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Parish News September 2008

Pause for Though from Parish Priest: Canon Margaret Venables
The Rectory, Barnack, Stamford, Lincolnshire. PE9 3ET

Far more than January, September seems to me to be the time of new beginnings. I suppose it is long years of teaching that cause me to think like this and I can never get out of my head the pleasure I had as a young child in opening a new exercise book at the beginning of the school year with the promise that all my work would be faultless. Of course by week three, at least my maths book, had a lot of red marks across it!! But it is not just schools that start afresh, you only have to look at the ‘Stamford Mercury’ to see the number of Autumn activities on offer – and certainly all the slimming clubs and gyms up their advertising at this time and in all our churches we begin to plan our winter programmes. But I want to tell you about my friend Patsy, who six or seven years ago decided to make a new beginning. At one time Patsy had been a regular churchgoer and member of the church choir. However, eventually, she found herself in disagreement with the vicar and decided that she could no longer bear to attend church and this continued to be the case for a number of years. She remained good friends with members of the congregation and met them all socially, but church and God were no longer a part of her life and when I became vicar of that parish it was nearly two years before I encountered Patsy at a village social event. I though little about it and later that month wrote a magazine article about my longing for people to enter into a real relationship with Jesus Christ and enjoy that in the company of other worshippers. Also unknown to me my husband had had a long conversation with Patsy and suggested that she tried coming to church once again. Of course it takes some courage to enter a church when you have been away for a long time, but Patsy did just that and may be one day I will ask her to write about her story, though some of you have met her when I first came here. And I am delighted to have been asked to preach at the first Eucharist Patsy will celebrate as priest on 7th October. Patsy’s journey is unique to her, but she would readily testify to the blessings she has received from God since she opened herself to him in that return to church. Patsy took the step to return on her own, but this year September 28th is, nationally, ‘Return to Church’ Sunday and we are asking anyone who feels that they can make that step to do so. You will be made more than welcome in any of the churches in our villages – Anglican, Methodist or Baptist. If you have not been to St John’s for a long time you will find that some things have changed, but you will find a really warm congregation and a sense of a loving God who longs for you to be drawn into his caring presence. Please make that new beginning this September. Margaret PS With special blessings for all the young people in our villages who are starting a new school or college this year.

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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.

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YOGA AS A MEANS TO GOOD HEALTH
Do you see yoga as a form of exercise for the very fit or supple and imagine that you would never be able to do it because of stiffness or lack of fitness? Most people either imagine that you have to make yourself into a pretzel or become a Buddhist, but neither are true.
Yoga is one of the oldest systems for good health in existence. So how does it help? First of all, the obvious - it extends the limitations of the muscles and joints of the body by strengthening and stretching, all built up gradually and slowly as the body takes time to loosen up and the mind recognises where the tension lies..
Along with this are breathing exercises, which not only increase the efficiency of the lungs and heart but focus and relax the mind. The mind is further engaged by concentration on holding postures and balance is improved. Deep relaxation calms the whole nervous system and stress is released. The body and mind work in tandem for the good of the whole.
Many chronic diseases are now being treated by using deep relaxation and meditation as well as conventional medicine.
No one is barred from practising yoga, whatever the age, sex, or physical capabilities. I teach integral yoga, or all aspects of yoga and have 3 ongoing classes in the area, one specifically for the over 60s.
If you wish to try this wonderful form of health management, give me a ring during the first week in September, before the classes start again.
Ann Rodgers 01780 749018

TAI CHI to Relieve Stress and Tension
The tai chi chuan 108 move set re-educates the body to move the way it should. We all suffer from habitual tension and anxiety either through back problems, unconsciously protecting old injuries, buried emotional traumas, modern life responsibilities and stresses etc. The causes of tension are endless but the solution is always the same - relaxation. In order to overcome the instinctive tendency to tighten up we must begin an inner journey of self discovery to identify what and where we are holding. In tai chi this means using movement experientially to learn more about our bodies.

Through the journey from the outer to the inner tai chi improves and promotes:
 · circulation, alleviating fatigue and developing endurance
· relaxed deep breathing, helping to reduce high blood pressure
· proper alignment of the spine with the shoulder and pelvis
· flexibility, naturally reducing degeneration of the spine and joints which occurs with age
· strengthens muscles, particularly in the lower back, especially good for people who suffer with lower back pain
· balance and co-ordination
· concentration
 Tai chi is a great opportunity to improve your health but you have to make it happen. As with anything that is worthwhile you get out what you put in.

New tai chi class starting September 17, 6 pm to 7 pm, Barnack Village Hall. Open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. No special clothing required just a comfortable tee, casual trousers and soft shoes/trainers.

Join us for a free taster session and experience for yourself the benefits.
 

British Limbless Ex-Servicemen
I would like to thank everyone in the local area who kindly helped raise a staggering £6,000 money in 2007 for this worthwhile cause, especially as it has been very much in the public eye and on the news. Your generosity and willing to give time and money was very much appreciated and an extra thank you to the British Legion for helping to collect donations. I was also able to collect contributions from all over England, even as far away as the West Country. My special thanks to you all. Leslie Bishop R.A.O.B. of Barnack

Coffee Morning for Mary
Last February, although she was seriously ill, Mary Perkins planned a coffee morning to raise money for the Oncology Department at Peterborough District Hospital where she was being cared for. Sadly she was never well enough to host the event. We, who worked with her on the Social Committee for so many years, wish to hold the coffee morning for her. We knew and admired Mary’s enthusiasm, inventiveness and total commitment to any project we were working for.
She helped with the early planning of this year’s church fete at Walcot Hall, reminded us of what we had raised in earlier years, and was able to produce a comprehensive list of what stalls we had had. She also oversaw the arrangements for the Grand Raffle.
It was typical of Mary to want to give something back for the care she received and she discussed with her oncologist how any money raised would be used. Mary’s coffee morning will be on Thursday, October 2nd, from 10.00 am to 12 noon, in the Village Hall. There will be more details next month, but please put the date in your diary and come along to support this event. Ann, Maureen, Judith, Liz, Judy and Catharine.

Friends of Barnack Church.
Monthly Draw.
The winners in the draw at the end of July were,
£20 No. 24 P.Smith
£10 No. 10 W. Bell
£5 No. 74 B. Walsh

Pub Quiz
Come and experience Barnack’s only Pub Quiz - Sunday nights from 8pm at Barnack’s only pub, the Millstone Inn. Big money cash prizes and barrels of laughs. Teams (up to five) are always most welcome. A fantastic way to start your week!

Village Ladies Group
On Tuesday the 22nd of July we had our charity evening in aid of the Child Development Unit at Peterborough District Hospital, it was an enjoyable evening supper of Pimms, Quiche and Salad in the garden of Frieda Gosling, after unsettled and wet weather the evening was pleasantly warm and we ended with coffee, tea and biscuits.
The evening of the 26th of August will be a talk by David Marrington on the “Beauty of the Countryside, David will have slides to accompany his talk, this should be an interesting evening and a chance to appreciate our wonderful environment.
We start at our usual time of 7.45pm at Ufford Village Hall you are welcome to join us.
On Tuesday the 23rd of September we have our dear friend Laura Pollock giving us “Laura’s Ramblings in other words “A Wry Look at Life,” once again you are welcome to join us at Ufford Village Hall at 7.45pm.

Ufford Village Walk and Tea Party
It was a fine July Sunday afternoon and 14 of us set out to explore Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve, which within living memory, has been a quarry, a landfill site and a car racing track.
For the last 5 years it has been managed by the Langdyke Countryside Trust. Among the great variety of wild flowers and grasses, we saw a fine display of pyramidal orchids and yellow-wort. We walked down to the old quarry to look at the reeds and sedges. Swaddywell is slowly returning to the landscape John Clare would have known.
We then returned to Ufford Village Hall for tea and cakes. Thanks are due to Jill Miller and Betty Fielding for serving the refreshments, to local residents for supporting the event and to the Village Hall Committee for donating the Hall hire fee to our charities, Ufford Church and the Langdyke Countryside Trust. £50 was collected and shared between them.

Free wooden pergola
Free wooden pergola: would need to be dismantled. Please contact Peter or Penny (Ufford) 01780 740955

Barnack Methodist Chapel
It was good to see you at our August |Coffee Morning and Cake Stall and we are pleased to say you helped us to raise a further £110 for our funds. Because of the difficulties with traffic for the Burghley Horse Trials there will not be a Coffee Morning in September and so we hope to see you again on Saturday 4 October at the usual time of 10 to 11 am.

Barnack Carpet Bowls Club
The 2008/9 season will commence on Thursday 18th September (7.30 - 9.30 pm) and Tuesday 23rd September (2.30 - 4.30pm) in the Village Hall.
£1 per session - includes tea and biscuits.
Carpet Bowls is suitable for all ages. All welcome.

Buttercross Club
The 6th of August dawned grey and threatened rain, but as the afternoon brightened considerably the prospect for a successful Boules evening at Bainton House increased as the preparations were made. Many thanks to Andy Totten who rallied the teams and organised the knock out games, the successful partnership of Helen and Michael Fancourts, team ‘cuddubetta,’ winning through after intense competition and much laughter, to carry off the prize the evening.
Once again thanks to Mary Birkbeck for the hospitality we all enjoyed at Bainton House.
Next month we will be learning more about the topical subject of school exams. How much have the exams and standards changed over the past decades? May Lloyd an experienced teacher and examiner will be with us to explain all the recent developments and answer all your queries and questions. Join us on 3rd September in the Reading Room at 7.45pm.
Advance warning of our Buttercross Annual Village Supper which will take place on the 1st October at 7.30 pm. tickets are £7 and will be available at the September meeting or from Roe Yates at 01780 740833.

Ufford Supper Night with Racing
Ever fancied an evening at the races but not quite found the time? Now is your opportunity at our first ever supper evening with racing entertainment in Ufford Village Hall.
Come and join us for a fun night out on Friday 10 October. Tickets are £7.50 to include supper and are available from Liz (740959) and Cath (740383). We look forward to seeing you there.

Wine Tasting in Ufford
On Friday 26th September at 7.00p.m. in The Village Hall Phill Amps of Amps Fine Wine Oundle will hold a Wine Tasting. This will be followed by a two course supper. Tickets £10.00 from Sally Hudson 740475, or Jill Fear 740073.

The Good News Library Van
The Good News Library Van will be returning to Barnack on Tuesday September 16th. It will be at The Lodge, Bainton Road, Barnack, the home of Stan and Jessie Goodacre. It will be there from 10.30a.m. until 12noon. If you go to the mobile library van why not try The Good News Van? There are some interesting books, DVD’s and CD’s to browse through, and borrow if you wish. We also provide tea, coffee and biscuits, and the opportunity to meet up with friends in a homely atmosphere. Do try us. We would love to see you.

Barnack Baptist Church
On Sunday 7 September Barnack Baptist Church returns to our normal venue in Barnack School Hall meeting at 10-30 am, we have Sunday School classes for school age children and there is a crèche for younger children, all are welcome.
In September we will be formally calling Graham Dunn to be our Student Minister, Graham starts his training at Oxford University at the end of September.
On Sunday 28th September we will be holding a believers baptism service when 2 of our congregation will be making a declaration of faith and marking this occasion with their baptism. The baptism service will take place at Bretton Baptist Church from 6-30 p.m.
We shall still be holding our regular service in the School hall at 10-30 a.m. followed by a Bar-b-que at Laburnum Cottage all welcome.

Barnack Youth Club
Youth Club starts again on Friday September 5th and fortnightly thereafter. All school years 7-11 are welcome. Why not join us for a fun filled evening which includes pool, table tennis, dance mat, air hockey, tuck shop, craft activities, team games and a short talk. The cost is only 50p.
We are in the process of appointing a trained youth worker who will be taking responsibility for all Barnack Baptist Church’s youth activities.

Harvest Festival
There is to be an ecumenical harvest festival led by Barnack Baptist Church at St John the Baptist Parish Church on Sunday 5th October. This is an all age service open to everyone and it promises to be a good village event as the churches in Barnack join together in unity and friendship to celebrate harvest time.

Got Your Tickets?!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to listen to Britain’s leading youth brass band,
recently invited to perform in the ‘School Proms’ at the Royal Albert Hall.
Youth Brass 2000 are appearing at Bainton House on Sunday 31st August 2008, 5pm.
Come along, pack a picnic, buy at the BBQ, purchase a Pimms and enjoy the Big Band sound.
Don’t worry if it should be ‘Singing in the Rain’, concert will be held in Barnack Church.
Tickets available from Barnack Post Office, Jo Beattie ‘East Wing’ of Bainton House
or phone 01780 749278.
Adult £5, Child £3, Family 2+1 child £10 and additional children £2.

Women Connect
Women Connect is at the home of Sian Howells on September 18th.
St. Andrew’s Parish Church
There will be a Harvest Festival Service followed by a harvest tea at St.Andrew’s Parish Church at 4pm on Sunday 28 September. All are very welcome to attend.

Parish Council Notices

Ufford Parish Council Meeting on August 13th 2008
Councillors present were:
Clerk to the Council: Patricia Stuart-Mogg 783678, Chairman: Marian Browne 740062 , Frieda Gosling 740343, Ian Snaith 740394
Apologies were received from Ian Glew and David Over. Richard Depear, Ufford Village Hall representative, attended.
1. Telephone box by the White Hart. BT is proposing to remove little-used kiosks. Please let a parish councillor know immediately if you wish ours to remain.
2. Barn Owl boxes. 2 or 4 are proposed at the north edge of Southey Woods, using this year‘s biodiversity grant from PCC.
3. Bulbs. More daffodils will be planted in September on the hill and parish verges. Volunteers to help with the planting would be appreciated.
4. Walcot Road footway between the White Hart and the cricket club entrance. PCC is being asked to include in next year‘s budget a request to fill in the holes and re-surface it.
5. Container next to the brewery. The White Hart has agreed to re-position and screen it to make it less conspicuous.

Barnack Parish Council Report
The August meeting of Barnack Parish Council took place on Monday 11 August when seven councillors, PC McCallum, Mr and Mrs Chadwick, the Clerk and one member of the public were present.
PCC have looked at the Walcot Road wall, but are very concerned by the condition. They will repair the piece that has fallen down but are undecided as to what to do with the ivy. Mr Brassey suggested they used Roundup to kill the ivy. The plastic reflector posts at the war memorial have been removed and the potholes filled in Bishop’s Walk. The weeds growing at the edges of the footways have been cleared and the digging out of the gulley in the field alongside Jack Haws Lane is in hand. The new fence alongside the Post Office is still being pursued. The speed light on Stamford Road will again be reported for repair. Further details would be requested from the Pre School before their request for assistance with the replacement of their building could be discussed. A letter has been received from Nigel Skull regarding the B1443 weight ban. It would appear that the signage has still not been completed after nearly two years of waiting. A letter will be sent to Gillian Beasley to inform her of the appalling lack of organisation with a copy of Cllr Scott who is responsible for efficiency and business improvement. The Chairman attended the PCC Liaison evening on 23 July. There were 3 presentations, one of which being from the waste management team. Their plans for future recycling are impressive. The village cycleways leaflet, produced by the Community Leadership Group, is being printed and will be included in the September’s Parish News. PCC have offered once again an Environmental Grant. The parish council will apply for the maximum PCC environmental grant to complete the planting of trees on the B1443 between Barnack and Pilsgate. The chairman welcomed David and Lisa Chadwick to the meeting to discuss updating the parish council website. The Chadwicks stated that their quote was discounted as this was a community project. This was very much appreciated. Mr and Mrs Chadwick explained the features available, and the Chairman and Clerk will discuss the matter further, so that work can commence.
PC Norman McCallum outlined the new Neighbourhood Speedwatch Scheme, whereby residents will be able to volunteer to monitor the speed of traffic through their village. The details of the scheme are at present being discussed.
NB: next month’s meeting will be on Mon 8 Sept at 7.30 pm. In the Village Hall. All are welcome. The full minutes of the meeting are displayed on the notice boards and on our website www.barnackparishcouncil.org