August 2007 Parish News

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BARNACK CHURCH SERVICES & EVENTS SPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN:
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.

Church Mice
Time for small children to meet with their parents / carers in St John’s Church on Mondays during term time 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Barnack Carpet Bowls Club
The Carpet Bowls meets in the Village Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30 - 4.30 pm and on Thursday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30 pm. The 2007/8 season begins on Tuesday 18 September and Thursday 20 September. New members welcome.

Invite For New Members
The Friends Of Barnack Church 200 Club have been helping to conserve the fabric of our church for a great many years now. So, why not consider joining? The 200-club subscription is only £15 per year with great cash prize draws each and every month. To join this wonderful cause and become a Friend of Barnack Church please contact John Ward Tel: 01780 740016.

Wikki in the Garden
On the third Saturday morning of each summer month, Bainton villagers have been getting together for a coffee and a chat in one of the village gardens. The next such occasion will be on 18th August Venue TBA and will be shown by signs on the day. All are welcome!

Mangalaba
Mary and Tony Gowers are very grateful to the people of Bainton, Barnack and Ufford for the support they are giving to help the village for disabled people in Malawi. So far £740 has been raised from donations and fund-raising events. Now the rainy season has finished, work can get started on building proper houses for the residents. With the money we have raised, some of the villagers are attending a brick making course! We will keep you informed with progress.

Ufford Art Society: 2007 Art Demonstrations in the Village Hall
Thursday September 20th 9.30am - 12 noon, Charles Evans, Oils.
Ufford Art Society members £2 per session. Non-members - £3 per session.

A Musical Evening with Nick Penny and David Garrett
With rain clouds gathering overhead the concert had to take place in the village hall. An appreciative audience had the pleasure of the entertainment, but sadly did not have the pleasure of enjoying it in June Woollard’s beautiful garden. Our thanks go to June for all her efforts to provide an inviting venue, only to be disappointed at the last minute.
Our next musical event will be different as we have invited Nassington Brass Band to perform in Barnack Parish Church
on Friday, October 5th. Do put the date in your diary. More information will be in September’s magazine.

Barnack Parish Church Festival
Again it was a case of dark clouds and heavy showers, but this did not dampen the atmosphere in the rectory garden or inside the parish church as children bounced, jumped, ran or tried to splat the rat with enthusiastic glee. From the smiling faces of those who attended and browsed the stalls not even the most inclement weather could spoil the day. The excellent WI teas tempted even those who arrived replete from the rectory barbecue. It was a lovely afternoon and our thanks go to all who supported us. The total raised for Barnack Parish Church was £1290.
Our thanks also go to the Children’s Church teachers, the stall holders, the cooks and all those who put in so much effort in helping to provide an enjoyable event. Barnack Parish Church Social Committee.

Barnack Church Coffee Morning
The coffee morning is on Saturday, August 18th. 10.30 am until 12 noon. Everyone is very welcome.

Play Scheme at Ufford 25/7 to 29/8
There will be a play scheme for children between 25th July and 29th August in Ufford. This will take place i each morning between 10 and 12noon on the playing field and in the Village Hall for Crafts etc between 13.00 and 16.00 hours. It is a free scheme. All welcome, so come and have some fun! Any questions, please ring Mrs Ward 01780 740594.

Ruth & Ray Hackett Thanks
Ruth and Ray wish to thank all those people who came to their 50th wedding anniversary garden party on Saturday 7th July and supported Anna’s Hope. We raised £361. We hope you enjoyed your afternoon as much as we did. Thank you.

Thank you from Sylvia Baker
Sylvia Baker and her family would like to thank everyone for their very kind messages of sympathy following the death of Desmond Baker on the 3rd July 2007; they have been so appreciated and supportive at such a very sad time.

Thanks from Rose Porter
A proud Nan would like to thank all who sponsored Jodie for her Walk for Life at Burghley Park recently, where she raised a fantastic £260. Rose Porter

Village Ladies’ Group
On Tuesday 26th June the Village Ladies’s Group had a pleasant afternoon and early evening at the Surprise Garden at Burghley House with afternoon tea in the Orangery followed by the visit to the garden. Some members continued on to the Sculpture Garden, where the trees were looking magnificent.
Fortunately the weather was kind after so many days of rain. Tuesday 24th July will be our Pimms, Pate and Savouries Garden Party at 2 Hillside Close, Ufford. (If wet, in the Village Hall.) The evening will start at 6.30pm and will be in aid of our charity Anna’s Hope. Admission will be £7.50. This includes a raffle ticket. Please come and support this worthwhile cause.
On Tuesday 28th August at Ufford Hall at 7.45pm, Ian Jones will give a talk on World War 2. This is an open evening and everyone is welcome.

Bainton And Ashton Pathways Project
As previously explained in previous summaries of Parish Council news, Bainton & Ashton is compiling a plan to incorporate public footpaths and bridleways around the two villages, together with houses etc of historical interest. This is in conjunction with other neighbouring villages- this joint project will then have a network of interesting walks for residents and visitors to the area. A draft of the Bainton and Ashton section is being prepared and will be displayed in the porch of St Mary’s Church from August 1st onwards.
If anyone wants to view this and add any information, please do so. The initiative is being managed locally by Coun Judith Morrice (Bainton) and Zena Coles (Ashton).

Barnack Methodist Chapel
We look forward to seeing you at our Coffee Morning and Cake Stall on the first Saturday in August, namely 4 August, from 10 to 11 am. In addition we shall be having a stall at the Village Horticultural Show on Sunday 12 August from 11.30 onwards when we shall be selling marmalade and jams

Buttercross Club
Those who do not like fudge were not in evidence at our July meeting. Les Green treated us to a colourful and mouth-watering display of his confectionery in a whole variety of colours and flavours. Apart from conventional flavours, chilli with chocolate, lavender, and gooseberry are just some of those made by The Fudge Factory, The company is constantly trying out new ideas and has received two Great Taste Awards since it started little over 2 years ago.
Delicious birthday cake - courtesy of Ro Yates - and champagne followed when we toasted the 21st birthday of the Buttercross Club.
Our annual family Boules evening takes place on Wednesday 1st August at 6.30pm at Bainton House so do all come along and join the fun!
Birthday Celebrations: Having been inspired by one of our members, Janette Abbott-Donnelly, who had been working over in Norfolk on the refurbishment of the Girl Guiding Anglia Residential and Activity Centre near Coltishall, called Hautbois, 17 members thought it would be a good place to spend a few relaxing days in celebration of the club’s 21st birthday.
The lovely old rectory, set in 33 acres of beautiful countryside, had been bequeathed to Girl Guiding Anglia in 1984 by the Patteson sisters. Both had devoted their life to guiding in Norfolk. On arrival we were shown our rooms and then explored the grounds which border on to the River Bure. There were 170 guides and scouts in various camps in the grounds and using the many activities and having a great time. We did not try any ourselves!! After a refreshing night's rest we set off to Somerleyton Hall the childhood home of The Hon. Mrs. Birkbeck. We were allowed to park close to the east door where staff rushed out to greet her and then we were taken for coffee. The Hon. Hugh Crossley, Mrs. Birkbeck's nephew, the enthusiastic young custodian of this fine house, gave us, together with the Curator, a guided tour. Mrs. Birkbeck was able to add her anecdotes from her childhood which made it even more interesting. We were very privileged to go both above and below stairs before enjoying a splendid lunch in the conservatory.
During the afternoon the head gardener took us round the garden. He has been with the family for 30 years and was duly proud of his work. The planting of many spectacular trees after the 1987 hurricane for future generations was much admired, and the herbaceous borders were a delight to wander round. Dodging a heavy shower we rounded off our day at Fritton Lakes another of Hugh's projects on the estate and were delighted when Lord and Lady Somerleyton joined us for a cup of tea there. We all agreed it had been a very special day.
As you can imagine there was much to talk about after supper that night and we toasted the future of the Club with a glass of 'bubbly'. We journeyed home on the Wednesday, some via Blakeney, Burnham Market and Old Hunstanton ending at Sandringham. We had enjoyed good company, food and fun and brought back with us many happy memories.

Ufford Park Cricket Club
The ‘100 Club Draw’ took place at the White Hart and the winners were:
£50 Nº 79 S Mason, Peterborough
£30 Nº 104 P Keymer, Etton
£20 Nº 59 S Jackson, Peterborough
£15 Nº 62 W Clough, Bainton
£10 Nº 84 Mrs N Clough, Bainton
£10 Nº 1 Mrs E Hills, Ufford
£10 Nº 51 L Guest, Northborough

Darby & Joan Club
Mrs M Sharpe won the competition for a small Vase, Mrs J Garratt 2nd and Miss S Betts 3rd. Flowers were the subject of the meeting when Members enjoyed a Flower Arranging Demonstration.
Lunch was provided by M&B Caterers from Thorney at the last meeting of the month.
15th August is the Tea Afternoon at the Acres – “Bring a Friend”

Bainton And Ashton Family Day
Thankfully, St. Swithin decided to have the weekend off and Family Day was once again bathed in glorious sunshine! Skittles were once again given a hard time, eggs were re-united with spoons, balloons were filled with water, many children got a little wet and everyone had a fantastic time!
Events started with the renowned barbeque, Pimms and strawberries, courtesy of the Greater Franks Family Kitchen, then stalls were going ding dong all day, as were sports, games, competitions, teas, ices and everything else you could think of. Philip did a quiz on local knowledge that stumped most of us, and we had a design-a-T-shirt competition for the under 12s. A children’s conjurer magically appeared and entertained the children (and some adults!) to feats of legerdemain, then somehow reappeared as a clown who could transform balloons into animals! Wow! As usual George the Milkman, now an honorary member of the village, milked the raffle prizes, and somehow managed to guess the exact weight of two lambs belonging to Eric and Pat. Perhaps it’s his experience with animal products? Not only this, but our new star fund-raiser, Helen Fancourt, came up with a brilliant idea of an Auction of Promises. No less than 18 people were encouraged to offer themselves or their talents for sale, and an amazing £525 was added to the other proceeds, bringing in record takings of £1900. After costs, including two new heavy duty gazebos, around £1500 will go initially to Church funds, thereafter a good slice to deserving charities. Special thanks, as ever, to Major and Mrs. Birkbeck, together with their fantastic grand-daughter Izzy, for the use of their splendid grounds and their own generosity and hard work. Roll on next year!

Little Lambs
Little Lambs enjoyed an end of term trip to Sacrewell Farm on Tuesday 17th July. Little Lambs re-starts on Tuesday 11th September at 10.00am in the Village Hall. All carers and pre-school age children are welcome, including babies! Please come along and join us for active play, crafts, stories and songs.

Have You Lost Something?
Three items were left behind at Bainton & Ashton Family Day. A purse, and two hats. Any claimants, ring Mary on 740097.

Bainton And Ashton Gazebo Society
The Society is looking for a new Gazebo organiser. The monetary rewards are poor, the prestige value and job satisfaction limited, but you do have the pleasure of helping others to have a special day in their garden. We now have 5 gazebos, all sized 3m x 3m. Three are very easily put up and keep out sun and light showers, two heavy duty ones keep out most weather, and we also have a marquee (9m x 3m) which has sides to it. All are available FREE to residents of Bainton & Ashton on a first-come, first-served basis, on the condition that they follow the instructions in putting them up and taking them down. Enquiries to the retiring Gazebo Organiser on 740097.

Barnack & District Horticultural Show and Family Day
This years show will be held on Sunday 12th August from 12.00 noon at Barnack School and field. The show will be officially opened by Group Captain Atherton of RAF Wittering.
A programme gives access into the show and automatic entry into the raffle with the prize being a meal for 4 at the White Hart. Programmes are available for £1.00 from the Post Office and Barnack Stores. Children under 16 get free entry.
As well as an exhibition of local produce, floral displays, arts and crafts the show will have an array of stalls showcasing some interesting and unusual purchases. There will also be special interest exhibits from RAF Wittering, the Fire Service, Peterborough City Council and others. Refreshments will be available throughout the day with a BBQ, cream teas will be served by the WI . The Happy Jazz Quartet will provide music throughout the afternoon. There will be lots to do for the children including children’s games, a mini fair, a fancy dress competition and a magic show.
If you are de-cluttering at home then you may like to consider having a pitch at the car boot sale. Call us to book at space.
If anyone would like to offer to help on the day or would be able to donate bottles for the bottle stall please contact Debra Martin on 740048 or Judi Alston on 07901 686142.
For more information you can visit www.barnack-show.co.uk

Barnack Baptist Church Summer Services
Our Summer Services start on Sunday 22nd July and continue throughout July and August. These café style, all-age services of approximately one hour, have proved to be very popular in the past, starting at 9.30am for a light breakfast, followed by worship, craft activities and a short talk. Please come along for a warm welcome, friendship and joyful worship. We return to our normal 10.30am programme on Sunday 2nd September.

Celebration Service – 16th Sept
On 16th September Barnack Baptist Church will be holding a service at 10.30am to celebrate our “coming of age” as we become an independent Baptist Church affiliated to, and recognised by, the Baptist Union of Great Britain. For a period of time we will officially be the youngest Baptist Church in the UK. The guest speaker for this service will be the Reverend John Boyers, chaplain of Manchester United. The service will be suited to all ages and will be followed by a barbecue. Please come along and support us in this step of faith and commitment to the local community.

Royal British Legion Programme
Sunday August 12th
Barnack Horticultural Show - School Field - Barnack Hospitality Tent - All members, friends and people with association with the armed forces , past and present, are cordially invited for refreshments.
Wednesday August 22nd:
Summer Evening Party - and light supper White Hart Patio , Ufford - 7 PM Tickets now available. This is proving to be one of the most popular evenings of the year, please come and bring some friends.
Saturday November 10th
Service of Remembrance Royal Albert Hall. Four tickets £10 each are available for allocation to branch members for either the afternoon or evening service , please contact the secretary for more information.
Sunday November 11th
Ecumenical Service of Remembrance - St. John the Baptist Church Barnack. This will take place , as last year, commencing at 9.45am and will be followed by a short service at the village War Memorial. The Legion Standard will be paraded on both occasions and Stamford School Cadets will be in attendance.
Monday January 21st.08
2008 Winter Supper - Barnack Village Hall 7.15 for 7.45pm. Tickets available from December 1st. for members and friends
Monday February 18th.08
Winter Lecture Barnack Village Hall - 7.30pm Tickets available from January 1 st. - all most welcome - subject to be notified
Where tickets are required your contacts are - Barnack Post Office
The Secretary 740865 Charles dark 740441 Patrick Knights 740774 Elizabeth Young 740347.
Finally a note to tell you that our membership continues to increase, our finances are in good shape and we are well placed to distribute welfare and aid to those ex service people and their dependants in need. This includes help with emergencies in the home such as a plumbing crisis , the provision of transport for hospital visits and the supply of mobility aids etc.
Malcolm Morrice Hon Sec

Cambridge Historic Churches Trust Visit 15th July
The organiser of the visit by Cambridge Historic Churches Trust on 15th July has written to thank the church members who met them at Ufford and Bainton. He writes “It is good to share time, interests and fellowship with local residents to hear what they have to say”.
He also asked me to pass on to the ladies in Bainton thanks for their hospitality in providing refreshments “in such a friendly and welcoming way” SRB

Barnack Church Fete Saturday 30™ June 2007 Grand Draw
1. Case of Wine SianHowells
2. John Lewis Voucher Jose Irving-Bell
3. Plants Patrick Wright
4. Champagne Mr. Hankins
5. M&S Voucher Sylvia Baker
6. Whisky Mrs. Harris
7. Champagne John Ward
8. Box of Fruit Mrs. Picket
9. Soft Toy Mrs. Ellis
10. Plant Watering Set Jan Graham
11. Toilet Bag June Woollard
12. Glass Bowl Alison Longman
13. Bottle Liqueur Wine Anne Davies
14. Red Wine MikeHarley
15. Cookery Book Anne Davies
16. Whisky Alison Longman
17. Brandy Val Stratton
18. Bath Collection Val Kettleborough
19. Chocolates John Ward
20. Wine Maureen Groom
21. Beer MikeHarley
22. Bath Essentials Michael Perkins
23. Bottle of White Wine Sylvia Baker
24. Sherry Edward Mogridge

Preventing Burglaries At Your Home
Sponsored by Cambs Police, Smartwater are using new technology to help you deter burglaries and recover any stolen goods. Smartwater is a liquid (similar to DNA) and a drop of this on any valuables in your home tells the police who the object belongs to. It is colourless to the naked eye but can be seen using UV lighting, and the kit can mark up to 100 items.
Normally these cost around £50 but you can buy these from Cambs Police Community Safety Unit at a much reduced price. If interested ring them on 01733 424417 or see the flyer on Bainton Notice Board. Tony Gowers, Parish Clerk, Bainton and Ashton

Baptist Church Youth Club
Youth Club will not be meeting during the school holidays. Youth Club re-starts at 7.30pm in the Village Hall on Friday 7th September. All young people in school years 7-11 are welcome.

Parish Council Reports and Notices

Ufford Parish Council meeting, July 11th 2007
1. The Ufford Parish Council website is now up and running. (http://www.uffordparishcouncil.org.uk)
It has been very well received by residents because it is informative and topical. It is also very easy to access the information you require, so it should prove to be an asset to new arrivals and old established village residents. Not all the features have been implemented yet, for example it is hoped to include a FOR SALE bulletin board. New articles are being added to the website on a regular basis.
2 Parish councillors are aware that not every family has access to a computer with a broadband connection. It also appears that other households are upgrading and discarding their old computers. Please let one of the parish councillors know if you have a computer you would like to pass on or if you would be pleased to receive a second hand computer.
3 The initial feedback on the proposal to have a waste skip in the village occasionally has been positive. We are waiting for details from PCC and will let everyone know on the website and in Parish News, when and where it will be.
4 The Quarterly Finance Review will take place at the August meeting. Village organisations wishing to apply for funding in the 2008-9 financial year are requested to obtain details from any parish councillor. Applications for funding must be received in writing by the end of November. Applications will be considered in December.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday August 8th, starting with an Open Forum at 8pm in Ufford Village Hall. All welcome

Bainton And Ashton Parish Councillors
Your councillors are Chris Agnew (Chair) (Tel. 740007), Sheila Dalton,(740019) Judith Morrice,(740865) Zena Coles (Ashton) (740550) and Andy Totten (740381)
Our bimonthly meeting was held on 3rd July in the Reading Room. Most Highways matters are getting dealt with, but the council expressed ongoing concerns at the dangers of crossing the railway at Lolham Bridges. Some horrendous potential accidents have only been narrowly avoided and it was agreed to write again to Highways and Network Rail. The Pathways Project is proceeding well, and shortly we should have details available to residents of all local pathways.
We are looking to have a stone cairn with a metal plaque (similar to the one outside Ufford Village Hall) to illustrate this. Councillors also agreed to adopt the suggested New Code of Conduct which detail the standards by which councillors should undertake their duties. Next meeting 4th September at 7.30pm

Bishop Ian writes
Churches offer an invitation to pray

My predecessors seem to have dedicated a lot of buildings! Over the last few months I have celebrated the anniversaries of a number of our churches – ranging in age from 40 to 600 years. All dedicated by bishops or, in one case, the Abbot.
It has been a welcome reminder of the importance of our inherited buildings – the churches which form such a prominent focus in villages, towns and housing estates across the diocese.

Many people will be on holiday this month, and I guess – particularly if the weather doesn’t improve – that a number will find their way into some of our historic buildings, including our churches. Many are important tourist attractions and a number of deaneries, for example the Deanery of Rutland, have produced attractive guides to the churches for those who wish to visit them with a brief outline of their history and the features of particular interest.

The Church, of course, exists without its building. The people of God in a particular place can worship and meet anywhere – and a number do! But our predecessors recognised the value of a particular place as a focus of prayer for the community where all are welcome to pause, pray and re-focus their minds in contemplation of God and his presence among us.

The care of this unique heritage places a heavy burden on the congregations of the diocese, and Bishop Frank and I greatly appreciate the hard work of many people who lovingly care for them and welcome those who cross their thresholds.

We may be on holiday ourselves this month and therefore be amongst the visitors. But whichever foot the boot is on, I hope we will remember the need to care for our heritage, to make the churches open to all and places where people can find real refreshment, a sense of God’s presence and an invitation to pray. That’s why they were built, and for that reason we love them and are happy to care for them. Bishop Ian

Eight new Deacons were ordained at Peterborough Cathedral on 1 July. They join nearly 560 others across the country, the highest number since 2000.
Photo (from left): Sylvia Coles, Robert Mulford, Terry Richards, Clive Deverell, Geoff Moore, Ray Hemingray, Stephen Webster, Andrew Knowles.

Sylvia Coles is married to a church organ builder. She has worked in various jobs in shops and offices but her favourite occupation is walking the dogs (one of which is a three legged lurcher). Assistant Curate (SSM) at Northampton St Benedict.

Robert Mulford loves folk and jazz and he plays guitar, bouzouki and banjo in a ceilidh band. After 26 years as a primary school teacher he and his wife left North London to began his ordination training. They have a five year old son.
Assistant Curate at Billing.

Terry Richards had a boyhood ambition to be a priest! At first “God had other ideas” and he spent 38 successful years as a teacher. He also served as Churchwarden at his local church for 28 years (“too long!”)
Assistant Curate (SSM) in The Chenderit Benefice

Clive Deverell began his career with the Church Army, working with young people, the homeless and, most recently, helping to set up a new church at Hampton in Peterborough. A sport lover, he was the founding chairman of Hampton Cricket Club.
Assistant Curate at Paston, Peterboro’ Geoff Moore worked on TV programmes like Tomorrow’s World and Horizon as Assistant Film Editor before joining BBC/Open University team, then starting his own small production company. He will continue with this work alongside his curacy.
Assistant Curate (SSM) at Brackley

Ray Hemingray is probably better known as the Diocesan Registrar and receiver of Faculty applications. This will continue alongside his curacy.
Assistant Curate (SSM) at Castor with Sutton and Upton with Marholm

Stephen Webster lived in East Africa until he was five, in a missionary household. He taught English at Moulton Secondary School before training for ordination. He and his wife have three children.
Assistant Curate at Oundle with Ashton and Benefield with Glapthorn

Andrew Knowles worked as a designer of exhibitions. It was whilst working abroad that he felt called to be ordained. During training he went on an exchange trip with a Bible college in Sri Lanka. He and his wife have a six year old daughter. Assistant Curate at Long Buckby with Watford

Two churches from the Peterborough Diocese have been shortlisted in a national competition to find the church with most innovative fundraising ideas. Over 100 churches entered the competition, which is run by Ecclesiastical Insurance. Twelve have been shortlisted and the winner will be announced at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in November.

All Saints Wellingborough attracted the attention of the judges with “Jail and Bail”, an idea suggested by a near neighbour of the church, the town’s Police Station.
“This involved members of the congregation, in fancy dress, being arrested by Community Police Officers,” said Churchwarden Cheryl Goddard. “Then they were tried, with much hilarity, in the Magistrates Court.” Each prisoner had prepared for their ordeal by persuading friends and associates to make generous donations to a bail payment to secure their release.
The charges included “causing a public nuisance by wearing a ridiculous hat” and “stealing slates from the church roof to fund a herbal tea habit” (above). Local breast cancer charity, Crazy Hats, was a partner in the project, and the proceeds of around £2,000 were split 50/50.
St Peter’s Oundle wowed the judges with their two year project to raise £25,000 for a playbus and driver for St Andrew’s Early Years Teacher Training College (FIESA) in Paraguay. Churchwarden Ann Varley, an early years lecturer herself, was the driving force behind the campaign, which snowballed from selling jam at coffee mornings to spontaneous fundraising in local schools, a top selling recipe book and a spectacular Auction of Promises.
It was the specific nature of the goal, as well as personal contact with FIESA (Co-ordinator Sam Parsons visited Oundle twice) that encouraged local businesses and other organisations to lend their support in kind for events. In the end £29,000 was raised, a driver employed, a vehicle purchased, and enough funds raised to keep it on the road for the next 5 years.

Helpston hosts children from Chernobyl
Sixteen 7-9 year olds from Belarus, a country that lies in the shadow of the Chernobyl nuclear power station that exploded to devastating effect in 1986, spent a month in and around Helpston this summer.
Fiona Johnston is Churchwarden at Etton and chairs the Helpston and District branch of the charity, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children. She has helped Cecilia Hammond, the group’s Co-ordinator, to organise the trip.
“The children are chosen by schools and the Education Department in Belarus”, says Fiona. “Many of them live in poverty and have difficult family backgrounds, as well as having poor health as a result of the radiation poisoning in Belarus.” Under the scheme the same children will return for five years, so that their immune systems have a chance to recover with clean air and food on visits to England.
A daily programme of activities, run by two Belarussian interpreters, takes place at the Scout Hall in Helpston. The group also joined Helpston’s primary school for their Big Art Day.
“This is very much a community project”, says Fiona. “It costs around £450 for each child to come each year, so once the visit is over we will begin fundraising for next year”. For more information visit: www.focc.org.uk

AUGUST
Sat 4 and Sun 5, Cold Ashby open gardens. Almost 20 gardens open from 2pm till 6pm. Tickets include a delicious cream tea. Plenty of free parking. Email: sampsonspinney@aol.com

Sun 5, 12, 19, 26, “Cruising down the River on a Sunday Afternoon”. Summer concerts with professional musicians and singers, at 3pm at All Saints Wellingborough. Themes include Down the Danube (5), Up the Thames (12), Sailing the Seine (19) and The Grand Tour (26). All at 3pm. Proceeds to local and national charities. Entry £5. Season ticket £16.

Sat 18, Trinity Baroque (a cappella sextet). 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington. Tickets £10; on the door £12 (students £2). Tel: 01572 820017.

Mon 27, Lowick Church Fete
2.30pm in The Paddock, Mill Lane, Lowick. Stalls, home made goods and teas, art exhibition by the Nine Arches Society of Artists.

Sat 15 – Sun 16 Sept, 80th anniversary, Friends of Peterborough Cathedral
Sat 15: at noon Anniversary Lecture by Very Revd Charles Taylor, Dean. Also tours, talks, services and concerts. Sun 16: Anniversary lunch with David Lammy MP (former Peterborough Cathedral chorister). For full programme and ticket details call 01733 452336.

Fri 21 – Sun 30 Sept, The first ever Oundle Christian Festival
Events include Question Time with Anne Atkins, Brian Mawhinney, Bishop Ian and others, the X Factor for children and a visit from the Chaplain of Manchester United football club. Tel: 01832 275675.