Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
1 March 2021
Longford Past…….
Longford Youth Club was started in 1980 by Gill Wakefield, Alan Mullins & Roger Slater. This photo from
February 1980 has been unearthed from a box with all sorts of Longford memories belonging to Gill
Wakefield (more to follow in forthcoming editions). Names are on page 7.
If anyone has any memories of Longford Youth Club or can put names to the few that are on the photo but
not named please email them in to [email protected].
The village website www.longfordvillage.co.uk now has an Old Photographs section. More contributions
would be very welcome, see page 9 for more details.
Newsletters are online at: www.longfordparishcouncil.co.uk under News, and at www.longfordvillage.co.uk
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
2 March 2021
Pets Corner by Charlie Twigg
My name is Charlie and I am writing about a dog called Juno. Juno is a pure bred German Shepherd. She is a
4 year old rescue dog and belongs to Hannah, James and Isabel and their Mum and Dad, Rachel and Ken.
Juno was a stray who was found wandering along the A50. She was
picked up by Rachel’s friend who is a dog handler for Derbyshire Police
and signed over to Crowfoot Kennels in Church Broughton as her previous
owners didn’t want her anymore. They also found out her previous name
was Star!
Juno has a really nice temperament and
likes lots of fuss and love. She is a good
guard dog and barks at people she doesn’t
know. She comes back when she is called
which is really good when she has had to get
used to a new name. She will eat anything
and she loves bread! She enjoys playing
with Milo who also lives with them and is a
Border Collie. They love going on long walks
together across the fields.
I look forward to writing about another pet
next time.
Let’s go wild for the sake of nature by Ginty Leedham
I am sure we are all looking forward to spring really getting underway now, especially after all the snow and
freezing temperatures. I have to say I did enjoy the very cold snap, beats all that mud!!
Thinking about the lovely snowdrops that are blooming beautifully at the moment, l have started splitting my
larger clumps and decided to plant some in the hedge bottom opposite our drive and wow this is working
really well they are a great show, look out for them, so I had the idea that maybe I could encourage some of
my fellow villagers to do the same. If you have snowdrops in your garden maybe you could split a clump and
put some in the verge outside your property, wouldn’t it be great to drive through the village and see lots of
snowdrops on the roadside. Snowdrops need to be divided in the green, this means just after they have
finished flowering, dig them up, divide them and plant immediately with all the leaves still attached and hey
presto let’s hope for lots more snowdrops next year.
I have been asked about creating a patch of wild flower meadow in the lawn. A true wild flower meadow is
quite difficult to achieve so my advice would be to leave an area of lawn to grow during spring and summer
and see what grows, I am sure you will find some wild flowers will appear and that has to be beneficial for the
bees and butterflies. When you do mow in August leave the grass cuttings on the
ground for a day or two to allow the seeds to drop, then rake all the grass up and
put on the compost heap, wild flowers prefer impoverished soil. Give it a try and
see what flowers grow.
Flowering in our garden at the moment are aconites, cyclamen coum, snowdrops,
crocus, hellebores, heathers and shrubs, Hamamelis mollis, red and yellow, and
Lonicera winter beauty which is scented, a honey bee was collecting pollen today.
Happy wildlife gardening.
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
3 March 2021
Cookery Corner by Longford WI
Mary L’s Moroccan Tagine
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 teaspoons ground turmeric, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
12 chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin oil
1 onion finely chopped
2.5cm (1 inch) piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
1 garlic clove, crushed
600ml (1 pint) chicken stock
250g (8oz) mixed dried fruit (prunes, apricots, apples, pears) roughly chopped, any combination will be fine.
Salt and pepper
Method
1. Mix the spices with salt and pepper in a dish to coat the chicken pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a fairly large frying pan or casserole pot on the hob.
3. Cook chicken for 5 minutes, remove chicken on to a plate.
4. Fry onion, ginger and garlic gently in the pan for about 5 minutes until soft.
5. Stir in chicken stock and bring to the boil.
6. Add dried fruit and chicken pieces to the pan, stir well.
7. Cover pan with lid and simmer for 40 minutes.
Serve with rice and veg of choice.
Tagine can be made ahead and frozen as long as the chicken used is fresh.
Enjoy!
Longford and Local Help
Just a reminder that we are all here for each other in our local community - if you simply need a chat on the
phone or an extra pint of milk when you’re running low and are self-isolating - nothing is too small or too
much of a problem. Feel free to contact Rosanna Montgomery, Kathryn Ferris, Anne Mitchell, Rob Wakefield,
Richard Leedham or Angela Churchill, or Margaret Foot in Rodsley (see posters/flyers for contact details or
sign up to our Facebook group page for more local information and resources). We still have a long list of
volunteers who are ready and willing to help.
Best Wishes and Stay Safe. The L&LH Team.
Top Toddlers Playgroup (0-5 Years)
I hope you are all keeping safe and well. Hopefully we can get the playgroup up and running again soon. Roll on the vaccination programme. If anyone would like to help me run it, either every week, fortnightly or even once a month, please get in touch with me, Jacque Davis on 07855 551234 or via the Top Toddlers Facebook page.
Pump Room bookings
If anyone would like to book the Pump Room please call Kathryn Ferris on 01335 330140 or email [email protected]
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
4 March 2021
Farming Past and Present by George Twigg
This edition I am writing about another vintage tractor which is a David Brown 880 Selectamatic and is owned by James and he is 11 years old.
The tractor was made in 1968 and James’s Mum and Dad bought in in 2006. It was registered from new to a farmer in Kirk Langley called Richard Morley (Senior). Its second owner was John Wibberley of Kirk Langley. A local fencing contractor found it in a private garage in Allestree in 2006 and James’s family purchased off him.
It is in all original condition and James doesn’t really want to change it, but he might replace the mudguards and the hydraulics need some work as they don’t work well in the cold. They can use all the smaller farm implements but use mainly the flat roller. James really wants a small plough for it so he can learn to plough. He doesn’t drive it yet but he goes locally with his dad to their fields. James also told me that they found out that Aston Martin built the gearboxes and his dad says they are really good tractors
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about another local tractor.
Longford & District Pumpkin Club
We would like to hold some form of Pumpkin Growing Competition this year, but whether we will be able to hold our Annual Presentation Meal night in September, we will have to wait and see. This article is really to get your thoughts on whether you would want to enter a Pumpkin Growing Competition only.
Please put your comments on the village website: www.longfordvillage.co.uk or e-mail the Growers Gaffer at: [email protected]. Thanks Growers Gaffer
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
5 March 2021
The Longford Book Group by Angela Churchill
We had some snazzy Christmas hats and brought some festive snacks to eat on Zoom in December– but we
did miss our usual Christmas “do”!
Two books have been on the go, one before and one after Christmas.
Where Hope Goes by Tim Cameron Long (self-published), Book Group score 5
Moving back and forward between the lives of Espe, living in a third world
shanty town and Alex, a high earner from the UK, the story contrasts the lives
of the haves and the have-nots. Alex has everything money can buy but is
unhappy. In contrast, apart from longing to meet her missing father, the love
and friendship surrounding Espe, give her confidence and courage. The two
finally meet during apocalyptic events when Alex is abroad on a business trip.
This was the first self-published book we have read in Book Group and
opinions were divided. Some found the story engaging and enjoyed it as a
piece of fiction. Others found it too full of issues, hard to believe at times and
in need of more editing.
Anatomy of a Soldier by Harry Parker, (Faber and Faber), Book Group score 8
Captain Tom Barnes is a young soldier leading British troops in Afghanistan.
Two young civilians are affected by the troops being stationed near their
homes. Tom’s mission and its impact on him, the local boys and all their
families is told in a number of short chapters, from the perspective of the
objects which inhabit their lives; a beer glass, a dog tag, a kit bag, a carpet and
many more.
Some felt that the book could have given more understanding of the
psychological issues behind the story but others thought that this was the
strength of the narrative device, which enabled an objective view and allowed
the reader to make up their own minds. The order of the chapters is not
chronological, which some of us would have preferred but others enjoyed.
Everyone was shocked to learn the author had a very similar experience in his
early 20’s. The book reinforced the feeling of how difficult it is to achieve a
positive outcome for troops or civilians when cultures are so disconnected. We
discussed the publisher’s attempts to attract different audiences in view of the differences between the
hardback and paperback covers (hardback pictured).
We are all a bit “Zoomed out” so we are livening things up by having a temporary change in how we choose
our books in February!
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
6 March 2021
What’s Happening at St Chad’s Visit our Facebook page: @stchadslongford
Church Opening St Chad’s is now open from
10am-3pm on Sundays. You are very
welcome to visit for private prayer and to
enjoy the church. Please remember your
face mask.
Palm Sunday service Despite our best
efforts services are currently suspended,
with us having to cancel the planned
Remembrance Service and Christmas
Midnight Service. We are however hoping
to have a Palm Sunday service either inside St Chad’s or in the churchyard – keep an eye on notice boards
and St Chads Facebook page for updates.
Online Services Did you know that a short service from Jane Legh is posted on our Facebook page every
Sunday, and can also be found on Youtube?
Newsletter A February 2021 newsletter, updating on progress with improvements to St Chad’s is available.
We have sent it to those in the Parish that we have contact details for. If you haven’t received one, but
would like one please contact: [email protected], tel. 01335 330118 or [email protected]
tel 01335 330407.
Christmas!
Despite the many Covid restrictions we were able to go ahead with three of the four planned events in
December.
The Longford Street Market was wonderfully supported with some 12 stalls. It really was a day of Christmas
cheer and AN ENORMOUS £2,221.70, was raised for St Chad’s – a big help towards rectifying the damp
problems in church. Thank you very much to everyone who set up a stall, gave items to sell, came to the
market or helped in any way. Thank you also for the unexpected and kind donations given at the two events
below. These will also be used to help us address the damp.
A twinkly St Chad’s was open for two visits from Longford school children who made star decorations for
church this year, and again at the weekend for a Christmas walk through, when a literal car-load of toys
were donated for children in Derbyshire refuges from domestic violence. The toys were all collected on the
morning of December 21st in time for Father Christmas coming. These were the only presents many of the
children would receive on Christmas day. Sincere thanks were sent to everyone from Rehana who collected
them.
On December 22nd some of St Chad’s congregation did some socially distanced carol singing around the
village, joined by residents at their doors. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Church bells You might have heard St Chad’s church bells ringing for the first time in two years on a snowy
Sunday afternoon towards the end of January. Bell number 4 was repaired in November and the bell cradle
overhauled. Covid restrictions allowed only one ringer in the tower so each of the 6 bells were rung
individually.
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
7 March 2021
1 Sarah Pitt 2 Ruth Cope 3 Patrick Mullins
4 Michael Pitt 5 Neil Heldrich 6 John Ayre
7 George Phillips 8 Toby Sills 9 Jane
Paxton
10 Robert Wakefield 11 Not Sure
12 Andrew Gurney 13 Carol Woolley
14 Sarah Hislop 15 Not Sure 16 Stephanie
Cope
17 Colin Woolley 18 Linda Turner
19 David King 20 Anthony Walker
21 Brian Redshaw 22 Robert Coxon
23 Simon Ball 24 Phillip Derbyshire
25 Mark Woolley 26 Richard Gaye
The lad behind Toby Sills might well be
Neil Redshaw
Spring is in the air…….
Toy collection Carol singing
Street market
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
8 March 2021
Longford Green Challenges by Julia Churchill-Angus
While we’re all stuck at home, we have time to think about some super easy switches to help reduce our
environmental footprints. Here are some mini challenges to keep you busy:
Plant trees browsing the internet: Set your web browser to Ecosia. Ecosia is just like Google, but ‘donates
80% or more of its profits to nonprofit organisations that focus on reforestation. It considers itself a social
business, is CO₂-negative and claims to support full financial transparency and protect the privacy of its
users’.
Period plastic: It has been estimated that 700,000 panty liners, 2.5m tampons and 1.4m sanitary towels are
flushed down the toilet every day in the UK, and many of these will end up in our ocean. Thinx and
Modibodi both sell period proof underwear and seriously it’s the best thing ever. They last for years, look
good and remove the need to buy and throw away endless tampons and pads. Initial investment is quite
high, but money saving in the long term. If you don’t want to take the leap, there are organic, plastic free
disposable options too - try Dame.
Cleaning products: Try using refills to avoid buying new plastic bottles when you run out of detergents and
other cleaning products. Splosh is a mail order service where you can get reusable bottles and order refills
when you run out. You can also convert to plastic-free and washable cloths and sponges, search Ecovibe
compostable sponges online for a good example.
BEER! Roughly 1.2bn bread crusts are thrown away each year (and that’s just crusts!). Toast Ale brew beer
using waste bread from bakeries instead of virgin barley, reducing waste and carbon footprint. They’re also
a social enterprise, so donate their profits to charity.
Refurbished tech: Always avoid buying new when you‘re looking for replacement technology. Over their
lifetimes, phones create lots of CO2 in their lifetime- but up to 90% of that energy is estimated to come from
extraction, manufacture and distribution. So if you buy refurbished (and keep hold of your current devices
as long as possible) you’re doing a huge amount to reduce your impact! Look up Backmarket for refurbished
phones, computers, headphones, tablets and other items.
Good luck, let’s make Longford green(-er than it already is. There are lots of fields).
Terracycle Recycling Scheme
Please Recycle Your Crisp Packets Any brand of crisp packets including the outer multi-packaging Every packet in the box is one less in landfill or in the sea
Please Recycle Your Bread Bags Any brand of bread loaf bags
Please Recycle Toothpaste Items Any brand of empty tubes, plastic brushes, outer packaging
Please pop into the box beside the phone box/library on Main Street Longford. Thank you.
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
9 March 2021
Parish Council News
Flood Action Group
Longford Parish Council would like to set up a Flood Action Group and are seeking volunteers to participate.
A Local Flood Action Group may be formed in communities where there is a risk of flooding, typically
consisting of a core of local people (probably about 6) who form a representative voice for the wider
community. The group’s aim is to reduce flood risk by identifying key issues, mapping a flood plan and
working in partnership with the agencies and authorities that manage flood risk.
Advice and guidance is received from Derbyshire County Council and the National Flood Forum.
If you may be interested and would like to help, please contact the Parish Council at
Thank you.
Village Website - Any Old Pictures?
I have added an “Old Photograph” section to the village website (www.longfordvillage.co.uk) and would
welcome further contributions. If you have any old pics, perhaps a village event, villagers past, a fond
memory or anything that may be of interest, they would be very welcome. I am happy to pick them up, or
you can drop them off at Rose Cottage. I will carefully scan them and return them to you promptly. Or, if
you have an electronic copy, please email a copy to me.
So far I have added pictures of people celebrating the Coronation and Silver Jubilee as well as old images of
floods, snow drifts and cottages. If you have any stories to add to any of these items, and would let me add
it to the website, please pass these on to me. Thank you.
Alan Hall 01335 216300, [email protected]
Litter Pick – Long Lane
Five Longford residents decided we would coordinate our
lockdown daily exercise to undertake some voluntary work,
a (very) socially distanced litter pick on Long Lane, from the
Hollington turn to Corner Farm Cottage at Thurvaston.
This is not the safest stretch of road, particularly east of the
Ostrich where there are many bends and the road is
narrow, so we decided that 9am on a Sunday morning
would be the best time to do it, and I think this proved to
be the case.
We had warning boards at either end and generally most
people did slow down, many gave us the thumbs up and
even a couple were clapping us. In the course of about two
hours a broad range of debris was retrieved, mainly drink
cans, bottles and crisp packets but also numerous car parts
(mainly wing mirrors), electronic items and furniture.
This was a commendable effort by all involved and great shame on inconsiderate motorists who are
blighting our lovely countryside.
Rather than the rubbish going to landfill, all that could be was recycled. Alan Hall, Kelly Leedham, John Wilson, Mick and Chris Tunnicliffe.
Spring Edition 2021 Longford Parish Press Issue 76
10 March 2021
St Chad’s Church Longford
St Chad’s Open for private prayer and visits every Sunday 10am-3pm. Covid guidance in place. Facemasks must be worn in church.
Online Services led by Jane Legh from one of the churches in the Longford 8 can be found every Sunday on St Chad’s Facebook page (@stchadslongford) and also on YouTube.
Palm Sunday, March 28th. Service, subject to Covid restrictions and risk assessments.
Please see the noticeboard outside Longford School and St Chads Facebook page for updates.
Welcome to new residents
The Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to say ‘hello’ and ‘welcome’ to all new residents of Longford.
Your Parish Councillors can be contacted as follows:
Rob Wakefield 330144 Ginty Leedham 330356 Kevin Johnson 330410 Kevin Newman 330886 Lara Mosedale 330363 Alan Hall 216300
Clerk to the Council - Mick Tunnicliffe 01335 330257 District Councillor - Michele Morley 07711 600912 County Councillor - Steve Bull 01629 580000 x36022
Parish Council meetings Wednesday 3rd March 2021
Wednesday 7th April 2021
Wednesday 5th May 2021
Wednesday 9th June 2021
All commencing at 7.30 pm. Meetings are still taking place via Zoom – joining details will be on the agenda (which will be on the parish noticeboards and on the Parish Council website).
Please note these meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
A note for your diary:- The latest date for your contributions to the next
Newsletter is Friday 21st May 2021
W.I. Diary Despite Covid, Longford WI are still meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of every month via Zoom and would
welcome anyone who would like to join in. The next Zoom meeting is being held on Tuesday 9th March and
will be Patricia Hall “doing comedy”. If anyone would like to join in please contact either Mary Hall by email
[email protected] or Lorna Gagie on 07399 513167 or email [email protected].
The WI are still supporting Ashbourne food bank so please keep an eye on the Pump Room notice board for
dates for contributions. The next collection is on Tuesday 2nd March at the Pump Room, 9am to 12pm.
Contributions requested for main meals please: tinned meats/fish/anything tinned that can form the basis
for a main meal; tinned veg, tinned potatoes, tinned fruit, tinned puddings. Thank you.