As the year draws towards an end it seems an appropriate time to thank all those who help to produce and deliver the Newsletter: Nigel Lehmann for proof-reading and Don Cornelius who stands in for him, Julian Bolton who organises the delivery along with her team of many helpers, Diana Barber for receiving new advertisements, John Stratford for being our Treasurer and Mrs Minnie Padbury for addressing envelopes for our postal deliveries.
Thank you all who contribute by copy or by cash donations and Isita for encouraging donations for the Post Office Box. Finally a thank you to Keith Willis who kindly absorbs some of the rising printing costs.
There were so many adverts and so much copy this time that I have had to incorporate eight more pages and still found difficulty in getting everything in. Cash in the Post Office Box amounted to £42. 13p.
The Beer Festival Committee and the Charitable Association both sent very welcome large donations towards running costs and I thank them very much. The Charitable Association are also buying an up-to-date computer for Newsletter use in order to make any Editor's life easier and I am truly grateful. Thank you to all who have supplied covers this year including class 6 at the Primary School; this month's cover is by Emma Harris. More for next year would be welcome. Photographs and logos are now a possibility for both copy and covers.
Sadly we report the deaths of Vera Manning, John Mutti, Maud Kelly and 'Molly' Clarke, late of this village and send our condolences to their families and friends.
Diana Barber is working on the 1999 edition of the 'Directory' which will be in February's Newsletter. Please complete the enclosed application form now.
Final copy date for the next issue is Monday January 18th 1999
BARBARA HICKS 737017
Remember Passion for the Countryside? Following its highly successful Treasure Island last year the well-loved
Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company returns again to Hook Norton with Don Quixote on December 18th at the Memorial Hall 7.30pm Tickets £3 Senior Citizens and under sixteen's £1. 50 Suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 96
"A great and affordable Christmas Family night out" Tickets available from the Post Office
PARISH COUNCIL
October: A little further work had been done to the landscape area by Tay Homes who had also tidied a strip of land within Old School End. This small area will probably be given over to the Parish Council for future maintenance.
The Clerk said that the newly laid bark in the play area had been given free of charge by N. Matthews and it was agreed that this was a very generous gesture and much appreciated.
There was a lengthy discussion over the future of the Hall. Should the Council be looking at spending money to improve the present building or would it be better to consider taking it down and re-building on the same site, a single storey, purpose built Hall? The only way that this can be assessed properly is by a Feasibility Study. M Riley had a quote and a presentation from a company who could do this in stages. The first stage of the study would cost about £1750 and it was agreed that this should go ahead. Mr Humphries felt that after this first stage the village should be consulted at an Open Meeting.
The bench at the top of the cemetery was in a poor state and beyond repair. It was agreed that this should now be removed.
The Clerk spoke about the fence around the Amenity Area in Ironstone Hollow. What useful purpose did it serve? It made it difficult for the contractor to mow up to the edge and seemed to be a collection point for litter and weeds. It was agreed that this could be removed. The Clerk was asked to consult with CDC Planning Dept to see if it was a Condition of the Planning Permission. A few items needing attention were highlighted and the Clerk would attend to these.
November: This meeting was well attended and Mr J Parry, Deputy Chief Fire Officer spoke about the Fire Service in Hook Norton and the shortage of part time Firemen. The Station should have twelve Firemen but at the present time has only seven and Mr Barry felt that the Council could help to publicise the need for additional volunteers. Firemen do get a lump sum retainer annually and are paid for every fire or emergency they attend. If only three Firemen attend a call they are now unable to go out. Anyone interested in joining the Fire Service should have a word with James Clarke who could offer further information.
Plans were on hand for the proposed new Doctors' Surgery in The Bourne and it was agreed that this was very good news indeed.
Cherwell's proposals for Housing in Rural Areas was discussed so that the Clerk could reply with the points that the Council wished to make. Councillors felt that there was a need for 'starter homes' and some rented accommodation. The village did not need any further large modern developments that would spoil the character of the village.
All four new trees in the play area have been vandalised and it was felt they would not survive. The only answer was to plant new ones and give them greater protection. The light by the P.O. and one near the Green have been out for some time. There is a cable fault and the MEB will have to repair this so it is taking longer than usual.
It was agreed that the old bench that has now been removed from the cemetery should be replaced.
The Planning Office said that the fence in Ironstone Hollow was put up by Higgs and Hill and was not recommended by them. They felt the area would look much improved without it.
THE BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IN THE WORLD
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and support at our coffee morning which was held on Friday 2nd October in the Study Centre. We were inundated with 38 raffle prizes and about 18 wonderful cakes. In total we had 76 visitors who tasted the scrumptious cakes on offer with their cups of coffee. We held a raffle and we had a Macmillan table with Christmas cards, pens, pencils and badges.
The amount raised for the Macmillan Nurses was as follows:- Cakes and coffee donations £129.70, Raffle £105.60, Macmillan Table £100, giving a grand total of £335.30.
We feel sure you will agree that it was a truly successful coffee morning.
Julie Wood and Julian Bolton
HOOK NORTON MYSTERY
Recently a personalised Weather Forecast for Hook Norton appeared on BBC television. It was reputed to have been arranged by a Hooky resident who gave a large donation to Children In Need. Was it you?
BANBURY CAKES
'Banbury Cakes' are being sold in Banbury purporting to be made from the 'genuine' recipe, but Hook Norton resident, Philip Brown of Clay Bank, is certain that his recipe is the 'original' one handed down from his ancestor Samuel Beesley.
Philip's great grandfather, Wilkes Brown, bought the Banbury Cake shop for his wife, Elizabeth W Brown, Samuel Beesley's niece, in 1872. Between 1843 and 1868 the Quaker Lamb family of Sibford rented the business.
In 1929 Philip's father, Wilfrid, came to Banbury from Liverpool to help his aunts, the Misses Elizabeth West Brown and Charlotte West Brown in their famous Banbury Cake Shop in Parsons Street and Philip, in his turn, was to work with his father. The Browns continued to own the shop until the late 1960s and Philip, with his father, continued to bake Banbury Cakes until 1983. He now makes the Banbury Cakes for friends from this treasured recipe.
He is now looking at the possibility of re-introducing the original Banbury Cake as a commercial venture in the near future.
The ancient recipe for the Banbury Cake is believed to have come to England with the returning Crusaders although Philip does not expect to trace its pedigree back that far!! What he can do is to confirm that it was held by his family as far back as 1822.
HOOK NORTON ON TAPE
Twelve months have gone (so fast!) and another Video Diary has just been completed. So much went on in Hooky - I videoed 56 events, not counting any clips of the village or it's wild life - 13 hours of tape!
Confining myself to a 60 minute tape, you can see the problem of condensing the Rural Fayre or the St Francis Service to 60 seconds! - so I didn't. I decided to edit out many of last year's similar events and also to make special tapes showing in full the very special events of the year.
Profits from "The Diary" will go to the Charitable Association, (last year they received £370), "Feast and Festival" to the Church and the "School Year" to the School.
The success of this would not be possible without the very great kindness of Isita at the Post Office and the Village Shop; a very heartfelt thank you to them both.
I wonder if you or your children are on this year's film ? Jo Chadwick
THANK YOU
Mary Gale would like to say thank you to everyone who has sent cards. letters, flowers and gifts; and to those who are visiting her in hospital.
POTTERY
Hook Norton Pottery has been producing pots in the village for 30 years. During that time both a national and international reputation has been established. There is a large range of work available which includes standard pieces: mugs, jugs, plates, bowls, etc., or made to order for a particular requirement. Much of the pottery is used in the catering industry as well as individual pieces for collections and museums.
To celebrate our 30th anniversary the Pottery Showroom is now open with a range of pottery and craft items all produced locally including paintings, cards, glassware, woodcraft and baskets.
Opening times are 9am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday
To celebrate our opening we are having a special Christmas shopping evening with mulled wine and mince pies on Friday 4th December 6pm -9pm
We look forward to seeing you!
Contact us on 01608 737414 for any information about the pottery.
LIBRARY UPDATE
The library support group has now become FOHNCL (Friends of Hook Norton Community Library). It has a committee of twelve people and the following officers have been elected: Paola James Chairman; Sarah Gardner Secretary and Barbara Hicks and Isita Pickering Joint Treasurers; it meets about once a month at present.
FOHNCL will have met again by the time you read this and discussed its short and long term aims and objectives with the findings of the questionnaire circulated earlier this year in mind. Representatives of the Playgroup, Youth Club and County Library staff and others have been invited.
Four members of FOHNCL recently attended what is to be an annual meeting of the Federation of Oxfordshire Friends of Libraries at County Hall. A much more co-operative atmosphere prevailed in contrast to the stormy one earlier in the year. Of particular interest to Hook Norton residents was the news that W S Atkins had reported on its survey of the Library, Playgroup and Youth Club site. There are currently no plans to sell the site in view of existing constraints upon its use.
Results of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review are due at the beginning of December and the formula for funding local government is likely to change. Tom Forrest, Director of Cultural Services, was unable to be specific at this time about the library's next budget allocation although it is likely to be in line with existing expectations. Several members of FOHNCL will be attending the next meeting of Oxfordshire County Council's Cultural Services department (formerly MALL) on December 7th when the position should become clearer.
A copy of the county's Library Service Action Plan is on display in the Library and comments have been invited..
The is the National Year of Reading. The emphasis until the end of the year is on babies and for the next few months general fiction, followed by older people.
In the library you will find measuring strips to record the height of your growing child which incorporates information about the benefits of reading to your child from as young as six months. Did you know that your child can become a member of the library as young as one year old?
Following our successful venture of reading to groups of children last half term we hope to repeat this again soon.
And now we need YOUR help. The Charitable Association will be providing a computer for the library in the New Year and this will give access to a much wider range of information. We need to provide suitable furniture such as a stand and a swivel chair, for instance. We shall also need a printer and spare cartridges, covers, printer paper, CD-ROMS etc. etc. Would you - or your business - be prepared to sponsor us for one of these items? Please contact Paola James on 737144 if you are able to help.
RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS
There is still a need for more firefighters in this village. So far the Hook Norton crew have responded to over 100 incidents this year. However, on several occasions the fire appliance has been unable to mobilise due to insufficient numbers of firefighters being available. Fortunately this has been covered by other stations, but it is surely only a matter of time before this causes serious problems - imagine how it would feel if an incident occurred and the Hook Norton crew could only sit and watch, waiting the arrival of appliances from Chipping Norton and Banbury.
If you are aged over 18 and are interested in joining the Fire Service, please do contact Sub Officer J W Clarke on 737210 (work) or 730451 (home).
You do not have to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even if you could only offer a few hours a week when you would be on call, the Fire Service would like to hear from you.
We have tried a leaflet drop to all houses in the village, letters to all parents of schoolchildren, a regular slot in the newsletter - Hook Norton Fire Station has even featured on the television, yet still more firefighters need to be recruited.
Incident Report
Twenty seven incidents were attended during the two months to November 25th. There were fifteen standbys for Chipping Norton and Banbury (two of which could not be attended because there was insufficient crew). One false alarm was raised and one bin fire, two skips and a pile of rubbish set alight, all with malicious intent. There were five fires in buildings, mainly on commercial premises. Firefighters were called to three serious road traffic incidents - one on the M40 - and were able to free trapped passengers on two of these occasions.
BONFIRE PARTY
The Bonfire in the Brewery Field was its usual great success. Thank you everyone who turned up to watch or help at the biggest bonfire around. Proceeds from the night will go to the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund.
VOLUNTEER READING HELP
This is a charity which links people in the community with local primary schools. Volunteers are trained and supported and go on to work with three children, twice a week on a one to one basis. Can you give young people a chance to improve their reading skills and develop an enthusiasm for literature?
Contact Nicola Menage, Co-ordinator 01295 273900
We have received a very interesting account of Di Walker's charity trip to the Himalayas with Sense which will appear in the next issue.
SENIOR YOUTH CLUB
Laura has settled into the role of Youth Leader over the past month. She has a good rapport with the members and there is a good atmosphere on Club Night.
We have between 20-30 village young people who regularly attend. By popular request we have purchased a Nintendo 64, members bring their own games and joy pads and share time playing in groups. It would be nice to see a few more females on club night. We are a bit male orientated at the moment. Laura has suggested running a baby-sitting course for any young people who are interested.
On December 4th there is an ice-skating trip to Alexandra Palace in London. The cost is £11. Please see Laura for more details.
Sixty to seventy party-goers turned up on a very wet, windy Hallow'een night for the disco. Thanks to Pete Head for his set on the decks. Also thanks to Rob for doing the door, Chris for the disco and Sue for the refreshments - a good night.
Only one parent phoned Laura to volunteer a helping hand on Club Night.
Are there any older brothers or sisters that would come along and give a bit of support? We had a few regulars last year and that worked well. Abby, Gigi, Anna, Sarah, Holly, are you still out there?
The next committee meeting is December 15th at 6.30pm at the Youth Club. We are very short on committee members. You don't have to have children that attend Youth Club to be on the committee. We just need a bit of support from village people to keep us going.
JOE AND ARBIES CLUB NIGHT
Joe Williams and Adrian Hibbard we all know from the village shop are two local lads that have both grown up in Hook Norton. They both have an interest in youth work and for the past two years have been working towards a national recognised part time youth worker qualification. They have spent their own free time in Chipping Norton Youth Centre working alongside Dave Haigh (our area youth worker) and have been on residential courses at Baskerville Hall in Wales working with boys and girls aged between 11 and 16. They have learnt Emergency First Aid and all aspects of Health and Safety to do with youth work.
This means that as well as the Senior Youth Club we can offer a club type night for the younger village girls and boys (range 9 to 12).
The club will be run on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 7.30pm, beginning on January 12th 1999 and Joe and Arbie will organise a fun evening for all that turn up. The charge will be 50p per week.
There will be a tuck shop available for sweets and drinks. All we ask is that parents bring their children into the hall and collect them at the end of each session. There might have to be a parent rota to run the tuckshop unless we can get a sensible couple of older teenagers to help out.
Joe and Arbie have put time and effort into this venture with no financial gain to themselves so let's support them in this with the community spirit they deserve.
BARE BONES - for Christmas?
Anyone who has recently come to live here and all who have never seen Hook Norton's own spoof comedy video production, 'Bare Bones', may like to know that copies are still available for £8.50 from the Post Office, or ring 730407. CB
ST PETER'S CHURCH
On St Francis' Day, October 4th, the Pet's Service was attended by sheep, goats, pigs, calves, geese, snakes, rats, cats and dogs to name but a few! The Sunday School helped to take the service, telling the story of St Francis and reading some of his prayers. They had built a tree, with birds and animals hidden in the branches and had made special bird feeders to hang up in the churchyard this winter. Hymns were sung and prayers said in thankfulness to God for the wonderful world we live in. The service ended with a blessing for both animals and humans. The collection was given to the RSPCA and The Blue Cross.
Harvest Festival the following weekend was another very happy occasion. The School had their service in the Church on Friday 9th October and in the evening the Harvest Thanksgiving Service was followed by a delicious supper. The flowers were lovely and there was a large collection of gifts for the charity "Children in Distress", which cares for abandoned children with HIV in Romania and Albania. More gifts were offered at the Harvest Eucharist on the Sunday.
On Saturday 14th November the Saint Martin Singers from London gave a splendid concert in the church. 'Upon a Ring of Bells' was a celebration of bells in songs and readings. The readers were Gareth Armstrong and Nicolette McKenzie. All proceeds were for the Bells Appeal at St Peter's and Swerford.
On Advent Sunday, November 29th, 'Advent Praise' was held in St Peter's at 7pm, organised jointly with Hook Norton Baptist Church. The speaker was the Rev'd Trevor Jones, with a Worship and Ministry team.
Christmas Trees, sold in aid of St Peter's Church, may be ordered where you see a poster. All orders must be in by Monday 7th December and trees will be collected on Sunday 13th December, between 11am and 12 noon outside the church. The price will be £1.50 per foot.
The 'Carols by Candlelight' Service is at 6.30pm on Sunday 20th December. On Christmas Eve the Crib Service will be at 5.30pm and at 11.30pm Holy Communion (Rite A). Holy Communion (BCP) will be celebrated at 8am on Christmas Day.
St Peter's Annual Sale will be on Saturday 16th January at 2pm in the Memorial Hall. There will be the usual stalls, nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, bottle stall, books, plants, gifts, cakes and also a raffle and teas.
SURGERY
Hook Norton's two year campaign to have a new permanent doctor's surgery is almost over.
A planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council to build a new purpose built surgery in the Bourne and if all goes well the new £400,000 surgery could be taking patients this time next year.
The application has been lodged by the Bloxham practice which also operates a temporary surgery in the village following the retirement three years ago of the village doctor who had a surgery in the grounds of his home.
Cherwell District Council's North Area Planning sub-committee gave the go-ahead to the temporary surgery in Queen Street despite opposition from their planning officers who objected on highway grounds. The parish council backed the plans to open a temporary surgery because villagers feared they would be forced to travel to Bloxham.
A committee was formed to back the application from the doctors whose search for a suitable site for a new purpose built surgery has now been successful. All that now remains is for the planners to give their go-ahead and for satisfactory funding arrangements to be settled.
Dr Tim Hurst who was appointed by the Bloxham practice to run the Hook Norton surgery said "This is wonderful news. We have been up so many blind alleys in the recent months but now all is coming together."
He said delicate negotiations to buy the site from a village family had been successful and now plans for a surgery to meet future expansion of Hook Norton had been put to the council. " We are optimistic from what we have been told that there will not be any objections. It takes some eight weeks after the application has been lodged to get a decision and we eagerly await the council's response," said Dr Hurst.
The plans involve a single storey building being erected on land near the junction of The Bourne and Scotland End. There will be doctors' and nurses' rooms, as well as a reception area, car parking and other rooms to meet the surgery's needs.
"It is much bigger than the original and temporary surgery and will meet the needs of an expanded Hook Norton. If we can get everything sorted out we shall be operating within 10 to 11 months" he said. "There are several ways in which the surgery can be funded and we are looking at them at the moment"
Reporter - Keith Wood
FAMILY HISTORY
The Hook Norton group is alive and kicking and meets informally about six times a year . Last year we nearly completed our transcribing of gravestones in Swerford Churchyard, had an evening pursuing Family History on the Internet and met in pubs to share our research and offer ideas to each other. We even manage an annual dinner at The Gate Hangs High. Enquiries 737017
HOOK NORTON PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
We are pleased to announce a very successful start to Teeny Tots and due to the high level of interest we have already introduced a second session and now run on a Monday and Tuesday afternoon from 1 - 2.30. At only £2.50 per session these are proving very popular. Due to their young age, 2 - 21/2, only 8 children are taken per Teeny Tots session. If any of you Mums and Dads are interested in introducing your child to a safe and friendly pre-school playgroup, please contact Playgroup on 730560. Should we have enough names then we will certainly consider a third session.
Teeny Tots is supervised by Colette Warner ably assisted by Maria Smith. If you would like to find out more, please contact Colette and she will arrange for you to sit in on a session with your child.
We continue to take names for regular Playgroup, which is supervised by Alrys Morris in the mornings and Colette in the afternoons. We are all really pleased to have Pat Lutter back with us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She was missed by staff, children and parents whilst off ill. Welcome back Pat!
Maria assists at all Playgroup sessions except Wednesday, when she is studying for her Diploma and this is when Rachel Webb steps in.
By the time this is in print we will have held our Table-Top Sale and Charity Night at the Sports and Social Club with Pete Port Talbot. Many thanks to everyone for their help in running and supporting these events, a special thanks to Pete.
Playgroup will have a stall at the Hook Norton School Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5th December; hope to see you all there.
We hope we can count on your support for the annual Christmas floats which will be around the village on the afternoon of Sunday 6th December.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment to what is a very successful Playgroup.
Finally on behalf of the staff and committee I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, successful New Year. Mandy Watkins (Chairperson) Tel: 737143
FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL
You may remember the Christmas Card competition I organised last year which proved once again extremely successful. There were a number of packs remaining after last year having sold 360 packs of ten cards at £2. We have decided to sell the remaining packs of cards at a reduced price of £1 for a pack of ten cards - four designs in each pack. If you wish to purchase these Christmas cards please supply us with your name, address and the number of packs required and hand it in to the school office together with the total money (cheques made payable to FOHNS), and I will deliver the cards to you a few days later.
Since the last Newsletter was produced the FOHNS have had their AGM. After two years as Chairperson I have decided to step down from the committee. It has been an extremely enjoyable and rewarding couple of years.
Sarah Brown has taken over from me as Chairperson with a new committee and they have started to organise many events for the year ahead.
I really would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the last two years. Without your help the FOHNS would find it difficult to run; from providing raffle prizes to giving up your time to help and coming along to events. Finally I would like to thank my committee members, family and friends for putting up with me whilst I was Chairperson and would like to take this opportunity to wish Sarah and her new committee all the best for enjoyable and successful years ahead. Out with the old and in with the new! Julie Wood 737998
FOHNS Continued
May I take this opportunity on behalf of the committee to thank Julie Wood for all the hard work and dedication to the FOHNS over the past two years. What an act to follow!
We started our fund-raising programme on Friday 6th November at our coffee morning in the school study centre. It was a great success and we hope to do this again in the New Year on a monthly basis.
We are happy to announce that our Christmas Fayre will be on Saturday 5th December from 1pm to 4pm at the school. A variety of craft stalls, gift stalls and activities will be on offer including the arrival of Father Christmas, who will be taking up residence in his winter grotto! It promises to be a fun afternoon and we hope you will come along and support us. Sarah Brown (FOHNS.)
LITERATURE GROUP
The first five meetings for 1999 are as follows: 13 and 20 January George Eliot Silas Marner, 1861 Tutor: Bob Horan. 27 January Alessandro Baricco: Silk Tutor .Bob Horan 03 and 10 February Kate Atkinson Behind the Scenes at the Museum Ttuor: Bopb Horan at The Sun Inn from 10.15 - 12.15 Tony Higgins 01608 730389 for details.
TRANSPORT
Buses
It was bad timing on my part to give a reminder in the last issue of the times of buses to Banbury and Chipping Norton as the timetable has since been changed!
We have a gap in the service into Banbury in the morning as the 8.05am runs earlier at 7.48 and the 9.23 has been cancelled. Stagecoach say that they have had to cut some services and the 7.48 cannot run any later because the bus is needed for another route leaving Banbury at about 8.35am. On the plus side, there are later buses into Banbury and a later one back at about 6.05pm, so it is now possible to get there and back by bus for a full working day. The new timetable is shown below. Copies are available in the Post Office and the Village Shop. The return fare to Banbury is now £3.20.
The full service is:
NS
Chipping Norton 7.05 7.30 10.00 12.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 7.00
Hook Norton 7.23 7.48 10.18 12.18 2.18 4.18 6.18 7.18
Banbury 8.00 8.25 10.53 12.53 2.53 4.53 6.53 7.53
Banbury 9.05 11.05 1.05 3.05 5.05 6.05
Hook Norton 9.38 11.38 1.38 3.38 5.38 6.38
Chipping Norton 9.55 11.55 1.55 3.55 5.55 6.55
NS = Not Saturdays
The County Council is inviting tenders for a new service from Banbury at 11.00pm, returning to Hook Norton and continuing to either the Sibfords or Chipping Norton.
This would be funded from money made available by the Government for new rural bus services. The County might also support additional buses throughout the day on our route but this idea has to compete with other proposals.
Trains
If you are thinking of visiting Birmingham or London for Christmas shopping (or for any other reason), the following information may be helpful.
Car parking at Banbury station costs £1 (but £2.50 before 9.30am). The car park has been extended to provide more spaces.
A cheap day return to Birmingham costs £9. With a Senior Railcard the fare is £5.95. The fare to London (Marylebone), travelling on the 8.53, 9.24, 10.24 or any later trains on Mondays - Fridays (two an hour) and including unlimited travel on the Underground is £19.50 (33% reduction for Railcard or Network card holders).
Passengers travelling on the 1600, 1700, 1800 and 1900 trains from Marylebone on Monday - Fridays must get a boarding card at Marylebone between 10 and 60 minutes before the train leaves. For more information phone Chiltern Railways on 08705 165165.
Shoppers' Bus
The Shoppers' Bus continues to run every other Thursday morning for shopping in Banbury. The fare is only £1, with any shortfall being met by the Parish Council. The numbers using this bus have fallen in recent months so that it has run at a loss.
More passengers would be welcome. The bus is primarily for pensioners but can also be used by others without transport. To reserve a place put your name on the list which is at the Post Office counter usually from the preceding Saturday.
The bus picks up at the Fire Station, the Church, the Green and Austins Way, starting at 9.10am. It returns from Banbury bus station (or the bay outside) at 12 noon. If you would like to be picked up at the west end of The Bourne or near the Pear Tree, or if you want any other information, contact Mr Humphries on 737464.
Because of the building work in Banbury at present, it is not now possible for the bus to remain at the bus station throughout the morning. The bus will run on Thursdays 10 December, 7 and 21 January, 4 February and so on. No bus on 24 December.
For a trip to Moreton-in-Marsh market on Tuesdays, there is a Barry's bus which runs through Hook Norton, picking up at Austins Way and the Sun shortly before 10.00am. It returns from Moreton at 12.30. Peter Fry, Transport Representative, Tel: 730509
WEDDING OF ELIZABETH BOWEN AND WILLIAM KNOX 25th July 1998
After a very wet July we were truly blessed with a lovely warm sunny day.
The beautiful service was very much a family occasion, the bride's uncle officiated, the groom's sister played the organ, both fathers read and friends sang and read the prayers, whilst John Acreman celebrated Holy Communion and co-ordinated everything. The Reception was held at the Primary School which was transformed with various flowers and decorations.
We are indebted to so many friends and villagers who all contributed in so many ways to make the whole day such a memorable occasion.
Our sincere thanks go to them all. Diane and Andrew Bowen
HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
The next Open Meeting will be held on January 12th 1999 at the Sun Inn when the main item on the Agenda will be to adopt a new constitution as the next step towards obtaining charity status for the Association.
LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH FUND SALE
14th November 1998
In spite of Paula's concern regarding the new concept of the Sale it was in fact a huge success raising in excess of £1700! As ever, the usual band of helpers turned up trumps which was so supportive and comforting as there were moments when Paula did wonder just how it would all come about. Grateful thanks are due to all the kind people who made or gave items for sale and also to those who attended.
God Bless you all.
PS. The door lucky number prize has not yet been claimed - blue cloakroom ticket number 106. Please contact Paula on 737210 or 737584 if you are in possession of this particular ticket.
WELCOME CLUB
The Club has almost completed its planned activities for the year; we have had two most interesting talks, the first was given by two members of the Probation Service who explained how the Service works - this was a good follow-up on a talk given last year by a Magistrate. We are hoping to have our local Police Officer to talk to us!! It's not likely any of our members will be in trouble with the Law but in that event we know what will happen to us. Between these talks we had a small disaster! We had arranged for a Birthday Lunch and just a few days before the event, when phoning to confirm the date, we were told the restaurant was too busy! Shock and Horror! However a very hurried scan of the various restaurants in the area resulted in a booking at the 'Cross Hands' where we had a very enjoyable lunch - the old saying is right - if one door closes another opens.
FILM SOCIETY
December's programme - December 12th - will be somewhat different to that which we normally expect - 'Eight Great Shorts' - a series of films ranging from a two minute animation piece to a 27 minute fantasy. Tony Rose an authority on 'shorts' will be with us to present them. It promises to be quite a highlight.
On January 9th 'The Accidental Tourist' starring William Hurt and Geena Davis will keep us spellbound with this liberating drama for 95 minutes.
Enquiries and Meal Bookings 737411 or 730407 by Thursday evening please.
HOOK NORTON GARDENING CLUB
The Garden Club ended another successful year with a talk on local wildlife in the Hook Norton area by Steve Holliday. During the year we have had two shows, talks on a variety of topics, and several visits, including Barnsdale.
At the Annual Meeting on 21 October subscriptions for next year were increased to £2.50 for single membership, £4.00 for a couple and 50p for a child, with a new category of family membership at £4.50. Members are entitled to discounts on purchases from Hurrans in Banbury and Wyatts at Great Rollright.
Officers for the coming year are: Chairman David Coates, Treasurer Yvonne Higgins and Secretary Pam Wood. Committee members are Christine Blackham, Val Bourne, Tim Burchell, Ann Faulkner, Frank Faulkner, Maggie Hiatt and Barbara Rusbridge.
The Committee are arranging an interesting programme for next year, beginning on the third Wednesday in February (look out for notices). The Shows will be on 17 April and 18 September and the photographic categories for the Spring Show will be: A Lake; Contrast; Christmas and Birds. The children's topic will be Winter.
All monthly meetings are open to everyone, so why not come along to the Memorial Hall on the third Wednesday to see what goes on!
BOWLS CLUB
Although the Club's position regarding numbers still remains serious the Members decided, at a meeting held recently, that we should carry on and try to keep the Club going despite these difficulties. We are still hoping that despite the almost total lack of support we may be able to obtain some new members and we are now arranging a limited programme for next season. Anyone interested please ring 737464.
HOOK NORTON BAPTIST CHURCH
As I write this item for the village newsletter I am reflecting on the fact that it is now a year since my induction as minister What an eventful year it has been for us, action packed with so many good things to give thanks for. The recent holiday club reunion and party was a reminder not only of the great times we had together with many of the children from the village in the summer, but the continued happy and creative gatherings at each of the Saturday Specials. The next such session is planned for Saturday 5th December 10 - 11.30am.
The Advent Season is a time of preparation for most folks. This year is particularly special for us as we await the birth of our first grandchild which is due to be born on Boxing Day. As we plan and prepare to celebrate the festival of Christmas it is so easy for us to become too busy. With cards and letters to write and send, presents to purchase and wrap, meals to plan and prepare and much more, we can so easily get sucked in by the commercialism and materialism of the age. By doing so we will miss the central reason for the season, the celebration of the birth of Our Saviour and King, JESUS.
This is not a new problem but one experienced by Martha, a close friend of Jesus. The account of this event is recorded in St Luke 10: 38-42. Jesus and his disciples had arrived at the home of Martha and Mary in the village of Bethany. Martha opened her home to the Lord but became distracted by all the work and preparation she thought were needed, while her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his conversation and enjoying His company. This became all too much for Martha and she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her with her work. "Martha, Martha", the Lord replies, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her".
While we may have some sympathy for Martha and her situation, much of it was of her own making. She seems to have gone overboard with the preparations and so missed the most important thing, spending time with Jesus and listening to him. Let us not be too busy this Christmas to miss the opportunity to enjoy God with us and worship Jesus our Immanuel. A Very Happy Christmas and New Year to you all.
ST PETER'S CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
St Peter's Annual Craft Fair was held on Saturday 31st October and despite the rain was a huge success. We were wonderfully supported with visitors from near and far with a continuous flow of people throughout the entire day. The questionnaire given out at the door proved how many of you had spoken of the event to friends and family elsewhere, and the results of the questionnaire will be very helpful when we consider methods of advertising for next year's fair, which will be (for those of you who like to be organised well in advance!) Saturday 6th November 1999.
An amazing variety of crafts were available with some new and exciting exhibitors as well as many of the regulars. The quality of work was of a very high standard and it was a wonderful opportunity to buy original hand made gifts. Many of the craftspeople worked at their craft and demonstrated throughout the day, so there was plenty to see without having to buy, although of course most of us did!
The raffle was well supported and considerably boosted the amount raised. The first prize of a Christmas Hamper was won by Mr Roger Cooke of Bell Hill. Our grateful thanks go to those businesses and individuals who generously supplied prizes. The total amount raised was £1950.60 and this incredible and wonderful figure was then rounded up to £2000 by a kind donation. A financial success and a spiritual success; many people commented again on the lovely atmosphere that prevails at this event. Many of the craftspeople say they don't experience such fellowship and joy at other craft events and they really look forward to it. I hope you feel the same. Heartfelt thanks to all who helped in so many ways, baking, making, fetching and carrying and of course supporting the day. God Bless you all. Jan Hughes
HOOK NORTON SILVER BAND
Bill Clarke Memorial Concert
What an evening! What a success!! The church was practically bursting at the seams on the evening of 18th October for this annual concert. The programme reflected the band's usual eclectic repertoire - Rossini, Herbie Flowers and Andrew Lloyd-Webber to name but a few. The Learner Band has come on in leaps and bounds and gave a very creditable performance. The audience evidently enjoyed themselves as donations totalling £368 were made at the end of the evening. This will be divided equally between The Research Institute, Churchill Hospital, Oxford and St Peter's Church. Everyone agreed it was an excellent tribute to a man who wholeheartedly supported the band for so many years.
Footnote: One person who attended the concert was so impressed that he sent us a £60 donation the following week.
Carols around the village, 20th December
The band will be playing carols between 10am and 12.30pm. More specific details of route etc will be given in the village news section of the Banbury Guardian on 17th December. Do support the band by giving generously - as a result of last year's collection the band were able to make a substantial donation to the Day Care Centre.
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
Our Archive evening on November 3rd proved interesting and sometimes amusing as we listened to excerpts from recent oral history recordings, well put together by our Archivist Tony Higgins. We look forward to a musical evening on December 1st when Bill and Heather Long come to talk about and demonstrate Folk Songs of Oxfordshire. On January 5th we have a talk by Bill King called Dads other Army, some details of little known activities during World War II.
All our meetings take place in The Study Centre at the School usually on the first Tuesday of each month. Guests are always welcome. We make a small charge of £1 which includes coffee and biscuits.
1ST HOOK NORTON GUIDES
We now have 25 Guides in the company and so far this term five new Guides. Please place your daughter's name on the waiting list to avoid disappointment.
On Monday 2nd November we were joined by Bloxham Guides for a Russian Awareness evening; the Guides decorated wooden spoons and we talked about Guiding in Russia, also as it was Guy Fawkes night all the girls made Guys! We had seven this year - all very handsome! They were then burnt on the bonfire at the Fireworks display organised by the Firemen.
We have just been away on the weekend 13-15 November to Wantage Youth Hostel; taking 20 Guides and three Leaders. The weekend had a Christmas theme (chosen by the Guides) and the weather played it's part, it was extremely cold which meant we were all togged up in our hats, gloves and scarves but was perfect for walking. Saturday morning we set off across the Ridgeway for a scenic walk, rather muddy in some places! We estimate we walked about eight miles, returning to the Youth Hostel late afternoon where we had a craft session.
We made Christmas decorations and special table arrangements to use in the evening at our meal "Christmas Dinner". For dinner we had roast turkey with all the trimmings followed by mince pies and chocolate log, the girls all had a small present to open and a cracker to pull, it felt just like Christmas.
An evening entertainment show included songs from the Spice Girls and Billie plus their own sketches, done so well that we are going to put on a show for the parents.
Sunday morning, we packed up and were out of the Youth Hostel by 10am. We set off on another walk, this time a different route which took us through some pretty villages, down into Wantage town. We arrived in the town at 2pm where we had a brief look in the museum and we were collected by the minibus at 2.45pm; we had walked about six miles.
The walks completed this weekend will go towards our Walkers Badge; we just have one more walk to complete and some of the Guides will also gain their Holiday Badge after they have written up the weekend's events.
We arrived in Hooky at 4.10pm with some very tired Guides (and Leaders!) after a brilliant weekend. We would like to thank Mr Rob Fear and Mr Steve Smith for driving the minibus to and from Wantage for us. Emma Hughes
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB/HOOK NORTON 2001
Oxfordshire County Council has recently indicated that they are willing to renew the Lease of the playing field at the Bourne for at least 25 years; one of the provisos being that the Club replaces the existing building.
When the Club renews the lease there will also be an opportunity to add to the ground available for sport and recreation. With this excellent news the Club has joined forces with Hook Norton 2001 and will jointly plan for the building of a much larger facility that will cater for the many activities and organisations in this growing village. Mike Battley, Chairman, Sports and Social Club. Tel: 737734.
FOOTBALL CLUB
The season continues to go quite well. The first team have done well in cup competitions reaching the last eight of the League Cup and the last sixteen of the Oxon Charity Cup having beaten old rivals Ruscote Sports 3 - 0 in the last round. League results have been mixed with two wins, a draw and two defeats.
The Reserve team has had an excellent season being undefeated in the league. They have also reached the last sixteen of the Oxon Intermediate Cup when they face Banbury United Reserves on January 16th. They are also in the last eight of the Reserve League Supplementary Cup.
Look out for details of the Football Club Disco to be held at the Sports and Social Club in January and the Jumble Sale also in January at the Memorial Hall. Dave Macfarlane
Sorry to Carlie Stratford for calling her Charlie in the last Newsletter.
HOOK NORTON RANGER GUIDES
This term has brought many activities that vary from our AGM to going to the Mill in Banbury to see Dance Tek Warriors. We have also been swimming and to Chipping Norton Theatre to hear the tale of Jan Meek and Dan Byles, a mother and son who spent three months in a rowing boat together whilst crossing the Atlantic. We are planning a Christmas shopping trip to London early in December, a Reflexology session and, as we're all chocaholics we're having a chocolate fondue evening to end the term.
If any girl between the ages of 14 and 25 years is interested in joining Rangers, ring Jenny Bruton 01608 737542 or Di Walker 01608 737946.
Guide and Scout Camp - St. Georgen im Attersee, Upper Austria,
Summer 1998
Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to every one who supported me in my various fund-raising events for this trip. I wouldn't have been able to travel to Austria for this experience of a lifetime without the support of my friends, family and the community.
I was selected from Guides and Rangers from all over East Anglia, last November, as one of ten to go to NA SO WAS '98 in Austria. The camp itself had about 2600 Guides and Scouts from all over Europe and also Japan and was held in S Georgen, in the north of Upper Austria, last summer. Activities included; singing, dancing, crafts, parties, cooking, world record attempts, live bands, talent shows, a trip to Vienna, international food tasting and trekking. Our trek took up three days of the camp and took us down the western side on the Attersee Lake, one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, over small mountains and through woods. We also had a chance to swim in the lake which was clear blue and like a small fresh- water sea.
We stayed in Salzburg and Braunau as well, before and after the trip. Both are very beautiful and completely unspoilt by tourism. My holiday was fantastic and one I'll never forget; full of new experiences and excitement. Austria must be one of, if not the most fabulous country in the world.
Charlotte Morley, Lower Heyford, Hook Norton Rangers.
WILDLIFE
The last link with summer was a late Swallow seen by Tim Burchell in early November. A few butterflies lingered into October with a Comma seen by Geraldine Moore on the 19th and four Red Admirals on 25th when two Common Darter dragonflies were on the wing. A hedgehog in gardens off Sibford Road looked too small to hibernate.
A large passage of thrushes took place in the first half of November with thousands of Fieldfares and Redwings moving south-west. A Merlin, our smallest falcon, flew over the village on November 19th. Merlins prey on small birds over open country and are scarce visitors to North Oxfordshire.
Bird reports during the last two months include: Canada Geese nine over the village 19 November.
Sparrowhawk an immature female picked up after hitting a window by Molly Gallard in Whittons Close. It later recovered and flew quickly away. Grey Wagtail one in Ian Buchanan's garden in Mid-November Tree Creeper singles on two dates
Thank you to everyone who joined my walk on 21 November. Despite a keen south easterly wind we saw Kestrel, Green Woodpecker and a lovely party of eleven Lapwings.
December/January: look out for more Fieldfares and Redwings. These attractive thrushes will come into gardens to feed on berries or bruised apples if it snows or we suffer prolonged frosts. Look out also for Goldcrests, our smallest bird, feeding in conifers and hedgerows. Peanut feeders in gardens should attract Coal Tits and possibly Siskins. If you put seed out on bird tables or on the ground look out for Bramblings among the chaffinches. It looks set to be a good winter for these small visitors from Scandinavia and Russia. Steve Holliday 8 Whittons Close. Telephone 737038
W.I.
Hook Norton WI is now officially, by a majority vote, an afternoon Club and will meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Baptist Hall at 2pm, with the exception of December, when members and guests will meet at the Gate Hangs High for Christmas lunch on the 15th. The meeting on October 20th was a mainly social occasion with games, quizzes and refreshments and also welcomed guest speaker Sue Lee of Community Education. Thanks were given to the Charitable Association for their donation to the WI. The annual mini-show on November 17th was greatly enjoyed with a record number of entries and Kay Winter of Sibford WI had the daunting job of judging them. The Sue Winspear Cup and first prize was won by Pat Fletcher and the Cup for the 'Best Bloom Competition' with points carried over the year was won by Mary White. Some members have agreed to start preparing for a group entry at the 80th Craft Show next September at Exeter Hall Kidlington. Susan Barrett proposed that it would be a good idea to embroider a Hook Norton banner. The original one has gone missing, creating a baffling Hook Norton mystery - it could have been lost during the years when the village WI was disbanded in the 1940's or maybe it is languishing in someone's attic!
The WI has recently gained several new members and will always welcome guests at the meetings. Several good ideas have been suggested for speakers and outings for next year. The meeting on January 19th will welcome Richard Wescott talking about his role as a pantomime Dame.
For information contact - Lee Morgan 737525 / Susan Barrett 737277
RED CROSS HOSPITAL TO HOME SCHEME
We give support to patients when they are first discharged home. To extend the service to Hook Norton we need local volunteers. Full training is given and expenses paid. Could you give a couple of hours a week to visit a neighbour?
For information call Debbie on 01295 229257.
WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU WERE? A SOROPTIMIST ?
If you have never heard of Soroptimists you have been missing out on a great deal of fun and friendship and opportunities to do something positive to help others at home and abroad.
Soroptimist International is the world's largest and longest established professional and business woman's organisation, with over 100,000 members world -wide, focusing on health, education, social and economic development, human rights and the status of women, and the environment. At local level we meet together in Oxford and have a wide variety of visiting speakers throughout the year and other topical discussions and fund raising activities.
The Oxford Club has "friendship links" with Soroptimist Clubs in Leiden, Lucerne, Marmara and Bonn, but where ever you are in the world there is likely to be a Soroptimist nearby, ready to offer friendship and help. Membership of Soroptimist International also entitles you to use all the amenities of the Soropimist International Club overlooking Hyde Park in London.
The Oxford Club has members living throughout the county. If you are currently working and would like to find out more about the Club please write to Oxford & District Soroptimists, P.O. Box 43, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 2EX, giving us your name, address and telephone number, so we can contact you.