The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
August 2004 Series 29 No 4

Arts & Entertainment


HOOKY PLAYERS

This year's, or rather next year's Pantomime will be PETER PAN and will be performed on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January 2005.
It will be directed by Julie Thomlinson, produced by Brian Rider with Wendy Green as Musical Director. The Stage Manager has yet to be appointed. Auditions will take place at a time yet to be arranged in September. Childrens' auditions will be held separately as several youngsters will be required for this production.
For more details, please watch for posters on the notice boards nearer the time or ring Brian.


HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
This will be my last contribution to the Hook Norton Newsletter as band Press and Publicity Officer, as I will be stepping down from this role in the near future, along with my husband as Musical Director. We have had to come to this decision together of necessity because of Ron's health problems, realising the need to reduce pressures and the stress of responsibilities in our lives. We hope to remain with the band as players, without the burden of leadership and hope that a good and competent new musical leader will be found who can maintain the present standard that Ron has worked so hard to achieve.
The band has been busy over recent weeks, and on 20 June played at the Open Garden held at Wincott's Farm, Hook Norton. Bill and Janet Randall opened their lovely gardens to the public on this day to raise funds for the band, and although the weather had been quite inclement, the sun shone on this event to make it the success that it deserved to be. Visitors in good number wandered in the peaceful setting, truly the handiwork of man with the hand of God upon it. They delighted in the colours and scents, and partook of the delicious home made cakes and teas that were served for the duration of the time that the gardens were open, whilst enjoying the light entertainment that the band provided for the whole afternoon. Afterwards, band members and some of the wives that had helped with the teas, were invited to stay on for a scrumptious meal that Bill and Janet very kindly provided; a perfect ending to a well planned occasion.
The joint concerts of 25 & 26 June with the Banbury Operatic Society were a completely new venture and an all out success, bringing in capacity audiences on both nights in the Marlborough Road Methodist Church, Banbury. "That's Entertainment", was a programme of musical delights and extravaganza from band and singers alike, old and new numbers thrilling enthusiastic audiences who showed their appreciation with long and thunderous applause. There were some very talented individuals from the Operatic Society who performed in a very professional and stunning manner, easily on a par with performers on the big stage. The combined singing of the company was readily received and enjoyed with numerous items from well known shows. Band Musical Director, Ron Glynn, interacted perfectly with his audiences as he introduced band numbers in his usual easy manner, with anecdotes that brought the house down, his appeal and charisma obvious as always. These qualities along with his musical abilities will be sorely missed by band and followers alike, and it was on a note of triumph that he performed these two engagements as leader of the band for the last time, success ringing in his ears. Under the very capable baton of Jason Glynn, Musical Director of Brackley and District Band, the band performed at the Katharine House Hospice Fete on 3 July, seated in a marquee considerately provided and erected by Bill Randall. Despite a poor weather forecast, the afternoon was lit with sunshine, and many people thronged the pleasant grounds in Adderbury to make the event a huge success. The band played in two slots drawing large groups of listeners each time, and receiving a good number of complimentary remarks. By the time you read this, the band will have played for the Songs of Praise in Bodicote's Kingsfield. On 7th August they will play at Cherington, Stourton and Sutton Flower Show starting at 2pm in the churchground, Cherington. (by the mill).
Jenny Glynn


LEGENDS ON OUR DOORSTEPS! - MUSIC AT THE CROSSROADS 8
On the first Saturday in July, the village of Hook Norton hosts a magnificent annual music event which combines musical quality and diversity in the field of blues, rock and folk.
This year, all those who were present at Music at the Crossroads had a rare and unique experience, to see and hear the fabulous music of The Kinks performed by the Kast Off Kinks, who feature three original members of The Kinks. Only playing a handful of gigs each year, we hosted one of these on our own doorstep. We were taken through the amazing back catalogue of some of the greatest songs ever written, via Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, You Really Got Me including some great versions of rare album tracks and so many more fabulous songs guaranteed to make a Sunny Afternoon. One of the high spots was when Mick Avory, the original Kinks drummer, told us all how the number one hit 'Lola' had been conceived and written.
The Kast Off Kinks were supported by some tremendous local talent including the fabulous Red Hot and Rollin' with their classic rock and roll, The Bullfrogs with a set of country blues and many other great acts entertaining us from 1.30 though to 11.00.
One of the most wonderful aspects of the day is the family-friendly atmosphere. There were children's entertainers, food and drink stalls, families around their barbeques and the great Hook Norton Beer Tent. All this in a safe environment with plenty of essential facilities on hand.
To all those who were there, thank-you for coming along and supporting one of Hook Norton's largest fund-raising events. All the money raised goes to support worthwhile local organisations and anyone wishing to apply for some of this money should write by Friday 10th September to Andy Horne, 7 Ironstone Hollow, Hook Norton. The Hook Norton Charitable Association AGM is to be held on Wednesday 6th October at the Brewery when the donations will be made.
Many thanks go out to everyone who helped make this a great day. To the time and effort invested by some dedicated members of the Charitable Association, all the essential contributions from the generous and charitable people of this great village and the musicians who entertained us.
Over the eight year history of this music festival, it has continually evolved as a professional and well managed event. The Charitable Association is seeking volunteers and your contributions would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to either to get involved in the Charitable Association, or offer some essential support or if you would like to know more, please contact Andy Horne.
Just one more thing! Don't forget to mark Saturday July 2nd 2005 for M@C 9. We look forward to seeing you there. Your chance to support the great village of Hook Norton, enjoy the music and have a wonderful time.
Pete Watkins


HOOK NORTON FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES–
17TH JULY 2004

The weather prophets got it wrong again and the Festival enjoyed its customary dry day.
Click to open image in new window. Large file!
We did virtually no advertising so the jungle telegraph must have worked well again (some believe it's the web site!) and folk in their hundreds from far and near gathered at the Pear Tree to sample a wide selection of beers (also from far and very near). This was supplemented by musical entertainment of various styles, including a troupe of Hungarian folk dancers. The net result was a day enjoyed by all and a handsome sum for charity.
Our thanks are, as always, due to the Directors and staff of the Brewery; John Sivyer (with particular best wishes for his forthcoming retirement) and all the stalwart band of helpers who assisted in setting up, taking down, selling tickets and serving beer (without whom the day could not possible operate). Organisation of the musical entertainment was in the capable hands of Pete Watkins. Thanks, Pete.
A final thanks to that merry (often!) group affectionately labelled "The Beer Beggars". It is they who have spent the past few weeks cajoling brewers around the country into donating the raw material for the event (the beer!), and exercising their ingenuity in finding ways to get it to Hook Norton!
We are already talking about next year's Festival so "watch this space".
The organising team have suffered a loss as the last of the trio who started the Festival, Jem Hayward, is giving up due to pressure of other commitments. Our thanks to him for his efforts over the last eleven years. The Festival however, will continue, so we look forward to seeing you all next year.
Denis Wynn

Click on the picture below for scenes from the festival, (large files).
Thanks to John Henderson and Andy Horne for the pictures.



DEREK ISLAND DISCS 3
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event on July 10th such a fun evening. 50 people attended and most had their favourite records played.
The raffle was also a great success. Thanks to Peter Barnett-Hunt, Colin Rose, Richard Harris, David McGill and Kevin and Kathy for donating prizes.
After covering costs, we have been able to donate £100 each to the Meningitis Trust and to CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia In Children).
Thanks also to Stuart and his team at The Sun for their kind hospitality.
Derek Island Discs 4 will be on December 11th - hope to see you all again then!
Derek & Jon