During the interregnum, the Rector's Letter will feature letters and articles from a number of contributors.
This month, the letter comes from Bishop Ian, the Bishop of Peterborough.

Bishop Ian writes: Two big issues for the new government to face Like other members of the House of Lords, I was not entitled to vote at the General Election. It has the advantage that one can view it with a sense of detachment. Now the dust has settled, what are my reflections? I want to congratulate those who have been elected. To act as a representative (as the clergy do in another sphere) is not a light responsibility. Whatever their party they are each there to represent all their constituents and to ensure that amidst the dog fight of political argument our voice is heard.

Hills and Holes update It has been a successful year so far for many of our flowering plants, with numbers of pasqueflower, early purple orchid and man orchid all above average, and in the case of pasqueflower, record numbers have been seen. Particularly pleasing has been the spread or re-appearance of pasqueflower on ‘big hill’ next to the Wittering Road, which is a response to the re-introduction of grazing to this area about 5 years ago. Another encouraging recovery has been seen by the rare Mountain Everlasting. In recent years this plant has struggled to flower, but this year 5 flowers appeared, the best showing for 10 years.

Our ‘people counter’ project has also been active, and two of the main entrances now have counters installed. They will provide useful information about the number of visitors to the reserve. The solar-powered panels are working well and in May, a small group of assorted-sized children from Barnack School kindly came out during their lunch hour to help us calibrate the equipment. The examples below show the number of visitors to the quarry car park each day in May, and the daily pattern – the peaks in the morning, lunch time and evening can be seen.

Glow-worm walks Last year we were overwhelmed on our glow-worm evening when 60 people turned up, so this year there will be three – on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, and Wednesday 13th July, and all starting at the later time of 9.45pm. The catch is that each walk will be limited in numbers and you will have to book in advance, on 01733 405850. The Saturday walk will only be advertised in this newsletter and around the village, so please try and attend that one if you can. This summer as usual the reserve is being looked after by our regular summer warden Bob Crook, and if you see anything unusual (good or bad!) please let him know – his mobile number is 07786 660922. Or you can leave a message on our office line, 01780 752796 and it will be dealt with. Chris Gardiner Site Manager, English Nature

Letter from Head Teacher of Barnack C E Primary School
I would like to welcome to the village our new caretaker and his wife, Arthur and Sue Bellamy. Both started work on Monday 16th and have moved into the caretaker’s cottage next to the school main entrance gates. I would like to wish them well both in their new home and new jobs.
One of Arthur’s duties is to keep an eye on the school premises and so I would like to reiterate the rules which govern the use of the site during out of school hours.
New signs will shortly be erected at both entrances to the field to clarify these rules, and from the first week of June all entrance gates to the school will be locked at the times stated or by dusk if this is earlier.
The signs will say:
Visitors from the local community are welcome to use the school field during school holidays, at weekends and after school during term time.
The gates will be locked after 6 p.m. during the winter and 9 p.m. during the summer and all users will be expected to leave the site by these times.
Please use the field only and keep away from all buildings.
Dogs are not allowed on site, and no vehicles may be brought onto the site.
Please take litter home with you.
Please do not smoke.
For your safety:
Parents are advised to supervise their children using the equipment on site.
Trip hazard - Please beware of rabbit holes.
Cyclists must keep clear of any other users of the field to avoid collisions.
No Golf practice - this is dangerous to other users and can cause damage to buildings.
CCTV cameras are being used to protect the site from vandalism: names of those identified will be passed to the police.
Please be alert, and report those who misuse the site either to the police or to the school (01780 740265)
Thank you
John Green , Head Teacher

Music at the Millstone Inn
Last month was a packed evening. Three special guests were: Lesley Curtis, a local singer-songwriter who also is renowned for her performance of Eva Cassidy numbers; Lottie Dolby accompanied by James Chadwick and her sister, Polly who sang stunningly beautiful folk with harmonies and Pete Hall, whose unassuming manner belies his superb guitar-playing skill and vocal talent.
In addition we enjoyed open floor spots from James , Columb , Rachel, Dominic, John, Julian, Jack and Nick.
The next session is on Tuesday July 5th and will be in the function room at the Millstone Inn. Doors open 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission is free!
See www.acousticsessions. co.uk.

Ashton Help the Aged
Help the Aged are extremely grateful to everyone in Ashton who gave so generously in their recent House to House collection. The sum of £52 was raised. With many thanks, Pamela Broster.
To find out more about Help the Aged, please go to the links page

New Yoga Class in Barnack
Fridays from 10- 11.30am starting Friday 9th September. 2 Drop - In classes will be held during the summer, anyone is welcome to come along and give it a try. Dates: Friday July 29th 10am; Friday August 19th 10am.
Further details from Ann Rodgers on 01780 749018

Peterborough City Council: Community Services: Libraries Library Link
Are you unable to visit a library because of health and mobility problems or caring responsibilities?
Do you know that books (including large print and talking books) can be delivered to your home by a volunteer Library Visitor?
If you would like to know more about Library Link please contact Anne Evans:
telephone 01733 742700 or e-mail anne.evanspeterborough.gov.uk (Leave your contact details if she is not available.)

Christian Aid - Ufford
Many thanks to all those who gave so generously and a special thanks to all the collectors: Sally H, Lisa C, Pip P, Ann W, Chris S, Jan J, Helen M. Our grand total of £227.62 exceeded last year’s by £23.07. Well done. Joan W
To find out more about Christian Aid, please go to the links page

British Red Cross
A big thank you to the residents of Pilsgate who contributed to the Red Cross collection. A total of £57.25 was raised which will help to give hope to people in crisis in the UK and overseas. Ria Sutcliffe
To find out more about British Red Cross, please go to the links page

The BSA’s Indian Summer Ball
Saturday 17th September, School Hall.
Although not until September, we have started planning in earnest for our extra special event – the Indian Summer Ball. It promises to be a brilliant night out with a band, disco and food (not quite decided what yet though!) included in the ticket price of just £15 per person.
Don’t miss out on Barnack’s event of the year – put the Indian Summer Ball in your diary and on your calendars today! Tickets will be on sale in July from the School Office and the BSA Committee.

Royal British Legion
180 villagers joined in a moving service at St John the Baptist church on 15th May to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the ending of WWII and the official Dedication of the Branch’s new Standard.
Also present were the Officer Commanding RAF Wittering, representatives from the RBL Area HQ, Lincoln, and standard-bearers and officials from our neighbouring branches in Stamford, Langtoft and Lincoln County.
During the ceremony the new standard, recently donated anonymously, was carried by Ted Murrey (ex-RAF) and escorted by John Corner (ex- Fleet Air Arm) and Bill How (ex-10th Hussars).
After the service the Standard was paraded through the village led by ‘Stamford Brass’, a contingent of cadets from the Stamford School CCF and Legion Old Comrades. The Last Post was played by Robert Reynard on a one-time Lincolnshire Regimental bugle and the service conducted by the Reverend John Wilson (ex- Royal Engineers).
On a gloriously sunny morning, the proceedings concluded with a buffet lunch in the village hall and it was a pleasure to have with us a number of relatives of the Fallen inscribed on the War Memorial - some of whom had travelled a considerable distance from places such as Yorkshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire to attend.
To find out more about The Royal British Legion, please go to the links page

Barnack Bridge Club.
The monthly session on Monday 25th July will be the last of the current season. The new season will start on Monday 26th September with Chicago bridge and we look forward to seeing everyone then. If you have recently learned bridge and are looking for somewhere to play in a friendly and non competitive atmosphere come and give us a try. For further information please ring Patrick or Barbara Knights on 740774.
Barnack Community Association
The Annual General Meeting of the Association took place in the village hall on 9th June and was well attended. The Chairman, Graham Dunn, thanked Michael Perkins who has served the Association faithfully for 20 years as Treasurer, and who is stepping down, for all his hard work and loyalty and welcomed Isobel Poplett as the new Treasurer. Graham also thanked Kath Swann and Julie Stanton plus the Executive Committee, without whose efforts the hall would not be able to function. The Annual Accounts were presented and showed a healthy balance. Two very successful fund raising events offset the expense of installing a new heating system. The Secretary wishes to step down from the job after six years and if anyone is interested in taking on this role which involves an hour or two each week, Graham Dunn on 749198 would be pleased to hear from them.

Barnack & District Seed Club
We have had another successful year and the profit of £45 has been, as usual, donated to Barnack Village Hall.
Members received a discount of 37.5% on all seed purchases and 7.5% discount on plants and equipment from the Dobies Garden catalogue.
If you spend more than £10 a year on seeds why not take advantage of these discounts? Catalogues for the 2006 season will be out in late autumn. Please telephone me if you are interested in joining the club. Ian Graham 740387

The Good News Van
The Good News Van will once again be at Margaret Durdey’s house on Tuesday July 19th from 10.30 until 12noon. This is a coffee morning, when everyone is welcome to come for a pleasant morning meeting up with friends old and new.
There will also be a good selection of paperback books, videos and tapes for you to borrow free of charge, if you so wish. We had a full house in May. New people are always welcome, so be brave and come and give us a try!

Ryton Organic Gardens and Vegetable Kingdom
A day’s outing has been arranged to Ryton Organic Gardens and Vegetable Kingdom on Thursday 20th September. This is the WI summer visit and we hope that anyone interested from all the villages will join us. The coach will leave Barnack Square at 8.30.a.m. and return by 6.00pm. The cost per head will be £12 to include travel, entry to the gardens and a guided tour., that is, if all the seats are taken on the coach.
There are a selection of cafes, restaurants, and snack bars on site for lunch and refreshments to be purchased.
Please contact Adrienne Collins on 01780 740124 to book your place.

Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the May 200 Club draw:
No 24 Mrs Pat Gyles £25
No 25 Mrs Doreen Walsh £15
No 51 Mr Peter Sindall £10
The Club Invitation Gala, sponsored by our greenkeeper, Mark Hammond, was held on Sunday, 12th June when the winners were a team captained by Dick Ford and the runners-up team was captained by Paul Buckley.
For once, the sunshine eluded us and it was cups of coffee to keep warm which were needed rather than cold drinks but nevertheless it was a most enjoyable day and thanks are due to all the club members who helped with the organization in any way and in particular, Chris Ford and her team of helpers who provided excellent refreshments throughout the day.

Barnack Methodist Chapel
Once again our June Coffee Morning and Cake Stall raised a further £115.52 for our funds and in addition the Fairtrade Stall took a further £18.32. The July Coffee Morning will take place on Saturday, 2th July at the usual time of 10 am to 11.30 am and we look forward to seeing you. Fairtrade products will also be for sale again. If you have never ventured into the chapel to one of our Coffee Mornings you are sure of a warm welcome and also the opportunity to buy some delicious cakes for the weekend. Everything is freshly made and so can go into the freezer for a later occasion if required.

Bainton Reading Room Cleaning
Many thanks to Mrs Damon who has cleaned our Reading Room for the last four years. Unfortunately Mrs Damon is no longer able to do this so we are hoping to find some one new. This is a paid position requiring one to two hours each week. If you are interested please ring Helen Fancourt (740091).

Barnack Wildlife Watch Club
Woodlands were the topic of our May Wildlife Watch Club meetings. Unfortunately it was rather wet when the Foxes group met, but everyone still enjoyed identifying the trees on the School’s grounds and looking at woodland minibeasts. We also had fun making blow paintings of trees using runny paint and straws. The Badgers group, however, met on a very hot afternoon and had a great time discovering spiders, millipedes and beetles in the School’s newly planted woodland area.
On Sunday 22nd May some of us joined up with the Peterborough Watch Group and visited Fineshade Woods. We learnt all about red kites from the RSPB’s education Officer at the Red Kite Centre. We were also able to watch close up CCTV of nesting red kites and swallows, which fascinated the children.
Our last meeting of the school year is on 8th July for Foxes and 15th July for Badgers. We’ll be visiting the brilliant Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve to go on a wild safari.
For more information about Barnack Wildlife Watch Club contact Jackie Rowlands 740640 or Jayne Lillywhite 755527.

Get Closer to Wildlife - Family Event
Sunday 10th July, 12.30 – 4 pm, Old Sulehay
Our local Wildlife Trust is running a FREE family event at their wonderful Old Sulehay Nature Reserve, near Yarewell, on Sunday 10th July from 12.30 – 4 pm. There’ll be lots of activities for everyone including a wildlife detective trail, meadow minibeast hunts, storytelling, face painting, ‘fat bugs’ craft activity, guided walks and a whole lot more. Jayne Lillywhite, one of Barnack Wildlife Watch Club’s Leaders, is helping out on the day at the animal tattoo stall! It’ll be a fun-packed afternoon, so don’t miss it – all families are welcome.

Ufford Ladies
At our May meeting David Wynne gave us an enjoyable and nostalgic reminder of rural life in the 1940s - a whole world away from the present! The next meeting on Tuesday July 26th will be a guided tour of Browne‘s Hospital, starting at 7pm. Please let Frieda have your name, £2.50 and transport requirements by July 12th if you would like to come.

The Barnack Village Pub Quiz
As a new, less vertically challenged and better looking stand-in MC giving our resident and much loved Roger P some much needed time to recharge his wilting batteries. When I say new MC I’m not referring to MC Hammer although when you think about it …Yorkshire rap could be the new thing. Perhaps not.
Come on and join in this fantastic weekly village community experience, every Sunday evening at the Millstone Public House from 8pm. Free French-fries washed down with skilfully cellared and flavoursome Tiger Bitter… loverly. The finish is long, dry and exceedingly satisfying. The beers not bad either! It’s a great place to meet up with old friends, make new ones and give the “anoraks” a run for their money. Cash prizes each week. New teams most particularly welcome.

Buttercross Club 6th July
Our July meeting promises to be an excellent evening. Dr. Dronfield will be speaking on ‘Stamford Hospital, its history and its future’ - something which affects us all, so do come along at 7-45pm to the Bainton Reading Room and enjoy this unique opportunity. Our August meeting will be our annual Boules Evening at Bainton House on August 3rd, so put it in your diary now!

Open Fellowship
Meeting to be arranged.

Barnack Baptist Church
On Saturday 9th July the we will be taking our (now) annual ‘Sunday School
Outing’ to sunny Hunstanton, a day by the seaside for everyone, not just
children. Adults do not have to be accompanied by children.

VE / JV Day Celebrations
Barnack will celebrate VE / JV Day on Sunday 10th July. There will be a family picnic on the school field at lunchtime, cream teas will be served during the afternoon, the bells will be rung at 5.00 p.m. and there will be a service at the War Memorial for the whole village. Please watch the village notice boards for times and details of all these events and it is hoped that as many residents as possible will join in to mark this very special occasion.

Barnack and Pilsgate Parish Plan
Just in case you are wondering about the progress of the Barnack and Pilsgate Parish Plan the Steering Group are pleased to be able to tell you that The Plan is at the printers. A public launch in the Village Hall will be arranged as soon as possible, so that as many residents as possible are able to see the finished document and of course purchase if they so wish. Please watch next month’s Parish News for an update.
Barnack and District Horticultural Show
Preparations for the Barnack and District Horticultural Show are well under way. The schedules will be available in the near future and will be sold to every house in the six villages during the first three weeks of July. Although it has not been a good gardening season the committee hope that there will be a record number of entries for the Show itself and that the children will enter their classes with the same enthusiasm as usual to make Sunday 14th August a really successful day. Besides the Show in the School hall there will be lots of games for the children together with interest stalls and a small section of village crafts together with a car boot sale on the school field. Please make a note of the date so that you do not miss this important village day.

Christian Aid in Barnack & Southorpe
This year the Christian Aid collection raised £678.37, this included Southorpe which raised £156.39. This is a good result and I would like to thank all 30 collectors, especially Mrs. Ivy Ratcliffe who gave up this year after collecting for over 30 years! Also, thank you everyone who donated. Please think about buying ‘FairTrade’ goods as this does make a difference to people in poor countries. J. Irving-Bell
To find out more about Christian Aid, please go to the links page

Bainton And Ashton Family Day
You don’t have to live in the village to come along to Bainton and Ashton Family Day. Set in the beautiful gardens of Bainton House, our annual Family Day is something really special. On 3rd July, starting at 1pm with a barbeque/picnic, the stalls & sideshows then open at 2pm.
Have a go at the tombola, or the skittles or pick up a bargain at one of the many stalls. There’s plenty for the children with games, ice creams, competitions, lucky dip; plenty for the adults with a raffle, teas or just sit in a deck chair and watch the Morris Dancers.
This year the theme is VE Day - so come dressed up in 1940s gear if you want to. Will all children please note that there are two competitions - for best miniature garden and best VE Day hat - so get planning now! This is a real English village event - don’t miss it !!

Christian Aid in Bainton & Ashton
The total collected in Bainton & Ashton was £170.76. Thank you Judith, Julie and Sheila for collecting, and residents for your generous donations to this very worthwhile charity. Cheryl Buckley
To find out more about Christian Aid, please go to the links page

Frog Racing
This will be held at Plashetts, Ashton on Saturday 23rd July in aid of Cancer Research UK.   Tickets £7 (including Fish & Chip Supper) from Zena Coles 740550.   Please come along and join us for a great evening of fun and fundraising.   Children free (unless ordering a fish & chip supper).

Call For New Members
The Friends Of Barnack Church 200 Club have been helping to conserve the fabric of the church for many years now. Why not consider joining? The 200-club subscription is only £15 per year with cash prize draws every month. Anyone interested in joining this marvellous cause and becoming a Friend of Barnack Church please contact Mr Martin Goodwin, 24 Bainton Road, Barnack. Tel: 01780 740145.
The auspicious winners for the June draw are as follows:
39 Miss E Snowball £5
44 Mr J L Fisk, Esq £10
25 Mrs J Woolard £20

Bishop Frank writes: Love your neighbour