It's thank you time and first of all we would like to thank the following who deliver the Newsletter to your door: Irene Baird, Liz Bridgwood
NEWSLETTER TEAM:
Advertising: Judi Leader 730609
Calendar/typing: Howard Hicks 737017
Distribution: Julian Bolton 737153
Postal Services: Mrs M Padbury 737989
Proof reading; Nigel LehmannTreasurer: John Stratford
Directory: Diana Barber 737428
, Tim Burchell, Peter Fry, Julie Hayward, Ann Heath, Christine Howe, Jan Hughes, Becky Hughes, Ian Kay, Jenny Mead, Alrys Morris, Bunty Reid, Ann Peploe, Kate Pickering, Rosemary Rye, Vicky Shillam, Dorothy Smith, Julie Tobin, Beryl White, Ken Wise and Cheryl Woodward with Julia Edwards and Venice Barry in reserve.
We would also like to send our grateful thanks to Marion Roberts who has delivered Newsletters for many years. Would someone like to step into her shoes and deliver Sibford Road, one side only, every two months? Please ring Julian on 737153 if you can help.
Julie Wood stood in for Julian during the last issue and organised the February delivery and we thank her for this.
Once more our thanks are due to John Stratford for keeping our accounts and producing a statement at the end of the financial year which you can see on the next page. As you can see we are in quite a healthy financial state. Thank you to all who have contributed to this state of affairs. The Post Office box yielded a staggering £113 of which donations over £5 came from PM, NA RP/MP and anonymously.
If any society or group would like to send in a photograph or drawing representing their group we would like to consider it for a future cover.
Thank you to Christopher Manderson of Class 6 of the Primary School for this edition's delightful cover.
We end on a sad note as we report the deaths of Doris Egan and Marjorie Plamenatz and on behalf of the village send our condolences to their families and friends.
I have been editing the Newsletter for many years now and would like to step down. My part of the job is to collect the copy and present it to Helen typed and in disc form. Most of it comes to the Post Office Box and increasingly, more comes in by e-mail which is very useful and time-saving. You would need to be able to use a simple word processing programme. I also make sure that the amount of text and copy is correct for the number of pages involved. Helen then lays out text and advertisements. Would anyone like to take over my part in the Newsletter? Anyone interested please ring me to discuss it.
BARBARA HICKS 737017 HELEN FOSTER 737391
Next issue advertising copy date 16 May. Final text copy date 18 May
e-mail Barbara@news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk
INVITATION
I shall be celebrating my 90th birthday on Sunday 23rd July. I hope all my friends in Hook Norton will join me and my family for a glass of wine and refreshment at The Sun Inn at 11.30am. This is also a farewell as later on I shall be going to live with my daughter and son-in-law in Cambridge. Do come. You will be most welcome. Nancy Austin
HOOK NORTON - NEWSLETTER
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 1999
RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
. Advertising £2586.20 KMS Litho £3169.00
Donations 1290.00 Stationery etc., 48. 89
PO Box 381.17
Interest 10.05 ________ Total receipts 4267.42 Total payments 3217.89 b/fwd 1.1.99 2065.28 balance 31.1299 3114.81 £6332. 70 £6332.70
PARISH COUNCIL
February Meeting: opened with Sgt Thornton of Thames Valley Police giving a talk on the level of policing in the area. He stressed that he wanted people to come forward with complaints or information as this helped the police to do a better job. PC Dilsaver was also in attendance and it was said that she was the first point of contact. There were 51 reported offences in 1999 with 15 detected - a 29.4% success rate that was apparently very high. Sgt Thornton gave further statistics and said that overall North Oxfordshire was a pretty safe place to live.
Seven Planning Applications were discussed and it was noted that there had been a considerable increase in the number of people in the village who wished to make changes.
Mr Timms reported for the Open Spaces Committee and said that the play equipment was now being inspected on a regular basis. With the goal posts in place the Clerk said she had received complaints that the larger posts had encouraged the older boys back into the area and had caused some trouble to local residents. After discussion it was agreed to remove the posts and possibly give them to the Sports and Social Club.
Mr K Wood reported that the proposed new railings for the centre of the village could not go ahead as grant money was not available.
The old tables from the Hall had been given to the Church. Mr Wise was to brush down and paint the walls in the ladies toilets affected by condensation and touch up areas in the Hall.
Mr Couldrey said he had sought advice regarding the 'damp' in the wall. He said he had received free professional advice on any proposed extension, toilet for the disabled and storage room.
The footpath through the amenity area in Ironstone Hollow is very muddy and the hedge bordering Station Rd is in a poor state and needs attention. It was agreed that Mr Fry would organize a meeting with the residents to see what they wanted the Council to do.
S.I.D. - Speed Indicator Device - will come to Hook Norton later this year and will probably be on the Sibford Road near the School.
Tay Homes is to transfer the strip of land in Old School End that was left as an amenity, to the Parish Council and the Clerk is to seek assurance that the transfer will not incur any expense for the Council.
The bier in St. Peter's is to be treated for woodworm at a cost of £80 plus VAT.
The Clerk reported that the Auditor had finally completed his work and could find nothing wrong with the accounts.
March Meeting: Again there were a number of planning applications that had been dealt with.
Mr Couldrey reported on a meeting with Mr Bonnick, Architect for Cherwell District Council, who had been out to look at the Hall and to give advice. He was to provide sketches/ideas for the District Council to consider. The Hall floor was in need of attention and the Clerk had contacted a number of people who had given advice. One company had quoted a tentative price of £1000 for sanding, polishing and four sealing coats. The tiling in the kitchen was also to be replaced and the builder had quoted a reasonable price for this work.
Part of the wall at the rear of the play area had collapsed and work was needed to the corner of Burycroft and the corner of Chipping Norton Road near the Pear Tree. Station Road was in a poor state and a pot hole was once again in evidence in Sibford Road. All will be reported. The paper skip was being well used, emptied regularly and kept very tidy.
The fortnightly skip for household waste was once again being abused. Furniture had been dumped along with builders rubbish. Wood with large nails sticking out had been left on the ground and had to be dealt with. The council will pick up items from people's houses free of charge. Some of the furniture is recycled to Help the Aged.
Mr Millar handed over a cheque for £140 being monies collected from businesses in the village towards the cost of the Beacon that was such a success on New years Eve.
There is to be a Litter Pick on Sunday April 16th starting from the Memorial Hall. Can you spare a little time on that Sunday morning to help clean up the village? Turn up at the Memorial Hall at 10.am. Protective clothing is provided.
WALKING THE DOG
Cherwell DC has issued a leaflet explaining the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The District Council has adopted this Act and it applies to all land in the open air, including roads, paths, verges, greens, playing fields and any other land to which the public has access. It therefore includes also farm fields and tracks such as that accessed from Station Road. It is an offence under the Act if a person in charge of a dog does not clear up immediately after the dog has defecated on designated land. If your dog fouls, you must clear it up immediately. There is no requirement for there to be any sign telling you this, as the law applies virtually everywhere except in your own garden. The dog mess should be picked up and placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in your dustbin or a dog litter bin. You must be prepared by taking a bag with you each time you go out with your dog. Special bags for the purpose can be obtained free from the Post Office and from the vets in Sibford Road. Copies of the leaflet can be obtained from the Environmental Health Department (01295 252535). The Parish Council reminds residents that dogs are not permitted at all in the play area, except that they may be taken across the top of the area provided they are kept to the tarmac path and on a lead. PF.
ROBERT BOLTON
Since Robert died in mid-January we have received many letters and cards, visits and telephone calls; we have tried to answer everyone to express our thanks to all who contacted us.
After Robert and I moved from Bloxham in October 1984 he greatly enjoyed helping at the Benefice Churches; and latterly he liked to assist our Rector at both Swerford and Wiggington Churches occasionally - and particularly at St. Peter's Church last Christmas Eve.
During the past two months I have been overwhelmed by the kind enquiries and hospitality from so many people; this is really helping me to adjust to my new way of life. Thank you all. Julian Bolton
MILLENNIUM BOOK
(in a frame, Helen please and in a font that makes it stand out - any shape you like.)
Work behind the scenes is progressing well and we are very pleased with
the photographs which have been taken.
You will see posters around the village giving you an idea of the photograph
that we are likely to use for the cover.
Don't pass up your chance to qualify for a £2 discount on copies bought
before publication. Forms are available at the Post Office.
You can pay by cheque or by cash. A receipt will be sent to you.
WHY WHY WHY
Why has the local authority totally neglected to maintain the interior of the Youth Club building? It is in an appalling state. The amenities are pathetic. Were it to be refurbished it could be a useful meeting place for other organisations as well as the Youth Club. The adjoining library has been well maintained.
Why is the Youth Club only open once a week---and not at all in the holidays!?
Why is the village not being kept informed of the proposed major alterations - if rumour be true - to its church?
Maybe other people have "why" questions to ask. ST
[Editor: see STOP PRESS for this last WHY]
LIBRARY NEWS plus logo(FOHNCL)
In this edition you will receive a leaflet inviting you to become a subscribing member of FOHNCL (Friends of Hook Norton Community Library) which we hope you will consider carefully.
This group exists to make sure that our library continues to be viable so that no authority will ever consider closing it again. FOHNCL is part of the Federation of Friends of Libraries Groups and receives support and encouragement from the Cultural Services of Oxfordshire County Council. They have agreed to fund the cost of the enclosed leaflet in their appreciation of the work we do.
Existing subscribers will receive a personal letter about the same time as the Newsletter is delivered.
We have achieved quite a lot since we made our last appeal to you. We have instituted Saturday Morning Opening Hours. There is a new and well stocked reference computer up and running (with help from the Charitable Association), we have bought over thirty books, set up story reading during school holidays, we have had visits from Primary School classes and are in consultation with Chipping Norton Secondary School.
We have also spent many hours of discussion providing ourselves with a constitution which we have adopted in case we ever need Charitable Status in order to raise serious money.
Last years 'lost opening hours' were paid for by our Parish Council and though these will now be reinstated by Oxfordshire County Council over three years, small libraries are last in the queue.
Your previous support has helped achieve many of these objectives. Can we ask you to help again? You will see in the leaflet that we make a 'suggested amount' but that is all it is. Any amount small or large is welcome. Pauline Walters 730420.
JAZZ CONCERT (5 FEB 2000)
The Village Memorial Hall was again transformed into a bistro-like environment with the soft glow of candle light reflected by the white tablecloths and red serviettes.
More than 80 people of all ages were thrilled once again by The Heart of England
Jazz Band, a sextet, all of whom were vocalists who in the past have toured Europe and played in New Orleans and St. Louis. Their repertoire of upbeat traditional jazz created a wonderful rapport with the enthusiastic audience. It was a great delight to see mature ladies (& gentlemen) displaying Jitterbugging and Boogie - Woogie skills, well honed in their younger days no doubt at perhaps the Hammersmith Palais or The Locarno!! - much to the amazement and envy of some of the younger persons present!! The perfect professional playing of the clarinet (Selwyn), trumpet (Pete), trombone (Tony or 'Bossy'), double bass (Roger), drums (Clive), and banjo (Dave) invoked wonderful memories of the Artie Shaw, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Bix Beiderbecke and Louis Armstrong eras. The Acker Bilk sound has become a perennial aural pleasure to many of the appreciative audience.
During the two intervals, while enjoying liquid refreshment so generously donated by David and Paula Clarke of Hook Norton Brewery, the folk present gave generously to the Haemophilia Charity (in memory of Fred Paintin, Brewery Company Secretary for many years) and well over £100 was collected.
A splendid evening, played to a packed audience, made even more enjoyable by the refreshments cheerfully dispensed by Paula, Betty, David and Howard and the Hall preparation by Ken.
The event was sponsored by Cherwell District Council and the Parish Council through the Rural Entertainments Scheme.
The Parish Council again wish to recognise the hard work contributed by Isita and
her colleagues at the Post Office in selling tickets and are pleased to state that because of the overwhelming support by villagers, both young and old, there was an agreeable profit for Parish Funds. Barry Couldrey
POWER FAILURE
The power failure in the village on Wednesday 16 February caused great inconvenience. Most parts of the village were without power for several hours and Austins Way and Ironstone Hollow were cut off for 18 hours from 11am until 5am the following morning, despite several forecasts of an earlier restoration of power. To quote the MEB's reply to a letter of complaint, rather than to try to translate it: "The supply loss resulted from the failure of an underground cable joint on the high voltage network feeding into the local substation in Station Road. Initially the fault caused protective equipment to operate on the high voltage network, although supplies to the majority of affected customers was achieved by switching operations on the network, thereby isolating the problem to the immediate vicinity. Regrettably, due to the nature and location of the fault it was not possible to restore supply to Ironstone Hollow and Austins Way until the necessary repair work had been undertaken ... We always try to give the most accurate indication of restoration times as possible ... on some occasions circumstances change which results in these times having to be adjusted." The site of the fault was by the railway bridge in Station Road. PF.
THANK YOU
I wonder if the person responsible for planting snowdrops and primroses in some of the grass verge in Burycroft Road ever realised what lasting pleasure they would bring. I am sure the snowdrops will naturalise there and continue for years to greet many who toil up the hill from the bottom of Bell Hill. They greet me and give fresh impetus for the final yards as I turn homewards walking from the church or the village shop. Thank you - whoever it was. Gweneth Edgington
TRANSPORT
Shoppers' bus
The first of the big new stores in Banbury opens in April. Debenhams is due to open in the middle of the month, with BHS and Woolworths later. This makes a very good reason to use the village shoppers' bus. This runs to Banbury direct from Hooky every other Thursday morning. It leaves the church at 9.15am and also stops in The Bourne near the fire station a few minutes earlier and at The Green and Austins Way a few minutes later. It takes you to the bus station and returns from there at 12 noon, giving you just over two hours in Banbury. It's cheaper than going in by car. The next trips are on Thursdays 30 March, 13 and 27 April and 11 and 25 May.
The bus can be used by any resident. Names should be put on the list available in the Post Office during the week. The charge is £1.
New Cheney bus to Banbury and Chipping Norton
Cheney Travel have introduced a new bus between Chipping Norton and Banbury which fills a gap in the Stagecoach service. This bus runs on schooldays only and leaves Hook Norton Church at 9.25am for Banbury. A return service leaves Banbury bus station at 2.05pm, reaching Hook Norton at 2.35pm. This bus continues to Chipping Norton (2.55) giving a useful opportunity to spend an hour there and return on the Stagecoach bus at 4.05pm.
Fares are as follow: Hook Norton to Banbury by Stagecoach is £2.36 single, £3.36 return. By Cheney £1.50 single (no return fare). Hook Norton to Chipping Norton by Stagecoach is £2.25 single; by Cheney £1.30 single.
Bus passes or tokens
Women aged over 60 and men over 65, are entitled to a travel pass or travel tokens from Cherwell DC. Younger people with disabilities may also be eligible. The travel pass, which lasts for life, entitles the holder to travel at half the standard fare on local buses in Cherwell, including travel to and from Oxford but not to Chipping Norton. Passes may not be used before 9.00 a.m. Mondays to Fridays. Travel tokens are valid at any time and are also accepted by some taxis (e.g. Castle Cars). Passes and tokens are issued at Bodicote House or at the new Council offices in Bridge Street, Banbury, by the bus station. There is a fee of £2 for the travel pass, and two passport photos are required. The fee for tokens is £1, but only £19 worth (in 50p units) are issued in each year running from April. Application forms from Cherwell DC offices.
Visit Warwick or Stratford
With Spring in the air, how about a trip to Warwick or Stratford? A day return by rail from Banbury is only £5 to Warwick or £8.10 to Stratford. You can also get to Stratford by bus from Chipping Norton. Trains to Warwick run at least once an hour. For Stratford you usually need to change at Leamington Spa. Check times on 08457 484950. Peter Fry
FILM SOCIETY a logo if poss
There are two more films to complete our season. 'Happiness' (Cert 18) on April 15 is an American film made in 1998,described as a bit of a freak show but intelligent and genuinely funny. The final film is 'Festen' (Cert15) on May 13, a film made in Denmark in 1998 telling how the realities of childhood abuse fracture an upper-class birthday celebration. This is 'pot luck supper night' so please bring a dish! (Contact Gill White on 737411 about your dish). Supper at 7.15pm. Film 8pm. Enquiries and Meal Bookings 737411 or 730407 by Thursday evening, please.
HOPES AND DREAMS -We all have these!
On Saturday 13th May & Sunday 14th May at 6.30pm in St. Peter's Church there will be a colourful performance of a new musical specially written by Paul Field for the start of the new millennium.
A cast of over 60 singers and musicians drawn from St. Peter's and Hook Norton Baptist Church are already in enthusiastic rehearsal. They are determined to provide an even more joyful yet thought provoking entertainment than last year's 'Feast of Life'.
These will be memorable evenings so please put one of the two dates in your diary NOW!
Apart from the certain enjoyment there is a serious side. There will be an opportunity to donate at each performance to two very important and worthwhile causes. First, to mark the close of Christian Aid Week, it is right that we should show our concern for the needs of so many people who have suffered and are continuing to suffer the ravages of flood, drought and the tragedy of civil strife and war: Then, within our own community, to contribute to the Childhood Cancer Research Fund at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
In addition to refreshments there will be a Traidcraft Stall selling the excellent products and foodstuffs from Third World Countries.
For any further information please contact Rita Wheatley - 737097
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
It's a busy and exciting time for this group. Each Tuesday afternoon members gather at our Museum at the Brewery Visitor Centre to get our archives back into shape after the move and to start cataloguing them. We are also working on our museum to present it in the best way possible. The Brewery have allocated a lovely room to us and it follows on after the trail through their own Museum. We really do want to make the best of it.
Do you have an artefact hidden in your attic which you would like displayed in the Museum, or do you have any deeds or similar records, perhaps of defunct organisations in the village, which you would like us to look after for you? Please contact Sheila Terry, Chairman on 737842.
For display on the walls, we have found an entrancing photograph taken outside the Village Shop, possibly from the early 1900s, showing a cattle market; we would like to have this enlarged and professionally mounted. We have a cutting of this from the Banbury Guardian of 1988 sent in by Tom Williams, now deceased. His son Tom is searching for the original and neither the Banbury Museum, Banbury Guardian nor Banbury library can help. We will also enquire at the Oxfordshire Centre for Local Studies. In the meantime, if you have a copy which you would lend us we would be very grateful. We show it below copied from the cutting which naturally does not do it justice. If you can help please ring Barbara Hicks on 737017.
Helen/Martin scanned photo follows
It is gratifying to note the increase in membership and particularly so at our AGM in March when most officers agreed to continue for another year. Sheila Rider accepted the position of Organising Secretary and many members volunteered to do one of the secretarial tasks.
Our next meeting when Dr. Archer talks on 'Wommen desiren sovereynetee' (Images of Women as rulers in the Age of Chaucer) is on Tuesday 4th April and Jim Godfrey speaks on Miracles, Monks and Monarchs on 2nd May, both at the Brewery Visitor Centre at 7.30pm. Guests are always welcome (£1 charge for refreshments). Please note that the date of the May meeting differs from that which is on the membership cards!!
We shall be having our usual prescence at The Rural Fayre this year. As we need to protect our display from the elements we would dearly love to borrow a tent from somebody for that day. Can anyone help? Barbara Hicks 737017
HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND a logo if poss?
The beginning of this new year in the new millennium brought coughs and sneezes, sniffs and wheezes, badly affecting band members, which meant that it was some while before band practices got back to some normality. With the Oxfordshire Winter Contest due on February 20th, there were few practices and none with a full attendance and we had to rely on extra practice nights in the final weeks before the event, working on the finer points and getting intricate parts as good as possible. We were extremely pleased with the result, coming third in our section and winning the award for the best march! The competition was tough, playing against higher section bands but we made a good entry with the march "Death and Glory", concentrating on all the good advice and training that we had received from our Musical Director, Jason Glynn. Written by R.B. Hall, this old march found fame in recent years played by Grimethorpe Colliery Band in the film "Brassed Off'. Our Test Piece was entitled "In Tudor Days", written by Henry Geehl in three movements featuring contrasting themes: The first, "Tournament", second "The Prince's Pavan" and the third "The King's Hunting Jig". (A wonderful piece of music containing many sudden rises and falls, varying tempos and beautiful chords, depicting the challenges, the majesty and the spirit of Tudor England). It demanded concentration and awareness from the individual instrumentalists and clear interpretation from the Musical Director. He had worked long and hard with the band leading up to the contest and it is to his credit that a winning standard was reached on the crucial day.
This achievement marks this new millennium with success, having been ten years since the band were of a standard to take part in this event, then under the direction of Bandmaster Ron Glyn.
Following the contest, band members enjoyed a social evening together at the Wood Green Leisure Centre, some getting their first taste of indoor bowling, with the more energetic competing in a game of badminton. It was a well timed plan to meet in a relaxing atmosphere after the focused efforts of the previous weeks.
We were delighted by the news of baby Emma's arrival on 31st January, a daughter for Dawn Quartermaine, one of our band members who had played flugal horn until November 1999. Mother and baby are both doing well and our congratulations go to Dawn and Danny on the occasion of this happy event.
At the A.G.M.on March 21st the committee launched an appeal for more 'Friends' and Vice-Presidents as their numbers have declined somewhat and continuing support from these kind and interested people is vital to the running of the band.
We have two engagements in the near future; one on April 1st at the Brewery "Real Ale Ramble", organised by Crookham Travel and then the annual Friends of the Band Concert at St. Peter's Church on 7th May at 7.30pm. Everyone who has an interest in the band is warmly invited to attend this event. J.G.
RACE FOR LIFE
This is a national series of fundraising 5Km (three miles) walks and runs raising money for research into cancers that affect women. Women of all fitness abilities can take part. There is no age limit. It doesn't matter if you walk, jog or run. There are sixty one races across the country between May and August. Two local ones are Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Some of us ladies from Harriers will be going. If you are interested in joining us we meet on Tuesday evenings at 7 o'clock at the Sports and Social Club or give me a ring (Lilian) 737804.
HEDGING A BET
You know those beautifully laid hedges you see along some country lanes around this time of year. Do you sometimes wonder how this traditional craft survives in these days of tractors with devastating flails that tear hedgerows to bits? I'd bet you agree that it is something worth preserving.
The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is a body that wants to see these skills maintained and is sometimes glad to find hedges in need of laying. Here we can help them out. The cemetery hedge above and along Tite Lane is ripe for such treatment and we are minded to seek the Trust's help.
They will come with volunteer instructors, tools and everything needed - workers too if necessary. If anyone feels like lending a hand in return for some expert tuition in this traditional country skill, here's the chance, later on in the year. Interested? Then please phone 730407 for further details. CB
POLICE FORUM ( in a frame please, Helen)
A Question and Answer session is to take place on Tuesday April 18th at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. Inspector Blake, Sgt Paul Thornton and P C Dilsaver from Thames Valley Police, a representative of the Police Authority and the area coordinator of Neighbourhood Watch will all be in attendance.
This is your opportunity to come along and put forward any comments, complaints or ideas.
ST PETER'S CHURCH the logo if poss
Mothering Sunday, April 2nd will be here almost as soon as you read this. There will be the usual Mothering Sunday Service at 10am.
The Lent Course continues on Fridays at 7.45pm. The Speaker on 7th April is John Leach, the Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries and the title is 'Transformed by the Spirit'. On April 14th a talk entitled 'Praying the Kingdom' will be given by Martin Cavender, the Director of 'Springboard', the Archbishop's initiative for Evangelism.
On April 16th the Palm Sunday Service at 10am will include a Procession of Palms.
On Good Friday there will be Morning Prayers at 7.30am and the Hour at the Cross from 2 -3pm. On Easter Eve at 11.30pm the Lighting of the Paschal Candle and Holy Communion. The Easter Day Service will be Holy Communion (RiteA) at 10am.
Look for notices in the village for details about forthcoming concerts in the Church given by The Cotswold Chamber Choir and the Hook Norton Brass Band respectively. Elsewhere in this Newsletter you will read about the Performances of 'Hopes and Dreams' on May 13th and 14th in the Church.
Tuesday 23rd May is the day of the Archdeacon's Visitation, which will include Evensong at 7.30pm.
MISUSE OF SKIPS
Recently there have been several instances of misuse of rubbish skips. On one occasion pieces of wood from a building site were left on the ground with long rusty nails protruding through them. This is dangerous and must be stopped.
There have also been reports - and there is ample evidence - that builders are again using the skips when they should be taking their rubbish either to Dean or Alkerton, and asbestos certainly MUST NOT be dumped in skips. The village skips are for garden and household rubbish only, NOT building site rubbish for the residents of Hook Norton, Chipping Norton or any other villages in the Banbury area.
If old furniture needs disposing of then telephone Cherwell District Council (01295 252535) who have a free collection service.
If villagers see builders rubbish being left in the skips or household furniture being dumped, then make a note of the vehicle's registration number and contact either Mrs M Pogmore, Parish Council clerk (01608 685260) or the chairman of the Council's Environmental Committee, Keith Wood (01608 737443). K.W.
GARDEN CLUB
The Garden Club opened the new Millennium with two varied and interesting talks. The first by John Taylor of Chipping Norton featured his work in glasshouses. Full of anecdotes, his talk covered his apprenticeship at the Oxford Botanical Gardens and his move to Heythrop College. He also passed on many hints for greenhouse owners.
The second talk was by Mrs Suzanne Shacklock of Wheelwright House, Long Compton. A garden photographer, she showed slides on "Desires, Disasters and Delights", which traced the development of her garden from the time she and her husband bought their home up to the present time, when it opened under the National Gardens Scheme. They encountered many disasters but all were overcome to ensure a colourful garden all the year round. She answered many questions and also showed slides of her plants.
A varied programme for the year has been arranged including a visit to Wisley. Two local evening visits have been finalised. The first on June 21 is to Mrs Shacklock's home and the second is on July 12 to Alan and Julia Swift's home in East End. Meeting times and arrangements will be posted round the village.
There will be a full report on the Spring Show, April 1, in the next issue of the Village Newsletter. Keith Wood 737443
space for logo scanned on disk
CALLING ALL CHILDREN
The Hook Norton Rural Fayre on 9 July 2000 has a theme of 'Hooky through the Ages' and will feature a major competition for children and schools in the area:
'My village in the year 3000'
This year's Rural Fayre promises the best ever range of attractions including a major history pageant featuring Vikings, Civil War, Napoleonic War and First World War enactments. Adding to the excitement will be the dramatic Portsmouth Area VCC Field Gun Display and, back by popular demand, Gus Dermody with his dogs and other guests!
TREASURE HUNT !
A family treasure hunt is planned for Saturday 20 May. Look out for further clues around the village.
REMEMBER
This year's Folk in a Field and The Rural Fayre are on the 8 & 9 th July.
Contact HNCA Chairman Andrew Parton (tel 737617) or Secretary Simon Mead (tel 730146)
HOOK NORTON GUIDES
The guides have been very busy this term getting up to many different
activities as well as continuing with trefoil and badge work.
These are three accounts written by guides about some of our 'special events'.
International Fashion Show ~ Claire Allman.
On February 14th the older Guides hosted an International Fashion Show.
All of the girls had to design and find a costume. Each girl chose a different country and their costume had to look original. Two of the girls, Laura Pugh and Kayleigh Gilkes stood up on the stage and used a microphone to introduce everyone. It was a very successful evening and many parents enjoyed it along with those who took part. The girls who organised it were working towards their blue trefoil.
Thinking Day. ~ Elizabeth Crawford.
On 28th February (6 days after Thinking Day), the Hook Norton Guides went on a night hike to visit the Brewery stables. It was a very cold evening and everyone had to wrap up. The stables, though, were warm and cosy, and our fingers weren't frozen for long! The two shire horses, Consul and Jim, were in their stalls with lots of hay and straw. While we were there Charlotte Huyton, Sarah Chadwick, Hannah Butler and Katie Wood made their promise. Afterwards we had a drink and some cake before having our closing ceremony and returning to the Memorial Hall.
Gang Show ~ Emma Whitehead.
On 11th March, some of the Hook Norton Guides teamed up with Bloxham Guides and some Brownies to go to Oxford to see the Gang Show. It is a show that includes lots of Scouts and Guides from around Oxfordshire. In the first half it had different songs and dances tuned into the past 100 years. The second half had lots of songs.
Overall, the emotions on the bus on the way back were good ones.
HOOK NORTON CRICKET CLUB is buzzing!
The first signs of spring are here and there is buzz in the village cricket club. Having had a most enjoyable season last year we are looking forward to the coming season. With new players having moved into the village, things are looking good for this year as well. We have got cricket for everyone: Saturday competitive cricket, Junior cricket for 5-7s, 8-10s and 11-13s, Sunday friendly games and a mid-week evening league where players throughout the club play together. If you fancy a game and you have just moved to the area, you are just starting, or you have had a break from the game over the last few years, come and join us, we're sure you can find the cricket you want to play.
Indoor cricket nets have already started on Sunday evenings between 5 - 6pm for 11-13 year olds and 6 - 7pm for the seniors. They run until Easter after which we will have outdoor sessions. The nets or mid-week league for the seniors will be Wednesday evenings. There is a newsletter for the Junior cricket which should have gone out by the time you read this note. The 11-13 year olds will play on Tuesdays 6.30 - 8pm starting on the 2nd May. The 5-7 year olds and 8-10 year olds will play on Thursday 6.30 - 7.30pm starting on 4th May. If you want to play Junior cricket and you have not received a letter yet please contact Colin or myself. We hope to see you for the start of the season.
Please contact Tim Lunel (730446) or Colin Scarrett (737524).
W.I. (plus logo)
An informative and interesting talk was given by WPC Corrine Martin of the Bicester Traffic Base, on Road Safety, at the February meeting. The AGM on Tuesday 21st March will be after the Newsletter deadline. Any changes in the committee will probably be in the WI news in the Banbury Guardian. Membership continues to increase and guests are always welcome at our meetings. On Tuesday April 18th we look forward to one of our members, Pat Fletcher, treating us to another Flower Demonstration. On Tuesday May 16th, Ann Batchelor will demonstrate 'Recipes for One or Two'. These are both at 2pm in the Baptist Hall. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month unless otherwise stated. Everyone is delighted that the WI contribution to the millennium, the lovely wallhanging, is now framed and on permanent display in the Library. It depicts the four seasons in four different scenes of the village and makes a visit to the library doubly worthwhile. The programme for 2000 - 2001 is now complete and promises some interesting and enjoyable talks and at least one outing. M.R.
THANK YOU
Paul, Julie, Tina and I would like to sincerely thank all those who supported us at the time of John's sudden death and who sent such kind messages of sympathy. We were overwhelmed but pleased and proud to see so many of John's friends and colleagues at the funeral service and were given much comfort by their presence. Thank you all. Margaret Stratford
BANBURY GUARDIAN
A small appeal from the Banbury Guardian Village Correspondent
May I please have news of forthcoming or past events by Sunday evening or early Monday morning at the latest. Deadline is 10.30am on Tuesday at the B.G. There must be many events and news of Clubs and Societies that don't get publicity in the District News, also if you would like a Banbury Guardian photographer to visit, please let me know and I can arrange it. Phone or put news through my letterbox! Brambles Bourne, Lane; 730214. Thank you, Marion Roberts.
BAPTIST CHURCH Please put in logo
Sitting in the courtyard with Peter, what would you have said when the servant girl declared that you had been a friend of Jesus? Later in the crowd outside the Governor's house, when Pilate gave you the choice of releasing Jesus or Barabbas, would you have joined the baying crowd cheering for Barabbas? What I'm asking is quite simply would you have recognised Jesus as God's son, Messiah? If we are honest then most of us would say probably not. How Peter must have suffered when the cock crowed and he realised that the brave words he'd spoken a few hours before were now meaningless. Those three years of discipleship, of being constantly by Jesus' side, of watching and learning from the Master, had all been dashed by Peter's denial. Are you a follower of Jesus, a Christian, are you embarrassed about it, or ashamed even, is it something you seek to hide from friends or from colleagues at work? Well the good news is that our God is a God of 'second chances'. After the resurrection Jesus met with some of the disciples by the shore of the sea of Tiberias. Alone and dejected, still not understanding what had happened to their Lord, they had returned to their previous occupation and gone fishing, but even at that they were not successful until Jesus intervened. Jesus' first words were for Peter, the man who had let him down badly. Jesus spoke not condemnation but love, understanding and forgiveness. He restored Peter's self esteem. Jesus does that today for each one of us at this Eastertime. You are special to Him. He died for you to give you a second chance and He wants to speak to you right now and He'll go on waiting for you for as long as it takes. Don't deny Him like Peter did, but be prepared to stand up and shout "He's my Lord!"
Dates for your diary: Saturday Specials are on 8 April and 6 May and will start at the later time of 11.00 -12.30. Lots of fun and activities for children. Saturday 15th April at 10am there is a coffee morning with Tearcraft stall. Saturday 20 May 10.30 - 12.30 there will be a coffee morning in aid of Kidney Appeal Fund.
Our Easter Services will start on Good Friday at 10am with a short service followed by a Prayer walk round the village when we shall be joined by our friends from St. Peter's. Easter Sunday starts with communion service at 8am and there will be a family service at 10.30am. Please join us at any or all of these services.
HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP (plus logo)
First and foremost a big thank you for all the support and contributions for our Spring Fayre. The committee have recently been busy organising the years fundraising. Amongst other things we have planned an Open day in May, a family barbecue in June and a Quiz evening, so watch this spot. The Playgroup has recently been inspected by Ofsted and initial responses are very positive. So well done to Alrys, Maria, Pat and Angie for all your hard work. A full report will be available for parents to read. There are some places available at both Playgroup and the Teeny Tots sessions. We have recently extended the Teeny Tots session due to popularity. The classes are now 9 - 10.30am and 10.30 - 12 noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact the Playgroup on 730560 if you would like any further information. Once again our thanks to everyone for their continued generosity. It must seem that we are always fundraising in some form and it is very heartening that so many people in the village are so quick to respond. Fran Machin (chairperson)
HARRY BARTLETT'S LEUKAEMIA
A huge thank you to all of you who have expressed kind wishes regarding Harry (5) who was recently diagnosed with Leukaemia. An extra special thank-you to all of you who kindly gave cards and presents to both Harry and brother Tom - this is very much appreciated by us all. We've received so many kindnesses - we've even had the occasional meal left on the doorstep! - that responding to each one individually would be impossible and we hope everyone will understand.
Harry has a rare and particularly aggressive form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia - there are less than half a dozen such cases each year in the UK. He is already into his fourth session of chemotherapy and will have at least another five more over the next six months or so. On the up side, we know that he is already 'in remission', but we know we still have a very long way to go before we'll know whether he can completely beat this awful disease.
Sadly flowers are not permitted due to the risk of infection. Sweets are also difficult as Harry has frequent bouts of chemo-induced sickness. However, for those of you who have indicated a desire 'to do something' (again our sincere thanks), there are some practical things that people might like to consider…
Harry has already had two dozen blood-product transfusions in just six weeks. Without these he would undoubtedly have succumbed. We're hoping that the National Blood Transfusion Service will agree to hold donor clinics in the village, but we'll need lots of volunteers so please do lend your support. Watch out too for local fund-raising events such as the 'Irish Night' at the school. For the more monetary minded, the Leukaemia Research Fund would welcome donations, 43 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JJ, Tel: 0171 405 0101 as would 'CLIC' (Cancer & Leukaemia in Children), 12-13 King Square, Bristol BS2 8JH. Our particular favourite is the 'Ward 4B Playroom' charity at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, Tel: 01865 221770. Please do give if you can - every penny helps. Jo, Rob, Tom & Harry Bartlett.
FOLK IN A FIELD 2000
Saturday 8th July 2000
Folk in a Field has established itself as a major event in the regions social calendar. It's great mix of music, featuring the best local bands and its renowned friendly atmosphere make it THE place to be. As you know, all profits go to the Hook Norton Charitable Association which supports local and national charities and good causes.
The seven bands featured this year have well established reputations and as previously, the event is expected to be a sell-out.
Topping the bill this year will be Blast Number Nine. This South Wales band, formerly Steppin' Out, is well used to bringing its vibrant mix of rock and blues across the bridge and over the airwaves. Winners of the prestigious Musician Style Award, appearances at Leicester Square and on Radio 1, Blast's passionate energy has won them many admirers, not least in Hooky where lead singer Pete now lives, and as solo artist, has been entertaining the locals under the name of Pete Port Talbot for some time. Expect an exciting combination of original material and covers spanning the 60s to the 90s, the best of the Golden Age of Rock from the Small Faces through to the Manics. Rock'til you drop!
Rufcut have quickly established an excellent reputation in the Banbury area. They are hugely popular and have a massive future ahead of them. The members of this four-piece rock-blues outfit have long since cut their musical teeth playing in a rich mix of hard rock set-ups. Influences include Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Walter Trout. They've promised to cut a new CD this year. Listen out.
Now a four piece band, Satori have a national reputation for their musical skills and songwriting talents. Fronted by Tony May, this band is one of the country's finest exponents of modern classic rock. Having recently signed with New Day Records, Satori find themselves in such company as Vikki Clayton and Jethro Tull. Their CD Time is stunning and available at all good record shops.
The Gravelly Hillbillies will have you dancing and laughing. They are highly skilled musicians playing skifflebilly with zest and humour. They present classic numbers and original material as their new CD Rough as Our Souls will testify. If you own a kazoo, bring it along. You might get a chance to jam with the band.
Percy are a talented Liverpool group who performed last year and so impressed us that we had to invite them again. There was huge demand for their tapes and CDs - so they've promised to bring some with them this year. Shaken by 60s and 70s rock - The Who, Led Zeppelin - and stirred by James Taylor, Alanis Morissette, Kula Shaker, Percy claim their rock is flavoured by a twist of folk and a hint of funk. Ooh! Aah!
We're delighted to welcome once again Sorcha's Fancy, an authentic Irish folk band
whose sweet rhythms, stirring reels and nostalgic lyrics capture the essential spirit of traditional folk. Hugely popular at Folk in a Field they have a strong local following and a growing reputation. Not to be missed.
Outsider, the talented young band from folk-indie roots who performed so brilliantly last year, have been invited back by popular demand to present a short set in aid of their fundraising for the Hillsborough Families.
This a bigger event than last year. 4.30pm - 11pm. Gates open 4pm.
Such an event is not possible without the support and generosity of many people, not the least our sponsors -
The Bell, The Gate Hangs High, The Pear Tree, The Sun - Hook Norton
The Mason's Arms - Swerford
The George Hotel - Brailes
- from whom tickets and shirts (again, superb quality and design at a great price) can be bought from Easter onwards. Advance tickets: Adult £6 Concession £3. Tickets on the gate: Adult £10 Concession £5.
For further information and enquiries:
Pat Groome, Chapel House, Chapel Street. (01608) 730396
C L I C
Challenging Childhood Cancer and Leukemia
COFFEE MORNING
Martin
logo on disc bmp format
Date: Friday 7th April
Time: 9am - 11.30am
Place: Hook Norton Primary School Study Centre
Come along and have a coffee and piece of cake with us.
Raffle and Nearly New Children's Clothes
Any offers of help/cakes would be gratefully received.
Sheila Smith 730138 Julie Wood 737998 Miranda Ricardo 737175
Martin not the right font for 'Challenging, .......have you?........
FIREFIGHTERS
Our firefighters answered twenty nine calls during the two month period to 18th March this year. There were fourteen standbys including one redirection. Two other call-outs were in response to hiccups in the system and two alarms.
Three local road traffic accidents were dealt with. The first at the Gate Hangs High crossroads involved a van and a car; the second on the Bloxham Road involved a car and a pedestrian and First Aid was given; and the third involved two cars. One person was trapped in a car on fire and hydraulic gear had to be used for this last accident.
There was a fire caused by oil spilt on the road outside the Fire Station; two of the three chimney fires were at premises in Hook Norton; there was malicious setting fire to a quantity of straw bales at a nearby farm and one house cooker fire.
Our firefighters were called out to a fire in a Chocolate Roaster in Banbury and there was a fire in a rubbish bin at a nearby school.
Finally maintenance work in the Brewery caused a small fire to the insulation of a tank. They must have been relieved that there were so many firefighters available on their staff to deal with it!
NORTH COTSWOLD CHAMBER CHOIR
The North Cotswold Chamber Choir will be performing Bach's masterpiece, the St. John Passion with the Cotswold Baroque Orchestra in St. Peter's Church on Saturday 29th April.
The part of the Evangelist will be sung by internationally renowned tenor James Gilchrist, (son of local doctor Robert Gilchrist); Hooky locals, Jenny and Simon Mead and Joe Bartlett will be amongst those from the immediate area who sing with the choir.
Tickets are £10 and £8 and are available in advance by phoning Simon or Jenny on 730146. The concert starts at 7.30pm
HARRIERS
The cross country season ended in great success. The last match of the season which was held at Shotover at Oxford saw our men's team win the second division and Cecilia came second in the vet ladies, with Adrian, a newcomer to the club, coming second in the seventeen year olds. Cross country is a team effort and everyone played their part in making this season a most enjoyable one.
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
{LOGO SEPERATELY}
CAR WASHING
9 - 11A.M.
EVERY SATURDAY
IN THE CLUB CAR PARK
ALLDONATIONS, MINIMUM £2
TOWARDS NEW CLUB FACILITIES
M/H:I HAVE SCANNED 'LOOK' AS A LOGO. I CANNOT WORK OUT HOW TO PUT THE SHADOWS IN ON WORDS. I HAVE ALSO SCANNED THE WHOLE THING. GOOD LUCK!!
SIZE AS APPROPRIATE TO SPACE REQUIREMENTS OR HOWEVER.
WHO'S TALKING
17 MARCH MIKE HILL - BISHOP OF BUCKINGHAM
"GETTING GOD'S GUIDANCE"
24 MARCH ANN HOLT - DIRECTOR OF 'CARE' TRUST
"DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT"
31 MARCH STEVE THOMAS
SENIOR PASTOR - OXFORD COMMUNITY CHURCHES
"GROWING AND DEVELOPING"
7 APRIL JOHN LEACH
DIRECTOR OF ANGLICAN RENEWAL MINISTRIES
"TRANSFORMED BY SPIRIT"
14 APRIL MARTIN CAVENDER
DIRECTOR OF SPRINGBOARD
"PRAYING THE KINGDOM"
HOOK NORTON SCHOOL
SIBFORD ROAD, HOOK NORTON
ALL WELCOME
7.45 PM
TO
9.30 PM
OUR HOPE IS THAT
NO FEE BEHIND THE FACES AND
DONATION PLATE VOICE OF THESE
FOR FURTHER HUMAN SPEAKERS
INFORMATION CONTACT WE SHALL
JOHN ACREMAN ON DISCERN WHAT GOD
01608 737223 MAY BE SAYING TO US _______________________________________________
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK logo if possible
Mid-January to mid-March
The mild and dry late winter spell has been a settled period for birds in the parish but there have been some highlights. The flock of golden plovers feeding in arable fields along the parish boundary with Great Rollright reached 180 on the 5th March. This area is good for birds of prey with buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks seen regularly and a superb male merlin was present here on 12 Feb. A few meadow pipits have wintered in pasture fields on the west side of the village where mature hedgerows have attracted redwings, fieldfares and bullfinches.
In village gardens both long-tailed tits and goldfinches increasingly used peanut feeders but there have been fewer than usual reports of woodpeckers and coal tits. A male blackcap was in Whittons Close on 4 March - the 6th consecutive winter blackcaps have been present in this part of the village. A few siskins stopped off to feed on peanuts in gardens during early March and several goldcrests have been seen such as two reported in Orchard Road by David Smith.
Several records of muntjac came in during March and a group of four roe deer in the parish was an impressive sight on 4 Feb. Lots of frogs have been around the village from mid Feb and three have spent most of the winter feeding on invertebrates in our compost heap.
The period ended with some beautiful warm sunny days and a sign of things to come with lots of insects on the wing. Oliver Lunel saw a small tortoishell butterfly on 7 March. Several more followed along with brimstones and peacocks. It looks as if it may be a better year for ladybirds with lots of 7-spots around in the middle of March.
Please keep your wildlife records coming in. The challenge is on to spot the first cuckoo and swallow of the year! Steve Holliday 8 Whittons Close Tel 737038
STOP PRESS The St. Peter's Church Committee met this week to view outline plans for the re-ordering of the Tower to provide toilets, kitchenette and meeting room together with disabled access.
These facilities will meet a long felt need for both worshippers and all who use the Church for concerts and other community purposes.
The proposals were accepted unanimously and now steps are being taken to obtain detailed plans from the architect, organise a fund-raising team and, of course obtain the necessary faculty from the Church authorities.
When formal plans are prepared a set will be displayed in Church for all to see.
fillers:
Cherwell District Council
"Horsefair Toilets" closed for refurbishment. Temporary toilets are outside Cox & Robinson Pharmacy 6am to 6pm Monday to Sunday. Geoff Melotti. 01295 252535 X 4336 CDC Pest Control. A charge of £21. 30 has now been introduced. Householders with a Cherwell Link card, the disabled, or anyone receiving Housing or Council tax benefit still entitled to free treatment. Geo. Melotti CDC 01295 252535 X 4336.
CARING MATTERS
Living with a Hearing Impairment
This is a practical workshop which examines the mechanisms of hearing and the effects of hearing loss on the older person. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the communication needs of hearing impaired people and to experience a range of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. London April 7th £35
Trainer : Alison Dromgoole, Hearing Therapist, Southend Community Care Trust The carers Centre for more details 0345 125546.
and many more if you should need them, Helen
BANBURY
A new town council is to be created for Banbury next year. Up to now it has been the only town in Oxfordshire without its own council. Its affairs have been run by Cherwell District Council instead.
"I warmly welcome this news" says John Grantham, Chairman of the Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils. "It is clearly an anomaly that the largest town in Oxfordshire outside Oxford itself has not been allowed to manage its own affairs."
The Oxfordshire Befriending Network
Volunteers supporting people with life-threatening illness at home
Registered charity No. 1068955
St Barnabus Community Centre
33A Canal Street, Jericho, Oxford OX2 6BQ
Tel 01865 316200
Co-ordinators: Catherine Gundry and Sue Taylor
In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Relief
OPEN GARDENS
18 June at Balscote. Three gardens to explore - sorry, but not for wheelchairs, its too hilly.
2 July at Sibford Three gardens to explore and enjoy.
16 July at Chastleton Glebe. The home of world renowned cook and author Pru Leith.
OLDER AND BOLDER
Are you an older woman who has had it tough and who has won through despite this? Would you like to write about your experiences? If so, Katherine Hughes and Chris Kitsch would like to hear from you. They are compiling a book of women's stories. Contact Katherine at Ruskin College, Walton Street, Oxford
FIRE SAFETY
* Do you have an old electric blanket that you would like checked before you feel safe to use it?
* Do you need help to put up a smoke detector in your home?
Then Matt Smith, Community Fire Safety Officer for the Banbury area is happy to put you in touch with the right Officer for your area. He can also give fire prevention advice and practical assistance to anyone who has a household with a 'vulnerable' person in it. For more information contact the Fire Service on 01993 702273