Can you Help Look after Ufford Churchyard?
The Church of St Andrew’s, Ufford was closed for regular worship in 2010. At that time, the care of the church building was taken over by the Churches’ Conservation Trust, who keep the building in the beautiful condition it is in. The Friends of St Andrew’s group have worked to support the CCT in this. Thanks for all you do in supporting concerts and occasional services in our church.
The care of the churchyard was transferred to the new combined Parochial Church Council of Barnack with Ufford. At the time of the closure, the remaining assets of the old Ufford PCC were transferred into a fund to look after the churchyard and the south wall.
When the Church authorities sold the Rectory and church field in the 1960’s, the wall on the south side of the field – which borders the church drive and churchyard – was retained in the church’s ownership. And so over the last decade, the remaining fund has been carefully looked after to last as long as possible. The fund has had to pay for mowing the grass – and for maintaining the wall.
This autumn, a section of the wall fell down.
The fund currently has approximately £2,500 remaining. The cost of repairing the wall will be about £5,000. After which – if we are to keep maintaining the churchyard – we will still need to keep cutting the grass and looking after the wall and graveyard.
Can you help us to look after St Andrew’s Churchyard?
We have a restricted account set up within the Barnack PCC to ensure all money given to looking after Ufford Churchyard is kept for that purpose.
You can give by direct bank transfer, using the details below. And by filling in a Gift Aid form, you can ensure that what you give is increased by 25%. Contact the Rector for a form.
Thank you for helping us to keep St Andrew’s Churchyard maintained.
Revd Gary Alderson, The Rectory, Millstone Lane, Barnack, PE9 3ET
07503975588 gary.aldersonwrites@gmail.com
The Children’s Society
It is now time to empty your collection boxes. Please could you deliver your box, or a donation, to Skipport, Main Street, Barnack, or give me a call on 740929 and I will collect it. The Children’s Society supports young people as they overcome huge life challenges and move forward to face their futures with hope. If you would like to have a collection box or would like to make a one-off donation to this worthwhile charity please contact me. Thank you. Catharine Wright
St Peter’s Singers’ Concert
There will be a concert by The St Peter’s Singers on Saturday 8th July at 7 30 in St Andrews Church Ufford. Further details to follow . Sally Hudson 01780 740475.
20mph Zone in Bainton
I write in support of Isobel Bate, who wrote in the January Parish News about the 20mph speed limit in Bainton. I live in the 20mph speed limit in Barnack, and was more than a little surprised by Mr Sylvester’s comments in the December edition.
It is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident, despite the low speed limit. This is not just because it is largely ignored, but because of the speeds some cars travel through it. Recently, I have seen a mother crossing the road with her two young children suddenly have to grab their hands and start running to get across safely. A car had stopped and beckoned her across in one direction, but a car was coming the other way at around 50mph and showing no signs of slowing down.
A number of villagers who live on the road, and also Stamford Road in Barnack in the 30mph zone, have experienced speeding drivers who, when it is indicated to them they may like to slow down from their excessive speed, find the time to slam their breaks on, leap from their car, and hurl abuse at the pedestrian! One wonders why they needed to speed so excessively if they have time to stop and then to feel they need to vent their anger so strongly. Villagers have felt extremely threatened.
A car travelling past my house at 20mph is very quiet. At 30mph it can certainly be heard, and at 50mph it is very loud indeed. The B1443 is becoming busier due to new housing (and more to come) and also because people have discovered the ‘rat runs’ through the villages as the A1 is so easily closed nowadays, and since the ‘ten (nine?) bridge’ road has become one way. It is becoming harder to cross the road. The Barnack 20mph zone is not as effective as it should be, because it is too short. However, a 20mph zone must have some effect, because I, at least, always slow down in Southorpe!
Best wishes, St.John Burkett
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – 1st April.
Stamford Concert Singers are returning to St John’s Barnack on Saturday evening, 1 April.
The concert includes music for all tastes and is a must to see-in Springtime.
Full details will be in next month’s edition, but now is the time to make a note in your diary.
We look forward to seeing you and your friends on 1 April.
On top of the World down under
Debbie Lines, Barnack Parish Clerk, has won the third Women’s Association Croquet World Championship, held in Christchurch, New Zealand, between 7th and 14th January 2023. She beat the current holder and fifth seed in the quarter-finals, then went on to beat the top seed, a previous champion, in the semi-finals. The final was an all-English affair, with Debbie beating second seed Gabrielle Higgins. Well done, Debbie – a great achievement!
For anyone interested in learning croquet, Debbie plays out of the two-lawn club in Princes Park, Peterborough (https://peterboroughcroquetclub.weebly.com/)
Margaret Palmer
Traffic calming in Barnack and Pilsgate: the way forward
Proposals from Barnack Parish Council
The traffic problem
The villages of Barnack and Pilsgate have a traffic problem. Congestion is particularly bad at ‘school run’ times. Speeding traffic travelling between Peterborough and Stamford on the B1443, or cutting through the villages to access the A1 or A47, presents a constant danger. Large farm vehicles on the narrow roads add to the hazards and damage roads and verges. Particularly dangerous locations include the B1443 in Pilsgate and at the rear entrance to the school, and the Wittering Road / School Road crossroads.
What we have achieved so far
In 2015,Barnack Parish Council commissioned a report suggesting solutions to these problems. Since then, the Parish Council has acted on some of the ideas in this report: ‘gateways’ have been erected on verges at the entrances to Barnack and Pilsgate; 20 mph zones are in operation near the school entrances on the B1443 and School Road; vehicle-activated speed signs have been installed on the B1443; and a Speedwatch team has been deployed. Plans to install speed cushions in 2021 were thwarted because some sections of our roads are too narrow to accommodate the screw-in type of cushion that had been recommended.
What we are doing now
In 2022, the Parish Council asked Peterborough City Council (PCC) to suggest ways to reduce risk at the Wittering Road / School Road crossroads and a report was commissioned from Milestone (available on Barnack Parish Council website at www.barnackparishcouncil.org).Unfortunately, few of the suggested options proved to be feasible, largely because numerous driveways open onto these roads.
The Parish Council then set up a Traffic Calming Working Group, with a remit to produce a new plan and settle on a way forward. In January 2023,a new Traffic Calming Plan (see www.barnackparishcouncil.org) was submitted to PCC. Activities were split into two phases: 1) quick and easy to deliver and 2) longer term. We have asked PCC to deliver the Phase 1 options as soon as possible. We are hopeful that for these no financial contribution will be required from the Parish Council, although public consultation will be needed for several of them. The Phase 2 proposals, although in some cases higher priority, require further investigation, costing and consultation before each can be finalised.
Phase 1 options
These are:
– painted rumble lines at all village entrances(rated high priority by the Parish Council);
– overtaking white lines on the B1443 in Pilsgate(also rated high priority);
– road narrows indicators painted on Walcot and Uffington Roads village entrances;
– no parking in Millstone Lane from the pub entrance to the Walcot Road junction;
– no parking yellow lines on Uffington Road at all road junctions;
– speed camera signs on village gates on roads where the Speed Watch team operates;
– warning signs- ‘Pedestrians crossing the B1443 to the footpath west of Pilsgate
– ‘Concealed entrance’ on Walcot Road at the Cricket Club
– ‘Hills and Holes’ at the entrance to the car park on Wittering Road.
Phase 2 options
In the view of the Parish Council, the highest priority proposal is a light-controlled ‘Puffin’ crossing over the B1443,to the rear entrance of the School. Although PCC will not pay for this,they may allow a crossing to be installed if funds can be found from other sources. However, initial estimates of the cost are far beyond the funding capacity of the Parish Council alone.
Another high priority option is the installation of vehicle-activated speed signs on Walcot, Uffington and Wittering Roads, similar to those on the B1443. The Parish Council would be required to cover the cost of these signs, amounting to around£12,000.
Other options under consideration are:
– speed cushions on Wittering and Walcot Roads in the few places where the roads are wide enough to accommodate them without causing problems for cyclists;
– build-outs on Walcot Road, requiring drivers to go past one at a time;
– Millstone Lane one-way or access only;
– mini roundabout at the Uffington Road / Bainton Road junction;
– improved signage to the Millstone Inn and Village Store;
– speed limits. Limits of 20 mph through villages and 50 mph on other rural roads are currently under consideration by PCC. Barnack Parish Council will consider the imposition of speed limits in the light of decisions made in the wider context.
Our configuration of the War Memorial junction would both reduce the danger of traffic accidents and allow the Green to be landscaped. Although desirable, road improvements here would be very expensive and are unlikely to be included in the programme of work for the foreseeable future.
What else can be done?
We ask residents to support the Speed Watch Team’s activities and to adhere to speed limits. We, as a community, must consider what can be done to reduce the danger of accident at the School entrance on the B1443. The Parish Council is in touch with the Neighbourhood Police Team over parking problems and we will continue to press the City Council for action on traffic calming.
Margaret Palmer Chair, Barnack Parish Council
MESSY CHURCH IN FEBRUARY!
For families, carers and children our next session will be on 26th February in Barnack Church from 3.30 to 5pm. Come along for snacks and drinks ready to find out what happened when Jesus called his friends to help him. Lots of crafts, songs, Bible story, prayer, and a play corner for the very young. A warm welcome to all.
More information: Mike Mills 07523 312387,Carol Summers 07715 460177, Julie Stanton 07885 563128
Messy Church date for your diary: 26th March.
Eulogy for Peter Sindall
I’d like to do something a little different & go in reverse. Starting from this moment in time.
Firstly, I know Peter would want me to point out that he could not have gotten through his last two months without the help & support of his friends. You were all so kind with your calls, messages, hospital & home visits, frankly there are just too many to mention, Peter was a lucky man. We know there are many that were unable to visit Peter, whether through your own circumstance or that Peter was just too tired for you to visit. But please know, he was aware of your love & kindness. However, his good friends Doris, Louise & Darren were unwavering in their support in his last weeks, helping myself & my wife take care of Peter, & of course Teddy & Pedro.
I would like to thank everyone who attended Peter’s memorial. Thank you to those who have travelled from near & far, knew him young or old.
Peter passed away peacefully at home with four of his dear friends by his side; Louise, Lydia, Teddy & Pedro.
His short battle with cancer thankfully saw very little suffering, but came as a heart-breaking shock to all who knew Peter. It was only 8 weeks prior that he received the devastating news, but he was strong & positive throughout.
Fighting fit, Peter enjoyed his many “children” – you’ll all be pleased to know that Teddy & Pedro are now being cared for, & spoiled, by Louise & Richard. They are very happy in their new home.
Peter very much enjoyed his walks in the ‘Hills & Holes’, lunchtime catch ups with friends, spending time in his garden, the odd whiskey, and watching football – of course fiercely supporting POSH – sharing many a game with his good friend Darren.
Peter retired to take care of his mum, Peggy, making her proud, doing an outstanding job.
Peter amassed an impressive 30 years teaching at Eastholm, later known as Hereward Community College, touching thousands of people’s hearts, students, teachers & their families alike. Peter took pride in helping people, which is evident in the hundreds of tributes posted on the Eastholm Facebook page.
Peter was a dedicated student, who became a teacher himself. He obtained an open university degree, never stopped learning & helping, making both his parents & grandparents incredibly proud. I’m sure as a young boy they witnessed him get up to plenty of mischief!
Peter brought a smile to everyone that he met. You will all have your own memories of him, whether that is lunches & walks shared, gardening or football, whatever it may be, keep them close to your hearts.
I would like to personally thank you, Peter, for all of your support, advice, love & laughs. But most of all for being my best friend.
As Peter always said “Friends are like stars, you don’t always see them but you know they are always there”. Thank you Peter. – Sean
Memories of Peter Sindall from two friends, Carole and PauL
Peter attended Keswick Hall Church of England Teachers Training College from 1969 to 1972. So did Carole and Paul.
They remember him with great warmth and affection. Someone to be respected and someone who could be great fun, good company, and a pleasure to be with.
Peter was neat and tidy and always well prepared for whatever he did in life. His planning immaculate: Paul remembers his Bic 4, Multi Colour Biro pen (Red Green Blue and Black) which he used to elaborately highlight his planning and recording of different events.
Carole remembers him for ironing his socks.
In a more recent meeting, over lunch, she asked him if he still ironed his socks. He put his head in his hands and said, “My cleaner came in the other day and saw me ironing my socks and said what are you doing! “
Peter, and Paul and Carole, attended College Chapel together where his liking for traditional hymns was evident. He could easily surprise you by bursting into the first few lines of “Angel Voices Ever Singing” … we marked this as we sang it at Peter’s funeral.
Peter – a man who was neat, precise, and punctual. But he was much more than that – he was a dear friend. So much so that, after college, Paul continued to have visits to Barnack and annual re-unions with Peter when they shared many holidays together.
Carole kept in contact with Peter with annual letters and Christmas cards since college days, and with her more recent visits to Barnack.
You can read more about Peter Sindall’s early life in Barnack on the Parish News website;
Barnack Community Association
What a Difference a Year Makes!
So I looked back at our January 2022 copy in the Parish News and was reminded that we were having to apologise for postponing the 90s Disco for a second time, and we were uncertain about what the future months would hold, in terms of planning events and village hall hiring revenue.
And here we are, a year later, and ready to share a whole list of brilliant BCA Highlights for 2022:
• The Jubilee Celebration at Barnack Cricket Ground – run as a non-profit event in May
• Broadband installed at Barnack Village Hall giving hirers free access to WIFI.
• New Curtain Poles – it may sound small but – wow – what a difference it’s made to those curtains!
• New Double Front Doors and Fire Doors installed at the Village Hall – thanks to Steve Rickard and his team for helping secure planning permission, sourcing and installing the doors.
• A new fire security system installed
• The 90s Disco finally arrived in November – £500 profit made and thanks to all those that supported and drank all those blue alcopops!
• The Santa’s Sleigh/Xmas Tree Lighting event, in conjunction with the Parish Council, raised £600 which was equally shared between School, the Church and the BCA
• Party Bookings and regular Clubs thrived, generating revenue that has exceeded our best year, previously in 2019 (pre-lockdown).
• CCTV installation at the Hall, booked for Feb 2023
Thank you to everyone who supported us last year and who continues to support us by using the Village Hall and by supporting the socials we put on throughout the year. We are small charity, run by volunteers, but we are committed to ensuring we look after and maintain our beautiful village asset. More renovation plans are ahead, to ensure the Hall is “fit for purpose” for the next 20 or so years. Watch this Space for the Coronation Weekend event….
COFFEE STOP CHRISTMAS SING ALONG
It was really encouraging to see so many of our local community, and others, attend the Sing Along prior to Christmas, below are a few comments from some attendees. It was unfortunate that Rev Gary was unable to join us because of Covid. Thanks are due to Mike Baumber who had put so much work into organising the music for this event but sadly couldn’t join us on the day.
“We felt there was a welcoming, friendly atmosphere immediately we entered the church for the Sing-A-Long event. It was very well organised in all areas; from the seating and catering through to the music and choice of songs and carols. It was heartening to see so many people take part and enjoy themselves singing and chatting while scoffing mince pies. A truly joyous occasion and we felt really uplifted by being there. Well done to everyone who gave their time and energy to ensure it was a successful event. Gold Stars all round!” Myra and Barbara
“I took my boys, (9 and 11), along to the Coffee Stop Carols morning and it was great fun! Lots of villagers of all ages came along, as well as a local walking group, who said it was a lovely way to warm up after a long walk and have a good old sing along! Mike Mills did a great job of leading the singing with his relaxed humour, and the boys particularly enjoyed the microphone being passed around and the opportunity for a bit of karaoke singing down the mic! Nothing beats an opportunity to blast out some of our favourite Carols!” Sally
The Coffee Stop Christmas Sing Along was a great idea and I really enjoyed it. It was good to see so many people there and it would be nice if we could have it again next year.” Jen
Coffee Stop meets at The Millstone every Wednesday from 10.30-12 noon, it’s always good to see new faces and also to support our local pub.
Carol Pickering – 01780 740438
The Arts Society Peterborough What’s on listing for February
9th February 2023, The Arts Society Peterborough at The Fleet, PE2 8DL.
The Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Faberge before the Revolution, by Tony Faber.
The maker’s relentless search for novelty means that the 50 jewelled eggs provide a quirky history of the decline of the Romanovs.
Doors open at 10-15am, for coffee and a chat, talks last for an hour, your first is free,so why not come and join us? All are welcome.
For more information visit: www.the-arts-society.peterborough.org.uk