Archive for the ‘2009’ Category

A stunning stained glass slideshow.

Posted in 2009, Church, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday March 29, 2009| 1 Comment »

At Andrew Robinson’s request, John Fuller-Sessions has put together a splendid photographic catalogue of the stained glass windows inside St. Peter’s Church.

There are 41 images in total. Some are of the full windows, and some are detailed close-ups.

As the images look best in “full-screen” mode, we have loaded them into a slideshow on Flickr.

Please click here to view the slideshow – which will look even better if you press F11 on your keyboard before clicking the link. (When you’ve finished viewing, simply press F11 again.)

You can select individual images for viewing by clicking this link – or alternatively by starting here, and clicking each “next image” in sequence.

Lastly, all of these images have been archived on our ever-popular PHOTOS page – which is now once again up to date with all of our recent photography.

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Pre School Event

Posted in 2009, Posts of Note, Pre-school on Tuesday March 24, 2009| Leave a Comment »

On Monday morning the children of Stepping Stones Pre-School showed how much they appreciate us Mums (and Grandmas), by inviting us along and showcasing  their paintings of their Mums and telling us why they love us. 

(My special talent apparently, is making dinner. Thank you Wyatt x)

Then as if that wasn’t enough, they treated us to refreshments: homemade fairy and butterfly cakes and orange juice, all aided by their very special supervisors, Penny and Felicity.

The whole event left all of the Mums feeling very special, and quite rightly so!!!

– Tracy Marshall.

Please click on the photos to enlarge them.

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Parwich’s favourite country pub: the winner.

Posted in 2009, Out & About, Posts of Note, Pub on Friday March 13, 2009| Leave a Comment »

At the end of the day, just two votes separated our winner from our runner-up – but there can only be one winner, and we can now announce that the honour goes to…

(…long pause…)

(…drum roll…)

The Coach and Horses at Fenny Bentley.

The Coach and Horses, Fenny Bentley.

With its award-winning reputation for consistently tasty food (using locally sourced produce wherever possible), served cheerfully and efficiently in pleasant surroundings, the Coach and Horses has become a perennial favourite for Parwichians who fancy a change of scenery.

The pub also offers a warm welcome to non-dining drinkers, in the cosy main bar area. (We particularly like perching around the high, round table in the far right hand corner.) The Marstons beer is also extremely well-kept, making this pub a great “all-rounder” for drinkers and diners alike.

Congratulations to the Coach and Horses!

The Coach and Horses, Fenny Bentley.

And finally… no round-up of local country pubs would be complete without a reminder of everyone’s favourite public house of them all.    The Sycamore is a true village local, which really does go the extra mile to serve its community – as demonstrated at the Great British Pub Awards 2008, lest we forget – and we are very lucky to have it. 

Honorary mentions also go to the Parwich Royal British Legion – not a “public house” as such, but another fine place in which to drink and socialise.

After all, you know what they say:
“East, West, home is best!”

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Parwich’s favourite country pub: 2nd place.

Posted in 2009, Out & About, Posts of Note, Pub on Friday March 13, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Our runner-up position is hereby awarded to The Duke of York at Elton – an establishment which takes a very different approach to our third placed pub, offering a truly traditional Derbyshire drinking experience.

The Duke of York, Elton.

Here’s what some of our readers had to say about it:

Original village pub. No fancy frills and trappings and even has its own village idiot! Try a Sunday Lunch visit.

It is refreshing to go to a pub where you can just enjoy a quiet pint of cask ale, without being pushed from pillar to post by people serving pub grub. The Barley Mow (Kirk Ireton) is also what I would regard as a ‘traditional’ pub, but in my opinion is nudged into second by the friendly, warm atmosphere at The Duke of York.

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Parwich’s favourite country pub: 3rd place.

Posted in 2009, Out & About, Posts of Note, Pub on Friday March 13, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Thanks to all who voted in our long-running “Parwich’s favourite country pub” survey. From an original list of fifty pubs – all within approximately 10 miles’ driving distance of Parwich – we can now announce the Top Three.

In third position, we have The George at Alstonefield.

The George at Alstonefield

Since being taken over by Emily Hammond in 2007, The George has shifted its focus towards high quality dining, in its simply but smartly refurbished restaurant. Meanwhile, the compact bar area remains cosy and welcoming.

Click here to read last year’s blog post, and click here for The George’s official website.

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Austrian evening at Blanche Meadow Farm raises £375.

Posted in 2009, Events, Memorial hall, People, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday March 8, 2009| 1 Comment »

Our thanks go to Patti and Brian Beasley, for hosting such an enjoyable – and delicious! – fund-raising evening, in aid of the Memorial Hall redevelopment project. Those who attended feasted themselves on Beef Goulash with dumplings and red cabbage, followed by Apple Strudel and whipped cream.

Thanks are also due to Richard Hobday at White Peak Farm Butchery in Tissington, for generously donating the beef at cost price.

More pictures of the evening: (more…)

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Parwich’s favourite country pub – the grand final.

Posted in 2009, Out & About, Posts of Note, Pub on Thursday March 5, 2009| 11 Comments »

Having started with a pool of fifty country pubs – all within an approximate ten mile driving distance from the centre of Parwich – our four regional heats have whittled the number down to a final twelve. But which of these is Parwich’s favourite? We’re about to start finding out.

For our grand final, we’ve made a couple of changes to the voting system. Firstly, you will only be permitted to vote for ONE pub – so please choose carefully! Secondly, you won’t be able to view the results until we announce them on the blog – which will take place on Friday March 13th.

Finally, do please feel free to lobby for your favourite pub in the comments!

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Christopher Harrison’s licensing and installation.

Posted in 2009, Church, News, People, Photography, Posts of Note on Thursday February 26, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Thanks to John F-S for sending us this report:

Fifty or so of Chris Harrison’s former parishioners boarded a Warrington’s coach on Sunday afternoon to attend ‘The licensing by the Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham and Installation by the Archdeacon of Nottingham of the Reverend Christopher Harrison as Priest-in-Charge’.

The installation was an impressive service sustained by beautiful music and singing in one of Chris’s three new parish churches. Afterwards we were generously entertained to tea and cakes. We left feeling that Chris has a huge, exciting and demanding task ahead of him – we look forward to seeing him from time to time when he returns ‘home’ for a bit of refreshing country air.

(more…)

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The Cyberscouts’ January adventure.

Posted in 2009, A52s, Cyberscouts, Posts of Note, Young people on Monday February 16, 2009| Leave a Comment »

With the memory of turkey, mince pies and central heating still in their systems, all sections of the 1st Derbyshire Dales Cyberscouts met at Gradbach Scout Camp on January 3rd, to celebrate the start of another year of traditional scouting activities.

Following the opening ceremony around the flag pole, the group enjoyed its first Moving On Ceremonies, which see members developing and moving from one section to another.

There was also the opportunity to recognise the achievements of individual members by awarding skill badges – notably in the areas of creativity and experimentation – whilst the Camp Wardens stoked up the log fires in the stone farmhouse, where some of the day’s activities were to take place… (more…)

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Spectacular Sunrise and Stripey Fields

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note on Saturday February 14, 2009| 1 Comment »

The parwich.org Roving Photographer wanted to take some pictures of the last of the snow which emphasised the ridges and furrows on our hillsides. As he drove out past Bradbourne early on Saturday morning, the sunrise started to become interesting, so he continued on to Carsington. The sun rose a little further and the sky took on the most beautiful colours. The glow from the water and the snow was captivating.

Sunrise At Carsington

Sunrise At Carsington

Later, some snowy “ridge and furrow” pictures were taken to record this unusual variation on our landscape. A few are shown here.

(more…)

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Footpath near Sitterlow Farm cleared by PDNP

Posted in 2009, Environment, Peak Park, Posts of Note on Tuesday February 10, 2009| 2 Comments »

Dear Parwich.org – please could you pop this note onto your great website!

I thought I would let you know that the National Park Ranger Service recently visited Parwich to clear new tree growth from footpath 1, the trackway that runs south of the village towards Sitterlow Farm.

Probably about 10 years ago now, my colleague, Neil Hanshaw, was involved in improving this path, by installing drainage and surfacing. Some of you probably remember wading down this lane in wellies, because it was more river than path at this time. Then about 4 years ago the Ranger Service returned to this path because it had become obstructed by overhanging trees and vegetation. Over the course of one winter we gradually removed the obstructing trees to let in light and room for people to pass unmolested by blackthorn and hawthorn. We probably spent about 60 person days working on this clearance job – it was a considerable task – but the odd baked potato in a fire helped to keep our spirits up. But it was with considerable depression that I received a report last summer that young hawthorn and blackthorn growth was gradually closing in on the path again.

So last week when snow threatened to cancel our pre-arranged work with our valiant band of conservation volunteers, we diverted ourselves to Parwich and snipped back all the new hawthorn and blackthorn growth before it became a mammoth task again. (more…)

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Thank you …

Posted in 2009, Church, People, Posts of Note on Monday February 9, 2009| Leave a Comment »

It was always going to be difficult to say goodbye to everyone at the service at St. Peter’s church yesterday, and there seemed to be far too little time to speak with individuals. There were lots of memories of the last twelve years, a period during which Parwich has changed considerably, not least because well over 30 residents have died during this time. I would like to repeat my thanks to the many people who contributed generously to our farewell gifts – a speaker system, some Le Creuset cookware, photos of several of the churches, and this splendid painting of Thorpe church by John Wilford:

We were also presented with a wonderful album of photos from the church over recent years, taken largely by John Fuller Sessions, who also took these yesterday:
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There are so many people to thank for all that we have done together in the churches over the years, that it is impossible to name them all. But I want especially to thank Isobel for all her support and her understanding of the long hours I have often had to work, and all those who have showed us hospitality and made us welcome over the past twelve years. Do come to visit in Nottingham!

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“Man of Many Parts, a Juggler Supreme”

Posted in 2009, Church, People, Posts of Note on Friday February 6, 2009| 2 Comments »

chrisChristopher Harrison’s final Service is almost upon us and he and his family will be gone by mid February…. He has led a very busy life over the past 12 or so years, for life in rural parishes is no sinecure these days.  Five parishes with five PCC meetings and all their differing issues were soon increased by the post of Rural Dean.  This has meant overseeing the needs and problems of a wider area from Brailsford to Hulland to Clifton etc, and not forgetting the Ashbourne churches which were without a Vicar for some time.  Indeed he was eventually asked, “to have a responsibility” for these churches and their particular problems before the arrival of the Rev. Geraldine Pond. (more…)

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Snow School Today!

Posted in 2009, News, Posts of Note, School, Young people on Thursday February 5, 2009| 1 Comment »

Radio Ashbourne and the QEGS Website broadcast the news:

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School will be closed for the whole day…….

The news spread like wildfire throughout the village. Each pupil immediately started thinking how they could do some extra homework and get ahead with their revision. Each pupil immediately thought Yippee! Time to go to to The Sledging Hill!!

A day of enormous fun followed. An igloo was successfully constructed complete with a compressed arch roof. Who needs Physics lessons when you can learn whilst having so much fun!dsc_7104_800x5361 (more…)

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John Myers

Posted in 2009, People, Posts of Note on Tuesday February 3, 2009| Leave a Comment »

It is with sadness that we announce that John Myers, who lived for many years at Bradbourne Mill, has died. John spent many weeks in St Oswald’s hospital last year, before returning to his home at Tissington for Christmas. John was one of the traditional Derbyshire farming fraternity who always had time for you if you were passing the Mill, with his perceptive comments and friendly conversation.

The funeral service will be at St. Peter’s church on Tuesday 10th February at 2.30 pm. Please remember John’s wife Gladys, also her sisters Freda, Sheila and the rest of the family.

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Snow? Did Someone Say Snow?

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note, Weather on Monday February 2, 2009| 1 Comment »

In case you haven’t noticed…Parwich has been transformed into a winter wonderland!

School was off this afternoon to the delight of the younger Parwichians. Most headed for the sledging hill which apparently worked perfectly. Good job you can still rely on gravity in these troubled times. Here are a few photographs to illustrate our magical landscape.

A Bedecked Gardener's Cottage

A Bedecked Gardener's CottageFire & Ice

(more…)

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In memory of Don Lowndes

Posted in 2009, People, Posts of Note on Thursday January 22, 2009| 2 Comments »

Here are the notes his family prepared for the Vicar to read at Don Lowndes funeral yesterday (Wednesday) and some photographs sent by his daughter Linda.  Once met, Don was not someone you forgot:

Don was born in Parwich in 1926. His Mother and Father were Harley and Kitty Lowndes. He had a sister Peggy and a brother Cyril.

He went to school in Parwich, and then joined Barnes’s in Ashbourne to an apprenticeship to become a ‘Black Smith’. He joined the Royal Navy in approximately 1942, and served in Portsmouth, then due to an accident, he was forced to come back to Parwich, where he became the village Black Smith, making thousands!!! of gates, which are probably still hanging today.

His passions at the time included Boxing – he was the DABA County Champion in 1950. In the late 90’s he was a major instigator of The Revived Ashbourne Boxing Club, which still operates today. 

don-lowndes-2 (more…)

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Townhead House

Posted in 2009, History, People, Posts of Note on Saturday January 17, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Following the photographs of Townhead House in a post last year, thank you to Eileen Brownson for sending us several photographs of an oil painting of the house:

townhead

Eileen indicates that this is one of several pictures that

were painted by my Gd Mother Fanny (Brooks) Brownson The little girl was my Auntie Laura Brownson They are oil paintings, we have them here, unfortunately some are badly damaged, my daughter JoAnn has had a few repaired but that is very expensive, the other pictures are of Scottish cattle, I didn’t include those. All are signed by my gd mother and dated, barely recognizable. Glad you can share them with everyone interested.

Given the difficulties in photographing paintings here is another shot of the same view. (more…)

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Peak Park visit reported

Posted in 2009, Ballidon, Environment, Housing, Parish Council, Peak Park, Planning, Posts of Note, Pub on Friday January 16, 2009| 2 Comments »

On Tuesday 13th January the Peak District National Park on their visit to Parwich were represented by:

With for the second part of the afternoon there also being

The afternoon included visits to the Pub and the School, followed by a series of meetings in the Memorial Hall.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the visit and helped report back.  Here are our write ups of most of those sessions, and we will add reports on the remaining when/if they become available: (more…)

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White on white.

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note on Saturday January 10, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Today’s combination of frost and mist had a striking visual effect upon Parwich hill, as these images show.

Please click each image to enlarge it. (They look even better that way…)

f500dsc09880 (more…)

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Parwich Pre-School

Posted in 2009, Posts of Note, Pre-school on Tuesday January 6, 2009| Leave a Comment »

pre-schoolWe have had some lovely photos sent into us from Penny, the Parwich Pre-School leader.  This photo shows Penny with Felicity, her assistant and some of our pre-schoolers.

(more…)

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Winter silhouettes

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note on Monday January 5, 2009| 1 Comment »

Gorgeous lunchtime skies with trees silhouetted on the horizon whilst walking along Monsdale Lane.  It was pretty treacherous underfoot, rather like a skating rink walking up the Pikehall Road, one lorry even had to be towed up the hill by a tractor.

january-snow  (more…)

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A frosty walk on New Year’s Day.

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note on Friday January 2, 2009| 1 Comment »

Hands up, who would like to see yet more frost shots?!
These can all be enlarged by clicking…

k800frost07
(more…)

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Frost shots, Part 3.

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note on Friday January 2, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Thanks to John F-S for sending us this striking pair of images. Please click to enlarge.

Parwich frost
Parwich frost

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The Parwich Almanac 2008 – Part 2 of 2.

Posted in 2009, Posts of Note, Uncategorized on Thursday January 1, 2009| 1 Comment »

(Click here for Part 1.)

The second half of our Parwich News Review of 2008 starts where we left off: slap bang in the middle of Wakes Week. We hope you’ll enjoy our month-by-month summary, which covers the period from July to December.

WARNING: it’s quite a lengthy summary! (more…)

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More stunningly beautiful frosty shots.

Posted in 2009, Photography, Pikehall, Posts of Note on Thursday January 1, 2009| Leave a Comment »

We have had some more frosty pictures sent into us: three from Pikehall & one from Parwich.

winter-11

(more…)

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Frost and Fog

Posted in 2009, Photography, Posts of Note, Weather on Thursday January 1, 2009| 2 Comments »

It will be interesting to see what The Weatherman has to report on yesterday and today. As far as we can tell, the temperature never rose above -4 degrees centigrade all day on New Year’s Eve. The upside of this was we had a beautiful frost for us to admire.

Frost covering twisted hazel.

Frost covering twisted hazel.

(more…)

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