More Treats On Offer...

Further to recent posts, here's few other things to look out for:

1. A reminder that Grains Bakehouse (01457 862346) and Village Greens (01457 852456) will be outside the Pack Horse again this Saturday, 10-12.00p.m. with their delicious produce. Village Greens advise they've had a great response of orders for their £10 veg box and a good number of orders for their £5 'veg essentials' bags. They're also bringing along some select cheeses, fresh cranberries and a selection of natural Xmas wreaths for sale on the day. If you want to be sure you get what you want, why not order direct from either supplier, and collect on the day?
2. News that should appeal: a new zero waste shop has just opened in Buxton - Day Zero! Based at 30 High Street in Higher Buxton, it was opened by Ruth George MP on Saturday and is open through the day pretty much every day (save the obvious) this month and even 12-4.00p.m. Sundays. They have a full range of wholefoods, liquid refills and gifts on offer. Being zero waste, they hope you'll bring containers for your purchases but they also have free recycled paper bags and they can sell jars, made from recycled glass. They've a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dayzeroshop) and will have a website They've apparently got off to a great start and would be delighted to see Sustainable Hayfield supporters at their premises. Why not pop in on one of your trips to Buxton? This, we hope, could be a truly sustainable addition to the retail arena, which puts the environment at its heart;
3. For lovers of wildlife and the outdoors, a reminder that, on Tuesday, 11th December, the local branch of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have got their pre-Xmas shindig at Bradbury House, Glossop, 7.30p.m. Entitled 'Wildlife and Wild Places', the evening features short, informal, illustrated talks on Derbyshire, the UK and abroad. And there's a light-hearted quiz, complete with mulled wine and mince pies. £3 to all;
4. Closer to home, and exactly a week after the switch on Hayfield's own Xmas lights, Little Hayfield is hosting its own Xmas Tree Light Switch On and get-together, on Friday 14th December, at 7.00p.m., in the park area down Slack Lane. This will be accompanied by Chapel Band and traditional carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the Lantern Pike. So, wet weather or dry, there's an evening to be made of it as the local community comes together.

It's That Time of The Year...

Events come thick and fast at this time of the year. Here's a few closish to home which may interest you:

• Friday 30/11, Hayfield Primary School (or rather, its PTA) has organised its 'Christmas Cracker', from 3.20-5.30p.m. in the school hall. There's lots going on at what is always an exuberant event: gift and produce stalls, Xmas crafts, an 'elf trail', tombola, free Xmas cinema, pupil enterprise stalls, and chiilis and nachos for adults. Entrance is £2, and it's an event worth supporting;
• After another very successful outing last Saturday (queues at 10.15a.m.!) this Saturday, 1st December, it's worth reminding you that Grains Bakehouse and Village Greens will again be outside the Pack Horse 10.00-12.00p.m., selling their delicious produce. There's rumours of a gazebo this time, but the weather may frustrate that...but don't be frustrated yourself in finding they've sold out of what you want before you get there. You can place orders on 01457 862346 (Grains) or 01457 852456 (Village Greens), and collect;
• the following day, Sunday 2nd December, Birch Vale Café, Station Road, Birch Vale, is having its Christmas Cheer event, from 10.00-4.00p.m., featuring local arts and craftspeople Jenny Rothwell, The Thread Mill, Elin Price, Scruffy Dogs, Sweet Charity Cookies, Nell’s Designs, The Textile House and Steve Hogarth selling their wares outside the café, as well as tempting you with their own culinary delights inside. A poster's attached to whet you appetite...
• on Thursday, 6th December, there's the familiar indoor Farmers' Market at Buxton Pavilion Gardens, 9.30-2.30p.m., featuring much locally-grown fresh produce and some interesting crafts, perhaps with some interesting Xmas twists, and
• on Sunday, 9th December, Hayfield Singers are delivering their 'Xmas Concert' at St Matthews Church from 7.30p.m., featuring serious works by the renowned Leonard Bernstein, a delightful contemplative piece by Gerald Finzi, and other Christmas music, with the chance to join in with some traditional carols. Tickets are £10 (unrestricted view) or £8 (restricted view), available from choir members of Hayfield Pharmacy.

Treats to Come...

1. Thanks to everyone who made last Saturday's initial 'mini market' with Grains bakers and Village Greens outside The Pack Horse the success it was. Both exhibitors declared themselves well satisfied with proceedings … and have learned for the future.

   James from Grains Bakehouse all-but sold out which meant some folk missed out on his delicious croissants, baguettes and some breads...…..so he's bringing more tomorrow! But to be absolutely sure you get what you want, why not place an order via 01457 862346.....then pick up on the day!

   Village Greens were delighted with the interest shown in their veg boxes, but know they're not for everyone, and, listening to customer feedback, will now bring some smaller, and cheaper (at £5) 'veg and fruit essentials bags' for tomorrow....good news for many of us, especially in smaller households. Again, if you want to order in advance, contact them on 01457 852456.

   So... here's to a further 'mini market tomorrow, outside The Pack Horse, 10-12.00p.m.. And we've all been reassured, for the future, that in the event of bad weather (heavy rain etc), The Packhorse will welcome stallholders and customers alike inside its doors. Yet more good news! Why not make this convenient Saturday event a regular part of your shopping?

2. A reminder that Hayfield Artists' winter exhibition (and sale) is also taking place at The Packhorse on both Saturday - just as the market finishes - and Sunday from 12-6.00p.m. I understand that around a dozen artists' work will be on display, so there should be plenty to cast your eye over, with a view to gracing your house or that of someone close to you.

3. And also on Saturday and Sunday, Home Made Hayfield is holding its Xmas spectacular, featuring around 50 exhibitors displaying and selling uniquely crafted goods, of a wide variety, to tickle your palate or again adorn you or your home, or of those dear to you. It's all at the Royal Hotel, inside and out, and runs from 11-5.00p.m.

It's a good weekend to venture out in Hayfield!

Memories... and promises

1. You cannot but have noticed the adornments being made to the village ahead of this weekend's Remembrance commemorations. Now the war memorial has been graced by its own motif, in the style of the well dressings, painstakingly assembled. And from Saturday 6pm til 11pm, the plan is to have images of World War 1 and its times projected onto the eastern end of St Matthews Church. This all promises to make this centennial commemoration of the end of fighting in WWI rather special.

2. We're also delighted to confirm that the promised new service, of a pop up artisan baker and a high quality fruiterer and greengrocer, will make its first appearance outside the Pack Horse pub next weekend, Saturday November 17th, 10.00-12.00 noon, courtesy of our colleagues Grains from Glossop and Village Greens from Charlesworth. Please note that, for logistical reasons, the date has been moved from Friday, as originally notified, to Saturday, and every Saturday thereafter. You may have already received, or will receive, an information leaflet about the new village facility through your door advertising the service. And it looks lovely! This means you'll have direct access to mouthwatering breads and wholesome, healthy fresh veg, all on your doorstep. We're delighted these two very successful businesses have chosen to branch out to Hayfield village, where we're sure they'll be assured of a warm welcome. We hope you'll go along and sample the delights on offer.

   You'll note that Village Greens are emphasising their £10 and £20 'veg boxes', orders for which can be made - by next Thursday - by phone (01457 852456), and then be ready for collection. But, if you're not ready to commit to that in advance, they'll also have other supplies for you to buy on the day. Here's hoping this joint enterprise by Grains and Village Greens will be an attractive and sustainable addition to Hayfield's 'retail offer' (as they say)!

3. Back to memories.........do you recall reel to reel recorders? Might you still have one? If so, might you loan it temporarily to Sustainable Hayfield supporter Keith Brisley, who's wanting to retrieve something from a reel to reel tape? He'd be delighted - and very grateful - if you would. Keith's on 01663 749807 and at keith22@brisley-associates.com. Thanks!

And thanks for your continuing support and interest.

Coming Up...

A few reminders of some things coming up:

• tomorrow night, Wednesday 24th, the Civic Trust is hosting a talk at the Village Hall, entitled 'Potty About the Peak District'. It starts at 7.30p.m. Admission £2, includes tea and biscuits;
• a week on Saturday, November 3rd, Sustainable Hayfield's Food Group will be holding a further working session at the library garden 11.00a.m. until 1.00p.m., to ensure the garden is in good order and ready for a new growing season. Just turn up, if you're interested in helping;
• the following day, Sunday, November 4th, is the date of the annual sheepwash clean-up, just below Booth Farm, from 10.00a.m. until noon, led by Hayfield Civic Trust. Since its renovation some years ago, villagers have helped ensure the sheepwash, part of local agricultural history, is kept free of obstacles and in generally sound fettle. The work usually consists of clearing the surrounding area of the season's overgrowth, some weeding of the approach ramp, and clearing 'the wash itself' of any accumulated flotsam, the latter requiring good length wellies! Outdoor wear, and gardening gloves, are the order of the day. There's limited parking in the vicinity but lifts can be arranged. The event is not suitable for children. If you'd like to help out, or know more, contact Ann Lyon at annlyon@hotmail.co.uk.

Apple Day Thanks

Thanks to all those of you - and your friends - who came along to Saturday's Apple Day, and helped make it the success we think it was.

The weather, specifically the winds, meant we had to extemporise a good deal. We assembled twice to put up the usual marquees, but could not proceed. That meant we had to move some activities indoors. Some stallholders understandably cancelled because of fears about the integrity of their tents/gazebos/displays in the gusting winds. So we had a slightly reduced - but still good - 'offer', from that which we had planned, but probably still the equal of previous events. It was gratifying to see so many of you there and apparently enjoying yourselves. Thank you.

Apple Day is a significant event for us. It provides us with some funds to do what we do through the rest of year. So it's doubly heartening when supporters turn out, in not the easiest of circumstances, to support our 'Apple Day'.

Sustainable Hayfield Autumn Newsletter

The Autumn newsletter from Sustainable Hayfield is now available to download. We hope you find it of interest.

This issue gives some predictable prominence to Apple Day, being held - tomorrow! At the moment, the forecast is a little damp, and breezy (but much less windy than today), and rather warm for the time of year. We hope this won't deter/will encourage you to come along, where we have probably our widest display range of attractions on offer, an almost complete A-Z of attractions and events. If you can think of attractions we might feature in future, (particularly with the missing letters!), please let us know.

As you probably know, Apple Day is Sustainable Hayfield's main source of fundraising in the year, enabling us to do what we do.....so we hope to see many of you at Apple Day, 1-4.30p.m., at the school!

But the newsletter also brings you up to date with what's happening locally and more widely, of interest to our core purpose, and we hope that there's something in its pages for you!

Attractions Galore - and some more quality news

APPLE DAY 2018 – SHORT TALKS PROGRAMME

1.30 – 1.45	James Ellson	‘Ten Things to Know about Apples’
1.50 – 2.05	Lesley German	‘Ten Ways to Recycle ‘Unrecyclable Plastic Wrappers’
2.10 - 2.25	Graham Hirst	‘Ten Reasons to Buy an Electric Car (and some cautions)
2.30 – 2.45	Pete Webb	‘Ten Top Tips for the Best Fruit and Veg Growing’
2.50 – 3.05	Andy Barker	‘Ten Things You Need to Know to Start Beekeeping’
3.10 - 3.25	Tony Moss	‘Bumblebees – Why They’re Important and their Ten Favourite Food Plants’
3.30 – 3.45	James Ellson	‘Ten Steps to Self Sufficiency’
3.50 – 4.05	Graham Hirst	‘Ten Reasons to Buy an Electric Car (and some cautions)

All talks will be held in Year 4 classroom.

And, at Apple Day, we're delighted to announce that there will be formal notice of a launch of a new greengrocery and artisan bakery service for Hayfield! Some time ago, Sustainable Hayfield approached Village Greens, a high quality fruit and veg outlet in Charlesworth with a growing Hayfield customer base, and Grains artisan bakers in Glossop (who are often sold out by midday!), about the prospect of them staffing, jointly, a pop up shop in Hayfield. We even suggested some possible premises. For understandable reasons, this came to nothing...but Kim and James (V. Greens and Grains respectively) have now confirmed they will be staffing a stall, outside the Packhorse, from Friday November 16th, initially 10-12.00 noon, every Friday, putting the best quality foods they prepare/serve in front of Hayfield folk. This is exciting news, and may be the beginning of the restoration of viable greengrocery and bakery presences in Hayfield. We hope you'll support the new initiative: it's what many have been calling for for some time. Village Greens are present at Apple Day, indoors, and should be able to give you more details if you wish.

We hope to see you at Apple Day, and that you'll be able to support this new venture.

Upcoming Events

The next two weekends see some notable events in Hayfield, nigh-on guaranteed to attract the interest of Sustainable Hayfield's supporters.

First, on Sunday, October 7th, the DCC Countryside Service is hosting its annual Hayfield Woodland Festival around the Ranger Station at the end of the Sett Valley Trail from 10-4.00p.m. This offers a good opportunity to find out about woodland crafts, such as pole lathe turning, hedgelaying and bushcraft skills, though watching exhibitors at work and, maybe, trying your own hand at some. There's tasty, campfire-cooked food too, and children's activities. A poster for the event is attached.

Second, Sustainable Hayfield hosts its own Apple Day the following weekend, Saturday October 13th, indoors and out at the primary school, from 1-4.30p.m. We hope you already have this is in your diary. Some posters have already gone up around the village to remind you, and more will do so soon. The event has broadened its appeal in recent years and this year is no exception. We have a veritable A-Z of attractions on offer, as the attached poster confirms. Of particular note this year are:

• a series of brief, 15 minute, talks we've arranged throughout the afternoon on a range of subjects of wide appeal and relevance, including 10 steps to self sufficiency, 10 things would-be beekeepers should know, 10 amazing things to know about apples, 10 ways to recycle 'unrecycleable' plastic wrappers, the importance of bumblebees and how we can help them and, fresh from the highly successful talk given at the Cricket Club last month, a summary version of 10 reasons to buy an electric car;
• a great Creative Kids' Show, featuring classes in lego, art, junk modelling, fruit and veg modelling, and word art, suitable for children of all ages to enter, organised by the school's PTA;
• a poultry show and some live turkeys, reared locally, and displays of 'green living';
• more focus on outdoor activities, with 'art in the woods' and campfire cooking, bird feeder making and the like, 'hunt the leprechauns' in the school grounds, and a special orienteering course for both children and adults to try around the school grounds, alongside a rich array of indoors stalls, and;
• the presence of the 'Bogtastic' mobile display unit, 8 metres long, commemorating the mysterious and compelling world of blanket bog, such as is being restored on the fells around Hayfield, where drinking water is cleaned, water is stored to reduce flooding, carbon builds up to tackle climate change and bizarre plants and unique animals live.

There's a lot more we could - and no doubt will - highlight, but the attached poster, and a picture of the Bogtastic display unit, will help whet your appetite, we hope. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks for your continuing support.

Apple Day - Saturday October 13th

Looking Long Term...

We hope you'll be coming to the talk tomorrow (Thursday) night on 'Electric Cars: All You Need To Know'. It's free, at the cricket club, starting at 7.30p.m., and there's a bar available. To add some spice, we can confirm we'll have a Nissan Leaf, probably the best-selling electric family car in the UK, available for perusal and also a very swish BMW i8 electric promotional car, retailing at over £100k, to show what ' the toffs' might be dreaming about......…. The future's increasingly electric - might you get on board?

Altogether different, the Hayfield Library Campaign Group has put together a position paper arguing for a more imaginative and sustainable approach for use of Hayfield library and questioning some of the assumptions underpinning Derbyshire County Council's current proposals for the library. The position paper can be downloaded here. At the request of the Campaign Group, Hayfield Parish Council has submitted an application form to High Peak Borough Council, seeking to register the library as a 'community asset'. More information about options and actions being considered by the Campaign Group will be circulated when these have been firmed up. Meantime, if you've any thoughts about the library's - and the library building's - future use as a community hub, please contact the Group's Chair, Roy Lyon, at roylyon@icloud.com.

This weekend... and beyond

Two things with a focus this weekend:

1. Our Food group has scheduled a regular series of events, working at the library garden. So, if you’re interested in helping out and getting acquainted with what the garden has to offer, and what it could in future, why not make a note now? Sessions are being organised on:

• the first Saturday of each month (starting this weekend, Saturday 1st September), 11.00-1.00p.m., and;
• the third Thursday of each month, starting 20th September, 7-8.00p.m. and recommencing when light evenings resume.

The focus will be on general maintenance and development of the site, to make it attractive and productive for all. If you’re interested, just turn up! If you’ve some questions, ask Jo Hanney at jo@dchanney.plus.com or on 01663 749795. Or go along to the next Food Group meeting (very informal, in the back room at The Royal) at 7.00p.m., Thursday September 13th.

And if you, or someone you know well, have a particular skill with food products (making, cooking, growing), and would be prepared to share this with keen Food Group members, please contact Jo (details above). The group is planning to hold some skills sharing workshops (preserving/bread making/cider making) and Jo would be delighted to hear from potential ‘sharers’!

2. Continuing the food theme, don't forget the Hayfield Allotment Society/Parish Council Summer Show being held at the Village Hall, Saturday 1st September. It's been a very strange, almost extreme, growing season, so it will be interesting to see what entrants have managed to achieve. There's a huge array of classes for fruit and veg, flowers, home produce and cakes, and a good range of children's classes too. And there's a vibrant craft section too (not dependent on the weather!). Schedules are available at major outlets in the village (so there's still a chance!) Entries need to be brought to the Village Hall no later than 11.00a.m., and entry forms can be completed on the day. Judging takes place 11-2.00p.m., and all exhibits are open to view from 2-4.00p.m., so there's opportunity to pop along to the library garden in between and contribute to the 'growing group' there!

What's Your Car Choice?

When a year or so ago the first major car manufacturer announced it would no longer produce any pure petrol or diesel cars from 2019, it sent shock waves through the motor industry. Now almost all car makers have their own plans – soon – to phase out production of such vehicles, which cause of so much greenhouse gas emissions and life-shortening pollution. And sales of electric and electric/hybrid vehicles are growing steadily: latest industry data suggests almost 6% of all cars sold in the current year are purely electric or are hybrid models, and that’s up a good deal on 2017.

The times they-are-a-changing. Electric cars are starting to appear in Hayfield. But many of us know little about such vehicles. Recognising this, Sustainable Hayfield is hosting a presentation by Graham Hirst, entitled ‘Electric Cars – All You Need to Know’ at Hayfield Cricket Club on Thursday September 6th at 7.30p.m. Graham has no vested interest in the sector but has researched the core information and, with testimonials from one or two local electric car owners, will aim to address the most commonly asked questions about ‘going electric’ – with help too from some government-sponsored video material.

All of us who own a car need increasingly to think what we’ll do when it’s time to consider any new vehicle we might buy. But what’s the fuller story, and where’s the information about this new – and rapidly growing – range of vehicles? Most of us feel pretty uninformed about the costs, benefits and practical implications of ’going electric’. This is a chance to find out some of the basic facts....and ask your questions. The event should be of wide interest and we invite you to join us. It's all free, and there's a bar available (but you have to pay for your drinks!)

Posters are going up around the village. We hope we might see you there. Do make a note in your diary.

AGM Minutes

Minutes for the 2018 Sustainable Hayfield AGM can be downloaded here.

Summer Newsletter

You can now download your copy of the Summer Newsletter, bringing you up to date with our doings, and of relevant developments from further afield. We hope you enjoy your read.

As you'd expect, we profile our own (very brief) AGM and talks on combatting the scourge of plastic, taking place TONIGHT at The Royal, from 7.30p.m.. And we hope we might see you there! But more widely, we hope you'll find there is material of interest to you in the newsletter's pages.

Thanks for your continuing support.

What a week!

What a week! Resignations, reshuffles, prospects of a cup (but without a cabinet?), and more...…….all due to culminate on:

• Thursday, 12th July, 7.30p.m., The Royal Hotel, Hayfield, for Sustainable Hayfield's 20 minute AGM followed by presentations and discussion around what we can do to reduce our use of that damned plastic.

Amidst dramas elsewhere, we'll get sensible top tips and good practice advice on things we can do, and how we can persuade others to do what needs to be done. We'll be helped by brief talks by:

• Liz Longden from Rethink Plastic High Peak;
• Esther Morrison from the Food Assembly, and;
• our own Lesley German talking about Terracycle in Hayfield.

There'll be chance to find out about the Plastic Free July initiative and we'll end with an inspirational message from David Attenborough, no less, on the response received to the Blue Planet series and its messages about plastic waste.
It will all happen in a convivial atmosphere (no walk outs or red cards anticipated), in some contrast to events elsewhere. We hope you can and will join us. We look forward to seeing you!

Coming Up...

Here's a few things coming up, to whet your appetite, prompt concern and the like:

• next Tuesday, 26th June, 7.00p.m. at The Royal Hotel is a public meeting to consider the County Council's proposals for Hayfield library (amongst many others). Briefly, you probably already know the Council wants to progressively withdraw funding from Hayfield library, and withdraw its staff, in the hope of handing over management of the service provided there to a community-led group of volunteers who will come to have no money for running the operation. The Parish Council, Sustainable Hayfield, and many other groups are opposed to this idea, and the meeting is being called to consider what points and what representations should be made to the County Council in this matter. This is your chance to listen to the arguments and, if you want, say your piece. We know the landscape for libraries has changed, but they still remain a valued public asset, professionally run, with older people, young families and those without computers reliant on the services they provide. Do attend if you can. You can complete the consultation questionnaire on the Council's proposals by visiting www.derbyshire.gov.uk/librariesforderbyshire;
• next Saturday, 30th June is Hayfield Pro Loco Day where artists from near and far are exhorted to 'create a picture within the parish that captures the essence of Hayfield as seen on the day'. Artists of all ages need to register at St. Matthew's Church Hall between 8.30-11.00a.m. and return their completed works by 3.45p.m. Public viewing and voting takes place 4-5.00p.m., which is followed by the prize-giving. This is a great local institution, admirably run by Hayfield Civic Trust, and we hope you'll support it if you can;
• Hayfield's well dressings are being erected Saturday 30th June, reflecting much hard work, with the Blessing of the Wells due the following day, Sunday July 1st, starting at 2.00p.m. on Bank Street. Again, another great local institution whose products never fail to inspire...….enjoy, and support!
• last, this is early notice of Sustainable Hayfield's (very brief) Annual General Meeting, Thursday July 12th, 7.3op.m. followed by some talks on how we can all reduce our reliance on plastic, which is threatening our ecosystems, our planet and even our own - and new-born babies' - bodily functions. Collectively entitled 'How Not to Drown in Plastic (and be kind to ourselves and the planet)', we'll have contributions by representatives from Rethink Plastic High Peak, The Food Assembly, Sustainable Hayfield.....and maybe more! There's almost nothing more topical than this subject at present, and we hope to pick up some practical suggestions for how we can manage better without many plastics. please make a note in your diaries now: we hope to see you there!

Your last chance...

A reminder that tomorrow evening, Wednesday, at 7.30p.m., at the Royal Hotel, may be your last chance to see the newly-re-edited film account of the Hayfield to New Mills railway, using contemporary footage and featuring live interviews with local people, as the centrepiece of the illustrated lecture by Colin Divall and Dave Postlethwaite, entitled 'From Rail to Trail'.

Colin and Dave's previous presentations were 'sell outs', and had to be foreshortened to accommodate all those people who turned up to the 'world premier' of this filmic account . We've stepped in, with Colin and Dave's generous help, to give all those who missed out first time around the chance - free - to see this unique material and learn about the success and demise of this local line. We can't guarantee there'll be another such local opportunity.

Will you be there? There's plenty of space at The Royal.

Two Invitations

1. This Saturday is, of course, May Queen Day. Sustainable Hayfield is to have a 'walking procession' in the parade, which really just consists of a number of us walking in Sustainable Hayfield's bright green (of course!) T shirts, with several people carrying one of our banners. We've already got a few people signed up but would welcome more. Have you a little time to spare, and quite fancy being part of the parade? If so, please contact Laurie James, so we know how many T shirts we'll need. We'll meet at the bus station at 1.00p.m., and the parade moves off at 1.30p.m.. It's about 45 minutes' slow walking, and then off - to home or to the crowning ceremony or the Fair. We want to support the oldest continuous procession of its kind in England and this year, the more so, since the May Queen Committee is making a particular effort to encourage people to separate out their waste, promoting recycling.

2. You may know the Civic Trust some weeks back organised a presentation by Colin Divall and Dave Postlethwaite, both Sustainable Hayfield supporters, which was in effect a world premier of some filmic representation of the Hayfield to New Mills branch railway line, edited from original footage shot by Ken Rangeley, and featuring live eye witness accounts of the railway. Entitled 'From Rail to Trail', reflecting the line's eventual closure and incorporation into the Sett Valley Trail, it was a great success. More folk turned up than could be seated, and so two shorter sessions were organised, with many people asked to return an hour or so later. And still others didn't know or couldn't make the event, a unique representation of Hayfield's history! So we've stepped into the breach and, with Colin and Dave's generous agreement, we're hosting 'From Rail to Trail' next Wednesday evening, May 16th, free of charge, at The Royal Hotel, 7.30p.m. This may be your last chance to see this unique account of the railway line, and the stories behind its success and demise. You - and your children - are very welcome to join us. We hope for a good turnout, but there's good capacity at The Royal, so we hope will be able to view in some comfort. See you there?

Sprint 2018 Newsletter

2018's spring newsletter is now available for download. In this issue:

• HAYFIELD'S LITTER CHALENGE
• FOOD IS FUN!P FEEDBACK
• WORKING WITH OUR CHILDREN
• REPAIR, RE-USE, RECYCLING………
• RADIO RECIEVERS?
• HELPING OTHERS….
• TIMES A CHANGING?
• NEWS YOU’VE MISSED ?
• LOCAL SERVICES UNDER THREAT
• HAYFIELD 'RAIL TO TRAIL' RE-RUN
• YOUR COMMITTEE
• UPCOMING EVENTS

DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER

A Sunny Success!

Thank you so much to all those supporters, with other villagers, who turned out yesterday to participate in the Great Hayfield Litter Clean Up.

'Great' it was! The sun shone and over 70 people turned out to do their bit (up 40% on last year!), collecting around 80 full bin bags of rubbish, of which we were able to segregate about 15 bags' full, to go for recycling. This is a great achievement, and says much about how we/you care about the village we live in.

We got a barbecue set, chairs, a road-sweepers' broom, a hand-crafted 2 foot high snowman, several balls, scaffolding poles, crates, garden netting, and bottles and cans a plenty (roll on the refundable deposit scheme), together with hub cabs, wing mirrors, and bumpers from the A624. A right royal haul!

So............thank you to all who joined in, gave up some of their time, and showed what we can do when we all pull together!

And well done!

Spring Clean - This Weekend

The weather forecast for Saturday looks set fair (no snow!), so we should be all action stations for the Great Hayfield Litter Challenge (10-2.00p.m.), organised by the Civic Trust, Parish Council and ourselves.

We hope, as someone who's indicated interest/commitment in us living less wasteful lives, that you'll be able to give an hour or more of your time Saturday to help Hayfield look its best and rid ourselves of some 'grot spots'.

Report in at the village hall with your protective gloves (and wellies if you're interested in tackling the river) and get your 'territory' for attention. Help-yourself refreshments are available at the village hall.

Last year around 50 people turned out: it would be great a similar number again!

Spring Clean Postponed

The decision has regrettably had to be taken to postpone the Hayfield Village Spring Clean this weekend - owing to the fact that it´s not much like spring currently!

We're sorry this has had to be done, but consider this is for the best and we will advise of a rearranged date as son as this is confirmed.

Reminders

A few things to update/remind you about: 

• Our last newsletter advised a working party at the Library garden on Feb 10th. This has had to be changed and brought forward to this Saturday, February 3rd, still between 11-1.00p.m. The emphasis is on cutting back/out unwanted vegetation and preparation of beds, ahead of spring. There'll be some tools available but if you can bring your own, that would be grand. All volunteers appreciated, if you can find the time!

• As predicted by our last newsletter, the Government has now issued its public consultation on improving air quality by taking action on wood-burning stoves, and other wood and coal-burning in premises, given growing evidence of the harm particulates from such sources do to householders' and wider neighbourhood health. If you're interested/want to comment, go to the Defra website (defra.gov.uk) and search for 'consultation on domestic burning of wood and coal'. It's a short notice consultation, opening on 30th January and closing 28th February.

• a reminder that, in partnership with the Parish Council and Civic Trust, we'll be supporting the 'Great Village Clean Up', on Saturday March 3rd. Details are being firmed up but the event is confirmed for between 10-3.00p.m., with the Village Hall the registration point for volunteers, and where there'll be refreshments. You can turn up when you like and litter pick for as long as you like. Equipment will be provided but bring your own protective gloves. Volunteers will be provided with a territory (street, river, open land) to make spick and span. Last year's event had around 55 volunteers and collected around 50 bags of rubbish. If you can make a date in your diary now, we'll stand a chance of getting a similar turnout! 

Three Things - this week!

Do you remain concerned about the level of smells emanating from Ardern Quarry, drifting over the village. You may not know that the owners of the quarry are seeking to develop the quarry's capacity, involving more extraction and, eventually, more likely infilling with waste, all involving more lorry traffic. Initial responses have not been positive, and the owners are now appealing their right to proceed as they plan. The appeal is being heard in public, starting tomorrow, Tuesday 16th January, 10.00a.m. at St George's Hall, New Mills. It relates to the application CM1/1115/117 'Extraction and removal of mineral reserves'. You can attend to show your interest in the matters under discussion

Our last newsletter mentioned the Candlelit supper being held at St Matthews this Wednesday evening. This was taken from the St Matthews magazine. However, it seems that the nature of the evening has since changed and is much more specific. Claire Crook, local retired GP, will be talking - after the supper - on 'Restoring the heart to health care in Uganda', building on links made between St Matthews' church community with a district in Uganda, and going further. Claire will be looking at approaches being developed to ensure more whole-person health care there. Sounds interesting..... The meeting's open to all, doors open at 7.30p.m. for a 8.00p.m. start, cost is £2 and there'll be a bring and share supper. After Claire's talk, there'll be some live music, so, all in all, a rounded and varied evening!

On Saturday, 20th January, from 10.00a.m., we'll be joining with other volunteers to do some necessary maintenance work on our increasingly successful and bountiful Hayfield Community Orchard. We'll focus on trees on/around the Old School Field on Swallow House Lane. Pruning's a priority and several trees need reducing in height. The Parish Council has bought tree guards that need fitting around the trunks of the trees before strimming of grass resumes. Several trees have also become unstable and need straightening and staking. if you'd like to join us, turn up at the gate on Swallow House Lane. If you haven't pruned before, don't worry, you'll be paired with someone who has. We've a limited supply of secateurs so, if you can, please bring your own: if you can't , we'll sort you out! The following Saturday, we'll be doing the same at the Recreation Ground on Valley Road, also at 10.00a.m., and you'll be doubly welcome!

Sustainable Hayfield Winter Newsletter

Happy New Year to you!

Our Winter 2018 newsletter is ready for download. We hope it is of interest to you, for local updates and news from around the world! Do let us know if you've any comments or suggestions to make.

And we hope to see you at some of our events, listed!

In this issue:

1. MIKE CROMPTON
2. CLOTHES SWAP FEEDBACK
3. SHARING IS CARING
4. POSITIVITY AROUND GLOBAL WARMING
5. ACTION ON WOOD-BURNERS?
6. GOOD THINGS WITH FOOD
7. REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE
8. PLASTICS, PLASTICS, PLASTICS
9. APPEEEEELNIG APPLE DAY!
10. NEWS YOU’VE MAYBE MISSED?
11. YOUR COMMITTEE
12. UPCOMING EVENTS

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