The Rector’s Letter

Spectacular Snowdon
Every October our disparate group of five local quiz team Dads plan a weekend away from it all. Previous trips have taken us hiking and boating to the Peak District, Norfolk Broads, Old Whitby Town and Le Touquet. Often these outings become embroiled in an exhaustive study of “bière locale,” but that aside all have been fascinating sojourns in their own right.
In 2004 we sought an adventure, something that was going to present us with a real challenge. We decided on an expedition to North Wales and an ascent of Mount Snowdon.

Snowdon dominates a spectacular and ancient landscape and at 3,560ft (1085m) it is a true mountain and place of legend. It truly ranks amongst the most beautiful mountains of the world and from whichever direction you approach it the size and grandeur are just breathtaking. Its starfish shape radiates six stunning ridges with their own individual characteristics. The deep glaciated valleys range from the easily accessible to hanging valleys reached only by rather ungainly scrambling, an activity of which we achieved some proficiency.

One of our number, a Welshman, was nominated translator to converse with the indigenous peoples. Another, a rather hardened climber and in his climbing garb a Max Wall look-alike, had many Snowdon climb notches on his bedpost. So, in largely good hands, we were psychologically prepared for our mission ahead. We knew the landscape would be stunning and the way up challenging.

On a cold and bleak wet Friday dawn in early October we aimed our capacious charabanc westward and, with token Welshman riding shotgun, we were finally off making excellent time arriving in wild and woolly Wales late afternoon. An acclimatising walk in Beddgelert Forest later left us with vast appetites for a feast of Welsh lamb shanks washed down with Robinson’s Double Hop, slaking our daylong thirst. Fully replete we turned in early wanting to be fully revived and rested for our ordeal ahead.

We had fitful nights, call it pre-ascent nerves but to this day I believe the Welsh beer was off. Full Welsh breakfasts revitalised us. The Englishmen amongst us talked of the weather. The incessant rain on our journey the day before continuing through the whole of that night had left us rather less than enthusiastic at the prospect of a wet climb. But, as luck would have it, the rain unexpectedly abated not to return again that day.

So, stylishly bedecked in matching mountaineering millinery (more like a “Benny from Crossroads” reunion) the ascent commenced. Our veteran climber, dubbed Red Leader, planned a most striking and beautiful route along the Watkin Path. He knowingly provided us all with substantial and nutritionally balanced packed lunches for our arrival at the peak. We completed the climb in around three hours with only the last leg daunting and no casualties or trouble to speak of, apart from our Welshman’s fleeting lapse of nerve involving rock-hugging. This we kindly put down to the Pope kissing tarmac type of thing.

The weather was glorious throughout with clouds opening along the way to reveal pencil shafts of bright sunlight painting the darkened landscape beneath. It was truly magical, exquisite and awe-inspiring. My words are incapable of conveying how we really felt. We were physically sated and on such a high. We felt at one with the earth – still on top of the world!

The consensus of opinion on the weekend was that this was our very best tour ever. We shared an unbelievable sense of achievement in climbing this mountain. For me though there was more. I experienced one of those rare spiritually moving moments. At a time when the violence of the natural world has made many question their faith, it is worth remembering that sometimes we feel closest to God when we are at one with nature.
So, why not try it for yourselves? Re-charge those batteries, breathe some incredibly fresh air. I guarantee you’ll have a great and maybe even spiritually uplifting time.

There is an alternative for those not able to easily climb and that is the 100-year-old rack and pinion railway which rises to within 66ft of the summit
A local quiz team Dad.

GENERAL CHURCH NOTICES

BARNACK SERVERS FOR FEBRUARY

UFFORD

St. Andrew’s Church, Ufford
Saturday March 12th 2005 is Spring Cleaning Day. Please came and help clean the church at 10.00. The more the merrier and the quicker the job done!

Wine tasting by Amps of Oundle
There will be a wine tasting at 7pm on Friday, April 15th 2005 in Ufford Village Hall followed by a 2 course supper for £10. Numbers limited so please contact Sally Hudson as soon as possible for further information and for tickets phone 740475.

Ufford Parish Council Meeting December 15th 2004
Bus Shelters: PCC has agreed: that it will remove the unsafe shelter in Main Street, that it will pay for a replacement for the Newport Way shelter before the end of March 2005.
It will be on the site of the old one but will be smaller and more open. It will be made of oak and of the style favoured by residents at the village meeting,
A replacement shelter for Main Street may be included in the 2006/7 budget. UPC may be asked to pay 10% (£300).
Surfacing of road outside nos 13-16, Newport Way: PCC has acknowledged ownership and UPC will be asking PCC Highways to surface the road and provide 4 parking bays.
UPC Finances; Applications received and agreed were:
1) St Andrew’s church, £500, towards the external fabric or lighting of the exterior, after full discussions with the church. No decisions will be made until the church has estimates for installation and running costs. Any proposed expenditure by UPC will be discussed in open forum.
2) Barnack Home from Home, £250, for provision of classroom blinds.
3) Langdyke Trust (Swaddywell Pit), £117 for a stile.
4) Support of village activities, £100, for example prizes for an art competition
5) Playing Field, £500, towards the acquisition or lease so that funding for play equipment may become available; also £100 towards legal costs. Both these will go into specific reserves.
6) Transport Scheme, £300, for pilot schemes, if the questionnaire results indicate sufficient interest. These will be sent to all residents.
The budget for 2005/6 was agreed and the Parish Clerk was given authority to complete and submit the precept documents.
Quality Parish Council status: All Parish Councils are entitled to apply for QPC status, provided that they meet the preset standards. For example QPCs must provide a quarterly newsletter to all residents.
Additionally QPCs must have at least 12 meetings a year and provide time for public participation. Successful applicants will have access to new sources of funding. It was agreed that UPC should continue working to achieve this.
Parish Plan: A Parish Plan is a legal document, written by residents, which determines how our village will change in the future. Unlike a Village Design Statement which is a consultative document, a Parish Plan must be observed by the Local Authority. £350 has been earmarked for this purpose.
If any residents wish to help determine the future of our village by joining a Working Party to produce our Parish Plan, please contact any Parish Councillor or the Parish Clerk
Election: One nomination has been received prior to the election in January to replace Councillor Keith Lievesley, who resigned after many years service.
UPC Meetings and Open Forums: Normally they will be held on the second Wednesday of each month. Open Forum starts at 8pm. The next meeting will be on Wednesday February 9th. All welcome.

Collection for Tsunami Appeal
The collection round Ufford in January for the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal raised £148.71, which has been sent to the British Red Cross Tsunami Earthquake Appeal. Many thanks to all who gave so generously. Charlotte Darlow

Ufford Parish Council Meeting January 12th 2005
New Councillor: Marian Browne was welcomed on to the Parish Council. She will be working, in particular, on the issues relating to footpaths, bridleways and cycleways in Ufford and will be liaising with neighbouring parishes.
Transport Questionnaire: There is still time to return your questionnaire and perhaps win £20! UPC is aware that the lack of public transport is a real issue for the elderly and for teenagers. Ideally we would like a 100% response before proposing to spend public money on these target groups.
Planning issues: White Hart: planning permission was given for 24 hour brewing but only for the continuation of the brewing and fermentation processes, not for vehicle movements outside the hours of 8am and 4pm and there will be no brewing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Road sign: A sign for Meadow View is due in the next financial year, 2005-6
Road surfaces: UPC reported the bare patches which appeared on the newly re-surfaced roads, and the absence of cats‘ eyes and white lines. This will be remedied in the spring.
Drains: Work to resolve flooding in the lower part of the village will be on-going over the next few months.
Next meeting: Wednesday February 9th, public forum starts at 8pm. All welcome.

Ladies Group
We all enjoyed our evening of Carols Round the Tree and collected £50 for our charity, Hospital at Home. Thanks to all who came and all who contributed in some way. The next meeting on February. The venue will be agreed at our next meeting. Please let me have names and transport requirements by February 14th. Frieda

BARNACK, PILSGATE AND SOUTHORPE

Music at the Millstone Inn
There will be no Acoustic Session in February. The next session will be on Tuesday March 1st.

The New Year’s Day Brunch
This was greatly enjoyed by all those who attended. Thank you to all those who came. It gets more popular every year. This year there were eighty people present. A big thank you to all the helpers, who worked so hard to make sure that the day was a success. It is a lovely way to start the year and is a really happy occasion.

Carol Singing Raises £138.60
Many thanks to all those who gave so generously to the collection for the Menigitis Trust when members of the various churches in Barnack toured the village carol singing before Christmas. A total of £138.60 was raised and has been sent to the Menigitis Trust.
Anyone wishing to make a further donation to this charity may send it to: Meningitis Trust, Freepost GL255, Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Glos, GL5 3BR or may donate online at www.meningitis-trust.org.uk.

Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the December 200 Club mega draw were:
No 62 Ken MacKellar £50
No 39 Mrs Gill Glennister £30
No 6 Mr Ray Hackett £20
No 26 Mrs J Honour £10

Good News Van - Change of Venue
In February The Good News Van will come to Barnack on Tuesday February 15th from 10.30 to 12noon. However, instead of coming to The Lodge, Bainton Road, Barnack, as it has for the past months it will be at Margaret Durdey’s house 12 Canon Drive, Barnack. We felt that this might be an easier venue for those people, who live at Margaret’s end of the village, so we do hope to see some new faces at the coffee morning, as well as our usual friends, whether you want to borrow books, tapes or videos, or just come for a chat and meet friends. We would love to see you.

Music Quiz
The cricket club presents a Music Quiz. Saturday 29th January at 7.30pm prompt. Teams of 4-6 are invited, £1 per person entry fee, prizes and raffle. This will be a fun night for all the family. Further information from Colleen on 01780 740509 or the Bar Committee.

Barnack Methodist Chapel
We hope to see you at our first Coffee Morning and Cake Stall of 2005 which will take place on Saturday, 5th February, at the usual time of 10 to 11.30 am.

Notes from Southorpe Parish Council Meeting – 13th December
It was noted that Peterborough City Council had still not addressed the issue with the dyke at the south end of the village and they would be reminded again as it was considered dangerous.
PC Norm McCallum has now taken over Southorpe and if you need to contact him, his telephone number can be found on the village notice board.
The planning application for Keeper’s Cottage has been approved; the planning application for The Dairy would be investigated in daylight before making a final decision.
The Councillors were reminded that there was a training session on 17th January which Barnack Parish Council had kindly organised.
A request had been received to plant a specific variety of Barberry bush along the hedgerow in the village to attract the Barberry Carpet moth which the Council agreed to. The next meeting will take place on 14th March at 1 Middle Farm Cottage at 7.30pm.

Missing from Barnack Church
It has come to the attention of the Churchwardens that the pictures which form the series ‘Stations of the Cross’ have been removed from the interior walls of the church, and indeed (it would appear) a number have been removed from the church itself.
We would be grateful if those responsible for moving the pictures would return them to the church, or to one of the Churchwardens, as soon as possible.

Barnack Community Association
The Association has a Committee which meets very occasionally to discuss matters directly relating to Barnack Village Hall. It reports back 2 or 3 times a year to a group of Trustees and a Council made up of people from any groups and societies in the village who wish to be represented.
We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our small committee of 5 people - the job itself is not time consuming and we are grateful to Michael Perkins for having done it for a long time. If, however, your talents lie in another direction you might consider joining the committee as a general member.
We hold committee meetings a few times a year and we would hope that people joining us would support some events at the hall and be able to do small chores around the hall which might occur from time to time.
Residents of any of the other villages (particularly Pilsgate or Southorpe) would be very welcome. If you are interested in the future of our village hall please ring any of the following for more information: Patrick Knights 740774, Anne Jackson 740562 or Ruth Harbinson 740704.
If you wish to find out more of what is involved in the Treasurer’s job please call Michael Perkins on 740720.

Barnack Parish Council Report
Barnack Parish Council meeting was held on January 10th in the village hall attended by the chairman, four councillors, clerk, Councillor David Over and two members of the public.
There was discussion regarding several topics including whether the bus shelter in The Square should be replaced or not as it is coming to the end of its life, and the provision of a dog fouling bin in Jack Haws Lane. Petitions have been received from residents in The Acres regarding flooding and one from Uffington Road residents asking for traffic calming measures.
The Parish Plan is progressing well and the working group is continuing to meet. A planning application had been received for extensions to 22 Bainton Road, Barnack and a complaint had been received from a resident concerning the smell from the Sewage Treatment works.
The budget precept application for 2005/6 was accepted.
The police are continuing to carry out speed checks in the parish. During November and December 3 fixed penalty and 12 warnings were issued. The public are asked by the police not to leave valuable items on display in cars especially when parked at the Hills and Holes, as there have been a considerable number of thefts recently.
The full minutes of the meeting are displayed on the notice boards around the village and on the website www.barnackparishcouncil.org. The next meeting will be held on January 14th 2005 at 7.30p.m.

Hope and Homes for Children
There will be a Coffee Morning at the home of Elizabeth Young, 1, Canon Drive, Barnack, on Friday, February 4th, from 10.30 to 12 noon, with Bring and Buy and Raffle. Hope and Homes is a charity which provides homes for children who
are orphaned by war or disaster. It was set up in 1994 by Mark Cook, who was the commander of the British U.N. contingent in Croatia, after he had witnessed the terrible suffering of the young innocent victims of the war in Bosnia. In 2005 children still desperately need our help. Every 30 seconds a child is lost, orphaned or abandoned as a direct result of war or disaster. Please support us so that these children can be given a foundation for the future, and a family for life. All welcome. Jose Irving-Bell

Barnack W.I.
President, Laura Pollock, welcomed 29 members to the January meeting. A birthday buttonhole was presented to Sue Jarman, and the raffle was won by Mary Seymour-Smith. The speaker for the evening was Petrina McCarey who described how to make soap, and she also gave an interesting history of soap.
Mrs. McCarey uses only vegetable products in her soaps, together with essential oils, and she brought many different examples to show. She also spoke about perfume making, a new venture for her. There were many questions after which Cynthia Dailey proposed a vote of thanks. The next meeting is on February 8th at 7.30 pm in the Wilfrid Wood Hall, when there will be talk on the East Anglian Air Ambulance. New members are always welcome.

Friends of Barnack Church
The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Barnack Church will be held on Monday March 7th in the Wilfrid Wood Hall at 7.30pm. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. The “Friends” are now entering their twentieth year, and have in that time contributed significant sums to aid the PCC in caring for the fabric of this ancient church. New “Friends” are always welcome, so do come and join us. Elizabeth Young, Chairman.

Friends Of Barnack Church 200 Club
The December draw was held at the Village Hall following the Barnack Festival of Carols. Miss Clementine Beck was invited to select the numbers. The lucky winners were:
88 F West £50
75 D Walsh £20
119 Mr Alsham £10
24 P Smith £ 5
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 fantastic 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 pick up a leaflet in church.

Barnack Cricket Club
This is under new management and continues its weekly quiz. Come along every Sunday at 8.30pm for a fun packed and exciting evening. This is a truly great way of starting your week on a high, just what you need to put you in the right frame of mind to make 2005 a great year.

Time for a murder mystery – 26th February
Are you an Inspector Morse fan or an avid Agatha Christie reader? Come along and be a super sleuth for a night at the BSA’s Murder Mystery Evening. O.A.R.S. Murder Mystery Company will be performing a special show on Friday 26th February in the School Hall. The doors open at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start. Tickets are £6 per person and include a hot supper. We have applied for a drinks licence.
Tickets will be on sale from Monday 14th February. This is a popular event and numbers are limited – so don’t delay, get your tickets from Barnack School Office (01780 740265). Look out too for posters with more details around the villages soon.

New school entrance
No doubt you’ll have noticed the new entrance to Barnack School from Bainton Road. The old steps have been replaced with a sloping ramp and handrail making access easier for parents with pushchairs or anyone with a physical disability. The new entrance was installed with funding from Peterborough’s ‘Safer Journeys to School’ initiative. Although in use since November, the entrance was officially opened on 19th January by ‘Spike the hedgehog’, Peterborough’s road safety mascot.

Royal British Legion Barnack & District Branch
Members, their friends and all villagers are cordially invited to our annual ‘Winter Supper’ evening at the Millstone Inn at 7.15 for 7.45pm on Monday 7th February. A guest speakers will be present and tickets or telephone bookings can be arranged c/o Malcolm Morrice (740865) Pat Knights (740774) and Charles Clark (740441).

Barnack Baptist Church
Christmas may already feel a dim and distant memory, but I just wanted to thank everyone who came along to the our annual Charity Concert in the Village Hall, I believe an enjoyable evening was had by all. With the money from the concert tickets, our Christmas day offering and £60 from the Village Post Office charity collections a total of £393 has been raised for Operation Agri, thank you. In the lead up to summer (it’s nice to talk about summer!) the Sermons at our Sunday morning services are looking at The Sermon on The Mount and in February this will focus on The Beatitudes, we hope you will be able to join us.
Finally, if you are reading this before the end of January, can I draw to your attention a very special event, Friday 28th January at the Millstone we have an evening with John Boyes. John is the Chaplain for Manchester United Football Club and he will be hosting a short sports quiz, followed by the opportunity to hear from him about the life of a Chaplain for arguably the world’s biggest (certainly best known) club. Things ‘kick off’ at 8:00pm and entry is just £1 with all proceeds going to charity.

BAINTON AND ASHTON

Buttercross Club
Wednesday February 2nd is our A.G.M. On Wednesday March 2nd there will be a talk and workshop on Glass decorating.
Judith M.

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 March 2004 issue of the Parish News: Friday 11th February 2005 at 6pm E-mail: Lisa

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 2005
		ST. MARY, BAINTON	ST. JOHN BAPTIST, BARNACK	ST. ANDREW, UFFORD
6th	Sunday before lent	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (CR)	9.00 am Eucharist (TR)
9th	Ash Wednesday	No Service	No Service	7.00 pm Imposition of Ashes
13th	1st Sunday of Lent	9.00 am Eucharist (TR)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (TR)	4.00 pm Evensong (BCP)
20th	2nd Sunday of Lent	6.00 pm Evensong (BCP)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (CR)	9.00 am Eucharist (CR)
27th	3rd Sunday of Lent	9.00am Eucharist (TR)	10.00 am Sung Eucharist (TR)	4.00 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 for February are:

6th 2.45pm Rev I Pruden
13th 10.30 am Rev B Gent
20th 10.30 am Rev M Peach
27th 10.30 am Mr H Abbott

Minister: The Revd Malcolm Peach

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BARNACK BAPTIST CHURCH

Meets in Barnack Village Hall

6th 10.30am Blessed are the Meek
13th 10.30am Blessed are the Merciful
20th 10.30am Blessed are the Pure in Heart
27th 10.30am Blessed are the Peacemakers

Elder: David Hodges
Tel 01733 268068 (office).

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!