The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
April 2002 Series 27 No 2

Village Affairs


NEWSLETTER TEAM


Advertising: Judi Leader
Distribution: Julian Bolton
Postal Services: Mrs M Padbury
Proof reading: Nigel Lehmann
IT/Web Support: Martin Baxter
Treasurer: John Stratford
Directory: Diana Barber


FROM THE EDITORS
You should consider yourselves fortunate that the Newsletter issue date this month is immediately after Easter.
But for this accident of timing, we would have been able to crack all manner of egg related yokes! Sadly, we cannot but believe me, we would have!

The volume of copy this month was again very high. It is good to see, so please keep it coming! It is important that, where practical, all contributions are included. Inevitably, this will mean that some items have to be edited to fit available space. Please bear with us on this, but if you can keep your copy to a maximum of one page it would be a great help.

May we remind you that final text and advertising copy date for the next issue is 15th May 2002.

£99.66 was donated in the Newsletter box in the Post Office this month. “Eggs-celent”. Thank you.

Apparently, eight babies were born to Hook Norton parents in January and February this year!

Sadly, we report the deaths of Ann Heath, Fred Walton of Wigginton and Joan Williams late of Hook Norton. On behalf of the village, we send our condolences to their families and friends.





Andy Horne Helen Foster
hooknorton.news@btopenworld.com helen@monivea.freeserve.co.uk


The views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team.
Advertising is charged at £20 per page and pro rata.
Text for village activities – Free (a small donation is very welcome).
There is a charge of £20 for all commercial inserts – village activities on request from Judi
www.news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk



HOOK NORTON WI
Members and guests 'went back to school' for a science lesson at their meeting in February. Mrs Maureen Rhymes, the Oxfordshire science co-ordinator, brought her 'Science in a Picnic Basket' and everyone was invited to sit at tables, testing the pH of various household and toiletry substances. It was not quite what we expected but nevertheless, it turned out to be a very interesting and entertaining afternoon.
We will have had our March AGM by the time the Newsletter goes to press and look forward to an interesting programme of speakers and outings for the rest of the year.
On 16th April , Mrs W Hillary will speak on Elgar, his music and family. 21st May will be the Resolutions Meeting, to be lightened by a talk from Tom Williams from the Vi1lage Shop who will bravely face the ladies of the W.I. to tell us about flowers. On 18th June the speaker will be Mrs Elizabeth Page giving a talk entitled 'Let Me Entertain You' with some comic monologues. Outings are being arranged with a special one on 26th September to the Coventry Cathedral Flower Festiva1 in which Hooky W.I. President, Pat Fletcher will be taking part.
WI Meetings are at 2pm in the Baptist Hall on the third Tuesday of each month. Look out for posters and Village News in the Banbury Guardian. New members and guests are always welcomed.
Mrs Marion Roberts


WELCOME CLUB
We have been active in forming a new Committee and arranging a new programme. We will have speakers from the R.S.P.B. and from the Blue Cross. We are going to have lunch at The Ridings in Banbury, where we have been asked to take our old photographs to be put on a computer for the preparation of a History of Banbury and the surrounding district.
Our biggest event is our Holiday at Newquay in June. We are also hoping to arrange a visit to Cadbury World on 9th August but for this we need NUMBERS! If anyone would like to come with us and bring any children we can have a most enjoyable day.


ST PETER'S CHURCH
This year, there will be a new Electoral Roll of Church members. Anyone wishing their name to be included should apply no later than 11th April . Even if your name is on the current Roll, you need to re-apply. Forms can be obtained from Sheila Smith.
The Annual Parochial Church meeting will be held in the Church on Friday, 26th April at 7.45pm. All Church members are encouraged to attend.
On Saturday 27th April , the Annual Church Sale will take place in the Memorial Hall at 2pm. There will be many stalls, a raffle, refreshments etc. It is always an enjoyable occasion.
On Sunday 5th May , the Rogation Sunday 10am service will be held at Tom's Barn, Cow Lane; on the road from Swerford to Great Rollright. It will include a nature trail and a ploughman's lunch.
Thursday, 9th May is Ascension Day. The 11am Holy Communion (BCP) will be at Wiggington and the 7.30pm Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Great Rollright.
Sunday 12th May is the Benefice outing to John Milton's cottage at Chalfont St. Giles. The coach will leave St. Peter's Church at 2pm. Tickets, obtainable from the Rector, cost £12.50. This includes the return coach journey, entrance to the cottage with a conducted tour, afternoon tea at Merlin's Cave and Evensong at St. Mary's Church, Amersham. There will be a refreshment stop at the Bell Inn Adderbury on the return journey.
On Wednesday 15th May , St Peter's Church is hosting the Bishop's Visitation, for the Church Wardens of the Deanery to be admitted to the office of Church Warden.
On 26th May , Trinity Sunday at 7pm, we join Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Chipping Norton for a United Service on their Patronal Festival Day.
Plans for celebrating the Queen's Jubilee on Sunday 2nd June are not yet finalised, but the services will be Holy Communion at 8am and Morning Prayer at 10am.
On Sunday 9th June , the Bishop of Dorchester will come to St Peter's to conduct a Commissioning Service for Lay Pastoral Assistants.
The Coffee Morning and Cake Stall in the Church continues on the 4th Saturday of each month. Offers of cakes would be welcomed by Mary Powell; do come to have coffee and buy cakes. The next dates are 27th April and 25th May .
Rachel Johnston


GOLDEN JUBILEE FUNDAY
Many thanks to all who attended our recent open meeting to discuss plans for the Funday on 2nd June. There were many wonderful ideas to be considered. If you were unable to attend the meeting but would like to know more or help on the day, please complete the form opposite. Isita at the Post Office has kindly offered to hold the reply box for your ideas.
We will be holding a follow up meeting on Thursday 25th April at 8pm in the School Study Centre once all your ideas and information have been collated. Once again, thank you for your continued support.
Kerrie & Colette


HOOKY PLAYERS
Auditions took place on Monday 11th March at the Sun Inn for the group's next production. This will be a comedy thriller entitled “Find The Lady” written by Michael Pertwee. The play has a cast of nine: six women and three men.
Performances will be on Wednesday 12th June, Friday 14th June and Saturday 15th June. The Producer and Director is Brian Rider and Stage Manager is Diane Disney.


ST. PETER'S TOWER PROJECT
All building and associated work has now been completed and all that remains to complete the project is some minor snagging work. The hoist is now in and working, providing disabled access to the toilets and west door. The clock mechanism has also been replaced and the clock is now chiming out the quarters, half and hours between the hours of 6.30 am and midnight. The clock, which is linked by satellite to Rugby, will automatically correct itself following power cuts and also adjust for the changes to summer time and Greenwich Mean time; it is therefore possible to set your watch by it!
Whilst all the construction and installation work is complete the fund raising continues. During February and March there were a number of very different events, including a theatre trip, a Murder Mystery Night, Call My Bluff and a return visit by the Gwalia Singers. These were all well supported and financially successful.
Coming up in April we have a joint fundraiser with the Sports & Social Club in the form of a Thomas Hardy Evening, in which a group from Winchester will depict in words and music a year of village life at the time of Thomas Hardy. This will take place in St. Peter's at 7.30pm on Saturday 13th April.
The following Saturday, 20th April , The North Cotswold Chamber Choir will be singing the Bach B Minor Mass, with internationally renowned soloists and a baroque orchestra, an evening not to be missed.
On Saturday 25th May there is another joint fundraiser with the Sports and Social Club in the form of a Donkey Derby. The event will include seven flat races and five sulkie races. The sponsorship of a race will cost £200 and to sponsor a donkey (and give it a name) will cost £20. Riders (who must be under 8 stone) and drivers of the sulkies are being sought. The sponsorship of races is open to individuals, companies or groups of friends; the sponsors can name the race and it will be published in the programme. The first race is at 1.00pm and there will be races every 20 minutes throughout the afternoon. There will also be a beer tent, refreshments and of course a 'tote'. The event will take place on the Rural Fayre field, entrance is free, and programmes outlining the afternoon will be on sale. This will be a fun afternoon and we look forward to your support. Contact Janet Collins for more details.
On Saturday 6th July at the Folk in a Field event, the St. Peter's team will be selling Strawberries and Cream. Also, on 13th July there will be a concert in St. Peter's by the Cantamus aCapetta Choir from Shipston on Stour.


HOOK NORTON GARDEN CLUB
The 47th Annual Spring Show will take place on Saturday 6th April 2002. Entry is open to Members only but there is still time to join. Come along to the registration evening in the Memorial Hall on Thursday 4th April between 7 & 8pm. Entry forms and Schedules will be available then or can be collected beforehand from the Post Office or Mace Stores. There is something for everyone; classes include floral art, wine & jam making, cookery, needlework, photography, painting, vegetable & flower growing and a special section for children under 16.
The Show will be open to the public at 2.30pm on the day. Do come along and support this colourful village event.
Several talks and evening visits to local gardens have been arranged for the coming months but the highlight of the summer will be a day visit to Kew Gardens on Sunday 23rd June . The cost including coach fare and admission fee for members of the club will be £14 (concessions £12), £16 for non-members. Children will pay £8 coach fare only. The coach will leave the village at 8.45am and return by 6pm. To reserve a place telephone 01608 730283 as soon as possible. Priority will be given to members.


W.E.A. (HOOK NORTON BRANCH)
On 17th April , a day workshop will be held at the Brewery Centre from 10am to 1pm. The lecturer will be Martin Greenwood, an authority on the subject of the “Civil War”. The course will discuss the causes of the Civil War, the campaigns, and their impact on the countryside and people's lives; particularly in North Oxfordshire. The fee of £17.50 includes lunch and a visit to Broughton Castle in the afternoon.
Looking ahead, a day trip to the Dudley Canal is being arranged for Wednesday 18th September . The trip will be by coach, leaving the village at approximately 8.30am and returning by 6pm. The visit will include a presentation about the canal system and a two and a half-hour canal boat ride through tunnels. The cost will be £20; early booking is recommended. For all enquiries and enrolment, please ring
Paul Warwick.


HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE
The summer term will start week commencing 15th April. In addition to the regular classes, which will still be running, we have several new courses in the summer term in which you may be interested.
Learn how to create place mats, posters, greetings cards, invitations letterheads, envelopes, business cards, certificates etc. and have fun doing it. Tutor: Pam Richardson
Learn navigational skills, use of map and compass plus a local walk to put them into practice. Tutor: Dave Newman
A practical course for those who know how to read a map, use a compass to set bearings, pace count etc. and would like to put these into practice. Meet at Hook Norton Primary School. All the sessions will consist of walks in the local area. Tutor: Dave Newman
Weather permitting, all sessions will be outdoors. Tutor: Jenny Roberts
If you require further information on any of our courses please ring 01608 730052 or contact the Community Education Office based in the Primary School in Hook Norton.


FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL
In Memory of Morse. Are you a grieving Morse fan for whom Oxfordshire can never be the same since the untimely death of John Thaw? Comfort is at hand in Hook Norton School, which offers a fiendishly clever plot that would make Colin Dexter envious. On Friday 19th April, the Friends of Hook Norton School once more host a Murder Mystery in which the audience sleuths collect clues and speculate who may be the villain, or villains, among a deceptively innocent-looking cast of volunteer parents/staff. Forget the fancy dress and magnifying glass; just bring a sceptical mind and a healthy appetite for Hazel's and Helena's excellent hot supper. Do bring your own drinks and book your tickets at the school office: £7.50 per person, meal included, with bookings available for teams up to eight. Friday 19th April, 7.45pm for 8pm prompt.
Latin may be off the timetable, but an extracurricular Mexican Evening on Friday 15th June will transform the school hall into a land of palm trees, sarongs, sombreros and ponchos. A live band, CocoMex, plays salsa from 8pm-midnight as romantics enjoy tacos, tortillas and lashings of guacamole. Tickets (£15 each) for the extravaganza from the school office: bring your own cerveza and tequila slammers.
Playing Hooky has taken on a new meaning for local football teams as our school soccer maestros are beating all-comers. The team now seeks a local sponsor for 12 kits in the school's red and blue colours. £500 would celebrate your company on the shirts of who knows? Tomorrow's Posh'n Becks?
And finally. Our Quiz night in January raised nearly £300 and Ladies' Night in March yielded £226. Donations, particularly via tax efficient Charities Aid Foundation chequebooks (details 01732 520050) are welcome. And don't forget to drop in any Tesco “Computers for Schools” vouchers. Many thanks.
FOHNS contact: Tabby Lucas.


FIREFIGHTING
During mid January to mid March it has been a quiet time for Hooky fire fighters. The station had 19 calls for assistance including two chimney fires, one alarm, one malicious call, one office fire at Banbury, one machinery fire also at Banbury and a thatch roof fire at Great Tew which turned out to be a chimney fire. The remaining twelve calls were standby calls, nine at Banbury and three at Chipping Norton.


BAPTIST CHURCH
Did you watch the Alpha Course when it was televised last year? Personally, I thought the scheduling seemed to be timed specifically to ensure that you did not watch it. Those who took part readily admit that it was a series that changed their lives. Throughout the world, six million people have completed Alpha Courses in the last six years. They are currently running in churches, homes, schools, universities and prisons and are thoroughly endorsed by people like Sir Cliff Richard, Rosemary Conley and David Suchet.

A lpha is for anyone who wants to know more about the Christian faith.
L earning and laughter go hand in hand – Christianity is fun too.
P aste and pudding – share a meal together and get to know people.
H elp each other in a small comfortable group to discuss issues that bother or confuse you.
A sk anything you like – it's a safe and non-threatening place.

The same Alpha material is used throughout all denominations of churches so everybody has the same opportunity. Alpha is free and a typical time together would include a light meal, followed by a video talk, coffee and then time to share and discuss. If you are interested, we guarantee to put on an Alpha course tailored to your needs at a time to suit you, daytime or evening. Why not ring John Taylor on 737315 to take that first step?
Dates for the diary; 4th May – Saturday Special 10 – 11.30am Hook Norton
26th May – 7pm United Service at the Catholic Church in Chipping Norton.
Julie Warren


HOOK NORTON GUIDES
On Monday 11th March, 3 guiders went to The Town Hall in Oxford to see Abigail Smith presented with a cheque and book on the Commonwealth, from the Oxfordshire Commonwealth Society. Abigail won the Oxfordshire prize for the Commonwealth essay competition, which is run every year. Abigail entered when she was a guide with Hook Norton; she has now moved on to Rangers. Well done Abigail.
On Thursday 14th March 3 patrols from Hook Norton Guides took part in the annual Division competition in Banbury. There were a total of 20 teams from the Division and the theme was Harry Potter. The guides had 8 different activities to take part in, ranging from quidditch, bean tasting, Harry Potter anagrams and owl quizzes to potion tasting. The evening was great fun for all the guides taking part, made even better because one of the Hook Norton patrols won. They were each presented with a Harry Potter pen and were given the cup to keep for the year. The patrol that won was the Penguin Patrol - Vicky Hills, Roxanne Steedmann, Francesca Reynolds, Lucy Curtis and Amy Riley - well done all of you.
On Saturday 16th March, we held a "Groovy Guide Funky Fete", at The Memorial Hall. The guides organised the event - there were lots of games for the children to have a go at as well as a chocolate tombola, a raffle and nice refreshments. The Memorial Hall was totally packed, you could not move and everyone had a great time. A total of £500.51p was raised from the afternoon, which will go towards camp equipment for the unit and towards our Switzerland trip in August. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported our event; either providing things beforehand or turning up on the day, helping us have such a successful event.
A note for your diaries . The 1st Hook Norton Guides will be holding a jumble sale on Saturday 20th April , in the Memorial Hall, 2pm - 4pm. Any jumble, toys and books would be very much appreciated. Please take them to the hall on the day at 1pm. Many thanks in anticipation.
Missing Flag: Has anyone in Hook Norton any idea as to the whereabouts of the Union flag, which has been missing from 1st Hook Norton Guides for many years? The guides would very much like it returned to the unit, so that they can use it to parade on St George's Day and Remembrance Day. If you can help at all, please contact me.
Julie Wood


PLAYGROUP
We would like to thank Derek and Nick at the Bell Inn for organising the recent quiz night in aid of the playgroup. It was the first fundraising event of the year and we are very grateful for the £100 raised. There will be another quiz on Sunday 5th May at 8.00pm – teams of 4 £15. Many thanks to all those who gave prizes for the Easter draw that took place on Friday 22nd March at the Playgroup Easter egg hunt. We are also holding a disco at the Sports and Social club on Saturday 20th April – adults only, £3 a ticket. Please contact Julie Riley or Max Shepherd. There will be a jumble sale on Saturday 18th May at the Memorial hall 2.00pm, all jumble is welcome but please would you bring it along earlier on the day. Anyone interested in Ladies day at Ascot, 20th June , please contact Maria immediately to secure a place.
Are you cluttering up your home with an unwanted gift, we would love to give it a new home in our summer raffle.
Please contact Julie Evans.

HOOK NORTON PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

We are a friendly independent & voluntary playgroup registered with the Oxfordshire County Council Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and inspected by Ofsted.
We offer playgroup sessions and day care based on a lunch club and/or transport between the playgroup and Hook Norton school nursery. In May we hope to open at 8.30am.

Playgroup/ Day care sessions for 2½ – 6 year olds:

Monday and
Tuesday 		9am - 3.30pm inc. lunch club
9am - 12.30pm inc. lunch club and transport 		£9.70
£6.35
9am - 12.30pm inc. lunch club
9am - 12.00am
12.30pm - 3.30pm
12.00am - 3.30pm inc. lunch club
11.30am - 3.30pm inc. lunch club and transport 		£5.35
£4.35
£4.35
£5.35
£6.35

Wednesday
9am - 12.30pm inc. lunch club and transport
£6.35

Thursday and
Friday
9am - 12.30pm inc. lunch club
9am - 12.00pm
£5.35
£4.35


Playgroup sessions for 2 – 2½ year olds:

Tuesday and
Thursday 		9.15 - 10.45am £4.00


If you are interested in any of our sessions for your child and would like to visit the playgroup please contact our Playgroup Supervisor Alrys on 01608 730560.


HOOK NORTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
On 5th March, the legendary Bill King returned to tell us all about the women in Air Force Blue. He explained that, by being given tasks never before tackled by women, such as maintaining aircraft engines, the cause of female emancipation was pushed to the forefront. It no longer surprises us that women fly Hercules, the huge transport planes which often fly low over our village.
On 9th April we have arranged a talk by John Hampden. On 7th May , we will have a talk entitled “A Ring Restored”.
On Saturday, 18th May the group will be holding a Jubilee Party for those residents who are 60 and over, living in Hook Norton when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. The party will take place from 11am – 3pm in the Brewery Visitors Centre. There will be food, drinks, entertainment and old photograph albums to look at – you may be in them!
This will be a chance to chat and look around the Local History Group Museum, housed in a room provided by the Clarke family.
If you wish to come to the party, please let us know either by calling one of us or by putting a note in one of the reply boxes in the Village Shop or the Post Office. If you should have received an invitation but have not, please forgive us and let us know so that we can rectify the situation.
Sheila Terry
Sheila Rider


THOMAS COX
Lee Oates sent this delightful photograph of Thomas Cox who was born in Hook Norton in 1853. Lee is a descendant of Annie Wyton who married Thomas Cox in 1876. Thomas Cox was the grandfather of Sybil Heath (nee Cox). We have answered most of Lee's questions about Thomas and his son, also Thomas. Both built houses in Hook Norton but we still don't know where in Down End Thomas Cox (the elder) lived before he moved to what is now Hollytree Cottage at the corner of Sibford Road. He is listed in Down End in the 1891 census but no precise location was given. Does anyone have any idea?
Barbara Hicks Local History Group


A TRIBUTE TO ANN HEATH
Ann, for so many of us, was the Post Office - to customers and all those with whom she worked.
She loved the Post Office so much that even after retiring she would return to help out at every opportunity. A phone call informing her that 'there was a queue as far as the door' would bring her straightaway to help serve - always concerned that she wasn't smartly dressed or hadn't done her hair!
On one occasion at some public event her name was called to gain her attention but without success but the words 'Post Office' caused her to turn round immediately.
We are so lucky to have been part of Ann's life.
Barbara Hicks


BEREAVEMENT REGISTER
The Bereavement Register is a service specifically designed to remove from databases and mailing files, the names and addresses of people who have died. At this difficult time we all want to remember the good times with fondness and not be bombarded by badly targeted direct mail to someone who has recently passed away. This Register aims to put an end to most of such direct mail. Unfortunately not all organisations use this data but it does achieve an immediate reduction. You can write to The REaD Group (UK) Ltd at 50 London Rd. Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1AS or telephone them on 01732 460000 and ask for The Bereavement Register Helpline.
Alternatively John & Rita Wheatley have a small supply of the required forms - if you wish to contact them, phone and they would be pleased to help.
John Wheatley


TRANSPORT
488 bus service Chipping Norton-Banbury . News was received from the County Council in January that Stagecoach were ceasing to operate the bus service through the village as a commercial operation. The County had entered into a short-term contract with Stagecoach to continue the current timetable until 6th July. The County wrote again in February to say that they were proposing to seek tenders for continuation of the service until 2005, and asking for comments on the level of service that should be provided. Clearly, this would depend on financial considerations.
They suggested three options. Firstly, to continue the current service of 5 buses a day each way, which was regarded as “the minimum practicable level of service to enable work, shopping and leisure journeys.” Secondly, a return to the timetable operated up to August 2001, which provided 6 buses each way, with later last buses in each direction. Thirdly, as a possible ultimate aim, an hourly service between Chipping Norton and Banbury, with alternate buses travelling via the A361. This would meet requests for a faster service between the two major centres, but would not benefit Hook Norton, except that the draft timetable provides 7 buses each way through the villages, with an early service to Chipping Norton. It was thought unlikely that the third option could be funded at present.
This information was put on the notice boards and in the Banbury Guardian, with an invitation to contact me, but few people responded. Those who did stressed the need for an adequate bus service for those without cars, and particularly for restoration of some of the later services that have been withdrawn in past cuts. These views have been passed to the County Council. However, the fact that not enough people use the present service to make it commercially viable speaks for itself, and any improved service could only be sustained if use is made of it. A classic case of “use it or lose it”.
Shoppers' bus. It is a mystery to those who travel by this valuable service, provided by the Parish Council, why more villagers do not use it You can have two hours in Banbury for shopping, to visit your bank or building society, hairdresser, dentist etc. All for £1, with pick-up points round the village. Are people so well off that they ignore such a bargain? Admittedly we do not go to Tesco or Sainsburys, but you could walk to Morrisons. Bags and trolleys can be accommodated. Petrol alone would cost more than £1 to visit Banbury by car. Give the bus a try-out. Next trips are on Thursdays 11th and 25th April, and 9th and 23rd May. In order to see whether a later time suits more people, the time of the bus has been changed so that it will now leave The Bourne (fire station end) at 9.50, the church at 10.00, and The Green and Hollybush Road shortly after. Return from Banbury bus station will be at 12.30.
Peter Fry


CALLING ALL HOME WORKERS
Do you work from home and would like to meet those in similar situations over lunch? If so, David McGill would like to hear from you as he is considering starting a club that would meet on a monthly basis. More people than ever are working from home and some might see few people on a day-to-day basis. A large percentage of home workers miss the interaction between colleagues in an office environment.
A similar and successful club has been operating in Adderbury since October 2000. It has a membership of over 30 and an average of 15 people attends the monthly lunchtime gatherings.
Please contact David McGill for more details.


WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK – MID JANUARY TO MID MARCH
On 15th January Cedric Brain in Down End saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a female Blackcap. He reported seeing a pair of Nuthatches in his garden over several days as well as several appearances of a Sparrowhawk. Just outside the village he reported seeing a Buzzard and, most excitingly, a Barn Owl during the day.
At the end of January, a muntjac and fawn were spotted on the green by Ironstone Hollow.
Gwen Whitehead from The Shearings phoned me on the 1st February to say she had regularly seen a pair of Goldfinches and a Pied Wagtail. There are many Pied Wagtails around at the moment, a distinct black and white bird. Commonly seen walking on rooftops or walls in a deliberate, stepping gait with it's head bobbing and tail wagging as it repeatedly dashes after insects. Outside the breeding season they roost communally in thickets or buildings, sometimes in very large numbers.
Gwen has also regularly seen a Song Thrush and in the garden recently, we came across many empty snail shells that reminded us of the importance of this bird. It is singing loudly at the moment, a very recognisable tune; repeated several times.
In East End Jeff Longmore has seen 3 Bullfinches. In the middle of February, after checking with his bird guide, he recognised a Peregrine. Also, in the middle of February, he saw hundreds of Seagulls.
A few small flocks of Lapwings have been seen; one of about 30 birds by Ann Faulkner in Beanacre. On 2nd March, Ann saw the amazing sight of about 10 Buzzards circling above her garden and heading towards Swerford.
Fieldfares and Redwings are still around, but are due to leave sometime in March/April.
With the days getting longer we can soon expect the return of the Swallows, House Martins and, a bit later, the Swifts. Please keep a lookout for these birds and let me know of your first sightings. Shortly, we should hear or see the first Cuckoo, which usually arrives about the middle of April. You can scan the horizon for one on a distant perch or wait for a pause in 'cuckoo-ing' which signals a bird transferring perches. White spots stand out on the adult's blue-grey dark long tail. Its flight looks weak, with shallow wing beats but the head, which is small in proportion to its body, is held high.
We are also looking for the first butterflies of the year, often the yellow Brimstone.
I have confirmed with Steve Holliday that he will be leading the "Bird and Birdsong" walk on Saturday 20th April starting at 8.00am from the Memorial Hall. It would be great to see as many of you as possible as it will give us a great opportunity of learning how to identify birds and their song.
Thank you to those of you who have contacted me. Please keep phoning or emailing.
Geraldine Moore email: geraldine.moore1@btinternet.com


LOST GAZEBO POLES
A gazebo belonging to the Local History Group was lent to someone in the village, either last year or the year before. Unfortunately, the poles did not come back with the canvas and we can't remember who borrowed it. Have you got some unidentified poles in your garage? If you have just drop them in at the Brewery Visitor Centre.      Thanks.
Barbara Hicks


DOG FOULING
I would like to highlight the increasing incidences of dog fouling which are taking place in the village, particularly on the footpath leading from Hollybush Road through to The Glebe and adjoining gardens. This is not only unsightly but is a health hazard to all the young children in the area. While I appreciate most dog owners have a responsible attitude I would appeal to the others to clean up their act!
F. Presly


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Amy Elizabeth, born 31st May 2001, daughter of Michael Richardson and Laura Hines was baptised on 20th January 2002

Tabitha Elizabeth, born 18th August 2001, daughter of Stephen and Amanda Davies was baptised on 3rd February 2002