We are looking for our next councillor to join us and become actively involved in the direction and the future of the village.

If you are passionate about ensuring our community voice is heard and actioned, can commit time and energy and are motivated to making a difference then we’d love to hear from you.

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect our community. Your life experience, communication skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are what is important.  

If you are interested and would like some more details, please contact Yvonne Lee yvonnelee@barleyparishcouncil.gov.uk or Alison Hearn on alisonhearn@barleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

If you wish to put your name forward, please send your name and contact details to Alison Gibson clerk@barleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

We will be asking interested individuals to attend the next Parish Council Meeting on April 13^th to meet the council and give a short presentation on why they wish to be considered.

We will be holding our annual village meeting on Wednesday May 13th from 19:30 in the Town House. Our local MP Chris Hinchliff will be joining us from 20:00 for a Q&A session. This is an opportunity to hear what work he is currently involved in as well as discuss what's important to you.  There will be light refreshments and a pizza van on site which you can pre purchase your supper or order on the night. Our local clubs and societies will be present and sharing what they have been up to and their plans for the year ahead. Do come and join us. 

The first review of the Barley Parish Plan, which was first produced in 2015, has been published by the Parish Council. 

The Council asked for volunteers to form a committee for this process. 

The Committee has reviewed what has happened over the last five years and how the previously identified village aspirations have been met. 

In tandem with the first review, the Committee compiled a new questionnaire to canvas the current views of villagers over a range of key topics, to allow the plan to be updated and to remain relevant. 

Visit the Barley Village Plan page to read the full review. 

After months of knitting, crocheting and stiching, the beautiful Barley Flower Tower is complete and St Margaret of Antioch Church is adorned with a colourful display of flowers.  

Barley resident Alison White, who runs the Barley Knitting Group, came up with the idea to keep everyone going through lockdown by busying themselves creating the beautiful blooms to decorate the church, and raise some much-needed funds. 

She encouraged the community to help make flowers for display, originally aiming for 500 to be created. Inspired by her idea, contribrutions were made by community groups including the Barley Tennis Club and Barley Gardening Club, the beavers and cubs, Margaret House care home residents plus individuals living locally and as far away as USA and Australia. 

In June, the 1452 flowers, which took four weeks to be stiched onto netting by a team of 12, were hoisted onto the 15m tall church tower and draped from the windows, with the help of Royston Fire Station.

It is hoped the display will inspire people to make a donation towards the running of the church - and also to help expand its use to the community. Ideally Alison would love to raise £10 per flower. 

The church's Rector, Ruth Pyke, told BBC Look East: "The money will be used to maintain the building so it can continue to be a warm, welcoming place for weddings, funerals and Sunday Worship, but beyond that we want it to be a place for the community. We have a vision for disabled access and an area where we can welcome people in for coffee mornings, exhibitions and concerts."

To donate towards the incredible display please visit the Barley Flower Tower Justgiving page, or visit the donation boxes located in Barley Stores, Fox and Hounds pub, Chequers pub or Drayton's Garage.

Visit the Barley Flower Tower Facebook page for more photos, videos and information.