The Rector’s Letter

GENERAL CHURCH NOTICES

BARNACK SERVERS

Barnack Drains
During the next month Barnack Parish Council will be making a house to house delivery. Every household will be issued with a fat trap and a ‘bag it or bin it’ bag provided by Anglian Water, and information on how to use them. At the same time the new Information Booklet will be delivered.
The parish council has worked very hard with Anglian Water over the last few months to solve the problems of blocked drains in the village. As we have already reported over 5 tons of debris, not sewage, has been pumped out of the drains which is a huge amount. Since then we have had reports of at least one household subsequently putting builders rubbish down a surface water drain and the council would like to ask everyone to be vigilant. Builders rubbish and debris should not be put into the drains as it will build up and cause problems.
We do hope that you will work with the council to solve this problem and we thank you for your co-operation.
Barnack Parish Council.

Bainton And Ashton Parish Council
Our two-monthly Parish Council meeting was held on 16th. May, but not until the AGM and the Annual Parish Meeting had been held. At the AGM, the chairman, Chris Agnew was re-elected and all the Parish Councillors agreed to continue to stand. They are as follows: Chris Agnew ( Tel.740007), Sheila Dalton (740019), Judith Morrice (740865), Andy Totten (740381) and Zena Coles (740550). At the Annual Parish Meeting, the chairman highlighted the completion of the wash dyke as being a really successful community project and thanked all involved. At the Open Forum all those attending were given the opportunity to offer advice and ideas to councillors, but little was mentioned. We are told that the new vehicle activated signs will be constructed shortly with as little inconvenience to residents as possible- let’s hope this will cut down the number of motorists speeding on the B1443. The fact that vehicles are again causing rutting in the verges in Ashton is a concern and councillors have tabled a list of options which are being evaluated. We are also in correspondence with our MP about the imposition of concessionary bus fares locally- although these are supposed to help the over-60s, travellers have found that a trip to Stamford costs more! We continue to seek changing our procedures to meet those of a Quality Parish Council, and we do not fall far short now. Plans to erect a new dwelling to the rear of Bramley Loodge were considered, and observations passed to planners. Will all Bainton residents be aware that the parking spaces in Alington Close are being used a little indiscriminately, and residents are having difficulty parking their cars: please try and park elsewhere if you can. Next meeting is to be on 4th. July at 7.30pm. For full details of what went on, please read the minutes on the village notice board.

Barnack Parish Council Report, May
The Annual General Meeting took place on May 8th in the village hall. The chairman and five councillors were present together with the clerk. The chairman, Mrs June Woollard was re-elected and Dr.I.Burrows was re-elected as vice-chairman.
More problems with the drains had been reported this month but had been dealt with by Anglian Water. Residents are asked not to put builders rubbish down the surface water drains, or any unsuitable material down the toilets or drains. Fat traps for disposal of fat and the new Information Booklet will be delivered shortly.
A survey of seats around the parish is to take place to see if any need repairing or new ones installed. Our M.P. is taking up the problem of Barnack being issued with the Stamford telephone directory and not the Peterborough one, as in the past. A resident voiced concern over the number of plastic bags containing dog waste being left on the Hills and Holes and around the village. Dog owners are requested to place the bags in bins or take it home.
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 June 12th 2006 at 7.30p.m. All are welcome.

Ufford Annual Village Meeting May 10th 2006
Attended by David Over and 4 residents.
In his Chairman’s Report, Ian highlighted the achievements of UPC in the past year.
• What have we done
• Retirements, Ken Waller finally retired after many years service to the village, Anthony Howells retired due to pressure of work and his contribution will also be missed.
• We will continue to hold elections so all have the chance to participate
• Sustainable Parish, New Clerk & QPC (Quality Parish Council)
• Importance of representation continues to be a priority,
• High level of local involvement, PCC, PALC, CALC, GPP, DEFRA, URC ongoing
What are results – that we are listened to.
• Code of conduct issues during the year, impact on planning
• Will continue tracking issues & publishing history
• All residents can speak at the monthly open forum
• Training – ongoing commitment
• Budgeting process & Finance,
Quarterly finance reviews: Reserves low but adequate for village projects
• Village email list is secure and reaching 45% of village
• Bus Shelters Delivered. Playing field equipment Delivered. Playing Field planting Delivered & Grant funded. Crass cutting of verges, cost V quality issue, will monitor
• What are we doing
Drains – ongoing funding is the issue
QPC, Benchmarking so that we meet national standards. Speeding ongoing monitoring with police. Surfacing 13-16 Newport Way to start soon. Web site developed & tested – some issues regarding resource & time. Swaddywell Pit – Now Langdyke Trust Nature Reserve
• Planning
Major contribution to Public Scrutiny of the process
• What are we going to do
QPC High priority this year. Web Site. Village resource guide. Traffic & Rural Crime, Speeding. New Audit & Finance regulations. More to Parish than Village, start thinking about long term plans,
Footpaths & Leisure, Wildlife conservation. General policies & Planning Aims – to be updated. Community day and or events to be planned for 2006/7
Reports were received and read to residents from village organisations St Andrews Church, The Village Hall Trustees, Ufford Ladies Group and Langdyke Trust.
Residents were reminded about this nature reserve, open to the public every day, on the site of the old Swaddywell pit. Access is from King Street going north from Marholm Road. Volunteers are there to welcome visitors on Sundays. There will be a Children’s Day on July 6th and details will be posted on UPC‘s notice board.
• Replacement trees on Ufford hill: The general feeling is that these trees are a distinctive feature of Ufford and we should choose trees which will provide a legacy for future generations. Native British trees are more attractive to wildlife. The tree roots also serve a useful function supporting the bank. There is little support for replacement by the same species as now, Norway maple, which were suggested by PCC. Other proposals include Dawyck beech, disease-resistant English elms and golden ash. Advice will be sought from PCC Arboricultural Officer.

Ufford PC Meeting May 10th 2006
Ian Glew was re-elected as Chairman.
It was agreed to pay £360 to PCC as a contribution to the bus shelters
The risk assessment for the items in the village for which UPC is responsible was carried out.
UPC is continuing to act for the benefit of residents, in particular as regards:
• Receipt of a written statement detailing the soundproofing strategy for the White Hart when amplified music is being played.
• Car parking on the hill and in Main Street
• Drains in Main Street and Walcot Road
• Village Hall sign for the benefit of pedestrians
• Road works to eliminate flooding 13-16 Newport Way
• Restoration of cats eyes and road markings
• Low water pressure in parts of the village
• Removal of the telephone box. And provision of broadband to the Village Hall.

Changes to Bus Service
I write to advise you of some major changes to bus services affecting Barnack which will come into effect from Tuesday 2nd May.
The major change is that Service 31 will be rebranded as Local Link 401 and Village Link will be numbered Village link 402. There will be no changes to the existing times.
There will also be a new service, Village link 403. This service will operate between Werrington Centre and Bretton Centre and will depart from Barnack Square at 0932,1132,1332 and 1652
towards Helpston, Maxey, Glinton and Werrington and at 0852, 1052, 1252, and 1652 towards Ufford and Bretton Centre. Buses will return from Werrington Centre at 1015, 1215 and 1615 and
from Bretton Centre at 0913, 1113, 1313, and 1506. There will be no buses after 1311 on Saturdays. Village link 403 will offer connections with local Link 406 at both Werrington Centre and Bretton Centre for passengers travelling into Peterborough.
These alternations will not affect journeys operated by Delaine Buses.
Day and Weekly tickets will be available for travel on all local Link and Village Link services.

Fighting to Save Our Countryside
There are proposals to turn a very large chunk of our countryside, first into quarries, then into landfill. A waste incinerator to recapture energy from waste is also proposed for a site near the existing Thornhaugh quarry.
Kings Cliffe already has one of the few landfill sites in the UK accepting a wide range of hazardous waste. We are all familiar with the large landfill site alongside the A47 at Thornhaugh, and the endless rubbish lorries serving it.
Many people believe these new plans are not sustainable, damaging to the environment and wildlife habitats, and that they could even cause a health hazard to people in the area.
Nearby Parish Councils in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire are forming a cross-boundary Steering Group to help them fight the plans though official channels.
They have the support of a brand new action group, made up of ordinary people just like you and me, who live locally and want to protect our beautiful.
What can you do?
The action group is still in the early stages of being set up. Barnack is not yet represented on it - although many other villages nearby are - so please look out for anything in the Peterborough Telegraph and Mercury, explaining how to get in touch. You may see something in Town & Country, or in the news pages. Ask your parish council to find out about the official Steering Group, contactable via the Clerk at Wansford Parish Council. Thanks for reading this!
George Smid, Chairman (Wansford)

News from around the Diocese

Bishop Ian writes
A lesson in the garden

This summer, many of us will enjoy our gardens and countryside and appreciate afresh the “natural” environment. We rarely see it in its natural state, of course. It has been formed by countless generations of care by people. In that sense the environment is “man-made”.
But it is also part of God’s rich creation which has been entrusted to our stewardship. That theme runs through the Bible, and is the true meaning of the Genesis mandate that some versions translate as “ have dominion over” or “subdue” the earth.
Sadly, stewardship has at times turned into exploitation. The damage which results from our relentless use of fossil fuels, minerals and other resources is no longer a minority concern of “the Greens”. Climate change, the increasing number of endangered species, and the desertification of large areas due to over-intensive cultivation of cash crops, remind us that we all need to care for the environment, use less energy and “live simply so that others may simply live”.
This month provides opportunities to focus on justice and sustainability and express our “Hope for the Planet” on Environment Sunday and World Environment Day. David Wiseman writes about them on another page and I hope all parishes in the diocese will take them seriously. We could all take part in a church energy audit (details of which should be available shortly) in order to become an environmentally conscious diocese.
We need to address the long-term issues which politicians are loathe to put before us. Life is about choices – we cannot afford everything that we might like and we cannot afford to go on damaging our fragile planet or grasping for ourselves a larger than fair share of its resources. We could limit our travel (especially by air), buy locally-sourced food to help reduce “food miles”, lower our energy consumption, use sustainable energy suppliers, recycle carefully, and be less profligate with water.
This summer, take a fresh look at the garden. Good gardeners know that in order to get the best out of their land, they have to put into it time, energy and care to create the right conditions that will enable plants to thrive. The biblical narrative begins in a garden, with the first humans caring for it. Surely God hasn’t stopped calling us to continue this work, together, on a global scale.

Da Vinci Code evenings snapped up
Ever since Tim Sledge, Diocesan Mission Enabler, offered a Da Vinci Code evening to churches, enabling them to invite friends to explore a Christian perspective on Dan Brown's best selling novel, the bookings have kept rolling in. Around ten such events are now planned across the diocese. The first was held at Holy Sepulchre Church in Northampton as part of the Deanery Mission and it was hailed as a great success.
Under atmospheric candlelight, an audience of 130 enjoyed cheese and wine, a Da Vinci quiz and live jazz. A screening of the film trailer was followed by talks on conspiracy theory, the biblical evidence and the personal evidence for Jesus Christ. There was also the opportunity for discussion and questions. A number of people indicated that they would like to find out more about the Christian faith.
This event was one of several exciting initiatives that were part of Northampton Deanery Mission. Others included a “Ladies' Pampering Day” at St Giles' church and visits by The Psalm Drummers to schools in the parish of Billing.
For more information contact Tim on 01604 887043.

Art, life, scripture and mission
This will be the theme for a talk by Dr Janet Hodgson, former Adviser in Local Mission in Durham Diocese, at Bouverie Court, Northampton on Wednesday 7 June, at 7.30pm. Janet is visiting the UK from South Africa. Her work using images of Christ in different communities is well respected. Admission is free but call 01604 887048 to book.

Bungoma avoids drought
Being situated to the West of Keyna, our link diocese of Bungoma has not suffered the drought conditions prevailing elsewhere in the country. Thankfully the rains have come and planting has gone ahead as usual.

Join in prayer for our diocese
The diocesan Cycle of Prayer for the period to August 2006 is now available. It lists daily prayer topics for individual churches and other aspects of the work of the diocese. Visit the prayer page on the website:

www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk
or ring to request a printed copy on 01733 887000.

Archbishop of Canterbury attends Big Day Out in Leicester
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be preaching at Abbey Park, Leicester, at 3pm on Saturday 3 June. The day of music, speakers and festivities for all ages - The Big Day Out - is to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Leicester Diocese, which once fell within Peterborough's boundaries. All are welcome to attend.

New Energy for the Church!
With Environment Sunday on 4 June and World Environment Day on 5 June, this month has a special focus on our care for the world we live in. David Wiseman, Diocesan Social Responsibility Officer, is upbeat following the first meeting of a new environment group in the diocese.
Here is good news for churches of a different kind, in the form of grants towards wind, solar and water power - churches are eligible to apply for grants from the Depart­ment of Trade and Industry's new low carbon buildings programme. There are also grants for wind turbines, bio-energy boiler systems, combined heat-and-power systems, and fuel cells. If churches generate more power than they use, they could earn money by feeding their surplus into the National Grid.
Green sources of energy were one of a number of matters discussed at the new Peterborough Diocesan Environment Group which met for the first time in April. Organised by Peter Brotherton, the Diocesan Environment Officer and David Wiseman, Social Responsibility Officer, it indicates that the Church is waking up to concerns about carbon emissions and sustainable energy sources.
The group is hoping to build on the interest in the “Green and Pleasant” conference that was supported by the Conservation Foundation and held in the diocese last autumn. The matter has also been discussed at Diocesan Synod in response to General Synod's report, Sharing God's Planet .
By highlighting what churches can do to make a difference, and raising awareness about our care for God's world, we hope to help Christians to take account of our impact on the environment.
Environment Sunday is an ideal opportunity to make a start in your church. “Hope for the planet” is the theme on 4 June, which this year is followed by World Environment Day on 5 June. It is not too late to order resources from www.arocha.org or to discuss becoming one of many eco-congregations that are starting over the country (see www.ecocongregations.org).
Peterborough Environment City Trust are organising a green festival which ends on World Environment Day and look out for other events across the Diocese.
To find out more about the Diocesan Environment Group contact David Wiseman on 01604 887046 or email: david.wisemanpeterborough-diocese.org.uk

Sun 4, Northampton Christ Church Centenary Celebrations . 10am service of rededication with Bishop Ian. 7pm Mozart's Requiem Mass with Fiorosa singers. Tel: 01604 628822

Sun 4, Pentecostal Mass
16th century organs and choral polyphony at this special Mass. 12 noon at Fotheringhay Church. Tel: 01832 272026

Sun 4, Creation in Bloom
Gardens open 1pm, bbq, art exhibition, tea and stalls, in aid of St Michael and All Angels, Creaton. Tel: 01604 505784

Wed 7, The Faith We See 7pm at Bouverie Court, Northampton. Dr Janet Hodgson on art, life and scripture as an approach to mission and evangelism. To book call 01604 887048

Wed 7 and Tues 27, Godly Play Workshops, 7.30pm, The Chantry House, Towcester. Training for children's leaders. To book call: 01604 887048

Sat 10, The Elias String Quartet 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Lyddington. For ticket details tel: 01572 822211

Sat 10 and Sun 11, Twywell St Nicholas' Flower Festival . Fete 2.30pm on Sat. Afternoon teas both days at the Manor House. Tel: 01832 733862

Sat 10 and Sun 11, Benefield Fete and Flower Festival. 2-5pm church open. Refreshments. Gardens of Benefield House also open. Fete in grounds on Sun, 2-5pm. Stalls and side shows.

Tues 13, ‘Changing Lives' Taster. 6.45 for 7.30pm at Bouverie Court, N'ton. Educating for Ministry's Changing Lives is an ecumenical course about the Christian faith and discipleship in the world. Tel: 01327 260483 or visit www.efmuk.org.uk

Sat 17, Family Matters workshop , 10am-3.30pm at Christ the King, Kettering. For those with pastoral concern for families. Tel: 01604 887048

Sat 17, Proms in the Paddock , 7.30pm, Home Farm, Cold Ashby. Bring picnic, sing to Blue Rhythm Orchestra. £5.00 adults, £2.50 children £2.50. Tel: 01604 740280

Sat 17 and Sun 18, St Peter and St Paul Chipping Warden Flower Festival, 11am - 5pm. Songs of Praise, 6pm Sunday. Tel: 01295 760383

Sat 17 and Sun 18, Glapthorn St Leonard Fete and Open Gardens 2-5 pm. Celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday. Flowers, teas, scarecrows, fete on Sat. Sun, 6.30pm, evensong with Bishop Ian. Tel: 01832 273526

Sat 17 and Sun 18, Flore Flower and Garden Festival. Theme: Favourite Paintings. Exhibition by Denetre Quilters in church. Teas. Open from 10am.

Sun 18, Songs of Praise 6pm, Canons Ashby National Trust Property. Email: priscilla.parryvirgin.net

Sun 18, Cottesbrooke Open Gardens 2-5pm. Greenhouses at Cottesbrooke Hall also open. Tel: 01604 505717

Fri 23 – Sun 25, Chelveston St John the Baptist Flower Festival. Theme: Saints and Flowers. Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Tel: 01933 312582

Fri 23 – Sun 25, Broughton St Andrew's Church Art Exhibition. 200 pictures by local artists for sale. Refreshments. Email: pat.lakebtopenworld.com

Sat 24, Kislingbury Plant Fair and Open Gardens , 10.30am-4pm St Luke's Church, Kislingbury village. Tel: 01604 830514

Sat 24, The Proms at Wakefield Lodge Potterspury. Outdoor concert, 7.30pm, gates open 5.30pm. Bring picnic, rugs and umbrellas. Tickets: £20 adults, £7.50 children. Tel: 01908 324422. For Willen Hospice and St Nicholas Church.

Sat 24 and Sun 25, Raunds St Peter Flower Festival. Opens 10am. Lunches and teas served. Email: jultontalk21.com

Sun 25, Irchester Open Gardens 2pm-6pm. Tickets at Irchester St Katharine's church. Tel: 01933 359096

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 July 2006 issue of the Parish News: Friday 16th JUNE 2006 at 6pm E-mail: Lisa

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR THIS MONTH
		ST. MARY, BAINTON	ST. JOHN BAPTIST, BARNACK	ST. ANDREW, UFFORD
4th	Pentecost	6.00pm Evensong	10.15am Parish Communion	9.00am Holy Communion
11th	Trinity Sunday	9.00am Parish Communion	10.15am Parish Communion	6.00 pm Evensong
18th	1st Sunday after Trinity	6.00pm Evensong	10.15am Festival family Service (Father's Day)	9.00am Holy Communion
24th	St John the Baptist	No Service United Benefice	10.15am Benefice Communion	No Service United Benefice

EY: BCP = Book of Common Prayer; CR = Contemporary Language Rite; TR = Traditional Language Rite

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BARNACK METHODIST CHAPEL

The services for June are as follows:
4th     2.45 pm Rev Malcolm Peach Holy Communion
11th   10.30 am Ms Hilary Walker
18th   10.30 am Rev Malcolm Peach
25th   10.30 am Mr Ron Curtis
Contact: Jill Unsworth 01780 740456
Minister: Rev Malcolm Peach

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BARNACK BAPTIST CHURCH

Meets in Barnack Village Hall

4th   10:30am “People of Courage” & Communion
11th 10:30am Service of Dedication Danielle Dunn
18th 10:30am “People of Faith”
25th 10:30am All Age Cafe Style Service

Elder: Graham Dunn Tel: 01780 749198

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!