2007
In our Barton community lecture series, a fairly packed hall listened to Richard Ward’s engaging talk: ‘How We Grow Our Crops Today’. Richard is Farm Manager at Barton Farms and an excellent speaker. I was struck with wonderment at the scientific and technical know-how needed to grow crops today - several PhDs-worth it seemed. One fertiliser, for example, is so specific that it targets solely the flag leaf right at the top of the plant, encouraging it to grow big and green so the products of its photosynthesis boost the bits beneath. The farming year is a most delicate balancing act between human body and brain power, money, the markets, the weather, the plants and soil, agrochemicals and the hugely complex machinery. I am in awe. Thanks to Richard for an amazing evening. Our daily local walks have taken on a new dimension.
Parish Council
The Hill Barn planning application, which we thought had been successfully concluded at the Wellesbourne Area planning meeting on 4 September, has now been passed to the Stratford-on-Avon District Council Planning and Regulation Committee on 15 October. The Parish Council representatives, Johnny Rickett and Barney Henderson, will attend yet another committee, letting it know again the wishes of the people, which is surely what democracy means. A Parish Council meeting will be held in the Old School on Friday 9 November at 7 pm. The precept for the year 2008-2009 will be considered at the meeting. The PC was originally due to meet on 2 November. Please note change of date.
Barney Henderson
Warwickshire Historic Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride I should like to thank all those people who have so very generously sponsored me for £300 for cycling for the Trust.
Barney Henderson
The Aird family Dick and Karen Aird and their children, Jody and Lucy, left Barton five years ago. Dick had been appointed Head of Barrs Court Special School for disabled children in Hereford. Recently Dick invited Caroline and I to a fund-raising conference he was organising at his school on 22 September. The concert was for the ‘Hydrosense Appeal’, a registered charity set up by Dick in 2005 to raise £1.1 million for a hydrotherapy pool and an interactive performing arts studio in the school. When completed these facilities will be used both by the children who attend and school, and many others across Herefordshire. Already £800,000 has been raised. If you would like to contribute to this fund please send a cheque to: the Hydrosense Appeal, c/o Dick Aird, Barrs Court Special School, Hereford HR1 1EQ. The Hall at Barrs Court was packed for this concert, and for two hours Dick and a fellow musician made music using an amazing selection of instruments, including a harp, didgeridoo and bouzouki. The concert raised £750. Dick was awarded Special Needs Teacher of the Year in 2007.
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