How quickly time has passed!!!! It seems only yesterday when these little people were being introduced to their new community and already they are moving on to (slightly) larger pastures.

All the children appeared to forget all of their worries when they met up with their peers at Ilam and soon (too soon), also forgot about their parents. Tears were shed, but none by the children!!!

As I waved goodbye with quivering lips I remembered the saying ” give your children strong roots and wings to fly”. The strong roots are given by the safe, nurturing environment we strive to give our children so they feel secure and confident when they begin to ‘leave the nest’.
The wings we must allow for them to find themselves but hopefully with gentle guidence, respect and responsibility they will develop a passion for life and a sense of purpose.
So maybe one day these little fledglings will one day fly, but hopefully we will have given them strong enough roots to come back and share their wonderful  life experiences with us.

As a community we all help in providing this secure and nurturing environment and I thank you all for being part of their lives.

The Post Office will be closed on Thursday 10th and Monday 14th September. It will re-open as usual on Thursday 17th September.

Monday’s news bulletins relating the latest hullabaloo about cows attacking dogs and humans who approach their calves, reminded me of an incident that did this old heart good.

It was a summer’s day, around the turn of the century (the one just gone) when L and I watched and wondered why the cows at the back of the house put a bit of a spurt  into their usual ambling pace, gathering as if in conclave, in a far corner of the field.

Still novices at rural living, every new occurance was of great interest and this gathering of the clans, albeit of the bovine sort, had us watching and puzzled.  The length of a protracted coffee-break passed before the bulky, clustered circle split; cumbersome frames pushing and shoving for leg-room to turn and peel away one-by-one, back to the day-job of serious grazing.

Soppy parents still (great-grand’s actually) we oohed and aahed as a new mother raised herself from the ground to lick clean and fuss over the raggedy, prostrate form.  We were ridiculously pleased when the new-born showed signs of life  and it was probably naive of us to be so  surprised that the herd had rallied round as if to stand guard;  it was after all, the most vulnerable of times. We had often quoted  ‘nature takes care of its own’  but until that day we never quite knew how.    

I shall never understand why unthinking people who let loose dogs and themselves on young livestock, are so  indignant and surprised that they spurr the most docile of creatures to the fury of  a tiger when its young are threatened.

We shall have to spread the gospel of No Petting, No Patting !

It has been suggested to the Parish Council that the play area is extended to cater for the 7-14 age group. Is there any interest in such an extension?  What are the issues?   What do you think?   Please use this forum to comment and also vote in the poll below, which will end on 30th September.

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You will notice that one village green now has new posts. At some time in the near future, the large village green outside The George will also have new posts and any volunteers would be most welcome (contact Dot Griffin on 310249). The chains which have been removed are in storage and the old posts will be chopped up and distributed amongst the volunteers.

Following a discussion at the recent Parish Council regarding this matter, contact has been made with Environmental Services 0845 6053014. We are advised that in the first instance it is possible to swap any small brown bin (140 ltr) with a large bin (240 ltr). Secondly, it is possible to purchase a further large bin for a one off payment of £34.95. Brown paper sacks are also available at a cost of 50p each from the Council offices in Leek. All will be collected on the day allocated.

Following a plea from residents, we would like to ask that Parishioners cease the practice of mounting the pavement in vehicles to post letters without actually leaving the vehicle. This is outside Hambleton House and the Old Post Office. Apart from the fact that the pavement should not be used as a public highway, we are concerned about the safety issues, particularly when young children are regularly using the doorways and will be unaware of such dangers. Thank You.

(Admin:  Title changed from “Alstonefield Village Post Box” to “Village Post Box (also: Road safety concerns throughout the village)” on 30/8/09 11:20 to reflect the development of the thread. r.)

Alstonefield Arts & Craft Group have two spare places (open to local people)  on our all day Stumpwork course on Tuesday 8th September.  There will be a charge.  For more info, see the Arts & Craft Group page and contact Cathy or Jani

Just to point out that Wendy also had success at the show, with a second for her eggs and a third place for a watercolour.