2010 Wakes starts with the Odd Fellows march. The Church Service is at 11am this morning, the market on the Green (although some stall are already trading) is officially open from 11am – 4pm and the Carnival Parade begins at 6pm.
Archive for the ‘Posts of Note’ Category
Odd Fellows March 2010: Part One.
Posted in 2010, Oddfellows, Photography, Posts of Note, Wakes on Saturday June 26, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The Bell
Posted in 2010, Church, Posts of Note on Tuesday June 22, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The bell dates back to 1804, made in Chesterfield, and had not been removed since the church was built (it pre-dates the current church). The bell hangers had to cut a trap door in the floor, and lower the bell to the ground with a pulley. Now it is off to the bell foundry to have new fixings and bearings, and due to return on the 19th July.
View the video of the removal of the bell.
Thank you to Martin C for the photos and video
Parwich Open Gardens – Photo Gallery #2
Posted in 2010, Events, Gardens, Photography, Posts of Note on Monday June 21, 2010| 1 Comment »
Here is the second photo gallery showcasing seven more of the stunning gardens on display in Parwich last Sunday. The sunny weather ensured the gardens were seen at their best.
Please click on each image to enlarge it.
Garden #3 – Wheatsheaf Cottage
Childrens’ Show
Posted in 2010, Events, Memorial hall, Posts of Note on Monday June 21, 2010| Leave a Comment »
There were some wonderful entries in the Parwich Horticultural Society Childrens’ Show this year. It was clear that a lot of hard work and imagination had gone into the entries. Many thanks to the children (and parents!) who worked so hard to create such a fine set of exhibits. Well done especially to all those who won prizes!
Below is a gallery of the entries. Click on each picture to enlarge it.
New Memorial Hall In Action
Posted in 2010, Events, Memorial hall, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday June 20, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The new Memorial Hall was put to good use during Parwich Open Gardens this Sunday. It was great to see so many people buying plants, playing tombola, enjoying tea and scones in the main hall and drinking up the sunshine on the new terrace. Hard-working volunteers in the kitchen enjoyed the extra space and found the continuous hot water and ‘4 minute’ dishwasher to be of enormous use given the demand.
Below are a few pictures showing the new facility in action. Note the Children’s Show will be covered in another post.
Click on each image to enlarge.
Parwich Open Gardens – Photo Gallery #1
Posted in 2010, Events, Gardens, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday June 20, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Here is the first of several photo galleries of Sunday’s Open Gardens and Childrens’ Horticultural Show. The weather remained fine and sunny throughout, ensuring that plenty of visitors turned up to enjoy the fourteen gardens on display. This was also the first major public event to take place in our new Memorial Hall, and trade was brisk throughout the afternoon, with many people opting to take advantage of the sunny patio area on the south side of the building.
Please click on each image to enlarge it.
Garden #6 – Orchard Farm.
(more…)
Final Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Friday June 18, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The Memorial Hall has now been handed over to the committee, and as with any new development there are of course a number of issues that still have to be sorted. This period of time is called snagging in the trade and has been going on throughout this week.
To update you on the hole in the car park, the leak in the heating system is sorted, and the complete commission of this will take place on Monday. There will be a complete new car park relaid shortly.
The landscaping that was featured in an earlier photo diary was halted, as the committee are not happy with the quality of the soil, plants and planting by the contractors. This issue is being pursued by the committee in conjunction with Peak Park.
The photo below shows the rear with the newly seeded grass crete, by the Legion. This section will be taped off for the next few weeks to allow the grass seed to grow.
The photos below show where we were at the beginning of October, through the exceptionally snowy winter to today.
First Night in the New Hall
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Posts of Note on Thursday June 10, 2010| 6 Comments »
Thank you to Patti B for this report on how the first meeting in the new Memorial went:
Well, the AGM last night gave many of us the first opportunity to see the new hall. The overwhelming feeling and comments from those attending were ones of sheer pleasure with the hall and all its details.
‘Amazing’, ’beautiful’,’ I never expected it to have all this’,’ we must have the best village hall in England’ were just a few of the comments.
People wandered around examining everything from the ‘state of the art’ kitchen to the toilets – six in total complete with a baby changing station.. There were many comments about the feeling of space in the lobby, ‘dramatic’ was a word heard more than once. The lobby, with its natural limestone floor, forms a natural centre with the hall, toilets, meeting room and kitchen leading from it.
The hall has a beautiful oak floor and is light, airy and luxurious. The high ceiling is lined with acoustic panelling and lit with bright, practical pendant lights. People commented on the quality and attention to detail.
‘I never expected such a high quality interior’ was one remark.
There are also wall lights for background lighting for entertainments. We were able to try the new chairs, which were very comfortable –no need to bring a cushion now and they can all be stacked on a trolley and wheeled away to a storage room when not needed. The new tables, which can also be locked together to form a stage, were also in use for the first time
The electric blackout blinds and high window openers in the meeting room were definitely a bit ‘toys for the boys’ with several men needing to satisfy their button pressing manias.
The totally stainless steel kitchen is large, impressive and professional with an extensive range of appliances such as a fridge, freezer, range cooker, dishwasher and warming ovens. One village resident was totally overwhelmed and said she wished it were hers.
The meeting room, which interconnects to the main hall, has folding glazed oak doors leading to the outside terrace. It is a more intimate room with a carpeted floor, which will have many future uses.
We were not able to go outside because work is still in progress but we could see the outside paving and landscaping and there was already talk of getting a barbecue to go out on the terrace.
It was evident from all the very positive responses that Parwich and its surrounding villages now have a new village hall to be proud of.
Week 37 – Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Wednesday June 9, 2010| 8 Comments »
Tonight’s AGM will be the first meeting in the new Hall, so it is an opportunity to see inside. The lobby, the hall itself and the toilets are all that can be seen this evening.
The building will be officially handed over to us on Friday this week, though the grounds will not be handed over until next Friday (18th June), just in time for Open Gardens and the Children’s Show on Sunday 20th June.
The Hall Memorial can be booked through Janet at the Sycamore Inn (tel. 390 212), though there may be changes on the Committee following this evening’s meeting.
Week 36 – Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Saturday June 5, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This week has seen a lot of finishing work inside and outside the Hall as well as the planting in the grounds (see last week’s post for the list of trees planted).
B5056 Re-Opens Today
Posted in 2010, Local government, Posts of Note, Roads on Friday May 28, 2010| 10 Comments »
At last the road to Ashbourne is re-opening today! (Thank you to Dave R for letting us know.)
The road blocks came down yesterday and some vehicles have already gone through. The County Council can not give a specific time for the road closed signs to come down, though it will be officially open sometime today.
When you take the road watch out for loose chippings, and let us know how the road is now. Also any photos are welcome.
Well done to Highways for finishing the road works within schedule, and well done for their general maintainance of the minor roads (particularly through Alsop en le Dale) that have suffered so much from the combination of increased traffic and bad weather.
First Dragonfly
Posted in 2010, Photography, Posts of Note on Tuesday May 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Many thanks to Esther for these photos of this “First dragonfly of the year at Jubilee pond!”
Can anyone identify the species? (more…)
Alien Plant Invaders
Posted in 2010, Environment, Flora, Peak Park, Posts of Note on Sunday May 23, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Several escaped garden plants are a nuisance in the Peak Park, including Japanese knotweed, rhododendron and Himalayan balsam.
Locally there is Japanese Knotweed in Parwich churchyard which fortunately was spotted in time. Once established, Japanese knotweed is virtually indestructible. (Neither weed killer nor digging it up help. About all you can do is plant trees to hide it.) Next to the shed in the churchyard, the Parwich plant has been cut off every time it shows above ground for several years. Now, although it continues reappearing, it is looking much less vigorous.
A Japanese knotweed plant keeps sending up shots just before the wall, here in Parwich churchyard. If you see any shots please snap them off.
Do you know of any other sites these plants grow in Parwich, Alsop, Ballidon or Pikehall?
The Peak Park Authority have sent a request for volunteers to help with their campaign to control Himalaya balsam that is taking over some river banks in the Park. Although it is an attractive pink flower with exploding seed pods that children love, it completely smothers the native plants.
For more on their plans to combat Himalayan balsam read the Peak Park’s full press release – (more…)
Week 34 – Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Thursday May 20, 2010| Leave a Comment »
It seems like there have been hundreds of men on site this week, from all trades. An extra job that Wildgoose is doing, is to put in three sections of concrete piping just in front of the site; to carry the water down the culvert. The oak timbers at the rear are finished, all the external oak doors are in and glazed. Internal and external wall lights are now in place. The cabins went on Tuesday and this has meant that the front of the site is now being leveled, ready for the car park and at the rear work is ongoing creating the steps, ramp and patio.
A rogues gallery of some of the people on site!
Ruby Hickmott & Open Arts
Posted in 2010, Arts, People, Posts of Note on Thursday May 20, 2010| 2 Comments »
Ruby Hickmott is one of a number of very talented artists that live in our beautiful village. Over the next Bank Holiday weekend we are fortuntate enough to have the opportunity to view her work as part of the Derbyshire Open Arts Festival that is taking place all over Derbyshire. She can be visited at her studio, 4 Church Walk anytime between 11-5, Saturday to Monday. Please click below to view a selection of her work.
Ruby is a professional artist who sells original work and runs art based workshops for all ages and abilities. Her painting embraces an extensive range of materials and techniques that capture the Derbyshire landscape and the South West coast.
Church Restoration
Posted in 2010, Church, Posts of Note on Wednesday May 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The Marshalls at work on the Church, repairing some of the water worn stonework. Many thanks to all of those who have supported the Church Restoration Fund through our concerts, Fair and other events. The bell is due to be removed on the 22nd June for renovation work.
Week 33 – Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Sunday May 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Over the last week things have been happening so quickly it is difficult to know which photos to show. Inside the oak floor has been laid and will be sanded and oiled, currently it is under hardboard to protect it, as work continues in the main hall. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.
The oak and painted doors are all hung. The photo below shows the double sliding doors, located under the messine storage, that open into the foyer. The workman on his hands and knees is laying the natural limestone floor that runs from the entrance to the kitchen. Oak skirtings will be fitted through the hall.
The kitchen has now been fully fitted, and what a kitchen! (more…)
Minutes from 2009 Annual Open Meeting of Parish Council
Posted in 2010, Parish Council, Posts of Note on Saturday May 15, 2010| Leave a Comment »
PARWICH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Open Meeting held on Thursday 2 April 2009 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall
To consider and if accurate, approve the minutes of the Annual Open Meeting held on 3 April 2008.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2008 be confirmed as a true record.
To consider matters arising from the Annual Open Meeting held on 3 April 2008.
* The Parish Council are in the process of developing dedicated pages on parwich.org. Agendas have been posted.
* Concerns raised regarding the B5056 are still relevant. The update provided by the Highways Department regarding the road conditions stated that the 1st set of temporary traffic lights are due to works being carried out by Severn Trent Water, these are due for completion by the end of April.
* The 2nd set of temporary traffic lights is due to subsidence. Designs for a crash barrier and solution are due for completion in June with works planned for late summer.
* The 3rd set of temporary traffic lights is due to the potential collapse of the road. The Structures department is investigating solutions.
*Concern was raised that the traffic lights are frequently faulty. Pc Cooper advised that faults should be reported to the Call Derbyshire Service or the police. (more…)
Week 32 Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Saturday May 8, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This week the windcatcher was installed onto the roof. Its role is to circulate fresh air and ventilate the hall when necessary.
Internally the main floors have had their final preparation ready for the laying of the wood floor. This photo shows Bertie giving his opinion of the new hall, standing next to the floor planking.
The oak facings at the front of the hall and alongside the public footpath are in place. The stopes (stone bollards) on the footpath have been relocated to conform to disabled access regulations and this path will be open, as planned, on Monday.
As always click on any of the photos to enlarge them and thanks to Ben for these pictures.
Conservative hold for Derbyshire Dales.
Posted in 2010, Local government, Posts of Note on Friday May 7, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Congratulations to Patrick McLoughlin, who has been returned as our MP with a 13,866 vote majority. This represents a swing of 3.7% from the Liberal Democrats.
Here are the results in full, with the results from our unofficial Parwich poll in brackets.
Patrick McLoughlin – Conservative. 24,378 votes, 52.1% (38.9%)
Joe Naitta – Liberal Democrat. 10,512 votes, 22.5% (11.1%)
Colin Swindell – Labour. 9,061 votes, 19.4% (25%)
Ian Guiver – UKIP. 1,779 votes, 3.8% (0%)
Josh Stockell – Green. 772 votes, 1.7% (5.6%)
Nick The Flying Brick Delves – Monster Raving Loony. 228 votes, 0.5% (5.6%)
Amila Y’mech – Humanity. 50 votes, 0.1% (2.8%)
The turnout in Derbyshire Dales was 73.8%, up by 6.3% from the last election.
Voting underway at the Pub
Posted in 2010, Local government, Posts of Note, Pub on Thursday May 6, 2010| Leave a Comment »
A steady steam of voters are making their way to the polling station at the Sycamore Inn in Parwich, which opened at 7am this morning.
It is good to see old traditions being revived, with the opportunity to combine a drink or two with voting. (more…)
Celebrating Skills Video
Posted in 2010, Events, People, Posts of Note on Wednesday May 5, 2010| 6 Comments »
Thank you to Martin for this video clip of Monday’s skills sharing event:
Parwich Skills Afternoon
Posted in 2010, Church, Events, Posts of Note on Tuesday May 4, 2010| Leave a Comment »
A very bright idea was turned into reality on Sunday when the people of Parwich showcased their many and varied skills. Often, such skills are hidden from view, so it was quite astonishing to see the huge array of talent contained within our small village.
The event featured shepherding, woodturning, quilting, painting, photography, organ playing, jewellery making, bell ringing, metal detecting, historical research, coffee refinement, geology, flower arranging, rag rug making, weaving, felting, card making, mountain rescue and many other crafts.
Thank you to the exhibitors for the time and trouble you took to give us such an inspiring show. Thanks especially to Jean and Martin C for the inspiration for this event and for your tireless energy ‘making it happen’.
Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for a (rather large) photo gallery covering just some of the activities and exhibits on view.
Tea and Cakes at Alsop Churchyard
Posted in 2010, Alsop, Posts of Note on Monday May 3, 2010| 1 Comment »
As happens on bank holidays throughout the Spring and Summer, Alsop-en-le-Dale welcomed all to sample tea and cakes in the most beautiful of surroundings. The marquee was needed as the weather veered from pleasant sunniness to hail! That didn’t matter in the slightest though as the tea was piping hot and the cakes were heavenly!
In fact, most people had a good chance to catch up on things…
…and have a grand old relax…
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to provide such an enjoyable event.
Week 30 & 31Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Sunday May 2, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Since the last photo diary, two weeks ago, the plasters have finished and the first coat of paint is already on the walls. The vinyl flooring in both the kitchen and toilets is down and the sanitaryware and cubicles are in place in the toilets. There are three toilets and sinks in the ladies, two in the mens and a disabled toilet, just waiting for the electrician to fit the hand driers and the taps etc to be fitted.
Outside the oak planking is nearing completion, as can be seen from the photos. All the solid oak, external doors and windows are in situ. The roof lights in the photo below show the location of the kitchen, which is now ready for fitting out. (more…)
Early morning at the Jubilee Pond
Posted in 2010, Photography, Posts of Note on Saturday May 1, 2010| 1 Comment »
Last November, a determined gang of volunteers did a grand job of clearing the bog garden and stream at the Jubilee Pond site.
Six months on, and thanks to their labours, the pond site is looking more beautiful than ever – as can be seen from these three photographs, taken at around 7:15 this morning. (Please click to enlarge.)
St George’s Day videos for 2009
Posted in 2010, Church, Events, People, Posts of Note on Friday April 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Martin C has recently uploaded a three-part video of last year’s parade, featuring some high-flying camera work from Mike H in the bell tower (in Part 1), the church service (in Part 2) and some interviews with the participants (in Part 3). The total playing time is just over 25 minutes.
View the videos: (more…)
2010 Parliamentary Candidates
Posted in 2010, Local government, Posts of Note on Tuesday April 27, 2010| 2 Comments »
A recent poll here at PARWICH.ORG, although only attracting a small number of responses, indicates nearly 40% of people were still undecided on who to vote for. Since then the final list of candidates in Derbyshire Dales for the May 6th General Election has been announced. We have a choice between seven:
- Ian Guiver (UK Independence Party) – Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire
- Patrick McLoughlin (Conservative Party) – Quarndon, Derby
- Joe Naitta (Liberal Democrats) – Mickleover, Derby
- Josh Stockwell (Green Party) – Wirksworth, Derbyshire
- Colin Swindell (Labour Party) – Elton, Derbyshire
- Nick The Flying Brick (Official Monster Raving Loony Party) – Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire
- Amila Y’mech (Humanity) – Atlow, Derbyshire
The polling station in Parwich is to be at the Sycamore Inn this time, with Janet receiving her official training at Matlock Town Hall this afternoon. (Click here for the full list of Derbyshire Dales polling stations.)
So far there seem only to be posters up locally for the sitting MP, Patrick McLoughlin, in and around the village, which might suggest it remains a safe Conservative seat. I have received leaflets for the Conservatives, Labour, Liberals and UKIP so far.
More about each candidate: (more…)
St George’s Day Parade
Posted in 2010, Church, Cyberscouts, Events, Oddfellows, Posts of Note on Sunday April 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This morning’s St. George Parade started at the Legion, with the Parwich Odd Fellows (also supported by members of the Loyal Cavendish Lodge and their banner), the Cyberscouts and the Cadets all led by Doveholes Brass Band.
The procession made it’s way (via Parwich Hall) to the Church for a rousing service. All the hymns could be belted out, and were: “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer”, “Jerusalem”, “I vow to thee, my country” and “Onward Christian Soldiers”. The Vicar, brandishing a sword, gave an address on St. George as a Christian knight.
After the service the Parade continued on round the village before adjourning to the Legion.
Thank you to the Parwich Society of St. George for organising this event. For more photos (more…)
Fair on The Green – Photos
Posted in 2010, A52s, Church, Photography, Posts of Note on Sunday April 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This afternoon saw the very successful Fair on the Green, fundraising for the Church Restoration. There were lots of people enjoying a really fun afternoon. It was super to see Andy, our new vicar, prominent in the fundraising effort – Well done Andy and everyone else for organising a super afternoon. Further thanks to all involved in this morning’s events.
Below is a random selection of shots, taken by Jane & JF-S.
Home Sheep Home?
Posted in 2010, Pets of Parwich, Posts of Note on Thursday April 22, 2010| 1 Comment »
Two weeks ago, one of Ben C’s sheep had three lambs. Mum couldn’t produce enough milk for them all, so Sandra C took two of the lambs into her care. A disused kitchen cupboard was filled with straw and the lambs took up residence in the kitchen. An intensive programme of feeding began. In the beginning, Sandra and Ben fed the lambs every two hours day and night.
Two weeks later, both lambs are doing well…and the feeding is down to just (!) four times a day.
Luckily, Jasper the family dog has been very tolerant and can be found playing with the gambolling sisters.
In another month, these lambs will be ready to leave the house and head for the fields. In the meantime, we think we’d be hard pressed to find two cuter household animals in all of Parwich!
Budding Beautiful, but what are they all?
Posted in 2010, Photography, Posts of Note on Monday April 19, 2010| 5 Comments »
Yesterday I was commenting to JF-S about the beautiful blossom on one of his trees which we couldn’t identify. Later in the day he sent me a photo; I challenged him to photo some other trees and plants and within no time at all they were emailed in and here they are. Your challenge is to help identify all 14. Answers in the comment box please.
National and international recognition for PARWICH.ORG
Posted in 2010, About this site, Posts of Note on Monday April 19, 2010| 3 Comments »
Although PARWICH.ORG is primarily written for the benefit of our local residents, we have also noticed a steady trickle of interest in our site from further afield. Over the last couple of years, more and more people have started setting up so-called “hyperlocal” community websites to cover events in their own areas, and many of them have taken a good look at what we have managed to achieve in Parwich.
Last weekend, around a hundred “hyperlocal” bloggers and other interested parties gathered together in Leeds, for the second annual “Talk About Local Unconference“. (The event was called an UN-conference, due to its relatively informal nature.) Mike A from the blog team attended the event, and met many other people from other areas of the UK who have set up successful local websites of their own.
The day ended with an awards ceremony – or rather, an UNawards ceremony! – in which PARWICH.ORG was named the winner of “The UnTourist Board Award, for a site that attracts visitors to a place”. As PARWICH.ORG has never won an award before – and who knows whether we ever will again? – we’re rather chuffed, and very grateful to the Talk About Local judging panel for thinking so kindly of our efforts.
And as if this wasn’t enough, we have also been selected by the widely read American site blogs.com as one of their top ten “cool hyperlocal blogs”. In fact, we’re the only British site to make the list! Once again, we’re very pleased to be recognised in this way.
Week 29 – Photo Diary
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Sunday April 18, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This week and throughout the weekend has been a busy time for the plasterers; the meeting room and kitchen are fully plastered and the main hall is almost completed. Acoustic board is being fitted to the ceiling in the hall to improve overall sound quality. By Tuesday the plastering should be completed, as should the outside low level roofing.
Thanks to JF-S for the photos.
Photo Diary Week 27 & 28
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Monday April 12, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The last fortnight has been a hive of activity inside the hall. As can be seen from the photos, the scaffolding is back in the main hall to allow the electricians to site the wiring, ready for the lights, cinema and sound system. The first fix for both electric and plumbing have been completed and the plastering has just begun. (more…)
Dorothy’s Daffs
Posted in 2010, Gardens, Posts of Note on Sunday April 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Spring is here and once again, Dorothy’s woodland garden is bursting into life. Here are a few pictures of this beautiful area. Click on each image to enlarge it.
Update on the B5056
Posted in 2010, Posts of Note, Roads on Sunday April 11, 2010| 1 Comment »
Many thanks to Dave R who sent us the following information:
Work appears to be progressing very well both on the landslip near the Bentley Brook Inn and on road repairs between Bradbourne Ford and the landslip. I hear that it could be open by 11th May. The attached photographs show that the retaining wall on top of the piles is complete and that the stone facing is well advanced. Base layers of the road are being laid and compacted.
There seems to have been an additional landslip in the woods below the line of piles. You might be able to pick out the trees at odd angles in one of the attached the photographs.
The road surface is being repaired and drainage improved all along the stretch of road. New kerbing is in at Horsley Farm and new stone retaining walls are being built where the road has been scraped back to its original width. You’ll be pleased to note that the tight corner near Bradbourne Ford has been widened by cutting into the bank. Finally, many overhanging trees have been cleared from the roadside and this makes the road feel wider and lighter in those places.
Whilst the road closure has been very inconvenient for us all, I think that the council engineers should be congratulated on the improvements that they have carried out. See for yourselves in May.
There are also three new milestones along the route. No prizes are on offer, but we’re running an impromptu competition for the first photographs of these milestones to be sent into us. (Hint: The milestones are one mile apart!).
First Swallows?
Posted in 2010, Ornithology, Posts of Note on Friday April 9, 2010| 3 Comments »
A swallow was spotted flying and feeding around Blanche Meadow last night ( 8th April). Is this the first in the village? Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be one of our regular nesters as it is no longer around this morning. We are very fortunate to have anything up to five nesting couples each year – the earliest and most experienced have been know to raise three broods. Over the years we have built special nesting ledges inside the stables to encourage them to stay. The sight of five little heads peering over the nest never fails to give us all pleasure. The only downside is the amount of bird dropping on the horses backs in the mornings.
Patti
Has anyone got a photo of these first swallows yet?
Rare Song Thrush discovered in Parwich.
Posted in 2010, News, Ornithology, Posts of Note on Thursday April 1, 2010| 4 Comments »
UPDATE: This hardly needs saying, but just in case there is any confusion: the following news item is complete and utter made-up codswallop. So, was anyone April Fooled? Even for a split-second? Nope, thought not…!
As part of our new series of linking bird photography with sound recordings, we have recently had a major new development: a combined sighting and recording of a very rare subspecies of Song Thrush.
Ornithologists out there will know that three subspecies of Song Thrush are recognized throughout Europe. The male’s song, which is given from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches, is a loud clear run of musical phrases, repeated two to four times (“filip filip filip codidio codidio quitquiquit tittit tittit tereret tereret tereret”) and interspersed with grating notes and mimicry. An individual male may have a repertoire of more than 100 phrases, many copied from its parents and neighbouring birds. The Song Thrush is also a very gifted mimic and has been known to imitate man-made objects such as telephones.
Over recent years, the repeated use of mimicry has led to a proposal to classify a fourth subspecies of Song Thrush. At some time during the last sixty years, a Thrush was able to mimic part of Mozart’s Queen of The Night aria, as sung by Florence Foster Jenkins (the famously atrocious soprano) and was then able to pass this song on to its offspring. There are now thought to be several hundred of this subspecies, living mainly in Scandinavia.
Just like their close cousins the Redwing, the recent freezing weather has cause this very rare Jenkins Thrush to migrate south, and only last week we were able to record one singing near the Cuckoo Gate. This is a very exciting event for local ornithologists, and PARWICH.ORG is proud to provide you with an exclusive preview of this unique recording.
To listen to the Jenkins Thrush, please click the picture below.
Photo Diary Week 26
Posted in 2010, Memorial hall, Photo Diary, Posts of Note on Sunday March 28, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Again the builders have been working 7 days a week, with 6 guys in today. This week has seen the completion of the main roof, which is fully tiled and has two solar panels on the rear. The small structure in the middle of the roofline, when finished will be the ventilation system for the hall, and will be placed in situ by crane.
The carpenters have finished the floor for the high level storage above the hall, this area is designated for items such as scenery flats, costumes etc for future stage productions (calling all thespians, get your thinking caps on).
The plasters have been prepping the hall ready for plastering this week. Plumbing, electrical work and further insulation continues, as does the external pointing on the stonework.
Thanks to Ben & JF-S for the photos.
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