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.