The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
December 2002 Series 27 No 6

Entertainment & Education

 


BLUESY SUSIE

Jazz duo Susie Smithwick & Craig Webb Appearing at the Hook Norton Memorial Hall on Saturday 7th December 2002 at 7pm.
Music from the 1920's to the present day covering classics from periods of jazz, blues, folk, rock'n roll, salsa and pop. Performed by jazz duo Susie and Craig using vocals and guitar. Audience sing-a-long is obligatory!! Very informal and lots of fun! Highly recommended by Chris Morley of Live Music Now.
Tickets from the Post Office, including cold buffet to be served at the interval,
£10.00 and £8.50 concessions.


 



CHRISTMAS
FAMILY NIGHT


At the
Sports & Social Club
On
Saturday 14th December
7pm – 11.30pm

with

Paul Dumas


Comedy and Vocals with
Puppets and some magic!

FAMILY SHOW – Adults must stay with Children
TICKETS £3 each per Child
Price includes present from santa
For tickets or more information
contact Colette or Kerrie.
Limited tickets


 


FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL (FOHNS)
Wine, women and - maybe - song are the intoxicating prospect on offer to kick off the seasonal festivities at Hook Norton School. Alas, dads don't get over excited. You're babysitting the kids as mum heads off for Ladies' Night on 6th December. As well as hot cider punch and mulled wine, our very own Nigella, Hazel "Forever Summer" Hope will conjure up Christmas delicacies for her traditional cookery demonstration. Meanwhile, Helena Rothwell will once again provide a craft master class that would crush Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen's velvet. And finally a mystery guest will be on hand to put a sparkle into your Christmas wardrobe. Just £7.00 for all this and a good natter while he's indoors. Starts 8pm prompt; tickets from the school office.
If Christmas excitement is making the children wearing, then wear them out by dropping them off at the Kids' Christmas Disco on Thursday 12th December after tea. Bop-Alots, Hook Norton's answer to the Ministry of Sound, will keep those little feet "rocking around the Christmas Tree" There are two separate sessions – for younger and older children. By the end of the evening, they should be so tired that you may enjoy a Silent Night. Details on the school notice board.
Your favourite jingle may be more along the lines of "I saw Mummy kissing Santa Claus", so roll up for the Adults' Christmas Party in the school hall on 14th December. At £7.50 a ticket (book early at the school office to avoid disappointment), there is a fine dinner after which Derek Brotherston spins the singles till midnight when, if your luck is in, you could go home with a luxury hamper.
If, however, you miss out, there is one more chance to score something special for the Big Day. "It Could Be You", if you buy a ticket for this year's bigger-and-better-than-ever Grand Christmas Draw on 18th December. We've kept Santa's helpers busy so for a 50p ticket your number goes into the pot to win a Play Station 2, a camera, a personal CD, a £30 M&S token and a Christmas hamper. So get along to the school office, chip in and have fun. What better way to support our great school with some extra funds?
Sue Wood, FOHNS chair, woodees@btopenworld.com


 


MUSIC
Music lovers might like to know of a course run by the WEA each year in Charlbury on the second Wednesday of each month (October to May) from 10.30 to 3.30. This is a music appreciation course run by a professional teacher in a very informal way, with plenty of opportunity for discussion. Each meeting covers a particular topic, with illustrations on record. The meeting on 11th December celebrates the music of Purcell and Britten, and on 8th January the subject is a brief history of keyboard music. The course fee is £80. Unfortunately the first two of eight meetings have already taken place. I do not know whether a reduced fee might be negotiated. For further background, please feel free to phone me, or for registration contact the Charlbury WEA secretary, John Wilson, on 01608 819036.
For Britten enthusiasts there is also a day school, at Rewley House in Oxford (near St Giles), on Saturday 25th January from 9.30 to 5.00 on his operas. The course fee is £39 with lunch or £32 without. Phone Rewley House on 01865 270368.
Peter Fry, 730509


 

There was once a poor girl who was put upon by her cruel and heartless stepsisters.
HOOKY PLAYERS
She gets to go to a ball in a glass coach and finds happiness
Of course, you all know that story, don't you?
Or do you??
Well, if you think you do, then you're in for a surprise.
This tale will enthral you as you enter a world of storytelling, which has
its own Fairy Godmother, a Talking Cat, an Ogre, villains and thieves and 'magic' galore.

It's a story in which, even when the fates conspire against our hero and heroine, good will conquer all.
The Real Story of Puss in Boots is our hilarious winter production and is being performed in the Memorial Hall during the week commencing 20 January.
Look out for posters with performance dates and times.
Tickets at £6 for adults and £4 for concessions will be available from
Thursday 2nd January by contacting Sheila Rider


 


HOOK NORTON CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Unfortunately we are unable to put on a party this year, but understand from our many conversations with other organisations in the village that the children will not go short of festive fun !!!
Due to our party commitments and extensive use of funds for the summer Jubilee Celebrations, we were unable to put on a value for money event this year and thought it best to take a small break, so that the bank balance can replenish itself for next year.
We are sorry to disappoint you but are assured that the children will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate.
If anyone feels strongly enough that there should be a Party we would be happy to pass on the books etc in order that they may do one themselves. We are also looking for someone or persons to take on this rewarding task as of next year.
We have had a brilliant 5 years doing the Christmas Parties, but feel that it is now time to move on. We would like to thank the people who have supported us over the years (you all know who you are!!) and appreciate all of you doing this. Most of all thank you to all the wonderful children of Hooky for being great fun and excellent company!!!!
Have a fab Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Colette & Kerrie


 


NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE - UPDATE
Earlier this year I wrote a note in the newsletter explaining that I was fundraising for my place with the National Youth Music Theatre. Lots of people were very kind and made donations, so I just wanted to let you know what I've been up to!
In early June I spent a week at a boarding school in Harpenden with the cast and directors of the production. We had a very busy time — I especially enjoyed the 'brainstorming' activities and studying paintings by Breughel. (Our final performance was to be based on his painting 'Children's Games').
In August I flew up to Edinburgh. I was met at the airport, we went straight into rehearsals and for the next two weeks we worked from 9:30am to 9:30pm with breaks for meals!
We spent a lot of time at Craigmillar Castle, a ruined medieval castle just outside Edinburgh where our final performance was to take place. It was a brilliant venue but we were lucky it didn't rain much as it didn't have a roof!
While we were in Edinburgh we had one and a half days off and we were able to see some of the Festival productions, which were amazing. We were also taken to see 'The Dreaming'; a touring NYMT production based on 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Our three weeks ended with our promenade production 'For Walls'. There were two performances at nightfall and most of the action took place inside the castle walls. In the final scene, the audience moved outside the castle and the cast sang and played from the top of the castle walls — a fantastic experience, and one I'll never forget, so once again, thank you for all your support.
Anna Bradshaw


 


HOOK NORTON FILM SOCIETY
So far we've had an excellent season, and I think the programme this year looks the most exciting since I joined the Society ten or eleven years ago.
Now that the Memorial Hall has got some really comfortable chairs, we don't have to face groaning back problems as part of the price to see really good movies. "Any fool can be uncomfortable!" said an old friend of mine in the village. No more of that! You could even doze off if you find some of the more cerebral offerings too taxing!
On 30th November, our film was the sensational Mexican production 'Amores Perros", English title, "Love's A Bitch". Strong meat but high artistic credentials, it won Best Film and Best Director at the Cannes Festival.
After that, on 14th December, we have "Casablanca", sixty years old, but fresh as paint however many times you've seen it. Roll up for Bogey, Bergman and the rest of the 'Forties gang' in their prime!
On 4th January, another Mexican film, "Y Tu Mama Tambien", a lushly photographed, sexy but ultimately melancholy study of youthful friendship. All this and a delicious supper, prepared by the Society's own team of sparkling cooks. They even try to theme the food to match the films...All films are screened in the Memorial Hall and are open only to guests and members of the Society. Enquiries to the Chairman, Harry Smith.
Michael Terry


 


HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
The band is now on the Internet, the website address is: www.hnbb.co.uk
The annual autumn concert, in memory of Bill Clarke, took place on Sunday 20th October. The lovely setting of St. Peter's Church and the large, appreciative audience made the concert the success that it was. Some exciting music was promised and the audience were not disappointed. By including some brand new pieces, Musical Director, Ron Glynn had chosen a programme of musical mystery and intrigue. There was more than a hint of spookiness in some of the numbers that set the imagination racing. Titles such as, "Phantom of the Opera", "Somewhere out There", "Ghostbusters", and "Devil's Bridge", were included in the programme, but in contrast were the beautiful "Ave Verum", and "You'll never walk Alone". The miserable weather did not deter an enthusiastic audience who arrived for an evening of musical entertainment, and enjoy it they did, judging by their favourable comments afterwards. During the evening, Ron Glynn accepted a cheque for £750 from the Ernest Jones Music Trust for the further musical attainment of some of the youngsters in the training band. It was a fitting tribute to the memory of Bill Clarke, long term treasurer for the band, and also warden at St Peter's Church, that the concert held in his name, raised over £300 to be shared between Cancer Research, and the church in which he served.
On Remembrance Sunday, the band led the Parade from the Green in Hook Norton to the Church, playing the march, "On the Beat", one of Ron Glynn's compositions. Fortunately, the rain stopped long enough for us to escape a soaking. Paul Brook Nolan very ably and movingly played "The Last Post" and "Reveille" after the two minutes silence during the Remembrance Service and the band accompanied some of the hymns. We were reminded that this time last year we were on the verge of war with Afghanistan after the terrible attack on New York and now, twelve months later we were facing the prospect of conflict yet again; this time with Iraq. As we remember the fallen in past wars, the horrors of even more to come are still with us in future conflicts. The band played the march, "Star Lake", whilst the Standards were collected to leave the Church.
In the evening, a party of band members played at Shutford Church Remembrance Service, when Julie Jakeman had the honour of playing "Last Post" and "Reveille". Earlier on in the day, she had undergone dental treatment but nevertheless carried out this duty willingly.
On 29th November, the band played for Katharine House Hospice Lights of Love Service in St Mary's Church, Banbury. The following evening, our "Prelude to Christmas" concert took place in Marlborough Road Methodist Church.
On Sunday 8th December at 3pm the band will play at R.B.L. Carol Service in St. Mary's Church, Banbury.
Though no longer able to ride on the lorry around Hook Norton, the band will be bringing a selection of Yuletide music to the village on 15th December, outside "The Sun" from approx. 11am till 12.30pm.
If you plan to be in Banbury, on 21st December, do call in to Castle Quay, where we shall be performing our final engagement of the year, bringing Christmas musical joy and gladness to the shoppers from 10.30am till 2.30pm
Jenny Glynn


 


W.E.A. – HOOK NORTON BRANCH
A day workshop on 'The History of Furniture from the Great Exhibition to Art Nouveau' was held at the Brewery Visitor Centre on 6th November. Twenty one students, including six from a local auctioneer, enrolled. Andy Gunn, a lecturer on furniture design from Rycotewood College gave a full and informative talk, illustrated by excellent slides. He spoke of the concept of the Great Exhibition of 1851, Victorian designs, the development of architectural interior designs and tastes up to the Art Nouveau period.
Looking ahead to 2003 , on Thursday 23rd January, a six week course on 'Women in Art – Why have there been no great Women Artists?' will begin in the Village Library. The fee will be £26.00. A further two Day Schools will be held in March and July 2003.
All enquries – please ring Paul or Janet Warwick.
The first AGM of the new branch was held at the Brewery Centre on 13th November. The Chairman, Sue Coltman, was pleased to report that the first year had been a success with regular attendances at the Art Courses, Day Schools and fully supported Coach Trips together with a profitable financial statement.
During the year four, six week courses were run involving the skills of various European painters over many periods, as were four well supported Day Schools on Furniture, Churches and the Civil War. Each involved a visit to places with links to the topic. In September we had an interesting coach outing (open to the village) to the Black Country, with a two hour trip through the Dudley Tunnel canal system.
The Chairman and committee wish to thank everyone who came along and gave their support to this new branch. With the business of the evening over, the Chairman introduced Mr. Simon Townsend, the Curator of the New Banbury Museum, who gave a talk on the concept, building and the organisation required to run a museum – resulting in a great success for the town.
The evening finished with a glass of wine, light refreshments and everyone in a very happy, friendly mood.
Paul Warwick


 


HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE
Our programme of classes for the spring is now available and includes many of your old favourites Hips, Bums & Turns, Aerobics, Stay supple, Fitness for Men, Yoga, Drawing and Painting, Watercolours, Upholstery, Spring Flower Arranging etc. We have a Desk Top Publishing course commencing in January and also a Beginners and Improvers Computer course to help gain more confidence on a computer and Microsoft Word will start after half-term in February.
Children's classes will continue including Kindergym, Gymnastics, Junior Badminton, After School Netball, Danceabout and Sticky Fingers.
A range of workshops will take place in March including
If you require further information on any of our courses or a leaflet - please ring 01608 730052 or contact the Community Education Office based in the Primary School in Hook Norton. Diary dates:
HNCEC term begins 13th January 2003
HNCEC Workshops 8th March, 15th March, 22nd March 2003

 


POSTGRADUATE OPEN EVENINGS
Oxford Brookes University is holding a series of postgraduate open evenings at their Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane on the following days: Tue 28th January 2003 and Wed 4th June 2003. All events will take place between 5.30pm & 8.30pm.
At Brookes we recognise the skills, knowledge and expertise gained by individuals over the years in their work environments. People who have substantial, relevant and appropriate work-based experience, but who do not necessarily have a first degree, are encouraged to study for postgraduate, professional and post-experience qualifications at the University.
Our flexible postgraduate programme can be studied on either a part-time or full-time basis, with some courses available through open and distance learning.
On the Open Evenings you can learn more about the Brookes Postgraduate Programme and talk informally with staff and students. You can find out about fees and funding and also discuss your future employment prospects. Refreshments will also be available.
If you would like any further information please contact the Student Enquiry query@brookes.ac.uk