Category Archives: Uncategorized

Himalayan Balsam

I picked up a leaflet about the above in Ilam today. It’s another invasive non-native species which the government are asking us to control. A local project is currently underway with the aim of tackling it in this area.

The plants have purplish-pink slipper-shaped flowers just now, and when the seed pods mature they explode when touched, scattering the seed up to 7m away. We think we found some in a corner of our garden and have dug it up.

If you think you might have some you could check the picture at http://www.invasiveweedsagency.co.uk/himalayan-balsam/

The Curlew’s

I was out walking with my family this evening. While enjoying the local views we were confronted with a great display of six or seven Curlew’s calling and darting through the sky..

Great that the breeding pairs of Curlew’s have been successful this year.

The curlew is the largest European wading bird, instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors with its long down-curved bill, brown upperparts and long legs. There have been worrying breeding declines in many areas largely due to loss of habitat through agricultural intensification. It is included on the Amber List as a bird with important breeding and wintering populations in the UK.

It would not be summer in Alstonefield, without the call of the Curlew.

The Abandoned Vehicle!!!

It has now been over four months that the abandoned Blue Ford Focus has darkened our streets..

After many calls and emails with the local council and local police we are no closer to moving this car! Yet, somebody from the council as been out and moved the yellow sticker in recent days. What a waste of time and money.
They have done this because the police state that it is not an abandoned vehicle.

The vehicle excise Act 1994 states that an offence exists if the EXCISE LICENCE MUST BE FIXED TO AND EXHIBITED ON THE VEHICLE IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE REGULATIONS AND MUST BE CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM THE NEARSIDE OF THE ROAD.

This car is tax but the tax disc is not visible. Unfortunatley this is only a fixed penalty, with a fine of £100.

The police have the power to immediately remove any vehicle that is left abandoned in breach of local traffic regulation orders. They can also remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction or is likely to cause a danger.

Looks like we are stuck with it for a few more months.

This is the low level of anti-social behaviour that we all hear about. Its not the end of the world but its bloody frustrating!

Its time for some good old direct action!!!

Cricket Practice Sessions for Wakes

Cricket practice for the Village Cricket Match on Wakes Sunday, starts on Friday 10th June from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. and then every Friday at the same time until the match. Everyone aged 11 and over is welcome. This is NOT a match against the Gargoyles but girls/ladies v. boys/men of the village. Come along and have a go.

Domesday Reloaded

It is interesting to read the Alstonefield entries from the Domesday Projecte 25 years ago (on the BBC web page). I hope someone (or several people) will find the time to update these entries for the “Reloaded” version.

Dovedale House Lemon Cake

At the sale on the village green on Monday I was lucky enough to buy the most delicious lemon loaf cake ever – so delicious that I’m offering £5 to Dovedale House if the baker would be kind enough to share the recipe?