Sheldon Jottings for April 2019

April is with us again, the month when the swallows arrive in Sheldon and for us the village comes truly alive after the long dark days of winter. In the village people will be opening their barn doors to welcome these amazing little birds who herald the spring and summer to our beautiful corner of England. The first may arrive early in the month but most arrive around the 25th and will almost immediately be engaged in repairing old nests or building new ones.

Lambs appear in ever greater numbers in the fields, the birds are nesting in the boxes we have put up during the winter months, the gardens come alive, the grass needs cutting and the Easter story is told once more in our lovely little Church. A time of new beginnings…..We heard that Pat and Ralph have become great grandparents – no mean achievement – they are overjoyed. Matthew and Becky have become proud parents of Sophia Grace, weighing in at a little over 6lbs. What wonderful news! Congratulations to all involved.

This is also the time of year when we all begin to spend more time outside, clearing up after the ravages of winter and thus spending more time enjoying the beauty and peace of the village. The number of visitors to this marvellous part of the world, with its wonderful landscapes, begins to increase towards its summer peak. No doubt all the holiday cottages are being prepared to welcome these visitors. Manor Farm will be welcoming visitors for the first time to the 4 comfortable cottages that have been converted from the old barns over the winter. We wish all hosts and guests well for the coming season.

With Easter Sunday comes our first Cream Tea Day – eagerly awaited by those of us who indulge in our famous large scones, topped with lots of jam and a good dollop of cream. Delicious!! No doubt by the time you read this Lindsey will have asked for volunteers, but there is still time to help. All monies from Cream Teas goes to help with maintaining and improving the fabric of our village hall. Hard work but good fun and another opportunity to meet and exchange the lifeblood of village life – gossip! Easter Sunday falls this year on 21st April and Cream Teas will be available from 1 – 5.00pm – we hope we can all support this very worthy cause and enjoy a little indulgence.

On Tuesday 2nd April the Book Club will meet at Wendy N’s to discuss ‘The Great Alone’ by Kristin Hannah (a last minute change of title) and this book is a real page turner and not to be missed. Do make every effort to come along, these are really pleasant evenings with the discussion and chat intermingled with drinks and nibbles provided by the host – a marvellous opportunity to meet.

Song of Praise watchers may be aware of the Young Choir of the Year Competition. This year our Derbyshire Community Choir, Perfect Pitch (based in Longstone and run by Emma Hopkins) entered the competition. These young children are all under 12 years old and from local villages around Bakewell. Included amongst them is Colin and Lindsey’s granddaughter, Eliza. The competition will be aired on BBC 1 on 19th May, 26th May and 2nd June. Well worth watching!

The most important Parish Meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday 16th April. This is our AGM when we sort out the organisation of the Parish for the coming year and any other Agenda items. We hope everyone who can will wish to attend this meeting.

Also, do not forget that on Thursday 11th April is the Annual Church Parochial Council Meeting at the Cock and Pullet when the church wardens are elected.

Easter is a major period in the Church calendar and the service is always a delight to attend in our small church. Just a reminder that Church Services for April are Sunday 7th April at 9.00am for Holy Communion and on Easter Sunday 21st April at 9.00am for Holy Communion. We hope you will be able to attend.

Congratulations to Canon Tony who was the winner of the Church Draw for March with number 25.

DIARY DATES

Tuesday 2nd April 7.30pm – Book Club at Wendy N’s
Sunday 7th April 9.00am – Holy Communion
Thursday 11th April 6.00pm – Annual Church Parochial Council Meeting at Cock and Pullet
Tuesday 16th April 7.30pm – Sheldon Parish Meeting AGM in village hall
Sunday 21st April 9.00am – Holy Communion
Sunday 21st April 1.00 – 5.00pm – Cream Teas in the village hall

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