banner
Home About us Resources and Events The Place
What's new Donations Contact Links
Affirmation
Fat Pigeon Flies

REMINISCENCES

 
"The Fat Pigeon Flies" is triggering off lots of memories of Sheldon over the years. When people write them down, we'll put them here for you to enjoy!
buy now
 

Hi All,
As I am older than Carl and been visiting Sheldon for longer than he has been there I reckon I am part of the history of the place.
I remember Hillary when she was young and unblemished by our rowdy group visits and her sense of impending panic as our loaded minibus, elongated with a canoe trailer, arrived at a non arranged time to disrupt the peace of Sheldon.
I remember the arrival of a young doctor with a smile to melt you, a resolve of steel and an administrators zeal that would frighten any mere mortal. Was she called Sarah?
I remember,before even Carl arrived,sleeping in the room above the porch in the farmhouse and gazing at the shiny new hot water cylinder in the cupboard, which did`nt have a door on it. At least it did`nt make the terrible running noise which came,about 50 times a night, from the cold water tank in the big dormitory.We never did realise that the only way to stop it was not to drink anything for 6 hours before going to bed so you didn`t have to get up in the night to get rid of what you did drink for 6 hours before going to bed.
I remember the loud conversations late at night outside the main door and the gentle reprimands the following day.
I remember the staff finally giving up in desperation at my cavalier attitude and Carl,the peacemaker, telling me very firmly that I must not upset his women and if I did I would be expelled from Sheldon. Did I notice a twinkle in his eye when I stood there telling him what he wanted to hear?
I remember establishing the world record for the number of people sleeping in the building-109.
I remember my interrogation by the Sheldon Court. A seemingly friendly, but formidable occasion, held in the kitchen courtroom where I was found guilty of allowing an unknown member of my party to rip the fabric of one of the armchairs in the newly converted Linney.It was of course a put up job.Hillary`s dog did it,but and I was found guilty all the same and duly fined.
I remember committing the greatest sin of them all. Allowing people to camp on Carl`s pride and joy-his lawn.
I`m sure I can just remember Carl when he was young,long haired and bohemian.Well it`s the red wine that changed him.
I remember happy times. A job well done.Peace and frenetic activity.Warmth,concern,love and support.My mum,Carl,Sue,Hillary and others who I never got to know.The little chapel and lives changed.In fact I don`t remember Sheldon I live it and will be back.
Trouble is I can`t remember what I did yesterday!
The book is on my Christmas list.Mum is getting it for me.
Love to you all,
John (Robbins)

 
Hi
 
I thought you might be vaguely interested in my memories of Sheldon...

In 1967 I was a 7-year-old chorister at St Mary's Shrewsbury, a fine choir led by John Sykes.  In that summer, we spent a week singing at Exeter catherdral, during the choir school's holiday.  We stayed at Sheldon as one of the first visiting groups, self-catering - my first time away from home and parents.  One memory is of lunch being written-off by our adult leaders because they'd had to use a fire extinguisher in the kitchen!

I do recall the cob walls, dormitories, bunk beds.  I remember there being a cider press awaiting renovation, and being amused that the recipe for scrumpy involved "...and one rat".  The nearest public telephone to phone home was outside a pub by the old Christow railway station - it had buttons A+B, which even then were obsolete. 

I can remember Geoffrey Fraser.  It was new to me to come across a vicar who wore rubber boots and appeared to be a farmer as well - I think he had a dairy farm elsewhere.  We sang one evening at a special service at Dunsford church. I was thinking about that trip and looked Sheldon up on the web.  Good luck with your community...

Matthew Shaw