The Church looked beautiful for the Candlelight Carol Service before Christmas, thanks to all those who worked so hard putting up candles, lighting them, extinguishing them, then getting up early the following morning to take them down and clean up all the wax drips! Thanks also to all the ladies who made the Church so beautiful with flowers for the Christmas period.
All the Christmas Services were well attended and enjoyed and Janet's hard work producing the children's Crib Service was well rewarded by its success.
Don't forget the 'January Sale' on 3rd February in the Memorial Hall at 2pm. It is always a happy occasion with many bargains to be had.
Mary Powell is continuing with the Coffee and Cake Stall in the Church on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9.30 to 11.30am. She is always glad of offers of cakes for this and for cakes or other items for the Church stall at the Market on the second Saturday of each month.
The next Scrabble Evening at Marianne's home is on Monday 5th February at 7.30pm. Phone her if you would like to take part.
On 11th February an Education Sunday Service will be held at 10am at St Peter's. Ash Wednesday is February 28th and at 7.30pm there will be Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes.
During Lent there will be Lenten meetings on Wednesday evenings in the School Hall, details later.
Mothering Sunday falls this year on Lady Day, March 25th and the Mothering Sunday Service is at 10am.
Looking further ahead to Holy Week and Easter - on Palm Sunday April 8th the 10am Service will include the procession of Palms. On Good Friday, the Hour at the Cross 2 - 3pm. Easter Eve 11.30pm Holy Communion including Lighting of the Pascal Candle and on Easter Day Holy Communion at 10am.
After Easter there will Bible Study Groups on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Tuesday mornings. More details in the April Newsletter.
Rachel Johnston
ST. PETER'S TOWER PROJECT GETS UNDER WAY
Originally it was intended that work on the Tower Project would be started in either mid or late summer. However the project was put out to tender last October and when the tenders were received towards the end of November, the cost had escalated considerably from the initial estimates. Therefore at a meeting with the architects and proposed contractor, ways of avoiding further surprises were discussed. As a result the project has been broken down into a number of distinct phases. These are in outline:
Phase 1a. All the building work and installation works concerned with the provision of the kitchenette and toilet facilities at a cost of £60,971.
Phase 1b. The builders work and installation of the disabled hoist at a cost of £17,000.
Phase 2. Installation of the Glass Screen at a cost of £33,846.
Clock Phase. To provide an electronic mechanism for the clock to replace the existing mechanical works which are to be transferred to the Heritage Centre at a cost of £9,485.
Architects fees and other professional fees £13,250 (of which £10,000 has already been paid).
This makes the total project cost £134,522. Funds already collected, pledged and potential tax recovery total £55,000. We are still investigating ways of bringing down some of these costs. However it was felt that present price inflation in this type of work could mean further escalation if work was not put in hand in the near future.
At a meeting of the Parochial Church Council on 11th January, approval was given to replace the contract for phase 1a of the project. All we need now is the official faculty from the Lord Chancellor's Office (this is expected very soon) and work will commence and the first phase of the project will be completed in 12-14 weeks.
The need for these facilities in the Church was further emphasised during the Crib Service, when a number of Mums had to make emergency trips out of Church with their children.
The Fund Raising Committee are working with many different ideas to ensure the successful completion of this project; you will find details of some of these elsewhere in this newsletter. If you would like to help directly, then you could either make a straightforward donation or alternatively, you could pledge a sum of money over a given period of time. For example, if you were to pledge £21.70 per month for three years, under a Gift Aid Pledge as a standard tax payer, that would contribute £1000 to the fund. Alternatively, if you pay your Council Tax by monthly instalments, February and March are the two months when no payment is made, why not donate the sum you would normally pay in Council tax to this project? If you would like to discuss any way in which you feel you might be prepared to help, contact either Keith Fowler, John Wheatley or Angus Irvine. Your support will be gratefully received.
ST PETER'S CHURCH TOWER PROJECT - Coming Events
Friday 1st Feb - Launch of a Coffee Cascade. Coffee morning in which people will be asked to give a £1.00 for their coffee and then go off and invite others to a similar coffee morning that they have arranged.
Saturday 3rd March - Gwalia Singers from Swansea, concert in Church 7.30pm Tickets are £10.00, £8.00 concessions. Optional Supper Ticket to join the choir for supper at the Sun after the concert £10.00. Tickets from Keith Fowler. Would you be able to host a member of the choir on the night of the 3rd March? If you can help, please ring Keith Fowler.
Saturday 24th March - Chipping Norton School Community Drama Project Group will be performing in Church at 7.30pm. Look out for further details.
Future Events Open Gardens; Sponsored Horse Ride; Pig Roast & Jazz at the Pear Tree;
Summer Ball Friday 6th July; Piano Recital by Mark Damish from the USA on 2nd Aug.
If you would like to help by holding a fund-raising event for the Tower Project please contact Keith Fowler, or Jo Bartlett.
Back To The Top
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
It is some time since a progress report appeared in the Newsletter and many people must be wondering what, if anything, is happening. The answer to that is in fact a great deal, though we have been delayed by the need to obtain planning permission. The project is alive and well and making good progress through the efforts of volunteers from each of the sports sections.
We have secured outline planning permission for the new clubhouse and also planning permission for the change of use for the additional land, immediately to the north of the existing site.
SportEngland (the Lottery Fund provider) has been consulted and has given, in principle, support for the scheme although this is not yet a guarantee of grant aid.
Cherwell District Council has provided a grant of £3700 to help in developing the project plans and designs for the new clubhouse.
The Committee has re-evaluated the project and has come to the conclusion that the best way forward is to go ahead in stages. The first stage will comprise the construction of the new changing and shower facilities, a multi-use hard surface games area, an additional tennis court, refurbishment of the existing courts, a new full sized football pitch and improved cricket facilities.
During the course of the next few months, our fund-raising strategy will be implemented in full in order to secure sufficient funding of our own to “match” the funding for which we shall apply to SportEngland, the application for which will be submitted at the beginning of May.
Much of our own funding will come from various official bodies and organisations but we shall still need to raise a significant amount locally. We hope very much that readers of this Newsletter will feel able to contribute through the schemes, details of which will be published shortly.
The Project is for the benefit of the whole community and its successful completion will provided excellent facilities for all for many years to come.
Anyone wanting more information should contact Mike Barlow or Chris Rothwell.
Forthcoming events at the Sports and Social Club
Please make a note in your diaries of the following:
10th February - A jumble sale is being held to raise funds for the proposed improvements to the Sports and Social Club at 10.30 am. Everyone welcome.
24th February - The Blue Meanies are returning to the club and a great night is assured with this very popular group. The last event was a sell out and demand for tickets is certain to be high again. Please contact Sheena Maule or the Sports and Social Club for tickets. Members and Guests only.
25th February - A quiz night to raise funds for the St Peter's Church improvements. Please contact Becky Hughes or Jan Hughes for more details.
10th March - An Irish Night is being held to raise funds for the proposed improvements to the Sports and Social Club facilities. Contact Sheena Maule or the Sports and Social Club for ticket details.
HOOK NORTON BOYS' FOOTBALL
The Hook Norton Boys football teams have resumed fixtures following the two week Christmas break. They are keen to make up ground in their respective leagues following the loss of many fixtures to the atrocious weather in October and November. Hopefully they will complete their fixtures before the cricket season starts!
At the break the teams were experiencing different fortunes. They are all continuing to enjoy their football which is what boys' football is all about.
There are two Under 9s teams, competing in the Witney and District Boys Football Leagues A and B. The boys currently top the A league having lost just one game this season. The Under 9 Pumas team are steadily improving as the season progresses. The Under 10 team were third in their league at the break and well placed to move up into the second spot having lost three games out of eleven. The Under 11 team are finding it hard going this time but do have a number of games in hand on the three teams immediately above them and are hopeful of progressing up the league as the games get under way again. The Under 13 team, following promotion are in the A league this season and are improving after a difficult start. They are just below half way in the league and have progressed to the second round of the league cup, the final of which they reached last year. Again due to fixture cancellations they have a number of games in hand on the teams immediately above them and they are planning to make up ground on those teams over the coming weeks. The Under 14 team are also in a mid-table position having won four and lost four of their matches and hoping to make up ground on the teams immediately above them in the league. In addition to the above the younger age groups continue to thrive, training on Saturday mornings at the Sports and Social Club field.
The boys, officials and parents offering their support at weekends are a great advert for the village and continue to enhance the excellent reputation of the Hook Norton Football Club.
MEN'S FOOTBALL
The team had a mixed start to the season losing two of their first five fixtures in the league. Bearing in mind we only lost two league fixtures all last season this was disappointing. However since Dave Risato and Dickie Knight have joined forces to run the side, things have improved and we are undefeated in the last nine games.
We have got through to the 4th round of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup - the furthest the club has ever been. In the next round we play Quarry Nomads from Oxford at The Bourne on February 24th, kick off 2pm.
The Reserves have also had a mixed season, starting very well but falling away a little owing to the fact that two or three players have been promoted to the first eleven. However Dave Deller is doing a fantastic job in bringing on the youngsters and I'm sure things will continue to improve.
The club has applied for membership of the Hellenic League next season and is due to have it's ground and changing facilities inspected soon. If the application is successful it would mean a marked improvement in the quality of opposition visiting Hook Norton.
Paul Souch recently resigned as first team manager owing to business commitments. The Committee and players would like to thank him for all the tremendous work he did with the team. Last seasons successes (Premier Division Champions of the Oxon Senior league and Oxon Charity Cup winners) was largely due to Paul's efforts.
Dave Macfarlane Secretary
HOOK NORTON CRICKET CLUB
A happy New Year to you from Hook Norton Cricket Club. It may be the depths of winter but we have already noticed that the days are getting longer in the cricket club! Having had a most enjoyable and successful season last year we are looking forward to the coming season. We have kept our run of good form going in the Banbury indoor cricket league over the recent weeks. With new players already putting their names down for the coming year things are looking good for this year. We have got cricket for everyone: Saturday competitive cricket, Junior cricket for 5-7s, 8-10s, and 11-14s, Sunday friendly games, and a Midweek evening league where players throughout the club play together. If you fancy a game and you have just moved to the area, you are just starting, or you have had a break from the game over the last few years, come and join us, we're sure you can find the cricket that you want to play.
Indoor cricket nets start from 18th February on Sunday evenings for both 11-14 year olds and for the seniors. It's a good chance to come and meet all the players in the club so we hope to see you there. The nets run until Easter after which we will have outdoor sessions. We hope to hear from you before the start of the season. Please contact Tim Lunel or Colin Scarrett.
HARRIERS
We had a very snowy cross country on New Year's Eve at Drayton School, Banbury. Although numbers were down we still had some good races including that of young Sarah who is still doing very well. Sunday 14th January saw the first local event at Stratford-upon-Avon. It was nine miles and there was a good turn out from the club for this undulating course.
If anyone would like to join us, you would find that running is a good way to lose weight! We meet at the Sports and Social Club on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.
HOOK NORTON BADMINTON CLUB
The Badminton Club meets in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday evenings from 8pm until 9.30pm and on Thursday mornings 10am until 12 noon. We play for fun and exercise. There is no membership or joining fee. The cost is £1.50 per session which includes coffee.
Please phone Vicky Shillam for more information or come along to the Memorial Hall to one of the sessions.
Vicky Shillam (Secretary)
Back To The Top
HOOK NORTON PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
The Annual General Meeting of the Hook Norton Pre-school Playgroup took place on 8th January 2001. It was a time to review the previous year from a management and financial perspective and to elect a new committee.
Fran Machin (the outgoing Chairperson) and the Treasurer's report outlined the year including an excellent Ofsted Report, further investment in technology, changes in staff personnel and fund raising activities. One of the key things to hit me, as a new Mum to the playgroup, was the extent of support the playgroup receives from people who do not have children at the playgroup but have given donations, time and effort. This really has made a huge impact and is greatly appreciated.
The newly elected committee is as follows:
Chairperson - Cathryn Aitken. Secretary - Ady Nash.
New Members - Sarah Childs-Carlisle, Tracy Hemmings.
Continuing Members - Julie Riley, Fran Machin, Mandy Watkins.
The position of Treasurer was not filled but Jenny Scrivener, the current Treasurer agreed to be Acting Treasurer until a replacement could be found. This offer was gratefully accepted but it obviously can and should only be a temporary measure. We are therefore keen for someone to volunteer for this position. The key involvement is the administration of accounts, invoices and receipts, salaries, social service grants and being an active member of the committee itself. If you think you can help in this respect or would like to know more about the position, then please call either Jenny Scrivener or myself.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank publicly the outgoing committee for the incredible amount of time and effort they have given the playgroup this year. Their commitment and that of the staff has ensured that the playgroup continues to thrive and develop. It is the commitment of the new committee to assist the staff and parents to build further on this. I look forward to a busy and challenging year ahead. Cathryn Aitken - Chairperson
OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB FOR HOOK NORTON
Thank you to all the parents/carers who completed questionnaires during December. The response has been very encouraging with 44 questionnaires returned. Fifteen parents/carers said they would definitely use an out of school club in the village from September 2001 and twenty two said maybe. This would involve a total of 59 children. At a meeting on 10 January to look at setting up the club it was decided to make an application to the New Opportunities Fund for both an after school and holiday club. If the application is successful we are hoping to start in September. We are currently putting a bid together and looking to secure premises. If you would like more information or you can help in any way please contact either Lynda Chalcraft or Vicky Sargent.
HOOK NORTON CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Once again a great time was had by all back in December. Thanks to everyone for their support and to the children for their excellent behaviour. We would also like to thank the Gilchrist family for their kind donation, it was very much appreciated. This year we have decided to make it a “fund-raising year” for this long running Annual event and below are details of forthcoming “party nights” to help us achieve this.
The fun kicks off on Thursday 29th March with our Easter Extravaganza for all Primary School aged children (pre-school children are welcome with parents in attendance). As usual the night will be split into the following:-
Party 1. Key stage one children or below 5 - 6.30pm £1 per child
Party 2. Key stage two children 7 - 8.30pm £1 per child
(Both in the Memorial Hall - pay on the door!)
Entry price includes drinks and snacks as well as a disco and a raffle ticket for entry into our draw for Easter goodies.
Later in the year there will be:-
1. Summer Talent Night on June 28th. (Lots of great prizes so get practising).
2. Face Painting on July 9th at the Rural Fayre (in the children's play area).
3. An Autumn Fun Night on October 18th. (More details in future Newsletters).
We hope to raise the monies for this years party. Yes, planning is already underway for Saturday 1st December 2001. There will be a Fancy Dress, Punch and Judy for younger guests and the older ones can enjoy a Groovy Chick, Cool Dude disco party. It all seems a long way off but there are only 303 days to go so start the count down!
Until next time 'Happy New Year' to you all.
Collette and Kerrie.
JOINING UP, JOINING IN
A grant scheme launched by Save The Children & funded by Oxfordshire. Grants of £500 are available to groups of young people who are interested in setting up creative and innovative projects which enable them to have their say about decisions and policies in Oxfordshire which affect them. Projects would be designed and run by young people with the help of, for example, their youth group, youth centre, school or project. Phone Lucy Sweetman at Save the Children 01865 792662 or e-mail Sweetmanlscfuk.org.uk
HOOK NORTON SCHOOL MUSIC MAKERS
Well done to the newly formed School Orchestra. We have been going for a term now. On Friday 15th December we performed at our first public concert in aid of the Meningitis Trust at St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton, helping to raise £600.00. We played Jingle Bells and We wish you a Merry Christmas!! We were really pleased with your performance and the way you played at the Children's Carol Service and the School Christmas Service in Church, WELL DONE. We look forward to this term making music together with you!!
Emma & Jo
THE MUSICKE COMPANYE
On Friday 23rd March The Musicke Companye will return to St Peter's Church, Hook Norton with a thrilling programme of music for Lent. Recently described as 'one of the most gifted and more musically intelligent of the early music groups currently before the public' (Musical Opinion) The Musicke Companye appear regularly at London's Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room (South Bank) and in 2000 has given performances in Norway, Sweden, France and Croatia, as well as numerous concerts througout the UK .
The programme will contain two stunning but rarely heard motets by Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti, virtuoso instrumental concertos by Vivaldi and J S Bach and conclude with Pergolesi's sublime 'Stabat Mater'. Soloists Philippa Hyde, soprano, Paul Esswood (counter-tenor), Jennifer Janse, (cello) and Wigginton resident Helen Rogers (harpsichord and chamber organ) will be joined by Adrian Butterfield and Henrietta Wayne (violins), Rachel Stott (viola) and Lynda Sayce (theorbo).
Tickets cost £7.50 (concessions £6) and are available in advance or on the door.
HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
The run up to Christmas was a busy time for the band, commencing on November 26th with the 'switch on' of the Festive Lights in Banbury. The band led carol singers at the Cross first of all and then joined the procession down the High Street and into the Market Place, where various entertainers were performing. The band played a spot and then dispersed, to wander around the stalls that displayed Festive Fayre. Minutes after the switch on of the lights that adorned the town centre the band played again before the crowds disappeared.
The Festival of Christmas Music on December 2nd was one of the most ambitious undertakings of the year for the band. Joined by the Windmill Singers from Southam, with whom we had performed earlier in the year, the concert consisted entirely of Christmas music. Despite many other events taking place on that same evening our concert commanded a good audience, with a wealth of choices being performed, some old favourites and some lesser known pieces. The evening was a great success.
The carolling effort began on Saturday 9th December playing outside Tesco's from mid morning to mid afternoon, with a cold wind blowing. The warmth and generosity of the shoppers who stopped to listen ensured that we stuck it out despite the cold!
Sunday 10th December saw us in the warmth and splendour of St Mary's Church, Banbury for the Royal British Legion Carol Service. In the presence of the town's dignitaries and a large congregation the age-old readings and carols once again celebrated the wonder of the first Christmas. The band's final rendering of the “The Hallelujah Chorus” together with the Windmill Singers was a triumphant ending to the afternoon.
Amidst this busy period, members took time out to socialise and on Saturday evening 16th December, a group with their families gathered in Woodgreen Leisure Centre to play bowls and badminton, after a buffet. Harry Lord, an accomplished player, demonstrated his bowling skills to become overall winner, along with Richard Thompson who had partnered him for the evening.
The following Sunday morning a good number of band members clambered onto the open-sided lorry provided by the Brewery to play carols around Hook Norton. There was much laughter and lightheartedness during the bumpy ride and villagers waved and called out from doors and windows and it was good to visit our many friends with our musical message of Christmas.
The Castle Quay shopping centre was the venue for our final engagement of the year on December 23rd. The beautiful Christmas decorations and the superb acoustics combined to make this last concert a real cracker! In full uniform and seated beneath the BHS cafeteria, the band played a full and varied programme under the experienced baton of Bandmaster Ron Glynn. It was a pleasure to play in such genial surroundings and rewarding to see the obvious joy and goodwill in return.
We began the New Year playing at a Songs of Praise service at Marlborough Road Methodist Church on 21st January. Rehearsals will then begin in earnest for the Oxfordshire Brass Band Association Winter Contest which takes place at the end of February.
Jenny Glynn
Back To The Top
TRANSPORT
Additional funding for rural bus services
The Parish Council has been asked by the County Council for suggestions for new bus services or improvements to existing services which could be paid for from an additional Government grant available from April 2001. The PC has suggested that the existing service between Chipping Norton and Banbury could be improved: (1) by adjusting the timetable so that buses arriving in Chipping Norton connect with the hourly service to Oxford instead of missing it by 5 minutes; (2) by routing at least some of the services via the Horton Hospital; (3) by making the basic service hourly instead of two-hourly; (4) in particular by filling the gap between the 7.48 and 10.23 buses to Banbury; (5) by providing a service to Chipping Norton earlier than the present 9.42; and (6) by having some services omitting the detours via Wigginton and South Newington and/or via Browning Road in Banbury so as to reduce the journey time.
All proposals will be considered by the County Council Public Transport Sub-Committee on 15 February. There is no guarantee that any of our suggestions will be adopted, and any changes that are made will be monitored.
Review of financially-supported bus services
As mentioned in the October Newsletter, the County Council is reviewing the bus services in the Banbury area for which it gives financial support to the operators. The review includes school bus services, and the Parish Council has been asked for its views on the possibility of carrying members of the public on school bus services, or possibly vice versa, as well as for comments on the importance of the present subsidised services, which are the 7.23 to Banbury on Mondays-Fridays and the 7.48 on Saturdays only (not as stated in October).
The consultation is about Banbury area services only, and we are not asked to discuss on this occasion the school bus to Chipping Norton. This will be considered in a later review of West Oxfordshire services. The only school bus from here to Banbury is a 7-seater minibus, and there seems to be no point in making this available to the public. There is a suggestion in the consultation papers that schoolchildren heading towards Banbury might be taken on a service bus, if the 7.23 ran 30-45 minutes later to arrive in Banbury around 8.30. I find this confusing, as the 7.48 bus already arrives in Banbury at 8.25. I assume that those who use the 7.23 do so because they need to reach Banbury earlier than 8.25. I would like to hear from people who use the 7.23 to confirm that it is needed to run at or about that time.
The County want a response by 26 February. The Parish Council will need to discuss this at its meeting on 8 February. If you have any comments, or would like to discuss the proposals with me, please contact me by 5 February if possible, though it may be possible to add later comments.
Stagecoach Explorer tickets
All over 60s can buy an Explorer ticket on our Stagecoach buses after 8.30, which gives unlimited travel that day on Stagecoach (to Oxford, for example) for just £3. This is actually cheaper than the normal return fare to either Chipping Norton or Banbury (though not if you have a Senior Travel Card). Proof of identity is not required. More details in next issue.
Shoppers' bus
The Parish Council's 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 1 and 15 February; 1, 15 and 29 March, and 12 April.. Anyone can use the bus, but must put their name on the list in the Post Office first. It's the cheapest way to go shopping in Banbury - just £1 return.
Peter Fry, Parish Transport Representative.
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK Mid-Nov to Mid-Jan
The early winter period will be remembered for the rainfall and images of flooding around the country. It was also mild and a few insects were on the wing in November including a wasp (19/11) and a mottled umber moth (26/11). The latter was a male attracted to the light at our kitchen window and can be found throughout Oct to Dec. The females are wingless and presumably will be found on the larval plants: oak, birch, hawthorn and other deciduous trees and shrubs.
Some species of tree and shrub held good berry crops but these can quickly be removed by flocks of hungry birds. Typical was a flock of redwings, winter visitors from Iceland and Scandinavia, which stripped a holly of its berries in Jan Hughes' garden. The village regularly attracts wintering blackcaps from the Baltic and Tim Burchell reported a male in his garden on 1 Jan. Blackcaps are largely fruit eaters in the winter and have been seen to eat the fruits of 23 native trees and a range of introduced plants. In winter they favour the fruits of holly, ivy, spindle and privet swallowing berries up to 7mm in diameter.
A few years ago a small party of waxwings visited the village feeding on rose-hips and other fruits in at least three gardens. This isn't a classic waxwing year but there are scattered parties across the country and we may get lucky again. I've not heard much from village gardens this winter although a few groups of long-tailed tits are around such as seven in the Barry's garden in East End. Birds around the village in January include a few common buzzards, tawny owls and the occasional snipe. Reports of wildlife sightings always welcome.
Steve Holliday
HOOKY PLAYERS
The group met on the 18th January for its first play reading. Six women and two men were cast for the chosen play Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon. Weekly rehearsals will take place from now onwards.
There will be a Saturday matinee followed by an evening performance on a future date, likely to be in May. So that as many members as possible have the opportunity of performing, certain understudies will take major parts in the matinee performance.
A fund-raising committee is yet to be formed.
The Group welcomes new members. Contact Brian Rider.
Back To The Top
FIREFIGHTING
During the year 2000 our firefighters responded to a total of 191 requests for help.
The two month period to 19th January was a comparatively quiet time when firefighters answered fourteen 'shouts' compared with thirty four in the previous two month period. Nevertheless one of these came during a party at which many of the firefighters were present.
There were six standby calls and one alarm, one malicious fire in a hayrick and three chimney fires where one threatened a thatched roof. Another instance of malicious intent was at one of the two house fires where Titan the Fire Dog was sent in to sniff. A road traffic accident saw one person freed from a vehicle and transported to hospital by helicopter.
An event to brighten the lives of the firefighters was the arrival of a new fire engine on Jan 10 2001.
RAINFALL FIGURES FOR THE END OF 2000
As predicted the year 2000 was one for very heavy rainfall. November let us off relatively lightly with 4.51 ins (114.56mm) but December came third below only April and September with 6.06 ins.(153.92mm). And the year's total was the highest for (at least) ten years with a massive 39.28 ins.(997.71mm) The average annual rainfall during that time has been a mere 30.14 ins.(765.56mm) Shall such a wet year be followed by a “globally-warmed” drought? I wonder.
CB
WI
Here we are in 2001 with plenty to report from a flourishing village WI. The mini-show in November was very well supported with a wide variety of entries demonstrating WI skills - Brenda Power of Sibford WI had the daunting task of judging the entries which she said was made difficult with such high standards in each class. The Cup was won jointly by Mary Williams and Susan Barratt, joint second were Pat Fletcher and Sheila Lilley and third was Lee Morgan. Alrys Morris came first in the 'Best Bloom' competition having gained most points over the whole year.
Once again, before Christmas, members, husbands and friends enjoyed an excellent Christmas lunch at The Gate Hangs High and heartfelt thanks are given to hosts Stuart, Joyce and Susannah Rust for making it such a happy event. There is news that Father Christmas will be at the next Christmas lunch - we can't wait!
At the meeting on January 16th, most people turned up happily clutching their family heirlooms and bygones to be dated and valued by antiques expert Brian Higgs who was travelling from his home in Cumbria. He telephoned during the morning from hospital to say that he'd had an accident and regretted that his 'antiques roadshow' would have to be cancelled. A get well message has been dispatched to him and we hope that he may be able to come later in the year. However, our grateful thanks were given to author and traveller Brian Rider who saved the day by showing one of his travel films, this one of Malaysia and Singapore. The large audience of members and guests were delighted to welcome a 'substitute Brian' and enjoyed a very happy and interesting afternoon.
Gwen Whitehead gave an interesting report on the Intermediate meeting in Chipping Norton recently at which this year's Resolutions were discussed. The Flower Making Workshop tutored by Pat Fletcher in November was such a success that another one - this time on embroidery, is being arranged by Susan Barratt in the Spring.
Names were taken for a visit to the WI's own college - Denman - on April 23rd for a Day Visit, including lunch and a tour of the college and grounds. Later in the year, in July, the Music and Firework Extravaganza at Broughton Castle was advertised.
The Meeting on February 20th in the Baptist Hall at 2pm will welcome speaker David Eddershaw who will give a talk about 'Flora Thompson's Oxfordshire'. The AGM is on March 20th. As usual new members and guests are welcomed to the WI meetings on the third Tuesday of each month in the Baptist Hall at 2pm. Watch out for posters!
Marion Roberts.
BAPTIST CHURCH
I wonder whether you have been looking round the sales. Admittedly bargain hunting doesn't have the same appeal as it used to because there seem to be sales or special offers at every turn and you can pick and choose from a much wider variety than ever before. When I lived in London folk slept on the streets outside all the big shops so they were first through the doors on sale day. Now you can shop on the Internet and your feet don't even have to touch the pavement. But we still like a bargain, we still like to think that we are getting something, if not for nothing, then certainly a lot cheaper than its list price.
One thing that is always free for us and a definite bargain is Jesus. As we move through the new calendar towards Lent and Easter we look again at the suffering and sacrifice God allowed his son to go through on our behalf. He gave us the opportunity to live as his children when he took all our sins and nailed them to the Cross. That's the bargain, you turn away from the world and back towards the Cross, asking forgiveness and looking to start afresh with Jesus in your life. If you're looking for the catch, the small print that trips you up - well there isn't one. No strings attached! Well maybe just the one that binds us to our Father in heaven and won't let us go, because he loves us so much!
If you are planning your holidays, here are some dates for your diary:
Holiday Club will be August 6 - 10; don't let your children miss out or you'll never hear the end of it!
Saturday Specials 3 February - 10 to 11.30am. 3 March - 10 to 11.30am.
In March we are looking forward to sharing the Lent Series with our friends from St Peter's which will again be held at the school on Wednesdays - 7 March, 14 March, 21 March, 28 March. All these meetings are at 7.30pm for 8pm. We look forward to seeing you and if it's half as good as last year then we're in for a treat!
Julie Warren
Back To The Top
FILM SOCIETY
The Merchant-Ivory partnership takes us to India for the classic 'Shakespeare Wallah' India 1965 about an English acting company touring India at a time of transition. This is on February 17th.
On March 10th Jason Roberts Jnr is outstanding in Sam Peckinpah's underrated archetypal Western The Ballad of Cable Hogue.
Our silent movie Pandora's Box, Germany 1929, G W Pabst, will be shown on March 31st. It features Louise Brooks, the memorable pre-talkie beauty who failed to make the transition to sound.
BIKING ACROSS INDIA in aid of CLIC
Philippa Collins and Ricky Neal are planning a bike ride across India later on this year. The ride is in aid of CLIC, Cancer and Leukaemia in Children; they will help to raise awareness of this charity that does so much good work for children with Leukaemia and Cancer and help to raise money for the essential work that they do. They need to raise £4,000 before they go to pay for the trip and sponsorship for the ride. If you would like to help them on their way by giving a donation or your Company could help them with sponsorship, please contact Philippa or Jo Bartlett.
HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
First Aid Training
Volunteers with the appropriate training and qualifications will be supporting the Red Cross in providing first aid cover at this year's Rural Fayre. The Hook Norton Charitable Association may therefore be able to provide a contribution towards the training costs for a limited number of people willing to contribute to the support team at the Rural Fayre for 1-2 hours.
Places are available on first aid training courses run through Hook Norton Community Education Council. The courses, for up to 12 people, comprise eight hours of training which can be held as a single session at a weekend, or as a series of evening sessions.
For further information on the first aid courses available, please contact Sue Lee or Carole Hazelton at HNCEC.
Chairman: Simon Mead, Secretary: Andy Horn.
THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY
This society works with 22,000 of our country's most vulnerable children. Living in a village like Hook Norton where children are well cared for and happy we can easily become unaware of the needs of others.
The Children's Society is the only national charity working to get 15-16 year olds on remand out of prison. Through special support programmes they are helped to face the consequences of offending and to lead useful lives.
Each year more and more children are excluded from school. The children's Society runs projects which help children overcome disruptive behaviour.
Locally, you may be aware that the Neithrop area of Banbury has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Oxfordshire. The Children's Society runs a Family Centre there, offering valuable support to young parents and their children.
Many families in the village already support this work by having a house box which allows for regular giving. The donations are collected annually, usually in October. We would welcome new box holders to add to the annual village contribution. If you would like a box or can help in any way please contact us.
Diane Bowen Rita Wheatley (Hon Local Secretaries)
DISSENTING VOICE continued..........
It would seem that parishioners, i.e. us, have been admonished for not giving more money to the £140,000 Tower Project. A committed £5 per week would produce, we are told, £1000 in three years including the tax concession.
Already regular churchgoers have devoted much time and cash to devising entertainments to raise money for this project. Many villagers have attended them and been happily entertained and some of those people have not been interested in the actual projects - even against it.
Some are aware that to build a slope for the disabled, install a lavatory and buy a new tea urn would cost comparatively little. Some say the opportunity to have a Village Project has been lost. The church still has an interest in the Youth Club building, which is in a dilapidated state. All those energies could have been directed towards its becoming a Church Hall, for sales and social events, a Parochial Church Council Meeting Room, with computer and kitchen facilities, a centre for visiting musicians to relax in and drink tea and therefore and thereby, a viable Youth Club venue. A place everyone could use.
In this age of Internet and e-mail, we the people, the Church, the Parish Council et al are worse than ever at co-operation and communication.
We all leave everything until it's too late !!
Sheila Terry
Back To The Top
JOHN GILCHRIST
After a short illness John Gilchrist died peacefully at the Horton Hospital on the 9th December 2000.
Most local people will remember John for the quiet gentleman that he was, frequently seen walking in the Brewery Lane area with Violet, his wife and in earlier years accompanied by their dog Bramble.
Beneath this quiet appearance there was in John a strength of character and purpose which stood him in good stead through his Service in the 1939-45 War and his chosen career.
During the Second World War he was a commando with the 12th Battalion Cameronians - Scottish Rifles and No.9 Commando.
The last years of John's teaching career saw him as Senior Master and geography teacher at Sibford School where his reputation for fairness and kindliness was well known. There are many former pupils who remember him with great affection but can also recall the times when they came up against this strength of character.
John leaves behind his widow Violet and his daughters, Alexandra and Jill.
A BIG THANK YOU TO KIM WOODWARD
My family would like to say a big thank you to our Aunt Kim for all the hard works she's done by raising money for the British Heart Foundation and a new ECG machine for our new surgery.
In a year she's raised nearly £1,000. If Gramp was here he would have been very proud of you, Kim.
Best wishes Tina, Ken, Ryan and Lauren Boss
NIGEL SLADE
We are both very happy to report that Nigel has now recovered from his illness and is back at work full time. He was overwhelmed by all the cards, flowers, enquiries, visits and good wishes he received during his recovery and would like to thank everyone for helping him through the crisis. Thank you also for the numerous offers of help, lifts etc, and to the lads' friends who rallied round. A particular mention must go to Janet and John Watts, our neighbours, who very kindly looked after everything for us while Nigel was recovering.
Nigel and Pat Slade
KEITH WOOD
I would like to thank everyone who has offered sympathy and support following Keith's sudden death on Christmas Eve and also all who attended the funeral.
Knowing that Keith was held in high regard by so many people has been of considerable help to me. Pam Wood
OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY
Spring Term 2001 - Short Courses on Information Technology
Courses run on Saturdays and evenings through February and March varying from 6 - 12 hours (£60 - £150) and take place at Gypsy Lane, Headington.
| Introductory |
|
Advanced |
| Access |
Internet |
C |
| Building a Web Presence |
Basic IT skills |
Java |
| C |
Java |
|
| C++ |
Power Point Presentations |
|
| Desktop Publishing |
Visual Basic |
|
| Excel |
Word |
|
Contact Lindsay Wells on 01865 484749 or e-mail lwells@brookes.ac.uk
For more advanced courses including QuarkXPress, Scanning and Photoshop and copyright contact Maureen Jones 01865 484870, fax 01865 484884 or e-mail mljones@brookes.ac.uk
SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE
- LOST
large tortoiseshell cat, missing over two weeks. Bob Atkinson
- Ashley Laurie son of Andrew and Kim Laurie was baptised at St Peter's Church on January 7th
- Jade Clarke Laurie daughter of Andrew and Kim Laurie was baptised at St Peter's Church on January 7th 2001
- 2001Jessica Louise Darke daughter of Dominic and Sharon was baptised at St Peter's Church on November 26th 2000
- Do something amazing this year!!!
