Sheldon Jottings for May 2018

The swallows are here! Back from their extraordinary journey. One was spotted over Top Farm on 8th April before it flew off towards the west. Spring and the new year in Sheldon can now begin, although it has been a stuttering start!

I was strolling into the top of the village the other day when a group of hens crossed my path heading for some unsuspecting walkers on the bench eating their snacks. Why did the chicken cross the road?……………The hikers were watching Charlie, the donkey, grazing the verge and a little further on a group of ducks were quacking away and enjoying the weak sunshine. Pip, the dog, was as usual watching everything going on from the middle of the road, ignoring a cat crossing in front of her but barking half-heartedly at the farm dogs. A cow was lowing in the farmyard where a lamb was running round bleating for its bottle of milk. How wonderful! Only in Sheldon…………

The History Group Exhibition ‘Sheldon Through Time’ was as usual a great success. That there is so much of historical interest in such a small village always surprises us – from Stone Age hunter gatherers to the enclosure of the fields, and on to the building of two Churches and a school, to the development of the water supply and…..and………. With hands full of cups of tea and cake, walkers, visitors and villagers all enjoyed a real treat. Thank you to all those who gave their support and congratulations to all those involved.

Danny Wells will be giving an illustrated talk on the development of ILAM village at the next History Group meeting, entitled, ‘The place where heaven and earth touch’, all about the village, the Hall and the people who lived there. This will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday May 16th in the Village Hall and entry is FREE. It promises to be a very interesting evening with an experienced speaker. You may have come to his illuminating and lively talks about Florence Nightingale and Joseph Paxton. Here is a chance to be entertained whilst learning about what many think is the most beautiful part of Derbyshire – after Sheldon of course!

The first Cream Tea was held on Easter Sunday which was a rather dreary day weatherwise. However all went very well with £200 being raised for Hall funds. Tempting homemade produce including lemon curd, marmalades, jams, several different types of cakes and scones were for sale – also our fresh village eggs. There were also three lively chicks for sale (well it was Easter and it is Sheldon!) attracting great interest by their antics when they weren’t huddled under the heat lamp. The welcome was warm and the teas were as delicious as ever. Many thanks to Lindsey and the team for all their hard work in making this such an enjoyable occasion.

The next two Cream Teas both fall in May – on the 6th and the 27th from 1pm to 5pm in the Village Hall. If you have any produce to sell please bring it along and come and enjoy a super cream tea (the scones are massive!) and lively chat – you will be made most welcome.

We have just heard that Wendy and Joe have volunteered to take up the reins of the Parish Meeting from Richard and Charlotte who have valiantly held the fort for the last two years. Many thanks to all of them – more about the AGM next month.

Congratulations to Carl Hemsley who was the winner of the Church Draw this month with number 49.

Kath informs us that there is only one month left of the current Church Draw. If you would like to continue or you would like to have a number on the new year ‘100’ ball draw starting in June, please see Kath or Michelle.

If anyone in the village is interested in taking a turn to do a flower stand in the Church on a rota system please would you have a word with Michelle.

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