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Parish News August 2008

Pause for Though from Parish Priest: Canon Margaret Venables
The Rectory, Barnack, Stamford, Lincolnshire. PE9 3ET

August is the month of travel for many people – especially those tied to school holidays- but how do we like to think about ourselves – as tourists or travelers or even pilgrims? And how did it all start? Pilgrimage has always been of deep significance. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca, Varanasi and Rome, Compostela and Lourdes, are often made in the fulfillment of a vow or in order to deepen the sense of the divine. Medieval pilgrimage( think of Chaucer and his merry band setting off from the Tabard Inn for Canterbury) was a deeply social as much as a religious experience. The ultimate aim was to reach the shrine, but the immediate concern was the journey – and the spiritual value for its own sake – sadly today as we await delayed flights in overheated airports, or tangle with queues of traffic at car ferry terminals it is often impossible to think of the actual traveling in terms of anything other than a necessary evil to reach a particular destination. Mass tourism began on 5th July 1841 when Thomas Cook arranged to take a large group of people on a day trip from Leicester to Loughborough. He did not think of it as a ‘package tour’, of course. It had a much more serious purpose, for Cook was a Baptist preacher, a teetotaler with passion to spread the gospel of temperance. His idea was that such an excursion might develop into a more suitable form of recreation than that currently available in the town’s taverns and local racecourse. Cook did a deal with the secretary of the newly opened Midland Counties Railway Company for a return fare of a shilling per head. When the great day came brass bands and a crowd of onlookers sent the excursionists on their way. At their destination they ‘perambulated the town in goodly array’ according to a report in a local newspaper. They played jolly games, drank endless cups of tea and held a meeting full of long and earnest speeches. The day finally done, a well satisfied Cook declared, no doubt with one eye on the future: ‘ One cheer for Teetotalism and Railwayism!!!’ There does seem to be a cruel irony in the way Mr |Cook’s business, begun with such a noble purpose, has attracted some quite derogatory overtones. A ‘Cook’s Tour’ has now come to mean a very superficial introduction to a subject or a place. However we are fortunate that we do have opportunities to be travelers or tourists or pilgrims, whatever we choose to call ourselves, we can journey out of the normal round of life, enter a different world and find something new – even if it is only a day’s outing. The aspect of pilgrimage I thing we should try to hold onto is friendships formed or deepened by the experience of traveling together. If we regard the journey itself as an integral part of the adventure, there may be even greater riches given us than we could possibly conceive. Margaret

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PARISH CHURCHES - WEEKLY SET SERVICES & EVENTS:
All are welcome at any of our Services.

Morning Prayer will be said at 8.30 am at St John’s Barnack on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and on Thursday at 7.00am.

A Service of Prayer for Peace and Justice will be said in St Mary’s Bainton at 9.00am on Tuesdays, followed by coffee.

Prayer Group: Mondays 6-6.00pm Ufford Church

Children’s Church: Children’s Church meets on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, during the service. Children of all ages are most welcome.

Family Services: A Family Service is held in St John’s Barnack on every 3rd Sunday. This service is specially for families and their children and is not a communion service.

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Safari Supper: Saturday 13th Sept
A safari supper is a progressive dinner in which participants move to new locations for each course of the meal. Each participating couple hosts two other couples for one course and travels to two other venues for the other two courses, with different couples each time. The evening will end with a party at a venue yet to be decided.
The evening will have a theme, with previous year’s themes “Complimentary Pairs”, “Childhood Memories”, “the Letter ‘P’” and “The Movies”. For more details and to book your place please speak with either Clare & St.John Burkett - tel: 740523, or Philip Smith - tel: 740784. It’s a always a great evening and a fantastic way to get to know people in the village.

Barnack Church Patronal Festival
Grand Draw Prizewinners
1. £250 Cash Mrs A Bellingham
2. £100 Cash Simon Hall
3. 6 bottles of Red Wine Ann Davies
4. £50 John Lewis Voucher Ann Butland
5. Champagne Sylvia Baker
6. Bottle of Liqueur Stuart McCarey
7. Grant’s Scotch Whisky Sally Hudson
8 Bell’s Scotch Whisky Susan Tuck
9. Bottle of Wine James Longman
10. Bottle of Sparkling Wine Carol Smith
11. Box of Jelly Beans Sylvia Baker
12. Bottle of Red Wine Wynn Fuggle
13. Hurricane Candle Columb Hanna
14. Bottle of Scotch Whiskey Julie
15. Bottle of Chanel No. 5 Sian Howells
16. Bottle Chanel No. 5 Ann Butland
17. A Child’s Word Puzzle Mr Morgan
18. £25 Lewis Voucher Catherine Dennis
19. Bottle of Bell’s Whiskey Judy Francis
20. Hanging Basket Nina Corfield
21. Box of Chocolates Anne Addison
22. Bottle of Champagne Alison Alexander
23. Bottle of Champagne June Graham
24. Soap in a Bag Mr Tee

A Response to... What’s happening to our village?
To say that all young people are causing Barnack to go downhill is a ridiculous statement. Without a doubt some young people cause trouble but the same can be said about older people too, after all age is nothing but a number.
Whilst driving through Bainton the other day, heading towards Barnack, travelling at 30mph I was overtaken by a man no younger than his early forties, and I thought it was just young people who race cars.
The village isn’t being victimised, it’s the younger generation who are. Please let’s try and stop this. Let’s hope this plea with our small-minded residents may have the desired affect. A Younger Village Resident

Wedding Announcement
The Wedding of Anna Dailey to Michael Anderson-Diaper will take place on Friday 29th August at 3.00pm at St John the Baptist Church Barnack All friends welcome at the Church.

Part-Time Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
Applications are invited for this part-time post (approx: 3 hrs. per week) preferably from persons CiLCA qualified to satisfy Quality Status requirements.
Serious consideration will also be given to applicants with good administrative, organizational and interpersonal skills who are willing to train for the relevant qualification within 12 months of appointment.
For further Information please contact:
The Chairman (Mrs. Marian Browne)
Tel 01780 740062.

Acres Fete thanks
The residents in The Acres and Little Northfields would like to thank all the visitors to our Garden Fete held on Saturday the 12th July 2008. We hope you all had a great day and thank you all for your generosity at our fete many thanks to you all. We raised over £900.00

Successful Open Gardens and Summer Fete
With heavy hearts we watched the weather forecast leading up to the open gardens and summer fete, only to break into beaming smiles on the morning of the event as the sun shone. Our prayers had been answered, unfortunately we did not mention the wind and boy did it blow. The willing hands who had turned up at Walcot Hall on the morning to set up the stalls had lots of fun and laughter as awnings flew away, chairs skittered across cobbles and goods almost had to be glued down. In spite of this the crowds turned out and a delightful afternoon ensued.
There were stalls groaning with tempting goods, raffles, children’s games and the essential ingredient on a warm sunny day, ice creams. Music filled the air as clog dancers danced and children laughed with glee as they attempted to win the games. To top it all the wonderful ladies of Barnack WI served scrumptious teas all afternoon. Baking skills have certainly not been lost in this little corner of England.
We would like to thank everyone who worked so tremendously hard to make it such a splendid afternoon. Cheerful willing helpers are all anyone needs at such a time and you certainly proved that on the day. Our special thanks go to Ray Major who was such a support and to Mr and Mrs Darby Dennis who opened their beautiful gardens for us. £5400 was raised for Barnack Parish Church Open Door Project.
Grateful thanks to all who supported us. Barnack Church Social Committee: J Browne, A Davies, J Francis, M Groom, C Wright and E Young.

Ashton Quiet Lanes reminder
With the advent of the summer holidays may I remind drivers coming through Ashton of the recently introduced Quiet Lanes order which is designed to enable all users to enjoy country lanes in greater safety and encourage car drivers to respect more vulnerable road users. The aim is to give equal rights to ALL road users. Ashton is a hamlet with a single track road, linking in with the Torpel Way and thus encourages walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
It is hoped that entering our Quiet Lanes will encourage traffic to drive slowly and courteously and help to promote a more tranquil rural environment and make country lanes feel safer, pleasant and less intimidating to children and other pedestrians, pram pushers, dog walkers, cyclists, horse riders and all who enjoy them. Please help to achieve these aims by driving slowly and carefully through the village

Wiki Cafe Bainton
Sat 23rd Wiki Cafe at Robert & Jill Plant at Waterside, Bainton

The Buttercross Club
Our trip to Nicholas Watts’ organic farm at Deeping St Nicholas was enjoyed by all. Nicholas’ family has been farming the land for some 150 years and he is clearly proud of his farm’s reputation. The farm is an unusual two and a half miles long by one field wide and we viewed courgettes and potatoes growing in the rich moisture-retaining soil so typical of the Fens.
Not everything on the farm is growing though as we soon found out; three wind turbines have been sited on the land and their ability to harness the natural power of the wind is in keeping with the eco-friendly ethos of the farm. We were struck by the sheer enormity of the turbines which loomed majestically in the setting sun. Each turbine cost £2m, lasts for 25 years but contributes only a small amount of power to neighbouring Spalding.
The vegetation along the dykes has been allowed to grow naturally so as to attract corn-buntings and we managed to hear one or two! Nicholas Watts is probably best-known for the bird seed he sells and our trip ended with a view of all the different types, whilst enjoying a barbecue of locally-reared meat. The next Buttercross event will be the annual Boules evening at Bainton House, thanks to the hospitality of Mrs Mary Birkbeck. Throw-off will be 6.30pm on Wednesday, 6th August. Do come along ! JJ

She’s Back!
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their kindness, care and support over the last few weeks. My family of course, were also dedicated to my well-being, but the additional help of all my friends made it so much easier. I have had so many cards, flowers, plants and “shoppers” as well as visits from so many of you. Thank you all very much. Sheila Berrill

Village Ladies Group
On Tuesday 24th June, we visited Hudd’s Mill Gardens. It was a most enjoyable evening. The weather was lovely and the gardens a delight. The evening ended with refreshments and a brief history of the Mill. On Tuesday 22nd July there will be a Pimms, fruit juice, quiche and salad supper at 2 Hillside Close, Ufford. This is our main fundraising event for our chosen charity. The tickets will be £7.50 per guest. This will include a raffle ticket and you will be able to purchase more if you wish on the evening. The evening will end with coffee or tea and biscuits. We will start at 6.30pm and if wet it will be held in the village hall, Ufford. Please come and support our event for the Child Development Unit at Peterborough Hospital.
On Tuesday the 26th of August, our speaker will be David Marrington on Beauty of the Countryside. This will be accompanied by slides. We look forward to an interesting evening and you are welcome to join us at our usual time of 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall.

Barnack Methodist Chapel
Please come and join us if you can for our next Coffee Morning and Cake Stall which will take place on Saturday 2 August at the usual time of 10 am to 11 am.
There‘s nosocial afternoon this month.
Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the June draw were:
No 70 Colin Lunn £50
No 24 Pat Gyles £30
No 23 Cynthia Dailey £20
No 41 Tom Elwood £10
And for July:
No 64 Chris Ford £25
No 100 Patrick Knights £15
No 59 Paul Buckley £10
The Club’s Annual Buffet Lunch took place at the Chairman’s house on Sunday, 6 July and despite the fact that it rained for the first time ever everyone thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. We are very grateful to Phil & Adrienne Collins for hosting this.

Ufford Village Hall
The following are available for hire at competitive prices: Village Hall (60 seated, 70 standing); Tables; Chairs; Crockery and Cutlery. If you wish to hire any of these items call Liz on 740959 or Cath on 740383. If you would like to be involved in the running of the Village Hall or have input to future village events we would like to hear from you. Future events to include a Race Night & Halloween party.

Christian Aid
The Christian Aid Collection in May raised £543.70 in Bainton and £598.37 in Barnack. Unfortunately there was no collection in Southorpe this year due to lack of collectors. Many thanks to everyone who helped to collect and who gave a donation. Christian Aid does whatever is needed to support poor people in their communities, and helps them to find their own solutions to the problems they face. The generosity of supporters means that Christian Aid is currently able to support 600 partner organisations around the world, all working to end the injustice of poverty. Jose Irving-Bell.

Friends of Barnack Church. 200 Club
The winners in the recent 200 Club draws for May and June were as follows.
May. £20 No. 176 L.Huckerby
£10 No. 101 I. Jackson
£5 No. 151 A. Collins
June. £20 No. 177 D. Huckerby
£10 No. 64 E. Young
£5 No. 68 H. Morrice
There are some tickets still available. If you would like to have one please speak to John Ward (740016) or Liz Young (740347).

Youth Club
Who is Tom Crean? Ask anyone who attends Barnack Youth Club. A series of short talks on this Antarctic Explorer has held the attention of the young people who have been captivated his bravery.
As we come towards the end of another school year we say a sad farewell to those members of Youth Club who will be leaving school or entering the sixth form.
The young people of the village who have attended the Youth Club have been a credit to themselves and their families, they have been respectful of the leaders and have engaged with all the activities in a caring and sharing manner. Earlier in the year we had a trip to Activity World, both the bus driver and the staff at Activity World complimented the young people on their behaviour.
It is important that we celebrate the achievements of the young people in our community. In the past 12 months I can think of many who have achieved a great deal. Let’s be proud of our youngsters not prejudiced against them. The final youth club before the summer break is on Friday 11 July. We meet again in September, meeting times and dates will be published later.G Dunn

Barnack Baptist Church
On Sunday 29 June we said a sad farewell to George Farmer one of the members of our congregation who is going overseas on a 4 month tour of duty with the RAF. Following the service George requested that he be baptised. With the help of our friends at Bretton Baptist Church this was arranged for the same evening. George shared his testimony. This was followed by his baptism, prayers and worship.
We shall be celebrating another baptism service in September. These services are open to all, please come and share in this occasion. On Saturday 28th June we had the annual all age Sunday School trip to Hunstanton, this was a great success.
On Sunday 5 July, Graham Dunn is travelling to Northern Uganda where he will be preaching, and leading some seminars on ‘Lessons learned from establishing a Church in a small village community’ Graham’s four sons will be joining him. They have been asked to do football coaching in local schools. As in England the children in Uganda are football mad but very sadly they do not have the resources to purchase such things as footballs. A suitcase full of footballs is on its way from Barnack.
From Sunday 27th July until Sunday 31 August Barnack Baptist Church will be meeting in the Village Hall at 9-30 for a shortened all age service that starts with a light breakfast. Why not come along and see what Café style church is like?

Barnack & District Horticultural Show and Family Day
The annual show will be held on Sunday 31st August 2008 at Barnack School and will be opened at 12.15pm by Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale Gardens.
There is a great variety of classes for both for children and adults. Entry details are in the Show Programmes which are on sale at Barnack Post Office and Barnack Country Clothes. As always, show helpers will be visiting the all the villages to make it easier for people to buy a programme at the door. The programmes give you free access to the show (1 adult per programme, children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult) and automatic entry into the raffle. This year’s main prize is kindly donated by the Millstone Inn and is a two course meal for four people.
We have a fantastic range of children’s entertainment, rides and games, a ‘children’s best decorated hat competition’, a varied selection of craft and interest stalls as well as a Harrier cockpit, beer tent, BBQ, cream teas, pony rides and music from Happy Jazz.
We hope you will come forward to support this long established village event and celebrate your talents in growing, displaying, arranging, baking or creating. To register your entries please come to Barnack Village Hall on Thurs 28th Aug 6.00-9.00pm. Any enquiries please call Judi Campbell on 740420 or Debbie Martin 740048. Or visit the show website for information www.barnack-show.co.uk

Barnack W.I.
At the July meeting we had the great pleasure of seeing the finished banner which the W.I. is presenting as a gift to Barnack School. This was the work of our talented member, Margaret Broadbelt, who had devoted many hours to the making of it. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of our appreciation. The pole and the brass cross were made by Brian Dailey, to whom sincere thanks were also expressed. The banner will be on display for the first time at the Leavers’ Service, and will be dedicated later. We also learned that we had made a net profit of £823.38 by serving teas at the recent church fete at Walcot Hall. Liz Young thanked all who had helped in any way , not forgetting the two young men who fetched and carried for us. Our speaker for the evening was Charles Pickering who had served aboard the Royal Yacht, Britannia. He had been seconded to advise even before the yacht was launched, and had stayed with her for 12 years. A particularly interesting time was when the Queen and Prince Philip returned from a world tour, they joined the ship, and were reunited with their then two children, in Malta for the last leg home.

Darby & Joan Club
Together with Members of the Friendship Club a visit was made to Walpole St. Peter’s Church for the magnificent Flower Festival and afterwards were entertained to Tea in the Village Hall. Due to the bad weather the Garden Meeting was cancelled and Members enjoyed their Strawberry Tea at the Acres prepared and served by the Committee. Bingo and Card Games have been played at their recent meetings, and on the 13th August we are holding a ‘Tea Afternoon’.  New Members and Friends will be welcome

Brass at 'Bainton House' Open Air Concert by Youth Brass 2000
on Sunday 31st August 2008, 4pm - 7pm, concert starts at 5pm
Music will include brass band classics, movie themes & the YB2K big band sound. Youth Brass 2000 are Winners of the 2008 National Festival of Music for Youth 2008, 6 times French Open Youth Brass Band Champions. Winners - Pontins British Open Youth Championships 2007 Holders of Best Percussion prize at National Youth Brass Band Championships.
5 players of the band are current members of the National Youth Brass Band of GB. Bring a picnic or alternatively crepes will be available at the concert. Tickets from Barnack Post Office or phone 01780 749278. Prices are £5, £3 under 16, £10 two adults & one under 16 or £12 two adults & 2 under 16's
Youth Brass 2000 - Registered Charity No. 1068459 - http://youthbrass2000.com
If wet concert in Barnack Church. Further info: Mark Brice 07952734565 or 01780 749278 or mark@bricefamily.fsnet.co.uk

The Good News Library Van
The Good News Van will not be coming to Barnack during August, as it is the holiday season. It will be coming again in September on Tuesday September 16th, when it will be at The Lodge, Bainton Road, Barnack. More details next month

Ufford Park Cricket Club
A Frog Race recently held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. P. Corder at Southorpe raised £460 for Clubs.
The ‘105’ Club Draw was held at the White Hart and the winners were-
£50  No. 19  Miss E. Burman, Langtoft
£30  No. 48  Mr. A. Hinton, Newborough
£20  No. 16  Mrs. J. Fisher, Nboro
£15  No. 37  Mrs. R. Porter, Barnack
£10  No. 92  Mr. A. Downes, Hrtfords
£10  No. 15  Mr. G. Fisher, Nthboro
£10  No. 51  Lynn Guest, Nthboro
On the playing side of the Club the Hunts League Saturday Team are in 4th Position, the Sunday Rutland League 1st XI are in 5th and the Rutland League 2nd XI are in 6th position.

Royal British Legion
Once again we shall be holding our annual summer evening party at the Millstone Inn on Weds 13th Aug at 7pm and members and their friends are cordially invited. On this occasion we will be taking the opportunity to show our appreciation to several long-standing poppy sellers and to welcome representatives from the Stamford Endowed Schools CCF whose officers and cadets are now affiliated officially to the branch. Tickets from Malcolm Morrice 740865 Patrick Knights 740774 or Charles Clark 740441.
On 29th June a contingent of members combined with Standard bearers from the school’s CCF took part in the 60th anniversary parade and thanksgiving service in Peterborough of the Berlin Airlift Association. The march past included over 500 regular and reserve forces personnel, cadets and legion members from around the area. Also present was a 40 strong USAAF Honour Guard and representatives from the German Gratitude Airlift Association from Berlin which cares for the dependants of the 70 British and American airmen killed during the massive operation in 1948-9 which saved the city from starvation and absorption into the Soviet Bloc.

Bainton And Ashton Family Day
Didn’t we tell you it would be the best ever! An absolutely fabulous time was had by all at the Family Day on 13th July. Possibly due to divine inspiration or intervention, the revised day was one of the warmest for weeks, the visitors to the beautiful grounds of Bainton House were higher than anyone can remember, the quintet from the Coldstream Guards was fantastic, the burgers/sausages were the most delicious I have known, the sports, the sideshows, the teas, the atmosphere were second to none. Many thanks to all the B&A team who provided the stalls with produce, and manned them and the other activities.
Above all, thanks to Mary Birkbeck and her wonderful family for hosting and supporting this annual event with such hard work generously given. After costs, just over £2500 was paid into the Church accounts (a record!) of which around a half will then be redistributed to other charities at the discretion of the PCC.

Parish Council Notices

Ufford Parish Council Meeting on July 9th 2008
1. Parish Clerk. Patricia Stuart-Mogg wishes to stand down and we are advertising for a replacement. Further particulars can be obtained from the Chairman.
2. Newspaper deliveries. We would like to thank Peter Farrer for the excellent service he has provided for many years in delivering our newspapers in time for breakfast and also Peter Taylor for his prompt action in organising a replacement. From Sunday July 27th papers will be delivered by Martin Bailey from the Daily Mail News Shop in Drift Road, Stamford, tel. 01780 751575. It will be a 7 day delivery service, the charge will be £2.00 a week and bills will be monthly. He is willing to accept subscription vouchers. Alternatively papers can be collected each day from Barnack PO.
3. Telephone Directories. Any subscriber who would like a Peterborough directory should ring 0800 833400 and will be sent one free of charge.
4. Website. The UPC website is down at present but we are considering several options for a replacement.
5. Village Hall. Following a meeting between representatives of UPC and the Village Hall committee, it is hoped that an amicable working relationship can be established.
6. The UPC biodiversity project. A grant application is being submitted for the planting of new hedges in gaps in the existing hedges and a few more trees on the Marholm Road between the village and the King Street cross roads. Any offers of help with planting, which will probably be in January/February would be much appreciated. Please let Frieda know now, as evidence of community participation can improve the chances of a favourable outcome!
7. Ragwort. These common yellow flowers are now widespread in the village and nearby fields and footpaths. Please remember that this plant can be fatal if eaten by horses.
8. Next meeting. This will be at 8pm on Wednesday, August 13th at 8pm in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Bainton And Ashton Parish Council
Your councillors are: Chris Agnew (Chair) Tel. 740007, Andy Totten (740381), Judith Morrice (740865), Zena Coles (Ashton) (740550) and Jane Franks (740004).
Hurrah- the potholes in the village have now been filled. Hurrah- the village roads are being resurfaced. Hurrah- the drains in the village have eventually been emptied (about 3 tons of muck was removed!). Hurrah- the experimental weight restriction on the B1443 looks like happening soon. Hurrah- we may well get another VAS sign to help prevent speeding on Tallington Road.
The meeting on 24th June was attended by around 20 people- something of a record- and listened to two speakers- Jim Daly, conservation officer at Peterborough CC and Richard Keymer who explained the Langdyke Trust’s plans at Torpel Manor and Swaddywell pit. Apart from the good news above, reports were made on our two problem areas, the bus stop lay-by which continues to be dangerous, and the equally perilous crossing over the railway at Lolham bridge. Your parish councillors are like terriers and will not let either of these issues rest until they are satisfied.
The wash dyke has now been further improved and the stone with details of local pathways duly opened (did you see the photo in The Mercury?). Details were also given of the possibility of allotment land being provided for villagers, and a straw poll has revealed considerable interest.. Enquiries are in hand, and for updates on all these matters, come to the next meeting on Tuesday 9th September at 7.30pm.
For full details of the meeting, see the minutes on the notice board