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.”

Some of you may have noticed that a pattern has emerged! Every time there’s a Saturday concert in the village hall, the “survivors” meet in the Oak at Wetton the following day for lunch. Unfortunately, due to the current dietary restrictions I’m not allowed chips or beer (sob). Survivors usually consist of members of FCB (Festival Ceilidh Band) together with any other local musicians we can drag along. It’s all very informal. This time we will be joined by Mr Arnie Rainbow (Songwriter, guitarist and banjo player) from Mappleton. Last time we had Vicar Annie playing fiddle with us and Mr John Clarke demonstrating his ukelele talents! You don’t have to play or sing (unless you want to) just bring your ears! We start at noonish and have, on occasion, gone on ’til 4pm. The bar staff start dancing at around 3pm. Come and join in the fun, you’ll enjoy it. Mine’s a fizzy water! 🙁

There are a number of small jobs needing attention at St. Peter’s, and we would like to ask for some help.  The next working party is on Saturday 8th September between 9.00 am. and 12.00 noon.  If you are able, could you bring one or two of the following:-

Paint brush (1″,2” or 4”) – for painting internal & external doors with linseed oil, cement trowel, spade, wheel barrow & working gloves. Ladies & gents welcome.  We will go ahead whatever the weather as there are plenty of inside jobs. Tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided!  Enquiries to me on 310125.  Many thanks.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the weekend’s events such a huge success – despite the extra complications caused by the awful weather.  It was all such fun, in true Alstonefield fashion.

Brian and Lorraine

The men v. women annual cricket match will take place on Wakes Sunday, 1st July,  at 1pm on the playing field.  Our practice sessions will start on Friday 1st June from 5.30 pm. and all are welcome to come along and have a go.  Ladies, gents & children up to age 11 are welcome, and there is no upper age limit!!   All equipment will be provided.  For more info about Wakes please see the Alstonefield Wakes page

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.

For some months now I have more and more frequently been faced with ‘Internet Explorer cannot display this webpage’, when everything was telling me I was connected.  My lovely ISP (Christian and very helpful) have tried everything to find out what is happening and, having exhausted all other possibilities, have arranged for a BT engineer to visit in the next day or two.  The suspicion is that the BT lines are not good enough – but whether they will be prepared to do anything about it I very much doubt!

If anyone is experiencing similar problems, it would be very helpful if you would let me know a.s.a.p.

Lorraine

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.

Yoga classes at Alstonefield village hall
Monday evening 7.30pm till 9pm
£35 for 5 week course
All abilities welcome
Call tara 01335 510037 for details