Sheldon Jottings for December 2019

Most of the cows which had been grazing in the fields around our village all summer were taken inside in early November. We have noticed the overwintering migrant birds beginning to arrive and there are numbers of starlings flying over the village to their feeding grounds. By the time you read this a lot more should have arrived.

The heavy and continuous rainfall at the beginning of the month made the gateways like quagmires and the grass had ceased to grow. The rainfall flowing off our sodden fields and into the rivers in the district has caused havoc elsewhere. Our thoughts go out to all those whose homes were devastated by the flooding in South Yorkshire and along the River Derwent, both areas where members of the village have friends and relatives.

The Christmas season is almost upon us – it is a joyful time with all the preparations taking place, the wonderment of the Christmas story, brightly lit and decorated shops and holiday fun as the end of the year arrives and the New Year begins.

If you wish to take part in the very popular wreath or garland making evenings then phone Lindsey by the beginning of December as these are extremely popular events and our village hall is quite small so spaces are limited.

This year we shall have our biennial Nativity Procession starting in Church at 4.00pm on Sunday 22nd December. Then we process up the village street following Mary, Joseph and the donkey, stopping at relevant places such as the inn for the reading and the singing of a carol and ending in the beautifully evocative stable with manger at Top Farm Barn. This is a magical occasion for adults as well as children, especially when we arrive at a real farm stable and manger with real sheep and calves! Mulled wine and mince pies add to the warmth of the spectacle after you have followed the story and sung your heart out!

The Book Club will be meeting for the final time in 2019 at Amanda’s on December 4th at 7.30pm. The book which will be discussed will be ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama, a real ‘must read’ for anyone and a terrific insight into the life of a remarkable first lady and US President. This is an excellent time for new members to join this group, as the books to be read for the coming year will be chosen and the usual bonhomie will be enhanced by the good cheer which is always part of ‘get togethers’ at this time of year. So if you enjoy reading and would like to extend your reading list or just like to meet friends and neighbours for a good chat, or just want to find out what this club is all about, then do come along and you will be very welcome.

The winner of the Church Draw for November was Jacob Webster Melland with number 44. Congratulations!

A very Happy Christmas to everyone in the village and to our neighbours in Ashford and a peaceful New Year.

Late news….. Sadly, we have just heard about the death of a dear friend of our village, Tom Brocklehurst. He was a lovely man and supported many things going on here such as our History Group and our Cream Tea Days. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in Ashford.