| Directory: | Diana Barber |
| Advertising: | Andy Horne |
| Distribution: | Malcolm Black |
| Treasurer: | Kevin Hope |
| IT/Web Support: | Martin Baxter |
FROM THE EDITORS
This month, the Newsletter Box contained £25.00 – thank you.
Sadly we report the deaths of Mary Dean formerly of Hook Norton, Jane Griffiths formerly of Hook Norton, Jack Humphreys formerly of Hook Norton, Geoffrey Hadden, Doris Hicks aged 101 and Lillian Ivy Horn. On behalf of the village we send our condolences to their families and friends.
| Andy Horne | Helen Foster |
| hookynews@totalise.co.uk | helen@hook-norton-newsletter.co.uk |
are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team
THANKS TO THE VILLAGE SHOP
A big thank-you to Tom, Gloria, Joe, Ian and all of the staff at The Village Shop for keeping us supplied during the recent snow, especially as the shop was often very full! For those who use the shop regularly, it was no surprise as to the value of having such a superb local store, but for those who never use The Village Shop other than when Tesco's etc are not available then I sincerely hope that you give Tom and Gloria your business on a more regular basis.
By doing so you will not only ensure we continue to benefit from a thriving village amenity but when we are cut-off from the major towns the shop will be less likely to run out of items as they can afford to carry more stock. Thanks again to you all and to the delivery drivers who braved the elements as much as possible.
IN PRAISE OF OUR VILLAGE SHOPS
I am writing this on the 11th February, just as the snow is melting and things are beginning to get back to normal - and I’m wondering what on earth we would all have done without our village shop and our post office over the last week and a half. I, for one, have not ventured anywhere near a supermarket while the weather has been bad, and I have been extremely grateful that I have not had to. We are so fortunate to have our fantastic village shop and our post office, the staff of which have worked very hard over this difficult period to keep us provided for.
Trouble is, once the weather is better, are we all going to go back to our supermarket habits and not support the village shops as we should? We must remember that if we don’t support and appreciate them throughout the year, they may just find they can no longer afford to keep going. And where would that leave us next time we are snowed in?
THE OLD POST OFFICE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE 2008
In memory of Ann Heath
A BIG thank you to all who supported us with the Craft Fayre in November. You helped us raise a fantastic sum of £540.00 for Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury and, as always, it was great to see old friends and greet new ones too!
This year, we have decided to hold the Craft Fayre in the Memorial Hall and very much hope that you will continue to support us so generously.
Therefore, we look forward to seeing you later in the year and would like to wish you all the very best for 2009.
RAYMOND TUTT
Anne Tutt would like to say a special thank you to the people of Hook Norton for all the kindness, help and support during the period of Ray’s illness and since his death at the end of December 2008.
I could not have managed without your help and Ray was so touched by his many friends in the village in his last few weeks.
£1500 has been raised for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund & Bwengu Projects, Malawi.
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SUCCESS FOR HOOK NORTON’S FIRST SWAP SHOP
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
The guides served teas and coffees and brought some delicious cakes, so the afternoon was also very sociable and most people went home with something new whilst also getting rid of a few things which were no longer wanted. Click to enlarge.
As well as being fun, the SWAP SHOP raised around £60 from donations for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) which was the charity 1st Hook Norton Guides chose to support as part of Girlguiding’s 2009 “Change the World” Challenge. I would like to say a big thank you to all those who helped organise the event, all those people who brought unwanted items, and of course to everyone who came along on the day. We should all feel pleased knowing that we have taken a small step to help save the planet. Maybe Hook Norton should hold another SWAP SHOP? Sarah Gardner, 1st Hook Norton Guides
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CHIPPING NORTON SPORTS AWARDS
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In November 2008 , the first Chipping Norton Sports Awards were held by the Town Council. Three Hooky residents received acknowledgement of their sporting skills: Katie Wood, for her Kayaking and Canoeing , won the Over 18 Sportsperson of the year title. Her sister Megan Wood, received a Commended certificate for her Canoeing. Tom Butler, a Kite Surfer also received a Commended certificate. Nomination forms will be available from June for the 2009 Chippy Sports Awards. Anyone can be nominated who works, plays or goes to school in the Town. Graham Beacham
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LEE STRATFORD COMMUNITY TRUST
About The Trust
The Trust was set up in January 2006 to commemorate the life of our eldest son Lee, who sadly passed away in November 2005 aged 23.
Anyone who knew Lee will tell you that he was a very special person and forged lifetime friendships with everyone he met (unusual for someone with autism). He loved so many things in life but the big three were Hook Norton, The Sports & Social Club and children. The idea for the Christmas Parties came from his love of Christmas and his even bigger love of the children in the village. Most of the money we raise goes towards providing a free Christmas party for 0 – 10 years olds in the village plus supporting other events and projects involving our youngsters. We are not a huge organisation and rely on donations from other village activities to top up our fundraising, for which we are very grateful.
Two dates for your diary:
Sunday 9th August – Lee’s Six-a-side Football Tournament
Sunday 30th August – Hooky Duck Race
Both these events will take place at Hook Norton Sports & Social Club.
Events Committee
Up until now we have managed to get by with organising our main events with just family members and a few trusted loyal friends who have stepped in to assist us on the day. Two main issues have now arisen to prompt the set up of an official events committee for the Trust.
I must confess to being the main instigator of all the tried and tested fundraising so far and have roped in the family whether they liked it or not. This has worked fine but both our children have young families (one on the way) and it is unfair of me to dump things on them without a moments notice. Also at last years Duck Race I was struggling with a slipped disc on the day and finally realised that I am not invincible and we could do with more help!
Ideally it would be nice to have a small group to help with the bigger picture to bring new ideas and help us to move the Trust forward so we can continue to provide more activities for the village children.
If you feel you can help us and give a few hours of your time please contact me. Once we have identified enough new helpers, we can get together and brain-storm the future of the Trust.
vstratford@fsmail.net
HOOK NORTON W.I.
Our first meeting of the New Year was very entertaining. Mr Patrick Bowen returned to give yet another interesting talk on antiques but this time about fake ones. He showed us numerous slides showing examples of antiques that were very hard to distinguish from the real article. He also talked about some of the experiences he had come across during his career. The competition for a small antique was won by Mrs Whitehead.
At our February meeting, Mr David Day spoke very enthusiastically about the Pendon Indoor Model Village and Railway which is at Long Wittenham, in the Vale of the White Horse. He accompanied his talk with a slide show of villages and surrounding areas and the models copied from them. It started to be built in the late 1950s and eventually finished in 1981 although it is constantly being updated. It was fascinating to see models of villages as they were in the 1920s and 30s. As we enjoyed the talk so much it was agreed that we would arrange a visit to the Model Village later this year. The competition for a landscape photograph was won by Jenny Bell.
Our next meeting on Tuesday 17th March will be our AGM/Mini Show. At 2 p.m. in The Baptist Hall. Visitors will be very welcome.
GARDEN CLUB
The gardening club year began with an illustrated talk on Kiftsgate Gardens by Anne Chambers who is the third generation of her family to live and garden there. Her enthusiasm for the garden which she has known for many years was apparent and made it come alive. If you have not been there it is well worth a visit at any time of year but especially in June when the famous rose is in bloom. Kiftsgate is almost opposite Hidcote so you can't miss it.
Don't forget to check your club calendar for forthcoming events: the Spring Show on 18 April in St Peter's Church (entry night the previous Wednesday 7-8 in the Memorial Hall); followed by a talk by Sue Bedwell on South African flowers on 20 May. Let's hope we will have a summer warm enough to grow these exotic plants. Spring appears to be on the way so Happy Gardening.
HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP
The Playgroup has refurbished its toilets and basins after fundraising and donations from many sources including Music at the Crossroads. A big thanks to all involved.
We are also pleased to announce we have secured funding from Oxfordshire County Council to develop a sensory garden at the rear of the playgroup. This will be a fabulous addition to our resources for the children, however some donated labour, fencing supplies, building materials, and plants will be very welcome. If you are willing to help or can get us a discount (remember we are a not-for profit charitable trust!) please email hnppg@btinternet.com or call 01608 730560 and leave your name and number - we'll be most grateful and will get in touch.
HOOK NORTON LIBRARY
Opening Hours;
| Monday | 2.00-5.00pm | 6.00-7.00pm |
| Wednesday | 2.00-5.00pm | |
| Friday | 2.00-5.00pm | 6.00-7.00pm |
| Saturday | 9.30am-12.30pm |
Hello everyone, just a short update on what has been happening here.
Firstly I’d like to apologise for no library news in the last copy of the newsletter, I think I managed to e-mail it to myself!
Our Rhymetimes for the 0 to 3 year olds are still proving popular; the next dates are Monday 20th April, Monday 18th May and Monday 22nd June from 2.00pm to 2.30pm.
All are welcome, just come along, no tickets needed.
Also I’m hoping to have a Storytime for 4 to 7 year olds on Wednesday 15th April 2.30pm to 3.30pm, tickets will be available for this nearer the time from the library.
There are colouring and activity sheets for the children in the run–up to Easter and I would love to have some new artwork to display in the childrens' section and in the Reading Room so if any young artists want to display their work drop the pictures in.
Make a note in your diary for the morning of the 9th May when the annual Book and Plant sale takes place here. This is organised by the Friends Of Hook Norton Library who work extremely hard to make it happen and was most successful last year. We are hoping for sunshine on the day so do pop along and pick up some bargain books and plants.
Also in the library we have a collection box for Books For Schools tokens, which are appearing in The Times and The Sunday Times, and also Sainsbury’s and Tesco vouchers. I know Hook Norton Primary School are collecting these so if you have any and can’t drop them in at the school, please leave them here and we will pass them on.
Our battery recycling is as popular as ever and don’t forget we have photocopying and computers with broadband here. The Friends of Hook Norton Library now supply The Oxford Times weekly and also Country Living monthly and we have other donated magazines to read as well as The Banbury Guardian supplied by the library each week. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY
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We are starting a new Book Group in the Village, which will be held in the Library – first meeting is on Wednesday 13 May at 2.30. All will be very welcome – either just come along or speak to Olwen Goodwin on or Bob Calderan. |
HOOK NORTON MUSEUM
Our ironstone worker model is desperate for a pair of hob-nail boots. Does any one have a pair that needs a good home?
BLOOD DONOR ALERT
A blood donation session will be held in Hook Norton School on Friday 17th April 2009 between 13:30 to 15:25 and 16:15 to 18:45pm. To book an appointment, please visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0845 7711 711.
New donors are always welcomed.
Please don't leave it to somebody else - give blood, save life!
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
 The Macmillan Coffee Morning will take place on Friday 25th September, more details to follow in a later edition. |
CALLING ALL DOG & CAT LOVERS
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has so far donated items for unwanted cats and dogs. Please don't forget that it is an ongoing appeal.
One of the local veterinary surgeries is collecting items for homeless dogs and cats. If you have any of the following to spare, they would be very gratefully received.
Old Dog Leads – Collars – Blankets – Towels – Beds – Dog Coats
Scratching Posts – Spare Food – Chews – Brushes – Combs – Shampoo Toothpaste – In date Wormer / Flea Treatments – Toys etc..
Anything you think would make an unwanted dog's/ cat's life a little happier. Anything not suitable will be divided between the RSPCA and PDSA Charity shops in Banbury. Please spare a few minutes to search for any unwanted items mentioned above. If you care to give me a call, I will be happy to deliver them.
Many thanks –
LETTER TO THE EDITORS
We have received the letter below regarding the Festival of Fine Ales.
FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES 2008
'As one of the founding trio of the Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales involved in all aspects of the first eight events and then as a helper in three further events I am all too aware of the massive efforts required by the organisers and congratulate them on the 2008 achievement.
I am however, extremely disappointed to see the donation list. Whilst Leukaemia Research was the recipient of the largest single donation I believe that it is more than unfortunate that they were not the beneficiaries of the majority of the total sum distributed. Leukaemia Research was chosen to be the principle beneficiary for the profits of the event to the extent that they were deemed to be more than worthy of the majority and not squeezed out to be [just] less than fifty percent of the donation figure.
Support from The Hook Norton Brewery or the other breweries who have donated over the years has never been conditional on total donations for Leukaemia Research, but I feel that to marginalise them in this way is not in the spirit of the original objectives of the festival.
It is a possibility that this is an oversight and I hope that donations made this year take into consideration the primary objectives and adjust the donations accordingly to correct the situation.
Other than that, keep up the good work'. Bob Murray
The Committee have replied :
'We appreciate Bob's continued interest in the Festival, and hasten to assure him that we have not lost sight of the ideals of the founders of the event. The statistics of this year's donations were simply complicated by the late addition of the donation to the Oxford Cancer Charity (considered a very worthwhile cause) which Gill and Denis were very pleased to hand over to a representative of the charity at the Brewery in the company of Paula and James Clark.
We continue to enjoy the wholehearted and enthusiastic support of Paula and James (James was also one of the founders of the event) as well as of Leukaemia Research itself. Certainly no one present at the Donations evening raised concerns about the amount.
We are now in the process of planning the event for 18th July, and hope this will raise another bumper sum for Leukaemia Research and the other good causes we resolve to support'. Denis Wynn
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID JANUARY TO MID MARCH
Sarah Taylor, who lives in Watery Lane, phoned on 21st January to say that for a week she had been watching a Fieldfare in the apple tree in her next doors neighbour's garden dropping down for the windfall apples. She has seen this bird regularly and had this morning been watching it for about 20 minutes with her binoculars. On 28th January John Morris in Bourne Lane phoned to say that earlier in the month he had a Blackcap in his garden and he also had seen a Redwing and a pair of Bullfinches. On 6th February at about 09.30 there were a pair of Bullfinches in the front garden of a home in East End. These birds are always in pairs and are quite easily identified by their white rump, the male is particularly beautiful with its bright red chest. The snow was lovely for a couple of days, but then, I think, we were pleased when it had gone as it was very difficult to walk around the village, but whilst it was around it was interesting to see the birds which came into our gardens to feed. Redwings love apples and the Fieldfares chased off every other bird so they could feed, even the Blackbirds had to flee. Maggie White had a Redwing in a tree in her garden in The Bourne on 7th February. Whilst out walking on 16th February we came across a flock of Redpolls which settled in an Alder tree, one of their favourites at this time of the year and, it was interesting to see, first of all a Kestrel come towards them and they flew off, then returned. Five minutes later, a Sparrowhawk, came again but again they flew off and returned. 17 Lapwing flew over the fields in the East End on 17th February. Tim Burchell had a male Blackcap and Fieldfare on the same apple tree at the same time and we had a female Blackcap in our garden on 7th March.
Reed Buntings do come to bird tables and we were lucky enough to see a male on 15th February. A heron was in a field in East End on 26th February. On 27th February at 13.00 a Red Kite flew quite low over the East End being chased by a Crow and, on the same day, at about 16.30 one was seen flying over the Fire Station. Long-tailed Tits live in quite large flocks during the winter, but recently they will have split up into pairs and we are really enjoying watching a pair coming to feed on the fat balls. They are obviously building a nest, as they have been taking the moss from an old branch. They will also pick up feathers as they build a closed, oval nest of moss in a branch fork, held together with spiders' webs and camouflaged with birch bark and lichen. We hope they will be successful and we will see the young in due course. Yellowhammers have been seen on the hedges on the outskirts of the village and Pied Wagtails in the ploughed fields. Fieldfares and Redwings are still around but will be moving north soon.
On 3rd March at 04.00 Martin Madge saw a Badger crossing the road from the printing works in Station Road to the small holding on the northern side. A Fox was seen in East End on 26th February.
As the snow departed Marianne Joyce saw a Brimstone butterfly near the nursery school by the playground area. One of these Butterflies was also seen on 11th March in a garden in the East End, together with honey Bees on the heather. Recently Bumble Bees are flying around and when the Snowdrops were in full bloom, Bees were seen on these.
Now the days are getting longer and, hopefully, warmer and we are looking forward to the return of the migrants, so please look out for Swallows and House Martins, together with Chiffchaff, Willow, Sedge and Reed Warblers, these last two being located near water.
Please, please let me know when you see the migrants and any other birds, animals, snakes or amphibians so that I can report them in my article. Some of you must have seen some frogs and spawn. Thank you to those of you who reported sightings over the last couple of months and I hope to hear from you again.