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

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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.

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

Christmas Concert
There will be a Christmas Concert at the Great Hall, Burghley House on Friday 7th December at 7.30pm. Come and experience the exquisite singing of Peterborough Cathedral’s Girls Choir, many local village girls, accompanied on harp by Rowena Bass. Tickets are limited and at £15 include a glass of wine and canapés. What a fantastic way to start off your Christmas celebrations. Call Jane Franks on 740004.

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 every month. To join this wonderful cause and become a Friend of Barnack Church please contact John Ward Tel: 01780 740016.

Village Ladies' Group
On Tuesday 23rd October, Nic Watts gave an interesting, but thought provoking talk on Organic Farming. He made us aware of the decline in bird life and other wildlife when severe farming methods are implemented. However, he remained optimistic for the future.
At Ufford Village Hall on Tuesday 27th November, we will be holding our Advent Carol Party. We hope to have an enjoyable evening with a variety of finger foods, drinks, carols and entertainment to get us in the mood for Christmas. If you would like to bring along a sample of your favourite finger foods for us to taste, you are very welcome. There will be a free glass of mulled wine on arrival.
Once again, please come and join us. Everyone is welcome, whether you are female or male.
The evening will start at 7.15pm for 7.30pm. There will be a raffle for our charity, Anna’s Hope.
There will be no meeting during December. The next meeting will be on 222nd January, 2008 at our usual time of 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall, where we hope to have a Scottish evening to welcome in the New Year: a taste of haggis, mashed potato and swede will help to get us in the mood with a light dessert to finish and a Scottish quiz (not too hard) to round off the evening.

Buttercross Club
We had several guests at our November meeting and were delighted to see them. Lyn Fitzpatrick of Stamford Fine Foods introduced us to the delights of artesan farmhouse cheese - the shop sells over 40 varieties of cheese, 75 percent of which are British and most of them are produced by hand. We tasted Montgomery Cheddar, Colston Bassett Stilton (time-consuming to make as the temperature and humidity must be monitored constantly) and finally Vacherin Mont D’Or and then compared these to similar supermarket cheeses and the consensus was, well, like chalk and cheese really! Mass production and shrink wrapping do not enhance flavour as we already know but by appreciating the distinction in a group, we certainly tasted the difference and Fine Foods will have increased their customers!
Wednesday, 5th December is the date of our Christmas Party! There will be no charge as usual but would Buttercross members please bring a plate of savoury/sweet food for the buffet. There will be entertainment afterwards by the Gilbert & Sullivan Concert Group who will lead the Carols so come along to the Reading Room at 7.45pm .Join in the seasonal jollity!

Pots for Christmas - 1st & 2nd December
There will be a special Christmas weekend for Lincolnshire Open Studios on 1st and 2nd December. A chance to buy ceramic Christmas presents from Carlos Versluys at Vine Farm, Bainton and Katherine Winfrey at the Old Butcher’s Shop, Barnack. Studios are open from 11am to 4pm. All welcome.
Barnack Methodist Chapel
Thank you for your support of our November coffee morning which raised £123.61 for our funds. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Coffee Morning and Cake Stall on Saturday 1 December from 10 am to 11 am. This will be our Christmas Coffee Morning and we shall have home-made mince pies and mincemeat for sale as well as our normal selection of cakes, jams etc.
We would like to thank all our customers for their support during this past year and to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

~ Carol Service ~
6.00pm Sunday 16th
in Barnack Church
All warmly invited

Bainton House Fundraisng Lunch 15th November
Thanks to a great team of people, our lunch in aid of Yorkshire flood victims raised a grand total of £1454. A good time was had by about 80 people, eating delicious food and exotic puddings made by lots of friends. Special appreciation goes to Judy Francis, Zena Coles, Nichola Clough, Jill Plant, Ginny Altham, Brian and Ro Yates, Tony and Mary Gowers and Helen Fancourt for all their help, and not forgetting Willie Franks and his twins. It was a really good day, putting fun into fundraising and was a success all round. Thanks too to everyone who came for their support, especially to Peggy Sindall and Sheila Dalton, the well-known raffle queens! Mary Birkbeck

Baptist Church – Christmas Concert
On Friday 21 December in Barnack Village Hall at 8.00pm we will be holding our Annual Christmas Concert. This is an evening of music, poems, drama and laughter and if the entertainment does not leave you full of festive spirit then the mulled wine and mince pies should do the trick! Come along and catch up with friends or bring friends along! Tickets available in the Post Office or by calling the Box Office on 740017 ask for Mark, discount for parties of 10 or more.

King’s School Choir - Dec 12th
Starting the Christmas Tree Festival on a high on Wednesday December 12th the school choir from King’s School Peterborough will be coming to perform in Barnack Parish Church.
The concert will start at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £4 (concessions and children £2) available on the evening at the door of the church, or from any member of the social committee.
Please contact Liz Young on 740347. This should be a delightful evening with this accomplished choir. Refreshments will be served. Proceeds to Barnack Church Fabric Fund

Christmas Lunch
Come along to Barnack Village Hall on Saturday December 15th for a light lunch.
The lunches will be served from 12 noon to 2pm. Browse our Christmas Stall for those last minute gift items and Father Christmas will be there for those last minute present wishes. Proceeds to Barnack Church Fabric Fund

Blooming Bainton And Ashton
Cancel that holiday to see the Dutch bulb fields next Spring! Come instead to Bainton and Ashton, where intrepid teams of bulb planters have been hard at work. The results next Spring should be a tourist attraction. No less than 3,000 daffodil bulbs and around 1,000 crocus bulbs have been planted into the grass verges around the two villages, and very grateful thanks must go to all those many villagers who got involved. Almost all the cost of the bulbs was covered by two grants, the labour was free, so the burden on those looking out on the display is virtually nothing! We will have a look at the planting when the flowers appear and make some necessary cosmetic adjustments where necessary, but it may be nice to plant some more next October - possibly outside the actual residential parts of the villages. Thanks once again to our Parish Councillors for championing this initiative!

Un–Rememberance Service (because it was too cold!)
I am writing this in a state of shock after just returning from the ‘lack of remembrance’ service at Barnack War Memorial. Myself and my two daughters were on our way up the hill towards the war memorial at 10.50am, planning to arrive for a short service and two minutes silence at 11.00am, but were shocked to see people walking back in the opposite direction.
I thought that my watch must be running slow, but was informed by one person that the service had already taken place because some people were cold waiting ! Probably not as cold though as the soldiers that were sat in their trenches that we were supposed to be there to remember, amongst others!
We made a special effort to make our remembrance a more local affair this year by attending the service at Barnack in an effort to remember the local people that had given their lives.
As a serving member of the Armed Forces, I am acutely aware of the service, determination and hard work currently being given by my colleagues and friends in Afghanistan and Iraq. This, along with the constant stream of media reports that we hear at the moment about the deaths of our brave men and women, even in the last few days, make the act of remembrance this year, I believe, even more poignant.
I was extremely embarrassed and upset for my youngest daughter who could not understand why people were not staying until 11.00am. To compound this issue, Canon Venables did not stay to remember with those of us that wanted to mark our respect at 11.00am with two minutes silence.
In conclusion, I am unfortunately left with the impression that I hear all too often in that I think society as a whole, especially the younger generation, is beginning to forget the great sacrifices that were, and still are being made daily by our Armed Forces all over the world. As the number of people that served in the great wars sadly decline each year, this, I believe, also compounds this issue as the conflicts that we are currently involved in do not, perhaps, seem to be as ‘just’ or ‘righteous’ as the previous wars – perhaps rightly so?
Whatever the reason, our men and women are still out there doing their duties for Queen and country so we owe it to them as well as all the others to show them our respect accordingly – in my opinion at 11am on the 11th November when the guns fell silent, not earlier or later because it is too cold!
Sgt P Dawson, PMRAFNS Also on behalf of Miss E & H Dawson

Reply from Canon Margaret Venables
I am sorry that Sgt Dawson missed our Remembrance Service at Barnack and felt that the armed forces both present and past were not accorded their proper respect. It is true that we arrived at the War memorial at 10.45 and after conferring with the British Legion we decided to proceed with the Act of Remembrance, including the reading of over forty names of local war dead and the two minutes silence, a little early.
We had a good number of elderly people who had been present at the church service and had walked to the memorial in a biting wind, including our three remaining serving soldiers from the Two World Wars all of whom had been in church for the whole service. It was in consideration for them that we proceeded.
During the ecumenical service in church we remembered all who had given their lives in our prayers and prayed for those at present serving as well as their families. I preached of the tragedy shown by the War Graves Commissions Cemeteries:
“ The dead of the British Empire and Commonwealth of two world wars are buried in 134 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe including the Soviet Union. The smallest is in Ocracoke Island off North Carolina with four graves and the largest at Theipval in the department of the Somme, France, where the bodies of 70,000 soldiers are buried and the names of those missing in the first Somme battle are commemorated.” I pointed out that 1.7 million names are commemorated and that the loss in the First World War could be illustrated by a continuous column marching four abreast – when the first men reach the Cenotaph in Whitehall the last four will be in Durham, 240 miles away.
I also talked about how the poets of the war had hated the whole experience and quoted from their writings I finished with the poppy, which is in three parts. In the centre is the black sin of war, the red petals remind us of the blood spilled and the green leaf reminds us of hope. The hope is that there will be no more war: no more war in the Falklands, no more war in Bosnia, no more war in Iraq, no more war in Afghanistan. No more ranks of Portland stone, no more graves in country churchyards with the names of young men and women inscribed on them. Hope for a world in which our children can grow up in safety and live in peace for Jesus said ‘I came that you may have life. Life in all its fullness.’ We then stood and made a commitment to work for peace.
So, I am sorry that Sgt Dawson and his daughters missed out. I wish he had brought his daughters to church, where they could have taken part in the whole ceremony and seen the young cadets from Stamford School parade the colour as well as take part in the walk to the memorial.
‘We paid tribute for a full hour and twenty minutes, our timing was out, but we will try to do better next year, while hoping that those who have only been going to the War Memorial will choose to join the hundred or so people who have first been in church.’Canon Margaret Venables

Reply from Malcolm Morrice
I write in my capacity as Hon. Secretary of the Barnack and District Branch of the
Royal British Legion and wish to apologise not only to Sergeant Dawson but to those other members of our community who missed our War Memorial service.
As Canon Venables explains in her letter the main Remembrance Service commenced at 9.45 AM in St. John's Church. It involved many movements within the official service and became quite complicated.
Unfortunately our estimated timing was wrong I have given much thought to the organisation of the service and identified several occasions when certain movements did not require the estimated time allowed. Unfortunately it is not possible to rehearse all this beforehand.
This was the second service in the new format and I am confident that in future these timing problem will be resolved . I sincerely hope that it is appreciated that all this is to accord even greater respect to those who lost their lives in past conflicts.
The Service in the church was an exceptionally moving one , dedicated to servicemen of all wars and their families.
I too served in the armed forces and would like to meet Sergeant Dawson. Perhaps we could discuss the timing problems together. I do hope that he will understand.
Malcolm Morrice

PARISH COUNCIL REPORTS

Report on Ufford Parish Council Meeting November 14th 2007
1 A Village Resource Guide is almost ready for distribution. It is intended to provide essential information for newcomers. Please will you let us know if you, or someone who has recently moved into the village, would like a copy.
2 PCC has cleaned out the ditch at Moors Corner and this appears to have removed the water from the road.
3 A reminder has been sent to PCC about the re-surfacing of Newport Way which was promised for October.
4 The application for a grant from PCC Environment Improvement Scheme was successful and the bat boxes for Southey Woods have been ordered.
5 A yellow topped post has appeared at the Marholm Road end of the drift down to Southey Woods, indicating that, unless there are unexpected objections, there will be a right of way for pedestrians as well as a bridle/cycleway right through Southey Woods on to Langley Bush Road.
6 Keep checking the UPC website for updates. www.uffordparishcouncil.org.uk
7 The next meeting will be on Wednesday December 12th. All residents are welcome to attend.
Barnack Parish Council Report
The latest meeting of Barnack Parish Council took place on Monday 12 November when all seven councillors, Cllr Over, PC McCallum, Mr J Daley, the Clerk and eight members of the public were present.
Pedestrian symbols will be installed along Millstone Lane, Stamford Road sign is now in place, the weeds overgrowing the path between Barnack and Pilsgate are to be cut back and Uffington Road will be closed from 26 November for 4 days for the potholes to be filled in before the road is resurfaced next year. An update on the Airey House site has been received. The purchase process should be completed by the end of December. The Parish Council has asked for the purchaser to work with them prior to the plans being approved. The Accounts for 2006/7 have been audited, and the report will be displayed for 14 days on the notice boards. An environmental grant has been obtained from PCC to plant further trees on Stamford Road between Pilsgate and Barnack. An application will be made for the felling of two dead trees in the churchyard. Two planning applications were discussed: A two storey rear extension at Southcroft, Main Street, Barnack, and the erection of a dwelling and garage at Everdon, Pudding Bag Lane, Pilsgate. PC McCallum has been regularly in the village with his speed gun and will continue to do so in the future. Residents are reminded that the village speed limit is 30mph. Mr Jim Daley from PCC presented an excellent document regarding the Barnack Conversation Area Appraisal. A meeting will be held to discuss the appraisal. Members of the parish council and two village residents have, this month, planted bulbs around the village, which it is hoped will provide a cheerful display in the spring of future years. Two crab apple trees have also been planted in Orchard Road. The trees and the bulbs have been financed by the Community Leadership Fund, a budget allocated to each city councillor within the City of Peterborough for projects in the parishes within their wards. Councillor David Over works each year with all the parish councillors to ensure that the money is used in the best possible way. The Barnack Information Board, which was officially unveiled on the morning of Saturday 10 November, was also financed from this budget. Please note that next month’s meeting will be held on Monday 10 December at 7.30 pm. All are welcome to attend. The full minutes of the meeting are displayed on the notice boards in both Barnack and Pilsgate.
Fallen Leaves: Residents are reminded to use their brown bins for garden waste and debris, and not to sweep leaves in to the streets. This causes the surface water gullies fill up, which blocks the drainage system.

Bainton And Ashton Parish Council
History was made at the Parish Council meeting on 7th November, when Coun Sheila Dalton retired from her role as councillor. No one really knows when Sheila actually started. Some say it was before the war - but which war? Seriously, the whole village owes a debt of gratitude to the conscientious way Sheila has served her local community over the years, and her contribution to parish meetings (and her shortbread) will be sorely missed. Jane Franks was co-opted to take her place, and Andy Totten enthusiastically and unanimously voted on as new vice-chairman.  Elections for all councillors will take place next May.
As always the meeting itself was full of interesting local happenings. Cont p10 Bainton And Ashton Parish Council Continued: All councillors were there, plus David Over (City Councillor) and Martin Whelan - support officer from Peterborough Council - who had come along to see how a highly successful and well motivated local council actually works. Happily, the experimental weight restriction on the B1443 seems to be starting soon. Vehicles serving Burghley House are now excluded as this would cause them problems. Local deliveries (oil deliveries, local building projects etc) are also excluded, but apart from these, no vehicles over 7.5 tons should be seen on the road. If you see any, tell PC Norm - NOT by dialling 999 by the way, but using his mobile 07753 577479 (it’s on the notice board). We still await action from Peterborough from our two main safety concerns (the railway crossings at Lolham, and the dangerous action by some drivers overtaking by using the bus lay-by) but we are continuing to pressurise them.
Have you seen the brochures about footpaths around Bainton/Ashton yet? There’s some in the Church - really well presented, well worth taking along on walks with any visiting friends. Not only that, a stone cairn will soon appear near the Church with a map of the village and historical features engraved on a plaque. Shouldn’t be long now! Ashton villagers have voted overwhelmingly to proceed with the Quiet Lane project in Bainton Green Road, and the procedure to do this is under way. Also, have you seen the spanking new notice boards in both villages? Brian Yates has made both of these himself at cost price. Brian does such a lot of voluntary work in the village - make sure you thank him next time you see him!
Talking about thanks. You may see from the above that our Parish Councillors are VERY active. If you want to thank them personally, their contacts are below (and permanently on the notice board):
Chris Agnew (chairman) Tel. 740007, Andy Totten 740381, Judith Morrice 740865, Jane Franks 740004, and Zena Coles (Ashton) 740550