This is the 4th year some of us have got together to do a Christmas morning walk. Everyone brought a contribution for the “picnic”, there were plenty of nibbles of lots and lots of mulled wine.
Thanks to JF-S for the photos
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note, Walks & Rides on Sunday December 25, 2011| 2 Comments »
This is the 4th year some of us have got together to do a Christmas morning walk. Everyone brought a contribution for the “picnic”, there were plenty of nibbles of lots and lots of mulled wine.
Posted in 2011, Church, Photography, Posts of Note on Saturday December 24, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Andy explained that the Bible tells us that Jesus came into this world as a light into the darkness.
The questions is… What type of light?
In these photos, Andy is attempting to answer this question using a home made flame thrower!
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note on Thursday December 22, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Arts, British Legion, People, Photography, Posts of Note, Pub, Societies on Thursday December 22, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Rob Francis writes:
You seek them here, you seek them there. For 25 years, they have mysteriously appeared then disappeared at Christmas.
This is a unique Parwich tradition inherited from Biggin-by-Hartington through Ambrose Wilton and Jack Cundy, who as boys traipsed along the railway, returning via The Newhaven Inn – back in 1936.
Click here to view photographs from the last 25 years (or click here for a full-screen slideshow).
This includes the guizers’ famous meeting with Paris Hilton (look at the smile on her face) and the first photograph that appeared in The Ashbourne Telegraph in 1985.
The guizers in all their shape-shifting forms wish you a Happy Christmas.
Posted in 2011, Memorial hall, People, Photography, Posts of Note on Monday December 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Environment, Gardens, Photography, Posts of Note, School, Young people on Monday December 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »
For a large-sized, printer-friendly version of these photos, please open the current school newsletter PDF.
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note, School on Monday December 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »
For a large-sized, printer-friendly version of these photos, please open the current school newsletter PDF.
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note, School, Young people on Monday December 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »
This year’s Christmas production was fantastic! The children and staff worked extremely hard to make it enjoyable for all. Well Done to everyone who took part.
For a large-sized, printer-friendly version of these photos, please open the current school newsletter PDF.
Posted in 2011, A52s, Music, Posts of Note, Y-Not on Sunday December 18, 2011| 6 Comments »
As the days have become shorter and the weather more inclement, Parwich musicians have busied themselves writing and recording music. We have permission to publish work from both The A52s and Hazel B.
Hazel B
Hazel Beddows has been writing songs since she was 13. She is currently 15 and has been a regular at local open mic sessions. The highlight of 2011 was playing on the open mic stage at the Y Not Festival…including a request to do an encore. Hazel has just completed a recording session at Meadow Farm Recording Studio – lyrics, music, voice and guitar are all by Hazel B.
Parwich.org are proud to present two of her songs. Remember where you heard them first!
Satnav:
Mountain:
The A52s
The A52s are the hardest working acoustic folk-rock band in Parwich……when they’re not discussing music trivia in the Sycamore over a pint of Double Hop whilst munching crispinoes. Check them out at www.thea52s.co.uk.
Members of The A52s playing on these recordings are: Lewis ‘Squeezebox’ Noble, Chris ‘Mando Man’ Radlett, Mike ‘Champagne’ Hughes, Chad ‘Qwibble’ Bean, Jim ‘Jet Pack’ Croft & Rob ’10 Piece’ Campbell. The sound was engineered by Stan ‘Boggie’ Dadley-Webb.
These Days:
Photograph:
Simon Cowell better watch out next Christmas!
Posted in 2011, Events, Photography, Posts of Note on Friday December 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Music, Posts of Note, School, Young people on Thursday December 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Crafts, People, Posts of Note on Thursday December 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Parwich blacksmith Hayley Powell (of Forever Forged) is featured in an illustrated feature in the new edition of Country Homes & Interiors magazine, which is out today. Some of the photos in the feature, which is spread over several pages, were taken in Parwich.
Click here to preview the first two pages of the feature, which you’ll find on Pages 16 and 17.
Hayley will also be speaking on BBC Radio Derby at 12:15 tomorrow (Friday), in an interview which will be conducted from the forge at Claymills Victorian Pumping Station.
Posted in 2011, Posts of Note, School on Thursday December 8, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Head teacher Caroline Rodgers writes:
I need to remind some parents and inform our new parents what to do in the event of snow!
The decision to close school is never taken lightly; several factors dictate such measures, the health and safety of our children and staff is a priority, given the remote setting of the village. The decision is made through discussion with our Chair of Governors.
If it snows overnight, please tune into BBC Radio Derby (104.5 FM), check their website or tune into Ashbourne Radio (96.7 FM) to hear if school is closed.
If you hear nothing, assume school is open and we will be expecting your child.
It is more difficult when it starts snowing during the day. Usually some of our parents, who live out of the village or high up, give us some warning that things are getting bad. Once a decision is made to send children home, we will contact you by phone, then you or a representative must come and collect the children.
Please make sure that your details held here at school are up to date. In these days of voicemail and answer phones, it has become more difficult for us to contact parents quickly. Please make sure, you tell us how we can get hold of you quickly.
Posted in 2011, Events, Memorial hall, Photography, Posts of Note on Monday December 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Thanks to JF-S for sending us these photos of Delia’s evening of Christmas shopping and festive floral demonstrations, which took place in the Memorial Hall on Monday evening.
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note on Wednesday November 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Inscribed in memory of Len and Shirley Gibbs of Lenscliffe, this bench was installed beside the Jubilee pond last week.
“What a nice gesture” says JF-S, who took these two photos.
Please click on each to enlarge.
Posted in 2011, Flora, Gardens, Posts of Note, Weather on Sunday November 20, 2011| 2 Comments »
Kevin S writes:
Today’s weather stats confirm what we all know: that the warm autumn continues (despite the fog). Even so, I was a bit shocked this morning when I saw daffodils coming up in the garden.
Remembering JFS’s photos of apple blossom, primroses and ceanothus from way, way back in October, I decided to list what was happening the garden. I found:
If it wasn’t for all the worm casts, I’d be tempted to get the lawn mower out.
I was on the phone to a friend in Nottingham yesterday, when she suddenly stopped in mid-sentence because a peacock butterfly had just flown by.
It would be interesting to hear what other unseasonal sightings people have spotted…?
Posted in 2011, Music, Pikehall, Posts of Note, Y-Not on Wednesday November 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Congratulations are due to the organisers of Pikehall’s Y-Not Festival, for their double victory at this year’s UK Festival Awards.
Y-Not were victorious in two categories: the “grass roots” festival award, and the award for having the best toilets of any festival in the UK, big or small!
As no other British festival (no, not even Glastonbury!) managed to win two awards, this is a fantastic achievement, and proof positive that we have a truly wonderful annual event on our doorstep.
Posted in 2011, Catering 4 Parwich, Memorial hall, People, Posts of Note on Tuesday November 15, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Catering4Parwich has been popping up on the blog a lot recently. Just in case you don’t know, it’s a fantastic “new” non-profit making organisation run by Val Kirkham for the benefit of our community.
Originally it was set up in 2009/10 as a means to obtain funding for kitchen equipment for the new Memorial Hall. One of the conditions of the grant was to set up a micro-enterprise so that all profit, once food costs and wages have been deducted, goes back into the Memorial Hall.
The funding committee and Val created this organisation and now Val is totally responsible for all aspects of Catering4Parwich. During a normal week Val and Alison work about 6-8 hours a week but this goes up significantly when there are functions. Casual staff, normally local youngsters, are employed for such events, so if you would like to add your name to her list, please contact her. Some village functions like yesterday’s very successful lunch use volunteers, this helps to keep the price down to a minimum, with everyone only having to pay £5 for a two course meal.
During the past year Catering4Parwich has supported many events, both in the village and locally. Every week food is provided for the British Legion Darts Club and teas for the Over 60’s Pilates. Other events include the Oddfellows Lunch, Harvest Supper, lunches for new candidates for the teaching post at Parwich School, two Lent lunches, the Royal Wedding Event, lunches for a local and a national gardening group, teas for an art exhibition and the monthly film club.
C4P’s biggest event was catering for 512 people during the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Ashbourne, smaller events included Parkside Junior School’s Prom and a local funeral.
Already this non-profit making organisation has bought additional equipment for the kitchen, including an electric bain-marie, pans, vegetable dishes, a water boiler, a portable gas griddle and two portable ceramic hot plates. Items they are looking to purchase in the future include a fryer, microwave and quality cutlery for weddings.
Val has produced flyers to market C4P but word of mouth is her best source of bookings, which are already coming in for 2012.
Val K, Catering4Parwich – Tel 01335 390458.
Posted in 2011, Catering 4 Parwich, Eating Out, Memorial hall, People, Posts of Note on Monday November 14, 2011| Leave a Comment »
The latest event organised by Catering4Parwich, “Parwich Lunch”, had its inaugural meal today. Sixteen adults and two children enjoyed a lovely chicken and vegetable casserole with dumplings followed by apple pie and custard. There was a great atmosphere and lots of talking.
Everyone was very quick to sign up for the next lunch on Monday 19th December – Turkey and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas Pud or Trifle, other dietary requirements can happily be catered for. At £5 it is a real bargain, next month Martin C will be showing a film after the lunch for those who would like to stay on. If you haven’t booked ring Val on 458.
Future Lunch Dates
Always held in the Memorial Hall at 12.45pm – £5
Monday, December 19th
Monday, January 16th
Monday, February 13th
Monday, March 12th
Posted in 2011, Classified adverts, Housing, People, Posts of Note on Monday November 14, 2011| 1 Comment »
This project was undertaken by the Marshalls, which they started at the beginning of May, taking only 19 weeks to complete. Tony and Shaun did all the work themselves apart from the electrics and plumbing. They thought it might be interesting to show the work involved in a new build property from start to finish.
Posted in 2011, British Legion, Church, Posts of Note on Sunday November 13, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Parish Council, Police, Posts of Note, Services on Monday November 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Residents in Ashbourne and the surrounding villages are being advised to make sure they use grit fairly and sensibly during the winter months. It is after reports that during the cold spell last year, some residents had taken grit from roadside bins for use on their own driveways.
PCSO Kate Cleveley of the Tissington Area Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “It was disappointing to hear that last year a few individuals took grit that is provided to keep road users and pedestrians safe on the highways, and used it on their own personal property.
“Grit bins are provided by the council in various locations, usually in villages or on untreated roads, so that residents and businesses can keep roads or pavements free from snow and ice.
“These grit bins must be used to clear public pavements and roads only and are not for use on private property.”
Police have advised that taking grit from the public bins for use on private property can be classed as theft.
PCSO Cleveley added: “Not only would you risk prosecution if you are found to be taking grit from public bins for domestic use, but you could also be putting other people’s safety at risk. Homeowners have a responsibility to buy their own supplies of salt to keep their driveways or pathways clear. Please use public salt supplies responsibly.”
You can report problems with grit bins to Derbyshire County Council on 08456 058 058.
Posted in 2011, Events, Photography, Posts of Note, Societies on Sunday November 6, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Events, Photography, Posts of Note, Young people on Saturday November 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »
This guy looked as bit lost as he was seen staggering down Creamery Lane about 30 minutes ago.
If you see him, do help him, as he’s going to be the star tonight. Give your vote and support to “Guy in Lights”, better than X Factor & Strictly, from 7.30pm, Live on Alsop Road. It’s Bonfire Night!
Posted in 2011, People, Posts of Note, Societies on Saturday November 5, 2011| 1 Comment »
CHAIRMANS REPORT 2011
The last year has been yet another good one for the Horticultural Society. It has been difficult deciding in what direction to steer the Society but I feel we have weathered the last 2 years and are being as well supported by our members as we were in the past.
Entries were higher this year in the childrens show and there were some fabulous animals produced from fruit and vegetables. The main show was as unpredictable as ever and entries were affected by a wet summer and by many of us being at the Strong Man event the day before. However the auction was as popular as ever as the crowd were encouraged by the auctioneer, Mr Robert Bunting, to part with vast sums of money for superb produce.
Open Gardens was another great success and as usual the village rallied round to help us with the organisation. As a Thank-You to our Garden Openers we held a buffet reception on the Sunday evening and it was lovely to see everyone there. (more…)
Posted in 2011, Posts of Note, Sustainability on Tuesday November 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »
In August I wrote a detailed article about sustainability, giving all the renewable energy options available to us. Yesterday the government announced major new proposals to the Feed in Tariffs that will affect the cost effectiveness of PV panel.
Under the proposals, the new tariffs would apply to all new eligible solar PV installations installed on or after 12 December 2011. These installations would receive the current tariff of 43.3p before moving to the lower tariffs, 21p, on 1 April 2012.
Consumers who already receive a FIT will see their existing payments unchanged, and those with an eligibility date on or before 11 December 2011 will receive the current rate.
The table below compares typical income and savings made for an average sized solar PV system in the UK based on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.
FIT Rates | Total annual earnings and savings with a 2.9kW system |
Simple payback (years) |
Current – higher tariff 43.3p/kWh | £1,190 | 11 |
Proposed – lower tariff 21p/kWh | £640 | 20 |
Please note that these proposals are currently under consultation and are therefore not final. However, the Energy Savings Trust recommend customers should use the figures in the consultation if they are planning to install after 12 December 2011.
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note, Young people on Monday October 31, 2011| 1 Comment »
Love it or hate it, Parwich does “Trick or Treat” well, it is good-natured and friendly. Tonight there was a real buzz in the air, you could hear children’s voices full of excitement and their footsteps echoing up the path. Lots of effort had been put into the costumes and the enthusiasm of the children was matched by their readiness to say thank you.
Lots more photos – to enlarge just click on the photo. (more…)
Posted in 2011, Catering 4 Parwich, Church, Crafts, Memorial hall, Posts of Note, Young people on Monday October 31, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Let There Be Light, a children’s event celebrating God’s creation, organised by Revd Andy Larkin, took place today in the Memorial Hall. Thirty eight children attended and enjoyed activities including a shadow theatre, an ultra-violet light filled maze, decorating gingerbread people, producing a full size decorated image of themselves and a huge joint piece of art celebrating the creation story from the Bible.
The parents enjoyed the excellent cafe provided by Catering 4 Parwich. The only problem was how to get the huge painting into the church, when it was finished! As the children left, they were each given a light stick. To see all the photo’s check out the Peak Five facebook page. A video will be posted soon.
“Thank you all who worked so hard with the planning, organisation and delivery. Especially the parents who unexpectedly found themselves being helpers to cope with the number of children (you know who you are!). Thanks also to all of you who came and supported the event and helped to make it such a great morning. Revd Andy Larkin.”
Posted in 2011, Police, Posts of Note on Friday October 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »
The Community Messaging Service is a system designed to circulate information rapidly, to keep members of the community informed of crimes in their area and current events, as well as appeals for witnesses to crime.
You can also sign up for messages about emergencies in your area for free.
Find out about – bogus callers, burglaries, theft, appeals, community meetings, crime prevention etc.
Messages are sent by e-mail, voice mail, fax or text message and people can also choose when they receive information.
Information can be specifically targeted at individual schemes or neighbourhoods.
There are already more than 18,500 members of the public and other partner agencies registered on the system. If you would like more information or would like to register with this service, please contact your Divisional Community Information Officer on 101.
Parwich.org regularly received these messages and posts ones that are relevant to our area.
Posted in 2011, Church, Crafts, Posts of Note on Monday October 24, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Thank you to JF-S for these close up photos showing some of the detail in the wall hanging. (more…)
Posted in 2011, First Responders, Local government, Posts of Note on Tuesday October 18, 2011| 4 Comments »
The efforts of Parwich First Responders were recognised last night at the Derbyshire Excellence in the Community Awards. These awards recognise adults, businesses, voluntary and charitable organisations throughout the county whose selfless work helps to improve communities and the lives of local people.
The award was formally awarded to Sue H, Chair of Parwich First Responders, but she accepted it on behalf of the entire group.
Posted in 2011, Church, Crafts, Posts of Note on Sunday October 16, 2011| 1 Comment »
Thanks to Martin C for sharing this video of the unveiling and dedication of the Parwich Wall Hanging, which took place in St Peter’s church on Sunday 16th October 2011.
Posted in 2011, Church, Crafts, Posts of Note, School on Sunday October 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »
For over a year, a dedicated band of Parwich embroiderers and other craftspeople have been working on a special representation of the village. Inspired by Gill S and assisted by Ann K, ten talented people have spent many hours embroidering the landmarks, buildings and inhabitants of Parwich. The project’s aim was to provide people with a chance to meet up and work on something together as a community.
This morning, the wall hanging was unveiled by Rev Andy Larkin at a special church service. Andy made the connection between the threads woven into the fabric and the threads of our community, stressing we are all stronger through our collective interaction and support for each other.
Posted in 2011, Flora, Gardens, Photography, Posts of Note on Wednesday October 12, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Posted in 2011, Pets of Parwich, Posts of Note on Thursday October 6, 2011| 1 Comment »
Posted in 2011, Pets of Parwich, Photography, Posts of Note on Friday September 30, 2011| 13 Comments »
Mother and calf are doing extremely well. It’s lovely to think that now there will be two beautiful cows on Creamery Lane. The only problem is the name, it has to begin with P and have a floral connection.
And she’s called…….
Posted in 2011, Photography, Posts of Note on Thursday September 29, 2011| 1 Comment »
Posted in 2011, Church, Posts of Note on Tuesday September 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Reverend Andy Larkin writes:
Thanks to all who decorated the church and worked so hard to provide the harvest supper. Two lovely events, and thanks to everyone who came along to support.
Full photos are on the church Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fivechurches (courtesy of JF-S).
Posted in 2011, Arts, Out & About, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday September 18, 2011| 4 Comments »
This year’s Beyond Limits sculpture exhibition opened on Friday September 16th, in the gardens of Chatsworth House. There are 26 works on display, including pieces by Damien Hirst, Rene Magritte, Lynn Chadwick and Marc Quinn, and the exhibition runs until October 30th 2011.
Please click on each photo to enlarge it.
23. Damien Hirst – Myth
The spot at the far end of the Canal pond is always reserved for something special. In previous years, we’ve had Marc Quinn’s statue of Kate Moss and a smaller version of Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North – and this year, Damien Hirst’s two painted bronze horses, Myth and Legend, looked spectacular in the afternoon sunlight. You’ll see Legend further down in this post.
Posted in 2011, People, Photography, Posts of Note on Friday September 9, 2011| 1 Comment »