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

MARTIN GRECH comes to the Met Lounge in Peterborough Martin Grech will be playing at the Metropolis Lounge on Tuesday May 10th at a fund-raising gig in aid of the ‘Big Issue Foundation’. If you have never heard of Martin Grech you are sure to remember the haunting tune used in the Lexus car advert last year, which came from his “Open Heart Zoo” album. Just a few reviews for his work give a flavour of his style: “Sonorous, sweeping, majestic and big in every way.” NME . “One of the best voices in Rock.” The Times. “Open Heart Zoo is one of the most astounding far-reaching debuts you’re likely to hear.” Rock Sound. “The voice clings to your soul and glides past your heart.” The Fly. If you’d like to hear samples of his music visit www.openheartzoo.com or to read full reviews of his performances from the national press, please visit his website: www.martingrech.com. Don’t miss out, book your tickets today. This is a rare chance to see a nationally renowned performer live in Peterborough and to show your support for the ‘Big Issue Foundation’. Tickets are £5 in advance and may be ordered from James Chadwick on 01780 740893 or direct from the Met Lounge 01733 566100.

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.

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.

Royal British Legion
A service of dedication of our new standard and the Legion’s commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the ending of the Second World War will take place in St John the Baptist Church, Barnack at 12 noon on Sunday 15th May.
It is expected that Standards from the County and neighbouring branches will be present, supported by Stamford Brass and trumpeter. Representatives of the Royal Air Force and the four parishes in the district are being invited, together with members of all denominations and local organisations.
The Service will be conducted by the Reverend John Wilson and there will be a light buffet and refreshments served in the Wilfrid Wood Hall afterwards.
Especially welcome will be those with relations and or connections with the fallen honoured on the war memorial, as well as anyone who has served in the armed forces and associated services - together with their families and friends.
For any further information, please contact either Malcolm Morrice (740865) or Charles Clark (740441)

Music at the Millstone Inn
Last month two special guests entertained us: Bailey, a 26 year old singer-songwriter from Cambridge who performed his own quirky songs, complemented by his classical guitar. We also moved away from the acoustic format to finish the evening with an amplified set by local band, The Red Guards.
In addition we enjoyed open floor spots from the hilarious John from Oakham, Jacqueline who sang a beautiful version of the haunting “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, John from Wittering singing powerful folk and an excellent young newcomer, Nick from Peterborough.
The next session is on Tuesday May 3rd 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 for more details.

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.

Children’s Craft & Puppet Workshop Cancelled
The puppet workshop planned for Sunday May 8th 2.30 to 4.30 in Ufford Village Hall has been cancelled.

Barnack Fun Run
Saturday 7th May, 2.00pm start from the School Playing Field.
It’s time for all that hard training for the Fun Run to pay off – and if you haven’t had time to train you can always walk the course. Get your entry forms from Barnack Post Office or School Office. Entry costs just £2 for children and £3 for adults in advance and £3 and £4, respectively, on the day. There are two distances races around the village, 2.5 km and 5 km, and prizes for the first runners ‘home’ in several categories and certificates for everyone who completes the course.
We also need plenty of helpers to act as marshals and keep the course safe for the runners and spectators. Or why not lend a hand with the time keeping? If you can, please do consider helping out – just contact Karen Dunn on 749198.
All money raised will go to the BSA, which supports Barnack School by funding school trips, buying new equipment and providing special events and treats for the children.

Bill Elwood
Grace and his family would like to thank everyone for the kind flowers, letters and cards and the tremendous support we received during Bill’s illness and at his death. The support and kindness given by all, especially from fellow members of the church and local villages has been greatly appreciated. Grace Elwood

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 and taking part in the annual Lincolnshire ‘Art on the Map’ Open Studios. Come and see some pots and watch her work from 11am to 5pm on 28th & 29th of May and 4th & 5th of June.

Local pupil stars in ‘Short Change’
The BBC were in Barnack on the 12th of April to film Seth Burkett for the children’s consumer programme ‘Short Change’. The article is an investigation on bladed-stud football boots (‘blades’).
Whilst playing for Northampton Town U-11’s in 2001 at Notts County, Seth slipped and dislocated his elbow, for which he is still receiving treatment. He puts the injury down to the slip in new boots which moved in an unfamiliar way. The programme is due to go out on Saturday 30th April and 5pm on Tuesday 3rd May.

Ufford Ladies
The travel talk and slide show given by Richard Adams in March was enjoyed by all. A new committee was elected at the AGM , with the Chairman and Secretary to be decided at the next meeting which will be on Tuesday May 24th at Ufford Village Hall at 7.45pm. David Wynne will talk about “An Evacuee in Baston” and will be bringing some of his books to sell.

Spring Craft Fayre
Come to The Spring Craft Fayre at the Granary, Manor Farm, Bainton, on Friday 6th May, 10am to 3pm Browse among the fourteen craft and gift stalls including; Tuk Tuk foods, Phoenix Greeting cards, Badington’s Handmade bunting, windbreaks and garden furniture, Birchcraft, Anne Beaver Children’s Toys and many more.. Enjoy a cup of coffee and homemade cake. Entrance fee of £2 in aid of Cancer Research. For more details contact Sarah Kirby on 740694

Barnack Bowls Club
Winners of the March 200 Club draw:
No 55 Judy Francis £25
No 26 Mrs J Honour £15
No 50 Margaret Broadbelt £10

Barnack Methodist Church
Your support for our April Coffee Morning and Cake Stall raised a further £122.05 for our funds and in addition the Fairtrade Stall has taken over £75 during March and April, the profits from which will go to Sierra Leone. The May Coffee Morning will take place on Saturday, 7th May at the usual time of 10 am to 11.30 am and we look forward to seeing you. We shall also be having Fairtrade products for sale.

Christian Aid Week May 15th -21st
The U.K. government is committed to making 2005 a year when poverty is on the international agenda. To tackle poverty it must address the injustices in world trade. Christian Aid this year asks churches to call for trade justice.
As individuals we can help to bring about a better life for people in poor communities all over the world, by supporting Christian Aid week. Your donations help to provide better living conditions, health care, food, transport and shelter. Christian Aid’s income depends on the generosity of ordinary people to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Please give generously in Christian Aid week. Jose Irving-Bell.

Barnack W.I.
At the April meeting we learned about the wearing of saris. Mrs. Pam Bisnauthsing brought a wonderful selection of colourful saris, including the red and gold one in which she was married, in a Hindu wedding ceremony. Beryl Burrows and Sue Jarman volunteered to be our models, and this enabled us to see exactly how a sari is worn. There were many questions after which a vote of thanks was given.
A birthday buttonhole was presented to Peggy Riddel. The raffle was won by June Woollard and the competition by Sylvia Baker. At our next meeting we shall discuss and vote on the resolutions which are to be presented at the Annual General Meeting in the Royal Albert Hall in June. New members and visitors are always welcome. Elizabeth Young

Volunteers Required For Southorpe Entertainment Committee
Have you got some bright ideas and a little spare time? If so, we need you to come and join the Entertainments Committee. Currently there are two events held a year for the village which the Entertainments Committee organise. If you are interested, please call Edward Elwood on 01780 740905

The Wiki Cafe
Many thanks to all who supported the Wiki Cafe at the Reading Room - both the hosts and hostesses and those who enjoyed a cup of coffee, chat, walk, run etc. Together we raised £588 for the Tsunami and Sudan appeals.
The Wiki Cafe has now closed for a summer break but hopefully will return next winter.

Bainton Tennis
We should be so pleased if tennis players would like to use our Court again his year. It is always available, unless being played on by others! It might pay to ring 740227 to make sure, before coming. In view of all the disasters suffered by so many millions of the World’s children, we are suggesting a voluntary contribution to United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund ; there will be a tin by the Court. We hope to arrange an all against all tournament later in the summer, culminating in a final match and Barbecue. Bill and Mary Birkbeck.

Activities in Ufford Village Hall - May
Self Development Mondays 7-9.30pm
Pop-In Wednesdays 10am to noon
Parish Council Weds 11th 8-10pm
Painting Thursdays 9.30am to 12.30
Dance Saturdays 10.30am to 3.30pm
Ufford Ladies Tuesday 24th 7 to 10pm
For further information or to join one of these activities contact the following:
Self development - Donna Stewart 01778-561804. Ladies Group - Frieda Gosling 01780 740343. Pop In - Sally Ward 01780 740594. Dance Class - Thea Ford 01733 213118. Painting Class Brenda Eastman 01733 266853

The Good News Van
Have you visited The Good News Van yet? If not, why not try to come to Margaret Durdey’s house on Tuesday May 17th, any time between 10.30 and 12noon, when the van will next be visiting Barnack. You will be very welcome to come for a chat, a cup of coffee and a cake. If you wish to look at the selection of up to date books, videos and tapes they will be there for you to browse through. It is a free lending library. We do not charge fines, whatever length of time it takes you to read the book!! We hope to see some new faces, as well as our regular visitors.

Treasure Hunt
Sunday 19th June, 3 pm start from the School Playing Field.
Join us for this exciting treasure trail around the village. They’ll be lots of clues and maybe things to collect. Entry is £5 per family and the hunt will be suitable for all ages. There’ll be a small prize for everyone who solves all the clues and completes the trail and special ‘treasure’ for the winners.
We’re also firing up the barbeque later in the day (not included in the price) – what a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! No pre-booking is required, just turn up.

Barnack Wildlife Watch Club
The new Wildlife Watch Club at School is a great success. We have had so many children sign up that we are proposing to split the group into two: one called Badgers & one Foxes. Our May meetings are entitled Woodland Explorer. We’ll be finding out about woods and the wildlife that lives there, and discovering more about the School’s new woodland area.
The Foxes meeting will be on 20th May, Badgers on 27th May. Both meetings run from 3.30 pm until 5 pm and start off in the School Hall before going outside. This month we may also have the opportunity of joining the Peterborough Watch Group on a visit to Fineshade Woods on Sunday 22nd May (10 am – 12 noon) – we’ll send detail to club members soon.
For more information on Barnack Wildlife Watch Club contact Jackie Rowlands 740640 or Jayne Lillywhite 755527.

The Barnack Village Weekly Pub quiz
This is now comfortably entrenched at the Millstone Inn and has become a most resounding success. Currently 7 to 8 teams jovially battle it out each Sunday evening for ever-increasing cash prizes. The Millstone’s much appreciated patronage of the weekly event ensures an inviting reception in a most convivial atmosphere. A huge welcome awaits all with a very jolly time assured. New teams are most welcome, come on and join in this fantastic village community experience, every Sunday evening 8pm.

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.

Barnack C of E Primary School.
Deadline for Pupil Registration. Children who are five years old on or before 31st August 2006 are eligible to start school in September 2005. I should be grateful if parents intending to register their child or children for the September term would do so by Friday 29 April 2005. Parents interested in visiting our school would be most welcome. John Green, Head

Ufford Park Cricket Club
Junior Section – after a successful 2004 season, the Club will be running both Under 11 & Under 9 teams during the 2005 season. Boys and girls of any ability are welcome to join the teams – learn and improve your skills with qualified ECB and police checked Coaches. Matches are played on Sunday mornings and the occasional Tuesday evening from week commencing 1st May. Coaching takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6.00 to 7.30 pm. For further information, contact Andy Hills 740760 or D Harrington 763174.
The recent sponsored walk raised £350 and the Auction raised £240.

Darby & Joan Club
Mrs Rawlings was the winner of ‘Beetle’, Mrs Whitburn second and Mrs Coles third. Booby prize went to Mrs Grant. Members enjoyed a lunch at the Millstone – many thanks to the Staff for their hospitality. Mr Chris Donaldson from Air Ambulance came to the last meeting, when Mrs L Bell presented £166 to him on behalf of Members. Mr Donaldson gave a brief outline of the work and fund raising for the Air Ambulance. The ‘Scarf’ competition winner was Mrs G Green, second Mr R Green and third Mrs L Bell.

Buttercross Club
At our April meeting Jill Wilkinson from the ‘Feel Good Factory’ in Stamford talked to us about ‘first impressions’ and gave us advice on choosing colour and style wisely.  She then explained about how her workshops can help clients in confidence building - an important aspect in the ‘feel good’ factor! On May 4th we have our line dancing experts to take us through the motions.  It’s bound to be great fun, so come comfortably dressed and be prepared to have a go.  There will also be our annual plant stall - please bring any spare plants (potted and labelled if possible).
Forward notice for June - our outing will not be on the usual first Wednesday, as we are fortunate to be going on a guided tour of Barnsdale Garden centre on 29th June. Our hosts will be Nick and Sue Hamilton, son and daughter-in-law of the late Geoff Hamilton. We plan to go for a pub supper after the garden tour. If you wish to come, please contact Mary Gowers asap.

Bainton Wash Dyke
In early April, an army of volunteers set about restoring the site for the old Wash Dyke in Ufford Road, which dates back to early medieval times. At least once a year, for many centuries, the adjacent stream was diverted into a large pit on the site, into which the sheep were dunked to wash their wool The remains of the construction were in a remarkably good state of repair. The intention is to fence the area, include reconstruction of the original pens, and cover the area with turf. A notice giving historical information will then be constructed. This really is a village community project, and if you would like to help, contact Chris Agnew or Michael Bratley who are co-ordinating the project. It is intended to organise another working party for Saturday 30th April. If you could spare a couple of hours, please turn up at 10.00 am with wellies, rake and spade to lend a hand.