Our indifferent summer weather this year does not seem to have affected the capacity of villagers to raise large sums of money at the Rural Fayre, the Donkey Derby and the Festival of Fine Ales this year.!
Our thanks are due to James Thomlinson for scanning the advertisements for this issue, to Deborah Weaver for her cover and to Don Cornelius for proof reading again.
We also thank the Firs Garage for holding copies and the Post Office for accepting copy and contributions for us. Can we remind you that the Newsletter relies on advertising revenue and donations from charities and from you to finance it. We are grateful for all cash contributions. There was £39.21 in the Post Office box this month.
LIZ PICKERING 737434 & BARBARA HICKS 737017
DIANA BARBER 737428 - ADVERTISING
__________________________________________________________________
Copy for the next Newsletter should be sent by
Thursday 18th September please!
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HOOK NORTON LIBRARY
Government has not allowed Oxfordshire County Council to 'overspend' the £6million already budgeted for and reflected in our Council Tax..
At the moment, July 28th 1997, Oxfordshhire County Council members are deliberating how to make severe cuts in spending.
There are obvious fears for our library.
look out for an update on the Post Office and the Village Store notice boards.
WELCOME CLUB
The Welcome Club has been enjoying a very active programme: on the 6th June we had a visit from Jacqueline Swinbourne of St Ebbs Institute for the Deaf. This is an establishment devoted to helping the deaf to communicate. Mrs Swinbourne is profoundly deaf and gave her talk through an interpreter. It was wonderful to see how, through sign and facial expression she was able to get her message across. An altogether very rewarding afternoon. On the 20th June the Club went to the Cotswold View at Nether Westcott and had a summer lunch: a good afternoon, much enjoyed by all. On the 4th July the Club was visited by Mr Gadsby of Katharine House Hospice, who gave a most interesting and heart-warming talk about the Hospice, its history and its association with Macmillan Nurses.
PARISH COUNCIL
June 9th. The Chairman explained how planning applications were dealt with and said that as the PC had only 21 days to respond, some applications appeared to be dealt with in haste. It was now agreed a period of ten days would be allowed after he had received the plans from the Clerk. At least six councillors to be present at site meetings.
The basketball nets were in place and backboards, courtesy of Mr Salter, had been made for very little cost. Unfortunately graffiti was a continuing problem and the police are keeping a watchful eye on the area. The bolts on the swings are causing problems again and the Clerk is to contact Hag as it is a design fault.
The proposed fence for the football area in the Sports and Social Club is still awaiting the outcome of the Grant Committee at Cherwell who will not meet until July.
A meeting between the police, two councillors and two young people who vandalised the Hall door resulted in the two accused being given a caution. Mr Collins said they did offer to do some community work during the summer holidays and it was felt the Hall garden would be a good project.
New ladies toilets in the Hall would attract a possible grant of 50% of cost and 75% of the cost of a toilet for the disabled. Mr Whitaker was asked to get further information with plans and costs.
What progress had been made towards a new permanent surgery in the village? Cllr Mathews said that he had attended a meeting on site recently. He said nothing would be built on the present County land but private land would have to be used with access from the Clay Bank end of the village. Mr Clay said this was hardly the centre of the village and too far out for the elderly without transport. The Clerk was asked to write to Dr Harris.
Cherwell now has a total cover of all the green areas, footways and public places that makes it illegal to allow a dog to foul without cleaning the mess up.
The Guides are looking for a new venue and would like the use of the Hall on Monday evenings. This would clash with Council meetings. The Guides would be asked to use the Hall every Monday excepting those days when the PC needed it.
The Library seemed once again to be at risk. Mr Matthews said that unless the new Government allows them to overspend the £6 million they had already budgeted for and billed people for, there would have to be cuts. Just sending out the new Council Tax bills would cost almost £1million, so that the savings would have to cover this expense as well.
July 7th. Vandals had once again been at work in the Play Area. A small tree had been fetched down and the slide had been dented. How sad that so few can spoil it for so many. Hag had offered a solution to the loose bolts on the swings. Dead trees are to be removed and new ones planted. The committee are to consider whether a wood or metal barrier would be most effective at the top of the steps to Watery Lane.
The new door was in place at the Hall and the insurers had sent their cheque.
The Film Society would like to hang a screen. Mr Barry explained the idea and was given the go-ahead.
The Guides did not feel they could operate by changing the meeting once a month. The PC agreed they would alter theirs to the 1st Thursday in the month, starting in September for a trial period.
Grit bins are to be purchased and put in place before next winter. How many and where will be finalised by next month.
The ladies toilets are to be painted. New toilets may take some time to finance and organise.
The Clerk had spoken to the Agents for the County who said that they understood the County would be willing to allow a surgery on the Sports and Social Club land, with the permission of their Committee who still hold the Lease until 2002. The County would negotiate a new Lease. However Dr Harris said he wished to wait and have a surgery in the proposed new Community Centre. After discussion the Clerk was asked to write again to Dr Harris to see what his plans were once the permission for the temporary accommodation expired in September.
Queen Street is to be closed for three weeks starting on Monday July 28.
A Laurel hedge on Netting Street needs cutting back, pot holes throughout the village will be reported and the lane from Rope Way to Brick Hill needs attention.
BARE BONES Triumph!
The premiere of BARE BONES turned out as expected: it was a great success and was followed two days later by the news that Hooky's own (and first) film had been Highly Commended in the Guernsey Lily Film Festival competition, the first of several contests for which it is to be entered in the coming months. Thanks to the splendid large screen video equipment obtained for us by John Horwood, both picture and sound quality were superb and the Memorial Hall had been handsomely decorated for the evening's two showings by a team led by Gill White and Nina Daubeny. Brisk sales of the home video followed and were continued at the Rural Fayre. So far over 150 copies have been sold and only a few remain! Should further demand warrant it (Christmas presents?) we may consider securing more copies. Meanwhile, while dwindling stocks last, anyone can order it from Christopher Barry (730407) or from the village Post Office.
The film season kicks off on September 13th with 'Brassed Off'.
CARE GROUP NEWS
Hook Norton Care Group's annual meeting will be held in the Baptist Church Hall at 1pm on September 9 when anyone interested to hear how the Day Centre has progressed will be welcome.
The Group would like to enlist "young mums" willing to help for an hour in the morning or afternoon at the highly successful Monday sessions. The Group still hopes to open on a second day and extra helpers, drivers and volunteers will be needed - so why not drop in and offer your services?
There are no vacancies for guests at the moment, but Sheena, the Co-ordinator, and her deputy Ann, are always ready to give advice and help to families who think they have relatives suitable for admission. If anyone would like to join the committee let the chairman, Lee Morgan (737525) or the secretary, Keith Wood (737443) know. We always need people with ideas.
CHERWELL DISTRICT COUNCIL CDC has published its summer 1997 Countryside Events Programme. The distinctive orange and green booklet contains over one hundred events throughout the summer
01295 252535 Ext 4011
(Also available is the North Oxfordshire Events Guide listing more than 550 events in and around the Cherwell District area between April and September.)
01295 252535 Ext 4535/4230
Banbury: 'Sundays in the Park' offers free entertainment each Sunday afternoon in People's Park in July and August. The Peter Hayes Big Band plays on August 10th, Hook Norton Silver Band on August 17th and Rex Boyd turns the Park into Sherwood Forest on August 24th with his Robin Hood show. The series rounds off with the red hot rhythms of Latin America as Viva Salsa demonstrate merengue, lambada and salsa steps with a six piece live band. 01295 252535 Ext 4343
Guide Walks A programme has been arranged of twelve free guided walks around Banbury Historic Town Centre led by Brian Little, the well known geographer and historian.
01295 252535 Ext 4230
Defensive Planting
Gardeners can protect their home from unwelcome visitors by taking advice from an attractive leaflet produced by Cherwell District Council and Thames Valley Police. Other crime prevention advice is given.
Yarnton Nurseries and Ridgway Nurseries of Bloxham have co-operated in this production and staff at both of these Nurseries are available for advice in planning and cultivation. Leaflet, free, from Council Offices, Police Stations, Libraries and the above Nurseries. 01295 252535 Ext 4249
HOOK NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Hook Norton Football Club have left the Banbury and District League after many years of successful membership and will play in the Oxfordshire Senior League next season. Neville Pearce and Gerry Duggan, the team managers, would welcome any new players to come to pre-season training which started on Wednesday July 16th at 7.30pm at the Sports and Social Club.
Off the playing field the committee would like to hear from anyone in the village who has evidence of when the club was first founded. Old photographs or newspaper cuttings would be most welcome and would of course be returned. We are aware the club was re-formed in 1919 after the First World War but we believe it has been in existence much longer that this date.
Any evidence of club activities pre 1914 would be most welcome.
Neville Pearce 737030 Gerry Duggan 737035
OXFAM WEEK IN HOOK NORTON 13th -21st September
Why give to OXFAM with so many others and the National Lottery? Why NOT, though - the 'others' and the National Lottery will still be there!
In OXFAM Week if a small Oxfam Donation Envelope drops through your door please will you gratefully give? 'Gratefully'? --- read on...........
Oxfam in the World
Against poverty. disease. deprivation of war in refugee camps......
Against the imposition of everlasting crippling interest charges by the world's richest nations on the world's poorest.......
Against sales of land mines......
Against poverty related over population (no welfare state - many children never reaching their teens)......
For the freedom and dignity of the world's poorest to look after themselves and discover their true worth (they would also like to give their children education!)
For the freedom of any one of us to give a helping hand if and when we choose................... and read on!
*Please will you spare time and deliver those Donation envelopes in the area of your choice in OXFAM WEEK? John Morris ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ more corruption
Poverty-->corruption-->more poverty--> -->HATRED and WARS
more poverty
BREWERY BARREL SHED HOP
will take place on Saturday August 30th from 8pm to 12 midnight.
HOOK NORTON FIRE STATION
We are fortunate in this area to have a fire station in this village. The station is part of the Oxfordshire Fire Service, and is crewed on a retained basis. This means that the firefighters stationed here all have primary jobs, but carry with them a small radio pager. On receipt of a fire call, they respond to the fire stations to crew the appliance. It is in this respect that I am writing to you. More people are needed to join the service, to help us maintain an effective firefighting unit. There have been occasions recently, where had there been an incident, the Hook Norton fire appliance would not have been able to attend because not enough firefighters were available.
This letter is an appeal for more people to consider joining the fire service here in Hook Norton. If you feel that you may be able to provide cover, I would urge you to do so. You do not have to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - if you could provide over 40 hours of cover a week then please give this some serious thought.
Hook Norton has maintained an organised fire service for over 100 years - please help us to continue this important work.
J. W. Clarke, Sub Officer in charge, Hook Norton Fire Station
Our firefighters have been called out twenty two times during the two months from 15th May and this is comparable with the twenty four calls of the previous two months: there were ten standby calls for Banbury, two house fires, two factory fires, two cases of flooding, one domestic appliance, one controlled burning, one car fire, one road traffic accident, one straw fire and two false alarms.
However, we are approaching the time of year when calls for assistance may double. During late July, August and September of 1996, Hook Norton Fire Service answered fifty two calls. Please consider that your house may be on fire during the next two months and that the Hooky fire appliance cannot reach you quickly, or not at all, because of undermanning. Might it not cause you to consider becoming a retained firefighter?
Did you know that there is quite a degree of flexibility in providing cover? Also everyone receives a retaining fee depending on how many hours they are on call. You are also paid for attending fire calls and drill night. Editor
DYING OUT
(another poem by our village poet, George Dumbleton)
Is village lingo dying out? These animals are never safe
Now we are so demure, A bull, a ram, a boar,
'Ace', 'yes' or 'ah' is the reply The only time that they are safe
Or is it this 'ah sure'. Is behind a good strong door.
Bill have eh got horses in Farm wagons now have disappeared
The work today's a puzzle, Farm carts are going too,
George ye go down and stop them gaps I've seen a wooden armed wagon
Then help Tom pull the wurzel. John Minchin 1802.
We ought to drill the wait today The sickle and the fagging hook
The field be long and narrow, Both have their parts to play,
One of the boys can come with us The flail to thrash and then the scythe
The t'other can go with Harra. It cut more in the day.
Jim, goo down and fetch the bull, Mowing machines, rake machines,
No that I never ull, Self binders and more to come,
The t'other day when us wanted him Now they are nearly obsolete
Took four on us to fetch that bull. As well as the thrashing drum.
Jim, the pigs want clayning out, Balers tie up all the loose,
When you've throwed out the muck, Combines to cut and thrash,
Your boy can take some in the garden Nearly every farmer has one of these
And use his little truck. It's quicker on the cash.
I don't mind clayning out the sows Tractors seem to have come to stay
I knows they like it dry, As long as oil will last,
When it comes to clayning out the brawn Two horses on a single plough
Igh sty, I sun slips by. Is now a thing of the past.
Where ever have ye bin to Joe Good friends it's here I must leave off
I ant sin you all day, It's time to go to bed ,
That old tup ship kept me round the bush Tractors and combines maybe things of I I couldn't get away. the past
When we are all gone. Dead!
DAYS OUT IN SWERFORD CHURCHYARD
Two black cats play in Swerford Churchyard. In their company Hook Norton Family History Group hopes to complete its transcription of the gravestones this year. If you have a bent for detection and deciphering, enjoy a peaceful rural setting and are interested in recording the details on these gravestones before nature eliminates them, join us on several dates in August. Ring Barbara Hicks on 737017
ARTHUR GEORGE MILLER 1909-1997
Headmaster of Hook Norton School from September 1st 1939 until July 1947 died in Corfe Mullen, Dorset on May 21st at the age of 87.
Arthur Miller was born in Northleach, Gloucestershire, attended Cheltenham Technical School 1922-1927 and was headed for a business career. He was encouraged to go into teaching and trained at St Paul's College in Cheltenham 1928-30 where he was also college organist. He taught for four years in Edgbaston, Birmingham where he met his wife Edith, whom he married in 1936. By that time he had been appointed Head Teacher of Bodicote School near Banbury where his eldest son, George, was born.
The family moved to Hook Norton in 1939 when Mr Miller was appointed as head teacher of the school. They lived in what was the last house up Bourne Lane, before the turn. His first official day at the school was the day that war was declared, September 1st, 1939! Mr Miller had to rush from Weymouth where he was on holiday, to receive a trainload of children from a London school that was evacuated. This trebled the size of the school. All the pupils and staff had to be found billets in the village, to which the village responded admirably. Some of the readers may be among, or descended from those first evacuees, as some never returned to London.
The school expanded by using rooms in pubs and chapels. Longtime residents of the area may remember some of those classrooms and the teachers. The writer remembers Miss Weston, Miss Stratford, a Miss Rapley, Mr Owens, Mr Dee and Miss Sharpe, but may have forgotten others. The school set a record for how rapidly it was up and running as a "combined" Hooky and London (Barking) school.
Arthur Miller was also made Chief Warden of the Region (ARP) whose job it was to organise some of the civil defence operations, working with the Home Guard and the Fire Brigade. Some special privileges that his task provided remembered by his son, George, are that we had a car and a telephone. However, the car lights had to be screened for night driving, and the telephone would ring in the middle of the night every time an air raid warning was given and again when it was cancelled. George's father would head off into the night to meet with the local policeman (PC Wright) and Fireman (Mr Clarke?) to patrol the area for possible bombs or parachute mines reported by farmers in the area. The television series "Danger UXB" brought some memories of the very few incidents in the village mentioned in the extensive diaries Arthur Miller kept of that time period. Some of the families were suspicious that all-night behind-the-scenes meetings at The Sun, The Pear Tree or occasionally The Gate Hangs High were what really kept them out.
Mr Miller also expanded the size and activities of the school garden. Villagers were able to purchase scarce vegetables from here if they didn't have space or inclination to grow their own.
He became an active member of the Parish Council and was organist and choir master at St Peter's Church during various periods of his residence in Hook Norton.
Edith Miller, who died in 1991, was an active member of the W.I.
During the war, villagers were noticed to have an unusually high incidence of goitre in Hook Norton. Mr Miller co-ordinated work in 1994 with the Institute of Social Medicine on behalf of the Medical Research Council Goitre Sub Committee (Dr. D.C. Wilson). This resulted in iodised salt being supplied free to the village as the water used in some parts of the village was found to be unusually low in iodine.
Many people in Britain in wartime were not getting enough Vitamin C. The government decided to collect rosehips and crush them to make Rose Hip Syrup. Mr Miller organised and ran a highly successful Rose Hip drive. There was a target "thermometer" on the front of the school showing how many pounds of rose hips we should collect. Many of us got scratched legs through scrambling about places such as the viaduct seeking out those extra hips. My recollection is that we got something like 3d a pound, and the school got pictures for its hallways from the sacks that were eventually carted off.
The school worked hard to maintain high academic and moral standards. As a C of E school it was inspected by the Oxford Diocesan Inspector of Schools. Copies of the inspection reports were in Mr Miller's files at his death. In 1944 they said: "The Headmaster is most keen to make the religious education of the children as effective as possible and to train them in how to take a full part in the Prayer Book Services. A feature of the school is the good singing. In 1945: "I consider this school to be an example of the value of Church schools in the education of our children".
Since his days as Headmaster at Hook Norton, Arthur Miller had been Headmaster at school in Sonning Common (nr Henley) and Taunton, Somerset. He retired in 1970 to live in Dorset. Funeral services were held in Corfe Mullen on May 27th 1997. Three former Hook Norton teachers: Terry Keith, Blanche Sharpe and Charles Dee attended the funeral.
He is survived by his son George, who would like to hear news of former classmates (and playmates) from the Hooky school days, and son James, born in Hook Norton, who lives in a hostel at Edwards House, Wallisdown, Poole, Dorset.
Down Memory Lane
In 1945 school Diocesan Inspector's Report a PRIZE LIST is given. How many of these pupils are readers of the News Letter and/or remember their catechism?
Std. 6 and 7 - Mary Ford was given a Prayer Book; Margaret Golby a New Testament, Audrey Reeves a certificate and John Cherry a special mention.
Std. 5 - Certificate to Nancy Pargeter, special mention to Beryl Clarke, Pauline Parkinson, Ernest Cliffon, Michael Checkley Audrey Tyrell and Sheila Brooker.
Std. 3 and 4 - Certificates went to Eric Moss and Maurice Pargeter, special mention
to Edwin Cook, Ellis J Grey, Joyce Grimsley and Douglas Marshall Std. 2 Certificate to David Merivale, while Rosemary Ford, George Miller (writer of this article!), Dorothy Rogers, Pat Hewitt and Brian Murdock (for drawing?) were given special mention.
Mr Arthur Miller was active in getting pupils away from school and the surrounding villages to see other parts of the world - but they had to work hard to learn about the geology, geography and people of the place. Mrs Margaret Wise, (Gardner) remembers her trip to the Isle of Wight in 1946 in Hooky Schooldays published in 1993 to celebrate the opening of the new school. The article accompanies a picture of a large group of pupils and staff that went on that "survey". In 1947 a smaller group went to Horsens in Denmark. Mr Miller kept detailed records of this trip that left Hooky at 7.15 am on June 10th 1947 on the early bus to Banbury, thence to London, Harwich, Esbjerg and Horsens. Present were Glyn Thomas (Wigginton), Sheila Brooker, Thomas Wright, Alan North (South Newington), Sidney Haynes, Bruce Horn, Cynthia Woolgrove (Sibford Gower and Sibford Ferris), Mary Wise, Janet King, Donald Pratley, George Miller (Hook Norton), Joyce Rambridge (Swerford). The first night we stayed at the Ormond Street Youth Hostel for 9d a night each (ls/3d each for breakfast!). The 9.5 mm film made of this trip may still exist. There are even notes as to what everyone spent for pocket money!
George Miller, 12 Perkins Court, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
(The Editors would be pleased to receive any accounts of your memories for publication as would the local History Group for their records.)
VIDEOS
Since offering to video village occasions Jo Chadwick has made a video of the Donkey Derby and is taking her camcorder to two weddings, one in July and one in August. She would like you to know that she would be pleased to video your occasion for you. Any offerings she receives go to charity. Telephone: 737199
W.I.
The W.I. enjoyed a successful stall at the Rural Fayre and thank everyone for their support. The meeting on July 8th welcomed Linda Chapman from the British Red Cross as guest speaker, who gave an interesting insight into the work of the Red Cross at home and abroad. New members and guests were welcomed. The 'Mystery Tour' in June culminated at the Killingworth Castle Inn at Wooton where members and friends enjoyed an excellent buffet supper. Another outing is being arranged for August to replace the usual meeting. On September 9th Miss Rees will talk about 'Corn Dollies'. In future, meetings at The Baptist Hall which are on the second Tuesday of each month will be at 7.30pm and not 7.45pm. Our numbers are swelling, but we still have room for new members. Guests are always welcomed for a nominal charge of £1. MR
TRANSPORT
A letter has been received from Alan Witton - Assistant Transport Officer for Oxfordshire Environmental Services in reply to comments regarding bus services in Hook Norton. The points raised will be reviewed at the Public Transport Sub Committee meeting on September 4th.
Regarding the request that bus passes may be used on journeys to Chipping Norton which is not in the Cherwell district, Mr Witton advises that the matter should be taken up with Cherwell District Council and anyone concerned about this should get in touch with them. MR
THISTLES
Everyone must have noticed the huge and spectacular grey thistles which have sprung up along local hedgerows this year - are they new to the area, or have they lain dormant awaiting the right conditions - strong winds, lots of rain and sunshine? I've tried to identify them and think they are ONOPORDUM ACANTHIUM ---Any comments from local plant experts? MR
PS The 'Italian' thrush that says 'Luigi' is reported to have moved from Bourne Lane to the Memorial Hall garden! There is now a rather coarse blackbird that 'wolf whistles'! Marion Roberts 730214
CHIPPING NORTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Full details of Chipping Norton Community Education Council's courses are in a free brochure. This can be found in local shops, libraries or the office on 01608 641644.
The range of courses has been extended despite cuts in Oxfordshire County Council Education budget - so how about learning a language, to work a computer, paint pictures, enjoy sport such as badminton or exercise from aerobics to Staying Supple (which is designed for older people). There are also after-school courses for children and day and week-end courses for adults, and many local societies meet at the School expanding the area of hobbies and pastimes.
Enrolment details are in the brochure. There should be something for everyone on offer, so decide to take up a new interest this September. Jenny Selby-Green, Publicity Worker, 01608 641644
RANGERS
The Rangers have had a busy time with a full programme of activities. The sleepover at half-term was a great success.
The Oxon Guides Adviser for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme visited the unit to explain the scheme to the girls and several have now signed on to work towards their Bronze Awards.
We spent a weekend aboard the narrowboat 'Wildcat' and explored the Oxford canal all the way from Banbury to Lower Heyford and back!
Our circular hike, taking in Wigginton and Swerford, on a lovely summer's evening ended with us being caught in a thunder storm with torrential rain - but didn't dampen spirits too much. Several of the girls were thoroughly enjoying splashing through the streams and puddles which suddenly appeared on the road.
We have had a practice session with our new tent and Trangia stove in preparation for camping. We have cooked and eaten Chinese style, and ended the term with a Bar-b-q.
Five rangers ended the term in style when they attended the Oxon County Ball in Abingdon, held to celebrate 80 years of Ranger Guiding.
Several of the girls also provided invaluable help at the Donkey Derby and Rural Fayre.
If any young women, aged 14 -26, would like to know more about Hook Norton Rangers, please contact Jenny Bruton on 737542 or Di Walker 737946.
GUIDES
We are delighted to have Emma Hughes working with us as Assistant Guider having transferred from Chipping Norton.
Most of this term has been spent learning skills needed for camp, but we also had time for some Badge work especially Agility and First Aid.
Several of the Guides gave up their free time to help at both the Donkey Derby and the Rural Fayre.
We have had two Guides, Abby Grandison and Nicola Sale, complete their work for the Baden-Powell Award. This is the highest award which can be achieved in the Guides section. Both girls are now moving onto Rangers and will also be working as Young Leaders - Abby with the 2nd Hook Norton Brownies and Nicola with Sibford Brownies.
Jane Bruton gained her Guide Camp Permit for which she had to plan and run a weekend camp for a Patrol. This is the first Permit to be gained by a Hook Norton Guide since we re-opened in 1992.
Six of the Guides have recently taken part in the Cherwell Division swimming gala, each winning individual heats and events and coming second overall with a "photo finish" to the relay - which left supporters hoarse from cheering!
We have now finished our meetings for the term (we will be camping at Stanton St. John in August) and start back in September at our new venue - the Memorial Hall.
2ND HOOK NORTON BROWNIES
Wow! what a year. We now have 18 Brownies and are all getting into the swing of things, having tackled some fairly ambitious projects in our first year. We have taken part in various village functions including Remembrance Day Service, Mothering Sunday, Christingle and the recent Donkey Derby. We have been further afield to take part in a district Sing-along in Bloxham, Zoom the World - this year's Thinking Day celebration in London, the St. George's Day Parade in Banbury and an Open Evening at Jubilee House near Oxford. The girls have had some very enjoyable pleasure trips such as a Disney Performance on Ice in Birmingham, a Christmas Party in the village, an Easter Bunny Hunt in the woods and just recently, Brownie Revels, which took place this year in Hooky, with a 'Circus Theme'. We have also been to 'entertain' at the Day Care Centre, a chance for us to perform some of our newly acquired repertoire. We would like to thank everyone who supported our fund-raising events such as the Blue Peter's Bring and Buy, and the Thinking Day 'Big Crunch'.
The girls (and leaders!) have been given the opportunity to learn various new skills and to improve existing ones, with badges gained in things like Swimming, Dancing, Writing and Canoeing. As a pack, the girls have earned their Hostess badge and are now working towards their First Aid badge. We have tried to keep expenses to a minimum and the girls have been putting their needlework skills to use in making aprons, bean bags and Christmas decorations. We recently purchased a long skipping rope and are now trying to remember all those playground rhymes to go with it!
If anyone out there feels they can contribute with any hidden skills, we would love to hear from you. Many Thanks
Brown Owl 730289 Tawny 737428 Snowy 730180 Screech
BAND SECRETARY NEEDED URGENTLY
Due to some disability (and doctor's "orders") Susan Jepson must resign as Secretary of the Hook Norton District Silver Band....effective immediately. So, the band needs a replacement. Susan is sad to go as the position is responsible, interesting and rewarding. For details please ring Susan on 737176, or Band Chairman, Steve Ashby on 01295 263855
ST PETER'S CHURCH
On St Peter's Day (29th June) the Patronal Festival Eucharist was followed by a delicious 'Fishdish' lunch, organised by Jan Hughes and Paula Clarke. Besides the fish dish (Salmon pate and salad) there were strawberries and cream, cheese and biscuits and wine. A splendid way to celebrate the Patronal Festival.
The Refreshment Tent at the Rural Fayre proved a success. It was most ably and cheerfully run by Mary Powell and her helpers, in aid of the church.
The Annual Sponsored Bicycle Ride in aid of individual churches and the Historic Churches Trust will take place on Saturday September 13th. Please contact Ben Acreman (737223) if you would like to join the cyclists - or walk or ride - to visit as many churches as possible, or if you would sponsor someone for the event.
Look out for posters in the village about the Benefice Family Service Outing to the Cotswold Wildlife Park on Sunday 14th September. A coach will pick up from St Peter's Church and the other churches in the Benefice. There will be a stop for a service at St John's Church Carterton on the way, then lunch and the afternoon spent in the Park, returning in time for Evensong (6.30pm).
The Harvest Thanksgiving is on Friday 26th September followed by supper. On Sunday 28th September there will be the Harvest Festival Eucharist at 10am. Hook Norton Manor Garden will be open for the National Gardens Scheme, Sunday October 5th, 2 - 5.30pm, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Nicholas Holmes.
Teas will be in aid of our church.
There will be a Service of Confirmation at St Peter's on Sunday 16th November, taken by the Bishop of Dorchester. Anyone interested in joining Confirmation classes, which start in September, please contact the Rector (737223).
WILD FLOWERS
Following my plea in the last Newsletter to protect the wild flowers in the village I am most grateful that the roadside verge near the bridge has been left unmown. In mid- July I counted 20 varieties of wild flowers in this small patch. Jo Chadwick
METHODIST CHAPEL WIGGINTON
We will always welcome you on Sunday evenings at 6pm and on the first Sunday in the month at 10.30am when we have a family service.
BAPTIST NOTES
We were pleased that so many visited our tent at the Rural Fayre. We are planning the children's holiday club which will take place at the Baptist Church from 10am to noon daily during the week 11th to 15th August. There will be a barbecue for parents and children at 5.30pm on Thursday 14th, all are welcome. Alan Jarvis 737864
HOOK NORTON FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES
Sunday 19th July dawned bright and sunny after a week of indifferent weather. Forty two different beers were in place early on Friday in the marquee in the gardens of the Pear Tree and had settled well for the off on Saturday morning. During the day a steady stream of enthusiastic seekers of real ale descended upon the village. There was a relaxed, happy, family atmosphere. Entertainment was provided by Owlswick Morris Men, Hook Norton Silver Band, The Tom Gibbs folk singers, Toby and The Amigos and there were tours round the Brewery. Food was also made available.
The Festival was very well attended and at one time it was difficult to find space to walk amongst the groups of smiling people sprawled on the grass. The relaxed feeling of the occasion however, did not distract the real ale aficionados from their serious purpose of sampling and grading as many ales as they could. Individual sampling sheets were marked according to merit and guarded jealously.
Hook Norton Brewery provided seven different ales for sampling, all of which were extremely popular. Visitors had the choice of other ales with such strange names as 'Grandma wouldn't like It', 'Vicar's Revenge', 'Hogshead' and 'Magistrates Delight'.
Eight hundred glasses were sold and 3,000 pints of beer passed over the counter: at one point, it is estimated, that it was one every twelve seconds. The tremendous popularity of the Festival was demonstrated by the fact that all beer had been drunk by 8.30pm!!
The occasion was organised by Jem Hayward, Denis Wynn and Bob Murray with the inestimable assistance of the Clarke family and the staff of the Brewery, and Steve and Wendy of the Pear Tree Inn. The organisers send what profit they make to charity with the Leukaemia Research topping the list. This year they hope to have over £4,000 to distribute. Well done!
HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP
A big list of 'Thankyous' this edition as another year at playgroup comes to an end.
Firstly to everyone for their continued support - our two most recent events were a great success. We raised £85 at this year's Rural Fayre with our crèche, Jam Jar Jamboree and Face Painting. At our Annual Sportsday and Teddy bear Picnic £15 was raised from a mini-raffle, and a not yet counted or collected amount will be raised from the sponsored Brick Build the children had. A big thank you to all our brick builders and their sponsors. Watch this space for totals in the next issue.
Secondly, a big thank you to Alrys and Pat who once again supported Playgroup this year whenever possible and turned out every day to ensure Playgroup opening.
Thirdly to all my fellow committee members for their continued support, hard work and determination which have seen us through many changes this year; and to their families - husbands and children for putting up with long committee meetings, endless phone calls and cold T.V. dinners! not long to go now!
Finally, to our chairperson Josephine Duggan. As Jo is not writing this edition's article I'm sure all will join me in thanking her for being a great chairperson over the last 18 months and for all the hard work she has put into Playgroup. In a year that has seen vouchers, Ofsted inspections and new government milestones, Jo has achieved great things for Playgroup and it's children. Sadly Jo and her colleagues are all resigning at this year's A.G.M. (September 8th, 8pm Playgroup building) but a new ready elected committee are poised to take over. Lots of luck to them (Official takeover at AGM) and a sad goodbye to Jo. (Danny, Jack and Kate can have you all to themselves again now).
All that remains to say is, see you all on Monday September 1st when Playgroup resumes and to all those girls and boys who are leaving to join Mrs Crowe at Nursery or a 'big school' where you live, "Good luck to all of you and thank you to you and your families for your support" x x x Enjoy the break everyone, see you soon. Anon
CHILDREN'S VILLAGE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Hi ! Just a quick word from your friendly organisers, Colette and Kerrie, about this year's Christmas Party. I know, I know, it's only July, we've hardly seen the sun, schools just broken up and Woolworths hasn't had its summer toy sale and we're mentioning Christmas. Don't panic folks, just a date for your diary and to note a couple of changes from the past few years.
This year's Party will now be on a SATURDAY - 6TH DECEMBER (times and venue to be confirmed in next issue of Newsletter) and will be held in TWO parts as follows :- to keep numbers down and safety up, there will be an Under 5's tea-party with Santa's grotto in the afternoon and then a 5 - 7yr olds (or keystage one classes) Disco and Buffet (attended later by Santa) in the evening. Prices, etc., in next issue.
That's it folks, you can get back on with your hols now and see you then.
C & K (Contact No. 737829
DONKEY DERBY
We were delighted and honoured that Jenny Pitman was able to come and open our Donkey Derby on a dull, grey but DRY afternoon on 29th June. Royal Athlete looked magnificent as he proudly paraded, and responded well to the clapping crowd.
Grateful thanks must go to all the Brownies, Guides and Rangers who helped run the stalls and sell the programmes. The "jockeys" entertained us well with the donkey races, and the sulky cart racing was very exciting with Mark Pitman winning the Church's China Trophy in the closely fought final. Our very own George Harris won the £100 first prize in the raffle. We do sincerely thank everybody who supported us with their time and/or money. Five months of hard work means that we are able to send a cheque to the Injured Jockeys Fund for £6,500 - it makes it all worthwhile.
Lucy's costs to Greenland were also covered and the atmosphere at Stanstead Airport on 17th July was incredible. 72 Young Explorers waiting to check in for their flight to Narssarssuaq, each with a thoroughly overloaded rucksack, and all wearing two or three layers of fleece clothing, mountain jackets and heavy walking boots. The boys were raring to go, the girls a little more thoughtful as they contemplated what was to come. The Leaders moved patiently among them all, answering endless questions, encouraging, helping re-pack rucksacks that burst open, unable to take the strain any more! Pockets bulged with batteries, matches, hats and gloves - everything that either could not be packed, or would not fit in, or was needed for the cold at the other end. Tearful, anxious mothers hugged their young people again and again before seeing them disappear through passport control. Lucy went through without a backward glance. As the saying goes "No news is good news". They are completely out of touch with the world now for six weeks unless there is a problem. We will be very relieved to see her return safely on 30th August, but are sure that she will have the trip of a lifetime. Di Walker
FOLK IN A FIELD - 5th July
Summer was in the air, at last, and the sell-out audience fully appreciated the live music - from the traditional European Instrumental of Muscadin: through the fruity blues of Heavy on the Blue to the lyrical rock of Rev'lator and on finally to the zippy folk-rock of the country's finest young exponents - Clarion. Something for nearly everyone and not a finger in the ear. This was a night to remember - good music; family and friends celebrating; the smoke of barbecues wafting gently across the fields; youngsters dancing on the stage. And, at the end, hardly a drop of litter - Brilliant. Oh - and the evening made over £2000. Thank you ! Pat Groome
P.S. If you would like to re-live the evening there are still a few commemorative rugby shirts available - medium and large sizes only - only £16. ..................................
..........from John Henderson 01608 737771
THE RURAL FAYRE - 6th July
After all the rain of the preceding weeks (and consequent anxiety in the minds of the committee) the weather warmed up and the sun shone, the field dried out and the crowds came. The 11th Rural Fayre turned out to be a very enjoyable day, following a very successful Saturday Concert. The good atmosphere created the day before continued almost unbroken on the Sunday, and I am sure that the event was greatly enjoyed by all.
The purpose of the Rural Fayre is not only to provide pleasure and entertainment for all who come to it, but also to raise funds for national and local charities and organisations. Our preliminary estimates indicate that we shall have a significantly greater sum available than in recent years and I would invite all those local clubs, societies and other organisations who would like to be considered for a contribution, to contact me on the phone number shown below or by writing.
I would like to express the Committee's gratitude to all those who unselfishly gave their time and energy to making the event such a success, especially David Clarke and the Brewery, David Dennison, Peter Hiatt, John Harris, Keith Barnes, Keith Fowler, John Rogers and Nigel Matthews. The number of people who contribute directly and indirectly (and often at direct cost to themselves) is large and space prevents me from listing everyone. Thank you all very much indeed.
The Annual General meeting of the Hook Norton Charitable Association which actually puts on the Rural Fayre each year will be held at the Brewery Function Room at 8pm on 23rd September 1997. Attendance at and participation in the functions of the Charitable Association is open to everyone in Hook Norton over the age of 18, so please come , and if you are interested in helping in the production of another successful event in 1998, please contact me or tell us at the meeting. Michael Barlow (Chairman), Sunny Bank Cottage, Hook Norton, OX15 5NR Tel 01608 737336
RITA PINFOLD
To my friends in Hook Norton: Thank you all so much for your very generous gifts to me when I retired from the Surgery.
It has been my privilege and my pleasure to have been part of your lives and I hope that you will continue to be part of mine. Thank you so much. Rita
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK
It's mid-July and a blackbird feeding young in a Whittons Close garden may well be on its 3rd brood. An early report on the breeding season by the British Trust for Ornithology suggests many species have had a bumper breeding season - despite an unsettled June.
It specifically mentions thrushes, blue and great tits, blackcap and chiff chaffs.
Local evidence would support this analysis, and around the area broods of goldcrests, coal and long-tailed tits are obvious, so we could expect to see more of these species in our gardens over the coming months.
The same BTO report highlighted a recent increase in nuthatch numbers reflected locally in a sighting in Teddy and Gillian Liddell's garden on 28-29 June, which was the first in 13 years. All records of this usually scarce species in the parish are welcome this year. The Liddell's garden also attracted up to 4 great spotted woodpeckers, including 2 juveniles, and Gill White also reported a woodpecker in June. The only hobby sighting came from Tim and Helen Birchell on 19 July.
Butterflies have been scarce in our garden this year, although holly blues re-emerged in July. However, it's been an exceptional year for the marbled white which could be seen alongside the nature reserve in July with one along Rectory Road on 19 July, the first I've seen within the village.
A small group is currently compiling a report on the status of birds within the parish and would particularly appreciate all sightings of the following species this Autumn and winter: grey and red legged partridge, snipe, woodcock and nuthatch.
Any wildlife sightings are welcome.
Steve Holliday 8 Whittons Close, Tel 737038
PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Summer term has been a long one but with many interesting and exciting activities to support hard work in the classroom. The youngest children enjoyed a day at the 'beach' at the Cotswold Water Park while other classes have visited the Cotswold Wildlife Park, the Corinium Museum, Mary Arden's House and the Houses of Parliament. Many pupils experienced independence and spending time with others away from home on residential visits which ranged from Class 2's overnight stay at the Study Centre to Class 4's two night visit to Bristol and five days of outdoor activities at Yenworthy by years 5 and 6. The oldest pupils also participated in a "citizenship day" organised by Thames Valley Police. Twenty two pupils who will be moving to Chipping Norton School in September spent three introductory days there. Another pupil will be going to Stour Valley School. We wish them well.
The school have welcomed visitors who have given stimulating performances and extended children's knowledge and awareness. 'The Floating Points Science Theatre' gave a performance about forces called "Push Off". Jackie Zanmit from the Rainforest Foundation gave an assembly for all and then joined Mrs Pryor's class where the children became the Kyapo tribe for the day.
Norman's Music demonstrated a variety of brass and woodwind instruments and at a follow-up meeting with their parents a number of children expressed an interest in taking up an instrument. Maybe a Hook Norton Band of the future?
The Hook Norton Team won the Charlbury Kwik Cricket Festival by an amazing one run! All pupils have taken part in Sports Day and in assemblies and shows. At the end of term the Nursery children held a circus show and Year 6 performed the space age musical "Infinity Diner"
The school fete raised a splendid £1500 which will be added to the Minibus fund. The School Minibus requires replacing and is an expensive item. It is essential for a village school and is frequently used by both school and community groups.
At the end of another school year thanks go to all who have supported the school in many different ways.
THE FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL
We are now at the end of a very successful and enjoyable year, having raised just over £6000. The committee would like to thank all the parents, teachers and villagers for their support over the past year and look forward to seeing all at fund raising events next year.
If you are interested in finding out more about us, please feel free to join us at the AGM on Wednesday 24th September, 8pm in the Study Centre.