We also now have an iPod dock in each cottage, which will take most generations of iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod, iPod Classic, iPod mini plus iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S.

Sense is a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind. They  provide tailored support, advice and information as well as specialist services to all deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them. They also support people who have a single sensory impairment with additional needs.

This group came last in 2008 and we’re delighted that they’ve decided to come again.  Mitch, who is the contact,  was very complimentary about The Barn for people with such special needs.  He particularly commented on our dark woodwork against the pale walls being excellent for people with little sight.

We’ve ‘liked’ Sense on our Facebook page .. you can do so too, at https://www.facebook.com/senseuk?v=wall

Love the Peak District? If so please help care for its incredible landscapes this April and take part in Friends of the Peak District’s Magnificent Charity Walk

The walksStarting and finish at the private and stunning Thornbridge Hall near Great Longstone. There are three magnificent walks to choose from to challenge, inspire or relax you:

Chatsworth House

1. The 21 Mile Challenge - taking in some of most the iconic places of the Peak District including Chatsworth Park, Derwent Valley Heritage Way, the Monsal Trail and Frogatt Wood. £12 entry (£6 for under 16s);
2. The Magnificent 7 Miles - a whistle stop tour round some of the most inspiring views and places in the Peak District including Monsal Dale, Litton, Cressbrook, Little Longstone, Great Longstone and Brushfield. £12 entry (£6 for under 16s);

Thornbridge Hall

3. The Three Cake Challenge - a short relaxing walk, suitable for even the smallest of feet, with 3 cake stops on route. Taking in the Monsal Trail and exclusive access to gardens of Thornbridge Hall.  £6 entry (free for under 5’s).

To take part visit www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk/What’s_on/Events/Magnificent_Charity_Walk/

For more information telephone 0114 266 5822 or email danny@friendsofthepeak.org.uk

The Charity

It is so easy to take the Peak District for granted. Despite being a national park it remains fragile and vulnerable. It is the 2^nd most visited national park in the world, and its location (unique for a national park) between so many major towns and cities, puts huge pressure on its space, land and wildlife.

Friends of the Peak District is the only charity dedicated to caring and protecting the Peak District countryside. We campaigned for it to be Britain’s first national park 60 years ago and are recognised as the national park charity. You can learn more about us at www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk.

The old farmhouse - Holestone Moor Barns holiday cottages

Each year it’s a bit of a guess … when will people ask about next year? Of course we’re happy when they do … and blimey it was early this year!

So, thinking caps on – we’ve decided that our 2013 prices will remain the same as our 2012 prices. It’s tough for all of us and we feel that a stay Holestone Moor Barns holiday cottages should remain as affordable as possible.

Visit our Prices page.

Coppicing in the woodland

Steve has been busy down in our little woodlands – it’s a good time of year for coppicing and tidying lower branches on the Goat Willows.  It’s so early in the year that the sap isn’t rising yet, so the wood will be seasoned more quickly.

Lower branches chopped

These trees in our wood have had some branches thinned out. Just one branch is left and that will become the main trunk of the tree.

Woodland path

Large branches are sawn into logs for us to use on the house and cottages wood burners. Smaller branches are put through the chipper, and the clippings are used for the paths through the wood.

Cheryl Webster talking about me!

Cheryl presenting my certificate

Earlier this month I was thrilled to be presented with a Long Service Certificate for my 20 years of volunteer work at Treetops Hospice.

My certificate was presented to me by Cheryl Webster who is the Volunteer Services Manager for Treetops.

Other Treetops related articles.

I’ve been fortunate to live on the edge of Derbyshire and the Peak District for almost all of my life … so I know that it’ gorgeous!

If you’ve not been as fortunate as me then you might not be aware … so, take a look at this (the lovely people at Visit Peak District made it):

Here’s a picture that one of our regular guests, John Morris, sent to the Cambridge News … lovely John – thank you!

Extract from Cambridge News - the frosty courtyard