THE

HOOK NORTON

NEWSLETTER

December 2000Series 25 No 6

 

        CONTENTS 

FROM THE EDITORS
PARISH COUNCIL
Message from the Clerk to the Council
HOOK NORTON REMEMBERED (Second instalment)
THE COPPAGES
HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
A DISSENTING VOICE
TEN BELLS OR NOT TEN BELLS? - that is the question!
ST PETER'S CHURCH
ST PETER'S TOWER FUND
HOOK NORTON HARRIERS
WI
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
BONFIRE NIGHT
FIREFIGHTING
OUT OF THE BLUE
FILM SOCIETY
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - Mid-Sept to Mid-Nov 2000
GARDEN CLUB
BAPTIST CHURCH
HOOK NORTON GUIDES
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP
OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB FOR HOOK NORTON
VILLAGE DIARY 2000/2001
DO SOMETHING AMAZING
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
DRAINS
RYDER-CHESHIRE VOLUNTEERS
REGISTER YOUR DOG - ITS FREE
SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE

NEWSLETTER TEAM



Advertising:Judi Leader
Calendar:Howard Hicks
Distribution:Julian Bolton
Postal Services:Mrs M Padbury
Proof reading:Nigel Lehmann
Treasurer:John Stratford
Directory:Diana Barber


FROM THE EDITORS
First of all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year to you all.
The cover design is by Lucy Curtis. The design has been made into 200 limited edition plates as part of the fundraising for the Tower project. Plates are £20.00 each available from The Pottery.
Cash in the Post Office Box amounted to £57.00. Thank you very much.
It is encouraging to see work taking place on the new surgery in The Bourne.
Sadly we report the deaths of Leonora Ada Brain, 95, of Hook Norton and Emma Louisa Brain of Banbury, 95, of Banbury and formerly of Hook Norton. On behalf of the village we send our condolences to their families and friends.
Barbara Hick
Helen Foster
Next advertising copy by 15th January 2001. Final text copy by 18th January.
e-mail Barbara@news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk or helen.foster@viatel.com


PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council has met twice since the last Newsletter, on 12 October and 9 November and has considered a large number of issues which affect the community as well as a number of administrative matters. The Council agenda and supporting papers are now deposited in the Village Library a week before the meeting for those interested in the more detailed working of the Council. A copy can also be obtained by request from the Clerk three days before the meeting. Copies are also available at the meeting itself. The Council is keen to encourage public participation at meetings and hopes that this change will facilitate this.
The Youth Club is in a very dilapidated state requiring some £87,000 to be spent to restore it to a functional building. This is beyond the Parish Council's financial reach particularly given the availability of other venues in the village. The Council is in dialogue with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure that both the youth service and library continue to be available to the village.
The Village Hall is to embark upon the toilet refurbishment project. This will provide a much-needed disabled facility and widen access to events at the Hall to the whole community. It is hoped that there will be sufficient resources to refurbish the ladies toilets as well. The council is drawing up plans and applying for grants to top up the money it already has. If all goes well work should start in April 2001.
The centre of the village is in the process of being made safer and visually enhanced by the construction of the walled triangle. The Council has now approved plans for the planting of the Triangle. It regards this as the Millennium project for the village.
The play area has been subject to a considerable amount of vandalism in the last few months culminating in the destruction of the carousel and fouling of the children's slides. The Council is looking into the replacement of the carousel with younger children equipment. The council is actively talking to the police about higher profile policing in this area. Unless there is a cessation of this type of destructive behaviour, the Council may be forced to close the play area altogether to the detriment of families in the village. It hopes that it will not be faced with this decision and will keep the situation under close review.
There have been quite a few problems lately with dog litter bins not being emptied. The Council has been in contact with the District Council. This has been a problem across the District with the existing contractor. The District Council has put alternative plans into action and is endeavouring to provide the village with our normal collection service.
Changes to the Hall Booking system have been approved. The diary will continue to be held at the Post Office, as will the booking forms. The actual booking and collection of money will however be processed through the Clerk, Linda Chapman.
The Caretaker, Ken Wise, will handle hire of tables and chairs. Only village residents and organisations are to be allowed to hire these in future.
The No Entry sign in Queen Street is finally to be moved closer to the High Street to allow the residents of Osney Close to enter and leave their premises without endangering themselves or others by ignoring the existing sign.
The Council is becoming increasingly concerned over the degree of pavement parking and poor parking in the village as a whole. There is a very real danger that pedestrians will be seriously hurt by needing to walk in the middle of the road into oncoming traffic because of this. The Council is to launch an awareness campaign shortly in the hope that it will prevent a tragedy from happening in the village.
The recent spate of low flying jets across the village and their frequency is of concern to the Council. Beside the obvious nuisance factor there is a real risk to the village if an accident were to occur. The Council is to write to the Ministry of Defence objecting to the village being part of the low fly zone.
Indiscriminate litter dropping in the village is once again becoming a problem. The Council would like to ask for public co-operation in keeping our village an attractive and pleasant place to live in.
The Council is to ask for a survey to be undertaken of the drains in the village. The recent flooding served only to highlight the number that were blocked and continue to flood in normal rainfall.
The village notice boards are very heavily used and the Council is pleased that the community is a very diverse and active one. There is a need however to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to display their notices with due consideration to those put up by other people. The Council wishes to see the size limited to A5, no business or personal advertising, notices are to be properly secured (not taking pins from existing notices) and to be removed after the event. Notices from neighbouring villages will be allowed if there is room. Larger notices may be placed on the board by the bus stop, no larger than A4. It is important that villagers are aware that the notice of Council Meetings and copy Agenda have to be displayed by law and should neither be covered or moved other than by the Clerk once displayed.
The Council has ascertained that the 'failed road' signs in and around the village will not invalidate your vehicle insurance. There is however a catch if your vehicle sustains damage and you want to sue Oxfordshire County Council for damages. If they are found liable the compensation will be significantly reduced as a proper warning was given.

Message from the Clerk to the Council
I would like to ask your co-operation when wanting to make contact with myself on Parish Council matters. I am employed on a part-time basis, 10 hours per week and I am based at home. My home is not however a Parish Council office. If you want to see me in person then I would ask that you ring to make an appointment to do so rather than just turn up on my doorstep. Letters can be posted through the door without the need to ring the bell. I am in the process of getting a dedicated telephone line installed for Parish related calls, my private number is currently used. The new number will be widely published when it is operational. If you want to contact me by phone could you please do so between 9am and 5pm during the week and only outside these hours if it is an emergency, even when the dedicated phone is installed. When I am unavailable during these hours, inevitable as this is given this is a part time position, you can leave a message on the answer - phone. I do try to make myself available as much as I can but there are limits to this and I would ask that my privacy is more generally respected.

Linda Chapman



HOOK NORTON REMEMBERED (Second instalment)
Introduction to the Village
Cycling daily to and fro seemed to cut me off from the happenings in Hook Norton outside the school and as Summer passed into Autumn and the mornings and evenings grew steadily darker and more chilly the prospect of that cycle ride in darkness and possible fog, snow or ice appeared less and less attractive. Although strongly advised by friends, "Don't go to live there. It's an isolated village and they will never accept an outsider." I began to make enquiries with a view to moving my base from Bodicote to Hook Norton.
I made my ideas known among the staff at school and Miss Morse brought me a message from Mrs Painter with whom she lodged, that there might be rooms to let at Crooked Cottage. "You turn down a very narrow lane to the left of Miss Baker's East End Farm and there it is ". I followed these directions and found a most delightful stone-built cottage which was indeed crooked. The door was opened by a pleasant, grey-haired man, who announced himself as Mr Bowler. Earlier in the year he had lost his wife and he now lived there with his twenty year old son Reg and he was prepared to take in a couple if the wife would undertake some household duties as part of the deal. As my wife Barbara was by this time nearly six months pregnant I could not accept that out of hand, but we liked each other and the rooms seemed fine so I agreed that we would both have a look on the following Saturday.
Mr Edgar Bowler, known to everyone as "Nelson", was a local man who was presently employed by the Brymbo Ironstone Company as caretaker/manager and occupied Crooked Cottage in that role. His nickname of Nelson had been earned by being born on Trafalgar Day (21st October) and it stuck with him all his life.
We arrived by bus on the Saturday and agreed to terms wherein Barbara would undertake some cooking and we would pay a nominal rent for a most unusual bedroom, (in which a tie-beam crossed the room at about chest height joining the two halves of the sloping ceiling), our own private lounge, electricity, and use of kitchen and bathroom. We were very lucky because there was no piped water supply or sewage works in Hook Norton at that time and Crooked Cottage had both a pumped water supply from a deep well and its own septic tank.
We had no furniture of course, so we moved in with just our clothes and personal possessions in mid-November and I soon found that to know Nelson was to know Hook Norton. He was a very public-spirited man, Parish Councillor, Flowershow committee member and whatever was happening in the village he was there to help.
Many villagers kept a pig to eat up the scraps and eventually to provide bacon, ham and all the delicacies that a home-killed pig could deliver. It may have been a habit developed during the war but I felt it had been practised for generations. The Bowlers were no exception and there was a "long white" weighing about twelve score pounds grunting in the sty. It was mid-November and that was pig-killing time. The time had come and so the village master pig-killer was called in to do the necessary work.
Mr Alban White, nicknamed "Stosh," (I never found out why) was a tall thin man, a loveable village character, a philosopher, full of wise words and anecdotes and awfully fond of Hookey ale (even Hunt Edmunds would do at a pinch). He was reputed to be the man, who sitting one night in the Pear Tree when the beer was a bit "off", said to Mr Heritage the landlord after his third pint, "Landlord, this beer's a bit rough. I shall be glad when I've had enough on it." His stories included the one when he was once called to look at a sick pig “it wus so bad I had to kill it to save it's life". Often in the midst of his yarning he would suddenly say," I can't spet saxpence and I'd best get me down to the Railway or Mrs Manning'll think I've emigrated." But I liked Alban. "Self praise is no recommendation," was one of his favourite phrases. He never boastejjd but was the master of his craft and could, and did with ease and great skill, turn a live pig into two sides of bacon and two hams in record time, not forgetting the brawn, the faggots, the fry and the chitterlings. As he was wont to say," You can use everything bar the squeal." Later he persuaded me to invest in a pig (which I kept at Crooked Cottage) and when the time came he taught me how to cure the bacon with salt and saltpetre and the hams with the same mixture plus soft brown sugar.


Christmas 1947 was fast approaching, my first civilian Christmas since 1941. (Christmases are not the same in barrack rooms and are even worse in Hong Kong or the barren Cocos Islands). First there were the festivities at the school; parties, Santa Claus, the decorations, the Christmas tree and on the last day the roast Christmas dinner miraculously produced by Mrs Sharpe and her staff on those oil-stoves in the kitchen of the Memorial Hall; the Carol Service in the Church to sing, with gusto, all the old favourites and the equally welcome groups of singers who found their way to Crooked Cottage to add their contributions to the general festivities; and the culmination, the celebrations within Crooked Cottage itself. The decorations (paper chains, tinsel, and baubles) all saved by Mr Bowler from years long past. The half of a home-cured ham, cooked to perfection and thickly sliced for Christmas morning breakfast. Christmas dinner itself, superbly cooked by Barbara and served after the King's Christmas Message on the wireless, consisting of turkey, (obtained by Mr Bowler from Nil Farm) accompanied by home-grown potatoes, sprouts and parsnips and the whole rounded off with a home-made Plum Pudding. The Plum Pudding had been made on or around Stir-up Sunday, as was the tradition and because of rationing it was a bit short on dried fruit, but substitutes were made with apples and half a jar of bottled plums, a delicious pudding topped with brandy sauce. (Stir-up Sunday in the Church calendar is the 25th Sunday after Trinity when the Collect for the Day begins, "Stir up, we beseech Thee O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful people"). After dinner we exchanged presents and spent the rest of the day washing up, talking and later playing cards. It was a very enjoyable day and one which I have never forgotten.
There were no buses or trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day so I was unable to visit my parents in Bodicote on either day.

Geoff Walton



THE COPPAGES
In reply to Ann Coppage's letter about the late Betty Coppage:
It was very nice to read once again about all the Coppages. As far as Betty, well I knew her very well during her life in Hook Norton and we rang each other and talked after she left the village. I also knew Bessie Heath very well indeed and the library. You see Ann, you would probably not remember me as well as I do you. I lived on The Green for sixteen years. I was next door to your grandparents Mr and Mrs Coppage, so there are not many Coppages I don't remember; Joe more so than your Richard. The Green was my family's birthplace. I am sure you have all the memories you need of Hook Norton right from a small child, also of your sister. I was very used to your grandparents, especially Grandfather, a very thoughtful person.
Hope you will enjoy these few lines as your letter brought back many, many memories.         

Phoebe Tyrrell, Hook Norton



HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION


Your Committee is back in action and planning the events for 2001 under the 'new management' of Simon Mead (Chairman), Andy Horne (Secretary) and Richard Dorey (Treasurer).
A number of new faces have joined the Committee and the search is on for more volunteers to help with a range of specific activities. The Committee recognises that many people do not wish to get tied into the planning and committee work, but would be pleased to make a contribution by helping with the range of small jobs that arise throughout the year. If this is you, please let our Chairman or Secretary know.
Remember, all residents of the village are members of the Association which exists to satisfy the dual agenda of:

This is achieved by focusing on three key events:

For 2001, the HNCA is aiming to raise £15,000 (weather permitting!) and has agreed some specific principles for the Rural Fayre:
If you have views on this approach, have suggestions for the events, want to contribute or are just interested in knowing more about your Association, then do come along to the

NEXT OPEN MEETING:
24TH January 2001 at The Sun Inn

Contacts: Simon Mead, Chairman, 730146 or Andy Horne, Secretary, 730604

Other important dates for your diary:
******* FOLK-IN-A-FIELD AND RURAL FAYRE 2001*******
7TH & 8TH JULY 2001


A DISSENTING VOICE
For years Bill Cooper used to sit with his dog on Tom's step at the top of Bell Hill. Intrigued to find him there every day I asked him why. He replied with a look indicating astonishment that it actually needed saying out loud; “Look, I just look; this the best view in the world. Along this street then down the hill, then up the rise and into the sky. There's nothing to stop the eye!” But there is now! I too learned to love that view, the essence of our village it seemed, in all weathers and seasons. Sometimes it was cold and wet, roofs glistening and chimneys emitting smells of burning logs and the trees noisy and the sky unkind. Sometimes the cottages and the treetops and the roses and the sky were gilded into heaven by the sun. Always the view remained free and itself.
Now my eye is stopped, is interrupted, the flowing element is gone and the vista diminished - by an island - built to make the goods lorries behave! Islands belong in towns and suburbs, shrubs and bedding plants in gardens. Yes, we grumbled about the ruts the lorries made on the grass but they came and went. This constructed traffic island is permanent! I no longer approach our village centre with the old pleasure.
Funny isn't it, that when we want to alter our houses, even the backs of them, out of sight, we have to get permission from the local authority; yet when the local authority decides to change the appearance of our village irrevocably, it doesn't have to get permission from us!
Maybe there should be Conservation Orders on views!

Sheila Terry



TEN BELLS OR NOT TEN BELLS? - that is the question!
In September 1996 a committee was formed to augment the ring of eight bells to a ring of ten. Reading the minutes of that meeting it appears that there was a unanimous agreement that this project should be adopted and that all present would work enthusiastically for its completion! Here in 2000 the project seems to be at stalemate. However a fund has been started and currently there is a balance of approximately £7500 for this venture; so where do we go from here? That is the purpose of this article, to get the views of the community of Hook Norton so that a decision can made either to proceed or to abandon this project.
According to Margaret Dickins, in her History of Hook Norton, up until the Great War bells had been rung in the village for more than eight hundred years. There have been many memorable occasions marked by the ringing of the bells. On every Guy Fawkes Day until very recently the bells have always been rung; in 1773 the bells were rung for the wedding of the Duke of Orange; in 1743 they rang 'at the news of the War in Germany' and in 1746 they were rung for the victory of the battle of Culloden. And of course they were rung as part of the village's millennium celebrations.
Hook Norton is said to have one of the finest rings of eight in the country. Therefore before embarking on this project, expert advice had been obtained to ensure that an increase by two bells would not be detrimental to this reputation. In the view of the experts, providing all the bells are rehung in the same level, 'the acoustic balance of the bells will be preserved'. In addition an engineers report has stated that the tower is structurally sound to take two additional bells.
Up until 1896 there were only five bells in the tower and they were in very bad shape, the whole peal required rehanging. At that time an additional treble bell was incorporated, with a further two bells added in 1899.
In 1949 the whole eight bells were recast and rehung as part of the War Memorial. Therefore bells have frequently been used to mark historic events. Would it not be right for this generation to leave something for future generations to mark the new millennium and with their historical perspective might not the bells provide that record?
So what would be the cost? The latest estimate is that the whole project will cost approximately £30,000 but that this can be reduced by some £5,160 if we were able to supply some labour to work with the Bellhanger. As stated earlier the fund currently stands at £7,500 with a further £2,900 promised. Therefore the sum still required to be raised is in the region of £14,500.
The main counter argument currently put forward is that we might not have sufficient members of the bell ringing team and that learning to ring ten bells rather than eight might be difficult.
What do you think? John, the Rector, who is very concerned about the indecision on this project, has asked me as Church Warden and Chairman of the District Church Council to seek opinions so that a decision can be made.
If you would like to comment, please contact me, Keith Fowler, either by phone on 737657, e-mail to 101476.1242@compuserve.com or by post at Ivy Dene, East End.


ST PETER'S CHURCH
The Craft Fair held in the Church on 4th November was a very happy event and a great success. Remembrance Sunday was celebrated with the Parade from the Green to the Church led by Hook Norton Brass Band. The band also led most of the hymns at the Service and at the end played the march 'Arnhem' as the standards were being collected to leave the Church followed by the Clergy and people.
The Cake Stall and Coffee Mornings in the church on the 4th Saturday of the month are going well and making money for the Tower Fund. There will not be one in December but will start again on January 27th, then February 24th.
Christmas Trees will be on sale at the Brewery on Sunday 17th December between 11.30am & 12.30pm. If you have not yet ordered one and would like to do so, orders can be taken where you see the posters. The price is £1.60 per foot.
The Candlelight Carol Service will be on Sunday 17th December at 6.30pm. The preacher will be The Rev. John Taylor, Baptist Minister in Hook Norton.
We welcome Hook Norton School to their Christmas Service on the evening of Monday 18th December.
On Christmas Eve the Crib Service is at 5.30pm; this is a beautiful presentation of the Christmas Story by the children. At 11.30pm the Service of Holy Communion, Rite A. Christmas Morning, Holy Communion BCP at 8am and Christmas Worship at 10am.
 The Annual Church Sale, which is usually in January will be held on Saturday 3rd February in the Memorial Hall at 2pm. There will be all the usual stalls; White Elephants, Nearly New Clothes, Gifts, Books, Cakes etc. Teas and a Raffle. If you can provide goods for the various stalls please get in touch with Mary Powell 737463.

Rachel Johnson


BAPTISMS
  • Jack William Brain son of Jennie and Richard Brain was baptised in St Peter's Church on Sunday 24th September 2000
  • Bonnie Cerian Lunel daughter of Tim and Trish Lunel was baptised at St Peter's Church on 5th November 2000
  • Alice Olivia Nottingham daughter of Peter and Lisa was baptised at St Peter's Church on Sunday 5th November 2000
  • Amelia Lara Openshaw Ash daughter of Julian and Lucinda was baptised at St Peter's Church on 8th October 2000


    ST PETER'S TOWER FUND
    Many thanks to all who have taken part in the fund-raising and supported the effort so far. We launched the fund with an evening of West End Musicals which was a great success raising £2,305.00. Thanks to Keith Fowler for arranging such a fantastic evening. We all hope that the West End Cast will return to close the fund next year some time. An enjoyable coffee morning was held at the school with a good as new clothes sales raising £300. The annual Craft Fair organised by Jan Hughes was well attended by both crafters and visitors and raised £2,700. Teas were served in church by Mary Powell and her wonderful team of helpers. This years Grand Raffle arranged by Rita Wheatley was a great success with 50 prizes! Thanks to everyone who helped on the day directing the traffic, selling raffle tickets, serving teas, collecting entrance money and clearing up at the end of the day!
    Events still to come................
    Victorian Flowers Evening - Memorial Hall, Wed 29th November. Tickets from Rita Wheatley 737097
    The Snowman - In Church January 2001. Look out for details
    Gwalia Singers - In Church 3rd March 2001


    HOOK NORTON HARRIERS
    In September we had Cecelia running the 40 mile High Peak Challenge in 71/2 hours to win the first Lady Prize. There were several runners in the Woodstock 12, Witney 10 and Charlbury multi terrain 10K.
    October saw a new race at Tysoe - the Don Sullivan 10K. It was a flat fast course and the ladies did very well.
    Cross country is with us again. We are in the Oxford Mail Cross Country League which is run on the first Sunday of the month for five months.
    It is nice to report new members and November 5th saw their first taste of cross country. Ascott under Wychwood was the venue for the first race. There was mud and waste high water but everyone had a good time. We have never had so many lady runners and it was great to have such a strong team. The star of the day was Sarah Knight. Her first race ever for the girls under 11 was great. We all know how tough it is - well done!


    WI
    By the time this goes to press the annual mini-show on November 21st will have been judged and the cup awarded to the member gaining most points. This will have been the last meeting for 2000. Christmas lunch will be at the Gate Hangs High on December 19th where we know we can expect excellent food and hospitality.
    The speaker for the October meeting was unable to keep her appointment and the day was saved by Gweneth Edgington, who as an ex WI member knew how to give an interesting talk. She showed a selection of her lovely wild flower slides and commented on each one. The WI was delighted to receive a cheque from the Charitable Association and the money will go towards purchasing a bigger gazebo for our stall at next year's Rural Fayre. The one we had last year was not very efficient at keeping the rain off the goods for sale, nor indeed the stall holders! A Christmas Workshop is planned for December 12th in the Baptist Hall from 10.30am until 3pm when Pat Fletcher will impart some good ideas and skills for floral decorations for Christmas. Several members enjoyed the Group meeting in October hosted by Sibford WI and a trip to the Apollo Theatre in Oxford to see the ballet Swan Lake on November 24th. An Antiques Roadshow will be held at the meeting on January 16th. The rest of the programme for 2001 is well under way and new members and guests are very welcome. The subscription for next year is £16.25. Meetings are held in the Baptist Hall at 2pm on the third Tuesday of each month. You don't have to be a good jam maker or Jerusalem singer, just enjoy good company, interesting talks and outings.
    We all send our Best Wishes to Rachel and Barbara.

    Marion Roberts.



    CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
     The fortnightly shoppers' bus takes happy shoppers to Banbury. It leaves The Bourne (Fire Station end) at 9.00, the Church at 9.15, and stops at The Green and Austins Way on its way out. It returns from Banbury bus station at 12.00 and is back here by 12.30. It will run on Thursdays 7 and 21 December, and continue on 4 and 18 January and 1 February. Anyone can use the bus, but must put their name on the list in the Post Office first.


    BONFIRE NIGHT
    After days of torrential rain, phone calls started being received “Is the Bonfire still going ahead?”. The answer was yes but we were prepared for a very muddy event!
    In the end the ground dried up very well, the only problem was that it took two attempts to light the fire! The bar was busy, the burger van sold out and the fireworks were the best yet. This combined to make the event a resounding success with over £1000 raised for the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund. The local Firefighters would like to thank all of those people who supported the event and helped to make it such a success.
    The overall money raised was unfortunately reduced due to an act of wanton vandalism. Sometime during the evening of November 4th a local resident's house was vandalised. This damage has now been put right and will be paid for out of the Bonfire proceeds. However we are very keen to find out who was responsible. If anyone has any information, we would be grateful if this could be passed on to any of the local firefighters. If the culprit is reading this perhaps he or she can think about their actions in future. The Bonfire is not just a fund raising event, it also provides entertainment and enjoyment for a lot of people and it is a shame that the event is marred by this sort of antisocial behaviour.


    FIREFIGHTING
    In total there were thirty four calls made on our firefighters during the two months to Nov 19th. Fourteen of these were standbys.
    There were single instances of flooding, a smell of burning and a works fire. Two road traffic incidents occurred, one of which was a car fire. Fires at mobile homes accounted for two more calls and a cooker on fire for another. There was a serious chimney fire which resulted in most of a thatched roof being destroyed.
    Four calls were in response to alarms. Farms suffered badly in this period with five fires when straw bales were totally destroyed in one instance and a garden shed in another. At least three of these incidents were malicious. Finally two separate calls each involved a washing machine on fire in a hedge!


    OUT OF THE BLUE
    A Neighbourhood Watch Evening was held in the Youth Club Hall on Wednesday, 18 October. In all fourteen people attended, not a large turnout by any means, however, we were competing with The Gardening Club AGM and Manchester United! Of the fourteen who attended, two people were already members of NHW, but were quite willing to try and extend their watch area to take in more houses. Two other people expressed interest in starting NHWs, in parts of the village that had previously been without. They left armed with leaflets and information, and we look forward to hearing from them in the very near future!
    The village is still suffering from petty damage and litter dropping. A doggy bin has been pulled off its mountings and the contents strewn around the children's play area - delightful for the person who had to clear it up, and a hedge has been damaged. Just two examples, there are more. Whilst it is always easy to blame children for these things, unfortunately it is children who are responsible. Can I ask parents to impress upon their children that the village belongs to everyone and every time they break something, or scatter litter, someone else has to either pay or clear it up.
    I have received numerous complaints about speed through the village and double parking outside the village shop and the post office, both vital services to the village. Whilst your speed may not exceed the speed limit it is possible your speed is too fast for your surroundings.
    Please! Watch your speed, and think of others who might be on the receiving end of your driving, children and horses spring to mind.
    Parking is always a problem, so again, think of others before you abandon your vehicle.
    Finally, we have again been visited by the travelling criminal, this time from Banbury. Several cars were broken into, and one was stolen only to be recovered in a less than perfect condition. The offenders travelled to Hook Norton in another vehicle which they had stolen earlier in Banbury. That vehicle has now been found, but it had been parked in a road for two weeks before it was reported by a concerned resident. Be watchful - and report anything suspicious no matter how insignificant it might seem.
    Remember, we can all fight crime, together!
    Phone either 999 - if it is an emergency
    Oxford Control Room: 01865 266000 - for non-emergencies
    Chipping Norton: 01608 648715 - if you wish to leave a message
    Thank you.        

    Rosemary Dilsaver, WPC 818


    FILM SOCIETY
    Unfortunately the film scheduled for 9th December is unavailable     but in its place is a 'surprise' feature! The next film The Thief , Pavel Chukhrai, 1997 is shown on Jan 6th 2000 when Mischa Philipchuk, child actor, plays the part of the son of a dead Soviet soldier who gets involved with the shady deals of his mother's lover. Set in the grimy post-war years in the Soviet Union. On January 27th we experience A La Place du Coeur France 1998 Robert Guediguian a story of the stresses of a black-on-white relationship which rings honest and true.




    WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - Mid-Sept to Mid-Nov 2000
    It's been wet, windy and at times a little wild this autumn.  Wildlife reports have been few and far between.  Maybe the two are connected!
    The run of rain bearing depressions has brought some mild weather with very few frosts and this has encouraged a late flowering of some wild and garden flowers.  In early December I found the following hedgerow plants in flower: red campion, common wintercress, shepherd's purse, white dead-nettle, yarrow, brown knapweed, daisy, creeping thistle and creeping buttercup.  The fresh bright green leaves of cow parsley are also pushing through brightening verges littered with branches broken off in the storms.
    Summer visitors moved off early this year and Geraldine Moore recorded both the last swallows and house martins on 10 Oct. We can usually expect a few unusual species for the parish in the autumn and the weekend of 30 Sept/1 Oct provided the best conditions with the first tree pipit and whinchat seen here for several years adding excitement to local birdwatching. 
    The run of wet weather held up the big migrations of thrushes and wildfowl from northern and eastern Europe and it was well into November before redwings and fieldfares were regular in fields and hedges.  Out in the countryside and in gardens there are big numbers of goldcrests and long tailed tits around and you may be lucky to see a grey wagtail in the garden.  Look out for the bright yellow patch under the tail and pale greyish upperparts of this smart looking bird.  Two birds have returned to the gardens of the Rose and Whitehead families in Ironstone Hollow but they can appear anywhere in the village.  
    A sparrowhawk is regularly hunting through village gardens and made an appearance in the Woods' garden on Hollybush in November.  Agitation among the large flock of starlings currently in the village is a good sign one is around.    
    Reports of sightings always welcome.

    Steve Holliday  8 Whittons Close  737038



    GARDEN CLUB
    The Garden Club had another successful year despite losing members and having to compete with the other village societies.
    Chairman David Coates told the annual meeting, attended by 19 members, that the club only had 100 members but they ensured through their hard work and enthusiasm that it was active.
    There had been a varied interesting programme of talks and visits and the two shows had been both horticulturally and financially successful. Both drew favourable comments from the judges.
    Next year's programme which included a planned visit to Wisley would be publicised in the Newsletter when it was finalised.
    Treasurer Yvonne Higgins reported a healthy financial position. It was agreed to make a donation of £50 to the Newsletter. For the first time for many years the club is to have a vice-chairman. Tim Burchell was elected to fill this role.
    Other officers re-elected were Chairman David Coates; Treasurer Yvonne Higgins and Secretary Keith Wood.
    The final meeting of the year attracted a large audience for shopkeeper Tom Williams' talk on changes in farming and market gardening. His thought- provoking talk compared life on the land when he joined his father's farming enterprise with today's production-led regimes and run-down countryside. He called for an extension of organic farming to reverse these practices. Everyone enjoyed the evening and discussions continued over mince pies and wine.

    Keith Wood 737443



    BAPTIST CHURCH
    It's that time of year again. The shops have been selling cards for months, the decorations are up and the children are constantly whining for the 'just must have' items that no self respecting youngster could possibly do without! But how do you really feel about Christmas. Will it be a day of bustle and rush, cooking and clearing away before the next onslaught. Will you be trying to placate those fractious members of the family who really shouldn't be in the same room, or separating yet again the warring children fighting over the new toys. Or will Christmas be for you a sad and lonely time, on your own, no family and with only memories, an unbearably long holiday when you see no one.
    For every one of thirty three Christmas Days I worked, starting milking as early as 4.30am because the tanker drivers collected early, wanting to get finished and away to their families. Crisp frost or snow covered Christmas was the best, stars twinkling in the silent white world. You held your breath and could almost believe that if you opened the stable door, he would be there, a baby nestling among the animals.
    Will it be like that for you this Christmas, will you hold your breath in awe and wonder as we remember the birth of Jesus - or by that time will you be too tired to care! But God cared, he cared enough to send his own son to earth as a tiny baby to experience everything that we do, knowing that we would reject and crucify him, for you cannot think about Christmas without remembering Easter as well. God still cares; if you were the only person in the world this Christmas God would still send his son as your Christmas present, gift wrapped in straw with a tag that reads 'To ............ because I love you'.
    We wish you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year. We have lots of services and activities and we would love to welcome you if you can join us.

    2nd December Saturday 'Advent Special' 10 - 11.30am
    17th December Family Carol Service 10 . 30am
    24th December Carol singing round the village 10 . 30am
    (instead of morning service)
    Christmas Eve Communion 11 . 00pm
    Christmas Day Short Service 10 . 00am
    New Year's Eve Service 10 . 30am
    7th January Covenant 21 Service & Communion 10 . 30am
    14th January Saturday Special 10 - 11.30am


    HOOK NORTON GUIDES
     As usual, the Guides have been up to many exciting and varied activities. For fund-raising this term, the Guides decided to organise a "Groovy Guides Funky Fete". This was held in the Memorial Hall on October 14th. It was a terrific event, raising £291.34. We had face and nail painting, chocolate tombola, toys and books, teas and coffees. We had lots of people come to the fete and there was a good atmosphere. Most important of all the Guides thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
    A highlight of the term was The Millennium Dome trip, as reported by Abigail Smith. At 9:20am on Saturday 18th November, the coach departed Hook Norton School with Guides from Bloxham and Hook Norton, eager to arrive at their destination- The Millennium Dome.
    After a long journey we arrived at the Dome with our rucksacks, cameras and a lot of enthusiasm! As we walked through the gates wearing our identification bands, we saw the outside of the dome - it was ginormous! Entering the dome was the most exciting part because as you stepped through the doorway, a mass of colour, flashing lights and people filled your view in all directions.
    If you were at secondary school, the Guiders gave you the choice of going off in small groups to explore the different zones. Each zone was different from the last, and after surviving the queues we all had a great time trying out all the different activities. My favourite was the mind zone because the effects and technologies combined to form a stunning visual and sound experience.
    After having a check at 2.00pm we ventured into the Body Zone. Some of it was extremely bizarre! Many of the group went to see the spectacular show which was simply amazing.
    Finally at 4:15, the whole group met up again to go to the MIZZ concert. As we rushed through the rain with thousands of other Guides, clutching our tickets, we entered the concert. Inside, other people were gathering and the mass of blue uniforms gradually filled the seats. Through all the stomping, clapping, shouting and screaming, our presenter (famous ex-Brookside actor) hosted the concert. We had a great time and saw loads of bands including Precious, Buffalo-G, Lolly and Point Break! After the concert, everyone made their way out and received a copy of MIZZ magazine.
    Outside, I renewed my promise and received my yellow trefoil along with Rachael Hope, Katie Wood and Anna Cobb. Several Guides also made their promise to become Guides.
    After a fantastic day, some very happy but tired Guides (and Guiders) arrived back in Hook Norton at 10:30pm after a fun day out which we will never forget. Thanks to all the Guiders for making the day possible


    LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
    May I thank, most warmly, all those who have helped with the names of those appearing in the Millennium Book. I very much appreciated all the assistance. There are still a few missing names in some photos i.e.

    1. the bystanders outside the Post Office - page 3 (naming from left to right)
    2. the youth groups at the Armistice Parade, page 65
    3. villagers at the monthly market in the Memorial Hall, page 58
    4. Millennium Celebrations at the Sports and Social Club - bottom right hand picture page 39

    I would be most grateful if anyone could assist with these remaining names.
    Please send to me, Yvonne Higgins, via the Newsletter Box in the Post Office.
    The Group next meets on December 5th when Hugh Compton will talk to us about 'The Oxford Canal' and on January 2nd when we shall meet to listen to Tim Porter talking about “King Alfred - The Facts and the Fantasy”. Both evenings should prove most interesting. Visitors and guests are welcome at our meetings which take place in the Brewery Visitor Centre and begin at 7.30pm. A small charge is made to cover cost of refreshments.


    HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP
     It is hard to believe it is nearing the end of the year again and Christmas will soon be upon us. The Playgroup will be driving its annual Christmas Float around the village on Sunday December 3rd so watch out for Father Christmas. Playgroup had a successful shopping evening at the School recently raising £122.50; thanks to everyone who supported that. Thanks also to Hook Norton Charitable Association for donating £300 to the Playgroup with which we will be buying some CD ROMS for our computer, some new toys and games and it will also help with the children's Christmas party on December 15th. The Playgroup has organised its AGM for January 8th 2001 at which I will be retiring as chairperson and so we are hoping that parents will show an interest in becoming involved in the Playgroup Committee. I would also like to thank everyone for their support over the year and also congratulate the staff in running a great Playgroup. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the children make us very fortunate as parents that there is such a facility in the village. I would also like to thank anyone in the village who supported us in any way, whether it was by donating jumble or buying a raffle ticket; the support has been overwhelming and without this generosity the Playgroup would not exist. Many thanks.

    Fran Machin


    OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB FOR HOOK NORTON
    We are hoping to set up an Out of School Club to provide care for children aged 4 to 11 after school and during the school holidays. This would be a 'not for profit' venture supported from fees paid by parents, together with some start up money we can apply for from the New Opportunities Fund. We will be asking parents/carers with children up to the age of 11 to complete a questionnaire to measure the need for this facility in the next month. There will be a meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 10 January at the school to look at the results of the questionnaire and answer any questions you may have.
    If you would like to complete a questionnaire or would like more information or you can help in any way please contact either Lynda Chalcroft (730342) or Vicky Sargent (730651).

    VILLAGE DIARY 2000/2001
    In order to try to avoid possible clashes of events in the village, Hazel Hope has agreed to act as co-ordinator for an 'on-line' diary linked to the Newsletter.
    The site is already up and running at www.news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk If your organisation would like to make any additions to the on-line and or/Newsletter diary, please contact Hazel on 01608 730180 or by e-mail at harkhope@lineone.net (cut-off date: Thursday weekly at 6.00pm.)
    Please note the events appearing in the on-line diary will not automatically appear in the village newsletter, so please specify if you would like it to be included in the Newsletter.


    DO SOMETHING AMAZING
    Give Blood. Have you thought about becoming a blood donor? The Blood Service Unit will visit Hook Norton next Spring, we need 130 people registered to donate. Please help. Ring Rob or Jo Bartlett for details 737867


    LOCAL GOVERNMENT
    From 2002 Cherwell District Council will no longer be allowed to operate the decision-making system of committees and subcommittees. Instead it must have in place one of the new executive arrangements described on pages 14 and 15 of the Winter 2000 issue of Cherwell Link (distributed to all households by December 8th). Please make your choice using the voting card included in the Cherwell Link, fax your reply to 01295 270028 or e-mail your views to     info@cherwell-dc.gov.uk


    DRAINS
    Did you know that you are responsible for the pipes which connect your property to the public sewer? The main sewer is the responsibility of your Water Company, Thames Water. If there is a blockage in your private sewer the Water company will ask you to contact a local drainage contractor.
    If you do not act Cherwell District Council can serve a Statutory Notice on you and your neighbours to unblock the drain. and if you still do nothing the Council will clear the blockage itself and reclaim all its expenses from you and your neighbours. You can insure against these costs. Pick up a copy of the leaflet from your local Council Office or request one from the Council's Web site at www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call Tony Brummell on 01295 252535 Ext 4263


    RYDER-CHESHIRE VOLUNTEERS
    Are you looking for something different and rewarding to do? Would you like the opportunity to help others, be involved in the community, make new friends? Have you considered voluntary work?
    The Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers offer people with physical disabilities the opportunity to pursue a hobby or leisure interest in partnership with a volunteer. No special qualifications are required, just a willingness to give as little or as much time as you can spare.
    Our members pursue activities such as outings, computers, photography, letter writing, art, dominoes. The list is endless.
    I am currently looking for volunteers to accompany and assist two ladies to go swimming in the Banbury area and a volunteer who would like to teach lacemaking.
    Like to learn more? Please call me, Judy Redhead, Co-ordinator, Ryder Cheshire Foundation on 01280 701076 for more details of the project in your area.
    Your help can make all the difference to someone else's life.


    REGISTER YOUR DOG - ITS FREE
    The scheme is free and provides owners with a collar and tag so that, if their dog goes missing or strays, it can be returned quickly. Each tag carries a unique number which is held on a database linked with the owners details. Thames Valley Police also have a copy of the register.
    Anyone wishing to join the scheme can contact the dog wardens on 01295 252535 ext 4504 or 4518


    SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE
  • LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH This was another very successful occasion with over £2,000 raised. Our grateful thanks go to all who helped in any way. The Clarke family thank everyone who continues to support this annual event.
  • FRANK WILLIAMS - of Hook Norton has decided to join his family in New Zealand. He will be travelling out there with his granddaughter Rebecca, who is studying music in London, in time for Christmas and the wedding of his third granddaughter Rosalind. He has lived in the village for fifteen years and has been an active member of both the History and Garden Clubs.
  • HOOK NORTON POTTERY - A pot for Christmas - Christmas Shopping Evenings Friday 1st December and Friday 8th December 6pm - 9pm. Mulled wine and mince pies. Range of Hook Norton Pottery and local artists work on display. Lots of gift ideas.
  • KOMBUCHA - Has anyone got my book?       Isita
  • d'ARCY DALTON WAY Anyone interested in contacting The Oxfordshire Fieldpaths Society can do so on 01865 739072 which is the number of the Membership Secretary
  • THAMES VALLEY CRIMESTOPPERS - If you have any information about any crime phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111


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