Posted in News, People, Tom Chambers on Wednesday May 21, 2008| Leave a Comment »
This year’s Community Champions Awards took place last Sunday at Pride Park in Derby. Tom presented the “Learning Against The Odds” Award to 16-year old Laura Clark, who has persisted with her studies despite suffering from Crohn’s Disease.
Click here for a photo, and also to watch video clips from the awards.
You can also a find a detailed report of the day on the Derby Evening Telegrapgh’s website.
Posted in Classified adverts, Project Parwich on Wednesday May 21, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Due to unforseen circumstances, I have a spare pair of tickets to see The Osmonds at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena (NIA) on Bank Holiday Monday (May 26th).
I’m offering the tickets at the knock-down rate of £20 each, which is less than half the original asking price. The money will be paid directly to Project Parwich, so this is a great chance to enjoy a night out and do your bit for the Memorial Hall.
This will also be no ordinary Osmonds show! To celebrate their 50th anniversary in show business, the whole family – Donny, Jimmy, Marie, Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay – will be reunited on stage in the UK for the first time in over twenty years. So if you fancy rolling back the years to the strains of Crazy Horses, Love Me For A Reason, Let Me In, Puppy Love, Paper Roses… and yes, even Long Haired Lover From Liverpool, then this is the show for you.
The seats are situated on the lower tier of Block 4, in row J. Click here to view the seating plan. Unlike the cavernous Birmingham NEC, the NIA seats a relatively modest 4,500 people, so the view of the stage should be a good one.
If you’d like the tickets, then please e-mail parwich@hotmail.co.uk.
Posted in Events, Gardens on Tuesday May 20, 2008| 2 Comments »
This year’s Parwich Open Gardens is on Sunday 22nd of June. Here is a sneak preview of Pool Croft garden sent to us by Dot and Mike (many thanks). If you would like to open your garden this year and have not already spoken to Dot, please give her a ring on 456. (Remember what people enjoy is the variety of gardens open: big or small, modern or traditional, manicured or wild, or just somewhere in between.) This year we are also having a hanging basket competition. Please let the Horticultural Society know about your basket(s) on Open Gardens day, and the judging will take place during Wakes Week.
Click on image to see a full sized version.
For other Open Gardens in neighbouring villages see
our EVENTS BEYOND page.
Posted in Uncategorized on Tuesday May 20, 2008| Leave a Comment »
I’ve been toying with whether or not to put this blog on our website because it really is beyond our area, but hey if you don’t want to read it just keep scrolling. If however you fancy a few days away keep reading.
We have just come back from a long weekend in Carcassonne in Southern France. The reason I am sharing our trip with you is because it was fabulous, easy and refreshing and you might fancy doing the same trip. (more…)
Posted in Events, Housing on Tuesday May 20, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Classified adverts on Monday May 19, 2008| Leave a Comment »
We here at parwich.org are very happy to make classified postings for you on this website. Just send us an email to parwich@hotmail.co.uk and we’ll do the rest.
The classified section is available:
While I’m here, I’ll put a classified of my own on the site! We have some wood which needs chopping for firewood. If you are interested, give Sue and Mike a ring on 334.
Posted in Arts, People on Monday May 19, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Parwich artist Lewis Noble has a new solo show starting this weekend at Ainscough Contemporary Art in Dartmouth, the show will run for three weeks.
It is an exhibition of new studio paintings and work completed on location in California and Derbyshire.
Palm Trees, Woodland Hills, L.A. – Watercolour & Mixed Media on Gesso Panel 30x30cm 2008
Posted in Arts, Events, Out & About on Monday May 19, 2008| Leave a Comment »
20 June to 6 July
This is the 9th Ashbourne Festival brought to you by Ashbourne Arts, and it promises to be a feast of both quality and quantity!
With support from the Arts Council Ashbourne is holding it’s first International Streetfest – 21 and 22 June. Street performers from Britain, Ireland, USA, Canada, Portugal and Australia will provide a galaxy of non-stop entertainment during the opening weekend.
The same weekend Ashbourne also welcomes The King’s Consort, one of Europe’s leading period instrument orchestras and as if that isn’t enough The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain breeze into town to entertain the following weekend.
Watch this space for details of more excting events coming our way during the festival.
To book contact Ashbourne Arts on 01335 348707 Mon-Fri 10.00 – 3.00
or Tourist Information Centre 01335 343666 Mon-Sat 9.30 – 5.00
For brochures contact Mandy Noble on 778
Posted in Arts, Out & About on Monday May 19, 2008| 1 Comment »
The Dovedale Gallery on Dig Street, Ashbourne is planning an outing to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park on Friday 30th May.
The cost will be £12 (payable at time of booking). Early booking is advisable as places are limited.
The coach will depart from Cockayne Avenue car park at 9am and leave the Sculpture Park at 5pm for the return journey.
If you fancy a day out please call into the store or telephone 347489 to reserve your place.
Posted in Pub, Shop on Monday May 19, 2008| 12 Comments »
We have heard from the Event Organisers that they are happy to take supporting comments from the community up to this Friday. We feel that for opening the Shop alone Janet deserves this award, but also she is setting up a small internet cafe at the Sycamore so that people not on-line can access this site. Support the Sycamore Inn’s entry for the Best Community Pub 2008 by adding your comments below or emailing them to us at parwich@hotmail.co.uk. We will collate and forward the comments posted here or emailed to us.
All comments must be in by Friday 23rd May.
Posted in About this site, Project Parwich on Monday May 19, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Cards for any Occasion
Peter Trewhitt has offered to create posts in the form of greetings cards here at PARWICH.ORG in exchange for donations to Project Parwich. Cards can be provided for any occasion (birthday, get well, thank you, good luck, congratulations, etc.) and the intended recipient will be notified by email. The cards can be made from photographs you send us or we will find an appropriate image.
To order a card either email parwich@hotmail.co.uk (indicating it is for Peter) or phone him on 287.
Posted in Events, Memorial hall, Project Parwich on Monday May 19, 2008| 1 Comment »
Already exciting news from Project Parwich
The following are the latest calender of events/funding ideas/offers of help to date for Project Parwich – I have a list of volunteers if people wish to contact me for more details:
Events with Dates
Other Planned/Suggested Events (dates to be confirmed)
Posted in Classified adverts on Sunday May 18, 2008| Leave a Comment »
We have a dozen antique oak beams that are left over from our house renovation. We believe they are around 400 years old, and were removed from a barn when it was renovated in Winster, so are presumably local in origin.
They vary in length to over 10 ft. with varying diameters of 6 to over 8 inches. If anyone knows anyone who could use them, we are looking for offers around £250 for the lot, with any buyer removing them.
If you are interested, please call 390344.
– Graham and Amanda Johnson. Sold
Click here to view all of our classified adverts.
To place an advert of your own, please e-mail parwich@hotmail.co.uk.
Posted in Photography on Sunday May 18, 2008| 2 Comments »
Posted in Church, Out & About on Sunday May 18, 2008| Leave a Comment »
St Bartholomew’s Church, Hognaston is hosting a
Flower Festival
Thursday 22nd to Wednesday 28th May
Open daily 10am -6-30pm
Cream teas available
The church is particularly interesting in relation Parwich because of the parallels with St Peter’s. It has a crude Norman carved tympanum very similar to the one in Parwich and a fine Norman font, but was almost entirely rebuilt by the Victorians. Parwich and Hognaston were both held by the de Ferrers family in the twelfth century, when the churches were built, and both were ceded to the Duchy of Lancaster.
Posted in Out & About, Young people on Saturday May 17, 2008| Leave a Comment »
With half-term coming up, does anyone have any good suggestions for things to do during the holidays? Here are some places we have visited or just found on the web:
Posted in Arts on Saturday May 17, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Jonathan Dadley-Webb grew up in Hathersage and Youlgreave so he knows the Peak District intimately. Last year he composed an orchestral piece inspired by our region. You can listen to and download his composition (at no cost) by clicking here.
Posted in News, Pub, Shop on Saturday May 17, 2008| 1 Comment »
The Sycamore Inn, Parwich has been nominated for the Great British Pub Arwards‘ “Best Community Pub 2008“. Well done the Brewery and Phyllis for putting our local forward.
We wish Janet and Steve all the best in this event, it is a prize they richly deserve: not only for all Janet’s hard work in providing a shop in the village at three weeks’ notice, in organising the bookings for the Memorial Hall and supporting lots of local groups, but also for providing a friendly relaxed pub where all can mix and chat.
Posted in Arts, Out & About on Saturday May 17, 2008| Leave a Comment »
I happened to pick up a leaflet for the Derbyshire Literature Festival, which runs from the 1st to the 14th June and the programme can be seen on line. I have not registered it in previous years, but it looks quite interesting.
For more general information on what is coming up in Derbyshire also see the artsderbyshire website, and of course our own EVENTS BEYOND page.
Posted in Events, Memorial hall, Project Parwich on Saturday May 17, 2008| Leave a Comment »
If you’re quick, there are still a few tickets available for the make-over demonstration event at:
The Horns (see previous post)
Monday 19th May, 7pm for 7.30pm.
Tickets are £20 and there will be a raffle on the night. All profits will be donated to Project Parwich. For tickets please contact Jo-anne on 390722
Posted in Church on Friday May 16, 2008| 1 Comment »
The other day I came across a splendid photograph of the blessing of Coffin Well, Tissington, in 1899. It is in a collection held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, and can be seen here .
Posted in Church on Friday May 16, 2008| Leave a Comment »
We had hoped that a new stained glass window on the theme of the Annunciation (Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would bear God’s Son) was going to be installed in St. Peter’s church this coming Wednesday. The window, commissioned by Roger Graham in memory of his aunt and grandmother, both of whom were postmistresses of Parwich, has been designed and made by Meg Lawrence (see her website here) . Unfortunately a small crack has developed in the window, which means that a new small piece of glass must be made to replace the cracked portion. I understand that the delay in installing the window will not be too great – and that the window will certainly be in place when the Bishop of Repton comes to dedicate it on Sunday 6th July at 6 pm (during the Flower Festival).
We chose the Annunciation as the theme of the window because the Archangel Gabriel is the patron saint of postmasters and postmistresses!
Posted in About this site, Sport on Friday May 16, 2008| Leave a Comment »
The cricket season is underway with a home match against Duffield tomorrow (Saturday) in Parwich. Any budding sports writers or photographers are encouraged to send in the results and/or a report and/or photos to parwich@hotmail.co.uk for posting here. (Apologies if this is already in hand.)
(Note: If you have a post on any topic relevant to Alsop, Ballidon, Pikehall or Parwich, or that is of interest to their residents, just email it to parwich@hotmail.co.uk, and we will put it on the site as soon as possible. Also if any local groups or societies want their own page or pages here then they can contact the Team at the same email address, or just speak to one of us.)
Posted in School, Young people on Friday May 16, 2008| 3 Comments »
Parwich Primary School
School has been a hive of activity this week! Year 2 and Key Stage 2 have completed their SAT’s tests, School Council have held their first meeting and begun plans for the coming term, Mr Wheatley has visited Year 5 and 6 and PTA have held their summer term meeting in preparation for the coming term.
Mufty Day/End of Term Assembly
Friday 23rd May is Mufty Day (Non-uniform day) – more information is available on the School Council letter. End of term assembly is Friday 23rd May starting at 9am, after which parents are invited to stay for coffee and biscuits.
Cricket
Clifton Cricket Club will be staging a Kwik Cricket Festival on 26th May, for local primary schools. Teams of eight are eligible to enter however if you are unable to enter a full team then teams may be made up on the day. The aim of the day is to encourage family involvement, so parents are welcome to come along to umpire and score. The day begins at 1pm and should finish around 6pm – anyone interested please see Mrs Rodgers for more details.
Posted in Housing on Friday May 16, 2008|
IMPORTANT: These details have been updated elsewhere. Please click here for our most recent property round-up.
Since last month’s round-up, there has been no movement in the local property market. Here once again is the full list of buildings for sale or rent. If your property is missing from this list, then please let us know.
According to the Nestoria website, the average asking price for properties in Parwich has fallen by 8.6% in the past year. However, it’s also worth bearing in mind that calculations will probably have been made on a fairly small sample of properties.
This list will be updated again next month. Until then, you will be able to find it on the USEFUL INFO page, and in the ELSEWHERE ON PARWICH.ORG section on the right hand side of this page.
We await developments regarding the fate of the former Methodist Chapel with particular interest.
Posted in Gardens, Out & About on Thursday May 15, 2008| 5 Comments »
The floral theme is strong this weekend with Saturday seeing the start of Carsington Flower Festival (see post below), of Ashford in the Water Well Dressings (continues till Sunday 25th May), and of the Bakewell Garden Festival (Saturday & Sunday).
It continues on Sunday, when Yeldersley Hall gardens are open to the public from 2pm to 5-30pm in aid of Osmaston Church and Primary School and a malaria project in the Gambia. The gardens are noted for their rhododendrons and azaleas, and for more details of the afternoon contact Joan Bailey on 01335 347012.
For the less horticulturally minded there is a historic railway walk from Rowsley Station on Saturday and an RNLI Fun Day on Sunday at Carsington Water. To find out more about these events see our EVENTS BEYOND page.
Also as Mike pointed out the Buxton Antiques Fair, which has already started, continues up to Sunday.
Don’t worry if you start feeling flower power withdrawal next week as Hognaston Flower Festival starts next Thursday, prior to the Open Gardens Season getting into full swing in June. When does anyone find time to do any gardening?
Posted in News on Thursday May 15, 2008| 2 Comments »
There is a drought of news from Parwich, Pikehall and Ballidin in this week’s stunner. So far I have found only one mention of Parwich; well done Elizabeth Moorcroft for gaining a third prize in Ashbourne Farmers’ Club’s Intermediate Shorthorn Dairy Cows class at the new stock judging last Friday at Rough Grounds Farm, Cubley.
Alsop tried to make up for the rest of the villages but even then its news was a little out of date, over 60 years out of date. The Memory Lane page has a very fine picture of Alsop Moor Quarry and the old lime kiln in the snow (where Rivendale Caravan Site is now), and some of William Bunting’s recollections of the winter of 1947.
Do let us know of any news that has been missed (new or old).
Posted in Out & About on Thursday May 15, 2008| Leave a Comment »
This weekend sees the start of a flower festival at:
St Margaret’s Church, Carsington
10-30am to 7-30pm
Saturday 17th to Thursday 22nd May
It will provide an ideal opportunity for all those home made cake enthusiastics who are having trouble waiting for the next bank holiday Monday at Alsop Church.
Posted in About this site on Thursday May 15, 2008| 3 Comments »
So far our four most popular posts, since the site was launched, are all very different:
When is a neighbour not a neighbour?
243 hits
Easter Cards & Scrapbooking with the WI
233 hits
New “sounds” for church bells
205 hits
Carolyn’s Corner (No. 1)
167 hits
There are each by different bloggers and each on very different topics. Two of them, the planning post and the April the First post, had a lot of hits when they first appeared and then fell by the wayside. The Carolyn posts have an ongoing interest as people continue to wish her a steady recovery. However the Scrapbooking post is the definite tortoise that looks like overtaking the hares. Everyday there are a least two or three people come to PARWICH.ORG searching for ‘scrapbooking’ or related terms. Do they spend time on our site or do they just move on? If you are one of them you might like this link to a scrapbooking web ring or this to some related web rings.
Posted in Out & About, Parish Council, Services on Wednesday May 14, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Karen Wigley, Clerk to Parwich Parish Council passed on the following information that has been sent to the Parish Council:
Derbyshire Directory
Find out what is going on in your area.
Add details of your clubs or society.
Have you discovered the Derbyshire Directory yet? If you are embarking on a new hobby or keen to find out what is happening in your locality then the Derbyshire Directory could help you in your search. Set up by Derbyshire County Council, the Directory is an online directory of over 2500 local clubs, societies and voluntary groups.
If you are involved in running any such group that is not yet listed then you can be added to the Directory. It costs nothing to be included in the Directory and listing will allow you to promote not just your local organisation but also any volunteer opportunities you have and any events you are holding. You can submit your details on line. If you are not able, or prefer not, to apply online, please call 01629 585 357 and we will post you a form.
Sally Furness
Promotions Officer
Fly-Tipping
Fly-tipping rubbish is a crime
Help put a stop to it
Call 08456 058 058
Environment Agency
Derbyshire Dales County Council
Shacklocks Walk for Rainbows
Carsington Water – Sunday 13th July 2008
An 8 mile walk around Carsington Water
in aid of Rainbows (the East Midlands children’s hospice)
For details either phone 01509 638 009, or email kaye.graham@rainbows.co.uk or visit the Rainbows website
Posted in About this site on Wednesday May 14, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Most of you will have already mastered finding your way around PARWICH.ORG, but for those of you like me it may take a bit longer. If you are feeling a bit bemused click here to visit our SITE MAP. Not everyone will find it useful, but some of you may. To find the SITE MAP again just go to the ELSEWHERE ON PARWICH.ORG… short cuts in the right hand side column.
Posted in Events, History, Societies on Wednesday May 14, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Don’t forget tomorrow’s WI meeting:
‘Local Rituals’ a multi-media presentation
(including Winster Morris & Parwich Guizing)
by Rob Francis
7-30pm Thursday 15th May, Memorial Hall
Non-members welcome
Winster Guizers 1875 Parwich Guizers 1992
Posted in Gardens, People, Project Parwich, Young people on Tuesday May 13, 2008| 3 Comments »
If you go down to the woods today you will see – gnomes – and lots of them.
Jane Harris’ garden has long been a source of attraction for gnomophiles. It has a reputation far and wide as Derbyshire’s Premier Collection of Garden Gnomes. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are known to multiply when no-one is looking.
The Collection is of particular interest to those of a whimsical and youthful nature, and visitors to the wonderful village of Parwich are often drawn to this collection.
This year Jane is extending a warm invitation to those who visit it to show their appreciation by making a donation to – hurrah, hurrah – PROJECT PARWICH.
Thanks, Jane!
– submitted by Patti Beasley
Posted in Events, Gardens, Societies on Tuesday May 13, 2008| 1 Comment »
There are still spaces on the Horticultural Society’s trip to
Sheffield Botantical Gardens
Wednesday 21st May
depart Parwich Village Green 8-45am
The Gardens have undergone a multi-million pound restoration over a number years and are well worth a visit. Non-members are welcome. To reserve places phone Dot tel. 456 or Peter tel. 287
Posted in Cyberscouts, Young people on Tuesday May 13, 2008| Leave a Comment »
The 1st Derbyshire Dales Cyberscouts held its second meeting of the year in sunshine on Saturday 3rd May, using the 6th Form Block of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School as its Headquarters. Tim Polkinghorne, Group Scout Leader, opened the meeting with the traditional recital of the Scout Promise and then each section were off and away!
Four children from Parwich are members; two in Beavers, one in Cubs and one in Scouts.
The Cubs and Scouts section (ages 8-10 and 10-14 respectively) made a sharp exit to Wetton, complete with backpacks jammed full of lunches, compasses, maps and cold drinks! Their mission was to navigate their way to Thor’s Cave (and back!) on foot which they achieved in an impressive time and with some interesting diversions! Fortunately, they also remembered to bring John Queening, County Commissioner, back with them as well as their Leaders, whilst also teaching them a few things about orienteering with a compass!
The theme for the Beaver section meeting (ages 6-8 ) was health and fitness, with each member bringing with them a healthy packed lunch which they had helped to make … not a chocolate in sight (well, except in the Leader’s lunch box!). Also attending as an honorary member for the day was Spencer the school bear.
The Beavers were lucky to experience a kickboxing session with Sabri who runs classes in the Ashbourne area. Not only did they learn they could kick higher than they believed, the Beavers also learnt a great deal about positive attitude and respect for self and others.
After tasting lots of unusual fruits over lunch and burning off some excess energy on the grass, the Beavers were ‘subjected’ to blindfolded food tasting – the most fun part of the day according to their Leaders! Some of the foods tasted were met with very interesting reactions, especially the gooseberries and cold baked beans. Hats off to all the Beavers for getting stuck in and tasting everything put in front of them.
Tim Polkinghorne and his team would like to thank Nigel’s Butchers in Dig Street for providing the Leaders’ lunches. Thanks also go to Sabri for the kickboxing experience – he is currently offering a 30 day free kickboxing trial in the Ashbourne area for adults or children and can be contacted on 07824 428843.
The next Cyberscout meeting will be held on Saturday 14th June. Cyberscouts meet nine Saturdays a year 10am – 3pm and fees for attendance are £10 per meeting. If you are interested in joining Cyberscouts either as a leader/helper, would like to reserve a place as a young person in a section or would like to sponsor the Group, please contact tim@reachnirvana.co.uk or 01335 348444. More information regarding each sections’ programme can be found at www.cyberscouts.me.uk.
Posted in School, Young people on Tuesday May 13, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Do you have SATS, End of Term Exams, GCSEs, A-Levels, Finals or one of the many many more types of EXAM coming up? Well … … …
It is difficult to know when to do this post as there are so many different lots of tests now in education. If you had your sats last week, well done you have survived, if you have them this week good luck. If you are coming up to GCSEs (Am I showing my age?) or A-levels, PARWICH.ORG’s especial good wishes. If you have your Finals at least these may be the last exams you ever have to take, and if they are not then you definitely will have no one but yourself to blame.
Let us know your exam survival tips.
Posted in School, Young people on Monday May 12, 2008| Leave a Comment »
Parwich Primary School News 30Dear Parents,
Uniform
We would like to build up a reserve of spare uniform in the school. If anyone has any items which are in a good condition, which they would be willing to donate to the school, please send them to Jenny in the office. Thank you.
SATs
Monday 12th May – Friday 16th May is SAT’s week for Key Stage 2 children. SAT’s are standardised tests set by the government to monitor the progress of children throughout their primary education. More information is available at www.satsguide.co.uk or www.standards.dfes.gov.uk
Key Stage 1 SAT’s – Year 2 children will also be taking their tests on Wednesday 14th May.
School Dental Inspection
Derbyshire Health Authority will be visiting school on Tuesday 13th May to carry out their annual dental inspection in Key Stage 1. Please ensure you have returned your child’s consent form.
Design & Technology – Superheroes
The children in Mrs Black’s class will be designing and making their own Superhero next week. We would be grateful if the children in the infants can bring to school a variety of boxes, cardboard tubes and material scraps to use in their designs.
PTA Meeting
All are welcome to attend this meeting, the more the merrier! I value everyone’s contributions, opinions and ideas – this is your opportunity to make a difference and be heard. We are meeting in school on Tuesday 13 May at 7pm. We really do need your support, so please come along.
School Council
School Council Elections have taken place this week, the results will be counted and announced in next weeks newsletter – watch this space!
Sainsbury’s Active Kids Campaign
A reminder to parents that we are still collecting these vouchers until the end of June. We have already collected 3600 would love to beat last year’s total of 4149.
Tissington Well Dressing
Many thanks to the parents that accompanied the children on our afternoon visit to Tissington. The children were a pleasure to spend the afternoon with and as this was my first Tissington Well Dressing kept me updated with their vast knowledge of the area and the Well Dressing procedures. Thanks also to Margaret who led the visit and knew the longest hilliest way to Tissington!
Yours sincerely
Caroline Rodgers
Headteacher
Posted in Opinion, Peak Park, Planning on Monday May 12, 2008| 3 Comments »
The Environment Group (Parwich Village Action Group) supplied the following:
Having argued for more public debate on the Peak District National Park Authority’s Parwich Conservation Area Appraisal we want to make our contribution available, so please click here to read the Environment Group’s comments on the draft consultation paper.
Although we felt the Authority had done a commendable job of describing the buildings and how the village evolved, we raised a number of relatively minor details, argued that the Conservation Area should be extended, pointed out that the Draft misrepresents Parwich village (Pawich is a living working community!) and suggested that further discussion is required on potential improvements not included. (more…)
Posted in Services on Monday May 12, 2008| 1 Comment »
Steve Jenner from Ashbourne Radio will be speaking at 2pm on Wednesday, 14 May 2008, at the Ashbourne Leisure Centre in the Community Room. He will be giving a talk on how groups can promote both their organisation and their events on Ashbourne Radio. This is a free service.
The station will reach Ashbourne, Ilam and Sudbury but won’t stretch as far as Matlock, Wirksworth or Bakewell.
Posted in Eating Out, Out & About on Monday May 12, 2008| 9 Comments »
Following last year’s major refit of its dining room, The George has become one of our favourite local eating destinations. Under the guidance of new landlady Emily Hammond, this family-run inn has moved decisively into “gastropub” territory, as befits the sparse elegance of the almost unrecognisable new dining area. Although still only in his mid-twenties, head chef Wade Raithby has proved himself more than capable of delivering consistent excellence – a minor miracle, given the cramped kitchen space available.
Last Saturday night, four of us oohed and aahed our way through the full three course menu. For starters, two of us went for the duck and ham hock terrine, while the other two splurged on a wonderfully inventive combination of seared king scallops and tender morsels of new season lamb. If that sounds like an unlikely marriage of flavours, then the mintiness of the accompanying pea mash and the sweetness of the surrounding carrot beurre blanc formed the bridge between the two. (Pretentious, but true!)
While my three companions swooned over the oven roasted fish fillet with Devon crab risotto, poached egg and hollandaise sauce , I had a Major Gastronomic Moment of my own: roast loin of venison, sitting on a perfect circle of rich and unctuous carrot mash that had been wrapped in ribbons of rhubarb, accompanied by baby fondant potatoes and rich venison sauce. (Venison and rhubarb? Trust me, it worked!)
At this stage, none of us really needed pudding – but strictly in the name of research, I persuaded everyone to give it their best shot. Dave went for the mature Cheddar, served with biscuits and a glass of Viognier ; Sue and Kevin shared a slice of “fantastic” lemon tart with vanilla ice cream, and I regressed to the age of six with a colourful, gloopy layering of apple mousse and orange jelly, served with a sticky marshmallow topping in a tall latte glass.
Together with a bottle of Brouilly and our pre-dinner drinks (three pints of Marstons Bitter and a glass of Saint-Veran), our bill came to £118. At just under thirty quid a head for such top-notch (and beautifully presented) cuisine, we reckoned it was worth every penny.
Tables at The George can be booked by calling (01335) 310205. The pub’s offical website is here. Starters from £4 to £8, main courses from £9 to £14, desserts from £4 to £5.
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