The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
February 2004 Series 29 No 1

Village Affairs



NEWSLETTER TEAM


Directory: Diana Barber
Advertising: Judi Leader
Distribution: Bunty Reid
Postal Services: Mrs M Padbury
Proof reading: Nigel Lehmann
IT/Web Support: Martin Baxter
Treasurer: John Stratford


FROM THE EDITORS
First things first – HAPPY NEW YEAR. As it's a new year, we've experimented with slightly new look to the newsletter and it has also been a record contribution month, hence the 52 pages this time.
£37.40 was donated to the Newsletter this month – thank you! We'd also like to thank the Local History Group Archives for the photograph of a wintery East End on the cover this month. If the weather forecasts are right, by the time you read this, the village may look like this again!

Sadly, we record the deaths of Terry Perrett, Leonard Tobin, Peter Wise and Joyce Woodward and on behalf of the village send our condolences to their families and friends.


Andy Horne Helen Foster
hookynews@totalise.co.uk helen@monivea.freeserve.co.uk

The views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team.

RATES – CHEQUES PAYABLE TO 'HOOK NORTON NEWSLETTER'
Text & advertising copy deadline MONDAY, 15th MARCH 2004
Text for Village activities Free (a small donation is welcome)
Inserts for Village Activities On request from Judi Leader
Commercial Advertising £22 per page & pro rata per issue
Commercial Inserts £20 per issue
Donations can be put in the Newsletter Box in the Post Office or posted to; Newsletter, c/o Hook Norton Post Office, Chapel Street, Hook Norton, Oxon.


ST PETER'S JANUARY SALE
I would like to thank everyone who helped with the January Sale at St. Peter's on 17th January. We raised the magnificent sum of £730.14. A fabulous effort – well done to everyone!
Clare Curtis


DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
Thank you to Diana Barber for organising the Directory of Services again this year. The Directory, which is delivered with the February edition of the Newsletter, provides a guide to the services and businesses available in & around Hook Norton. Make sure you have your invaluable copy.



AVOID DATE CLASHES
You know how annoying it is when you have worked hard to set up a meeting/event only to discover it clashes with something else in the village and people can't make it.
Check out the Hook Norton Diary first.
Either in the library, P.O. or on the web at
www.news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk/calendarRolling.htm


CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE AT THE OLD POST OFFICE 2003
We would like to thank everybody for their help and support in making our Christmas Craft Fayre another success, raising funds for The Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury, and of course as a tribute to our Mum - Ann.
Click for a large version!
You all helped us raise a grand total of £1,190. We would like to say a BIG 'THANK YOU' to all for your generous support .even when the weather was against us and the rain never stopped pouring. The donations for the raffle were fantastic and we would like to thank all the people who gave so generously. It was lovely to see so many old friends again and great to meet new ones who support the hospice. The hospice provides an invaluable service to our local community and needs all the support we can give it. You were all very welcome and because we had such a good time we have decided to do It all again this year! (I must remember to let Dad know!). Just a final note to let you all know, the snuggly teddy bear from Santa's Hat Competition was won by a lady who lives in Wales and I have been told he has settled into his new home well. Thank you all so very, very much. We couldn't do it without you. See you next year! Best Wishes & Happy New Year.
The Heath Family


WI
Christmas festivities were enjoyed at the Red Lion, Little Compton on 10th December. Thanks as usual to Sarah and David Smith. Also, their staff for a splendid Christmas lunch which along with a jolly tea party in the Baptist Hall on the 16th December were a memorable end to 2003.
The first meeting of the New Year on 20th January included a talk on the work of the Ryder Cheshire volunteers. On 17th February, Mr. I Hallam will give a talk entitled 'Before the age of Plastic'. The competition will be for a homemade Valentine Card.
The WI AGM will be held on 16th March and members should now be rehearsing for a 'Members Musical Medley', for light relief at the meeting – which may or may not encourage names to be put forward for a new committee. There will also be a photograph competition where the theme will be 'Member when Young'. The programme of speakers and outings for the rest of 2004 is nearing completion and we all look forward to an interesting and Happy New Year. Meetings, as usual, are at 2pm in the Baptist Hall on the third Tuesday of the month. New members and guests welcome. Look out for posters.
Marion Roberts/Beryl White


WELCOME CLUB
The Welcome Club members enjoyed a Christmas Lunch. Thanks to the Hook Norton Charitable Association.
The AGM will be held on 13th February and new members would be very welcome.
If you would like to enjoy a social afternoon from 2-4pm every 2nd Friday, come along to the Sports & Social Club. The dates are 13th & 27th February, 12th & 26th March, 9th & 23rd April, 7th & 21st May and so on.
D. Gabriel


FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL
Christmas was certainly a time to celebrate at our school thanks to the enormous effort that volunteers and visitors put in to make the Hook Norton School Christmas Fair a roaring success. Thanks to Santa for visiting, to all those who worked in advance with the children on Saturdays, making crafts and decorations for sale, to the orchestra for their festive music, to everyone who donated cakes, drinks and other gifts to the Tombola and for the raffle – and to the staff who came in on their “day off”. Thanks also to the hundreds of people who came on a rainy day to give us their support. The result was a record-breaking fundraising sum of more than £1500. That will make a big difference. Thank you.
We are also delighted that the event encouraged so many people to become involved with the Friends of Hook Norton School and hope that in 2004 they will continue to offer their services. First event to take place is on Saturday 28th February when we will hold our annual Quiz Night at the school. Beginning at 7.45pm for an 8pm prompt start, the evening's brain benders will be set by last year's winners, the Hopes, Wrights and Watsons. Tickets are available from the school office. Teams of no more than six. Please bring your own drink. Nibbles will be provided. It's a great evening even if you're not Brain of Britain.
We will be bringing you further events and opportunities to support the school as the term goes on, but remember that if you ever wish to donate even a small sum, be sure to drop by the school office and fill in a Gift Aid form, which ensures that the school can also reclaim tax on your donation. Wishing you and the school a Happy New Year.
Sue Wood, FOHNS chair  woodees@btopenworld.com


HOOK NORTON C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

Due to the impending resignation of their existing caretaker the school is seeking to employ an enthusiastic CARETAKER to head up their cleaning/caretaking team and maintain the standard that has already been achieved.

The post is for 25 hours per week am and pm, wages range from £6.59 - £6.91 per hour. Other benefits include 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, generous sick scheme, and company pension scheme.

Application forms can be obtained from the school or by ringing 01865 336391 and must be returned by mid-day on Wednesday 11th February 2004. Interviews will take place on Friday 13th February 2004.


HOOK NORTON LITERATURE GROUP

The new term starts on 28th January - every Wednesday to 31st March (half term 25th February).
Meets at 10.15am to 12.15 at The Sun.
First book is William Golding's "Pincher Martin"
Anyone interested please contact John Wheatley.


AIR TRAINING CORPS
The Air Training Corps, affectionately known as the ATC. Who are they? What are they? This is an organisation for young people both male and female from 13 to18 years of age and is supported by the RAF.
The aims of the ATC are.
  1. To promote and encourage among young people, an interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
  2. To provide training which will be useful both in the services and in civilian life.
  3. To foster the spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
  4. than 50% of RAF personnel originate from the ATC and many of the people who maintain the squadrons such as 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron are either ex RAF or come from the other Armed Services. In addition to these there are civilians vetted by the RAF who instruct the cadets.
Currently there are about a dozen cadets from Hook Norton and a similar number from the Moreton in Marsh area who travel here twice a week. They meet at the Squadron on the Burford Road, Chipping Norton Tues & Thurs 7.00-9.30 pm.
Activities are not confined to the Squadron buildings. Throughout the year, the cadets go on exercises, not just locally, but to military bases such as Bramley, outward-bound courses in the Lake District, gliding from Abingdon and flying from RAF Benson. The cadets have the opportunity to take the controls of the new Tutor aircraft and do aerobatics. There are flying and gliding scholarships, BTEC awards in aviation studies plus much more.
Uniforms are provided along with clothing for exercises, though the cadets keep them clean and tidy. Some cadets prefer to buy their own equipment for when they go away on weekend exercises.
There are now around 60 cadets including probationers in 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron and you can join for around £1 per week. Interested? Call 01608 646599 or just come along on Tuesdays.
Glyn Watkins


1ST HOOK NORTON GUIDES

We had an eventful term, before Christmas, doing lots of craft activities and working on different badges. We also had a Ready Steady Cook evening which was organised by Lucy Curtis and Corrie Ricardo. At the last meeting of the term, Francesca Reynolds and Jessica Looke were presented with their Baden-Powell Challenge badges and then it was time to wave them off, together with Sarah Chadwick, Vicky Hills, Jenny Thompson and Katie Wood. Some of these girls had been in guides for over 4 years, so it will be rather strange without them. We wish them well with whatever they are planning to do. Some, I know, are definitely looking forward to going up to Rangers in the New Year.
Julie Wood (Guide Guider)

Click thumbnails for large versions!
Youth Hostelling at Badby – 12th – 14th December
'On Friday, we arrived at Badby Youth Hostel. It is an old narrow building, with nice bedrooms and a cosy lounge. It is the only Youth Hostel with a thatched roof in the UK! After unpacking my things, I ate a lovely bowl of soup, followed by a quiet evening. Before bed, Sam gave a talk to us on German Christmas - she got us to taste stollen bread and German biscuits and chocolate - they were delicious.
The next day however, was packed with exciting activities. We had a craft morning, in which we made table decorations, badges, painted mugs and much more! In the afternoon, we went on a walk to some ruins. We passed the church, through a wood and through sheep fields. When we arrived at our destination, we played frisbee games. I sadly had to leave early, but there was still Christmas dinner to look forward to! I had a great weekend.' Lucy Holliday - Aged 11

'On the 12th-14th December, the guides went Youth Hostelling. We arrived at Badby, at 7pm. We looked around and went to our rooms. I shared a room with Sharn, Emma, Charlie, Megan and Amy. We had a snack before we went to bed and Sam told us all about the German Christmas.
The next day, we did lots of games and crafts. We went on a walk after lunch and did a quiz. That night, we had a Christmas dinner and crackers. It was great and everyone was enjoying themselves. It was our very last day and we did some games with chocolate calendars. We then had to pack and tidy the Youth Hostel. The older guides organised a guides own service before we left. Every one had a fab time. Kim Appleton - Aged 11

We had a great weekend. On the Saturday evening, we had a delicious Christmas dinner and on Sunday, we went home with lots of fun memories.
Sharn Reynolds - Aged 11

'As we had been to Yenworthy the week before, we both arrived at the Youth Hostel on the Saturday morning to join the other guides. When we arrived, everyone was making things like Christmas trees, magnets, baskets and painted mugs. We went for a walk after our lunch and solved lots of clues on the way. When we got back, we got ready for the Christmas party! In the evening, everybody ate a delicious meal and played games. Our favourite bit of the weekend was the Christmas party and the wonderful food by Marieanne! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and we are sure everyone else did too!'Amy Barnett-Hunt and Harriet Callery - Aged 10


ST. PETER'S CHURCH
Click thumbnails for large versions!
Looking back on the wonderful fellowship enjoyed by all who attended the many varied services at St. Peter's over Christmas, it's a great comfort to know that congregation numbers were up on the previous year for just about all the 'main events' of the season. With 500 attending the now infamous Carols by Candlelight service, Christmas morning itself also saw over 100 join in with Jesus' birthday celebration service at St. Peter's, an occasion all the more joyful for the sight of so many excited children clutching new gifts and the rather delicious birthday cake we all tucked into to keep us going before lunch! The special children's Christmas Carol service was a particular highlight. The 200+ congregation were spellbound by the Sunday Gang's ingenious Nativity performance – complete with the requisite 'donated' baby Jesus, audience participation, angels, shepherds and Sunday Gang waitresses distributing sherry, juice and snacks to us all throughout the service!
As the year moves on, it's time to look forward to forthcoming services and to take on new challenges. As touched on in the last Newsletter, this year's Lent appeal aims to raise £2,000, by Easter, for the African Send-A-Cow programme. Just £2,000 will buy a whole farmyard of livestock, bees and hives, fruit trees and training, which will go directly to 25 families in the poorest regions of Africa. The fund-raising involves the whole Benefice, including Rollright, Swerford and Wigginton and all local farmers are being contacted to see if they can help. £2,000 is so little to raise and will benefit so many. For further information, have a look on-line at www.sendacow.org.uk. Donations for the Benefice appeal can be made to either Keith Fowler or Simon Mead. On Saturday 28th February at 7.00 pm, there will be a special concert at St Peter's in aid of the appeal. Helen Rogers (harpsichord) and Gerard McDonald (flute, oboe and recorder), will play a programme of music by Bach, Mozart and Corelli, after which there will be a buffet supper. Tickets, £10 each to include supper, are available from Keith Fowler.
Other forthcoming diary dates include a visit to Holy Trinity church in Brompton for a service on February 29th. The party will leave by coach from St. Peter's at 4.30 pm, for a 7pm service. More details from Janet Collins . The Lent course this year will take place at 7.45 pm on March 3rd, 10th and 17th, at Hook Norton Primary School's study centre. Further details from John 'the Anglican' , or John 'the Baptist' .
Confirmation classes have been organised to begin after Ascension Day (20th May) and on Tuesday 29th June the Bishop of Dorchester will come to St. Peter's to carry out Confirmation. Please contact John Acreman for more information.
This year's Mothering Sunday service is on Sunday 21st March at 10 am and will be a special Baptism Welcome service for children baptised at St. Peter's over previous months and their mothers and families. Special Easter services include the Palm Sunday service, at 10 am on 4th April, the Good Friday 'hour at the cross' service (2 pm) on 9th April. Holy Communion will be on Easter Eve (Saturday 10th April) at 11.30 pm and on Easter Day at 10.00 am.
Finally, many thanks to all who donated so generously for the purchase of new Bibles for Hook Norton Primary School. Within weeks, £820 had been raised and the 60 new Bibles have already been presented to the School.
Sophia Fox sophiafox1@aol.com


BAPTIST CHURCH - NEW CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
The New Year begins for us with new challenges and fresh opportunities. The members of the church have considered it is time that we updated and improved the facilities in the Church Hall. So, after much planning and effort we are now looking forward to the start of work on a new purpose-built extension to our church hall, which is scheduled to begin on Monday 5th April 2004. The present flat roof facility will be demolished and be replaced by an extension that will give access for all and contain a new kitchen with direct servery into the Hall and new toilets on the ground floor, which will include baby changing and disabled access. The first floor area will have an extra meeting room, toilet and storage cupboard. Leaflets giving more details about the project are available from the church office or the village library.The building is scheduled to take 22 weeks and will hopefully be completed by early September. Temporary kitchen and toilet facilities will be provided in order to assist the continued use of the Hall during the duration of the building work. Arrangements have been made with the builders, Bluestone, to keep disruption and disturbance in the Netting Street area down to a minimum, but we will all need patience and understanding during this period. Look out for various fund raising events being organised that we hope will help us bridge the current £25,000 funding gap and also assist us in paying back the £35,000 loan. If you would like to contribute to this project or would like more information, please contact us at the church office, Netting Street or telephone 737315. All our activities will continue during the year:-Services, Sunday Groups, Saturday Specials, Youth Nights, Coffee Mornings, Parents & Tots, House groups etc. - come and join us, you will be most welcome.
Revd. John Paul Taylor


HOOK NORTON GARDEN CLUB - Clematis or Clematis?
However you pronounce it, why not come along to the Memorial Hall on Wednesday 18th February and learn all there is to know about these wonderful flowers. We are privileged to welcome a renowned expert, Mr Mike Brown from Shillingford, to demonstrate how to choose, grow, prune and propagate these plants. He has a collection of over 300 types and so it promises to be a very informative evening. We expect a big audience, so bring a friend and come early to the first meeting of 2004. Remember you don't have to be a member to partake.
Our main visit this year will be to the Three Counties Spring Show at Malvern on Sunday 9th May and for the first time, we are planning to visit Upton House on Wednesday 9th June for a visit followed by an evening meal. All of our events can be found in the pull out guide in the centre of the newsletter.
Subscriptions are now due and should be paid to the Treasurer at the first meeting. Anyone willing to join us on the committee would be very welcome. We are particularly looking for a new Secretary. Meanwhile - Happy Gardening.
Dave Coates


WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID NOVEMBER - MID JANUARY
On 17th November, a Buzzard was seen flying by the road out to Great Rollright and again in the same place a couple of weeks ago, close to a dead Pheasant in the road. It flew off with food in its talons as the car approached- I wonder if it was the same bird.
On 2nd December, in the same place as above, a Roe Deer was spotted running across the road and later on the way home, in exactly the same place 3 Roe Deer were seen. A Little Owl was seen on 3rd December.
A female Blackcap was in Tim Burchell's garden in Bourne Lane on 7th December.
Penny Smith of Park Road saw a Fieldfare on an orange cotoneaster on 18th December. Penny also had a Great Spotted Woodpecker in her garden and heard a Tawny Owl. A Fieldfare was in a garden in East End eating crab apples and Song Thrushes have been seen on most days in East End; a very pleasing sight. These birds and Robins can already be heard singing in the mornings.
On Christmas Day Nigel Lehmann had a flock of eight or nine Long-tailed Tits in his garden and he also saw another two on 29th December.
The Wood family, of Orchard Road, had two Goldfinches on their birdfeeder on 30th December and reported seeing a Fieldfare in their garden over Christmas.
Michael Terry of Down End phoned on 9th January to say that several times, he has seen Great Spotted Woodpeckers feeding with gusto on seeds and nuts; but had been chased off by Grey Squirrels. He had seen seven or eight Grey Squirrels in his garden early in the morning and commented that he has never before seen so many. Grey Squirrels have become so bold that I have heard of two attacking, a cat.
I am pleased to say that the Green Woodpecker is still coming to our garden to feed.
We've seen a Jay on several occasions, as well as Pied Wagtails, Long-tailed Tits; Goldfinches on the lavender seeds, a Mute Swan flying over on 1st December; a Heron on 17th December and a Cormorant on 30th December.
It is always interesting when the New Year arrives to see what birds one sees first. Ours was a Greenfinch, followed by Blue Tits, Great Tits, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Song Thrush, Starlings, Dunnocks, Rooks, Crows and Jackdaws. They have all been fun to watch and as someone said to me they are great "time wasters"! I could not agree more. Normally one cannot tell the Blackbirds apart so one is never sure if it is the same one in the garden, but we are very fortunate this year as we have one in our garden which has some white feathers and it is here a great deal of the day. Soon Blackbirds will be looking for places to build their first nests. Maybe one might be in your garden.
A Fox was seen in East End on 21st November and again on 9th January. Also, a Butterfly was seen as late as 18th November.
Soon our attentions will be turning to the spring migrants and I would be very pleased to hear when the first House Martins, Swallows and Swifts, Cuckoos and Butterflies arrive.
Thank you to those of you who have phoned or emailed me. It has been great hearing from you.
Geraldine Moore 730236 geraldine.moore1@btinternet.com


HUGO BROWN

Christmas was a 'special' time for Hugo Brown when he performed with the Royal Ballet Company in 'Cinderella' at The Royal Opera House. He loved every minute of it and has already been asked to audition again hopefully to appear in 'The Sleeping Beauty' in February and March. His favourite dancers were Wayne Sleep, Jonathan Cope and Tamara Rojo who were very kind to him throughout the rehearsals and performances.
Sarah Brown


BROADBAND IS COMING TO HOOK NORTON
Have you seen the TV ads for Broadband? You know; the ones that tell you how great it is to have high speed access to the internet so you can download films, TV and radio programmes and enjoy instant e-mailing and all the other benefits.
Have you tried to get it? Have you heard the guffaw when you ask them when you can get it?
Hell will freeze over sooner!

Hook Norton Community Network is doing it now!
The Community Network is providing a Broadband service that is faster than anything now available from any other source.

How does it work?
As your internet service provider (ISP), Hook Norton Community Network leases a direct connection to the Internet and you connect to that via a wireless “Mesh” network. All you need is a small transmitter/receiver connected to your computer and the software to drive the system.
We install them both for you!
For more information and to register your interest without obligation log on to:
www.hook-norton.net

Investment opportunity too!
The Network will be set up as a company financed by local people for the benefit of the whole community. The system is already commercially viable and is now open for people to join as users or investors.
If you would like to invest in Hook Norton Community Network, e-mail Jem Hayward on:
jem@briksdal.co.uk


HEALTH WALKS - in association with Hook Norton Surgery
First Steps walk
  		[one mile, all on the flat] continues each Thursday from the Surgery in Bourne Lane. Meet at 2.00 pm for 2 15pm start. Tea/coffee on return.
NEW Walk -
  		Each Tuesday, starting Tues.20th January. 3 miles, some hills, 40-60 minutes. Meet at the Surgery at 2.00pm for 2.15pm start. Tea/coffee on return.

Come and join us in the best exercise routine ever invented. Walking reduces blood pressure, Improves levels of cholesterol, tones up the muscles and strengthens bones. It can reduce the risk of anxiety and stress.
Come and join us.

Further details from the Surgery, 01608 737302 Or from Olwen Goodwin


HOOK NORTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
The December meeting was led by Tim Holloway from Holloways of Banbury. After explaining some of the intricacies of his work, he looked at the bits and pieces, jugs, coins, unbound books, tools and funny domestic aids we'd brought for him to comment upon.
Our first meeting of the New Year was on Victorian Schools. Dr. Malcolm Graham showed many interior and exterior photographs of the architecturally varied schools of Oxfordshire, most now non-existent. One photograph showed the first School Bus: a horse and cart! Dr. Graham, who heads the Centre for Oxfordshire Studies, disappointed some who had hoped for a meatier, more disputatious lecture. Indeed, in our own archives are some honest and enlightening old Hook Norton School log books. One is ominously entitled 'The Punishment Book' but I'm not going to tell tales out of school. You can come and have a look though. Our next meetings will be on 3rd February (The Regulated Pasture-A History of Common Land), 2nd March (Deborah Hayter - Place names, Landscapes & Settlement) and 6th April (Juliet Phipps – History of Buscot Park). Visits to the Ashmolean Museum and Tooley's Boatyard will take place in March followed by a visit to Buscot Park in April.
Sheila Terry


VILLAGE CHAPELS
Puzzles about Hook Norton's several past Methodist chapels - Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist - are investigated in the course of a survey of nineteenth century Methodist chapels in a booklet just published.
Village Chapels by Pauline Ashbridge (paperback, 93 pages, £6.99) also includes chapels, past and present, in local villages such as South Newington, Wigginton, Swerford, Sibford Gower, Ascott near Whichford, Adderbury and Enstone. (Copies from Kershaw Publishing, Squirrel Cottage, 2 Park Road, Hook Norton, OX15 5PX).



HOOK NORTON REMEMBERED
Hook Norton Secondary School was a great success and flourished under the direction of headmaster John Goddard. When he left to train as a vicar, he was suceeded by a young Devonian, Gerald Bright who returned to Devon to become head of one of the new Comprehensive Schools in the late 1950's. The County Authority decided not to appoint a new head immediately but to send in a Supply Head for a year. John Miller came and did a splendid job for his year with us. At the end of that year, a new Comprehensive School had been opened in the South Oxfordshire area and so some large village “all-age” schools had given up their seniors and had become small village Primary Schools. This caused the heads to be downgraded or appointed to other posts. One of these transferred to Hook Norton to become our new permanent head. We duly welcomed him and he was very pleasant and easy to work with. After a few months, however he began to make changes. He said these were necessary to improve efficiency and economy. Staff began to complain. I had been the Union representative since the school opened and so these complaints were brought to me and my job was to go to the head and sort them out. This usually worked very well and compromises made but after about two years, the problem of Staff Pay secrecy raised its head. The only person who knew how much each teacher received each month was Mrs Robinson, the school secretary. Each member of staff was allocated a small manila envelope with their name on it. On pay day, Mrs Robinson would put pay-slips in the relevant envelopes and put them in the staff pigeon-holes. This had worked well for about four years but the envelopes were now getting a bit tattered and needed replacing. This was agreed in a staff meeting but on the next pay day we were surprised to see the Head Girl walking round the school with the pay-slips and handing them to each teacher. By break-time, the air was blue and I was surrounded by complaining teachers.
I went to see the Head who said that he thought it was perfectly all right for the slips to be distributed by the Head Girl. Members of staff were furious. Later in the day, the Head accused me of being a Union trouble maker, said that I wasn't even a real teacher but a jumped-up carpenter and the sooner I left his school, the better it would be for everyone. I reported this incident to my Union but, unfortunately, the Head belonged to the same Union and he was just reprimanded.
I applied for a post in Easington Boys' School in Banbury and was appointed to start after Easter 1961. However, I received a letter from the Education Office in Oxford asking if I would stay on temporarily as no one had applied for the post I was leaving. I agreed to this and began teaching at Banbury in September 1961. I sold my house to Jim Pargeter and bought one in Bodicote to which we moved, with the help of Tom Golby, on February 2nd 1962.
Geoff Walton


A TRIBUTE TO A GOOD FRIEND.
Mr Terry Perrett was a well-known figure in Hook Norton. I knew Terry for about 25 years and have been a close friend for about 19 of those, when he and his wife Pam helped my wife and myself through the loss of our son. In all that time, I have never met anyone who had a bad word to say about him.
He dressed smartly, except when gardening, his vest and shirt hanging out was the norm but his stature and build always ensured his presence was noted, wherever he went.
When we were out and about we always met his old pupils from 15 to 40 years old. "He was one of mine," was his usual remark to me. To a man, everyone welcomed him with "Hello Mr Perrett, how are you?" This was regardless of how he had treated them.
Often Terry would say to me, "I used to knock seven bells out of him when he was in my class," but each one had such great respect for him. If we went to the breakers yard at Bloxham the young lads, ex pupils, would always run over and welcome him, then they would offer to find whatever he was looking for.
On one visit to the Warriner School, I had to walk through a group of rather scruffy pupils who were playing around. They refused to move even though it was obvious I was a visitor. One of the teachers walked past, whom I did recognise, not one of the pupils took any notice of his presence. About five minutes later, I came out with Terry. The change was unbelievable. Most of them tidied up their uniforms and stepped aside to allow us to pass easily such was the effect he had.
The reports I get from his old pupils about his end of term speeches being so full of humour and wit makes me very sad that I was never in a position to hear them.
I will certainly miss our trips to Alkerton tip with the trailer full of our rubbish. It was always a struggle for us to return with it empty. He hated throwing things away that might come in useful some time. He used to inspect my rubbish, but knowing that I would receive the wrath of Pam if I let him bring anything back, I tried my best to stop him. This was not always successful and we had to smuggle items into his garage, although this was unnecessary, as I know Pam had given up trying to change him.
Retiring early was one of the best things he did. He was much happier but it did have a slight downside. His habit of collecting things became an obsession. His collections ranged from cardboard milk cartons (yes milk CARTONS); clean new ones admittedly, through model trains and cars to stuffed dead animals. The highlight of his week was attending auctions to increase his collections.
When he first retired, Pam was still working and he told me that my going round for tea three times a week kept him sane as he missed the company of his work colleagues. He sometimes invited them to lunch, especially in the strawberry season when he would go up to Mr Woods' and pick baskets full.
All who knew him will miss his sense of humour. His close friends, to whom his whisky collection was legendary, will miss the tasting sessions. I know female friends and colleagues will miss his "Hello light of my life" when he met them. When buying anything, his expertise in getting a discount was amazing and I am sure that he negotiated with St Peter a discount for his entrance and board and lodging. He did have his faults, but his outgoing personality made sure you ignored them. People could not help liking him, I feel proud to have been his friend.