Thanks to Jane B for these three photos, which were taken on Easter Sunday.
1. Junction of Dale Road and A515 – pretty difficult to see traffic coming from the Buxton direction.
2. Walking with Buntingo and Lotti – it may not look it, but it is 6 feet down to the track from where they are standing – it’ll be a few weeks before the snow has melted sufficiently to allow cycling.
Posted in 2013, Photography, Posts of Note | 1 Comment »
Alstonefield Village Hall are staging a number of concerts throughout 2013 – click here for more details – and their next event takes place this Saturday (April 6th), with a gig by Newcastle fiddler Tom McConville and his band.
Drawing plaudits from the likes of Radio 2 folk presenter Mike Harding (“This band is quite simply the top of the tree”), this should be a treat for folk fans. Samples of Tom’s work can be heard here.
Doors are at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Support comes from Onecote’s singer/songwriter, Rick Ford. A licensed bar will be available.
Tickets are £12 each (£6 for children). They can be ordered from hopedalemusic@btinternet.com or by phoning (01335) 310322/310381.
Posted in Events, Music, Out & About | Leave a Comment »
Our judge, John F-S, was most impressed by the standard of photographs entered, indeed in the end he had to award two photographs jointly as over all winner. Here are the winning entries:
Anthony C’s “Ewes & lambs”
John H’s “Take off!”
Posted in 2013, Competition, Photography, Posts of Note | Leave a Comment »
Some intriguing tracks have recently been found in the snow at the top of Parwich Hill. They were clearly made by some type of bird, but what could have made them? The tracks suggest a waddling gait, but all of our resident ornithologists were stumped. We therefore sent the photographs to Twycross Zoo, to see if they could help.
The response was instant, and very perplexing. “We recognised them immediately,” said a spokesman from the zoo, “as the marks are identical to those made by our Humboldt Penguins.”
“We have no idea how the penguin got to Parwich. It is certainly not one of ours, as we have counted them and they are all present and correct. As Humboldt penguins are known for burrowing, it is likely that yours has been living on the hill for a while, only making itself known after the recent heavy snowfall.”
“The Humboldt Penguin is a South American penguin, which breeds in coastal Peru and Chile. Its nearest relatives are the African Penguin, the Magellanic Penguin and the Galápagos Penguin. Have any of your residents visited any of these locations recently and perhaps smuggled one back?”
“They are certainly very resourceful birds. Last year, a Humboldt penguin escaped from Tokyo Sea Life Park by scaling the 13 feet high wall and through the fence into Tokyo bay. It then thrived in Tokyo Bay for 82 days before being recaptured.”
Whether our penguin has escaped or been stolen, we will never know. Climate change has been dramatic lately, but perhaps never this dramatic.
Posted in 2013, Environment, News, Ornithology, Posts of Note | 3 Comments »
The Blog Team would like to extend its congratulations to our resident satirist Paul Burlinson, who has been invited to appear as a panellist on the next season of BBC1’s Have I Got News For You.
No stranger to the glamour of the television studio – his appearances on Channel 4’s Countdown in 2002 and 2004 have already gone down in broadcasting history – Paul was talent-spotted by HIGNY‘s executive producer, Ria Pollof.
“While taking a mini-break in your beautiful village earlier this year, I stumbled across Weedkiller Weekly, Paul’s wonderfully wry ‘sideways glance’ at events in the news”, says Ria, talking exclusively to PARWICH.ORG.
“We have been looking at ways to bring fresh new talent onto the show, and Paul’s cheeky sense of mischief was just the sort of thing we have been looking for. In this time of stringent budget cuts, we can no longer afford to pay the fees of many of our regular panellists, and as Paul asked for nothing more than a case of Marston’s Pedigree, a catering pack of pickled onions and a signed photograph of Dame Vera Lynn, we were only too happy to welcome him aboard!”
“Some of our production team were a little concerned about Paul’s somewhat provocative sense of humour”, Ria added, “but a top team of legal specialists will be on hand during the recording of the show, ready to intervene if his remarks get a little too close to the bone. We’ve had similar issues with Russell Brand, so forewarned is forearmed!”
Rumours that Paul is scheduled to appear on the same show as his great personal hero, Lord Prescott, could be neither confirmed nor denied as PARWICH.ORG went to press.
Posted in 2013, News, People, Posts of Note, Weedkiller Weekly | Leave a Comment »
The final results for our Street Light polls have now been counted. It may be possible to still vote for several days, but these votes will not be included in the information sent to Derbyshire County Council (DCC).
You can still comment on
the County Council’s own website until Tuesday (2nd April 2013)
Our full poll results and workings out can be down loaded as a pdf by clicking here, and will be forwarded to the County Council. However here is a summary:
PARWICH.ORG readers supported the general principle of ‘part night lighting with decisions being made on a light by light basis’. The poll results agreed with DCC’s proposals for 16 lights, did not reach any consensus for one light, and disagreed with the proposals for 16 lights.
There is a clear recommendation that more lights be part night than the County Council proposes, Continue Reading »
Posted in 2013, Local government, Posts of Note, Roads, Services | Leave a Comment »
Hello Possums,
Are we all enjoying the Easter break? Of course we are. Lots of excitement as the air ambulance arrived in the village recently, to whisk Barbara’s mother off to hospital. We wish her a speedy recovery.
There is nothing like a crisis for the galvanization of ‘esprit-de-corps’ among the good folk of Parwich, as the recent effort by the ‘Bonio First Responders’, who sprang into action to rescue the day, as a four-legged guest at John and Marion’s holiday cottage will testify. Due to the adverse weather, supplies could not be replenished from outside the village, but a combined effort soon resolved the emergency. Well done. Continue Reading »
Posted in Weedkiller Weekly | Leave a Comment »
Our Weatherman in the Village says:
The cold weather continues this week, but thankfully no further significant snow is forecast. There is a glimmer of hope that towards the middle of April temperatures will gradually climb to more seasonal values, but it looks like it will be a slow process.
Posted in Weather | Leave a Comment »
The annual Y-Not Festival returns to Pikehall on Friday 2nd August, and runs until Sunday 4th August.
As two of last year’s acts – Jake Bugg and Bastille – have since topped the UK albums chart with their debut releases, this is clearly a great place to spot up-and-coming talent. Acts are still being added to the line-up, which already includes The Cribs, The Horrors, The Enemy and Ash. Further down the bill, perennial festival favourites Naymedici and King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys are making welcome returns – and who knows, maybe Hazel B and The A52s will be rocking the acoustic tent again?
Tickets, which are for the full weekend only, can be bought from the official festival website – but if you’re 12 or under, then congratulations: you can get in for free!
Posted in Events, Music, Pikehall, Y-Not | Leave a Comment »
Entries closed midnight 31/3/13
Click here to see:
Judging, by our own John FS, will take place tomorrow. So far (2pm), with only one entry, he will have a very easy job judging the children’s section. There are prizes for the best overall photograph, the best children’s entry and the most amusing entry.
Posted in Competition, Photography | Leave a Comment »
| What’s on Where this Week | |||
| Day | Time | Event | Location |
| Sun 31st | 1am | The clocks will go forward 1 hour | .. |
| Sun 31st | Easter Sunday | ||
| Sun 31st | 9.30am | Easter Praise | Parwich Church |
| Sun 31st | 1.30pm | Easter Egg Hunt & Raffle | Legion |
| Sun 31st | 7.30pm | Easter Praise | Alsop Church |
| Mon 1st | Bank Holiday – Easter Monday | ||
| Mon 1st | 11-4pm | Tea & Cakes in the Churchyard | Alsop Church |
| Thu 4th | … | Grey bin and food caddy collection | Parwich |
| Thu 4th | 11am to 1pm | Evie’s Artistic Session More info: 390488 |
Memorial Hall |
| Sat 6th | 3pm | Grand National + sweepstake | Legion |
| Sun 7th | 6.30pm | Evensong | Parwich Church |
Posted in Events | 1 Comment »
Don’t forget to put your clocks forward by one hour tonight. At 1am Sunday 31st March British Summer Time begins.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The chestnut avenue planted to celebrate the Queen’s coronation is now gone, but for one tree; let us hope that the Parish Council are able to find a suitable alternative that will survive all the tree diseases that now threaten. Thank you to John F.S. for this photographic eulogy:
Posted in 2013, Environment, Parish Council, Photography, Posts of Note | Leave a Comment »
IMPORTANT: These details have been updated elsewhere. Please click here for our most recent property round-up.
Here is the current list of properties for sale or rent in our area, correct as at March 30th 2013.
The list will be updated again next month. Until then, you will be able to find it on the INFO page, via the SITE MAP, and in the ELSEWHERE ON PARWICH.ORG section on the right hand side of this page.
Posted in Housing | Leave a Comment »
PARWICH.ORG reached its fifth birthday this month.
In that time, we have:
Happy Birthday, PARWICH.ORG!
Posted in 2013, About this site, Posts of Note | Leave a Comment »
More is appearing through the snow, and there is still time to enter the photography competition. Each person can enter up to three photographs.
Posted in Competition, Photography | Leave a Comment »
Don’t forget to book your seat
Posted in Gardens, Out & About, Societies | Leave a Comment »
Tom Chambers has been nominated for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’ in this year’s Olivier Awards for his role in Top Hat. The results will be announced on the 28th of April.
Posted in People | Leave a Comment »
There is still time to enter. Entries from children especially welcome.
Posted in Competition, Gardens, Photography | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Police | Leave a Comment »
Janet from the Sycamore is ordering oil, if you need some please let her know on 390212 by 3pm tomorrow (Thursday).
She has managed to get it for just under 60 pence per litre.
Posted in Oil, Pub | Leave a Comment »
Given we are currently focused on our local roads (though speed has not been the main issue over the last few days), it seemed timely to create this post in response to Living Streets‘ new campaign (see their press release below) to persuade Councils to move faster on creating more 20 mph speed limits.
In January of this year the Department of Transport issued new guidance giving Councils more freedom to create 20 mph zones. Road safety is a topic that is periodically raised here on the Blog and with Parwich Parish Council. Previously there has been some local support for creating such a zone in Parwich; the Peak Park Authority would potentially support this, but historically the County Council has been resistant to schemes in villages such as Parwich.
Does the new government guidance give us a chance to raise this again? Is this also an issue for Alsop en le Dale, Ballidon and Pikehall? Will ‘part night’ street lighting impact on what are safe speeds? What are your thoughts? Continue Reading »
Posted in Local government, Roads, Transport | 3 Comments »
After mammoth efforts from locals and Highways, it seems that the A roads and bus routes near by are now passable, though care may need to taken.
However it is still dropping well below freezing at night and forecast to remain cold at least to the weekend. Not all side roads are passable, so do leave comments if you have any updates or if there is more drifting.
Visit Buxton Weather or Derbyshire County Council websites for updates on the higher routes further north.
Wednesday 10am – snowing again. 3pm – but roads are OK.
Posted in Roads, Weather | 1 Comment »
We have received the following notice from the Parish Council:
Notice
PUBLIC TRANSPORT, PARWICH
County Councillor, Mr S Spencer kindly attended the March Parish Council meeting and provided some information regarding public transport in Parwich and a transport scheme for 16-21 year old people.
Following the recent tendering process for public transport at Derbyshire County Council, the parish council has been advised that public transport in Parwich has been subject to very little change and school transport will remain the same for the next 18 months. It was reported, however, that usage is vital for the future of public transport in Parwich.
The parish council was also informed of a scheme called ‘Wheels to Work’ which is aimed at young people, aged 16-21 years of age, and involves a motorcycle loan scheme to enable young people to get to work.
If you are interested in finding out more about the ‘Wheels to Work’ scheme or specific public transport timetables for Parwich then please visit Derbyshire County Council’s website or www.derbysbus.info/times or call 01629 580000 for information.
Please also see the attached timetable for the 102 Ashbourne-Parwich service with effect from 2nd April 2013 and information regarding the 411 ‘school days only’ service.
Mrs Hampson
Clerk
Parwich Parish Council25.3.2013
Posted in Parish Council, Transport | Leave a Comment »
This afternoon’s Primary School Easter Service at St Peter’s Church has been cancelled.
Posted in Church, Events, School | Leave a Comment »
A big thank you to Tarmac
It was Ballidon Quarry, (Lafarge Tarmac) the quarry manager Carl Young that asked for help with clearing the snow on Saturday morning as no one else could get in, so I accessed over the fields and dug a way out, he did say that if it would help the village and others around he had no issues with me clearing a way through to Parwich, good effort by all as mentioned yesterday on the blog, but from reports last night we have little to contend with compared to the Newhaven area and beyond.
DS
Posted in Roads | Leave a Comment »
A little more sunshine is all that is needed here. All entries for the photography competition are welcome.
Posted in Competition, Gardens, Photography | Leave a Comment »
Gritter, oh gritter, how we long for you!
The snow is a beautiful icy-blue
The drifts are impressive, the surfing sublime
Even though Parwich is nowhere near a coastline
But we need to get out and back to work
Mind you, a day off is a really welcome perk
The wind howls, the fire’s stoked up
The Horlicks (aarghh) comes out for a hot, steaming cup
A few memorable days when Nature rules our lives
Until the exhausted gritter arrives ….
Some roads are now open (not yet the A515)
And it’s all back to normal, to the treadmill of life
No more scraping of shovels, no more gaiters and boots
No more shop shelves empty of foods
Let’s be honest, we’ll miss the snow
Thank you gritter, see you in 10 months or so.
– by Saskia T
Posted in 2013, Posts of Note, Weather | 1 Comment »
Our thanks to M.Lowndes for pointing us in the direction of this witty and wonderful piece of film, shot on the A515 at Newhaven on Monday afternoon. We have been advised that conditions have once again deteriorated since then.
Posted in 2013, Posts of Note, Roads, Transport, Weather | 1 Comment »
Now, on Monday evening, the road from Parwich to the B5056 is passable with care, and the B5056 south to Ashbourne is also clear. We understand it is possible to get to the A515 through Alsop en le Dale, however we have not had any current reports of conditions on the A515 (Buxton Weather report there are still closures on the A515).
With the temperature again well below freezing and the possibility of more drifting, please keep on adding comments on road conditions, especially first thing Tuesday morning.
Tuesday 6-30am Road out of Parwich to Red House all OK to travel, narrow in places with a little ice; to allow passing look for vehicles ahead and oncoming. DS
Posted in 2013, Posts of Note, Roads, Weather | 14 Comments »
Closing date
12pm (midnight) Sunday 31st March
The competition is open to all, for photographs taken within 6 miles of Parwich village and reflecting the title ‘Signs of Spring’. The title can be interpreted literally, for example spring flowers or lambs, or with lateral thinking, for example servicing the lawn mower or even a car spring in a pot hole. Click here to see the rules.
Entries so far are shown below (click on each photo to enlarge), but keep them coming in (email entries to parwich@hotmail.co.uk):
Posted in Competition, Photography | 3 Comments »
Police are thanking mountain rescue teams and members of the community for their help during severe snowy conditions over the weekend.
It is as police continue to take a high number of weather related incidents, especially in more rural parts of the county, with the some of the worst affected areas being in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales. Heavy snowfall on Friday evening made many roads in the area impassable, including the A515 between Ashbourne and Buxton where dozens of motorists became stuck due to drifts and jack knifed lorries.Derby, Edale and Buxton Mountain Rescue Teams helped police to check that drivers were safe and offer assistance, along with a number of local farmers with tractors who worked with highways to clear as much of the road as possible.
The police helicopter was also called out to help a woman who had fallen and broken both of her wrists at Hartington, on Sunday, March 24, as vehicles were unable to get through. Crews transported a paramedic over to the woman, and then both the woman and the paramedic back to an ambulance.
Chief Inspector Tracy Harrison, from the force’s contact management department, said: “The heavy snow fall has meant a higher number of calls to police throughout the county, with numerous reports of motorists becoming stranded as they travelled through the Peak District.We would like to thank mountain rescue teams and all local volunteers for their valued assistance in helping to clear the roads and keep motorists safe, especially at a time when emergency services are stretched due to the volume of calls.”
Posted in Police, Weather | Leave a Comment »
As an organiser, I can’t enter the Signs of Spring competition, but here is a photo to encourage more to enter.
Posted in Competition, Gardens, Photography | Leave a Comment »
We have a guest staying in Tom’s Barn with her lovely but rather elderly dog, Lottie, who is diabetic and very partial to Bonios which form an integral part of her special diet. Unfortunately, her supply has come to an end and this is proving rather a crisis as Janet doesn’t have them in the shop and we can’t get our cars out onto the road, even if the road to Ashbourne was clear…
Trevor W has most kindly offered to buy some if he succeeds in getting to Ashbourne later today but meanwhile – and just in case he can’t get through – does anyone have a spare box of Bonios we could borrow and replace when the weather and roads improve, please?Please ring us on 519 if you think you could help out. Lottie would be eternally grateful, as would Jill her owner and of course, so would we too!
In hopes!
Marion F-S
Posted in Pets of Parwich | 2 Comments »
Photo by Kevin S. Please click to enlarge.
Posted in Memorial hall, Photography | Leave a Comment »
Barbara L writes:
Because of the bad road conditions, Mum had to be taken to Hospital by air ambulance yesterday, as it was impossible to get an ambulance into the village.
I would just like to thank everyone out of the village who helped to get her to the air ambulance which landed in Bells yard. Now it is impossible to get into see her.
I must also say a big thank you to the paramedics who came to her – they were brilliant – and also to the doctor that came out. It had taken him three hours to get here from Belper.
Yesterday’s rescue service was provided by the Derbyshire, Leicester and Rutland Air Ambulance charity (DLRAA). If you would like to make a donation towards the vital work which they do, please visit their website. And if you would like to get involved within the village, Parwich First Responders are still short-staffed and desperately looking for new volunteers. Please ring Sue on 390334 or Patti on 390206.
Our thanks to Chris H for these photos, which show the helicopter landing yesterday.
Posted in 2013, First Responders, Health Care, News, Photography, Posts of Note | 1 Comment »
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