Friday 18 February 2011

Our New Associate Priest

The Bishop of Grantham, The Rt Rev, Dr Tim Ellis has today put out the following press release:

“The Bishop of Grantham is pleased to announce that the Reverend Jonnie Parkin, who is currently Youth & Children’s Missioner and Team Vicar in the Haborough Anglican Team in the Diocese of Leicester, has been appointed part time Associate Priest in of the benefices of Branston with Nocton and Potterhanworth and Metheringham with Blankney and Dunston in the Graffoe Deanery and part time U2Charist Animateur for the Mission Initiatives Project, subject to CRB Disclosure.  Jonnie, his wife Mel and their family hope to move to Branston in May and will be licensed by Bishop Tim during May.”

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Whats Next?

Like many villagers it's the uncertainty that is the problem. Are we now going to be face with more years of anticipation of what might or might not be. I must admit while I had no problems with the dairy I do not like the sound of the 'watch this space' at the end of the press release.

I hope the village can now pull and work together for the benefit of the community, especially as the parish council elections are looming. There is a lot that can be done and lot that should be done. There's space for new people,  new idea's and new ways of doing things. So if you feel as though you've something to offer, go for it.

Nocton Dairies Plans Withdrawn.

From: Amy Jackson
Sent:  16/02/2011 1:23:39 pm
Subject:  FYI press statement being issued today - plans withdrawn


Ambitious plans for UKs largest dairy farm withdrawn

Plans to set up the UKs largest dairy farm were withdrawn today (16
February 2011), announced the applicants Nocton Dairies Ltd in the following
statement:

We are writing today to North Kesteven District Council to formally withdraw
our application for planning permission to build a 3,770 cow dairy farm at
Nocton Heath, Lincolnshire, reference 10/1397/FUL.  The sole reason for
this decision is the response of the Environment Agency, which has
maintained its objection to the proposal. 

The Environment Agencys grounds are lack of information about risks posed
to the aquifer underlying the site and uncertainty about the extent of the
benefits associated with the change in land use.  This precautionary stance
and requests for new information reflect unfamiliarity with agriculture in
general and the design of the modern dairy farm in particular.  Despite our
best efforts to address these concerns, including an additional investment
of £4 million in engineering the management of the waste to unprecedented
standards, lack of relevant research has made it impossible to provide the
reassurances required by the Environment Agency that livestock farming is an
appropriate use of land at this site. 

We believe the Environment Agency has not acted under any pressure in
reaching this decision and that no undue influence from other individuals or
organisations has been brought to bear; any claims to this effect would be
both disingenuous and self-serving. 

We would like to emphasise the following points:

·       The challenge has been laid down to the farming industry to
produce more with less.  We need leadership to help us do this and proactive
advice from regulatory experts  only a practical, informed and can-do
approach will move this whole agenda forward

·        The industry needs to stand up to those who would twist the facts
about animal welfare, and highlight lack of investment as the issue, not
scale or type of system. If our industry does not tell the public the facts
and open its doors to show how we are great at farming in many different
ways, then misinformed single interest pressure groups will fill the void
with untruths to the eventual detriment of all

·        The fundamental concept we have been proposing is a sound one:
expand dairying toward the east to re-integrate livestock and arable
farming, make better use of resources, proactively manage welfare, gain
economies of scale, and look to support a long term reduction in water
pollution.  We challenge other farmers to pick up the baton and see where
these concepts can take them.

In conclusion, we would like to thank those in the dairy industry who have
voiced support over the past few weeks  you know who you are  and the many
local people who have approached us to express their backing. We would
especially like to thank our neighbour Robert Howard, and Ralph and Mary
Timms of Nocton who had the open mindedness to fully research the project
and the courage to change their position and express their views openly in
the face of overwhelming criticism. 

Our other two applications for a pipeline and reservoir remain active. Our
farm at Nocton is a tremendous site with much potential for the future, so
we wont be selling it, but will now be taking some time to consider our
options.  Watch this space!

-ends-

Tuesday 15 February 2011

New Shape of Ministry in our Joint Benefices is forming.

Some of you may by now be aware that the Rev Jonnie Parkin has been appointed as a part time associate priest in our joint Benefices of Branston, Potter and Nocton, Metheringham, Blankney and Dunston. Along wth Sister Liz and The Sisters of St Francis at Metheringham,  they are forming the basis of a new style of ministry which we will be the prototype for. The setup is still not complete and Bishop Tim along with others is considering the options. I'm not sure as yet where Jonnie Parkin will live, but it may potentially be the Branston parsonage house that Darol used to live in. We wish Jonnie well as he joins us.

What a Wonderful Day.

We were out taking the dog for a walk this morning so I'd thought I might capture some of the fantastics vistas of snowdrops carpeting the woods around the hall. It's a great time of year to hope that the dreadful weather we had during December is well and truly behind us, and things can and will get on with the 'back to normal' seasonal routine of things. Go and take a walk and enjoy the air and the views.

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Back and Refreshed

Got back from my retreat this afternoon and what an experience. I will relate a little more of it later and possibly in next months magazine. I have also added a new link you might be interested in. It is to the Sisters of St Francis, in Metheringham. They are a recent addition to the worship in the area . Their house, the former vicarage in Metheringham was formally opened by Bishop John towards the end of last year. If you wish to know more about them and their work please take a look. I will repeat the link here for ease. Sisters of St Francis . Sorry about the delay in this months magazines but they should be with you over the next couple of days.