During the interregnum, the Rector's Letter will feature letters and articles from a number of contributors.
This month, the letter comes from Robin Thain from Southorpe.

EASTER IN KK
We were in Sabah, North Borneo, to climb Mount Kinabalu, at 13,500 feet the highest point in south east Asia and one of the world’s most interesting and diverse botanical sites. Mount Kinabalu is a massive chunk of granite somehow thrust up out of the earth. In earlier times it was several thousand feet higher so that, although only a few degrees north of the equator, it was capped by massive glaciers which gouged out huge valleys and created strange shapes such as the celebrated “donkey’s ears”. In its lower slopes, Kinabalu consists of tropical rain forest but, as you ascend, the vegetation goes through several changes of climate so that you emerge near the top into upper montane forest. Not the least fascinating thing is the similarity to the flora of far away New Zealand caused by the fact that both Borneo and New Zealand were once part of the super-continent, Gondwanaland. If you ever wanted a snapshot of the incredible processes of our planet’s evolution, Mount Kinabalu could not be bettered.
Climbing Kinabalu involved an overnight stay at a hut at 10,000 feet and a dawn assault on the summit. Any later and you are likely to have the mountain shrouded in mist. Awe inspiring (sorry!) are the only words I can think of to describe the views from the top with the sun coming up over the rugged peaks and the jungle hidden below the red and gold streaked clouds.
After Kinabalu, we found ourselves for Easter in Kota Kinabalu (“KK”) which is the capital city of Sabah - now one of the 3 States constituting Malaysia. KK was roughly 50% Christian and turned out to be the site of an Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Sabah.
We arrived well in time for the Easter day service which started at 7.30 in the morning to avoid the heat. The cathedral was a simple large concrete portal framed building packed with extra chairs in the aisle. The congregation was almost entirely Chinese and, after the clergy and choir had processed in, all newcomers were asked to stand up, which we did to loud applause.
A band with pop singer style vocalist took us through a set of prayers shown on a massive roll down screen but, by way of contrast, the choir later gave us a chorus from Judas Maccabaeus. Most of the prayers were traditional but some were modern. Clearly, the Chinese were making a big effort to appeal to both young and old.
The Archbishop’s sermon was a tour de force of some 40 minutes. The content may not have been intellectually challenging but there was no doubting the urgency and enthusiasm of the message. It reminded me a bit of a harangue from Chairman Mao. The attention of the congregation was rapt throughout. To our amazement, our little grandson sat quite happily through it all – perhaps he could sense the obvious respect accorded to the Archbishop’s every word.
At the communion rail there was nothing perfunctory about the Dean’s blessing on our 5 year old. He may not ever again have an earnest Chinese, resplendent in scarlet and gold, call upon the risen Christ, who reigns in Heaven with the Angels and who lives for ever and ever, to bless him and sanctify him. I hope that it may be one of those childhood moments which he will remember for the rest of his life.
After almost 2 hours we were tipped out into the bright sunshine feeling reinvigorated. The experience was convincing, colourful and uplifting. The tendency is to think of Asia as a place of tremendous economic vitality, but this experience made us think that there may be a lot more to it than that.
Robin Thain

MARTIN GRECH at the Met Lounge in Peterborough The Martin Grech Gig at the Metropolis Lounge on Tuesday May 10th raised £885 for the ‘Big Issue Foundation’. Many thanks to Martin Grech and his band, local bands Opaque and The Red Guards, The Met Lounge, Abdullah's in Peterborough and sponsor, Peterborough Regional College Student Union. If you missed the gig and you’d like to hear samples ofMartin Grech's music, visit www.openheartzoo.com or to read full reviews of his performances from the national press, please visit his website: www.martingrech.com. James Chadwick

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

Change of Layout for Parish News
You will notice that the layout for the Parish News has changed slightly this month. A local fundraiser commented that Barnack residents only seem to read the Barnack section of the magazine and Ufford and Bainton their own sections. This means that fundraising events are not being supported by residents of neighbouring villages.
It was therefore suggested that we remove the Village headings to encourage everyone to read about all events in the area. You will see that I have done this, but have also grouped the Parish Council reports and notices together at the back of the magazine.
How do you feel about the changes? Can you suggest alternative headings for grouping articles? Please let your views be known by emailing me at the address on the back of the magazine or dropping a note through the door of your local collector when the next Parish News copy date arrives.

Art on the Map
Katherine Winfrey will once again be opening her pottery workshop at The Old Butcher’s Shop, The Square, Barnack, to the public as part of ‘Art on the Map’ Open Studios. Come and see some pots and watch her work from 11am to 5pm on 4th & 5th of June.

Music at the Millstone Inn
Last month our two special guests were: Nick Brooks, a talented young singer/guitarist from Peterborough, and local band, Dekadence, who enthralled us with their own songs and their exciting and energetic style. In addition we enjoyed open floor spots from Pete Hall, James Chadwick, Columb Hanna, Rachel and two very young guitarists, Matt Jackson and Dominic - stars of the future!
The next session is on Tuesday June 7th and will be in the function room at the Millstone Inn. Doors open 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission is free!
The booked guest will be the gifted guitarist, Pete Hall; Lesley Curtis, a singer-songwriter, who has been compared to Eva Cassidy; and Lottie Dolby, who sings hauntingly beautiful folk. For more details or to contact us, see www.acousticsessions. co.uk.

Barnack Parish Wheelie Bins
We would like to advise that if the bin lorry has removed the lid of your bin, residents can phone and ask for a replacement bin. (01733 453597)

Ufford Art Society Exhibition & Sale
On Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th from 10am to 4pm there will be an art exhibition and sale in Ufford Village Hall. Come and vote for your favourite painting. Refreshments will be available along with a craft and bric-a-brac stall.

Thank You from the Shaw family
Joshua, Emily and I would like to thank friends and villagers for their kind support and generous donations during Amanda’s illness and following her death on 21.2.05.
Sue Ryder have just informed me that they received a total of £2379. John Shaw, Southorpe

Methodist Chapel
In the chapel, we are changing from pews to chairs. This will mean that we will have for sale: eight pews each eleven and a half feet long. They are unlikely to be available before August. If anyone is interested in purchasing any or all of them please telephone, Margaret Durdey on 740459

Barnack Community Association
Would all Trustees and Members of the Council please note that the AGM will be held on 9th June in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Villagers are welcome to attend. The Annual Plant Sale on Saturday 7th May realised £900 for funds (a great help to finances because of the extra expense incurred over the last few months with the central heating system.) Thanks to Graham Dunn, Wendy Bell and June Graham for all their hard work. Thanks also to Stuart McCarey and Sarah Kirby for exhibiting their craft stalls and the ladies on refreshments and the cake stall.

Fen Edge Family Festival
Italian Market – 30 genuine Italian stalls selling the best of Italian produce
Open Gardens – see the wonders that real gardeners have created
Sculptured Dog Show – dog show where all dogs are made by their owners!
Entertainment for all – from messy play to a tea dance for those who can dance!
Music to suit all tastes – local musicians, brass bands, jazz
Animals on the Green – get close to llama, horses, sheep, pigs, geese etc.
on the Cottenham Village Green on 24th, 25th and 26th June 2005.
For full details, timetable and developments, check out our website:
http://www.fenedge.co.uk/festival.html
Messy Play, Tea Dance, Family Disco, Games on the Green, Fete & Stalls, Local Band & Singer Competition, Jazz, Open Gardens, Animal Blessing, Sculptured Dog Show, Brass Band, Cabaret, Fireworks, Refreshments & Bar.

Barnack Methodist Chapel
We were pleased to welcome both regular and new customers to our May Coffee Morning and Cake Stall which raised a further £128.14 for our funds, including donations of £10 and in addition the Fairtrade Stall took a further £32. The June Coffee Morning will take place on Saturday, 4th June 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.

Barnack Village Hall Plaque
A suggestion has been made to Barnack Parish Council that a plaque be put on the village hall wall in memory of Mr Allerton who was headmaster of the school for 40 years. This would match the plaque to Mr Whitman, who was also a former headmaster.
The estimate cost will be approximately £300. The Parish Council would like to know residents’ views before going ahead with this reasonably expensive project. Please contact the clerk on 740047 with your thoughts on this matter.

Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the April 200 Club draw were:
No 5 Mrs Ivy Ratcliffe £25
No 36 Mr George Unsworth £15
No 15 Mr Brian Bagshaw £10

Call For New Members
Friends Of Barnack Church 200 Club help to conserve the fabric of the church. The 200-club subscription is only £15 per year with cash prizes 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 lucky winners for the April draw are as follows:
153 J Irving-Bell £5
7 C Dennis £10
195 The Harley Family £20

St. George’s Day Supper Success
We are always delighted with the enthusiastic response to our supper evenings, both from the many and varied costumes, to the good natured banter which always ensues at any quiz. Our thanks go to Roger Browne for organizing a fascinating aerial views quiz which everyone enjoyed. These suppers could not take place if it wasn’t for the willing hostesses who provide the excellent food and the smiling kitchen ladies who work so hard to clear all the dishes; our sincere thanks go to them. Last but not least our thanks go to everyone who attended the supper, which raised £700 for St. John Baptist Church. The Social Committee.

Thanks from Margaret Tuck
I would like to thank all my friends and neighbours for their kindness, flowers and get well cards during my stay in hospital. I am pleased to say I am on the way back to health and hope it will not be too long before I am out and about again. Margaret

Calling all Performers!
Following the success of our summer concert last year we are hoping to hold a similar event this year. The concert, a miscellany of music and readings, will be held in Barnack Parish Church on Friday, June 24th at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. Entrance £2. Anyone wishing to perform please contact any member of St John the Baptist Church Social Committee.

Darby & Joan Club
Mrs Frieda Gosling gave a very interesting account of her holiday in America when she visited her family. Mrs Gale won the ‘Tea Caddy’ competition, Mrs Porter 2nd and Mrs Rawlings 3rd. Mrs Dora Green, Mrs G Green and Mrs Hudson were the winners of ‘Bens Game’ with Mrs Grant taking the Booby prize. New members would be very welcome.

Women Connect
The summer supper will be held at the home of Maureen Groom at 7.45pm. on Thursday, June 16th. Numbers please by Monday, June 13th.

Ufford Ladies
Laura Smith gave us an inspirational talk on “Aboard SHYP” (Stamford Housing for Young People) at our April meeting.
On Tuesday June 28th we are going to visit Holly Tree Farm Garden at Sutton St Edmund (near Thorney). We have to be there at 7pm and should allow 45 minutes to drive there.
Directions will be given at the May meeting. There is no charge for the visit but there is a collection box for cystic fibrosis. Tea/coffee and as much cake as you can eat (!) will be available afterwards, £ 2.50, also for cystic fibrosis. There are plants for sale. Frieda must have names and transport offers and requirements by June 14th at the latest.

The Barnack Village Pub Quiz
Come on and join in this fantastic weekly village community experience, every Sunday evening from 8pm. It’s a great place to meet up with old friends, make new ones and even talk about those not there. The Millstone Inn assures an inviting reception in a most cosy atmosphere with an enjoyable night guaranteed. New teams are most especially welcome.

Good News Van
The Good News Van will be at Margaret Durdey’s house on Tuesday June 21st from 10.30am until 12noon, when the usual selection of books videos and tapes will be available for you to browse through and borrow, if you desire. There will of course be tea, coffee and cakes or biscuits, and a meeting place for you to talk to friends, so do try to come if you can. New people are always welcome.

Ufford Wine Tasting
The wine tasting on 15th April was a great success. Lots of wines were tasted and we managed to make a profit of £370. Thanks to all who supported the evening and all who helped.

Open Fellowship
On Thursday 9th June the group will be going to the Corn Exchange in Stamford to hear the popular evangelist J. John speak on “Life’s Priorities”. We should be happy to offer transport to anyone who might like to accompany us. We shall be leaving Barnack at approximately 7.15pm. Please call on 740145 to arrange. The meeting to be held on Thursday 23rd at 7.30pm will be at 1 Little Northfields when we shall continue our study “Discipleship, a Journey of Faith”.

Barnack W.I.
The May meeting was our opportunity to debate those resolutions which have been selected to be put to the Annual General Meeting in the Royal Albert Hall.
The first was concerned with the inequity between farmgate milk prices and that charged by retailers; the second urged members to take further action in the care of the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources. Before the vote presentations on these topics were made by Judith Browne and Jessie Goodacre. The result of the vote was passed to our delegate who this year is from Helpston W.I. The committee entertained members to a hot meal, while the tea hostesses produced some delicious sweets to follow. A vote of thanks for the meal was proposed by Jill Miller. The next meeting is on June 14th. New members and visitors are always welcome.

Barnack Fun Run
This year’s Fun Run was a huge success with more runners than ever before (316). Thank you to everyone who joined in the races and helped out with the marshalling, time recording, barbeque, refreshment stall and other fundraising activities. Everyone had a great day. Overall we raised a brilliant £1,000 for the BSA, which will go towards funding school trips, special events and equipment for the school.
Boys’ 2.5 km race: 1st Zac Theophane; 2nd Greg Dunn; 3rd Jordan Whitehead.
Girls’ 2.5 km race : 1st Amy Haines-Eynon; 2nd Alex Shields; 3rd Erin Carmondy.
Boys’ 5 km race: 1st Jacob Walker; 2nd Tom Dunn; 3rd Henry Whitehead.
Girls’ 5 km race :1st Charlotte Hinch; 2nd Kelly-Ann Tedds; 3rd Letitia Valentine.
Northborough won the school’s competition with Barnack coming second and Norwood third.
Keep up the training for next year!

BSA Treasure Hunt
Sunday 19th June, 3 pm (tbc) from the School Playing Field. The BSA’s next exciting fundraiser is a treasure trail around Barnack. Designed for families to take part there’ll be lots of clues and things to collect all around the village. Entry is £5 per family and the hunt will be suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
There’ll be a small prize for everyone who solves all the clues and completes the trail and special ‘treasure’ for the winners. Afterwards, we’ll be laying on a special barbeque (price - extra). Look out for posters around the village nearer the time.

Barnack Friendship Club
This has been functioning for a year with a membership of 35, including friends from Wittering. An average of 25/30 meals have been prepared and served each meeting. The Club has had a variety of Speakers, Outings, Quizzes, Exercises, Auctions, Board Games and a Line Dancing session.

Ufford Park Cricket Club
Fund raising events are continuing with a Frog Race to be held at Limrose, Bainton on Friday 17th June 7.30 pm, including a Fish & Chip supper.

Barnack Wildlife Watch Club
Everyone enjoyed our April meeting – Wild Art. Inspired by the Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy, the children had enormous fun making some super ‘sculptures’ and works of art. We also did plenty of leaf rubbings and designed some great collages out of natural materials. We now have a dedicated Watch Club noticeboard in School by the children’s cloakrooms, which we’ll keep up to date with the information about what the Club’s been up to – so parents/carers, don’t forget to go and have a look.
This month’s meetings are entitled Beautiful butterflies. We’ll be finding out more about these wonderful insects and the different species you’re likely to see in this area. The Foxes meeting will be on 17th June, Badgers on 24th June. Both meetings run from 3.30 pm until 5 pm and start off in the School Hall before going outside.
For more information about Barnack Wildlife Watch Club contact Jackie Rowlands 740640 or Jayne Lillywhite 755527.

Bainton And Ashton Family Day
Bainton and Ashton Family Day is a real English village fete. There’s games, stalls, sideshows, skittles, competitions, a raffle, teas. If you haven’t been before, come along and see for yourself! As always it is held in the grounds of Bainton House by kind permission of Major and Mrs Birkbeck, and the date this year is Sunday, 3rd July at 2.00 pm. For the last 80 years or so, the weather has (nearly) always been glorious, and there is a lot of fun and laughter for all the family. We have booked some Morris Dancers this year for added entertainment, and we usually have our annual tug-o-war: Bainton and Ashton vs. Rest of the World!!    If you would like to help, provide items for stalls, or have ideas to make the day even better, contact Tony Gowers on 740097 or Mary Birkbeck on 740227.

Buttercross Club
Ever thought you’d hear the strains of T-Rex emanating from Bainton Reading Rooms?  Well, under the expert guidance of Jan Graham, about 20 of us were taken though our paces at our May meeting, and despite a few pairs of left feet, a great time was had by all at the Line Dancing evening.   Jan and her trusty band of accomplished dancers showed us how to sashay in time to the music and even end up facing in the right direction - no mean feat!   It was great fun and there could well be some recruits to Jan’s weekly Bainton group.
June - (please note, no meeting on June 1st)   however - June 29th will be our outing to Barnsdale Gardens, and we shall be given a guided tour of the gardens by Nick Hamilton.   This should be a fantastic evening and we are organising transport by several cars. There are still one or two places left, so for any further information please contact either Judith Morrice (740865) or Mary Gowers (740097) as soon as possible.
Forward notice - July 6th Dr. Dronfield will be speaking to us on the History and the Future of Stamford Hospital.   Please do come along and hear about our local hospital and future implications.

Cub Scouts for Girls
We are pleased to announce that from Christmas 2005 girls will be able to join Cubs. Yes, that’s right – Girl Cub Scouts!!
If there is a girl in your family who would like to be a Cub and will be 8 years old at Christmas, give us a ring to secure her a place. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay. Ring Geoff on 01733 252239.

Beavers
For the uninitiated, Beavers are the youngest members of the Scout family, aged 6 or 7. Helpston Scout Group is pleased to announce that after Easter we are opening a Beaver colony for girls and boys. It will meet at Castor School on Wednesday evenings. If you have a child who would like to take part and is 6 years old (or will be soon), then ring Geoff on 01733 252239 for details.