OPERA SOUFFLÉ
Last year it was 'La Boheme' with Pasta in the Memorial Hall! On Saturday 19th October we welcome Opera Soufflé, fresh from this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe with their naughty but nice performance of "Just Desserts". Before you get your 'desserts' there will be a super supper. So put the Memorial Hall in your diary - 7.30pm 19th October. Tickets will be on sale at beginning of September - cost £12.
More information from Rita Wheatley
ART EXHIBITION of
The Works of Artist and Author Brian Rider IN AID OF C.L.I.C. (CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA)
From 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday 5 October 2002
In the Memorial Hall, Hook Norton
Entry on door 50p, all proceeds to C.L.I.C.
20% of all paintings purchased also to C.L.I.C
Raffle Refreshments available
COME AND BE ENTERTAINED WHILST HELPING A VERY WORTHY CAUSE
MACMILLAN,
BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IN THE WORLD
On Friday 27th September, we shall be having our annual 'Macmillan, Biggest Coffee Morning in the World' which will be held at Hook Norton Study Centre, 9am-11.30am. Please make a note in your diaries. There will be coffee, cakes and a raffle. Any donations would be gratefully received, as would any help you can give on the day. Please contact Julie Wood or Julian Bolton if you have any donations or any help to offer. We look forward to seeing you then.
DYLAN THOMAS – READINGS & MUSIC
Those who enjoyed Afternoon Tea served by Rita's 'nippies' when there were readings of John Betjeman in St Peter's will be delighted to know that on Sunday 22nd September at 4pm, a similar show will be presented from the wizard words of Dylan Thomas. Put the date in your diary.
Further details from John Wheatley
FOLK IN A FIELD 2002
Well, apart from a couple of showers, it didn't rain and we got The Albion Band on stage - something that we did not achieve last year! So from our point of view it was a success.
I hope that those who attended, enjoyed it and will tell all those who didn't go that they missed out.
Hook Norton Charitable Association puts on FIAF for two reasons. First, to entertain the villagers of Hook Norton and surrounding villages and second, to raise money for village organisations and national charities that have requested funding. Therefore, if you represent a village organisation, local or national charity which wishes to be considered for a donation this year, please send a donation request to me by the 8thSeptember at the address below.
HNCA will be holding the AGM on 2nd October at 8pm at the Brewery Visitor's Centre. This is the forum for anybody who has thoughts about the direction of HNCA to have their say. Some will not be aware how much planning goes into an event like FIAF. I cannot mention everybody but to all those who contributed to make it work - a big thank you. A special thanks to Nigel Matthews for allowing us the use of his land and facilities and an equally special thanks to Ivor Matthews who was with us every night of the week before the event - setting up the field and on the Sunday taking it down again.
If you would like to be involved in helping put on next years event, please contact me.
FOLK IN A FIELD RAFFLE
- The following raffle tickets were drawn on the night but were not claimed. If you have one of these tickets: 26, 57, 69, 182, 187, 474, 515, please contact Hilary Wiseman.
FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES
Saturday the 20th of July saw the biggest and best festival yet.
Sixty four firkins of ale were consumed by a thousand plus people enjoying the sunshine, music and merriment. The Morris Men on the cover (photo: A Horne) were part of the show. Food was available throughout the day with two excellent Pig Roasts being very much in demand. A barbecue, and the Fish and Chip van were also very popular.
Thanks to everyone at Hook Norton brewery, all the ticket sellers, bar staff, the unsung heroes - the beer beggars who get all of the beer - all of it donated, Pete Watkins and the musicians who provide their services for no more than a pint glass and a pint of beer, John, Carol and everyone at the Pear Tree and anyone else who helped in any way... the brewing industry in general for being such a generous lot.
The money has not been fully counted, but despite dramatically increased costs this year we should have plenty of money to donate to charity!
And thank you to the village of Hook Norton, for supporting the festival, and putting up with the parking problems!!!
Jem Hayward
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
On behalf of the village, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in organising such a great Golden Jubilee celebration in the village on the first weekend in June. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves and weren't we lucky with the weather? Firstly, thank you to Mick Battley and his committee of helpers for the ball on the Saturday night - a superb marquee, fantastic food and great music. Also to Janet Collins for arranging the Jubilee parade service at the Church the following morning, where the uniformed groups were invited to parade into church with their flags. Finally thanks to Colette Warner and Kerry Fisher for organising the Jubilee fete and children's party, which went down very well amongst the younger children of the village. It was also good that the organisations from the village were able to have a stall and raise money for their own funds. I know that a lot of work was put into the weekend by a lot of people, who can't all be mentioned, but I hope that you all thought it was worthwhile. Our family certainly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you again to you all.
Coronation Jubilee Party
held 18th May at
Brewery Visitor Centre Video now available £5 (to cover costs)
Order from:
Sheila Terry
Barbara Hicks
First things first! Barbara Hicks, Nancy Pargeter and Sheila Rider are three people without whose enthusiasm, tenacity, inspiration and organising skills, this successful party would not have been possible. For it was a success. Over eighty 'Hook Nortonians' came to the Visitor Centre and instantly started to chat – scarcely stopping for four lively hours. The cake was regal; food was plentiful as was the sherry, wine, beer and champagne. Jubilee decorations – flags, bunting, napkins and balloons added to the gaiety, not forgetting our coronet and Jack Brain's welcome! All this was video-ed by the indefatigable Jo Chadwick.
Later came 'The Keyhole in the Door' sung (to Chris Brain's video of the old Sun regulars) with suspiciously youthful vigour! Someone said that Buckingham Palace could have heard our 'Rule Britannia' but the loudest cheer was for 'Hook Norton, the Best Village in the World.' Finally, after Mr David Clarke had proposed the Loyal Toast, each guest was given a commemorative card as a memento.
What made this event unique? I'll tell you. This was a gathering of the very last generation of all preceding generations that took hardship and hard work for granted. So this party was not just a Jubilee Party, but a tribute and a thank you to all of them. As for me, I have never been involved in anything more worthwhile in my life.
Sheila Terry
Would 'jubilee - ve' it?
…Haircut Sir?
Photos: Rachel Parton
HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
On Sunday 5th May, members, their families and friends met at Woodgreen Leisure Centre to enjoy a buffet tea before playing bowls. Harry Lord's team won and each member received a prize. Steve and Carole Ashby played badminton and provided an alternative game for those wanting to try their hand.
The Annual 'Friends' Spring Concert took place on Sunday 19th May in St. Peter's Church, Hook Norton and the concert seemed to meet with everyone's approval. The programme included several solos. Jane Athorn played 'Mexicana Fiesta' on cornet, Julie Jakeman performed 'I Don't Know How to Love Him', on flugal horn and Jenny Cobley played 'He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother', on horn. Paul Roberts sang 'Music of the Night', his rich baritone voice filling the church. Several compositions from Musical Director, Ron Glynn, added to the variety and enjoyment of the evening.
The Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend was a busy one for the band, who played two engagements. First, was an open air service in the Village Hall field at Boddington, when the band accompanied the hymn singing. The following day at Adderbury, the weather forced the band to begin in the Institute Hall but after the superb lunch that had been provided for us we transferred outside. The music delighted those listening and the enthusiastic audience sang 'Land of Hope and Glory' at the conclusion of the concert.
On 9th June, Hinton Methodist Chapel celebrated its 100 Years Anniversary with a service of thanksgiving. Many of the congregation wore Victorian costumes as the band accompanied the hymns. Several readings told the history of this fine little Chapel, including the struggles through the years and the railway closing which had affected everyone. In the early days the Chapel had its own choir, a temperance brass band and the village also had a band that was referred to as the 'Beer and Baccy Band'. The efforts of those remaining ensured the continuation of Chapel life to the present day and the Centenary service was one of praise, thanks and remembrance.
On 23rd June Bill and Janet Randall kindly held an Open Garden at Wyncott's Farm. The weather was perfect and the band played as visitors explored the garden, which is a credit to Bill and Janet's loving care and attention. Refreshments were served in the conservatory with customers spoilt for choice with home made cakes on offer. Hook Norton Church ran a cake stall and Chris Morley very generously donated £20 to the band from his plant stall takings. Annette Coleman the band treasurer, and her son Richard, manned the raffle and the draw at the end of the afternoon increased the takings considerably. Thank you Bill and Janet for allowing people to share your wonderful garden for the benefit of the band.
On Friday, 28th June a social walk led by Ron and Jenny Glynn was followed by a meal at the George Hotel, Brailes. The beautiful countryside around Brailes was a joy to behold and the wonderful weather made it all the more enjoyable.
On 30th June the band played at the commemorative service for the 60th Anniversary of RAF Gaydon. The first number was 'Aces High', a March written for the Battle of Britain and the service gave opportunity to remember and give thanks for those who had served their country from this base and lost their lives in doing so. The 'National Anthem' brought it to a close. The band was privileged to see vintage aircraft flying displays and the wonderful Heritage Motor Centre which now occupies the site.
Soulden Hill House Fete and Garden Party was the next engagement in July. Seated on the terrace above the lawns, the band played a selection of popular music. It was a lovely venue and many were content to enjoy the grounds, the music and the sunshine.
