We are more than fortunate to live in this village where people really want to be here because of its vitality. We have our own Church and Baptist Chapel, primary school, nursery and pre-school playgroup, two Youth Groups and a Community Education Centre. We have a village store, a Post Office store, doctor's and dentist's surgeries, a Day Care Centre, several hairdressers, a library, a Veterinary practice, a brewery and four very good pubs. We also have our own firefighters, guides, rangers, scouts, brownies and rainbows, our own Sports and Social Club. The Village Directory shows what else goes on in the way of business, services, entertainment, clubs and societies all for our benefit.
This village does not just happen. The shops have to struggle to keep going, we have to campaign regularly to keep our library and other services intact. We have a Parish Council that is much more active these days. We have a Charitable Association which, among other activities, raises much money at the Rural Fayre to benefit many of our lives, this Newsletter not the least.
A lot of voluntary work goes unheralded. Did you know, for instance, that when the school is closed (it supplies the Day Care Centre with its lunches) most of our village pubs take it in turn to provide the lunches for twelve, or more, at no charge? Do we consider the amount of work that our village correspondent for the Banbury Guardian puts in each week to record our news? There is a whole army of people burrowing away keeping the Day Care Centre going and supporting our Church and Chapel, to name but a few instances.
As we type this issue of the Newsletter the message comes over loud and clear. We need more people to help this village keep going. This Newsletter now has only one Editor and this cannot be a healthy situation. ( I do have a supportive husband, a marvellous proof reader, temporary help with advertising and a delivery team with a new distribution organiser). I have also received several offers of typing help which I shall take up if necessary. Thank you. Could we perhaps have a small editorial committee?
The Charitable Association needs a new Secretary urgently. Guides need a new Guider. The Local History Group desperately needs two or three new officers to keep it going........ read on.....and on...and on..........
Pressures on parents these days are heavy; keeping a job is often a taxing commitment; children need to be ferried to their numerous activities and many mothers work. People with time to spare are in short supply. However, more people do need to come forward.. We have to look at ways of getting round the situation. For instance, perhaps a local businessman, or woman, would allow a willing secretary time during working hours to type up the minutes of the Charitable Association? Could two people share a job? I know that people often think that they might be landed with a job for life if they take anything on. Why not take one on and stipulate that it is only for one or two years at the most? Think about it.
My very grateful thanks go to Julian Bolton who has offered to organise delivery of the Newsletter and requests for extra Newsletters, non-delivery queries etc., should go to her.
Diana Barber has agreed to take advertising phone calls for this issue.
Thank you everyone who contributed to this issue in any way including the cover which was by Rennison Hall.
There is now a folder marked Village Issues in the library containing too much information for the Newsletter. Do read it - there is a chair and table for your comfort.
Cash in the Post Office Box was £38.96 - thank you. Donations seem to be falling off a little. Please don't forget us.
Last of all, thank you Liz so much for all the years you have given to the Newsletter. I shall miss you very much indeed.
BARBARA HICKS - 737017 DIANA BARBER - ADVERTISING 737428
JULIAN BOLTON - NEWSLETTER DELIVERY 737153
PARISH COUNCIL
February Meeting - This meeting was dominated by the discussion on the proposed cuts to the library service. Mr Whitaker spoke of the events leading up to strong feelings that the library should not be housed in a commercial venture. He pointed out that the Parish Council were unaware of the proposal by Alldays until the last minute.
Mr Norman Matthews, County Councillor, said that he had spent the best part of the day in committee at the County Council. He assured the meeting that the library was safe for the coming year. He said that there had been no mention of Alldays or any other financial assistance. He could not say what, if any, cutback on hours would be but he knew that the book budget had been cut.
Mrs Hicks said that whilst the library was safe for this year would we have the same arguments again next year? She felt that an Action Group should be formed. Mr Jelf said that the Parish Council would take this on.
A survey of residents in the East End of the village proved that the majority would agree to a bus shelter. Those opposed felt that it would be used as a 'hangout' for teenagers and would probably be abused.
MEB were to remove some of the service poles - wiring would be underground. This may mean that the Council would have to provide new poles where a street light was presently on a supply pole. Thames Water are to conduct a survey and would take water samples from households.
March Meeting - The library was once again high on the agenda. Information on hand now meant that the opening hours of the library would be cut from 14 to 111/2 per week.
If the proposed saving to the County of £1,200 could be met the service could continue with 14hrs a week. Mr Jelf said he felt that the Parish Council could top this up. This was seconded with five in favour, one against and one abstention. It was agreed that the Parish Meeting planned for April 30th would also be the time and place to ask the residents for their opinion, not just on the library but on other facilities in the village. It is hoped that there will be something definite to report on a new surgery in the village.
The Play Area Committee recommended that a path should be put in from the parking area through the equipment to join up with the path in the Public Open Space. Costs will be sought for this. The equipment needed treating with wood preservative and varnish and this will be done. The cableway needs tightening. The Clerk will look into this.
It was agreed to accept a quote for the cleaning and coating of the Hall floor. This will, of necessity, put the Hall out of use for a few days but it must be done.
The next Parish Council meeting is on Thursday, April 2nd, and the Annual Parish Council Meeting on May 14th.
THE SENSE CHALLENGE 1998
SENSE is a charity that works with Deaf/blind people - children and adults - both in this country and abroad. The major fund-raising event for 1998 is a trek in the Himalayas following the Helambu Trail. They are inviting people to trek with them and small groups of about twenty will depart throughout September and October - anybody can do it, you just need to raise £2,000 for the charity by July! I have decided to do this and my departure date is 11th September 1998. Can you help me fund raise for this well deserved charity?
I am holding a TABLE TOP SALE on Saturday 6th June from 2-4pm in the Memorial Hall. If anyone is interested in having a table (£5) please ring me. We hope to have a raffle and a tombola and jumble is also needed. The Ranger Guides will be helping on the day, serving refreshments and running a fun stall, the proceeds of which will go to SENSE. Any donations or sponsorship would be most welcome. Please ring Di Walker on 737946.
Charles William Firth Ash, son of Julian and Lucinda was baptised at St Peter's Church on 8th February 1998
RANGERS
Fourteen-year-old Ranger Guide Charlotte Morley has been selected to help represent the Anglia Guiding Region at an international camp in Upper Austria this summer. Her challenge is to raise £500 for her trip. She will be organising the Tombola stall at the Table Top Sale and proceeds from this will be put towards her fund. Donations of items for the Tombola would be most welcome. Please ring Jenny Bruton on 737542.
QUEEN'S GUIDE AWARD
The Queen's Guide Award is the highest award that you can get in Guiding and is a much respected, though little understood, award. Lynne Mather is the first person in our area to achieve this - she has been a Brownie and a Guide in the village and was a Young Leader with the 1st Hook Norton Brownies until September 1997 when she left to go to Cambridge to study for a degree in Education. Lynne went to Hooky School, Sibford School and then on to Banbury for Sixth Form. Some of you will know her through St Peter's Church where she was a Sunday School teacher for several years. We are all extremely proud of Lynne and by the time you read this, many of us will have dropped into the Memorial Hall on Monday March 30th to have a look at the amount of work she had to do for the Award and the high standard to which the work had been done. We shall have heard what she chose to do and why, and she will have been presented with a solid silver, much coveted, Queen's Guide Award badge by Mrs Vivienne Scouse, Anglia Chief Commissioner.
Lauren Amy Wendy Chadwick daughter of Wendy and Richard was baptised at St Peter's Church on 8th February 1998
GUIDING
Eight years ago in Hook Norton we had one Brownie Guide Unit and two Guiders. Today we have two Rainbow Guide Units, two Brownie Guide Units, a Guide Company, a Ranger Guide Unit and fourteen Guiders! Guiding in Hook Norton is thriving - we've got plenty of kids - but we do need more adults to ensure the growth of this wonderful youth movement.
It is not necessary to have any experience to become a Guider, just a genuine liking of children and a wish to become part of a team and have fun. Any female between eighteen and sixty-five years can become a Guider- it is not a lifelong commitment so please don't think that if you join us, you then can't escape! There is a lot of support from both the Hook Norton Guiders and within the structure of the Guide Association. Please don't be frightened to contact us - we really want to hear from you and so many people could benefit from the time that you are prepared to give. Please give it some thought and ring any of the Hooky Guiders, or drop into any of the meetings to see us. Rainbows meet on Mondays (Baptist Hall 4-5pm) and Tuesdays (Memorial Hall 4-5pm), Brownies in the Memorial Hall on Mondays and Tuesdays 5.15-6.45pm, Guides in the Memorial Hall on Mondays 7-9pm and Rangers at The Barn, Scotland Farmhouse on Wednesdays 7-9pm. We are proud to be part of the biggest female youth movement in the world - why don't you come along one night and see what we do? Or you can ring: Jenny Bruton 737542, Julie Wood 737998, Di Walker 737946 or Judith Bassett 737559.
We are looking at the moment for a Brownie Guider to start in September. Di Walker is moving over into the Senior Section and has taken on another Guiding job - Queen's Guide Recorder. We are also looking for a District Commissioner, a post which does not require you to be a Guider. Organisational skills are needed for this job which involves meetings once or twice a term.
There will be a small display of Guiding at the Table Top Sale on 6th June with some Guiders to talk to and a bigger display at the Rural Fayre. Please support us - we need you.
LION HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE
Dental Health and Coronary Heart Disease
Patients have been asking us about our views on recent media reports suggesting that there is a link between dental health and coronary heart disease.
The news item appeared on the evening news a few weeks ago following the publication of a paper in the British Dental Journal in January. It implied that patients would be rushing to their dentist to have their gums checked in order to prevent coronary heart disease.
I believe it is of value to our patients to give them the background to this story to combat the sensationalism that the media can sometimes be prone.
The article featured in the British Dental Journal was entitled 'Is there a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and coronary heart disease?' and the authors, both university lecturers from the Newcastle Dental Hospital, reviewed ten studies done over the last thirty years. The article contained no new research and was simply a review of theavailable literature.
All the studies examined focused on men only and assessed many risk factors associated with heart disease such as smoking, raised blood pressure and diabetes. The authors concluded that 'there does appear to be increasing evidence that a relationship exists between dental health and coronary heart disease, especially in males aged 40-50 years'. However they admit that other important risk factors such as diet and lifestyle were not examined in these studies and the role of gum health may not be one of cause and effect. Neither could they definitively establish a biological mechanism linking gum health to coronary heart disease.
My view is that this article has at least stimulated interest in this field despite raising more questions than it has answered. Hopefully more research will be conducted looking into the role of diseased gums specifically, rather than the present studies which look at many risk factors at once, and give little information of the relative importance of each.
However, in the meantime, we here at the Lion House Dental Practice continue to take the health of the gums as well as teeth very seriously. Our hygienists are committed to maintaining the health of our patients' gums and, who knows, their general health as well.
If you are concerned about the health of your mouth or would like to discuss the points raised in this article, feel free to call us here at the practice. Dr Adrian C Cooke
THANK YOU
I would like to thank you all for your good wishes and cards during my recent indisposition. I had a nasty bout of 'flu with all the usual symptoms, which left me with Viral Pericarditis. The condition is both painful and causes irregular heartbeat. Dr Hurst and the Horton Hospital were excellent; how on earth closure of the hospital could even be considered is beyond my comprehension. After a convalescent period at home under the watchful eye of Di, I am now back to full health, a lot lighter and hopefully a lot wiser. Alan Walker
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
It is likely that the March 31st meeting of the Group which features Air Commodore G R Pitchfork speaking on Aviation in the Cotswolds will have taken place as you read this. The last meeting of the season takes place on Tuesday, May 5th when Nigel Hammond continues with our theme of transport with his talk Drove and Enclosure Roads. Two summer outings are being planned.
You will read later in this issue the tribute to the late Perce Hackling and about his loss to the Group. We have been fortunate enough, however, to receive the bequest of Perce's extensive collection. Group membership has never been more healthy, we have a comfortable venue, we manage to get a good range of speakers and our archives are more accesible. So why are there clouds on the horizon?
The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary have between them given seventeen years to the Group and under the terms of the constitution have resigned.
No-one has come forward to take their place and if this is the situation after March 31st the Group is in danger of being dissolved.
Duties are not onerous or difficult. If you are new to the village, do not be hesitant if you feel you could help. We would welcome you. There are all sorts of ways of sharing the responsibilities and you could offer your services for a year, perhaps. It need not be a life sentence! Please think about it.
DAY CARE CENTRE
The AGM will be held at 2pm on 28th April at the Baptist Hall and the meeting will be asked to confirm a committee decision for the Care Group to apply to the Charity Commissioners to become registered as a charity.
It is planned to have an Open Day at the Centre on 29th June.
There are a limited number of vacancies in the group at present. If anyone is interested please ring Sheena 730140, Ann 737094 or Keith 737443. Keith Wood
PERCIVAL HACKLING (1923 - 1998)
Perce was a widely and greatly respected member of the village. He was not a Hooky man by birth (being born in the next county), but by the choice of his brother Jim and himself, after the war.
In the war he enlisted in the army as soon as he was old enough and served spells overseas, including one in India. The two brothers had a cousin, by the name of Cooper, in Hooky, in Bell Hill, and when demobbed that is where they came to live as a family. Their mother became a familiar personality in the village. Mr Hackling and Perce went to work on the farm. Tragically their father died suddenly on the farm, perhaps from an old injury, just about the time that Perce was called up. After the war, Perce spent several years in hospital. He was then employed as a warehouseman and also worked on the delivery vans at the Co-op in Chipping Norton. He was well known and respected and frequently recognised as he and his brother shopped in Chippy during his later years.
Perce loved Hooky and the countryside around. He was a great walker and rambler. He became expert at judging the age of hedges; he knew the names of all the local fields and he made the study of the ironstone workings a lifelong interest. His cottage contained a truly remarkable, perhaps unique, private collection of geological specimens.
James Ieuan and Thomas Evan Martinsons of Andrew and Julia were baptised at St Peter's Church on 22nd February 1998
Full of enthusiasm for Hooky, Perce and his brother Jim would be seen walking the village frequently and there would be nothing anybody knew which he didn't know. He and his brother were insatiable readers. It was, therefore, natural that he should be one of the group of about twenty-five people present in the '70s when Kate Tiller came to conduct a review of its history. Thus he became a founding member of the History Group. His work as the village archivist is probably unparalleled. Only days before his death, he was honoured with a life membership by the History Group. His work with the Royal Geographical Society was of such a high standard that he was encouraged to take out Life Membership with them.
Hook Norton has lost a very important citizen - a matter, perhaps for surprise when we reflect that this was not a family which wanted to be public figures. Many were fond of Perce - I hope that he knew it - and many admired him and his brother. He didn't expect anything for himself but he gave much.
Text given by the Rev Christopher Turner at Perce's funeral on February 20th.
******************************
The following is a tribute from Christopher Barry, Chairman of the Hook Norton Local History Group given at the recent A.G.M:
"I cannot start my annual report to you without paying tribute to Perce Hackling who was so sadly taken from us just under three weeks ago. He was, almost literally, the soul of this Group, having been a member from its inception and always being so vitally concerned with this village and all aspects of its history. All the material he collected that forms the major part of our archive, much of it assembled, researched and either drawn or written out by him, bears witness to this interest. I believe that had he had the opportunity for a comprehensive education he would have been a great scholar. As it is, his contribution has been immense - and not only in the realms of history. Geology, too, was one of his passions. He used to cycle throughout the Cotswolds collecting fossils from quarries as far away as Faringdon and on a visit to the University Museum in Oxford, we were not surprised to hear from one of the curators there that he knew of Perce's fossil collection. It is indeed ironic that we only awarded him a Life Membership so shortly before his death but I'm happy to say that he was extremely pleased with this well-deserved honour. 'Just the job!' he said.
We must now consider how best we can commemorate his work."
THANK YOU
I would like to thank everyone who came to my 40th birthday party at Hook Norton Sports and Social Club on Saturday 7th February and for making it such a great night. I would also like to say thank you very much for your lovely presents (and well done to the bar staff for keeping up with demand). Jackie Lee
JO'S CHARITY VIDEOS
Jo Chadwick is pleased to announce that she has been able to send a further £40 to the Charitable Association from the sales of her video Hook Norton Diary and over £100 to the primary school from sales of her Christmas school video.
Already she has started to take bookings for weddings this year and would like to remind you that a percentage of all money she receives goes to charity. Do you have a celebration coming up or an event you would like to have captured on video? If so, ring Jo on 737199.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Adult Learners' Week 16th - 22nd May
During this week there will be the opportunity to try certain classes free of charge, as shown in our Summer programme sent with this newsletter. This is an ideal way to try something that you may be thinking of joining in the autumn. For those taking up this offer there is the chance to take an autumn course of your choice free of charge. Please contact the office for availability of places during Adult Learners' Week.
We are now planning for the autumn - any prospective tutors who have moved into the village please contact us. If you have ideas for a course you would like offered we would be pleased to hear from you. Linda Buchanan Tel: 01608 730052
W.I.
Bad weather probably deterred many members from attending the AGM. on Tuesday 10th March but in spite of worries about forming a new committee, Hook Norton W.I. will continue to thrive as a well established part of village life. Joyce Stuchbury will continue as president/chairman and thanked retiring committee members for their help over the past year. Lee Morgan offered to continue as treasurer and Marion Roberts and Sue Winspear who retired as joint secretaries will be replaced by Alrys Morris and Sue Barratt. The rest of the meeting was spent socialising and enjoying a quiz. The February meeting welcomed Rachel Christie, an expert local embroiderer who enthralled and inspired members with displays of her work and a talk. An interesting and varied programme including outings is being compiled for the rest of the year. The W.I. are planning to have a stall at the Rural Fayre on July 5th once again and will probably have a fund- raising stall at one of this year's Hooky markets.
Thanks were received from the school for the W.I's contribution to their new minibus. Apologies for an error in the February Newsletter - the W.I. Group meeting will be in Cropredy - not Tadmarton - on April 30th which will be a musical evening. The next W.I.meeting on April 14th will also be a musical evening. The May meeting will be on May 12th, as usual the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Baptist Hall. LOOK OUT FOR POSTERS.
There must be many newcomers to the village who have always wanted to join the W.I. or have been members before moving to Hooky. You are very welcome to come to our meetings as guests (£1 sorry!) to see if you would like to join.
Enquiries - Joyce Stuchbury 737694.
FOLK IN A FIELD 2 - Saturday 4th July 1998.
Following last year's success, the Hook Norton Charitable Association is again staging an open air folk, rock and blues night as a curtain raiser to the Rural Fayre.
Topping the bill this year will be Clarion who have once again, kindly and generously, taken time out of their busy national and European tour to support our fund-raising.
Clarion have been hailed as the best new wave folk band in the UK and are the country's leading young exponents of electric folk music. The band's powerful blend of traditionally based music and electric rock band accompaniment has brought them international acclaim. Hot properties on the folk circuit, they have featured at Cropredy twice and, this year, are booked to appear at the country's major folk festivals, including Glastonbury. You can taste their music on their current CDs "Under the Carpet" and "From the Oak". A third is due this year. Don't miss them!
In support, we are delighted to welcome three other bands - Rev'lator, Spank the Monkey and St. Kevin and the Fallen Women.
Since appearing last year at "Folk in a Field" Rev'lator's distinctive sound of vibrant folk-influenced Indie music has attracted appreciative audiences from Bristol to Liverpool. Their performance at the Amnesty International Festival has led to an invitation to support the prestigious Agent Cooper at Liverpool's equally prestigious "Pit". They've been in the studio, too. Watch out!
Spank the Monkey promise a lot and deliver more. This R&B band has a reputation of legendary live performances containing original songs ranging from foot-stomping country blues to cool funk. You'll hear some reworked covers by the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson and Jimmy Read, as well as being invited to shake and rattle with some good ol' rock n roll. Their debut single is due for release this summer. Hear it in Hooky!
St Kevin and the Fallen Women are a well-established band who play in a variety of folk-based styles. Expect some traditional English dance music and some hot Celtic rhythms. You might well be treated to some of their own ballads which carry the spirit of the past into the present. Great!
Given the quality and appeal of these bands, the event will be a sell out. As last year, we would like to give villagers, their families and friends first opportunity to buy tickets, before they become more generally available, at the special advance discount price of £5 adult, £3 concessions (children under 5 free). Tickets on the gate, if available, £7 and £5.
Also, to commemorate the event special edition, highest quality, sweat shirts, polo shirts and baseball caps have been produced and are available at exceptionally good prices.
Such an event is not possible without the kindness and generosity of many people, not least the bands and our sponsors. Tickets, shirts and caps are available now from the event's special sponsors: The Pear Tree, The Gate Hangs High, The Sun Inn - all in Hook Norton as you know - and The Mason's Arms, Swerford.
Remember: tickets are limited and will sell fast. Don't be disappointed. Buy now from the above pubs. Tickets £5 and £3. Shirts from £12, caps £6.
Further information and enquiries from Pat Groome, Chapel House, Chapel Street, Tel: 730396.
Madeleine Sophie Hall, daughter of Brian and Sarah was baptised at St Peter's on 15th March 1998
BAPTIST CHAPEL
Perhaps like me you are thankful that some good and help is being shared around a number of charities from the Princess Diana Memorial Fund, particularly those that she supported in recent years. To many, Princess Diana was a beacon of hope in a dark world. She proudly displayed the caring qualities and loving actions we all admire, setting a wonderful example for us all by her concern for the poor, the oppressed, the hurting and the sick. Princess Diana was one of the first public figures of our time who tackled the world-wide problem of landmines or held the hand of an AIDS sufferer or touched a leper. Her life was suddenly and tragically snuffed out at thirty six years of age, but might we reflect that her most admired qualities imitate those of another, whose life continues to help and inspire millions of people today, as it has for two millennia - Jesus Christ.
As God's emissary to a needy world, the Prince of peace touched the hearts of people in his day. Before he was killed at 33 years of age, Jesus had healed lepers, lifted the poor, loved the children. The Good News of Easter is that Jesus Christ rose from death and is still alive today blessing and restoring people's lives.
A HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL
Come and join us at our Easter celebrations at the Baptist Church - you will be most welcome!
Palm Sunday; 5th April - 10.30am 7.00pm
Maundy Thursday; 9th April - Meal and Communion 7.30pm
Good Friday; 10th April - starting at St Peter's Church 10am PRAYER, WALK & WITNESS (followed by HOT CROSS BUNS and coffee in the Baptist Church Hall).
Easter Sunday; 12th April - 8am Communion & Breakfast; 10.30am Family Service.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Don Vardon, Poppy Organiser, would like to thank all poppy sellers, other helpers and all who contributed to the 1997 Poppy Collection.
Figures, 1996 in brackets, were - Hook Norton £1125.92 (£1088.88), Swerford £124.94 (£126.15), Wigginton £146 (£135.98), Gt. Rollright - wreath £12.75. Total £1409.61 (£1362.76), an increase on last year of £47.35.
Thank you all - Don Vardon
FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
This Group meets informally, often in pubs, or organises visits to places of interest to family historians. Its present project is to finish transcribing the gravestones in Swerford Churchyard this summer - a lovely occupation for a summer evening or weekend. Join us if you are interested. Barbara Hicks 737017.
GORDON (PIP) SAMUELS
Gordon Samuels , generally known as Pip, died peacefully at home, aged ninety-one on 21st February March 1998. He, and his wife Joan, came to live in the village at Holly Tree Cottage, Sibford Road, in 1984 to be near his daughter, Gill White. Pip was a gentle, loving man who lived his life according to his Quaker beliefs. He is greatly missed by Joan, his daughter Gill and sons, Martin and David, eight grand-children and six great grandchildren. The family would like to extend their thanks for all the kindness received from friends, neighbours and the medical team during Pip's last few months.
On behalf of the village we send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Sandra Clayton, Perce Hackling, Muriel Hainsworth and Gordon (Pip) Samuels who died recently.
ST PETER'S CHURCH
Decorating St Peter's for Easter
We would be most grateful for flowers or greenery to decorate the Church for Easter. Buckets of water will be provided near the Font between 3.15 and 6.30pm on Good Friday and from 9am on Saturday. If you would like to give money towards flowers, this would be much appreciated. Please contact Miss Rusbridge at The Gables, Sibford Road. (Tel: 730041)
The services at St. Peter's for Eastertide:
On Palm Sunday, 5th April at 8am, Holy Communion (BCP) and at 10am, Benefice Palm Sunday Service, with Procession of Palms.
On Good Friday from 2pm to 3pm Hour at the Cross. At 7.30pm Music for Passiontide.
On Easter Eve 11.30pm Holy Communion (Rite A) and lighting of the Paschal Candle.
On Easter Day 10am Holy Communion (Rite A).
On Sunday 26th April our Benefice is responsible for the Hospital Service at 4pm in The Chapel, Horton Hospital. All are welcome.
A Scrabble Evening will be held on Monday 20th April in aid of St Peter's Church. Venue to be arranged. Admission £2. Contact Marianne Joyce (730059) or Jan Hughes (737900)
The Church continues to have a stall at the Market in the Memorial Hall on the second Saturday of every month. Mary Powell (737463) is grateful for offers of cakes, jams, etc., for the stall. We also serve coffee and biscuits at the market.
Starting after Easter, 10-week Alpha Courses on Wednesdays at The Pottery and on Mondays at Rose Mullion, Great Rollright. There are 5,000 churches in Great Britain taking part in these courses, which consist of accepted Anglican Christian basic training. They are a valuable source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in finding out more about Christianity. Look for Posters or ask the Rector (Tel: 737223) for details.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
In previous years the school has benefited from equipment provided by the Tesco and Sainsbury's Voucher Schemes. This year we are hoping to obtain a new computer from the Tesco Computers for Schools 98 Scheme and would like to appeal to all readers for any spare vouchers. The Sainsbury's School Rewards Scheme is linked to their Reward Card system. Upon completion of a registration form, available from the school office, the school points are automatically collected onto the Reward Cards - in addition to the Reward Points they usually earn. To get the most from these schemes we need to accumulate as many vouchers/points as we can for the school - please help!
Music Makers
On a cold windy day at 4.40pm Hook Norton year 6 arrived at Chipping Norton School well fed for the performance of the music festival.
The children were asked to put their coats in a room ready to rehearse.
The children's hearts were racing as Mrs Goodwin lead them out on to the stage for the performance. The first song was a well known piece by Cliff Richard, "We're all going on a summer holiday". The children caught their breath as the recorder players Fiona Porter, Christina Goodfellow, Emily Memarzia, Sian Newman and Natalie Daly played some pieces.
The teachers chose some children to recite either an existing poem or something they had written. From our school, Kirsty Cooke, Jenny Hunt, Catherine Bell and Emily Memarzia recited their own travel rap. The children received a letter congratulating them from a local lady, Mrs White. All in all, the children enjoyed themselves. Catherine Checkley.
CHARITY DINNER
Another successful and enjoyable time was spent on Monday 9th March at the Gate Hangs High Public House, when approximately fifty gentlemen gathered for the fourth Annual Charity Dinner in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund. Once again, The Very Rev Lawrence Jackson honoured the company with his presence and usual witty and interesting talk. Douglas Osborne, the Executive Director of the Fund, was also present as was David Clarke currently recovering from hip replacement surgery.
The Clarke family are indebted to the Rust family for the generous hospitality incurred with this event resulting in some £1,700 being raised for this worthy cause. Thanks are also extended to those who kindly bought tickets. Paula Clarke
BOTTLE BANK
The bottle and cans bank provide a useful and environmentally friendly service to the Hook Norton community. Unfortunately there are grave concerns regarding the safety and the appearance of the site next to the school. Frequently bags and boxes are discarded, broken glass surrounds the bins and boxes full of bottles have been left on occasions when the bins have been full.
Please take care when using the Bottle Bank and please take your rubbish home!!
CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
The Association held an Open Meeting at the Brewery on 10th March which was very well attended. Many had come to discuss the possibility of arranging Year 2000 celebrations. A small group agreed to take ideas further which could be put to the village at a later date. Thank you to all who came.
There are two positions vacant on the committee. The first is Secretary. The role involves doing the minutes, maintaining an action list, writing a few letters and the odd telephone call. A computer would be provided if required. The Secretary is one of the three main officers of the Association along with the Chairman and Treasurer. The Secretary needs to be available for evening meetings. These take place every 2-3 weeks from 8pm and last a couple of glasses of wine! Another vacant position is Publicity. Michelle was unable to find another place to live in the village but before leaving she had collated plenty of information which would be easy for anyone to pick up and take over. The role involves looking at ways of promoting the Rural Fayre through radio, newspapers, television, Internet, etc. Anyone interested in either of the above two roles please ring Roger Hawkins on 730338 or Andrew/Rachel Parton on 737617.
RURAL FAYRE
Less than four months to go! All looks set for yet another splendid Fayre on July 5th. All the usual exhibitions, demonstrations, fun fair rides and refreshments will be there, but the main attraction booked this year is a little different! We are going Mediaeval with 'The Knights of the Crusade'! The dog show is to have a special class - Best Hooky Dog!, the Cow Pat competition had become the Goat Drop! and the Parachutists will descend on us again! Put the date in your Diary!
YEAR 2000 CELEBRATIONS
At the Hook Norton Charitable Association Open Meeting on 10th March a core group of five people was formed to start proceedings in preparation for a Millennium Celebration in the village. Various ideas were put forward, from street theatre about the history of the village to music in the pubs and disco! Some concern was expressed that people would want to be celebrating rather than working at the turn of the century, but it was generally agreed that work could stop before midnight and the whole village could then gather in a central place together to see in the new year with celebrations continuing after. Thought was also givento possibly having special seasonal events throughout that year - summer being more suitable for things like street parties, etc. If anyone would like to join the core group or has any inspiring ideas, please ring Rachel Parton on 737617. For updates on what will be happening - watch this space!
Why did no-one suggest: A "dome" with a view? M.R.
Madeleine Sophie Hall daughter of Brian and Sarah was baptised at St Peter's Church on 15th March 1998
WELCOME CLUB
A most interesting programme of outings has been arranged for the ensuing year and we are sure that these outings will be enjoyed. They are all on Friday afternoons and they are open to all in the village, you don't have to be a Senior Citizen to come with us! We shall be happy to let anyone have a list of our outings and the dates. L. Humphries.
BROWNIES go to the Science Museum
We went to London on a train. Brown Owl and Tawny Owl took us. We had our rucksacks with our sleeping bags and toothbrushes on our backs. When we got to London we had a McDonalds. We walked to the Science Museum. We learnt a lot. There were lots of things to see and do. We made slime. It was made out of glue, water and borax. We made egg racks out of elastic bands, bubble wrap and egg and cane. We watched a man make potions, green ones, blue ones and gold ones. We met Walter Hunt. Walter Hunt is the man that invented safety pins. We went to bed very late on the very hard floor. In the morning we entered a drawing competition. We had to draw something we had seen. Then we had breakfast. The first thing we did was go and play in Launch Pad. Launch Pad is a playground but it's a science playground. Then we went to see the shop. I bought a slap band and a bookmark and a little wooden boat for Tom my brother. Then we went to Burger King. Then we got on the train and came home. The End. Hannah Butler - 1st Hook Norton Brownies.
WILD LIFE NOTEBOOK
The period around the weekend of 13-14 February will long be remembered for being unseasonably arm and sunny. Many insects were drawn out of hibernation including Small Tortoiseshell (seen by Geraldine Moore on 13/2) and Brimstone Butterflies (two seen by Gill Holliday on 13/2). Other insects included Bumblebees and Seven Spot Ladybirds although in Banbury on 12 February I also found hoverflies and a wasp. Also in this spell, Paul Pickering and Gill Holiday found toads on Burycroft Road and Whittons Close. Several birds were in song including Collared Doves, Blackbirds and Mistle and Song Thrushes. Any records of early nesting attempts?
Elsewhere several bird species were fairly easy to see including:
Mute Swan: four on 18/1 seen by Geraldine Moore with a young bird on a pond in the east of the parish for several weeks.
Buzzard: Three reports in February including one bird low over the centre of the village (G. Moore and F. Lucas).
Sparrowhawk: An adult female with a few white feathers on its upper parts seen in several gardens including Lyn Jordan's in Brewery Lane.
Blackcap: A female in our garden and Tim and Helen Burchell's garden in Bourne Lane.
Marsh Tit: Two in Miss Whites Scotland Bungalow garden were unusual there.
Bullfinch: seen in hedgerows and gardens around the village with the males looking especially colourful. John Acreman saw four in Bourne Lane on 4/2.
Please continue to ring with your reports.
Birdwatching WalkI plan to lead a birdwatching walk in the parish on the evening of Friday 24 April. Meet at the Memorial Hall at 6.30pm. Please ring me to help provide an idea of numbers. The walk will be one and a half miles and will last about two hours. Steve Holliday, 8 Whittons Close, Tel: 737038.
Madeleine Sophie Hall daughter of Brian and Sarah was baptised at St Peter's Church on 15th March 1998
GOLDEN WEDDING
On Saturday, February 28th, friends and family gathered at Pear Tree Cottage at noon to spend a joyful hour celebrating the golden wedding of Jo and Roland Chadwick. The weather was perfect and the sun shone as it had done when Jo and Roland married fifty years ago.
Following these festivities Jo, Roland and family continued the celebrations with lunch at the Sun Inn.
Let us hope the Video Camera was working overtime!! - Ed.
BOWLS CLUB
The Bowls Club is experiencing a crisis!!! Owing to the loss of several members our numbers have become a matter of grave concern. We need to find new members to make up these losses! If anyone reading this would like to join us and play Bowls please ring 737464 for information. You will not need equipment initially - this can be borrowed and if you have never played before who cares! - we all have to learn. The season begins in May but we can begin "rolling up" in April. Age is no difficulty - fourteen to infinity!!! and ladies will be more than welcome. Don't let the club become moribund - JOIN US!!! L. Humphries.
1ST HOOK NORTON SCOUTS
After sitting about over Christmas and the New Year the scouts decided to tackle their health and fitness. Starting by discussing "good" and "bad" foods they moved on to cooking and entered the District Cooking Competition. Bettering last year's results they were 3rd with a delicious menu.
Taking part in the football was an exhausting afternoon but they were getting fitter. Then came a weekend away walking The Ridgeway and swimming. The weather was glorious and everyone's map reading improved.
Most recently they have all scaled the heights of the climbing wall, some just once but others two, three or four times.
An awareness of all the substances which are harmful to your body showed they all had a sensible approach against smoking, drugs and alcohol.
We shall be cycling - for the Jamboree Fund; walking for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and carrying out Job Week in the near future.
Anyone wanting to join, are you aged 101/2 - 151/2 ? More details from Janet Duxbury 01608 737959.
Last date for copy for June issue is Monday 18th May 1998
SENIOR YOUTH CLUB
Unfortunately we have had to say goodbye to Youth Leader Carol Shepherd and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her very much for the time she has spent with us.
Due to these unforeseen circumstances we have had to make some changes so that we can keep an evening for the older members.
It has been decided after much discussion with Dave Haigh (Area Youth Leader) and the members to run a Social Club on Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Subs to remain at 75p. This session will be run by parents and members on a totally voluntary basis.
The members will no longer be required to stay inside the Youth Club building, therefore we are not responsible for them outside. We have spoken to the members and have outlined a code of conduct that we all find acceptable. Any breach of this could result in exclusion from the Club or the Club itself closing.
We are optimistic that this will result in a pleasant evening for all.
There is a trip being organised to go to Alton Towers on Friday 1st May. (This is an Inset Day for Chipping Norton). The cost will be £20 per person, cheques made payable to Hook Norton Youth Club.
The Bike Race is on the horizon which as you know is our main fund-raising event. More details to come in the next Newsletter.
Job Vacancy
There is an opening for a leader for the intermediate sessions for ages 11 - 13 years. This is a paid position which would include training. If anyone is interested please contact Julie on 730143 or come to our next meeting on Tuesday 28th April at 8pm in the Youth Club building.
IN MEMORY OF JUDITH ANN KIMBERLEY
Judy lived in the village since 1973 being born in Duns Tew where her mother still lives. She was very adaptable and competent in assisting with the running of the garage. When the garage closed in 1989 Judy worked alongside Brian converting the building into three cottages without the assistance of any other workers. These were to be known as Edgecote Cottages. When Brian took over Greetwell Farm in 1992 Judy was always willing to help, whether it was tractor driving or concreting.
In the autumn of 1993 cancer was diagnosed and several operations ensued followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This was to affect her health seriously. However she rose to the challenge of teaching herself to use a computer, putting all business records on 'disc'.
Judy fought courageously against the disease until becoming totally overwhelmed in early December last year. After a short time in hospital Judy returned to the home she loved, Windward House, where she died on 11th February. Brian and the family would like to thank all the villagers who sent cards and letters of sympathy following the untimely death of Judy.
Thank you to Janet Collins and Christopher Turner who together carried out Judy's wishes at the St Peter's Church service on the 20th February. Donations received for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund have exceeded £600, thank you everybody who contributed. Many thanks also to Michael Austin and his team of bell ringers
for the peel of muffled bells on the evening of Judy's funeral.
Her quiet, shy but friendly, smiling personality will be greatly missed.
TO B OR NOT TO B - BICYCLING THAT IS!
With the long days of summer ahead it's time for more cycling activity. How often have I heardd seeing the way some bicycles are ridden it most likely. The main 'but cycling is hard work' and faults are saddle too low and the instep of the foot on the pedal. If you put your heel on the pedal and turn it to it's lowest point, your leg should be almost straight; if it isn't then raise the saddle. You should pedal with the ball of the foot on the pedal - not the instep. This gives you the most efficient and flexible way of pedalling and is kind to the knees, (the other way isn't!). When you stop you can only put a toe down which is usually enough for a short stop; for a longer one at say a road junction, with one pedal down (usually the right), use it as a step and as you stop slide forward off the saddle and put the other foot firmly on the ground. To restart raise the right pedal and as your weight comes onto it you have a good start and can flip back onto the saddle again.
I started cycling as an 11 year old lad in Birmingham and now, a further 66 years on, am still getting the pedals round - can't be that much like hard work can it!
In those early days, I too made the mistake of a wrong saddle height etc. but soon learned to do it the correct way. My first bike was a so called 'roadster', the current model of the day with a single gear, to be altered to a hub three speed later. Soon after I started work at 16 I saved hard and bought my first quality machine, a lightweight 'sports' bike as they were then called; this had a derailleur gear but still only three speeds. Nevertheless it was on this bike that I first did my 100 miles in a day ride so you don't really need a vast number of gears - not when you are young anyway.
Five years in the RAF during the war curtailed my cycling. In 1950 I purchased a custom built lightweight touring bicycle. This, with replacements of the bits that wear out, served me well for over 35 years covering many thousands of miles including many high alpine passes. Because of the quality of the frame and it's slightly unusual design it became a collector's item and was sold as such some years ago.
I still ride a custom built lightweight touring bicycle (no, not a 'mountain' bike) with a nice set of low gears so that I can still tackle our hilly countryside - I still walk the really steep ones. We have plenty of relatively quiet lanes around here - one reason my late wife and I came here - so get your bike out and take advantage of them, you don't need to do many miles. Any queries - just ask at Swiss Bungalow, Sibford Road. Happy cycling! Norman Brookes.
FIRE SERVICE
There were twenty four calls made on Hook Norton's firefighters in the two months to the 15th March. One fire was in a school and three were on business premises. Three chimneys caught alight and there were one farm and two house fire incidents. Chemical spillage took place inside a lorry and our firefighters were called to Junction 11 of the Motorway where a coach was on fire. They were also needed for ten standby calls at Banbury. There were two false alarm calls.
FILM SOCIETY
The AGM will be held on April 25th at the home of Mike and Sheila Terry, Rectory View, Down End at 11am. Among other things, officers need to be elected and a date set for a meeting to discuss the selection of films for next season. This season finishes with "Antonia's Line" on April 25th - a feminist view of the world and "The Last Supper" on May 16th, a chilling black comedy. Members are asked to bring a dish, it's a pot-luck supper Supper 7.15pm. Film 8pm. Further details and bookings 737411 or 730407.
SUN INN GOLF SOCIETY
All matches are on Sundays, tee off 12.30pm. If there any golfers out there who would like to join us, whatever your handicap, (there is always someone better or worse than you think you are), if you would like to play with a keen bunch of lads with a sense of humour, then ring Bob Stowe 737804 or Trev Thomas 737048. All matches will cost no more than £20 which includes a meal after the match. April 19th - Cherwell Edge; May 17th Witney; June 7th - local; July 12th Cleeve Hill; August 9th - Kirtlington; September 6th - Drayton (Abingdon).