The ‘Forum’ on this website has been little used over the past 12 months and after recent inappropriate user registrations from outside the UK and subsequent posts, the Parish Council is reviewing its usefulness to the community. Please make your views known by posting or commenting here. If the Forum continues to be under-utilised, it will be removed from the website at the end of 2013. However,  should anyone wish to volunteer to manage and/or promote this facility, please get in touch with Cathy Reavy or ‘contact us’

The Farming Life Centre http://www.thefarminglifecentre.org.uk/ is running a series of free drop in clinics for farmers during Spring 2013, whose aim will be to show farmers the benefits of online services and provide an overview of how to use them. Sessions will be one-to-one or one to a few and places must be booked by phoning the Centre on 01298 85162 or Jonathan Charlesworth, Farm Business Development Officer on 07410 550616.

Also, for more information about agriculture online, see the Farming Online page

Message from Neighbourhood Watch:

Between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 3rd February a Citroen Zsara parked on a car park off Lode Lane in Alstonfield was entered by smashing a rear nearside window. Stolen was a black leather shoulder bag containing spectacles and store cards. Please be aware that this may be the start of further vehicle crime on car parks at Moorlands beauty spots. The police at Cheadle and Leek ask that you keep a watching brief when in these areas for any suspicious person or vehicle in and around parked vehicles and report it immediately.

Regards,
Ken Rickard
Neighbourhood Watch Manager
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: joseph.rickard@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01785 232938

From Neighbourhood Watch:

House burglary in Wetton
Dear Watch Member,

Wetton 76593
Between 6am and 8pm on Wednesday 26th December a burglary was committed at a dwelling in Wetton. Entry was gained through an insecure rear door. Stolen were cash and a HDMI lead for a T.V. Please make your neighbours aware remind them to be extra vigilant and security conscious and to report any suspicious person or incident to the police immediately.

We have received the following information from Neighbourhood Watch:-

“At 9.40pm on Tuesday 6th November a resident of Gateham Grange in Alstonefield saw a male driving away from his property riding his quad bike that had just been stolen from a shed. He gave chase and stopped the offender who is described as a 35 year old white male, 5ft 10″ tall, stocky build with short dark hair. He recovered his quad bike and the offender is believed to have left towards Hulme End in a red Transit type van with the word ‘Action’ on the side. The registration number was not taken. Please pass this information onto your neighbours and ask them to be extra vigilant and security conscious.”

Additional funding of £160,000 has been released for projects in the Peak District Rural Action Zone.

Expression of interest are invited for projects under the following measures:

Farm diversification

Micro Enterprise

Please click here for further details of how to apply and the timetable for applications.

We have received the following message from Neighbourhood Watch:-

Dear Watch Member,

Overnight Sunday 1st / Monday 2nd April a shed burglary was committed at a dwelling in Alstonfield. Stolen were ten wooden bird and owl boxes value £200. No one was seen or heard. Please ask your neighbours to be extra vigilant and remind them about shed and garage security. Anyone seen acting suspiciously should be reported to the police immediately.

Regards,
Ken Rickard
Neighbourhood Watch Manager
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: joseph.rickard@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

Maureen Binfield

After over 5 years as Clerk to the Council, Maureen leaves us on 31^st March because of other commitments. The Parish Council would like to thank Maureen for her dedication, support and sheer hard work during this time and we wish her all the very best for the future.

Liz Court

We are very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Liz Court to the position of Parish Clerk with effect from 1^st April.  Based in Alton, Liz is highly experienced and currently undertakes the duties of Clerk for four other local Councils. We welcome Liz to Alstonefield and look forward to working with her. Liz may be contacted on 07746 833910 or email barabarani@aol.com. Parishioners may continue to write to the Clerk c/o the Village Hall.

Attached is a warning e-mail from East Midlands Ambulance Service regarding the above bracelets

Alert Jequirity Bean Bracelets

Alstonefield Parish Council has a vacancy for a part-time Parish Clerk. For details and a job description, please see the Parish Council page by clicking here.  Applications should be made to Dorothy Griffin by Friay 17th February 2012.