Barley Parish Council
Christmas lights, Events, Master Chef, Cross Lane, Announcements...
Our annual remembrance service graced us with a bright and clear day and it was good to have over 50 people attending. It was wonderful to hear the brief histories of all those whose names appear on the Barley Memorial stone read out by Angela Hargreaves; where and when they died and how young they all were, brought to life the sacrifice they made for us. Thanks to Nigel Turpin, who used his passion for ancestry to provide us with some background of those named. The vicar conducted the short service and John Connor laid a wreath for the Parish Council along with representatives of the Police and the Borough Council who laid wreaths after the last post had been played on the bugle by Caz Pinder. Thank you to the chapel for providing tea and scones for those retiring to the chapel after the service.
With Christmas on the horizon the PC has been looking at how we can add to last year’s lighting decorations. We now have a good display on the Chapel, the Village Hall and the Turning Area but there is some scope to add more. The PC has been liaising with the Village Hall and we have agreed to put a large installation at the top of the building to replace the old star that was there on the roadside a few years ago. Surprisingly there are few options available but we have found a 2m diameter snowflake that we all agree should look fine. The snowflake is on its way from France and should be with us soon, then we have the challenge of getting up there and providing an electricity supply.
The Turning Area Xmas decorations are already in place and they look good. A big thanks to Paul & Becky Barlow who volunteered to assist install the braid lights using their access platform which was a great help to Cllrs Connor and Goldsbrough. A thank you also to Mike Dodd who tended our flower beds on the car park all summer.
The Barley Events Committee are busy planning their Christmas Event for 2024. It will be Xmas party for children in the Chapel on 15 December with Father Christmas attending, and handing out some presents of course, followed by Barley to Bethlehem which we hope most can attend.
For fans of “Master Chef” you will have recently been watching a local young man, George Birtwell, progressing through the early rounds of the competition. He lived in Barley for many years and spent time working at Michelin starred Northcote Manor and at the Three Fishes at Mitton before his chosen profession drew him away to other high-end restaurants in Wales and Yorkshire. Our best wishes go to George and he can be sure many in Barley and Burnley will be cheering him on.
The Parish Council now has a full membership and I am delighted that James Mcgreggor has agreed to join the Council following the departure of Lee Hunt. James has lived at Ashtrees, Ings Head Farm for seven years and is well known to many through his son’s activities (Young Farmers etc) and those who frequent the Barley Mow. He brings a commercial background to the Council; he has experience of fostering positive relationships and driving change and has committed himself to ensuring all community voices are heard.
Important Notice – Cross Lane will be closed from Monday 9th December until Monday 16th December unless the works to install a replacement underground power supply to Cross Lane Farm are completed sooner.
The Pendle Inn has brought a pool table back into the pub, after many years without one, and we used to have a pool team back then. Lee Hunt is trying to pull a new team together so if you might be the next “Barley Bullet” contact Lee and get your cue in the hat.
It is with sadness that I tell you that Chris Moles has died; he was born in Barley but moved to Bournemouth many years ago. He often returned to the village to see his mother Mauren and late father Alec who lived on Beckside and his sister Cheryl of Narrowgates, and old friends of course. Our condolences to the family.
Finally, we send our best wishes to Barley born Daniel Goldsbrough who married Louise at the Barley chapel on 30 November. Many of you will know Daniel since he has lived here all his life and he has been on the Parish Council for a while. I am sure you will join me in wishing the newly weds all the very best for their future together.