Archive for the ‘Posts of Note’ Category

Tweet tweet tweet…

No, PARWICH.ORG hasn’t signed up to Twitter! This “tweeting” is of an altogether more traditional kind. Kevin S. explains further:

We have been very lucky on this blog to have some excellent bird photography, supplied by John F-S and several other local snappers. Having recently met Alan Burbidge, Vice Chairman of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society (WSRS), I realised there could be a great opportunity to attach recordings of bird song to relevant photos on the blog.

The WSRS is a group of about 300 members who are interested in recording sounds from nature, thus helping to further the appreciation and understanding of animal language.

Their website has a lot of information about how the recordings are made, numerous articles about bird song and a section where recordings can be heard. The quality of these recordings are amazing. I particularly liked the European Tree Frogs and Eider Ducks.

Alan has kindly supplied us with a couple of recordings, which we have linked to a couple of John’s photos. To listen to them, please click on each picture.

In the future, we will try to link relevant recordings to other photographs as they appear on the blog.

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This week has seen lots of changes at the hall.  Inside the pipework for the underfloor heating has all been laid on top of the insulation, and the screed, which is placed on top, is almost completed.  It takes a few days for the screed to go off (harden) and then it is safe to walk on it.   The electrician has been busy in the kitchen with the first fix, putting in the trunking and socket boxes.   The carpenters will be working this weekend preparing the door and window openings, ready for the frames. 

Outside there has been plenty of activity on the roof.  The tiles have been hoisted into place on the roof and will be laid shortly as will the solar panels.

The photos show the different stages of laying the underfloor heating system. (more…)

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Well, holes just keep on appearing outside Jack’s house.  No sooner is one section repaired than they find another problem.  How do we know what is happening higher up and lower down.

Thanks to JF-S for these pictures taken over the past two days. Click on them to enlarge.

And today….
 

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On Saturday the woodwork for the main roof was completed, ready for the Staffordshire Blue tiles to go on this week.   As the photo and the video of the main hall shows, the internal scaffolding has now been removed and the large pile of insulation has been placed, both on the ceiling and on the floor, prior to the pipework for the heated floor being installed this week.  Once the pipes are in place a concrete screed will be laid over them.

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The following photos show the meeting room and the kitchen.  In the first photo taken from what will be the new patio, you can see the angled glass doors leading to the meeting room, with the doorway to the kitchen and then the heating control room on the left. (more…)

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Spotted on Google Street View…

If you hadn’t already realised it, Parwich is now visible via Google Street View. The Google car seems to have picked a quiet, sunny afternoon to visit us… but wait a minute, who is this mysterious figure? Answers on a postcard, please…



(Please click to enlarge.)

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More images… (more…)

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If you have been wondering what is down this hole, read on.  The close up shots of the culvert under the road outside Jack’s house, shows the debris brought down by large amounts of water.  Note the wood holding up the culvert!!  This is now being replaced by reinforced concrete slabs.

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The weather continues to be very kind and if you haven’t been to the site recently you will see how well the stonework is going; in some areas it is now at roof height.

This week the low level woodwork over the foyer has been done, whilst much of the main roof is being insulated.  The plumbers have just started on the first fix so things are progressing.  Depending on the weather work may be continuing on Saturday.

A number of villagers have already had a look around the new building.  If you are interested in having a look, either on behalf of your user group, or to get ideas for future activities and projects, or would just like to be ‘nosy’ then ring Ben (665).  Ben is the committee’s day to day link with the onsite team  and can be seen numerous times a day on his bike pedalling to the building site.  Any visits have to be worked around the building site activities and in accordance with Heath & Safety regulations, so lunchtime, 12.30pm is the most ideal time; it will only take about 15 minutes of your time.

Thank you to Martin for the filming and Ben for the narration and to JF-S for the photo.

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New Member Of The A52s Plays Gig!

The A52s would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who turned up for the gig in the Legion last night and especially to Social Sec Carl. It was an evening of great fun.

The band’s sound was enhanced greatly by the addition of ace guitarist Wyatt, who joined the group for a few numbers!

Well done Wyatt – you played very well!

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Photodiary Week 22

It has been a busy week on site, and fortunately the weather has warmed up as the week has gone on.  This has helped speed up the stonework and we now have two teams doing this work. 

The roof timbers on the kitchen, foyer, meeting room and toilets are finished and await the final steel roof.

The first photo, below, is looking from inside the hall, towards the internal doors that open onto the foyer. The second from the foyer into the bar store cupboard on the left, the toilets and the cleaning cupboard on the left.  The disabled toilet is not shown from this angle. (more…)

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Photos of Sunday’s snow.

“Just for the record… in case anyone has forgotten”, says our photographer.  Please click to enlarge…



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Please click here for a printer-friendly version of this newsletter, in PDF format. Printed copies will be posted on village notice boards shortly.

Since the last newsletter circulated in August/September 2009, things have moved apace, and much hard work is being rewarded by our Hall finally taking shape. Information on the build continues to be posted on the notice board adjacent to the Hall outlining detailed progress and plans, and those who have checked on http://www.parwich.org will have been kept up to date with progress through the comprehensive weekly photo diary published.

The estimated completion date is presently mid May with the delay due to the ongoing severe weather we are experiencing. The delay will not increase the overall build cost which remains at the original figure of approximately £695,000. As previously reported, the build is in essence the design approved by the Peak Park Planners and awarded the Big Lottery Fund grant.

The total money raised stands at £708,395, which means that all moneys required for the building costs have been secured by the funding group, and the additional funds can be used for a much improved specification kitchen, staging, new chairs and a keyboard. There are still some bids that we await the outcome of, which, if we are successful will allow us to fund storage trolleys, a moveable bar and outdoor furniture. The Committee has set up a facility to access a loan of £20,000 if necessary, from the Rural Community Buildings Loan Funds because some funding bodies who have pledged funds will not release their funds until some weeks after the costs have been paid (i.e. the loan would be drawn down to support cash flow ONLY and is not required for the overall build cost).

All pre-commencement planning conditions have been satisfied, and there are ongoing discussions with the Peak Park to ensure other planning conditions are agreed at the appropriate time. For example the Peak Park has been instrumental in advising and guiding the Committee on an appropriate landscaping plan, which has been evolving during the build process. Minor design decisions not included in the already approved outline specification, e.g. carpet and blind colours, are being considered after recommendations by the architect, in discussions with the Design Interface Team, who then bring recommendations to the full Committee for discussion and agreement.

There is an open meeting scheduled for 4th March (8 – 9pm venue TBA), to answer any questions arising from this newsletter. Please also note the AGM will be delayed until 27th May after the final completion of the Hall. In the meantime, as always, every member of your Committee is happy to answer any further questions on an individual basis or questions may be answered by reading the minutes in the shop folder.

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New Vicar in place

Welcome again to the Rev Andy Larkin and his family.  Although they have now been living in Parwich for several weeks, yesterday saw Andy officially take charge of the five parishes of Fenny Bentley, Thorpe, Tissington, Parwich and Alsop en le Dale.

In St Peter’s, which was filled to capacity with members of the five congregations, representatives of the diocesan clergy and friends and visitors, Robert Shields Esq (on behalf of his father) and Sir Richard FitzHerbert, joint patrons of the parishes, presented our new vicar to the Right Rev Humphrey Southern, Bishop of Repton.  (more…)

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This week has been a busy week, with Wildgoose working today to help make up for some of the days lost during the recent snow.  The joiners have been preparing the roof for felting, hopefully this will happen next week.  Internal block work has been rapidly continuing, and all the internal walls can now be seen.   The ground heat source pump has been pressure tested ready for future connection.


This photo is taken from the back on The Legion and the block work on the left will be the kitchen.  The area between the kitchen and the main hall will be the meeting room.  The ground in front will be the patio area with raised planted beds and will be a secure play area for Stepping Stones and the Toddler Group. (more…)

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Spring is coming?

Today I saw the first snowdrops in my garden.  Here is a photo of them along with snaps of a couple of winter flowering shrubs also taken today:

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Parwich Heights

To the readers of parwich.org:

In the history of village blogging, an experiment such as this has never been attempted before. History is about to be made. The road ahead will be hard, but with enough imagination and determination, we will create something quite special!

We propose, ladies and gentlemen, that we collectively write the most compelling romantic novel that has ever been created.

Who knows where this story will go. The twists and turns will be unpredictable, but one thing is for sure – the journey will be fascinating! So if you have a creative streak and feel like being the co-author of a compelling read, this is a unique opportunity!

Here’s how it works…

The opening paragraphs of ‘Parwich Heights’ are provided below. From here on in, we will build up our novel installment by installment using contributions from the readers of parwich.org. You can write a paragraph, a page or even a whole chapter – the choice is yours! You can choose to use your own name, use a pseudonym or remain completely anonymous.

If  you would like to add a section, email parwich@hotmail.co.uk . The blog team will look after the list of contributors and will agree with you when your turn comes up. You will be given a week or so to write your section.

Week by week, our epic novel will materialise. Where it goes from here, you will decide….

—————-

Parwich Heights

The sunlight had long passed by the time Annie drove into the picturesque Derbyshire village. It was dusk and there was nobody to be seen. The lights from the cosy stone cottages were starting to twinkle. As she passed the village green, she could hear the faint sound of folk music coming from the pub. “Typical!” she thought, “I’m trying to forget everything and I cannot get away from listening to the very type of music my late fiancé used to adore”.

You see, Annie was trying to escape the memories of that terrible day one year ago, when she had veered from delirious happiness to the depths of despair. Annie and Quentin had been flying to the island of Madagascar for their dream wedding when a frightful sound came from the port engine. Captain Dirk Scrimshank’s calm voice came over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some technical difficulties and need to divert to a nearby airport. On behalf of Utopian Airlines we apologise for any convenience caus…..”. The Captain’s reassuring voice was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a similar blast on the starboard side of the aircraft. Immediately, the aircraft started to lose height and banked alarmingly to the left. Annie remembered that her complimentary glass of champagne had spilled from the table and the sight of mountains had loomed larger than life, filling the small window of the aircraft. Events after that point were a blur. All she knew now was that Quentin had perished, and her life as she knew it was over.

Who could blame Annie for her distracted thoughts as she made her way into that little village. Time after time she tried to make sense of the chain of events that had led her to this point in her life. Many times, hours had passed as she tried to answer that one nagging question in her mind – “Why?”.

Suddenly, her thoughts were arrested as she heard a bump and saw a shadowy figure sprawl across the bonnet of her car. “Oh my goodness” she thought, “I’ve rented a house in this obscure little village to make a new life, and I’ve run someone over on my very first day!”. Annie was mortified as she quickly brought her 2CV to a halt. She opened the door and was greeted by the sight of a dishevelled but striking gentleman………

Over to you for the next instalment!

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Milestones on the B5056

This interesting comment has just been made in response to the article Exclusive photos of the B5056

How nice to see my work appreciated! I thought that I might be alone in admiring the milestones and their history. The one showing ‘W Slack, Brasfington’ is next to my house at Woodeaves. About 20 years ago a truck ran over it and smashed it into three large pieces and a number of smaller bits. The remnants lay hidden in the undergrowth until I decided to take advantage of the road closure and investigate without being mown down by a truck! I found the big pieces easily enough and one small piece with a fragment of carving on it; the rest was lost.

With the help of my neighbour, we ‘righted’ the base stone. I then assembled the pieces and bonded them in place. The missing pieces are replaced by a resin mortar using limestone dust gratefully received from Longcliffe quarry laboratories.

The carved lettering is picked out in black paint and the white surface just scrubbed clean.  I’m delighted with the result and the fact that someone has noticed it. I subsequently unearthed the ‘Ashburn 3 miles’ and cleared it of undergrowth. It just needed a scrub up to restore it as shown.

To confirm my obsession (to the desperation of my wife) I have now located virtually all the milestones between Woodeaves and Haddon. They all need a good wash so be kind if you see me out there with a scrubbing brush!!

I have yet to find the ‘Ashburn 4 miles’ (just past the Bradbourne turn) and ‘Ashborn 5 miles’ (after the Parwich turn). If you know where they are please let me know. They may turn up as gateposts at some distance from their original site.

Dave R (milepost nutter)
PS Have a look on the Ashbourne – Kniveton – Carsington route if you detour that way and see how many milestones you can find to this design!!!

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Well the snow just seems to go on forever and this is obviously impacting on the building schedule, after the next site meeting with Wildgoose (the last one was cancelled due to the snow) we will update you more accurately.

When the builders have been able to get in, work has been continuing.  The scaffolding is almost complete, allowing the blocks to be sited ready for the team to start laying when the temperature permits and the digging of drains continues as today’s photo shows.

Main hall looking toward the “stage end” and the entrance. The meeting room will be accessed at the top left handside

Main hall, looking away from the entrance hall with the storage facilities (still to be erected outside of the main frame) on the left.    The car park is also on the left.

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Any more for any more? These wintry pics were taken by Kevin S.


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What A Picture

The snowy showers interspersed with bright sunshine on Saturday provided yet another opportunity to capture the winter wonderland that Parwich has become. So here are some more photographs taken by our roving reporter. Click on any image to enlarge it.

Watch out for those icicles!

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Never mind rickshaws, why not hire the latest mode of transport – ideal all weather terrain – corners well, especially in deep snow. 

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Neighbourly Help

This is real community service, the Parwich way.  Thank You. JF-S

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The live Parwich weather station  recorded a record low temperature of -8.8 degrees C at 05:30am this morning (Thursday 7th January) which is the lowest temperature recorded since the live weather station records began over 3 years ago. Temperatures have been around or below freezing since the middle of December, and the extreme cold seems set to continue, possibly for another 2 weeks.  Severe weather warning have been issued for our area with strong winds coming in over the weekend.  So although the weather should be bright it will feel even colder.

We have been asked by one of our readers to highlight some of the potential dangers.

  • It is great seeing and hearing the youngsters enjoying the snow but whilst out sledging keep well wrapped up and keep an eye on friends who are out with you for the first signs of frost nip.   Your nose, ears and hands are most susceptible and initially they can appear yellowish or white. 
    If you get nipped then warm the area gradually. Putting it under hot water or hot air could cause a burn – and you may not be able to feel it before it’s too late. Try not to rub or massage the area, which could cause further damage.  Generally, frostnip isn’t serious and is easily cured when you get out of the cold, but the bit that has been affected will swell, be red and will tingle or burn for a while.
  • Although we do not have much water around us, never try to cross frozen water.  On Monday in Derbyshire 2 boys had to be rescued as they tried to take a short cut across a frozen lake, putting themselves and their rescuers in extreme danger.  Within 2 minutes the body will go into shock and after 10 minutes you will almost certainly be dead.
  • Please continue to take care on the roads and do keep the blog up to date with road conditions.  Today the A515 was clear, but the Alsop Road still has a covering of snow in parts and with the extreme overnight temperatures may be tricky in sections early in the morning.  This afternoon, two locals had to reverse back down the Bradbourne Road until they were able to turn around, because they were unable to make it up the final hill (towards the Carsington end) when they pulled over to let a vehicle coming towards them pass.
  • Keep your eye on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly, check that you have seen them recently and that they are not having any problems
  • Some people feel less secure driving on the roads during the snow but may feel they have to go out if they need urgent items like prescriptions.  If you need something collecting email the blog team with a contact phone number and we will put a brief message on the blog and hopefully someone will contact you and lend a hand
  • Also if you are going into town and a willing to collect something for someone then let the blog team know parwich@hotmail.co.uk

Finally, a big thank you to the First Responders, all local volunteers,  who are continuing to offer cover to the village, both in the day and throughout the night.  This resource is even more crucial during this period as the combination of our present road difficulties along with treacherous driving means that it could take emergency vehicles longer to attend any incident in or around Parwich.

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Cameras, Action, Take………

Video plus lots more fun photos, click to enlarge. (more…)

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Another strange building

To enlarge, click on each photo.
 
It’s the Hermit of Parwich with his begging bowl – JF-S

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Alsop en la Neige

We have an abundance of snowy photographs for you today. The following set are from a crisp walk from Parwich to Alsop and back. Hope you enjoy them!

Click on each image to enlarge it.

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Snowy weather is bad news for those who have to travel, but for those who can enjoy the cosiness and the picture postcard scenery, this is a magical time. Many a photographer was abroad today making the most of the excellent light. Here is a gallery of photographs of our beautiful village taken on Sunday morning.

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Parwich in Snow

The sun was blazing, the snow was crisp underfoot and views were fantastic.


Looking up Creamery Lane and down past The Smithy

Looking across to Foufinside Farm
Views from the road near Hill Top Farm (more…)

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Following the sprinkling of snow that coated Parwich today, we think this roadsign takes the award for stating the obvious!!
There were however a number of intrepid individuals who took ‘skidding’ to a new level.

Click ‘Continue Reading’ below to find out more….

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Exclusive photos of the B5056

Some exclusive photos have been sent into Parwich.org showing the landslip, rediscovered mile stones, ongoing repairs near the original traffic lights and what looks like road widening!

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Well the last couple of weeks has seen some freezing snowy weather, not the nicest time to be working on a building site, and certainly not on the roof.    When the temperatures are suitable the block work continues to grow, with some of the walls, both internal and external being built and insulated.   The scaffolding was erected last week to enable the roof  joists to be positioned.   The priority from next week is to continue the block work.

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Parwich to Tissington

On Christmas morning 23 hardy sorts met on The Green and walked over to Tissington and were welcomed by 7 non walkers with coffee, gluvine and nibbles, so giving them the strength to stagger back to Parwich for their Christmas Dinner.

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As we reach the end of the year, here’s a look back at 2009’s photographic bird sightings, as captured by our ace snapper John F-S.

Our thanks to John for keeping us supplied with snaps throughout the year – and indeed to all who have sent in their photos. Please keep ’em coming!

February.

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There is a wonderful display of Christmas trees in the Church, decorated by the different societies, groups and individuals in the village.  An enormous amount of effort has gone into this and if you haven’t already been in to have a look, please do.

Remember it is the Crib Service on Thursday at 4pm, everyone is extremely welcome.
Click to enlarge any picture.

 

Barbara & Ann’s tree – Twas the night before Christmas.

The Memorial Hall Committee’s tree, recycling the wooden roof shingles as the base of the decorations, which then represent the different groups that use the hall.
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Pink snow.

Just before sunset this afternoon, the freshly fallen snow took on an eerie pink glow. Here are a selection of images which capture that moment.

Click on each image to enlarge it, and click on “Continue Reading” to view the rest of the gallery.



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Thank you to our local Peak Park Ranger for this update on the maintenance of the Weather Way, a fantastic footpath along an ancient holloway going south up from Alsop Lane onto the Flatts.  If you don’t know it, it is well worth a visit. (Click here to find out more about some of the ancient routes near by.)

Photo by Rob F taken in 2000, after the previous restoration

Peak Park Rangers and volunteers have been out recently to try and clear Parwich footpath number 36 that runs south from Flaxdale Holding. This was repaired several years ago but had become overgrown and rather quagmirey.

We cut back much of the tree growth to discover the path is actually quite wide, but we left enough young saplings to form a hedge at the top of the sunken route. We also installed some new wider gates to make it a little easier to get through this area.

About 15 volunteers came out to help with the work and we used the excuse of burning the brash to enjoy a hot baked potato or two in the fire at the end of the day.

Despite this work the path still remains wet (though perhaps this isn’t surprising given the recent wet Autumn). We’ll be keeping an eye on the water level on this path and hopefully improve the drainage at the bottom of the path in the summer when conditions improve.

If you would like to help with conservation tasks like this in the Parwich area feel free to contact me at lynn.burrow@peakdistrict.gov.uk with your contact details. I’ll give you a call next time we are heading in the Parwich direction.

Merry Christmas to you all

Lynn Burrow
Area Ranger
Peak District National Park

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Simon our postman will be doing his round for the last time on 2nd January after 11 years delivering the post to the people of Parwich. We could not have wished for a more dedicated and helpful person to deliver our mail. Through rain, snow and shine, Simon has always looked after us with a smile and a wave. We will be very sorry to see him go.

It was wonderful therefore to have the opportunity this afternoon to thank him and his wife Barbara.

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Our thanks to Kevin “Magnus Pyke” S, for providing the following article.

Radon is a radioactive gas which is produced in the Earth’s crust from the breakdown of radioactive uranium. Certain parts of the country are prone to the release of radon from the ground, and the Derbyshire Dales have been designated as a radon affected area.

Please click to enlarge.

Radon in the soil and rocks mixes with air and rises to the surface, where it is quickly diluted in the atmosphere. Concentrations in the open air are very low and do not present a problem.

However radon that enters enclosed spaces, such as buildings, can in certain circumstances reach quite high concentrations. This can be a problem because it is a colourless, odourless gas which consequently goes unnoticed.

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PARWICH LADIES TRIUMPHANT

After years of honing set plays and individual passing skills the Parwich Ladies Netball Team have finally reached the dizzying heights of CHAMPIONS OF THE LEEK INDOOR WINTER LEAGUE!!!!!!

The season has been one of nail biting end to end matches with great athleticism and stamina being demanded from all players. The post baby tummies have been replaced with 6 packs. Explosive muscle power in the legs has resulted in some very shapely calves. Excessive use of over head and chest passes has caused a certain pertness in the bosom which can only be of benefit for the dress choice for the prize giving ceremony!

The defence of Sarah (the long legged blonde), Nia (the aging mother of 4) and Alex (the bouncy night nurse) have gelled to become a formidable force. Only the Leek Hockey Club Girls caused pain to the threesome as they dared to take on the blocking techniques.

Sandra (the speedy over head Queen) continued to whizz from end to end bringing defence and attack together despite her variations in hair arrangements.

The shooters Jannette (who really can get it in from anywhere!) and Ruth (the most versatile player ever) have been named as THE BEST SHOOTERS IN THE LEAGUE. For every 100 shots at least 95 were guaranteed goals. Those that missed were put down to interference from the rowdy crowds that gathered to watch our performances.

WA is the position played by Wendy (the most graceful and gentle player ever) and she calmly fed the ball into Ruth and Jan without ever looking flustered in the 4 months of play.

People of Parwich – you are privileged to have such sporting excellence in your midst. The team are now carbo loading for a month before taking on All Comers next year.

A big Thank you must go to the staff at Leek for organising and umpiring the League. Also on the occasions we have needed to play reserves we are indebted to Jo (from the Pink Ladies) and Pip ( who sponsors us) for managing to just fit in and play our game.

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Photo Diary Week 10


The floor slab continues to grow; the layer that you can see in JF-S’s photo, forms part of the radon proof barrier. 

Work will be continuing on site tomorrow until early afternoon.

On Tuesday, work will commence at 8am.  This is to allow time for the concrete to be inserted onto the floor slab and set.  The school have been informed about this earlier start and Wildgoose will provide a traffic marshal to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicles. (more…)

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