October 2008 Parish News

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PARISH CHURCHES - WEEKLY SET SERVICES & EVENTS:
All are welcome at any of our Services.

Morning Prayer will be said at 8.30 am at St John’s Barnack on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and on Thursday at 7.00am.

A Service of Prayer for Peace and Justice will be said in St Mary’s Bainton at 9.00am on Tuesdays, followed by coffee.

Prayer Group: Mondays 6-6.00pm Ufford Church

Children’s Church: Children’s Church meets on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, during the service. Children of all ages are most welcome.

Family Services: A Family Service is held in St John’s Barnack on every 3rd Sunday. This service is specially for families and their children and is not a communion service.

Barnack Church Notes Oct 08
The Clock. Reset your watches; our clock is now chiming very near to British Summer Time. Thanks to John Ward and our engineer for their persistent tweaking. We hope to maintain the same accuracy when we switch to GMT.
The Vestry. We are painting and decorating. The plan is for a re-fit to make it not only a smart vestry area, but also a cosy corner for our Children’s Church.
Petrina and June (Churchwardens)

Women Connect: October 16th 8pm Home of Dawn Alvey

Coffee Morning Sat, Oct 18th 10:30 - Noon St John The Baptist Church, Barnack. All welcome

GENUINE PET LOVER WANTED
Genuine pet lover wanted living locally, required to care for two friendly (if untrained!), 5 year old male Cocker Spaniels in our home and two cats when we are away on holiday or for the weekend. Twice daily visits with dog walks. Reliable, responsible, caring adult able to manage two dogs for long walks. Two character references required. £10 per day. Please contact Belinda on 01780 749402

Quiz Evening Ufford
There will be a quiz evening in the Village Hall on Friday 14th November at 7pm Please make up tables of six people. There will be a fish and chips supper. Bring your own wine. Tickets £10.00 per person from Sally Hudson 740475. Proceeds to St. Andrew’s Fabric Fund.

Dear Parents and Friends
Last year saw the successful launch of our Parent Reading Buddy scheme at Barnack School. 10 parents and a grandparent attended the initial Reading Buddy training in September and during the year 39 children received individual Parent Reading Buddy support. The scheme has been an overwhelming success and we are eager to train more Parent Reading Buddies and continue this initiative during the coming year. From our feedback we know that it helps to develop the children’s reading skills, promote a positive reading attitude, and instil a love of books and reading.
If you are interested in supporting the school as a Reading Buddy, you will be required to attend an initial training session and undergo a CRB check prior to commencing reading with the children. You would also need to commit yourself for one hour each week to help three children with their reading. The title of ‘Parent Reading Buddy’ is a flexible one because grandparents, other relatives or members of the community will be very welcome to take part.
If you are interested in becoming a ‘Parent Reading Buddy’ and are willing to undertake some training and can commit yourself to being in school for one hour a week, we would love to hear from you. Chris Green

Village Ladies’ Group
On the 26th of August the ladies enjoyed an evening with David Marrington he talked about the beauty of the countryside, he reinforced an appreciation of how wonderful nature can be especially when we have had our fair share of dull, dark and rainy days.
On Tuesday September 23rd Laura Pollock will be sharing with us “A Wry Look at Life”, please come and join us and hear what Laura has to say, our evening starts at 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall, we look forward to seeing you.
Our following meeting will be on Tuesday the 21st of October and it will be Tony King giving a talk on “Soweto and Back, this should be an interesting evening giving us an insight into a different way of life. We start at our usual time of 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall.

Bainton Arms
Bainton and Ashton - don’t forget our usual slot on the second Friday of each month. 7.30-9.30pm at The Granary, Manor Farm, Bainton. All welcome.

Barnack Horticultural Show & Family Day 2008
The Show Committee is evaluating this years Show and planning for 2009, any ideas or suggestions please contact us: Judi Campbell 740420 or Debbie Martin 740048 or online via www.barnack-show.co.uk * Do you have raffle ticket 709? If so please get in touch.

Wheelie Bins in Barnack
Please would you ensure that all wheelie bins are taken back in promptly after the collection on a Monday.
Those that are placed on the road due to there being no footpath, are causing unnecessary obstructions to motorists if not retrieved. Thank you.

Ufford Art Society
The Art Society are holding their November Exhibition and Sale at the Ufford Village Hall on Sat 8th & Sun 9th November from 10am till 4pm.
Refreshments will be available & stalls include hand blown glass, handbags, books, cards, a Thorpe Hall Charity stall, jewellery, Christmas items & bric-a-brac.

Royal British Legion
84 members and guests attended our traditional Summer Evening Party at the Millstone Inn on 13th August, including Group Captain Paul Higgins (the new Station Commander at RAF Wittering), Tony Goodwin (RBL County Chairman), Brian Marsden (RBL County Youth Officer) and a party of officers and senior cadets from Stamford Schools CCF - now affiliated officially to the branch.
Highlights of the occasion included a talk by Group Captain Higgins - who had just returned from Afghanistan - on the activities of the local detachments of the RAF based in Kandahar, followed by his presentation of Long Service Awards to Judth Morrice’s team of poppy sellers who, together with their supporters, give so much of their time to raise funds for the Legion’s Poppy Appeal (well over £3,000 in 2007).
Recipients were Arthur Shelton (30 years), Linda Cannon, June Graham, Elaine Ward and Fiona West (25years), Richard Chesmond and Bill Dodman (20 years) and Bill Campbell (15 years).
We were pleased to sign on several new recruits on our stand at the recent Village Horticultural Show and our branch standard-bearer (Ted Murray, supported by members) was on parade at the heartwarming ‘Welcome Home’ march past of 3 squadron RAF through Stamford after its return from Kandahar on September 2nd.
Arrangements for the November Remembrance Church Service and War Memorial Ceremony will follow the usual format and be confirmed in next month’s magazine. Charles Clark.

Baptist Church Youth Club
Youth Club - there will be a meeting on 31st October.

Buttercross Club
Exam results have recently been front-page news and for those of us with children and grandchildren who have recently sat national exams, we welcomed the opportunity to hear at first hand from one of the thousands of exam-markers involved in the whole process ; in this, the Reverent May Lloyd, a Baptist Minister, entertained us with her take on the modern exam system and amused us with some witty anecdotes and observations which she had made during her career as a teacher and examiner. As to whether grades have been dumbed down in recent years, a feeling that coursework has allowed for cheating and whether the internet makes this easier: all these points are still controversial of course.
Our Annual Village Supper will be held on Wednesday, 1st October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 and can be obtained from Roe Yates on 740833. Please buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment! JJ

Barnack Bowls Club
The winners of the August draw were:
No 33 Peter Hutchins £25
No 93 Reg Thompson £15
No 64 Chris Ford £10
And for September:
No 38 Barbara Knights £25
No 36 George Unsworth £15
No 22 Peter Sharman £10
The season has now ended and as a result of the C team gaining one more point than the B team, next year the C team will join the A team in Division One. All teams have produced a high standard of play which has again been matched by the excellence of the rinks thanks to the hard work of our groundsman, Mark Hammond.
Although the bowling season has now ended members still have the Annual Dinner to look forward to which will be held this year on Saturday, 18 October.

Barnack WI Tuesday 9 September 08
Peterborough Prison opened in 2005 and is the country’s only purpose built prison to accept male and female people (in separate wings). The female side of the prison has a dedicated mother and baby unit which can hold up to 10 mothers and 11 children (the extra child space in case of a mother with twins). Mr Martin Marsh is a Resident Governor in the female side of the prison and he came to speak to Barnack WI about his work and the prison. Martin gave a very brief introduction about the history and background of the prison, but then opened the meeting up to questions from the audience. Needless to say, in true WI fashion, there was a barrage of perspicacious questions regarding prison life, particularly in relation to the female residents. The information imparted by Mr Martin was absolutely fascinating, although at times disturbing, and all WI members and guests felt that they learned a huge amount from the question and answer session. The evening was a resounding success and Mr Marsh was thanked for his honesty and humour throughout the presentation.
The talk was preceded by the business part of the evening. It was reported that the banner presented to Barnack School had its first outing at the leavers’ service in July. The WI provided their now infamous cream teas and cakes at the Horticultural show at the end of August and the profit from the teas was shared between the WI and the Horticultural show funds. Barnack WI have agreed to once again decorate a Christmas tree for the Tree festival to be held in the church in December. The next meeting is to be held on Tuesday 14 October at 7.30pm where Mr or Mrs Hughes will speak on “Anna’s Hope”.
A trip to London has been organised for Tuesday 18th November. It will be possible to either visit the British Museum, or arrange your own activities (e.g. shopping!) for the day. The coach will leave Barnack Square at 8.30am and will pick up from an arranged spot in London at 4.30pm. The cost will be £12. The trip is open to WI members and anyone else who lives locally who would like to go. If you are interested, please call Sue Jarman on 01780 740104

Svalbard 2008
As a big thank you to all who supported me on my expedition to Svalbard (arctic Norway) I will be showing my photos and talking about my trip in Barnack School Hall on Wednesday 22nd October at 7.30pm. Everyone one is welcome! Although the talk is free, there will be a donation box for the Hope and Homes for Children charity. Please come and bring your friends! Hannah Wright

To Residents in Bainton & Ashton
Would you like to make new friends, enjoy a family activity, be part of a thriving community, enjoy the fresh air, exercise (better than a gym!), recycle, have fresh fruit and vegetables, cheap seeds, cheap garden sundries, compost etc?
If the answer is YES then come along to Bainton Reading Room on Thursday 23rd OCTOBER at 7pm and discover the wonderful world of allotments and what they can do for you.
The guest speaker will be Karen Kenny from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardens. Considerable interest has been shown by residents and we are hoping to form an Allotment & Leisure Gardening Association – please note you don’t have to have an allotment to join – it is for all gardeners.
The meeting is open to all and we look forward to seeing you. Zena Coles 740550 or Judith Morrice 740865

Barnack Methodist Chapel
We have two dates to which we would like to draw your attention and also warmly invite you to attend.
On Saturday, 3 October we will be holding our monthly Coffee Morning and Cake Stall after our September break. This will take place at the usual time of 10 am to 11 am and we will be taking orders at this venue for Christmas Puddings, mince pies and mincemeat. (Where has the year gone to?)
On Thursday, 9 October, Rev Heather Walker will be conducting her third Shalom Service of the year and this will start at 2.15 pm.
Thank you for your support at the Horticultural Show. We took over 80 jars of jams, pickles and chutneys and were left with two!

Bainton & Ashton 2009 Calendar!
Don’t miss this chance to buy your wonderful local calendar. Each month has a drawing of places of interest in our two villages.
The calendar has been produced as a result of the village plaque and will be sold in aid of The Smile Train - “Changing the world one smile at a time” This charity performs life-changing operations on children with hare-lips and cleft palettes via trains equiped with operating theatres
100 calendars sold will change the life of one little child.
Selling at £5 each or £4.50 if buying more than one. Please contact me (740865) or Zena Coles (740550) to view the calendar and I shall place a sample in Bainton church. Judith Morrice

Anna’s Hope 5000 Mile Cycle Challenge Around Rutland Water On Sunday 26th October
Following the successful completion of the Lands End to John O’ Groats last year Rob Hughes ,Anna’s dad and chairman of local children’s cancer charity , Anna’s Hope challenges you, your friends, your family, and your business to raise money by entering the 5000 MILE CYCLE CHALLENGE around the shores of Rutland Water. The cycling event , in association with Rutland Cycling and Anglia Water, starts and finishes at Whitwell opposite Rutland Cycling. The challenge is for everyone to cycle as many miles as possible to meet a cumulative target of 5000 miles. Every mile counts, whether it is 17 miles around the reservoir or 23 miles including Hambleton peninsula. Families with small children can do the shorter 2 or 7 mile routes.
If the cumulative distance cycled by all those who enter is more than 5000 miles, Anna’s dad will donate £1000 to the charity. So take up the challenge, get sponsored and HELP GIVE HOPE to those children and young people diagnosed with a brain tumour.
To enter please pick up a leaflet available from local outlets including Rutland Cycling or download an entry form by visiting www.rutlandcycling.com
Entrance fees including T Shirt and Goody bag : Adults £10 , Children under 16 £5 and Family of four £15.
If you do not have a bicycle , cycle hire at a discounted rate is available on the day from Rutland Cycling. For those who raise money through sponsorship they will also have a chance to win a child’s bike , which has been kindly donated by Rutland Cycling. Any queries ring 01780 740492 or email admin@annashope.co.uk
Anna’s Hope is a local charity inspired by Anna Olivia Hughes who sadly died from a brain tumour, aged only 3 years and 8 months. It may surprise you to learn that Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and young people and Anna’s Hope wants to help make a real difference NOW. The Charity aims to provide better rehabilitation and support at home and in hospital, for those children and young people diagnosed with a brain tumour. Fund raising efforts so far will benefit over 300 children & young people in the region’

The Friends of Barnack Church
The winners in the draw for August were
£20 No. 90 Mr. and Mrs. D. Simmonds
£10 No.194 Mr. C. Butland
£5 No.116 Mrs. L. Pollock

Calling all Singers
Barnack Church will hold its annual Carol Service on Sunday, December 14th. This is the end of the week of the Christmas Tree Festival. We are happy to welcome extra voices to join us on this occasion. Practices will begin on Thursday, October 9th, at 6.00pm in Barnack Church. If you enjoy singing and would like to join us for the Carol Service, or indeed to join the church choir, please speak to David Chadwick or myself. We shall be delighted to welcome you! Liz Young. 740 347

Darby & Joan Club
Members were taken to the Red Lion at West Deeping for lunch, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The monthly competition for a Letter Opener attracted eleven very interesting entries and was won by Mrs I Briggs, 2nd Mrs L Bell and 3rd Mrs J Garratt. Thanks were expressed to the Committee for organising this successful event. Our Harvest Festival will be held on Wednesday 8 October, 2.00 pm, at The Acres, conducted by Rev. Malcolm Peach. Everyone welcome.

More Articles Wanted
Please email the editor if you have an article of interest to print in the magazine.
One page is approx 700 words.

The Day the Ambassador Called
One evening in May 2008 I answered the front door bell and a gentleman introduced himself as the Dutch Ambassador and his wife as Cordula, whose maiden name was Quarles Van Ufford. They were researching her family tree!
I was able to tell them that six generations of the Quarles family had been lords of the manor of Ufford between 1555 and 1689. They lived at Downhall, now just the name of a wood north of Ufford Farm. The manor house had been by far the largest house in Ufford as it had ten hearths in 1662 at the time of the Hearth Tax. Nothing remains today apart from some earth banks and ditches.
Ufford Church Monument The Quarles family were involved in all aspects of village life. One wrote an inventory of all his land and the names of the farmers who cultivated it for him. This book, with his initials in gold on the front, was kept in the Ufford church chest until recently. Another was one of the four watchers of the Armada beacon. Another family member collected Ufford‘s poll tax money, £12 in total, and £10 of this was his own contribution. He led an army of one hundred owners of common land who were opposed to the draining of Borough Fen by the Duke of Bedford.
In 1621 George Quarles erected the marble monument in the church in memory of his sister-in-law, one of Queen Elizabeth I‘s gentlewomen. The last of the Quarles dynasty to live in Ufford, another George, died prematurely aged only twenty three in 1689.
There were two unsolved mysteries – where the Quarles family lived before they came to Ufford and what became of the family after 1689? Cordula was able to provide some of the answers.
The Quarles family appears to have originated in Scotland, but migrated to Norfolk about 1400. They were lords of the manor of Quarles near Gresham. The population of many Norfolk villages was already declining when the Black Death reached there in 1349, causing the population to decline still further. Without workers the lord‘s income fell and the village became one of England‘s “lost villages”. This was probably the reason why the first George Quarles moved out of Norfolk and came to live in Ufford. His will, describing him as George Quarles “of Ufford in Northamptonshire”, survives. He died in 1535 and asked to be buried in Ufford churchyard but his grave is not marked.
William Quarles of Cley and Gresham, who was probably George‘s brother, married a girl from Blakeney, where their son John was born in 1532. John was a merchant and was mentioned in the records of the Drapers Company in London. John‘s son, also named John, also made his living in the cloth trade between England and Holland. He married a Dutch girl and they settled in the Netherlands. Their son, Willem, became the first Dutch Quarles.
The Dutch Quarles family appear to have kept in touch with their English cousins. They were ennobled by Emperor Franz I of Austria and admitted to the Dutch nobility in 1815. There are two main branches of the family, the Quarles de Quarles (barons) and the Quarles Van Ufford (jonkeers, the lowest grade in the Dutch nobility).
As for the family of the George Quarles who died in 1689, his three sisters all married, but the family name was carried on by his cousins. It appears that one or more of them emigrated to the USA. In fact some American visitors were in Ufford a few years ago, looking for evidence of their Quarles‘ ancestors. I am now waiting for a visit from a young man wearing cowboy boots & a stetson! Frieda Gosling

Barnack Horticultural Show & Family Day 2008
Sunday 31st August saw Barnack School come alive with a colourful and abundant number of entries into the Horticultural Show. New classes – such Children’s Photography – alongside long established ones seemed to capture people’s imaginations with a high standard and more entries in all categories.
On the field, stall holders arrived, community members rallied round, gazebos were put up and chairs and tables moved into place. The gate staff were ready, the tea urn bubbling away, the judges busy in the school hall. There was a shared hope in the air - please keep the rain away!
Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale Gardens opened the Show, his positive and encouraging speech paying tribute to the importance of horticulture, the environment & a sense of community.

For people who are familiar with growing vegetables, making jams and baking, the Show is an excellent way of demonstrating their talents and having fun, but also it offers an inspiring example for people who don’t have that knowledge or confidence. In today’s era of mass- produced food, highly processed content and “off the shelf” culture, a celebration of locally- grown food and home industries can only help motivate others and increase sustainability. This year the Show opened up a new category – “Young Green Fingers” – to help to try and promote an interest and awareness of vegetables for children. The Show is about the future and recognises the importance of its heritage.
The history of Barnack Show spans some 116 years, throughout which it has touched many generations of people’s lives. Some of these memories were caught on film for the recently established Barnack Archive Project and were shown at a successful film night in the Village Hall to help promote this year’s Show. So what is it that has kept this local institution running for so long?

Perhaps it’s the fact that the Show gets people together; there is something for everyone, it extends out across the generations in an inspiring and holistic way bringing people of different ages, ideals, beliefs, interests and talents to one place at one time. Too often in today’s society older people can feel isolated and disassociated from young people; youngsters may sometimes feel that the older generations lack tolerance and have “forgotten what it’s like to be young.” Events that bring people collectively together to have fun, celebrate local identity and creativity help maintain a safe and welcoming community.
Jam tasting For me, the beauty of this year’s Show was seeing the way that the young and old came together to work for the benefit of the community. The Show was blessed with more young people getting involved, offering their help, looking after stalls and helping clear up afterwards. These children and young people should be encouraged, nurtured and applauded for their involvement. For many older residents the Show is something they have supported for many years; their expertise and knowledge was as significant and as valuable this year as in previous years.
Our sponsors and advertisers are to be thanked, small businesses who in their own ways are helping sustain the local economy, offering valuable services and adding to the richness of the community.
It is important to recognise the contribution that many people made to get the Show off the ground, from firm favourites like the WI with their excellent cream teas, to the beer tent supplied by the Millstone Inn. Many families and individuals offered their support with tractor & trailers for moving tables and chairs, by running stalls, staffing the gates and selling raffle tickets and helping set up and tidy away. The collective aim we all shared to achieve a great annual show, that wasn’t a wash out, which offered fun and things to do and see for all ages, and of course to bring people together, was thankfully achieved. Judi Campbell

Ask Himmel - An offer of help from Outer Space
The year is 2058 and the schoolchildren of 2008 are now grandparents. A message has been received from planet Himmel, a world so far away, none of our scientists knew it existed. It is only the discovery of ‘missive’ –a new system of communication- that has allowed the message to be received on Earth. The message reads:
Himmel: We are so pleased you now have the technology to communicate with us. We have been studying your planet for some time now, as you remind us of how we existed some 2,000 of your Earth years ago. We are not a hostile people, on the contrary we would like to help. We have evolved some way since we were like you, and if there are any questions you feel that we- with our experience- may be able to help, please communicate with us.
The leaders on Earth called a summit meeting to discuss how we could use the expertise being offered and came up with the following reply:
Earth: For some time we have been concerned about the majority of our population that have insufficient to eat and drink. Starvation and squalor are the major concern of over 60% of the world’s population. What can you suggest?
The answer came back within a few nanoseconds:
Himmel: We have studied the statistics of your world. If you were to divide all the food produced by your farmers and divided it by the number of people living on your planet, there would be more than enough for everyone. All you need to do is share it equally.
Earth: We have another question. Many of our people suffer with poor health. Despite our best efforts most of our population die before they should. Have you any suggestions?
Himmel (almost immediately): Again we have researched your resources. For all the illnesses your people seem to contract, most seem curable by the medicines hidden away on your world. You have found some of them in plants, flowers and trees- to find the others, you just have to look harder!
Earth: Every so often someone on our planet decides he wants to be in charge of a country, and then wants to conquer other countries and war results. How can we prevent this?
Himmel: The answer lies in education. Make sure your children are taught social skills as well as academic ones. Help them to learn how to respect each other and live in harmony. Any efforts to dictate to others will soon be overcome.
Earth: You have answered three of the four main questions that trouble us. We now have one last question with which we have struggled for over 50 years. Many motorists drive too fast along the B1443. How can we stop this?
Himmel (after many days of deliberation) Sorry, you have us foxed with that one!

Parish Council Notices

Barnack Parish Council Report
The September meeting of Barnack Parish Council took place on Monday 8 September when six councillors, Cllr Over, PC McCallum, the Clerk and two members of the public were present.
The fence alongside the post office has now been renewed. The standard of the workmanship and the suitability of materials was discussed. The trees on Chapel Lane overhanging Owen Close belong to the Church Commissioners. Peterborough City Council has informed them of the work required. Crosskeys have been requested to clear weeds around the garages on Orchard Road and Little Northfields and on the footpath between Manor View and Little Northfields. There will be roadworks along the B1443 between Barnack and Bainton for approximately 12 weeks while drainage work is carried out. The weight restriction on the B1443 should be in place at the end of September/during October. The Parish Council will decorate a tree in the Christmas Tree Festival. The targets from the Police Liaison Meeting are reducing the dumping of waste, reducing speeding motorists, and the B1443 weight restrictions.
The Neighbourhood Speedwatch scheme is being progressed with each parish council being requested to make a contribution towards the first board for the rural areas. If it proves to be a success, the Community Leadership Group has agreed to purchase a board specifically for the use in our ward. Planning permission has been granted for the installation of a Multi Games Area at Barnack Cof E School, a detached 3 bedroomed dwelling at 2 Orchard Road, Barnack and the removal of 1 conifer tree at Billiwings, Walcot Road, Barnack. Planning approval was requested for a single storey extension and porch extension at 7 Bainton Road, a single storey rear extension at 3 Allerton Close, and to fell an ash tree, crown lift 2 limes and clean out canopy of 3 horse chestnut trees at 25 Bishops Walk, Barnack. There were no objections, but building materials must match the existing properties for the first two applications. Letters of thanks will be written to the Horticultural Show and Burghley Estates. Please note that next month’s meeting will be held on Monday 13 October at 7.30 pm. All are welcome to attend. The full minutes of the meeting are displayed on the notice boards and on our website www.barnackparishcouncil.org
Ufford Parish Council Meeting
Sept 10th 2008. Councillors present were: Clerk: Patricia Stuart-Mogg 01780 783678, Chairman: Marian Browne 01780 740062 ,Frieda Gosling 01780 740343, Ian Snaith 01780 740394. Apologies: Ian Glew and David Over. Sally and Brian Ward attended.
1. Well gates. It was agreed that quotations should be obtained for restoration. The design of the present gates was chosen following a village children‘s competition and the gates were erected in 1997.
2. Telephone box. No requests from residents were received and it was decided that UPC should not pay BT an annual service charge for its retention.
3. Bulbs. Four sacks of mixed daffodil and narcissi bulbs have been bought for planting on Ufford hill, funded by the Barnack Ward Community Fund.
4. Possible obstructions during building work at Hill Cottage. Motorists are advised that delivery lorries may be parked temporarily at the roadside. Pedestrians are warned that a large, thick wooden board has been laid across the footway. The police and PCC Highways and Planning Enforcement have been informed.
Southorpe Parish Council
8th Sept. Present: David Edwards (Vice Chairman), Edward Elwood, Helene Carr, Adrian Robinson, Cllr David Over, Daphne Williams (Clerk). Apologies for absence: Nick Lodge (Chairman).
Village Matters
i) Telephone Kiosk Removal – British Telecom intend to remove the telephone kiosk from Main Street due to under usage; Peterborough City Council‘s Conservation Officer has asked whether the Parish Council would be willing to ‘adopt’ the box if it were spot listed, the telephone equipment would though be removed. The Community Development Fund could finance the purchase of the redundant telephone kiosk from British Telecom but the cost of ongoing maintenance for the kiosk would be the responsibility of the Parish Council. Given its poor state of repair, periodic breakages of the glazing and the cost of maintenance the Parish Council do not wish to adopt the kiosk.
ii) Traffic Calming – Progress
Cambridgeshire Constabulary have agreed to conduct a survey of traffic on Main Street with a road surface monitor, it is hoped that this will take place in the next eight weeks.
The Chief Engineer at Peterborough Highway Department has considered a request for the pavement to be extended throughout Main Street; he has stated that he is unable to do this on the grounds of both cost and technical difficulty. A request that funding be provided through a S106 agreement on the residential development at Stud Farm has been deemed ‘inappropriate’ by the Planning Authority.
The Clerk would request that the verges be cut to a greater width to allow pedestrians to avoid having to walk in the road as much as possible.
A speed camera is to be funded by the Community Development Fund for use in the villages represented by David Over, training will be provided by PC McCallum for local volunteers. Further details are expected shortly.
iii) Natural Environment Project Grant 08/9
The City Council has offered to support Parish Council environmental projects with grants covering 75% of the total cost, the maximum grant available is £225 to fund project materials. The Parish Council would be required to contribute the other 25% in the form of labour or tools.
Cllr David Over is able to offer funding for community environmental projects this year to a maximum of £500.
The Parish Council will apply for the maximum grants to fund hedge planting/laying on the roadside to the south of the village near to the railway bridge, and for additional bulb planting in the Avenue.
Planning Permissions
i) Stud Farm: Conversion of existing barns to a single dwelling - Passed with conditions.
Erection of two new dwellings and garaging – Withdrawn
The next meeting will be held on Monday 8 December at Rosemead Cottage.
Bainton & Ashton Parish Council
9th Sept. with all councillors present: Chris Agnew (Chair) (Tel. 7400007), Andy Totten (740381), Judith Morrice (740865), Zena Coles (Ashton) (740550) and Jane Franks (740004), plus David Over (City Councillor) and 8 members of the public & the clerk, Tony Gowers. Will all residents please discuss any ideas or areas of concern regarding village matters with these volunteer representatives.
We discussed matters regarding upkeep of roads & pathways. For details, please see the minutes on display on the notice board. The bus stop layby continues to be a major concern, particularly now the school children are catching buses again. We are continuing to press the council for a solution to this but are having severe difficulty getting anyone to take action. Our rottweiler councillors won’t give up on this one! Our other anxiety is the dangerous level crossing over the Lolham bridges - Network Rail has assured us that sufficient safety procedures are in hand, but in view of the many near misses our residents are reporting, Tony Gowers was volunteered to spend time at Helpston signal box and ask some awkward questions!
Coun. Over has been granted another discretionary pot of £10,000, which is for all the local villages to use to improve their villages - either a joint project (like the pathways pamphlets and signs last year) or individual ones. If you have any ideas on how some of this could be spent see a Councillor! Some ideas so far are - a further batch of bulbs to plant verges up to the 30 mph signs, some trees along the roads to Ashton, and the resurrection of the Bainton village stocks that were demolished by a horse and cart some 80 years ago. These would be reinstated adjacent to the Buttercross, where they were before, in authentic materials. If you have an opinion on this - or who you can suggest should try them out first - please say. There is considerable interest in the idea of initiating some allotments in the village. We are trying to find some suitable land within walking distance (an acre or so would do) and we are arranging a meeting of those interested on 23rd October at 7.00pm in the Reading Room. If you are interested come along, if you can’t come but would like a plot, talk to a Councillor. Next meeting 4th November 2008.