The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
June 2002 Series 27 No 3

Arts and Entertainment






Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales
Saturday 20th July 2002


featuring…
the full range of Hook Norton Ales
about sixty ales from around the country

Cider

Morris Men

Music all day

Food
Two Pig Roasts
BBQ
Fish n' Chips

All beers the same price £1.00 for half a pint
Free entry to festival, but you'll need to buy a
festival glass in half or pint sizes £2.00 and £3.00
Bar and ticket sales open at 12 noon
Bar closes at 10.00pm or when the beer runs out

Web site and email list www.hook-norton.org.uk/beerfest
Contact
Jem Hayward jem@briksdal.co.uk
Bob Murray bob.murray@paxar.co.uk
Denis Wynn denlaw@btinternet.com







HOOKY PLAYERS DRAMA GROUP
Present their summer production
FIND THE LADY
by
Michael Pertwee
a comedy thriller which should appeal to a wide adult audience
at
Hook Norton Memorial Hall
on
Thursday 13 th June
Friday 14 th June
Saturday 15 th June
All performances start at 7.30 pm
The Box Office opened 21 st May
Contact Sheila Rider at “Littlenook”, Chapel Street
Tickets priced £5 and £4 concessions



BINGO
Every Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Sports & Social Club
Everyone Welcome


CANTAMUS
Cantamus a cappella, Shipston on Stour's chamber choir are giving a concert of unaccompanied songs at St Peters Church on Sunday 14 th July at 730pm. The concert will be varied; from 16 th century madrigals to 20 th century popular songs and readings to make you laugh.
Its Musical Director, Richard Emms founded the choir in 1997. He has an honours degree in music from Birmingham University and a Pianoforte Performers Diploma from The Royal Academy of Music. His thoroughly professional approach has brought acclaim to the choir from audiences in National Trust Properties and Music Societies around the area.
With a membership of about twenty mixed voices, the choir specialises in unaccompanied Choral music. In addition to concerts, they have given liturgical performances of Masses by Byrd and Palestrina. Recent performances of the William Byrd four part Mass have received approval with such comments as "A very moving experience", "Perfect" and "Very Spiritual". The choir is also occasionally available for weddings and special occasions.
The concert repertoire includes English madrigals and motets, Victorian anthems and part songs, 20 th century popular songs and folk song arrangements by composers as diverse as Cole Porter and Matyas Seiber.
Brian Aspery. 01608 664581



NATIONAL YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE - SPONSORSHIP REQUEST
Anna Bradshaw has written in with the following request;
"My name is Anna Bradshaw. I am 13 years old and have lived in Hook Norton all my life. You may remember me from the village panto!
I have recently been chosen from 3,500 who auditioned, to be a member of the cast of the National Youth Music Theatre production, "Generator" this August in Edinburgh at Festival time. I shall be spending three weeks away from home working with other young people from all over the UK and need to raise £500 towards my food, accommodation and travel costs.
I would be grateful if anyone could sponsor me; your company's name would appear in the programme. I am also hoping to earn some money by doing odd jobs such as dog walking, collecting shopping, or baking. I am a Young Leader at Rainbow Guides in the village and like working with young children. I am not old enough to baby sit yet but would love to help with the games at your children's next birthday party!
If you think you might be able to help, please contact me [via the webmaster ]. Thank you."


JUBILEE PARTY
STOP PRESS The Local History Group's Jubilee party for the Over Sixties who have lived here since 1952 was held on May 18 th Over 80 residents attended this convivial event, so expect a full report in the next edition.
L to R are Janet Taylor (face hidden), Margaret Wise, Pauline Horn, Eileen French, Freda Bishop, Nancy Beale (back table), Betty Hicks (helper).


FILM SOCIETY
Our 21 st season has just ended – and what a cracker it has been! In fact, for all round entertainment plus opportunities to catch screen classics and minority interest movies, it was one of the best seasons we have had. Audiences ranged in number from forty to nearly a hundred.
Chairman, Harry Smith, 'steered' the varied programme which began in September with 'The Matrix' and closed on 18 th May with 'Blackboards', an Iranian film from director Samira Makhmalbaf. Prior to this last film, members brought their own home-cooked dishes to provide a bit of an end of term feast.
The usual thanks must go to all the helpers who turned up trumps to run the projector for the videos, man the box office, provide the varied and excellent meals preceding each of the thirteen films, help with the washing up and generally helping whenever necessary. You know who you are and so do we. The whole project would seize up without you.
We are a happy ship and an efficient one. Why not come aboard next season?
Mike Terry
Film Society Website



FOHNCL
In recent weeks we have held a couple of enjoyable events in the Library on Saturday mornings. First our Book & Plant Sale raised nearly £100 and in addition, a number of books were felt to be ideal to add to the Library stock. Our thanks to all who so generously donated the books and the plants, not least Pat our Library Manager. As is so often the case in fund-raising events, the spin-off was a lovely social morning - and we literally made some new "Friends".
On 4th May Robert Grandison came along to advise, and give guidance as necessary, in respect of the many facilities available on our Library computers - from Encyclopaedia Britannica to the 1881 Census. Sadly, despite the publicity, this session was not well supported. I cannot believe everyone knows it all! Robert has kindly agreed to come again later in the year so do watch out for the date.
Finally, thank you for the response to the Friends renewal invitation. It is a great encouragement to our efforts to ensure the future of the village library - there are dangers ahead as the County sets out its various budgets. Anyone who has meant to renew, or indeed to join, please do so - it is not too late. Forms are available in the library or from me.
A date for your diary is Monday 9th September when we plan to hold our AGM at the Brewery Centre. This meeting will be enhanced by another village "Call My Bluff" - The Authors versus The Literature Group. Now that will be fun!
John Wheatley



HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND
The band took part in the Regional Brass Band Contest in the Leisure Centre, Stevenage on 17 th March and although the desired results were not obtained, the experience was good and worthwhile. It was an extremely early start to the day. The band boarded the coach for the lengthy journey at 6.15am to make sure of arriving in time for the draw, knowing already that we were in the first half. The strict rules and monitoring that ensued were awesome and it seemed miraculous that so many people managed to be at a precise place at a given time in so big a venue. Our performance was very reasonable, but the combination of nerves and tiredness were factors that contributed to the end result. What we can be sure of however, is the fact that our band played all the parts that were written in the score, which was not the case with a number of other bands, and we did not use borrowed players. The Hook Norton Band presented itself truthfully; it was the same band that would be back at rehearsals afterwards. The occasion was also an opportunity to listen to some of the higher section bands and their superior standard of musicianship was something to aspire towards.
Shortly afterwards, Trevor Shepherd, one of our Eb bass players, entered hospital for major surgery and it is pleasing to report that all went well. He is now convalescing and making a good recovery.
At the time of writing, rehearsals have been under way for the annual "Friends" concert on 19 th May at St. Peter's Church, Hook Norton. This is a special event, to which we always look forward with anticipation.
The band will be engaged during the Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend, first at Adderbury playing on The Green for the village celebrations and again the following day, at an open-air church service at Boddington.
Also, on Sunday 23 rd June, there will be a very special event in Hook Norton, when Bill and Janet Randall are going to hold an Open Garden Afternoon in aid of band funds at their lovely home, Wincotts Farm. The garden will open at 2pm an in addition to the band playing, there will be stalls selling plants, tea and home made cakes and quality garden crafts. Entrance will be £2.50 for adults and children accompanied by adults will be admitted free. The only thing we cannot promise, but for which we fervently hope, is that the sun will shine to add the perfect touch to an afternoon that is certain to be very enjoyable. Please do come and make this event the success it deserves to be.
Jenny Glynn, (Publicity Officer)