The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
June 2005 Series 30 No 3

Parish Council and Cherwell news




PARISH COUNCIL INFORMATION BOARD
               
  PARISH COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS
At the Annual General Meeting held on 12th May Joe Williams stood down as Chairman and Clive Timms was elected in his stead. Peter Fry was re-elected Vice- Chairman. Thanks are expressed to Joe who has done an excellent job over the past two years.
As customary part of the work of the PC will be conducted by working groups and these are comprised as follows:
  • Environment & Open Spaces:
Jem Hayward, Peter Millar, Mike Terry and Joe Williams
  • Recreation:
 Ray Jelf, Anne Swainbank, Albert Walsham, and Bill Young
  • Memorial Hall:
 Brian Clay, Peter Fry, Ray Jelf, and Bill Young
  • Finance Committee:
 Brian Clay [Chairman] and the elected chairs of the above committees

In addition the following have been appointed as the Parish Council's representatives on the Management Committee of the Norman Matthews Community Hall: Brian Clay, Ray Jelf Clive Timms and Albert Walsham
The Planning Co-ordinator is Albert Walsham. Parishioners who wish to see plans of any current application should contact either Albert [730381] or the Clerk, Ken Porter.
It is acceptable for a number of parishioners to be co-opted on to particular working groups and if anybody would like to serve on the Environment, Recreation on Memorial Hall groups, or wish to be informed of the dates and times of meetings, please contact the clerk, Ken Porter [01295 758352]. 		 
  HEATH ALLOTMENT TRUST
This Trust was originally formed in the 18th Century to provide winter fuel for the poor and needy in the parish, although these days a more imaginative approach has to be adopted. The income derives from the rent of two fields and amounts to £1400 p.a. The trustees are appointed by the Parish Council and serve for a term of four years. Councillor Jelf had completed his term of office and was duly re-elected. The other trustees are Councillors Timms and Young, District Councillor Gasson and Pauline Walters. Councillor Brian Clay is clerk to the Trust. 		MEETING DATES
Parishioners are reminded that the Parish Council meets on the second Thursday of each month and accordingly the next meeting will be on 9th June. 		 
    RECYCLING
We have been informed by a member of the Environmental staff at CDC that Hook Norton is one of the best recycling villages in the whole district. Well done.
  PAVEMENTS ARE FOR PEOPLE
The Parish Council has received a number of complaints about dangerous and ill-considered parking and particularly the growing trend for owners to leave their vehicles partially on paths within the village. We are aware that there are one or two places where it is necessary to do so, particularly where access is needed for emergency service vehicles. Please, however, have a thought for other parishioners who find themselves having to walk in the road to avoid parked cars, and this is particularly difficult for the elderly and those with push-chairs. The Parish Council has asked the Police to keep an eye on the situation and we would remind you that it is illegal to park on the pavement or close to a blind corner or a road junction. 		 
  FOOTBALL CLUB FLOODLIGHTS
Following the meeting of the Parish Council on 14 April 2005, at which about 40 parishioners attended for a discussion on the application by Hook Norton Football Club to erect floodlights on the existing pitch, the PC has lodged a formal objection to the proposal. The application is likely to be considered by the North Area Planning Committee of CDC on 2 June. 		 
  CEMETERY WALL
We are aware of the concern felt by parishioners at the present state of the cemetery wall. Unfortunately the contractor we originally employed has failed to return to complete his work and we are presently seeking advice from other expert dry-stone wallers. However this is a very specialised skill and such contractors tend to already have a full order book. For this reason it may not be possible to commence work before the autumn. 		 
    STREET NAMEPLATES
Responsibility for maintaining street nameplates in the villages lies with Cherwell District Council. If any become damaged or fall down parishioners can either speak to CDC direct on 01295 221766 or inform the Parish Clerk, Ken Porter.


FIRE SERVICE
After 14 years, I have decided to hang up my boots, and have resigned from the Fire Service. As many of you will imagine this was not an easy decision, but recent events left me feeling that I could no longer maintain my commitment. There has been an organised Fire Service in Hook Norton since 1896, and my family have been involved for 81 of these 109 years.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Fire Service, and would like to thank all the people I have served with for their camaraderie. There have been many happy times, and obviously some sad ones, but I feel privileged to have been able to serve the community in this way.
I would like to thank my family for the support they have given to me, and the Brewery for releasing me to attend fire calls. I would also like to acknowledge the continuing support of the village community. In these times of diminishing local services, it is reassuring that we have an efficient, effective Fire and Rescue Service based here in the village.
I would like to wish my colleagues at the Fire Station all the very best for the future.
Thank you
James Clarke


FIREFIGHTING
In the last 2 months the crew of Hook Norton Fire Station have answered 12 standby calls for Banbury & Chipping Norton. 3 were False alarms, as well as 2 Chimney Fires, flooding at Shutford, a trailer of hay on fire at Chipping Norton, a bathroom fire at Milcombe, a Garage fire at Banbury and help for an elderly gentleman trapped in a bathroom.
Joe Williams


WANT A REWARDING PART TIME JOB?
WHY NOT BECOME A RETAINED (PART TIME) FIREFIGHTER!!
Hook Norton Fire Station need more firefighters to ensure that we always have a crew and fire engine available 24 Hours a day 7 days a week. We particularly need people who can provide day cover. Here are a couple of questions.


There are benefits for the employer, an employee trained in first aid & fire safety.
One minute you may be at work or at home, next minute you could be on the fire engine with “Blues & Two's” enjoying a rewarding & satisfactory job.
You don't have to be on call every day; you may only want to do Monday to Wednesday during the day then Thursday & Sunday Night.
Anyone can apply as long as you are aged between 18 and 55, reasonably fit & live within 5 minutes of the fire station. For an application pack call the recruitment hotline on 0800 580870
Or, for an informal chat, call Ivor Matthews (Retained Station Manager)or call in at the Fire Station on a Wednesday night between 7pm & 9pm


FIRE SAFETY FROM YOUR LOCAL FIRE STATION
Here we are again approaching the summer early indications are that we could have a heat wave, so out comes the Barbecue, go for a walk in the countryside or maybe a weekend away camping with the family. Whether it is fact or fiction we will have a heat wave this summer well have to wait and see.
But it is fact: -
That there are serious injuries and deaths as result of misuse & sighting of barbecues to close to buildings, sheds, fences, trees even wheelie bins.
So Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and the crew of Hook Norton Fire Station give the following advice: -


Finally we want you, your friends and family to enjoy yourselves this summer but also remember too much alcohol and fire do not mix!
REMEMBER - COOK YOUR FOOD NOT YOUR FENCE!!

OUT OF THE BLUE
I hope I find you all well and as I write this article the sun is streaming through the window and people are walking around with smiles on their faces enjoying the spring weather. Now back to reality………………
It is that time of year when I would like to bring to your attention the number of crimes that were committed in the area during the previous year, April to March together with the figures for the preceding year for comparison.
  01/04/03 – 31/03/04 01/04/04 – 31/03/05
Thefts Other 8 12
Burglary Dwelling 7 6
Burglary Non-Dwelling 3 4
Assaults 6 10
Criminal Damage Other 3 6
Criminal Damage Vehs 6 13
Theft of Motor Vehs 3 4
Thefts from Motor Vehs 6 3
Domestic 2 4
Misc 2 7
Total 46 69
Detected 17 (37%) 28 (40%)
As you will see there has been an increase in reported crime over the two year period with the main increase showing in assaults and criminal damage to motor vehicles. These in the main have been dealt with. It is interesting to note however that the domestics, criminal damage and assaults can in the main be said to be alcohol related.
Whilst burglaries remain fairly static, we must still remain cautious and as always watch for the unknown individual or vehicle and take details. Registration numbers are always valuable as it helps us to track the drivers.
As always, should you wish to contact me, my numbers are as follows:
Chipping Norton Police Station-01608 648715, e-mail: rosemary.dilsaver@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk, Thames Valley Police 0845 8 505 505
May the Force be with you!
Rosemary H. Dilsaver Pc 818
Do you remember the
Hook Norton Home
Guard?
My name is Arthur Edwards, and my family spent 8 years in
Hook Norton from 1940 to 1948. I am trying to find out more
about my father's involvement in the Hook Norton Home Guard

Can you help with any of these questions?
  • What was the Home Guard number?
  • What cap badge did they wear?
  • What regiment were they affiliated to?
  • What was the Shoulder Flash?
  • When was the Hook Norton Home Guard formed?
  • When did they disband?

My father, Herbert (Bert) Lawrence Edwards moved to
Shearing Close Cottage from London to escape the bombings, and
myself and three brothers and three sisters were born during
that time, and still come back to Hook Norton for the occasional visit.
I would love to hear from anyone who knew my father,
I can be contacted by post to
50, Burnham Road, Hullbridge, Hockley, Essex,
SS5 6BQ


HOT TIPS ON HOME COMPOSTING
It's that time of year again, when the days are getting longer, the sun is shining (sometimes!) and we are beginning to venture out into our gardens once again after the cold winter, now that the daffodils and tulips are in flower.
So, what does this mean to us gardeners, beginners or experts? Well, of course, we should first and foremost be taking advantage of Oxfordshire local authorities latest compost bin offer! Two different sizes of compost bin are available once again, for the fifth year running at the same price - £10.00 for a smaller bin, suitable for singles and couples, or £15.00 for a larger bin perfect for families. The bin can even be delivered straight to your home*. Alternatively you can collect one from one of the participating garden centres – four across the County, so there's bound to be one near you or where you work. Why not take advantage of the scheme this year, and arrange for your group to have a talk on effective composting by Oxfordshire County Council's Waste Reduction Officer. Oxfordshire's local authorities estimate that approximately 45% of residents in the County are already home composting, but every year we have new recruits and are now more than seventy schools across the County have also begun composting!
Composting is a fantastic way of getting rid of your organic rubbish, in fact, 60% of the average kitchen bin can actually be recycled into a useful resource. Why is this important? Well, first of all reducing rubbish means less unsightly, smelly rubbish bags outside your house; but more importantly reducing rubbish is good for the environment. By composting our kitchen and garden waste, we are diverting waste from landfill, which takes up valuable space and also makes decomposition a very slow process. Rubbish decaying in landfill also gives off harmful chemicals which are now recognised to contribute to global warming and on a larger scale, climate change.
Most people know much of their garden waste can go into the compost bin, but did you know card board, paper, tissues, cotton, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters can also go in as well as egg cartons, washing machine lint, pasta, rice and bread. Once you start adding materials into your compost bin, it is important to get a good mix of different ingredients. You must start to think like a worm, as worms are the heroes of our compost bins. They wriggle and eat their way through the delicious offerings we throw into our bins, and turn them into lovely, nutrient rich soil improver, a veritable treat for our gardens. All this wriggly action will also dramatically speed up the composting process, providing you with a high quality product for use on your garden in less time.
So, now all you need to do is call 0870 8443006 to arrange delivery of your compost bin. If you need any more help with your compost bin speak to Katie Zabel, Oxfordshire County Council's Waste Reduction Officer with any queries about home or school composting or to arrange a talk: 01865 815908 / 07776 455803.
*£5.00 delivery fee



 talking science – Einstein Year summer lectures

The CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory carries out world leading research ranging from the vastness of space to the invisibly small world of nanotechnology.
To celebrate Einstein Year we have put together a short series of summer lectures and invite you to come along and be inspired by science and scientists. All the lectures are free and many are suitable for families – age guidelines are shown for each lecture.

Friday 17 June 7pm Age: 16+
Albert Einstein: scientist and superstar
Professor Norman McCubbin, CCLRC Particle Physicist
Friday 15 July 7pm Age: 13+
The Big Bang theory and the story behind the origin of the Universe
Dr Simon Singh
Friday 9 September 7pm Age: 10+
From Marconi to Mars: a selected history of radio research in the UK
Dr Chris Davis and John Bradford, CCLRC Space Science and Technology
Friday 14 October 7pm Age: 16+
Superstrings: lecture and recital
Brian Foster and Jack Liebeck (solo violin)

Admission is free but booking is essential as places are limited. Reservations must be made in advance from four weeks before the date of each lecture.

To book your ticket:
Email: talkingscience@rl.ac.uk or
Phone: 01235 5959 (24hr answerphone)

Please include the following information
the title of the lecture, your name, full postal address and contact telephone number, the number of places you require.


COMMON RAGWORT - A DANGER EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF
Common Ragwort (Senecio Jacobaea) is an obvious weed in July to August when it grows up to 3 feet tall and produces a large bright yellow composite flower head but it is poisonous to all animals and as such is a listed weed.
Due to the high risks involved with this plant being eaten by animals, made into hay etc., a new Bill has become law to reinforce the need for its control. The Ragwort Control Act came into force on 20th February 2004 as an addition to the 1959 Weed Act. A code of practice regarding ragwort control has been produced and this will be admissible in evidence in enforcement proceedings under the Weeds Act 1959.
It is this time of the year when we should be working to clear our land of ragwort in its early rosette stage. This can be done easily by spraying it with a herbicide or alternatively with a natural non-toxic environmentally friendly spray called Barrier H. During July and August the BHS ragwort clearance volunteers will also be working throughout Oxfordshire hand pulling the plant where it has managed to keep growing. They believe in keeping our county a safer place for animals and humans and would welcome any help that can be offered. If you think you can help or require more information please contact me on the number listed below.

Important Points to remember about common ragwort
  1. Ragwort is easily identified. The plant produces a rosette of green jagged edge leaves in early summer and then grows up to 3 feet with a woody slightly red stalk with bright yellow flower heads.
  2. Mature plants pull easily but all plants must be burnt or bagged up securely and taken to the local council land fill site.
  3. Never allow animals to graze where ragwort has been sprayed until all the plants have rotted into the ground.
  4. Always wear sturdy waterproof gloves and cover arms and legs to avoid contact with the plant. A facemask should be used to avoid inhalation of the ragwort pollen.
  5. Remember ragwort retains its poisonous properties whether growing, sprayed or dried in food. There is evidence of the poisons being recording in the food chain.
  6. There is the possibility that anyone who has registered with DEFRA for the single payment scheme may have their payment reduced for non compliance of the Ragwort Bill if they allow ragwort to grow on their land.

Important telephone numbers
Should you see ragwort growing in areas controlled by the following authorities please contact them giving the exact locations of where you have seen it.

D M Harris, British Horse Society County Welfare Officer