good companionship and interesting discussion. The Parish Meeting is arguably the most democratic method of local governance, where everyone can attend the meeting, give their opinion and vote on the many issues which occur, even in a small village like ours. Your opinion is much valued so come along and join in.
The following Wednesday 17th February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall is the next meeting of the History Group. Again there is the opportunity to enjoy a welcoming cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake. It is always a relaxing evening with the bonus that we learn something new about the area in which we all live. This meeting is of particular interest as it is entitled ‘Top Farm’ and is an illustrated talk about one of our three fully functioning farms. At one time almost every family in the village was engaged in farming in one form or another, but times have changed and here is a unique opportunity to learn more about a subject in which we surely all have an interest. You will be made very welcome.
If anyone would like a 15 page booklet ‘A brief history of Magpie Mine – a guide for visitors’, they are being sold (£1 at Hope Cottage) on behalf of The Peak District Mines Historical Society. It is a very useful little booklet, short, concise and illustrated, and a good read for locals and for visitors to the area.
The lucky winner of the Church Draw for January was number 98 – Tim Robinson from Reapsmoor.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Wednesday February 10th – Parish Meeting
Village Hall at 7.30pm
Wednesday February 17th – History Group talk ‘Top Farm’
Village Hall at 7.30pm