Hooky has been humming these last two months with the Flower Festival, Brewery celebrations and photoshoots all over the place for the Local History Millennium book.
The response for 'one-sided' paper was magnificent! Even more so was the amount of money which came in this time. Some larger donations together with the money from the Post Office Box amounted to £121 the most ever. Thank you very much.
Thank you to Julian for organising delivery of the Newsletters, her many helpers and the Hughes family who stood in for Julian during the last time.
Sadly we report the deaths of Stella Ashley-Boulton, Mr Brown, Lily Cooke, Joyce Edge, Jack Fox, Norman Woodward and William White and on behalf of the village send our condolences to their families and friends.
I regret pressure on space has resulted in smaller print in some cases again in this issue.
Is there anyone out there who might like to become Editor? Barbara Hicks 737017
Copy date for the next issue is Thursday, November 18th
Annual Coffee Afternoon and Sale in aid of Leukaemia Research will take place at The Wing of Scotland House on Saturday 27th November. All the usual stalls and attractions. All welcome. Starts 2pm
PARISH COUNCIL
August: The plans for the proposed new surgery had been considered and approved with emphasis that this was a one off 'brick' permission and should not set a precedent.
The Play Area was in need of some attention. The bark needed topping up and raking over and some repair of the carousel was to be followed up.
The contractor is to be asked to trim around the post box and dog bin in Ironstone Hollow, trim the hedge and clean around the fencing.
A sample table was on hand as it is intended that the tables in the Memorial Hall
would be replaced. It was agreed that ten new tables would be purchased.
The litter and dog mess throughout the village continues to be a problem. The vets had offered help with the campaign to get people to 'poop scoop' and more dog bins will be purchased.
The skip was again reported as being untidy because it is being used for builders' rubble, etc. The skip is strictly for household waste and Cherwell had written to complain about its misuse. The shredding machine would be in evidence again in September and it is hoped more people will use this facility. A letter of support was to be sent to the Sports and Social Club to back them in their efforts to get Lottery money for a new facility.
The County is to distribute new maps to the Parish Councils. The Clerk has asked Milcombe if they could use any of the spare capacity on the Thursday bus.
A complaint had been received regarding parking throughout the village. It was agreed to invite WPC Dilsaver to the September meeting.
September: Permission had been given for the Doctors' Surgery in The Bourne.
Grant money for improvements to the Memorial Hall was available and the matter is to be pursued. Definite plans must be put forward and approved by the whole of the Parish Council before any application could be made.
The table that is on hand was to be kept for use in the kitchen and ten slightly larger tables are to be purchased for the Hall.
Mr Couldrey had 'booked' the entertainment. The Hunchback of Notre Dame for the Christmas show on December 17th and Jazz Night on February 5th.
Members of the Environment Committee were asked to tour the village and decide on new sites for litter and dog bins to be agreed at the October meeting.
Once again there was a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. Interested people should contact the Chairman, Mr Christopher Barry on 730407. Meetings are held on the second Thursday in the month and start at 7.30pm.
Bells Lane is in a very poor condition and Mr Clay wondered if the County were about to classify this as a "Failed Road"? The surfacing promised for Brewery Lane had not taken place and there is a section in the middle of the village that was missed during the road closure.
A manhole cover in the High Street was reported as dangerous and the Clerk said that she would treat this as an emergency.
A tractor driver had demolished a lamp in Bourne Lane and although the County had agreed to replace this they said it would take some time to organise.
The County was offering 50% towards bus shelters with money they had received from the Government which is trying to get more people to use public transport. It was agreed that a bus shelter by Ironstone Hollow would go ahead. Things would have to move quickly as there was a deadline of October 31st.
WPC Dilsaver was present and was questioned by a member of the public about the poor parking in the village. WPC Dilsaver said she understood that it was difficult for residents who lived in older properties and had nowhere on their premises for a vehicle. However, those people who persistently parked causing an obstruction would be cautioned and she could impose penalties if they did not take heed of the warning.
Bonfire with fireworks organised by Hook Norton Firefighters will take place on Saturday, November 6th at 6pm at rear of Brewery. Details from any firefighter. Proceeds to the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund
FOHNCL held its first AGM on 13th September when it adopted its constitution.
Apart from Committee members only two of its subscribing members were present at the meeting. We were not too surprised but mildly disappointed that we were not able to hear members views nor were we able to spread the workload more widely with more committee members on board. We were somewhat gratified that villagers now implied by their absence that their library was not in a crisis situation!! Paola James, resigned as Chairman after a year of painstaking and dedicated hard work and Pauline Walters was welcomed in her place. Other officers were re-appointed as there were no other nominations.
Under Paola's chairmanship many of the wishes expressed in the answers to the questionnaire sent to villagers last year have been achieved.
- Saturday Morning Opening Hours is a reality and Sheila Stewart, local author of Lifting The Latch and Ramblin' Rose cut the ribbon to mark these new hours on Saturday 11th September. Many members and other local people were present.
- A 'reference' computer is now in place, supplied to FOHNCL and through them to the Library, by the generosity of The Charitable Association. Members subscriptions and a valuable donation from a local business man helped to buy furniture for the computer and also to provide it with educational and reference CD-ROMS. Look out for notices which will appear shortly to let you know when it is fully operational.
- A constitution has been adopted after much hard work. This will give us a framework in which we can be fully accountable and will make us viable should we wish to become a Registered Charity in the future.
- Reading to Children Sessions have been introduced and will continue at Half-Term.
- We have made our presence felt at two Rural Fayres, one when we held a profitable book sale of the many books given us by villagers.
Now we come to BOOKS. We have bought a small number to try to fill in the gaps in the years when the County book budget was curtailed and will be getting more very soon.
All in all the situation looks much more healthy. FOHNCL is a member of the Friends of Oxfordshire Libraries which is sponsored by the County's Cultural Services. It works alongside the Cultural Services to maintain and improve our library service in Hook Norton.
We really need to keep up this alliance and not find ourselves in the forefront of 'libraries up for closure' when the next crisis situation arises. For the second year the library has benefited from support from the Parish Council who have supplemented the loss in hours from two years ago. Consequently we will be inviting villagers to renew their membership of FOHNCL next March.
During the last year we were fortunate to have the services of Val Baker as our 'assistant librarian' on loan from Banbury Library. We now welcome Pat Weighall to Hook Norton Library and look forward to working with her.
TRANSPORT
Virgin value
If you are planning a journey to a destination served by Virgin Cross-Country trains, you may be able to get a very cheap fare. I am travelling from Banbury to Bournemouth in October for £15 for the return journey, including reserved seats. You need to contact Virgin by telephone (0345 222333) for information and to book your tickets between two months and a week before travel. You must travel on the particular train listed on the ticket. Timetables are available in the Post Office. Peter Fry
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
The season opened at The Study Centre in Sibford Road with Maureen Morgan illustrating her extremely interesting talk with some magnificent slides of inn signs. Their historical content was very revealing.
Malcolm Aitken talks to us about 'Death, Dung and Disease' (sounds intriguing) on October 5th at the same venue. On November 2nd we hold a Fun Archive Quiz.
Some members of the Group have been extremely active these last few months on two projects:
Firstly, we have been very fortunate. The Hook Norton Brewery has kindly put aside a room in it's new Visitors Centre next to their own museum, especially for village artefacts and has entrusted it to our care. Amongst other items on loan we can now display Austin and Charlie Hall's old cart and wheelwright and well-sinking tools already in our possession. A few members of the group were able to get the room 'ready' in time for the visit of the Princess Royal on the 9th September and she expressed a great deal of interest in it.
On 7th December the Group starts to use the Visitors Centre for its monthly meetings with Christmas Customs, a talk given by Mairi Macdonald of the Shakespeare Birth Trust, the first to be held there.
Secondly, our other project, the Millennium Book is gathering momentum. By the time you read this most of the photos will have been taken and we shall then start on the next part of the process, writing the text and putting the book together.
The Group has tried to cover as many aspects of village life as possible.
If you feel you have not been included or would like to suggest a part of village life that may have been overlooked, please get in touch with Venice Barry on 730407 or Barbara Hicks on 737017.
The book will have over 76 pages of photographs and text and will be published early in 2000. It will be in hardback, quite compact, will fit into an A5 envelope and be suitable for posting to friends and family. It will be priced reasonably. We shall be starting a subscription list quite soon whereby you can pay up front (at a discount) for your copy or copies. Please take advantage of this scheme as it will help us to finance the book.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AND JUMBLE SALE
In aid C.L.I.C. (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood)
on Saturday November 20th at 2pm at Hook Norton Memorial Hall
Any donations may be left at Lincolns Inn, Hook Norton or for collection please phone 737244. Thank you.
HOOK NORTON SCOUTS
Many thanks to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts for our visit to the World Jamborette in Holland this summer. The Scouts have many happy memories, sun, heat and friendships being the main ones.
The results of the balloon race were as follows:
First Prize: £50 - Mr F Flowerday, Bromsgrove, (balloon found at North Fordingham).
Second Prize: National Gardens Scheme Voucher (donated by Applegarth Nurseries, Chipping Norton) - Mrs J Howe, Cirencester (balloon found at Hull).
Third Prize: Shopping Voucher (donated by Tesco) - Mr Layer, Sibford Gower (balloon found at Market Rasen). Once again, many thanks for supporting us.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION AT TRAITORS FORD
At the end of July Nigel fell off his bike in Traitor's Ford and sustained serious fractures of his hip and elbow. Since that time we have heard of two further cycling accidents. As many cyclists ride through the ford and families frequently have outings there, we felt we should issue a word of warning. The bottom of the ford is very slimy and the adjacent path has been overgrown. The vegetation has now been cut back and Warwickshire Highways Department has indicated it will put up a warning sign. In the meantime do take care. We would like to extend our thanks to all who have sent best wishes to Nigel and enquired after him. He is still confined to a wheelchair and has been told his recovery will be slow but he is making good progress. Anne and Nigel Evans
Thank you for all the presents and good wishes we received when leaving Hook Norton. We will miss everyone dearly and hope to see you all soon.
Love Tony, Lynn, Paul, Rosie and Edward Quinn
A VERY BIG THANK YOU
to Hook Norton Preschool Playgroup's committee for my fab leaving 'pressies' and kind wishes. Both were much appreciated, also thank you to Jonathan Roberts for my delicious chocolates - they were very yummy and I managed to eat them all myself - which is a first!
Good luck to him and all the other boys and girls who have started Big Nursery this term. Lots of love - Collette xxxx.
HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
The bands have been busily engaged throughout the summer months playing at various functions in the district. There was also a solo and duet contest between members in June, organised by Bandmaster Ron Glynn, which attracted sixteen entries and was held in Marlborough Road Church where the band practice takes place each week.
The contest included those in the training band as well as the main band and was judged by Graham Duck, a well known local musician and teacher of brass. The accompanist on piano was Steve Taylor, another well known musician of excellence. Craig Whittingham won the beginners section, playing a trombone solo. Jane Hancock was winner of the experienced section playing cornet, and Jackie and Ronnie Plumb won the duet section on euphonium and Eb bass.
The band played at Deddington fete, also in June, when the weather was very unsettled, but was kind to us on the day.
In early July, Hook Norton Rural Fayre saw the band playing in two afternoon slots under cover of a huge gazebo shielding us from the scorching sun and was much appreciated by band members. On another hot and sunny July day, the peaceful setting of Vera Jones' garden in Sibford Gower was the venue for another engagement, when the older folk of the village were invited to a garden party and entertained by the band. A scrumptious tea was kindly supplied to us afterwards by Vera.
Also in July was the Beer Festival. The heat was remorseless and the faces of band members felt the full impact of the burning rays of the sun and were soon sporting rosy glows. It was no wonder the beer ran dry on such a day.
An "Aunt Sally" evening at the Norman Knight, Whichford was the venue for a band social evening, when we enjoyed some relaxation in each others company. The weather had broken, with days of rain and cool temperatures and we were glad to squash inside the tiny back room for a delicious buffet supper. During the course of the evening it was announced that Jason Glynn, the band's musical director and Helen, his wife had become the proud parents of a baby boy on August 12th.
We awaited the outcome of August 15th with bated breath, the weather forecast not good after a week of rain and storms. The afternoon arrived and the sun shone brilliantly in a cloudless sky. An audience had gathered expectantly in the People's Park, taking seats in readiness for the band's concert. The applause that echoed from all around was indicative of the appreciation of our music on a perfect summer's day.
Stratford Races was the venue for the next undertaking, when the temperatures soared into the 80s. This event was part of the fortnight's celebrations to mark the Hook Norton Brewery's 150th anniversary, some of the races having been sponsored by David Clarke.
The following Friday saw band members travelling to Blenheim Horse Trials to play in the early evening and even at 7pm the sun's heat was intense.
It was a relief to enter the coolness of St Peter's Church on September 12th to take part in the Brewery's 150th Anniversary Service, the band leading some of the congregational singing as well as having their own slot. During this time, a new piece of music, entitled "Brewery Celebrations", written specially for the occasion by Bandmaster, Ron Glynn, was played. A framed copy of part of the music score was then presented to David Clarke and his wife. The band's new jackets, acquired just in time for this event, were worn with pride at this happy commemoration. The service was one of thanksgiving for the Brewery's success over 150 years and the important role of the Clarke family in the village of Hook Norton.
The band added their congratulations to the many offered and gratitude for the support that it received and look forward to many more future events when it can be of service.
HOOKY, it's your market - Use it or Lose it..................
This most useful bazaar has been a village feature for many years. Hooky folk meet to find bargains on the varied stalls or just gossip over a cup of tea.. Whether its antiques, bric-a-brac or lovely homemade cakes there is much for everyone.
Shrinking attendance means there's a real possibility of closure. Perhaps newcomers are not aware of its existence and older residents have forgotten what they are missing. If we don't use it then we will most assuredly lose it and once lost it will be gone for ever. Come on everybody, don't kill our market by neglect.
Next market at the Memorial Hall is SATURDAY - October 9th then every following second Saturday in the month
OUT F THE BLUE
I have received several complaints concerning parking around the village, especially by the Post Office, the Bell Public House, Sibford Road cross roads and Netting Street to name but a few! I feel a gentle reminder of the guidelines laid down in the Highway Code will go some way to resolving these problems.
THINK BEFORE YOU PARK!
Do not park your vehicle where it would endanger or inconvenience pedestrians or other road users, for example: on a footpath, pavement or cycle track
BOWLS CLUB
We have just completed our matches for the season. Not the most successful season. We did not win a single match but we did enjoy playing a series of what were most friendly games. Thanks to the loyalty of our members and their willingness to turn out whenever possible, we have been able to honour all but two of our commitments. Now we are going to try to organize our activities for the close season. We have already begun to play indoor bowls at Banbury and are hoping to arrange some short mat bowls. We are certainly not sitting back and waiting for things to come right; we are making real efforts to make them so!!
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
We invite you to our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 8th October
9 - 11.30 am.
It will be held in the Study Centre at Hook Norton Primary School. Any offers of help or donations of cakes and raffle prizes will be gratefully received and can be given to Julie Wood - 737998 or
Julian Bolton 737153.
If, however, this event is over by the time you receive your newsletter we would like to thank everyone for their support in helping to raise money for such a good cause.
A final figure will be advised shortly.
PROGRESS AT SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Since the last edition of the Newsletter, members of the Committee have been working very hard on moving towards making an application for Lottery for funding.
Everyone in the village will, we hope, have received through their letter boxes a bright yellow sheet of paper in which we have asked for letters of support to back our application. We have been enormously encouraged by the response from both individuals of all ages (including our MP Tony Baldry) and organisations - please keep them coming as the strength of village opinion in favour of the proposals is very important in showing the funding providers that demand is there for the facilities we intend to have. (We now that there was a deadline of 3rd September, but the Lottery application will not be submitted for a few weeks yet and so there is still time).
As well as the Lottery application, we are in the process of putting together a scheme to raise additional funding which the Lottery will not provide. This will not only involve events organised by the Sports and Social Club Committee, but also approaches to organisations (businesses, trusts, councils, sports governing bodies such as the Football Association and the Lawn Tennis Association) and to individuals. Unfortunately we have been told that Cherwell District Council will not provide any money at all - they have apparently terminated such spending! We will however continue to receive practical advice and support.
In the coming months we will need as much support and help as we can get because there is a great deal to do. Please remember that this scheme is for the benefit of the whole community of whatever age and whether you are "sporty" or not.
It is very important to the Committee that all this should be dealt with as openly as possible and if you want to comment, to know more about the scheme or have any other questions, please contact either
Mike Battley 01608 737734 Mike Barlow 01608 737336, Anne Evans 01608 737341
CHERWELL DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
Amongst the items covered by Cherwell's latest bulletin, now in the Library, are:
the Millennium Tree Planting scheme, a campaign to protect local hedgerows, the future development of energy-conscious community halls, a model of Tooley's Boat Yard on display and notice of the temporary closure of Banbury's Fringe walk.
An apology from the Editor When typing the last issue I 'lost' some copy from Pam and George Hummer who were reporting on their Charity Open Garden Day last summer. They particularly wanted to thank all those who had kindly made such lovely cakes for the occasion.
HOOK NORTON GUIDES
We returned to Guides on Monday 13th September after the Summer holidays.
We were very pleased to welcome eight new Guides from 1st and 2nd Hook Norton Brownies and also Sibford Brownies. This now makes a total of 29 Guides. Once again, please make sure that your daughter's name and details are given to me once she reaches her 9th birthday as, at this rate, we may soon be full.
We have a very busy term planned, with lots of exciting things to do. We started off with celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival on Monday. The girls made animals and shapes out of tissue paper, stuck them to kebab sticks and then we put night lights behind them. They were very pretty and effective. Little did I realise that when I brought a six foot long bright coloured fish shape home from World camp, it symbolised the Chinese Moon festival. We placed a torch inside it to light it up along with the Guide shapes.
We shall be taking part in two different competitions in the County in the next two weeks and we shall be visiting Stratford Youth Hostel later in the term, for the weekend. Julie Wood
PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
Here we are at the start of a new term with a whole new list of proposed events.
We will be holding a Jumble Sale at The Memorial Hall on Saturday 16th October from 2 until 4pm. We will be setting up from 10.30am and you can bring your jumble along to the hall on the day, or you could take it to Playgroup prior to the event; please ring 730560. We can arrange for someone to collect or carry large bulky items. Please call if you need help. As well as the usual stalls there will be refreshments, cakes and a raffle. Admission is only 20p, so we hope to see you there.
We will also be holding a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday November 20th at The Baptist Hall from 2 until 4pm with a variety of seasonal stalls. Details will be posted around the village.
Look out for the Christmas floats on Sunday December 5th. This popular annual event will be travelling around the village during the afternoon.
Congratulations to Maria Smith who has recently passed her Diploma in Pre-school Practice. Well done, Maria.
STOP PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!
Hook Norton Playgroup has just been awarded a grant of £1305 from the National Lottery Charities Board towards improving outdoor playing facilities. Together with money already raised we can go ahead with resurfacing the playground and purchasing new outdoor toys and games. Mandy Watkins Chairperson Tel: 737143
W.I.
Weather dampened plans for the Garden Meeting in August at the Gables. However everything was transferred to our usual venue at the Baptist Hall and an informal afternoon was enjoyed, including tea, produce stalls and a raffle.
Several non- members, husbands and friends enjoyed the coach trip to Windsor in July. The weather was perfect and Windsor is still recovering from the invasion!
Our newly embroidered banner depicting scenes of the village including the Brewery was lent to the History Group as part of their display at the new Visitor's Centre and we were delighted to have had Royal approval when The Princess Royal, on her recent tour of the Brewery when she opened the Centre, commented on the hard work that must have gone into it. We hope for more approval at the W.I. Craft Fair at Kidlington. The banner may be displayed again in the village at the Christmas Craft Fair in St Peter's on November 6th.
After going to press, we will hopefully have enjoyed a 'Musical Afternoon' including a recital and musical quiz on September 21st. The meeting at the Baptist Hall on Tuesday October 19th will start at the earlier time of 1.45pm and will be a Flower Arranging Workshop. On Tuesday November 16th at 2pm a Health Promotion Officer will give a talk and entries for the annual mini-show will be displayed and judged. Looking ahead - the Christmas Lunch is planned for December 21st. New members and visitors welcomed to all events. Watch out for posters!
Marion Roberts.
Peter and Margaret Whittle invite you to the 7th annual sale of their Cottage Crafts, October 22nd, 23rd, 24th at Malcolm's Cottage, Tadmarton. 10am - 5pm
Admission £1 including refreshments. In aid of Katharine House Hospice.
CRICKET CLUB
End of season report. A sigh of relief from those who have to put up with absent fathers, sons and daughters on sunny weekend afternoons - the cricket season has come to a close!
Thank you to everyone who has made the cricket season such an enjoyable one. In putting out three senior sides, running the junior cricket and turning out one of the best wickets and outfields in the area, there are too many people to thank individually in this newsletter, but the flourishing club is a testament to everyone's hard work. The long spells of hot sunny weather also helped and incredibly we only had two Saturday games rained off in the entire season. Lets hope the climate change brings us many more summers like this last one. Hooky sides always seem to play better with the sun on their backs. This was reflected with the league side winning 9 out of 16 games and finishing fifth in the competitive 2nd Division of the Premier League, having beaten the top sides in the division. The Sunday side has not only seen some enjoyable and exciting games but also pushed forward some future stars for next year's 1st X1. If anyone went by the ground on Tuesday evenings they would have been forgiven for thinking that most of Hooky's children were running around the field - a tribute to the crowd control skills of Paul and Louisa White, Steve Belcher and Duncan Collins. The highlight of the year was winning the Brackley and District Midweek League. This was made all the more enjoyable because of the wide range in age of the players who contributed to these wins. This is well illustrated by the fact that the shining cup is doing the rounds of the village and is currently in the house of three of the star performers, Phil White and his two sons Adam and Sam. The social side has also been a success and ended with a BBQ and excellent wine tasting. Our opposition in the final game were so impressed that they are trying to book us for the last game of the season next year!
The next date for the diary is Saturday November 6th for the cricket dinner. Please make it to this enjoyable evening if you can, Brailes Golf Club always do us proud. Just so you don't think that we go completely into hibernation, we play in an indoor 6-a-side league between now and Christmas and indoor nets will start in February/March next year. If you have missed out on a summer of cricket this year, then give me a ring for next year. You will be most welcome.
Contact Tim Lunel (Captain) 730446 or Colin Scarrett (Secretary) 737734
Tim Lunel forgot to mention he headed the batting with an average of 60 closely followed by Kenny Smith and Simon Richards. Paul Souch and Kenny Smith were the leading wicket takers..............Ed.
Stella Margaret Ashley-Boulton, M.A., A.T.C.L.
Pianist and Music Teacher
28th March 1940 - 29th August 1999
My daughters and I would like to express our appreciation for the cards and messages that we received from many pupils, their parents and our neighbours during Stella's illness and after her death.
As well as relations and personal friends it was very warming to see so many people from the village at her funeral service in St Peter's Church on 6th September. By chance the service coincided with the Flower Festival and the beautiful displays gave an added depth of meaning to the service. We would like all those involved in the preparation of the displays to know how much they meant to us.
We have been aware over many years of the affection shown to Stella by her pupils, as well as the personal commitment that she made to promote their skills. The comments and anecdotes we have received represent a wonderful tribute to her life. We shall treasure these for many years to come. She enjoyed a high level of success in helping students achieve excellent exam results in piano playing throughout the long period that she was teaching both here in Hook Norton and before that in Holton, Nr Oxford.
Due to my work in Oxford and the commitment Stella and I gave to our house and garden over the last 14 years I have had little or no time to take part in village activities. However, as time allows and particularly when I retire in a few years time, I hope that I can repay some of the support that we have received over this very difficult period.
Roger J Ashley-Boulton
The wedding of Sarah Bullard and Brian Hall took place on 31st July 1999
at St Peter's Church, Hook Norton
HNCEC
Courses starting in October & November
Hall. Flower Arranging Workshops - Hanging Designs, Swags, Xmas Wreaths, Table Designs, Christmas Flowers - five one week workshops starting on
Monday 1 November - £4 a session or £19 for all five sessions.
Tai Chi - Six weeks starting on 7 October 10-12 noon £22.80 in the Baptist Hall
CACDP Deaf Awareness & introduction to sign language - 10 weeks starting on
4 November £38. Wine tasting Evening Friday 12 November 8.00 - 10pm £7.50. Saturday Workshops 20 November Self Defence for children (6-14yrs old) 10am - 12.15pm £4 Self Defence for Women 12.45 - 3pm £5
Latin Study Day 10am - 1pm £6 Changing Faces - update your make up, skin & nail care £10
Chinese Brush Painting 10am - 3pm £10
It's not too late to join some of our existing courses such as Aerobics, French, Children's Dance and more.
For more details or to enrol please give us a ring or call in.
HNCEC, The Primary School, Sibford Road, Hook Norton - (01608) 730052
HOOK NORTON HARRIERS
We meet at the Sports and Social Club on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Road running is a very good way of keeping fit and also helps if you do other sports.
All ages are welcome as we have runners of all abilities and you will always find someone to run with. Come and join us and keep fit through the winter. For more information please ring - Don Cornelius 737547 or Lillian Carpenter 737804.
SKIPS BEING MISUSED
The misuse of the village rubbish skips could lead to them being withdrawn. They are provided for villagers to dispose of their garden and household rubbish, not for builders and fly-tippers to dump theirs.
The Parish Council is concerned that unwanted furniture and builder's rubble is being put into skips so that they overflow by late on Friday afternoon. Recently a van loaded with unwanted furniture was spotted at the skips and the occupants, when they found them full wanted to dump it. They were told that they could not and it transpired that they had come from Chipping Norton to use a free skip.
District Councils provide a free old-furniture collection service so a telephone call to Bodicote House is all that is needed to get it collected. Builders MUST take their rubbish to the Alkerton tip. A nominal charge is made, but it does mean that village skips are available for the collection of garden and household rubbish.
If the misuse of skips continues, serious consideration will be given to their withdrawal and then Hook Norton will suffer.
Villagers should also remember that when they use the bottle bank at the school, they should take their bags and cardboard boxes home, not leave them at the side of containers. Keith Wood for The Parish Council 737443
SALFORD PLAYERS
This thriving amateur dramatic group, based in Salford, would be happy to hear from anyone interested in any aspect of a production. The next production will be on 16-18 March 2000. Please ring Gilly Barnard on 01608 643276 or Doreen Herrington on 642853.
BANBURY & DISTRICT BUSINESS CLUB
The Business Club has about 50 members, typically (but not exclusively) small business men and women - "one man bands".
The Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm in Banbury. Topics cover both business and non-business subjects and from time to time meetings consist of visits to venues of interest. Recent visits include Kidlington Airfield, Silverstone and Broughton Castle and less recently a memorable visit was made to Hook Norton Brewery. Meetings end over a glass of wine (or something less strong) and a crisp.
The subscription is £20 per year and most meetings, including refreshments, are free. Any potential new members are of course welcome to come along to a meeting or two before committing themselves.
Meetings in the immediate future are:- 21st September: Health and Safety. 19th October: Paramedics / first aid. 16th November: Presentation by H.M. Customs & Excise / VAT 14th December: (a week early!): Annual dinner/talk by Brian Little, Banbury Historian.
Meetings now being organised include Federation of Small Business, Aromatherapy, Prince's Trust/Prince's Trust Volunteers, Banbury historical walk, farm visit, Chipping Norton Theatre visit.
For further details, please contact Jhn Snowden (01608 730801) or Wendy Baldwin at Norbis (01295 255275)
WELCOME CLUB
The Club continues to enjoy a varied programme of events. We had an afternoon at the Evesham Country Park. We were interested in going there as on our previous visits we have always known it as Evesham Garden Centre. Now under its new name it is larger, grander and not quite so friendly. We had a very pleasant afternoon at Millets where bulbs and winter flowers were purchased in large numbers. A Bring and Buy was held which raised some much needed funds and we are now looking forward to holding our Birthday Lunch at the 'Gate Hangs High'.
GARDEN CLUB
The Autumn Show on 18th September was a huge success with several newcomers gaining prizes. There were 273 entries and the standard was high with the flower displays being particularly eye-catching. The Cup Winners were:
Phil Knight's Comrades Cup (man with most points in the show) Tim Burchell,
Debenham Cup (woman with most points in the show) Ann White, Rose Brown Cup (child with most points in the Show) Charlotte Mair, W I Cup (for homecrafts) Julie Wood
Edge and Bolton Cup (for floral art) Pat Fletcher, President's Cup (for collection of vegetables) Tabby Lucas, Brewery Cup (most points for photography ,Spring and Autumn Shows) Tony Higgins, Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture Gillian Liddell, Certificate of Merit for Floral Art Pat Fletcher.
An exhibition dedicated to Albert White, a highly successful local gardener who died last year, included the many cups and medals which he had won. A number of his relatives came to see the exhibition and the Show.
The Annual General Meeting on 20 October will be followed by cheese and wine and we hope this will encourage a good turnout. The last meeting of the year on 17th November will feature Chris Brown of Little Compton Nursery, who will speak on "Interesting Plants for the Small Garden".
Hook Norton Children's Xmas Parties 4th December 1999
Once again Christmas is looming and despite all the lovely sunshine we've been having, preparations have begun for this year's children's parties.
We've got lots of lovely treats in store this year with visits from Santa and some of his friends. Again we have split the parties and they are as follows, all in
The Memorial Hall: Party 1 Playgrouper's and under - Christmas Teddy Bears Picnic with Teddy and Santa 12 - 1.30pm
Party 2 Nursery children to end of Key Stage 1 (7yrs). Magical Entertainment with Santa and Special Guest 3 -5pm
Party 3 Keystage 2 (plus 8yrs and onwards). Festive Disco and games with goodies from Santa 6.30 -8.00pm
Lunches or teas will be provided, also present and pici. All parties require a ticket to enter priced at £1.75 each and on sale from
15th November outside school gates 9.00am and 3.15pm from Collette or Kerrie for one week only. Tel: 737829 to book outside these times.
HOOK NORTON FILM SOCIETY
continues its season with Ken Loach's My Name is Joe on October 2nd
followed by the Visconti's Death in Venice as a tribute to the late Dirk Bogarde on October 16th.
Dream Life of Angels, 'a touching offering from the feminist wave of French Cinema' by Erick Zonka follows on November 6th and
Marlene Deitrich gives us a chance to hear 'Falling in Love Again' as the Society shows The Blue Angel on November 20th.
THE SURGERY
We are delighted to be able to announce that subject to a few minor alterations we have been granted permission for the building of a new surgery in Hook Norton. As I am sure most people will now know, this is the site after the last house on The Bourne going west. If all goes according to plan we would hope to be able to start building within the next few months and to be completed for next summer.
I would at this time like to thank everyone for their support and for standing by us when it seemed the project would never get off the ground. Looking back at the records I see that the project has taken four years to get to this stage.
If anybody is willing or able to do any form of fundraising to help with the equipping of the new surgery we would be very grateful. Tim Hurst.
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - Mid July - Mid September
Among a number of interesting insects seen this summer, none was more unusual than the Fly Bug larva found in an outbuilding by Nigel Lehmann. It was covered in a layer of dust which provided excellent camouflage in dusty locations such as sheds and outhouses. Apparently this is a deliberate strategy as the young bug exudes a sticky oily substance to which dust and debris adheres. The predatory bug then attacks other insects sucking out their bodily fluids. You wouldn't want the adult bug in the house, - they have been known to bite sleeping humans and in self-defence when picked up!
The Spedding family found a superb Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar in their Ironstone Hollow garden on 5th September about two months after the adults were seen on the wing in the village. The third hawkmoth species of the year was a Humming-bird Hawkmoth, a migrant from Southern Europe seen by John and Margaret Stevens and ourselves feeding at lavender in Whittons Close on 19th September. A Marbled White butterfly was a good garden record for Geraldine Moore on 12th July. There are at least three large colonies of this grassland butterfly in the parish but the adults are seldom seen in the village.
Gillian Liddell reported her first 7-spot ladybirds in the garden on August 22nd reflecting what has been a poor year for this familiar beetle species. Gillian also saw a Muntjac in the garden in August while grey squirrels chewed through peanut feeders in Mavis Thomas's garden on The Bourne. A dead shrew found west of the Brewery by my daughter Charlotte proved to be a Water Shrew, only the second parish record in six years. A dead Natterer's Bat was found in Nigel Lehmann's garden on 15th July, its identification corroborated by Frank and Tabby Lucas. These medium sized bats are found in open woodland, parkland and large gardens feeding on moths and other flying insects.
Star bird of the month was a Raven with reports by Tim Burchell and myself, the latter sighting west of the village on 22nd August. These are the first reports in the parish that I can find in this century! Ravens last nested in Oxfordshire in 1847 when a pair was shot in Blenheim Park. They are slowly moving eastwards in England and further records should follow. The buzzard sized crows are spectacular fliers and have a range of deep guttural calls. They feed primarily on carrion but will also take small mammals, frogs and insects. Other bird reports include:
Yellowhammer a male seen by Mrs McLeod in mid-July, Willow-warbler, three in Tim Burchell's garden 14th August, Nuthatch, one feeding on peanuts in Scotland End seen by Diana and Rachel Barber on 15th August - scarce in this parish, Grey Heron, singles on 1st and 4th August seen by Geraldine Moore
Buzzard, really easy to see with up to four birds west of the village.
Reports are always welcome. Steve Holliday, 8 Whittons Close 737038
Bird watching walk: Everyone is welcome to join me on a bird watching walk on Saturday 23rd October. Please meet opposite the Pear Tree Inn at 9.00am.
The walk will cover two miles and last two - three hours. We will stop for about half an hour to look for birds migrating, so if it's cold please wrap up warm SH
150 YEARS ON
As you are all no doubt aware, 1999 is a very special year for Hook Norton Brewery, being the 150th year of its existence.
I had never been to Hook Norton until I came here for an interview at the Brewery, which was happily, successful. I took up my employment on 12th July and thoroughly enjoy working in such a friendly and successful business. Being part of the 150th Year Celebrations has enhanced my enjoyment.
I had never been horse racing before and so the Brewery trip to Stratford Races was a wonderful experience, where I got a chance to wear a posh hat and meet many more people associated with the Brewery, who were also having a splendid day out. The speaker, Jenny Pitman, regaled us with many an anecdote from her racing
years and I found the atmosphere during our day relaxed and jovial.
Another first for me was meeting The Princess Royal who officially opened the new Visitors Centre at the Brewery on Thursday, 9th September. Although I did not actually speak to her myself, many Brewery employees did and found her most gracious and she certainly made the day complete.
I also attended the church service on Sunday 12th September at the beautiful church in Hook Norton. My one-year old son, Lewis, joined me and was very vocal in his appreciation of the proceedings! Consequently I listened to most of the service from outside the church but was still impressed by the attendance and support shown to the Brewery by the people of Hook Norton. The soloist personified for me the feeling of uplifting that this gathering generated and the smiling faces of the congregation confirmed this as they left the church. Once again, the reception at the new Visitors Centre was wonderful and I am sure that the founders of the Brewery would feel the effort and dedication shown by those who organised all of these truly successful events, had done them proud.
For someone who has only recently come in contact with the village of Hook Norton and the Brewery, I cannot help but be impressed by what I have been fortunate enough to experience. Thank you. Sarah Upstone
Flower Festival at St Peter's Church
This was a special occasion for St Peter's Church and Hook Norton and celebrated the Brewery's 150th year of existence. The displays which depicted its thirty nine public houses reflected the creative skills, ingenuity and hard work of the many people who put in so much time and effort to create this wonderful event which was enjoyed by so many visitors. A fuller account appears in the Benefice Bulletin. Ed.
ST PETER'S CHURCH
The recent Flower Festival in the church to celebrate the 150 years of the Brewery will have a special report in the Benefice Bulletin and a mention briefly elsewhere in the Newsletter.
I will only add that the very hard work of a large number of people was well rewarded by the end result.
The Harvest Festival will have taken place by the time this Newsletter is in your hands. The Harvest Thanksgiving and Supper was on Friday 24th September and Harvest Eucharist on Sunday 26th. The collection of both goods and money is going to the Charity 'Children in Distress', as last year. This Charity is working in Eastern Europe, particularly at this time in Kosovo.
I hope you will all have taken the opportunity to see the gardens of the Manor House which opened to the public on Sunday 26th September in aid of the National Garden Scheme. The teas were in aid of St. Peter's Church.
The annual Sponsored Cycle Ride in aid of the Historic Churches Trust was on 11th September. The aim is for the cyclists to visit as many Oxfordshire churches as possible and the money raised is divided equally between the cyclist's own church and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. A small number of cyclists from St. Peter's took part this year and about thirty from other churches visited here and had the extra treat of seeing the Flower Festival!
Starting on October 6th is a course on Pastoral Lay Ministry, for anyone who would like to increase the part they play as active members of the church. If you would like to know more about it contact the Rector on 737223.
There have been several concerts and recitals in the church. These are always enjoyable occasions and the performers appreciate the friendly atmosphere. There is to be a recital on Saturday 9th October at 7.30pm, given by Dorothy Carrington, Arthur Taylor and Jo Bartlett, with the Hook Norton Ensemble.
On Remembrance Day, November 11th there will be an Act of Remembrance in the Church at 10.50am and on Remembrance Sunday, November 14th a Service of Remembrance, preceded by a Procession as usual.
ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR Saturday 6th November 10am - 5pm
The Three Wise Men had the right idea; they took gifts! St. Peter's will hold a superb gathering of crafts people, just the place to start your Christmas shopping. Many new crafts will be available to maintain the good variety always offered at this popular event.
Please help to advertise by telling all your friends from outside the village; the loose leaflet in this newsletter is ideal for displaying on notice boards at work, clubs etc. This has proved to be one of the best methods of advertising and I thank all who help in this way. Many visitors will travel some distance to join us so may I beg all loyal local folk to leave your camels, sorry, cars, at home if possible! Many thanks. Jan Hughes 737900