The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
December 2003 Series 28 No 6

Parish Council and Cherwell news




SHOPPERS' BUS
The fortnightly Thursday bus provided by the Parish Council to take villagers to Banbury for shopping etc. will run as usual on Thursdays 4th and 18th December, giving a chance for some Christmas shopping. The bus will NOT run on 1st January. It will resume on 8th January, then on 22nd January, 5th February and every other Thursday. The bus starts in The Bourne (Fire Station end) at 9.50, leaves the Church at 10.00 and picks up at The Green and Austins Way. The cost is only £1, and those who use it cannot understand why more people do not take advantage of this very cheap and convenient way to have two hours in Banbury, returning direct from the bus station at 12.30. It is a full-size coach with plenty of room for shopping bags and trolleys. It is not restricted to senior citizens. Come and join us!
Peter Fry 730509
PARISH COUNCIL INFORMATION BOARD

 
CEMETERY WALL

Following several breaks in the wall in recent years the Parish Council has decided to have part of the wall completely rebuilt. The work will be starting early next year and is likely to take several weeks to complete. There will inevitably be some minor disruption in Tite Lane and we trust parishioners will understand.

  WEBSITE

A gentle reminder for those who cannot wait for their bi-monthly Snippets the Parish Council minutes are now available in full on the website at www.hook-norton.org.uk and, for those without access to a computer, copies can found in the library and on the noticeboard at the Memorial Hall.

  NORMAN MATTHEWS COMMUNITY HALL

The committee has now received confirmation from Oxfordshire County Council that a doorway will be provided from the library to the Hall, formerly the Youth Club Building. The work should commence in mid-January and once completed the Hall will be open to library users as well as other local groups. An appeal for equipment will be launched shortly thereafter.

BIG GOLDILOCKS

Thanks to everybody who attended this event, which was promoted by the Parish Council through CDC, and provided a splendid afternoon's entertainment for 58 children and parents. With so much support coming from the school the Parish Council has decided to make a donation out of the profits of £50 to the Friends of Hook Norton

    IS YOUR ELECTRIC BLANKET SAFE?

Cherwell District Council is offering free safety checks at Kidlington on Tuesday 9th September and Banbury on Thursday 18th September. The checks are allocated on a first come/first served basis. To book an appointment telephone now on 01865 815400.

  HOOK NORTON WAR MEMORIAL HALL

Please see enclosed Memorial Hall survey form and return with your views to the Village shop by Christmas Eve

 
    NEW RECYCLING ARRANGEMENTS
Parishioners are reminded that only recyclable garden rubbish such as grass cuttings, leaves and small branches can be place in the brown bins. No foodstuffs or kitchen waste is permitted and plastic bags must not be used. 		   


REFUSE AND RECYCLING OVER CHRISTMAS
At the time of printing, Cherwell have yet to publish details of refuse and recycling collections over Christmas and the New Year. We know that 18th December should be a green bin day, but special arrangements will apply for the following weeks. Please check the local press and village noticeboards for information nearer the time.
Peter Fry


OUT OF THE BLUE
As I write this, the rain is lashing down and the leaves are flying around with gay abandon. We've had fog, cold and mild and we wonder why people get ill!
However, although all is not doom and gloom there are some items that I wish to bring to your attention. Since the beginning of September to 9th November, there have been 10 incidents in the Hook Norton area. They break down as follows:

Theft from motor vehicles 2
Theft of motor vehicles 1 (4 taken at the same time)
Domestic incidents 2 (non recordable crime)
Criminal damage 3
Assault 1 (common assault)
Burglary 1
Total 10
As you will see, the actual crimes recorded were eight. However, four motor vehicles were taken at one time. We must not become complacent; we must still take every precaution to guard against the criminal who is always looking for the easy option and the dark evenings are once again a criminal's paradise. The one good thing about the weather changing for the worse is that youngsters are not so encouraged to “hang around” the play area of an evening. The drug problem persists in the village despite my many warnings and youngsters are being targeted by the older youths and encouraged to “try some”. You might not think your child is involved, but do you know for certain? Children as young as 9 or 10 years know the people concerned but without evidence, the police cannot do anything. If you know someone who is peddling drugs, let us know!
On a lighter note, we have a new Inspector at Chipping Norton. His name is Nick Deacon and comes to us on promotion from Witney. He is getting to know the area and we hope to hold a forum in the New Year where he hopes to meet as many of you as possible.
Keep safe and children, make sure your parents know where you are and what time you will be home! May the Force be with you………..
Rosemary H. Dilsaver PC 818 01608 648715 rosemary.dilsaver@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk