The Rector’s Letter

News from Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve
It has been some time since I sent a newsletter round to the village, and having spoken to the Parish Council, we agreed that it would be more helpful if I sent in more regular notes to go in the Parish Magazine, to keep you up to date with what’s going on at the Hills and Holes.
People and Nature
‘People and Nature’ has become one of English Nature’s priority areas of work over the last year or so. What does this mean? It involves providing better access, more information, and greater opportunities for public involvement, in our Nature Reserves and other wild areas. This has led to many of the changes that you will have seen around the Hills and Holes over this time – the new signs, ‘easy access’ gates, way-marked trail and so on. All of these are designed to deal with the many visitors who travel to the site each year. Unfortunately in doing this work we overlooked the impact it might have on our neighbours, and the local community, many of whom I know have been upset by some of the changes. I can only apologise for this, and especially for the lack of consultation which led to many of the concerns. At the end of last year, I attended a meeting of the Parish Council when these matters were given a good airing. Some of the new measures were accepted once the reasons for them had been explained, but others still caused problems. We agreed to review these. Specifically we will:
· Replace the large car park signs with a smaller sign on the opposite verge (subject to local planning approval).
· Change the information panels at each main entrance point, removing the ‘viewpoint’ from the map, which had caused objections.
· Consult the Parish Council more regularly over any future plans.
Like the Hills and Holes we have had our ups and downs, but I hope that the positive relations I feel we enjoyed with the village over the last few years can be regained and developed.
Future work
This year, we hope to continue with the replacement of all the gates and stiles with new easy-access gates. These self-closing gates are easier to use and less restrictive than the old-style kissing gates. We will also be trialling an automatic visitor counting system (more about that in the months to come), and putting cycle parking racks at the main car park. In addition to the ‘people and nature’ programme, these works are designed to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, and deal with the impact of the new CROW (Countryside and Rights of Way) legislation. This is better known in the popular press as the ‘right to roam’. The Hills and Holes are one of the areas which qualify as ‘Access Land’, where people will have the right of access, subject to certain conditions. The main one of these is that access is on foot only, and is not open to horses, cycles, or vehicles. What is likely to happen though is that a large number of books, guides, maps and websites are likely to appear, all encouraging people to use the areas of Access Land open to them. Having clear information signs, a well-signposted car-park, and clearly marked trail are all designed to help channel and reduce the impact of visitors, whose numbers are likely to increase. The Hills and Holes remains as an area of extremely high value for nature conservation and this will continue to be our priority in managing the site.
Hills and Holes Hotline
Your views and opinions on any matters concerning the Hills and Holes are always welcome, by phone, letter or e-mail.
Contact: Chris Gardiner, Site Manager.
Tel. 01780 752796. e-mail chris.gardinerenglish-nature.org.uk
English Nature, Ham Lane House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UR

GENERAL CHURCH NOTICES

BARNACK SERVERS FORAPRIL

UFFORD

Wine Tasting
There will be a wine tasting at the village hall at 7pm on Friday 15th April, by Amps of Oundle. Tickets £10 to include a 2-course supper. Tickets from Sally Hudson 740475. Profit will be divided between St Andrew’s Church and the Village Halll.

Sign Language Workshop
A six-week course beginning on 14th April at Ufford Village Hall at 7pm. There will be no exams and no pressure!
Participants will learn signs for everyday situations, learn how to finger spell, gain an insight into lip-reading, acquire a background knowledge of the causes and implications of deafness and improve their personal awareness and communication skills.
This workshop is an ideal springboard for those who wish to study the language. It is fun and an informal introduction to this rich and fascinating language and intended for those with no prior knowledge of sign language.
If you wish to join us, phone the tutor, Mr Gary Slack 0785 190 7359. Sally Ward

Ufford Ladies
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 26th at 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall. Laura Smith will talk about “Aboard SHYP” (Stamford Housing for the Homeless). Reminder - annual subscriptions are due.

Ufford Park Cricket Club
The Annual General Meeting was held at the White Hart when Mr Nigel Clough was voted Chairman and Mr Andy Hills, Vice Chairman. Treasurer – Mr Robert Fisher, Secretary – Mrs Elaine Ward and Fixture Secretary – Mr Terry Rawlings. Rutland League 1st XI Captain – Danny Harrington, Vice Captain – Andrew Mason, 2nd XI Captain – Terry Rawlings, Vice Captain – Chris Parker. Hunts League Captain – Carl Manton, Vice Captain – Andrew Hinton. The 2006 Season opens on Sunday 17th April with a match against The Chairman’s XI. New Members are always welcome. For more information please contact Elaine Ward (740323).
The last draw for 2004/5 of the ‘107’ Club took place at the White Hart and the winners were:
£100 Nº 44 R J Keymer, Etton
£30 Nº 96 P Taylor, Whittlesey
£20 Nº 33 H Keedle, Peterborough
£15 Nº 85 J Feetham, Stamford
£10 Nº 53 M Foster, Elton
£10 Nº 35 D Harrington, Stamford
£10 Nº 9 Helen Kirkham, Stamford

Ufford Parish Council Meeting
The monthly Parish Council Meeting was held on 09-03-05. Many items of Village interest were discussed.
Bus Shelters - UPC was concerned that a letter had been received from the City Council, which appeared to be cause for concern. UPC was advised that the replacement cost would amount to £11160.00 and despite the agreement reached between UPC & the City Council, work might not now commence or be complete by the end of March. It agreed that UPC would continue to urge the City Council to honour the agreement.
Newport Way resurfacing - The Council advise that it hopes to commence resurfacing Newport Way some time after April this year. UPC has requested that the City Council give residents adequate notice of the work.
Main Street Drains - The City Council advised that the surveying work had now been completed. Overall the drains are suitable to take the additional rainwater from the proposed new Walcot Road drains. The next phase of the work is now being costed and UPC hopes to be given a start date in the next few months.
Transport Group - Following the proposals based on the transport questionnaire further discussions had taken place with the City Council. An alternative scheme using WRVS drivers was being considered. In addition The Transport Working Party was asked to advise on how village teenagers’ needs could be meet.
Footpaths, bridleways and rural access - It was agreed that these issues were becoming increasingly important. It was agreed that a working party should be set up to review access and appropriate use of the countryside. This group will need to work with other Parishes, the City Council and local landowners to meet the increasing needs of area. This group will be lead by Marian Browne to look at a number of local initiatives.
Web site & communications - UPC felt that the possibility of a UPC web site should considered given the increasing pressure from government for parishes to enhance communication with residents.
It is your Parish Council and if you would like to be involved please contact a parish councillor.
Parish Councillors:
Anthony Howells 01780 740098 anthowellsfamily.co.uk
Frieda Gosling 01780 740343
Ian Glew 07881 788741 upcianglew.claranet.co.uk
Marian Brown 01780 740062
Parish Clerk: Ken Waller 01780 740396

Children’s Craft & Puppet Workshop
Sunday May 8th 2.30 to 4.30 in Ufford Village Hall. This workshop is part of a programme of Barnack Deanery events taking place in May. Ufford has been chosen as the venue for an afternoon of fun for children aged 4-12. Children will have the opportunity to make a variety of things, including puppets.
The session will last from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Any child not yet at school should be accompanied by an adult. Although some children will be attending from elsewhere in the Deanery it would be wonderful if we could have a good turnout from Ufford, the host village! For more information, please phone Pam Chance (Ufford) 01780 740929 or Catharine Wright (Barnack) 01780 740929

BARNACK, PILSGATE AND SOUTHORPE

Music at the Millstone Inn
Come along to the Live Music Evening on the first Tuesday of each month for an evening of superb entertainment from talented musicians. All musical styles are played: Blues, Jazz, Folk, Roots. Admission is free!
The format for these sessions has now changed slightly. Each month there will be a booked guest as well as the usual eclectic mix of talent from those turning up on the night to sing.
This month our guest is Bailey, a 26 year old singer-songwriter from Cambridge. He performs his own songs, complemented by his classical guitar. His subtle form of playing and story telling makes his style unique. He has been captivating audiences on the folk and roots circuit with his intimate performances. His new CD is due to be released in April. To find out more about him, please visit his website by following the link on www.acousticsessions.co.uk.
The next session is on Tuesday April 5th and will be in the function room at the Millstone Inn. Doors open 7.30pm for a 8pm start. See www.acousticsessions. co.uk for more details.

Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the February 200 Club draw were:
No 52 Bill How £25
No 80 Eileen Pateman £15
No 66 Susan Jarman £10
Bridge Club Events
April 25th Barnack Bridge Club Duplicate bridge 7.15pm
May 23rd Barnack Bridge Club 7.15pm

Barnack Parish Council Report - February
Barnack Parish Council meeting was held on February 14th in the village hall attended by the chairman, four councillors, clerk, and three members of the public.
The bus shelter in The Square is to remain for the time being and dog-fouling notices are to be displayed either end of Chapel Lane. Residents are reminded that it is an offence to let your dog foul in a public place or on someone else’s property .The fine is £50.00 and the dog warden will be patrolling the village.
There have recently been complaints about smells from Stamford Sewage Treatment Works on Uffington Road. Please could residents report these on 08457 145145, noting the date and weather conditions. The Housing Strategy Manager is to be asked to speak on affordable housing at the April meeting.
Two planning applications had been received, for alterations at 15 Bishops Walk and for a new house to be erected in the garden of Kiona. The Hills and Holes warden had informed the council of impending works concerning the site. A further request has been made for a streetlight outside the Cricket Club entrance.
The Community Cohesion Strategy for Peterborough City Council was discussed and it was decided that further clauses needed to be added before the council could endorse it. The unnamed road in Pilsgate is to be called Lattimer’s Paddock and a request is to be made to have the remaining walls of Kingsley Estate listed.
The full minutes of the meeting are displayed on the notice boards around the village and on the website www.barnackparishcouncil.org. The March meeting was held on the 14th at 7.30pm and followed the Annual Parish Assembly at 7pm.

Barnack Community Association
At the general Council and Trustees meeting held at the Village Hall on 2nd March, the Chairman Graham Dunn informed the meeting that the new central heating boiler is up and running and hall bookings are in line with expectations. The annual plant sale will be held on 7th May with extra stalls this year and all residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Village Hall Supper Quiz will take place on Saturday 12th November. These two events are the main source of fundraising for the hall, since Peterborough City Council have not increased their grant for several years, and it is only by having fund raising efforts that are well supported that the hall can remain open. Ian Jackson, who has moved into the village from Ufford was voted onto the Committee.

Barnack Methodist Chapel
Our March Coffee Morning and Cake Stall raised a further £124.45 for our funds. Many thanks to all who continue to give us their support. The April Coffee Morning will take place on Saturday, 2nd April at the usual time of 10 am to 11.30 am and we look forward to seeing you.

Recipe for Success
As part of the ongoing fund-raising effort to expand the gardens for Barnack Pre-School, a recipe book is being compiled. If you have a wonderful recipe or two you would like to share, please phone Kate on 740536 or Catheryn on 749334, or drop it into Kate at 24 Orchard Road, Barnack. Anything is suitable, from midweek storecupboard standbys to more extravagant dishes, and from sumptuous puddings to fairy cakes. We look forward to hearing from you.

Barnack Carpet Bowls Club
Sunday 3rd April. We have been invited to play our annual match against Ramsey Bowls Club at Ramsey. Please put your name on the list on the notice board or let Alan or Pat know that you would like to come. Ramsey are most hospitable and we would like as many players as possible to come.
7th April is the Annual General Meeting starting promptly at 7 pm. This will be followed by a Fish & Chip Supper - puddings will be provided as usual but bring your own drinks. Please add your name to the list to aid catering.
Pat Barton - 762538

Darby & Joan Club
Birds found in our gardens and their beautiful songs was the subject of talk given to Members by Mr Phil Rudkin of Stamford. The competition for a bird ornament attracted many entries and was won by Mrs L Bell, second Mrs D Green and third Mr A Barratt.

Fred Ratcliffe
Ivy and family would like to thank everyone for all the cards, flowers, messages and support given to them on the death of a dearly loved husband and father.

Friends of Barnack Church Outing
We have arranged a private visit to Elton Hall on Thursday, May 5th, at 2.30 pm. We shall travel by car and the cost will be £6.00. This includes a guided tour of the house, and a chance to visit the gardens.
When numbers are known it may be possible for us to arrange to have tea at the nearby garden centre. If you would like to join us please contact me on 740347, by April 17 if possible. Elizabeth Young.

Parish Supper
This year our annual supper will be on April 23rd at 7.30pm in Barnack Village Hall. There will be a three course meal followed by a quiz. As April 23rd is St. George’s Day, this will be the theme for the evening.
We hope that those who attend will display their usual enthusiasm for dressing up, or at least wear something red and white.
Tickets are available from any member of the Social Committee.
Proceeds to St. John Baptist Church, Barnack.

BSA events
The Barnack School Association has some brilliant events coming up, so make a note of them in your diary.
The BSA is a big support to Barnack School and raises money to help fund school trips, buy new equipment and provide special events for the children, such as the visiting pantomime. Many of our events are also social occasions for parents and the local community, and are an ideal opportunity to meet new people and have a great time.

Barnack Fun Run
Saturday 7th May, 2 pm start from the School Playing Field
Keep up good work with the training. And if you haven’t start yet now’s the time to dig out your running shoes and get out there.
You can chose one of two distances races, 2.5 km and 5 km, around the village – and maybe you’ll win a prize! Entry costs just £2 for children and £3 for adults in advance and £3 and £4, respectively, on the day. Entry forms are available from the School Office or Post Office from early April.
We also need plenty of helpers to act as marshals and keep the course safe for the runners and spectators. Or why not lend a hand with the time keeping? If you’d like to help out please contact Karen Dunn on 749198.

Treasure Hunt
Sunday 19th June, 3 pm start from the School Playing Field
Join us for this exciting treasure trail around the village. They’ll be lots of clues and maybe things to collect. Entry is £5 per family and the hunt will be suitable for all ages. There’ll be a small prize for everyone who solves all the clues and completes the trail and special ‘treasure’ for the winners.
We’re also firing up the barbeque later in the day (not included in the price) – what a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! No pre-booking is required, just turn up on the day.

‘Indian Summer’ Ball
Saturday 17th September, School Hall.
Don’t miss out on what could be Barnack’s event of the year – put it in your diary today! This promises to be a glitzy, fun evening with a band, disco and other entertainment. Tickets will be on sale from late June from the School Office and members of the BSA Committee.

Wildlife on the School Grounds
Children and parents have braved all weathers over the winter and worked hard in the School Grounds to make the area more attractive to wildlife – and so more interesting for the children and local community. Last November we planted 30 native trees and shrubs at the bottom of the playing field, which will grow into a woodland area. Throughout the winter these trees have been dormant whips, but are now bursting into leaf. A few weeks ago we added several different species of native woodland bulb, such as wood anemone and bluebell. These bulbs will grow to provide a carpet of beautiful flowers in spring and will be a really valuable food source for early bumblebees and other insects.
In January a party of hardy volunteers cleared out the existing pond, which had become choked, and dug over the surrounding ground. Year 6 children helped plant another 30 native shrubs in this area to attract plenty of different birds, insects and other wildlife. In May we’ll be re-stocking the pond with oxygenating plants and planting up boggy areas to provide an even greater variety of habitats.
We have also put up more nestboxes for a range of small birds and some bat boxes too. We have more plans for wildlife on the School Grounds, including a wildflower meadow, further development of the pond area, planting for butterflies and more nestboxes.
Most of this work has only been possible due to the hard work of Jackie Rowlands and grants from Peterborough City Council and the Woodland Trust – thank you. A big thank you too to everyone who has helped out so far.

Barnack Wildlife Watch Club
The next meeting of the School’s wildlife club will be on Friday 22nd April from 3.30 - 5 pm in the School Hall. This month’s meeting is entitled Wild Art. We’ll be having fun creating models, sculpture and pictures from the natural materials we find in the School Grounds, and learning lots of fascinating things about wildlife. For more information contact Jackie Rowlands 740640 or Jayne Lillywhite 755527.

The Good News Van
This will be visiting Margaret Durdey’s home on April 19th from 10.30 until 12noon. We do hope that you will be able to come for a cup of coffee or tea and meet up with friends for a chat. There will also be a selection of paper back books (which are very readable), videos and tapes for you to borrow, if you wish. If you have never been before do try and come, even if you can only come for a short time.

Friends Of Barnack Church 200 Club
Winners for the March draw are:
38 Mrs Grant £5
148 Sid Tuck Esq £10
180 J Francis £20
The “Friends” help to preserve the fabric of the church. The 200 club subscription is only £15 per year with cash prizes every month. Anyone interested in joining this tremendous cause and becoming a Friend of Barnack Church please contact Mr Martin Goodwin, 24 Bainton Road, Barnack. Tel: 01780 740145.
You can also join the Friends Association for £5 as an individual or £7 for a family. Please do collect a leaflet in church or visit the new page on the Parish News website. Click on Clubs and Societies and then Friends of Barnack Church.

Pauline Parker
Norman and Joanna would like to thank everyone for the lovely cards, tributes and kind words which have helped them greatly following the sad loss of Pauline.

Hope And Homes For Children
A coffee morning was held for ‘Hope and Homes for Children’ on Friday February 4th. It was very well attended and raised £300 for the charity, which helps children orphaned by war and disaster. I would like to thank Elizabeth Young for kindly hosting the event and Jessie Goodacre, Janet Warburtan, Catherine Wright and Alison Alexander for helping. Lastly thank to everyone who came and supported us. Jose Irving-Bell

Open Fellowship
This will be held on Thursday 7th April 7.30pm at Hasty Bank, Barnack and on Thursday 21st April 7.30pm at 9 Warren Keep, Stamford.

Barnack C of E Primary School.
Children who are five years old on or before 31st August 2006 are eligible to start school in September 2005. I should be grateful if parents intending to register their child or children for the September term would do so by Friday 29th April 2005. Any parents interested in visiting our school to have a look around, meet the staff, and discuss their child’s education would be most welcome. John Green, Head Teacher

Barnack W.I.
At our March meeting we heard a most interesting and amusing talk, given by Mrs. Jean Townsend, entitled “The last Laughs, Epitaphs.”
Mrs. Townsend told us something of the history of epitaphs and gave several examples, some pithy, some sad and some very funny. Birthday buttonholes were presented to Sylvia Baker, Pat Barton and June Woollard. The competition was won by Edna Tongue and the raffle by Ann Addison. The next meeting, with a talk on “When to wear a sari!” is on April 12th, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Visitors are always welcome.

Location, Location, Location
The Barnack Village Weekly Pub quiz has re-located. It can now be found on a Sunday evening at The Millstone Inn Public House and Hostelry. A very warm welcome and hugely jolly time awaits all. Cash prizes. Every Sunday evening, 8pm.

BAINTON AND ASHTON

Bainton Buttercross Club
Hardly a sound was heard at our March meeting as 20 ladies became absorbed in the glass painting workshop. Our thanks to Sylvia Kelby for her inspiration. Next meeting, April 6th when Gill Wilkinson from the Feelgood Factory in Stamford will be on hand with advice and ideas.

VILLAGE COLLECTORS FOR PARISH NEWS

Bainton and Ashton	Isobel Duff, Park Lodge, Bainton email: gavin.isobelvirgin.net	749123
Barnack, Southorpe and Pilsgate	Roy Beck The Grange, Barnack Email: royshadows-on-the-wall.com	740808
Ufford	Lisa Chadwick Walnut Cottage, Ufford. Email: Lisa	740893

Articles by email or typed wherever possible please. COPY DATE for the May 2005 issue of the Parish News: Friday 15th April 2005 at 6pm E-mail: Lisa

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR APRIL 2005
		ST. MARY, BAINTON	ST. JOHN BAPTIST, BARNACK	ST. ANDREW, UFFORD
3rd	2nd Sunday of Easter	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (CR)	9.00 am Eucharist (TR)
10th	3rd Sunday of Easter	9.00 am Eucharist (TR)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (TR)	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)
17th	4th Sunday of Easter	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (CR)	9.00 am Eucharist (CR)
24th	5th Sunday of Easter	9.00 am Eucharist (TR)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (TR)	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)

KEY: BCP = Book of Common Prayer; CR = Contemporary Language Rite; TR = Traditional Language Rite

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

First Friday in the month, 7.00pm Roman Catholic Mass at St Mary’s Church, Bainton

Priest: Fr Martin Hardy, St Oswald’s RC Church
933 Lincoln Road Peterborough Tel 01733 322750

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BARNACK METHODIST CHAPEL

The services are:

3rd 2.45pm Mr Peter Tucker
10th 10.30 am Margaret White
17th 10.30 am Rev M Peach
24th 10.30am Rev L S Oakley

Minister: The Revd Malcolm Peach

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BARNACK BAPTIST CHURCH

Meets in Barnack Village Hall

3rd 10.30am
10th 10.30am
17th 10.30am
24th 10.30am

Elder:Graham Dunn
Tel 01780 749198

 

PARISH VOLUNTEERS SCHEME

The Parish Volunteers scheme, under the auspices of the Church in our parishes, exists to support the wider community of our villages in ways that are helpful and practical. Please feel free to contact the persons below if you need assistance in their areas of involvement. There is a friend and helper only a telephone call away.

Contact Names Phone Areas of Involvement

Ann Addison 740414 Bereavement/Housebound/General Support

Sheila Berrill 740482 Education/Children/Housebound/General Support

Chris Fotheringham 740208 Practical Assistance

Yvonne Goodwin 740145 Bereavement/Housebound/General Support

Ken Waller 740396 Help with Form-filling

Jenny Walsh 740991 Family & Step Family Problems

EVENTS THIS MONTH AND FUTURE EVENTS

Please see the interactive year planner for full details. Add your own event to the calendar or just browse and see what other people are planning!