The Barton Blog

Barton Blog closed

2010-10-18T19:35:00.003+01:00

You will have noticed that there have not been any recent posts on this blog; this is because I no longer live in the area.

However, if you would like to follow the photographic work of myself, Rhian Lonergan-White please take a look at the following links:

www.facebook.com/daretoknowltd

www.flickr.com/photos/daretoknow

www.daretoknow.biz

www.photoboxgallery.com/daretoknow

And my new Dog Photography business:

www.brightondogphotography.co.uk

www.flickr.com/photos/brightondogphotography

www.facebook.com/brightondogphotography

Thanks for reading!

Is this Amy Winehouse in Barton???

2010-04-01T09:42:00.002+01:00

You'll have to help me out here because I'm not a fan of Amy Winehouse but the other day as I was walking back to town from the park this woman walked past me on the other side of the road by the George, who looked distinctly like the famous singer!!! What's going on i thought to myself?!! Good job I always have my camera with me (I had been looking for flowers in the park) and was just about to head home when there she was! So I chased her down for some snaps.

She went past The George - I'm sure she was smoking something funny...

After going past The George she stopped into Crisp n Fresh!! I couldn't see very clearly from afar but she had a good look at the deli and bought what looked like a couple of Courgettes!! Then, something bizarre happened!

She had a good look at the job board at the job centre! I was thinking she won't find much on there...

She then headed down past the Doctor's surgery and turned right. Where was she going??

I tried to catch up with her and take a close up, but she didn't seem keen.

Unbelieveable!! She went in to St. Mary's Church and a few minutes later reappeared with this toy. She then promptly sat in the graveyard and lit up another roll-up!! I later found out that there had been a baby fair in the Church!

After she had finished her 'cigarette' she headed up Whitecross Street and into The Bluebell, at which point I got bored of chasing her and went home myself. But still, what is going on??? Why is Amy Winehouse in Barton?????

Get Involved at Baysgarth House Museum

2010-03-30T11:11:00.003+01:00

Barton on Humber’s Community, Heritage, Arts and Media Project (CHAMP) has been awarded a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The grant will enable CHAMP to facilitate Get Involved! , an exciting new volunteering project at Baysgarth House Museum. Working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Museums Service, Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire, Jobcentre Plus and John Leggott College this unique project will encourage local people to become involved in museum volunteering.

‘We are delighted to have received this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund’ said Neil Turner (CHAMP Chair) ‘Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and learn new skills. Through the Get Involved! Project we hope to encourage people to join our volunteering team and become more involved in their local heritage.

The Get Involved! Project offers volunteers the chance to participate in a variety of museum based activities from collections care and research to greeting and guiding visitors through the museum. The project also offers training and support to help volunteers develop skills in range of different areas.

‘This is a fantastic new volunteering opportunity for North Lincolnshire, said Jacky Birkett of Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire. The Volunteer Centre and vinvolved team look forward to supporting the project by referring potential volunteers of all age groups, and offering additional support and guidance on volunteering matters to the CHAMP team

The project also seeks to encourage younger volunteers looking for experience to help them further their careers.

John Leggott College Careers Adviser Allison Peters said: “We’re delighted to be working with Baysgarth House Museum. The project will provide a great opportunity for our students to gain experience in museum activities and receive training in all areas of volunteering.”

‘The great thing about Get Involved! is that anyone can participate, said Louise Walker Volunteer Coordinator for the project. ‘If you are looking to meet new people, learn new skills or improve your career prospects we would love to hear from you. We welcome anyone no matter what your interests, time commitments or level of experience. You just need to be enthusiastic and willing to learn’

For more information email contact Baysgarth House Museum on 01652 637568 or visit our website at www.champltd.org

Barton Band triumph at Brass Band Championships!

2010-03-21T20:36:00.011Z

I had the pleasure of accompanying the Barton Town Band to the North of England Championships in Darlington yesterday. The weather might not have been up to much, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the players who confidently stepped out on to the stage to delight the crowd with a staggering performance. I made a 2-minute film of the day, which is posted on the new Barton Blog YouTube page.

Congratulations to the band!!

http://www.youtube.com/BartonBlog

Found out more on the Barton Band facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barton-Town-Band/292848025937?ref=ts

Star-studded trip to Sunderland for Baysgarth teacher and pupils

2010-03-09T16:16:00.004Z

Thanks to Baysgarth school Year 11 student Sophie Elizabeth Bartup for these words and Patrick Sprakes, Head of IT at Baysgarth, for the images in this report.

......................................................................

Trip to Sunderland

I had been asked if I would like to go to Sunderland with two other pupils from Baysgarth, by Mr Sprakes. When he told me I would get the chance to meet Darren Bent, a Premiership and England striker, I was very excited. Mr Sprakes was going to Sunderland for an expert master class on finishing by the Sunderland striker at the Academy of Light. Mr O'Mara, who plays for Baysgarth Old Boys, along with Mr Sprakes, had entered a competition with Lucozade for his team mate.

Outside the Stadium of Light, home of the Premiership football club Sunderland.

We arrived in Sunderland with time to spare, so we decided to visit the Stadium of Light, making the best out of our trip. We took some photographs and had a quick look inside. Then we headed to the Academy of Light. By this time, we could tell Mr Sprakes was getting nervous, after all he was going to be training with a Premiership striker.

We arrived at the Academy and waited in the conference room, Mr Sprakes feeling the nerves. When the time came, all the strikers from the competition went to get ready. We got the cameras ready to take photographs to show Mr O'Mara and then headed to the training pitches to watch our teacher and a Premiership striker.

As the action began, Darren Bent coached the strikers on finishing technique; all the players got to show what they were made of when coming one on one with England under 18 and 16 keepers; Mr Sprakes scored some top class strikes, which I'm sure even Bent would be proud of. When the master class finished, we asked Darren if he could sign the Baysgarth Old Boys shirt with the message 'To all at Baysgarth School'. Bent kindly spent time with us for pictures and signed his message to Baysgarth School.

Sophie and friends from Baysgarth with Sunderland and England striker, Darren Bent.

I enjoyed my day in Sunderland and visiting the Stadium and Academy was a great experience.

Sophie Elizabeth Bartup

Year 11

Baysgarth School

Pints and Paintings

2010-03-05T18:56:00.004Z

It's not every day you get to unleash your artistic creativity in the back room of a pub and get served your favourite beverage at the same time. Well now there's a band of like-minded folk who head down to the Queen's pub every Wednesday evening to do just that, and with them they bring paint pots, brushes, canvasses and even a lab coat for potential Scotch-related accidents.

These are a relaxed group of friends who want to welcome others who are drawing or painting at home and feel like being a bit more social while enjoying their hobby.

Lizi Jones

Lizi Jones said, "We just like to have a random paint amongst like-minded people. There's no pressure. We have been coming here for a couple of months now and really would like some more people to come along".

Lizi's finished piece.

Eric Babbington said, "There's no teaching or anything like that. We just think there must be plenty of people stuck at home, young or old, painting on their own and we welcome anybody to join us and enjoy a relaxed and informal meeting place".

For more information call Eric on 07540 226987

Or email lizi_jonesy@hotmail.co.uk

The Woolly Workers of Far Ings

2010-03-01T14:44:00.010Z

When you hear the term ‘conservation worker’ do you immediately think of earnest young people wearing hard hats, stout boots and wielding scrub cutters? Well, think again! Over at Far Ings you can see workers of a very different type who live out on the old meadows day and night whatever the weather. They make a fine sight clad in smart woolly coats with most sporting at least one natty pair of horns. No need for scrub cutters with this intrepid bunch, the only tools they use for tackling encroaching scrub are their very effective sets of teeth.

Lounging in the sunshine, until....

These Far Ings workers are, of course, Hebridean sheep - a small, hardy and long lived breed thought to be descended from sheep brought over by the Vikings when they settled the Western Isles and Highland regions of Scotland more than 1,000 years ago.

... the Shepherdess shook a bag of food and the group came thundering over at great speed!

An unusual characteristic of the breed is that many have multi horns maybe four but sometimes more and it was this attractive feature that probably saved them from extinction.

The breed was the mainstay of shepherds in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland prior to 1750 but gradually, after the Highland Clearances when families were forced from their homes to make way for large scale sheep farming, landowners replaced them with larger breeds such as the Blackface and Cheviot. By the mid twentieth century these Hebridean sheep only survived as ornamental animals in the parklands of a few large country estates and in 1973 they were identified by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as a breed in danger of extinction.

However, all was not lost! Because of their hardiness and the fact that they thrive on vegetation too poor to be eaten by other breeds, Hebridean sheep are finding a new role in conservation. Their preference for grazing broadleaved vegetation such as dock makes them ideal for pasture improvement and for controlling the spread of invasive species and they can now be found on nature reserves all over Britain. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust itself has 500 of them spread all over the county with 24 currently at Far Ings in their winter quarters. These will soon be brought in and made ready to be sent out for summer grazing in other parts of Lincolnshire.

The sheep at Far Ings are used to stop scrub growing around the old clay pits as birds don’t like tall vegetation around the water bodies they use. They need a clear line of sight so that they can identify any predators. In other parts of Lincolnshire these sheep are used to restore low lying heathland and heather moorlands as, unlike other breeds, they prefer to eat the strong growing grass that smothers the heather rather than the heather itself. Over on the sand dunes and salt marshes of Spurn Point they are used to encourage a diverse plant life by preventing the regrowth of invasive sea buckthorn which would otherwise soon form a dense canopy.

Of course, you can’t have sheep without a shepherd! These sheep are cared for by Karen who has worked for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for 17 years based at Far Ings. As well as caring for the sheep she does general conservation work all over the county, tasks such as maintaining footpaths and bird hides and leading group visits to the nature reserves. She started as a volunteer but has now graduated to become the full time assistant warden at Far Ings.

Norbet, enjoying a hearty treat.

As shepherd, her work involves feeding and monitoring the health of the sheep, worming, foot trimming and lambing although she was quick to point out that there will be no lambing at Far Ings this year. Even so, there is a flock of Hebridean sheep there all year round for you to visit and admire!

Reeds Hotel: a Social Enterprise in our midst

2010-02-26T17:15:00.005Z

When you think of the term Social Enterprise you wouldn't normally associate it with a hotel. You wouldn't be alone in thinking like this because being a hotel and a social enterprise is not a commonplace situation; in fact, The Reeds Hotel, situated just off Far Ings road, is the only hotel that is run in this way in the entire Yorkshire and Humber region. Reeds became a social enterprise nearly one year ago, in order to fund further their endeavours at The Odyssey Centre (a place where people with Cancer and their carers can receive help, advice and treatment for free), based just up the hill from the hotel. All the profits from Reeds go to help fund their important work at The Odyssey Centre.

Clearly a picture NOT taken today! Reeds from the front.

Overlooking the pond at the back.

Working very much in tandem with each other, Reeds and The Odyssey Centre are both on the cusp of exciting developments. Within the next three years they both have plans for self-sustainability; including bio-mass boilers, solar panels and Geothermal energy. Reeds are also looking to install 13 eco-friendly cabins, where people from all over the world will be welcomed for respite from suffering from illness.

Up at The Odyssey there will be an Organic food production project set up, with the food grown being sold to Reeds.

All sorts goes on in here, from weddings to conferences.

Reception and bar area.

In the restaurant.

Although Reeds already provide services for weddings and civil ceremonies, they are also looking to expand into 'Green-themed weddings', where local produce will be eaten, recycled napkins used, wedding albums covered in leaves etc. Plus the fact that the hotel will one day be self-sustaining, this will make an attractive option for those wanting to marry in a 'green' way.

They provide a full wedding and civil ceremony planning service.

Reeds also have a welcoming spa treatment area, where you can enjoy facials, massage, body wraps, Reiki, Manicures and lots more therapeutic services designed to make you feel good. Yes please!

Nature's Spa reception area.

Meditation room upstairs at the Spa.

It's a good job there was no wedding there today as the weather was utterly horrendous. Luckily I had taken some photos on a sunnier day for you to see.

I will be back at Reeds and The Odyssey Centre to follow their exciting developments in the near future.

....................................................................

What is a Social enterprise? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_enterprise

Calling all Barton eateries!

2010-02-23T10:18:00.002Z

Having been inspired, or rather, shocked at yet more revelations about our food industry on 'Britain's Disgusting Foods' programme on BBC1 last night, I am starting a search for Barton's most ethical food establishment.

I find it difficult to get good Vegetarian options in the town. I was even laughed at when asking about a getting a vegetarian cooked breakfast in a popular cafe. 'Ha ha, what will you have then.. eggs?'. Such ignorance will not make me part with my pennies and I wonder if any other Bartonians care about the state of our food retailers in the local area?

What do I mean by ethical? Well, do you use locally sourced vegetables? Is your chicken free range? Your Pork outdoor reared? Your eggs free range? We have a few Battery Chicken farms in the local area and I for one do not want to support them.

I am concerned that noone will get back to me on this, so I offer a super-duper Blog entry to the most ethical food establishment in the town. Post your comments below. Get in touch and I will come and visit you, so you can show me how ethical you are.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

St. Mary's Church Altar Frontal

2010-02-23T10:03:00.003Z

Thanks to Viv from the church for her words about this project.

'This project was started in about 2006, and has taken me a long time to get put together! The idea came to me when I saw that the one complete stained glass window in the church is in memory of Ann Tinn in the 19th C I think, wife of a local doctor. It quotes words from Proverbs ch 31, which is a very famous passage about 'A good wife, who can find?' Feminists either love it or hate it! There's a lot of feminist study of women in the Old Testament, and of course this passage is one to look at from that point of view. Since I am an OT professional of a kind, then it seemed to me a good idea that we should make a piece of embroidery to extend the idea of the book of Proverbs into the church itself, brighten up a dull corner of church and so on.

The way I went about it was to suggest that each interested person should take away a small square of cloth that I prepared, read the book of Proverbs, and express something about it which struck them in visual form on this piece of cloth. Thus, some chose one proverb to illustrate, some chose a theme - e.g. lady Wisdom of Proverbs ch 8, who has a counterpart of lady Folly. (Another aspect of the book of interest to feminist scholars). I have made a chart to show who has done which square and why.

When I put it together, I didn't want it to be symmetrical, as then it would look like a bed quilt (some joked that it did anyway!) and wanted it to have a bit of movement about it, hence it is sort of off to one side. The idea is that the strips in between are like weaving, and an the left hand end it is 'unfinished' - as though waiting for us to weave ourselves into the text, which the people have done who have studied in and produced designs, and the idea is that we continue to do so - every time we read a text, it is different because of the new person we have become.

Do you have a story about your project in Barton? Please let me know. Email me at daretoknow@mac.com.

Barton Blog is looking for writers

2010-02-17T10:57:00.003Z

Do you enjoy putting a few words together? Would you like to come along with me to some events in Barton and do a bit of a write-up? I'm far happier with my camera than with a pen so would very much welcome some assistance in this area. There is no fee, just the satisfaction of contributing to this popular blog and of course a good excuse to get out and about to speak to people. If you are looking for experience in this field, it also looks great to have your words in 'print', so to speak. You need not come to everything I go to, just anything you can.

If you are interested, please email me at daretoknow@mac.com

The Odyssey Centre

2010-02-12T17:02:00.004Z

Located just outside Barton on the junction between Westfield Road and Gravel Pit Road sits The Odyssey Centre, a charitable organisation that offers holistic and complementary therapies to people suffering from Cancer. The Centre is situated in a beautiful house and location, with possibly the best views of the Humber and bridge you are likely to get. I stumbled across the place whilst out walking one day and luckily for us they agreed for me to have a look around and do a report for the Blog.

Outside the front of The Odyssey Centre.

The Odyssey Centre and Reeds Hotel are very much partners in this project. Now having the status of a social enterprise, Reeds' profits are put straight in to helping the centre continue it's valuable work in helping sufferers and their carers have access to therapies that complement other treatments. In fact, the Odyssey Centre started at the Reeds Hotel in 1996 but quickly outgrew the space and in 1999 moved to the new home up the hill. Since then they have helped hundreds of people.

One of the therapy rooms.

Aromatherapy oils.

Types of therapy on offer here are Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Swedish Massage, Reiki and also simply the space to relax and sit in comfortable and calm surroundings. Odyssey clients are referred to them by medical professionals and range in age, in their illnesses and at what stage in their illness they are. They do not charge for their services but do accept donations.

The entrance and hallway.

The Centre was presented with the 'North Lincs Council Small Business of the Year 2009', award, giving the centre the recognition it deserves and hopefully raising their profile.

Reiki Bear.

There are shelves full of books in a very relaxing sitting room.

These are developing times for the Centre, with big plans afoot for becoming 'Green' and self-sufficient, installing wind turbines and organic gardens.

The sitting room, with views over the Humber.

I was here but a short while, but found the Odyssey Centre a very relaxing place to be. I will no doubt be visiting again to promote their fundraising events so watch this space...

The large garden attracts plenty of wildlife to watch.

www.theodysseycentre.org

www.bwreedshotel.co.uk

National Marriage Week display at St. Mary's Church

2010-02-10T14:44:00.003Z

Thanks to Viv from St. Mary's Church for sending in a picture and some information about this.

"Our branch of the Mothers' Union decided we needed to do something to mark National Marriage Week, and so Sheila and Brenda put together the display which is the white cloths and things at the back. There are various wedding things on it, invitation, flowers that had been on wedding cakes, and on the MU noticeboard in church there are some prayers pinned up. It'll be there for this week, and taken down after next Sunday."

After receiving Viv's info about the display I went down to the church and took some further photos. I'll also be posting pictures of the altar frontal Viv has overseen the production of, which you can also see at the front of the picture below.

Eerie, Spooky...

2010-02-05T11:46:00.005Z

As the mist and thick cloud sat over Barton yesterday, I took a walk down to Hoe Hill via Pasture Lane and back past the bridge, which was all but hidden behind the thick grey veil. It was a bit sinister to say the least!

One of the ponds on Pasture Lane: completely still, all you could hear were the crows squawking.

An abandoned boot in the undergrowth: who would want rid of such quality footwear? How can you lose such a big and heavy boot? Sinister...

The long road, shrouded in mist...

Litter city the end of Pasture Road: whoever frequents this area has no regard for their environment. All you have to do is put the bottle back in the car and put it in the bin when you get home; it's not rocket science!

Creepy leafless trees lined the puddle-ridden track.

On a sunny day this would be a beautiful view, were it not for the actions of a fly-tipper who has left their rubbish. Disgraceful...

The tide was so low, I was almost tempted to take a walk over the river!

Where's the bridge??

Send in your eerie and spooky shots of Barton and I'll put them on the Blog.

Sunny Sunday

2010-01-31T17:27:00.005Z

It was pretty stunning today down by the banks of the Humber. Here are a few photos from my walk in the sunshine. Roll on summer, it was very sunny but still very cold!

What a contrast: up the hill from the allotments and we found this tunnel, undiscovered by us until now. Quite dark and long under the A15, I expect it would be a bit intimidating after dark.

Utterly full of graffiti, I have to say I was rather disappointed. There was no artistic quality or talent on display here, just garbled mess, names, references to drugs and 'I 'heart' Andy' and so forth.

I really do think that if people are going to scribe their thoughts on these walls, they really ought to make more of an effort to do something that is a bit artistic and interesting!

Open Mic Night at The Mill

2010-01-11T15:18:00.005Z

Every other Sunday The Mill pub hosts a popular Open Mic night, which attracts a wide variety of musicians who are welcome to get up and play whatever they feel like. There are no huge egos here, just a mixture of ages and musicians all happy to play along and support each other. I recommend a trip down if you like live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

The next night is on Sunday the 24th, from 8.30pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and play, but equally simply to come and listen if you don't want to get up, there is no pressure.

So get yourself there on the 24th, the atmosphere is great and there is some fabulous music being played.

Lizi Jones and Steve Brailsford.

Missing Time.

Callum Stewart playing amazing Swing music.

59 Violets.

If you need any more information about Open Mic Night, contact Barney or June at The Mill on 01652 660333.

How to make bird cake

2010-01-11T13:52:00.009Z

Sarah the warden at The Waters' Edge gave me this recipe for bird cake, which I thought you might find useful if you want to help the birds in your garden out while it's still pretty cold. The snow might be melting here in Barton, but I think the birds would still appreciate a little extra help, and it's fun to make this cake too, so why not do something good today. If you don't get birds in your back garden, or if you don't have a garden atall, you can always give the cake mixture to the wild birds in the Waters' Edge park.

The recipe has come from an RSPCA factsheet, so if you want more ideas I am sure there will be some on their website.

There are lots of different ingredients you can put into making bird cake, but bird cake must always have suet or lard in it to make it set. If you are using suet, meat suet is better than vegetable suet. Ok, so first problem there folks, the shop didn't have any lard, so I used 'I can't believe it's not butter'. Sarah says that's ok, but it won't set. But I figured the birds probably wouldn't complain too much.

Ingredients: Here are some of the many ingredients you can use to make bird cake:

• Wild bird seed

• Raisins and other dried fruit

• Fruit (e.g. grapes, apples etc - cut up into small pieces)

• Oatmeal

• Breadcrumbs

• Bacon rind

• Cheese

• Peanuts

• Unwanted Mince pies left over from Christmas

Containers: You can put bird cake mixture into lots of different containers to hang in the garden. Here are some suggestions:

• Yoghurt pot

• Coconut shell

• Old food container

• Old orange/grapefruit halves

• Plastic drinking cup

• Pine cones

• Half a tennis ball

What to do

1. Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them together.

2. Pour the melted suet/lard or butter/margarine if you can't get that over the mix and stir well. (Half the bowl should be ingredients and the other half should be the melted lard etc

3. Now the bird cake is ready to be poured into your chosen container.

4. Put the container with the cake inside into the fridge overnight to set. It will be ready to put out for the birds the next day.

5. The containers should not be re-used and will need disposing of carefully when they are empty.

The ingredients: I used 1.5 kg of butter, 2 left over Mince Pies, 2 Apples (English of course), mixed dried fruit, mixed nuts, oats, bread and wild bird seed.

First I put all the fat on to melt over a low heat.

In the meantime I crushed the nuts with a rolling pin until they were in small pieces.

Chopped up the apples into small chunks.

Crushed the old Mince Pies.

Broke up the bread into small bits.

Added the seed, dried fruit, oats and made sure it all added up to 1.5kg.

Mixed it all together.

Poured in the melted fat and stirred well.

Then dished out into various pots and containers.

And eh Voila, the next day the birds now have a feast to enjoy. If only they now spot it!

Feeds the birds... 25p a bag

2010-01-10T16:52:00.003Z

It's been a pretty rotten time for the wildlife during the cold snap, so this is a little reminder for you all to not forget about all the birds and other wildlife around Barton. If you go down to the Waters' Edge at the moment you will see that most of the pond by the visitor centre has frozen over, so the ducks, swans, geese and other birds are really struggling to find their natural source of food. So why not spend just 25p in the centre on a bag of food for them, and watch how they make a dash for it across the frozen pond; they really do appreciate it!

Tomorrow, I will post a recipe for scrummy bird cake.

The race for food; as soon as they see you coming they will all head over in hope that you might have a special bag of treats for them.

On the bank; all happily tucking in to a meal.

This duck, and many others thoroughly enjoyed my bird cake, which hadn't set yet but never mind it was delicious anyway. So they should as it contained Coop best mixed nuts and dried fruit!

Ranger Ramble

2010-01-09T18:21:00.007Z

The Barton Blog is back after a break over Christmas and the New Year, but let's be honest not much has been happening in Barton apart from snow, snow, snow.. so let's have some more snow with today's brilliant Ranger Ramble, organised through the Waters' Edge and led by their warden, Sarah. We walked for about 7 miles up towards South Ferriby and back, and trudged through some pretty thick snow. Still, there were eight intrepid explorers who turned out for the walk, and we were definitely not disappointed with the views.

Even the Humber is starting to freeze!

Sarah prepares to create a snow angel..

An old quarry.

The allotments.

Nearly there...

Aah, the pub.

Barton in Snow: Part 2

2009-12-21T21:03:00.004Z

If you have any pictures of you enjoying the snow, or of any snowy pictures around Barton in general, then please email to me at daretoknow@mac.com and I will post them on the Blog.

Barton in Snow: Part 1

2009-12-21T15:48:00.005Z

Thanks to Annabel McCourt for these photos, taken on Sunday 20th December. I'll be posting Barton in Snow: Part 2 later tonight.

Barton, decorated

2009-12-15T13:50:00.004Z

It's only when the daylight fades that you get to see the full spectacle of the pretty lights that the town has been decorated with, so off I trotted last night (in the pouring and freezing rain) to get some shots of Barton, decorated, and looking festive.

The large Christmas tree outside the Link.

Up High Street.

The same shot, but I liked the red trails left by a car that came past.

Queen Street.

Looking down George Street.

and back up George Street.

Leisure time in Barton during World War II exhibition

2009-12-14T15:59:00.004Z

Here are a few photos taken at the current exhibition of leisure time pursuits of the people of Barton during World War II at Baysgarth House Museum. It's a fascinating little display containing archive photos, aural histories, music, posters, American uniform and plenty of other paraphernalia. The exhibition is on until January the 31st 2010 and I encourage you to go and take a look, I found it really interesting.

For more information contact Louise on 637568.

Baysgarth House Museum Christmas Fayre

2009-12-05T16:59:00.005Z

Busy crowds descended upon Baysgarth House Museum today to enjoy their wonderful Christmas Fayre, that was full of a wide variety of stalls, refreshments, live music and of course Santa himself. Not forgetting all the exhibitions in the museum that were on display, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. There was a great atmosphere, not least helped along by the premiere performance of the Barton Town Community Band! I of course was on duty in the band, so thanks to Annabel for taking photos for this post.

"Welcome to Baysgarth House Museum Christmas Fayre"

All the way from Humberston for this special event.

"You were late!".. "Half 12 you said, and can you move a bit, you're too close!"

The band playing some carols.

Museum volunteers on the book stall.

Cornet and Trombone players hard at work.

Selling home-made Christmas decorations.

Sophie and Bethany Evison.. in hats.

The raffle ladies.. tempting us with their fabulous prizes.

Selling pickles and onions..

It's Santa himself! Taking a rest before another visit.

Boo and I post a letter

2009-12-04T16:31:00.003Z

Something a bit different today for you. I took a look out the window and saw that for the first time in what seems like ages the sun was shining, so Boo (the Pug) and I decided to get a bit creative and make a short stop-motion animation of ourselves posting a very important letter to an address in Barton. It's nothing serious, just a bit of fun and I hope you like it. We shall be posting more creative snippets for your enjoyment very soon.

If you have some of your own creative videos or animations about Barton, please contact me and I may just put them on the Blog. Email daretoknow@mac.com with any ideas you have.

Barton Christmas Festival

2009-11-30T11:25:00.006Z

Many hundreds of people braved the freezing cold weather and threat of heavy showers on Saturday to attend the annual Barton Christmas Festival. Thankfully, the showers never came and we were left to enjoy the many stalls and entertainment on the big stage, as well as the ever popular parade through the town from Santa and his Reindeer and their many followers.

A beautiful ex-racing greyhound, from the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust stall.

Morris Dancers performed to an enthusiastic crowd.

The stage was packed all day with big crowds.

Traditional Victorian Christmas decorations at 51 Fleetgate.

Waiting out the window of 51 Fleetgate for the Parade to come past.

The parade: here come the reindeer. The streets were packed, lined with people waiting for a glimpse of these magical animals.

Apparently Father Christmas was underneath that mound of curly white hair, handing out sweets.

Nutty Norman did his bit on the stage..

... followed by the excellent Barton Youth Band.

World Hello Day

2009-11-21T14:25:00.005Z

Today is the 37th World Hello Day: but what is this day I hear you ask! Well, World Hello Day was begun in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel during 1973. Since then people in 180 countries have taken part in this day. So what do you have to do to take part? Well, go up to 10 people and say hello, that's all. It's all about promoting world peace through communication rather than conflict. So I thought why not promote peace in Barton by taking a wander around the streets and seeing who I could find to say hello to. This could also be known as 'Picture with a Pug Day'!

My first victim: Ray Elliott, Baysgarth Museum Volunteer Extraordinaire.

Mark from The Volunteer Arms, with Pug.

Alan Sipling from The Pet Shop, also with Pug.

Ciao! It's Paul Farrow and Elio Grossi from Elio's Italian Restaurant.

Salvatore Cardone, busy in Elio's kitchen, but with enough time for a quick hello.

Josh Mundey from Sylini's, with Pug.

Hello Mr Mark Tastee Loughran!

My final two victims: Jo Edge and Maureen Collier from The Wilderspin School.

Thanks to all my Hello victims!

For more information about World Hello Day see: http://www.worldhelloday.org

Children in Need

2009-11-21T10:17:00.000Z

Look what I found in The Volunteer Arms last night; two little fairies doing an incredibly good deed and collecting money for Children in Need. Good for them!

Lizi Jones and Rebecca Pearson trawled the town with their collecting bucket and stopped for a while in The Volunteer Arms with us.

Taking a well-earned rest.

If you like The Barton Blog...

2009-11-12T12:52:00.002Z

.. help me win a new camera and make the Blog even better! Vote for my photo to win the National Trust competition, please and thank you!!

Vote here, no login required - just one click! http://myphoto.nationaltrust.org.uk/entries/show/9779

Behind the scenes: Barton Town Band CD recording

2009-11-07T16:37:00.004Z

Take a sneaky peek at the town band during the recording of their latest CD, a varied mix of popular theme tunes, all of which you will know very well. I went along during the recording of The Flintstones and it sounded great to me the first time they played it, but they played it again and again, and again, such is their attention to detail. The poor band folk though, it was freezing in the church and they were there all day! Still, no pain, no gain...

Just one of the theme tunes being recorded today at St. Mary's Church by the band.

One of the sound recordists at work at the recording station.

Gary gives the band instruction before another take...

.. and then checks it all sounds absolutely perfect. I couldn't notice any mistakes, but they recorded it again.. and again..

On the computer: there were many microphones picking up the sound and here they all came. Who is making the large waveforms near the top?

Not quite in the right spot: the other sound recordist adjusts a microphone.

Getting ready for another take.

Look at these poor Cornet players; they may as well have been playing outside it was that cold!!

Still, the temperature gave band leader Jon an excuse to get out this tasty piece of headwear.

Humber Keel and Sloop Society exhibition

2009-11-07T16:10:00.004Z

The Humber Keel and Sloop Preservation Society are holding an interesting exhibition at The Waters' Edge this weekend, with panels, pictures, old parts of ships and plenty of people to talk to who are renovating and sailing these ships in their traditional waters. There is lots to see so I recommend a visit tomorrow if you missed it today.

For more information about the society visit: www.humberships.org.uk

The Barton Lions Grand Fireworks Display and Bonfire

2009-11-05T22:20:00.005Z

Wow, what a display we were treated to tonight by the Barton Town Lions! If you missed the bonfire and fireworks up in Baysgarth Park, you missed out! I hope you enjoy the photos.

Make a Difference Day

2009-11-02T13:57:00.003Z

Make a Difference Day is a national initiative run by Community Service Volunteers (CSV). It is the largest single day of volunteering in this country and aims to get as many people across the country involved in projects large or small. The Waters' Edge and Far Ings teamed up to help run a local project for the day and got a large group of people together yesterday who, when you take the weather in to account, really did want to make a difference!

So with horrendous wind and rain pouring down it was surprising and heart-warming that a merry band of 16 volunteers turned up at The Waters' Edge to do what they could to help.

Emma Wilmot from the Lincs Wildlife Trust and based at The Far Ings centre said, "we have been amazed at the numbers that turned up today given the weather. Ages have ranged from 9 t0 people in their 60s. We have got families, students.. all sorts of people all here to help".

So what was the project then? Basically it involved cutting down and pruning out young Sycamore trees, which are a non-native species. They're fast growing and they out compete lots of native trees in woods, so they need to be cut back.

Emma added, "we're doing this so the wood stays nice and healthy and in the meantime the volunteers are learning to identify the different trees".

They were all pretty hungry as I went to visit them and all headed off for a well-deserved lunch break.

Emma Wilmot, Project and Education Officer for the Lincs Wildlife Trust, cuts back a Sycamore tree.

Rhianna Raynes and Janette West work together to chop up some branches.

Lots of young trees: Marina Copson shows a large handful she collected in a small area of the wood.

Off for lunch: volunteer Brian Gould takes the wheelbarrow and heads back to base for some well deserved rest.

For more information about Make a Difference Day:

http://www.csv.org.uk/campaigns/csv-make-difference-day

Halloween night Ghost Walk

2009-11-01T10:21:00.005Z

Approximately 150 people turned out on a ghoulish night in Barton to attend a spooky Ghost Walk, which started in Baysgarth Park at the museum. We met with some rather troubled characters, roaming the streets, lurking in the shadows, hiding behind trees in the park and wandering around the graveyards.

Is this the ghost of Toyah Wilcox?

A young lady at Priestgate told us a story of financial ruin.

A hooded character glides silently past at St Peter's Church. Not many noticed this one.

This guy gave a few people a fright!

Spooky sighting down the lane near St Peter's Church.

A young fisherman with a troubled tale.

The scariest of all!

Heading back to the Park.

If you came on the Ghost Walk and can fill us in on the stories you heard, also if you have any pictures, please send them to me at daretoknow@mac.com and I will add them to the blog.

Barton Town Band Proms Concert at St Mary's Church

2009-10-25T10:30:00.003Z

Amber exhibition and Craft stalls at The Waters' Edge

2009-10-24T15:55:00.002+01:00

It's a bit of a miserable Saturday today, but good for the ponds at The Waters' Edge, and this is where there has been a small exhibition on Amber, as well as a few craft stalls. Below is a bit of blurb from the first panel, but if you want to know more then you have one more opportunity as the exhibition and craft stalls are there tomorrow too.

'Amber is a fossilized resin that once exuded out of the bark of trees. It is a light, organic substance that is usually yellow or orange in colour and often transparent. It is easy to carve and polish, which makes it a popular material for jewellery.'

A small piece of Amber as seen through a light box and magnifying glass.

A stall selling very good quality second-hand children's books at bargain prices, all in aid of the charity 'Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land'. If you're looking for cheap books for your kids, then this is the place to go!

Sweet! Not for sale though, unfortunately...

For more information on the Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land see: www.safehaven4donkeys.org

Town Band Christmas Concert

2009-10-23T13:05:00.002+01:00

Poster design by dare to know

In two months it will be Christmas.. well, almost. What a scary thought: where is the year going??? Well, there will be one thing to make amends and that's the Barton Town Band Christmas Concert! I know it's a little early to be thinking about this, but get it in your diary and don't forget! Saturday 19th December at St Mary's Church.. be there!

Special Report: Barton Town Band in the National Finals

2009-10-19T10:15:00.005+01:00

Today we have an extra special treat: a report about the day the Barton Town Band went to the National Finals in Harrogate (27th of September) and came second! I couldn't attend this exciting event as I was on my hols, so many thanks to Sophie and Bethany Evison, aged 12 and Daisy Evison, aged 8, for this exciting report and photos.

Smile! On the bus on the way there.

It's Daisy, not taking the picture this time. Cheese!

Daisy's report:

National Finals!!!!

It was a hot scary day and everyone was warming up. We thought the band were very very very very very very good!!!!!!

It was time for the National Finals and all the bands played dundundunnnnnnnn.

We came 2nd!!!!!!!

The all-important practice before the performance.

Bethany's report:

! National ! Brass ! Band ! Finals !

I am sitting in the building where the contest is taking place. It is purple inside and has a huge spiral slope going from the bottom floor to the top. There's a gorgeous bar with a cushioned leather rim around it's marble surface. From where I am sitting (right near a huge window) there is the most amazing view of Harrogate. I can see where the band is practising - in the Harrogate Conservative Club.

I got to go around Harrogate and had a McDonalds double cheese burger (YUM).

It was very nail-biting waiting for the results...

The band was ace and came second place with £750 prize money to come home with. On the way home we sang some very rude songs which me, my twin and my other two sisters and my best friend found hilarious!

On the way home with the Cup: hurrah!!

No more photos, please Daisy!!!

Sophie's poem:

It was the day of the finals.

The nerves wouldn't clear,

because everyone knew

the contest was near.

Noone knew how they would play,

or even get through

the rest of the day.

When they had played

and the results were being called,

in my head it was all a riot,

but when they announced that we came second,

we all suddenly went quiet.

Then I practically jumped off my seat,

you could tell the people in front were scared,

you could hear their hearts beat.

But we didn't care because

we weren't in despair.

We were the happiest people there.

Blog Action Day - Climate Change in Barton

2009-10-15T10:53:00.005+01:00

Today is Blog Action Day 2009 and The Barton Blog is taking part in this global event. Thousands of Blogs from all over the world are taking part in this exciting movement: where we all blog on the same day about the same topic, the topic this year being Climate Change. The idea is to relate that subject to your blog and as The Barton Blog is clearly about Barton I thought I would try and find some people who had something to say about this thorny issue in relation to Barton.

For this report I have been to visit two people: Sarah, who is the Ranger at The Waters' Edge, and Anthony, a Barton-based Electrical Engineer who has a keen interest in sustainable living. I wanted to know how the issue of climate change has affected two people who live and work in Barton, but who live completely different lives.

Sarah has been a Ranger at The Waters' Edge for 8-9 years. She was keen to point out to me that it's difficult to say that changes that she has seen in her years working on the reserve are 100% definitely happening as a result of climate change. It's so difficult to know for sure, but changes that she has seen have been stark and obvious and she took me for a walk about the park to show me what she has noticed.

One of the most major differences Sarah has seen over the years is the change in the seasons. "The temperature is backwards and forwards and this affects everything in the park, from the trees to the insects", she said. "Trees such as Hawthorn and Silver Birch are losing their leaves as early as June. Berries are ripening too soon. We started noticing Blackberries were ready for picking in June and by July you could grab huge handfuls. Berries on the Hawthorns were also appearing by August and this is way too early for the birds. They just don't need them in the summer."

Berries on a Guelder Rose: these are just about ripe still, but will soon be inedible. This should be happening much later in the year.

Berries that are way beyond their best: no bird or small mammal will now be able to feast on these during the colder winter months. There is tree after tree in the park full of berries like this.

Early ripening of berries will cause the birds and small mammals such as Shrews, Harvest Mice and Bank Voles who rely on them big problems in winter. Berries that ripen in the summer will mean that by autumn and winter time (when they are most needed) they will all be gone and will leave many a hungry small bird. Sarah said, "it's vital people feed the birds that visit their gardens. Their natural source of winter food is dwindling and they need our help".

Sarah continued, "Mallards are mating now and they're not supposed to mate until the spring. We also had some Grebes hatch in September, which is completely the wrong time of year."

What was clearly the most visual reminder of potentially worrying times were the ponds that were dreadfully low. While we looked over Folly Pond Sarah noted that it has never been so low. "The pond should be half way up the bank. It's had no chance to refill as we have had so little rain. The rain that came in the summer evaporated straight away as it fell during a hot period. I really worry about the ponds and all the life that they support. Basically we need more rain."

Once a pond: now a puddle. The ground cracks with the lack of rain.

Sarah surveys Folly Pond: lower than it has ever been. If only the clouds above would dispense some water!

After quite a worrying trip round the Waters' Edge the conclusion seems to be that at the moment, the life-cycle of many species seems to have been messed around and this includes everything from the trees, to the mallards, to the insects and the berries. How much of this is attributed to climate change is unclear. What is clear is that it is of great concern and one can only hope that all the species are able to adapt more quickly to the changes they face.

Next I headed off to talk to Anthony, an Electrical Engineer for 30 years who has a keen interest in sustainable living. Most of us are some way along the line of sustainable living in that we dutifully put our cans and plastics out for recycling, but Anthony has taken it a step further, by fitting his home with solar panels and a wind turbine. His background as an engineer has helped him to do much of the installing of the equipment himself.

The panels that contribute in a small way to the mains electricity.

Anthony said, "naturally I wanted to use my electrical knowledge in creating a sustainable environment to live in and I really like the idea of generating my own electricity. I only have a small system for the mains electricity so it doesn't produce the majority of power I need, but even just to manage to produce a small proportion is very satisfying. The panels that control the hot water are more effective however and I rarely use my boiler for months on end over the summer".

The wind turbine that points towards the back of Anthony's house.

Anthony says his is just a hobby system and while it does not sustain his home completely he enjoys the feel-good factor of making the effort to make a small contribution to a sustainable life. "Having a limited system really makes you think about what you use. I turn the lights off more, turn the fridge down. It teaches you to use only what you need, and when there is not much sun to power the panels you adapt to have showers instead of baths, to not do the laundry that day and wait. It's all about being flexible and adapting to the new system".

The very effective panels that control the hot water system.

Anthony also collects water for his garden in water butts, grows his own vegetables and heats his living room with an open fire. He said, "it's important to do, but I just really enjoy the challenge".

Anthony even drives an old milk float which goes at a top speed of 25mph. "I have no desire to go haring about and don't want a fast car that guzzles lots of petrol. I don't use the float much anymore, but I used to drive to work in Barrow in it, much to the annoyance of those stuck behind me. I didn't want to frustrate other drivers but it was an option available to me and I wanted to get about without burning endless resources of petrol."

Anthony and his milk float: top speed of 25mph.

Asked about his opinions on climate change in general Anthony said much the same as Sarah. "It's difficult to know exactly what to think what with so much conflicting scientific information going around. I just keep an open mind. My opinion is that even if we are not certain about the impact of climate change, we shouldn't waste anything, whether it can afforded to be wasted or not. We shouldn't be greedy and the idea of sustainable living works whether there is climate change or not."

Thanks for reading my Blog Action Day report. I hope you have enjoyed it.

Please note on the 1st November there is 'Make a Difference Day' at The Waters' Edge.

Meet 10am at the visitor's centre. Just turn up and wear scruffy clothes, bring a picnic. Over 16s only. Contact Sarah on 07717 587533 for more info.

I will be Blogging on this event so if you want to be on The Barton Blog get yourself down there!

Please feel free to comment on any of Climate Change discussion today.

Beck Hill Motors apprentice awarded Best In Year commendation

2009-10-13T12:19:00.006+01:00

Sam O'Connor, aged 20 from Barrow, has been given the accolade of being the 'Best Apprentice of the Year' for his outstanding achievements under the tutelage of the team at Beck Hill Motors in Barton. Sam, who is now in his 2nd year of an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering (Motor Vehicle - Light Vehicle) at Grimsby Institute of Further Education, was given the award by his tutors at the Institute who recognised that he had stood out among the large group of other talented apprentices in his year, and deserved special praise and recognition.

Sam is presented with his award by Hazel Jackson, Apprentices Manager at the Grimsby Institute.

Prior to starting his Advanced Diploma Sam completed a previous two years at the College and with Beck Hill and so this will be his 4th year with the Garage as an apprentice. After three years of tutoring and mentoring it must be very satisfactory for the team at Beck Hill to have one of their apprentices recognised in such a way.

Elaine Welton, Director at Beck Hill, said, "we're really proud of him. It's great recognition of all of Sam's hard work."

Sam puts a lot of his success down to the expert help and support he has received at Beck Hill over the years. "My mentors, Darren and Chris, are excellent mechanics and it's great working with them. They're interested in what I'm doing and care about my progress and that has really helped me."

Sam with his Mentors, Darren Jacklin (left) and Chris Dixon.

The Best Apprentice Award is based on attendance, ability, commitment, effort, portfolio and feedback from Beck Hill Motors as to all of the above, as well as attitude and customer service. Sam has found areas of his course really challenging and he thinks part of the award is for his determination to get beyond the subjects he found most difficult. Sam said, "I have found certain areas of the course harder than others on my course, especially the Maths, and I really had to work hard at revision for my exams to understand everything 100%".

Sam works on an original-style Mini.

Hazel Jackson, Apprenticeships Manager at the Grimsby Institute, came to Beck Hill to present Sam with his trophy and made the comment that this award is not just for the person who is best at getting their hands dirty under the bonnet of a car. She said, "an apprenticeship might once have been thought of as an easy alternative to higher education, but that is most definitely a misunderstanding of the process. The level of knowledge that these young people have to acquire, plus the commitment they have to show in the context of being employed whilst learning, is massive. It's certainly not an easy ride and Sam's achievement is fantastic".

Taking a well-earned break.

Sam continues to learn and is well in to his 2nd year of his Advanced Diploma. When you take into account that before his apprenticeship he took an ABC course, by the end of this year of study he will have been through five years of learning. After this, he will have received his Technical Certificate; not bad for someone who knew so little when he first arrived at Beck Hill looking for work experience.

Elaine and the team at Beck Hill want to keep Sam working with them when his studies conclude. She said, "It's a big commitment for us to take on an apprentice for so many years. We've put a huge amount of effort in to his training, have seen his confidence and independence grow and definitely want to keep him as an employee when he graduates. He is part of the team, as he has been from day one".

www.beckhillmotors.co.uk

01652 632400

There's a chill in the air...

2009-10-09T19:52:00.005+01:00

I don't know if you noticed, but yesterday evening it was freezing!!! My winter coat had it's first wear and so I thought I would see how the descending Autumnal weather was affecting the lovely Baysgarth Park. There's no better place to witness the changing of the seasons than here.

Pip and Pug

Congratulations to Barton Town Band...

2009-10-03T20:00:00.000+01:00

... on coming 2nd in the National Brass Band Finals in Harrogate on the 27th of September! A full report (including photos) to follow very shortly!

Road to Nowhere - Ginge and his new Tattoo Parlour

2009-09-23T13:31:00.000+01:00

You may or may not have noticed that we have a new Tattoo parlour in the town. 'Road to Nowhere' opened it's doors on the 24th August and trade has been brisk in their first few weeks. I went to visit the manager, Ginge, to see how things are going, to find out a bit about his background and to ask: why Barton?

Ginge and his two Jack Russells pose for me outside 'Road to Nowhere'.

Ginge with Scruffy and Damian.

Ginge got his first Tattoo in 1969 at the age of 15, at the same time as joining the navy. It was a generic female tattoo on his right forearm, nothing too specific. He spent four years serving as a Radio Communications officer and visited the Med as well as the US, his favourite place on his travels being Mayport in Florida. It wasn't Disneyland that caught his imagination, he says, but the size of everything: the buildings, the landscape, the pizzas! While in the navy he added numerous other tattoos to his arms. 'Sailor-Jerry Tattoos' as he calls them. Norman 'Sailor-Jerry Collins was a famous tattoo artist of his day: see this Wikipedia article for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_Jerry

Apparently, this only hurts in certain places on certain people!

After leaving the navy Ginge did various odd jobs and bought up four children. It wasn't until approximately 25 years after leaving the navy that the urge to get more tattoos caught up with him and he really went for it this time: skulls, Indian heads, ladies, eyeballs. Skulls and eyeballs are a particular theme on his head, "so I can keep an eye on the people around me", says Ginge.

It was for the proliferation of tattoos on his head and arms, together with many piercings on his face that Ginge was asked to appear on the Tricia show in 1999. 'Freak or Unique' was the theme of the show and it gave Ginge the opportunity to show that although his appearance might have seemed 'menacing' or 'strange' to some, that he was just an ordinary guy with a cheeky sense of humour underneath.

The Tuft, or the overgrown carpet tile, as Ginge affectionately calls it. Featured on 'The Salon', 2002!

Ginge's talent for tattoos was all self-taught. 'I just got some equipment and practiced on myself, on neighbours, on anyone who wanted a tattoo'. This snowballed in to a full-blown business operated from in his garage in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. 'The council said they didn't mind me operating from my garage as long as the neighbours didn't mind.. but it was mostly the neighbours who were my customers so there were no problems there!'

A few months of operating from his garage and Ginge moved into a regular parlour. He had two parlours in Hitchin and then one in Enfield, North London.

Shelly, a trainee at the parlour, posing for the camera.

Ginge recently decided to relocate to Barton, so what I wanted to know was 'how do you go from North London to Barton?

'Basically, I have a friend who lives in Winterton and he informed me of an empty shop and flat unit that was going in Barton. So i just decided to give it a go.'

It seems to have been a move that is paying off for Ginge and his staff. Trade is brisk and seemingly there is an endless supply of Bartonians who want tattoos. 'Everyone is very friendly here, it's unbelieveable that everyone knows who you are and what you're up to. There are more people getting large pieces of work here than in London', says Ginge. Proportionally, that must be!

Ginge, looking rather small behind his tall counter. My first thought was that Ginge was challenged in the height department, but no, the counter is specifically designed for the convenience of the customer. Quite right too!

So what of all the piercings? Ginge doesn't adorn his face anymore. He says it used to take him 45 minutes to get ready for bed at night, taking them all out. Otherwise he would keep on stabbing himself in the face!

Reading the news...

It was lovely to meet Ginge and his staff (and the Jack Russells). It's great to see a new business in Barton doing well too so the best of luck to 'Road to Nowhere and thanks for being on the Blog.

See Road to Nowhere on Facebook: Search for RoadTo Nowhere and you should find them.

Who needs the Royal Albert Hall when the Proms are coming to you in Barton?!

2009-09-16T19:27:00.000+01:00

That's right, Proms music is coming to you, courtesy of the fantastic Barton Town Band! The only 'Premiership' Band in Lincolnshire, this group of talented musicians are going to wow you with their renditions of 'Land of Hope and Glory', 'Dambusters', 'Rule Britannia' amongst many other favourites.

I highly recommend you take in the show on Saturday 24th October, 7.30;m at St Mary's Church, Barton. Tickets are only £8. Why not bring your kids along? If they're under 16 they get in free!

Tickets will be available from Lindsey Relay, Ropewalk and The Link. For more info call Jon on 07976 276895.

See you there!

Poster design by dare to know (that's me)

51 Fleetgate Open Day

2009-09-12T20:22:00.001+01:00

It is said that 51 Fleetgate is considered to be the oldest residential dwelling in North Lincolnshire, dating back to as early as 1325. Every so often open days are held here for the public to view the house and learn about the fascinating history it has preserved within its walls. Today I went along for the first time to see for myself. If you have missed the opening today, you can still visit tomorrow (Sunday 13th) between 10-4.

This large oak framed hall at the back of the building was an extension started around 1425. The room was thatched and open from floor to roof, the scale and quality of this room indicates that at the time of building there was a wealthy owner, the probability of that being a Merchant trading on the Humber is thought to be quite high. Where the table is in the middle of the room would once have been a wood fire, set in the middle of the floor. The smoke would find its way through louvers in the thatch.

Downstairs in the Scullery

Which contains many fascinating objects for food preparation and washing.

In the back garden, Annabel tries her hand at a traditional game.

In the front room, bottles of various liquids.

This is a delightful little place and if this blog entry has whetted your appetite for a visit to no. 51 then I suggest you act on that impulse and take in a visit. It really is a lovely way to spend an hour or so. Not only are there many historical artifacts to see and learn about, but you can take tea in the garden and try your hand at various traditional games, none of which I might add are very easy!

Aside from tomorrow, the next Open Day is on the 28th of November (10am-8pm) and that will be in conjunction with the Barton Christmas Fair. Apparently, there will be servings of mulled wine and Mince Pies as well as the house being adorned with traditional Victorian Decorations. Sounds good to me!

For more info visit: www.bartoncivicsociety.co.uk or www.inbarton.co.uk

Friends of the Barton Line - unveiling of the refurbished running-in boards at Thornton Abbey train station

2009-09-12T11:13:00.000+01:00

Thornton Abbey and the Two Olde Worlde Signs

by Stephen Gay

Near the Humber Bank in a quiet North Lincolnshire location

Sixteen miles from Cleethorpes stands a lonely and isolated station

The grand titled Thornton Abbey is its name

And I've just arrived on a Barton-on-Humber bound train

Amongst twisting roads and footpaths this is a rural peaceful place

Where years ago nearby monks said prayers and their grace

The magnificent gatehouse of the abbey is across the causeway

Access is only a short walk through the fields from the railway

With seven miles to go the service is ready to leave me alone

I am now a solitary looking figure soon ready to roam

On the move again full of rhythm and beat

Faces through windows passengers at their seat

Complete with views of the Humber Bridge the train rolls on

Across low lying meadows it disappears away going going gone

On walking down the platform while looking down the lines

I couldn't help but notice two splendid looking signs

Recently refurbished cried a man out down the lane

Who is approaching the station - will he be catching the next train

Impressive and splendid replicas I later did find out

Preserving our local heritage that's what it's all about

So in future when you travel across the Lincolnshire lines

When passing Thornton Abbey look for the two olde worlde signs

................................................................................................

On a beautifully sunny day yesterday, two new signs were unveiled at Thornton Abbey railway station. The lettering on the signs, formally known as running-in boards, have been carefully restored from the original signs (rare survivors from the London and North Eastern Railway which ran between 1923 and 1948). Previously falling to pieces and in danger of being lost forever local firm Castaway have done a magnificent job in putting the boards back to their best.

The Friends of the Barton Line (a local group of volunteers who strive to raise the profile and press for improvements of the Barton-Cleethorpes line) and The South Humber Collection (a major award-winning Heritage Tourism initiative) have been instrumental in saving the boards. Anthony Berridge, Secretary of the Friends of the Barton Line, said "The boards greet people when they first step off the train to visit the Abbey and add a wonderful sense of timelessness to this historic area."

Councillor Keith Vickers and Anthony Berridge get ready to unveil the first board, on the side that runs towards Barton.

The station was opened in 1848 and once consisted of substantial buildings, a goods siding and two signal boxes. It's hard to imagine such a scene as the station is now so quiet, but these refurbished signs act as a reminder of what was once. Curiously, in Victorian days the platforms were built much longer than those of the other stations along the line. It is thought that this was to accommodate the many thousands of people who came from all over the north of England to great Temperance rallies at Thornton Abbey in the 1850s.

Media interest was strong with newspapers and TV crews in attendance. Here a Camera Man from ITV asks the crowd to clap for cutaways.

The train timely pulls in to take some revellers away and so that the people with cameras could get their footage of an actual train.

Anthony and John Wade from Castaway get ready to unveil the second board.

Simple, elegant and best of all, restored from the original sign.

These extra long platforms were in good use during World War II, when the station was used by USAF servicemen at the nearby Goxhill airfield. Locals like to think that Clark Gable could have used the station during his wartime service with the USAF in Lincolnshire.

Amy, taking a rest by the newly unveiled sign.

After all the media frenzy, Anthony had a moment for some light reading

How fantastic that these running-in boards have been saved. They have reminded me that I should use the train service more as it is so good for the local area and for our history.

For more information about The Friends of the Barton Line visit: www.bartonrail.org.uk

What's Occurring?

2009-08-31T11:05:00.000+01:00

The upcoming events section is looking pretty empty, so please do let me know about any events, exciting news or other gossip that can be included in the Blog.

Email me at daretoknow@mac.com

Craft Fair at The Water's Edge

2009-08-29T19:37:00.000+01:00

It's back again to The Water's Edge for a blog entry today in the form of a Craft Fair for local artists. The centre was full of stalls of a wide variety and is certainly worth a visit. If you missed it today don't fret as the Fair continues tomorrow and Monday. Don't forget, there are wonderful cards on sale in The Water's Edge designed by my good self (shameless plug!). If you can't find them ask for the 'dare to know' cards. Why not go down there and pick up some unusual craft? There is some fantastic present material down there as well as stalls full of cakes and jams.

Julia of Tulip's Kitchen, enticing me with her Cup Cakes and Fudge Brownies!

Cup Cake art

Shalama handmade Jewellery - really nice colourful stall with plenty of variety in options and prices

Hawkmoon Crafts - also, really colourful and great stuff here

Bears of Bottesford - Bears and clothes for Bears

Crazee Lady Crafts - well she didn't seem crazy to me but her crafts were nice!

Crazee Frog

Crafty Links:

Tulip's Kitchen: tulips-kitchen@hotmail.co.uk

Shalama: rosie.turner@live.co.uk

Spell Emporium: www.spellemporium.co.uk

Hawksmoon Crafts: www.hawksmooncrafts.co.uk

Bears of Bottesford: barry.rose@ntlworld.com

Crazee Lady Crafts: hazelgraves@btinternet.com

Barton Youth Brass Band: The Film

2009-08-24T13:21:00.000+01:00

The very talented and enthusiastic Barton Town Youth Band have been making a film to enter into the Scunthorpe Young People's Film Festival. The film is about their enthusiasm for their instruments, the music and what it's like being in a band. Brass Bands used to be much more popular than they are today so they explored what it's like doing something that can be considered unusual, especially by your classmates at school. Filmed over two days, much of the shooting took part in Baysgarth Park on Saturday and thankfully the sun shone down for this part of the shoot. The Band worked with two local film-makers: Annabel McCourt of Cut Ltd and Rhian White of dare to know ltd (uh, that's me - well, how else did you think I knew about this??) and experienced a professional setup with a High Definition camera and a very sensitive Boom Mike! Much fun was had by all! Keep an eye out on this blog for the finished product and on the SYPFF website for more information about the festival. Details below.

Recording interviews

Chilling out between takes

In the park, recording a tune everybody knew off-by-heart

Marching towards camera: got there in the end!

Trombone solo

Looking cool in shades!

Percussion solo

Cornet section

The Band

There was even a bit of time for jumping off benches....

and for larking about. Always time for larking about on a fun film shoot.

Scunthorpe Young People's Film Festival: http://www.thebuzzwebsite.co.uk/events/index.php?ID=15

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/SYPFF

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scunthorpe-Young-Peoples-Film-Festival/91272317132?ref=ts

There is still time to enter films in to the festival (deadline Sep 7th), so if you are aged 8-19 get entering your films!

Allotment Society 61st Annual Horticultural Show

2009-08-15T16:38:00.000+01:00

Wow, what a visual treat this was! Trinity Church Hall played host to this year's showcase of the finest fruit, vegetables, flowers, cakes, jams, pies, quiches... ok, so you get the picture. Basically, the lecture hall was adorned with tables full of neat rows of the most colourful and splendid examples in each category and it was an eye-opener too. Never before have I seen such long Parsnips and such enormous Onions! I am immensely impressed by the skill and dedication it takes to produce such fine produce and hopefully the snaps I took do the subject justice. I only wish we could buy these fruit and vegetables at our local supermarket and not produce that has been shipped half way across the world! These look far, far better and are of course local.

Photography Workshop at The Waters' Edge

2009-08-10T16:29:00.001+01:00

As a keen photographer I was excited to see this workshop come up at The Waters' Edge, especially as it was being taken by Paul Hobson, runner up in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 competition. Summer returned again yesterday for the day-long workshop, so much so that I had to get sun cream delivered at lunchtime! It was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop in which we were taken through various different methods to take wildlife photographs and to use simple techniques to improve what we may already be doing. I know I learnt a lot and will be testing my new knowledge out and about in Barton very soon. In the meantime, here are a few snaps from the day.

An interesting technique this, using a sheet of white plastic behind the subject with the sun coming through from behind.

Contrasting nature and man-made structures.

That's me, contrasting nature and man-made structures.

Borrowing a wide angle lens, i could get all of this plant in the shot.

Keen photographers, as seen from below.

Pesky leaf-munching Caterpillars; the Cousins of these beasts are destroying my Cabbage patch! This was the Macro exercise.

Paul saved a couple dozen Toads that had fallen into a drain, and in return they sat quietly to have their picture taken on a set constructed out of damp moss. Ok yeah right, this little beast sat still for a milli-second, just long enough for me to get this shot though. They were all released back to the wild after their short photoshoot and hopped happily into the long grass and well away from the dreaded drain.

Barnfest at The Mill

2009-08-10T00:25:00.000+01:00

This is a day-long gig in the Car Park of The Mill pub in Barton, which explodes Rock Music off the side of a Truck. The sun shone down on the organisers for the day yesterday and thank goodness because it would have been pretty miserable if the weather had stayed the same as in recent weeks. Getting there early on in proceedings at lunchtime, and being a total lightweight, I had to retire after two Lager Shandies for an afternoon nap, but still the tunes played on throughout the afternoon. On my return in the evening the Car Park was packed out and it was great to see so many people of different ages enjoying the music and also great for Barton to host some talented musicians and great music. Now if we could just have this for some talented Electronic Music artists, aka DJs, then I would be a happy lady! Listening, Barney?

Any musicians who played at the event who want their websites listed on the Blog please get in touch.

Cider Festival - Coach and Horses

2009-08-09T18:38:00.000+01:00

Much merriment has been had at The Coach and Horses pub this weekend, and I'm sure much Cider has been consumed. The Cider Festival kicked off on Friday and there's still time for me to down another Raspberry and Lime delight before the weekend is up too because it is still on tonight. On Friday the ubiquitous 'Rough Trade' were playing their usual enthusiastic style of Rock covers and I was enthusiastic at the number of different Ciders on offer. Some were a bit strong however!

A pint of.. Cider!

Laura enjoying a pint

Laura and myself

Delicious stuff, this one's a winner.

Nothing to report

2009-08-04T18:35:00.000+01:00

Greetings Blog Followers!

Sorry there haven't been many updates in the last week (ok, in fact any updates). I was unable to go to Picnic in the Park, so if you have any great pictures you would like featured on the blog of the day please send them in.

Also, if you know of any events or stories, or have seen something that would make an interesting picture please email me at daretoknow@mac.com and let me know. I try and find out about everything that is going on in Barton but I am sure there is lots I am missing.

In the meantime, I shall be adding an 'Interesting Lives' section to the Blog very soon. This will be a short bit of blurb about someone who lives in Barton who has something interesting in their life that Blog followers might like to read about. I'm not suggesting covering famous Bartonians of old, who are more than covered in other forms (museum, books, films etc), I want to know about people in the here and now. If you can suggest someone, please send me details. I have two in the pipeline so far so watch this space in the next couple of weeks for that.

So as to not totally disappoint you with the lack of images in the last few days, here are a few random pictures taken by myself around Barton recently. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to hearing from you and also to the next event which is the Cider Tasting.. hurray!

We haven't had a picture of the Bridge yet, so here's one to keep you going.

Remember when the weather forecasters said the summer was going to be hot? Well, this was taken on one of the lovely days we had in June. Wouldn't look like this if I had taken this today, unfortunately.

I was allowed access to the William Blyth Tilery which is a really interesting place if you can get to look around. The furnace is pretty hot, even when turned off!

St Mary's, looking very dramatic.

Any guesses as to where this was taken?

What about this furry fellow.. have you seen the new grass-munching additions at '......' ?? Any guesses?

Waters' Edge Wildlife Day

2009-07-26T16:16:00.000+01:00

The familiar emergence of dull, grey clouds over the skies of Barton today didn't stop a great crowd descending upon The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre for a informative and fun-packed Wildlife Day. The Centre was packed with interesting stalls from various charities and organisations and the day was punctuated with all sorts of Wildlife Walks, Pond Dipping and even a Toad Rescue and Release demonstration. Unfortunately i had to leave before the Toad release so if you got any photos of that please send them in.

Jo Walker, Waster Services Officer from North Lincs Council offering advice on recycling and Council-subsidised Composters. She gave me a free Kitchen Caddy so that I could start composting. Fabulous, thank you! It already has a tea-bag in it!

Carl Robinson from the RSPB. He set me a birdsong quiz, which I failed miserably...

I did guess correctly the quack of this duck however, but not the Robin (right)

Lorraine Jackson of the Hull Hedgehog Hospital with two 6-week old abandoned Hedgehogs. The Hospital is a subsidiary of the Hull Animal Welfare Trust and Lorraine says she looks after hundreds of Hedgehogs a year at her own home. Great job!

This Badger thought it best to hold the sign of their organisation, just in case the message didn't quite get across correctly.

North Lincs Fostering team display.

Dave Murray of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation.

.. and what would a Wildlife Day be without Bumble the Cuddly Bumble Bee?

www.recyclenow.com/compost

www.rspb.org.uk

www.hullanimalwelfare.com/hedgehogs

www.weirfield.co.uk/lincsbadgergroup

www.bdmlr.org.uk

www.watersedgecountrypark.org

A Walk in the Park

2009-07-26T10:52:00.000+01:00

I thought summer had come and gone a couple of weeks ago, but it decided to make a triumphant, if brief, return yesterday and there are few better places to enjoy the evening sunshine than in Baysgarth Park. The mature trees look particularly spectacular when the sun is out and especially just before the sun goes down. I aimed to capture the warm and hazy end to the day.

Flappy Duck

2009-07-23T10:03:00.000+01:00

We've all seen a Flappy Duck or two down at The Water's Edge, so thanks to Martin Dean for sending in this great picture. Is it just me or does this Duck's breast look alarmingly large? Maybe too much dinner for this one?

Picture by Martin Dean

Rhian's Floral Perambulation

2009-07-21T10:10:00.000+01:00

When I told Boo she wasn't allowed on the local Wildlife Walk I got a stern look, so instead we set out on a photographic mission to locate some Floral beauty down by the banks of the Humber. The Pug accompanied me and was more than happy to help locate some good shots for our blog fans. You will have to excuse my ignorance in terms of names of things, but feel free to add comments!

Wild Pug in its natural habitat

Desert Island Discs with Artizani at The Water's Edge

2009-07-13T12:54:00.000+01:00

It's not every day you get to watch live theatre outside the Water's Edge visitors centre, so this one-man 40-minute sketch that played twice yesterday was a treat indeed. The basic story: a man gets stranded on a desert island, makes friends with a Lobster, grows a long beard and learns to do walk the tightrope before escaping the clutches of a giant Lobster and gaining freedom from the Island via a toy Helicopter on the end of a pole.

Barton Arts Week 2009 - The Film

2009-07-10T15:25:00.000+01:00

You've been to the events, now see the video!

Barton Arts Week held a highly successful celebration of local and national arts events in Barton during its Annual Celebration. The events, either co-ordinated or promoted by Barton Arts week consisted of dance, folk, art exhibitions, opera, games, lectures, demonstrations, music, performance, theatre and comedy.

This film celebrates the fun and diverse week of events. Huge thanks go to Annabel McCourt of Cut Ltd who gave up her own time to make this film voluntarily. Please visit her website to find out more about her film-making prowess: www.cutlimited.co.uk

Barton Bike Night 2009

2009-07-09T11:54:00.000+01:00

What can you say about Barton Bike Night apart from Bikes, Bikes, Burgers, Bands and then more Bikes!! Thankfully the rain held off this year so the streets were jam-packed with bikes from the old to the new, speedy to the more 'comfortable', weird to wonderful and it was great to see so many people here in Barton.

North Lincolnshire Classic Motorcycle Club performing stunts over cars and big wheels.

High St

Queen St

On the telly!

Best adorned-with-weird-and-wonderful-objects Bike

Now this is more like it! Every bike should carry a Rat around on it...

and a Sausage-type thing...

View from the top of High St

King St

Rough Trade at The Bluebell. Did they play all night? They performed about ten encores, and rightly so! What an awesome band!

By the guy who makes the amazing bikes in Barton, Someone tell me his name!

Away home...

I couldn't resist..

Barton Town Brass Band Concert

2009-07-05T12:18:00.000+01:00

On Saturday evening at St. Mary's Church the local Brass Band performed again for an enthusiastic crowd, and what better way to round off a successful week of Barton Arts Week events?

It's no wonder this band have been promoted to the Ist Section and were Runners-Up in the North of England Brass Band Championships in March. They are truly a talent-ridden treasure of the town and the sound that they make must be heard to be believed. Last night's concert was another in a long list of performances at the Church that offered us a wide variety of tunes from traditional Brass Band music to film music and beyond. Personal favourites were again from the movies with 'I Will Follow him' from Sister Act and 'Thunderbirds'. The performance of 'Triumphant Rhapsody' by Gilbert Vinter, which was the test piece at the 2009 National Finals, was simply an astonishing showcase in musical technical mastery...

Cornet Soloist Richard Shaw performs Caprice "Zelda" by Percy Code.

The Trombone Section

Yet another packed crowd for these popular concerts.

www.bartontownband.com

St. Mary's Church Garden Party

2009-07-04T17:08:00.000+01:00

This afternoon was spent at a glorious garden party in aid of St. Mary's Church. Not only were we blessed with yet more extraordinary weather, we were also treated to an assortment of delicious refreshments and excellent stalls.

No garden party is complete without Pimms!

The cake stall, woefully underpricing such sumptuous treats! Must charge more!

I could have spent all day on this seat.

The garden was full of flowers in every direction.

Viv and Mimi, brought together with a similar taste in colour.

Cake.. and lots of it everywhere!

Sheltering from the sweltering sun.

Enjoying the entertaining Cheerleading dancing.

Our gracious hosts, Ian and Anne.

We could have been at Ascot, the number of pretty hats that were on display.

The Vicar and his new prize!

Floral treats from around the garden.