The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
August 2004 Series 29 No 4

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
The Newsletter Box contained £76.66 this month. Thank you.
Sadly we record the deaths Mr. Liddell, Ilfra Mary Taplin aged 98, formerly of Scotland End, Margaret Ann (Daisy) Powell aged 87, Charles Gillett and Kenneth Heritage. On behalf of the village, we 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 WEDNESDAY, 15th SEPTEMBER 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 CHURCH
I think I will start this issue with a big thank you to everyone in the St. Peter's Ministry and Worship teams, and all individuals who are so instrumental in making our church such a vibrant and caring fellowship

for all the Hook Norton community. As many of you will know, June 29th (St. Peter's day), saw a Confirmation service at St. Peter's, with the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt. Rev'd Colin Fletcher, for seven people in the benefice. It was the most wonderfully spiritual occasion, and I think all those who attended were moved and uplifted by the tangible air of joy and hope. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard for all of us who participated. It will be a memory that stays with me always.
Now, on to updates and forthcoming dates. Thank you, firstly, to the Shepley-Cuthberts and the huge team of volunteers who made the Glorious Gardens day on 26th June such a success. Despite the not too clement weather, the day was a resounding success, and £2000 was raised for church funds. On June 20th, many of our men folk enjoyed the first in a series of planned 'Men's Breakfasts' at the Pear Tree Inn. Complete with a specially brewed 'breakfast ale' (thank you Hook Norton Brewery!); one of the highlights of the morning was a talk by golf professional, Luther Blacklock. The next Men's Breakfast is scheduled for Sunday 19th September, and the speaker will be solicitor Martin Cavender, a director of the Christian organisation, Resource. Further details from John Acreman. A very successful new venture for our younger folk over these past few weeks has been the JAM (Jesus and Me) club at Hook Norton School on Wednesday afternoons (3.15-4.15 pm). With over 30 children on the JAM club register, an average of 23 children attended each week, and thoroughly enjoyed the activities at each session. Organised jointly by the Anglican and Baptist Ministries in the village, JAM club will regroup once the school term starts in September. Details from Janet Collins or John Taylor.
There are lots of other diary dates for the forthcoming months. Saturday 11th September will see a reunion for people who have attended Alpha courses, followed by a special Alpha service at St. Peter's on Sunday 12th September at 10 am. The next Alpha course is set to start on Tuesday 14th September. For further details on anything related to Alpha, please contact Janet Collins.
September promises to be a month with much to celebrate. On Saturday 25th September, Wendy Cunningham will be ordained at Christ Church, Oxford, and this wonderful occasion will be followed by a celebratory service at St. Peters on Sunday 26th September at 10.30 am, followed by a Benefice lunch. Our prayers will be with Wendy over these coming weeks. September 30th this year will sadly, also see the retirement of Don Baker as St. Peter's organist. Having moved to Hooky in 1968, Don was, just a few days after his arrival, persuaded to play the organ as a 'favour' and, well, has been doing so ever since. To celebrate Don's outstanding commitment over the last 36 years there will be a special celebration service at St Peter's on 12th September at 5.30 pm. I'm sure everyone in Hooky will want to pass on their thanks to Don and wish him all the best for any new ventures he embarks on!
This year's Ride or Stride will be on Saturday. September 11th. Please see separate notice in this newsletter for further details. And last, but certainly not least, please put October 3rd in the diary for this year's Harvest service, and bear in mind that there will be no children's Sunday Gang over the August period, as the leaders are going to have a bit of a break. Children of all ages are still always welcome at St. Peter's, and the 'children's corner' at the back of the church is available to help entertain those who have not quite mastered sitting through a service.
Sophia Fox Sophiafox1@aol.com



HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION

AGM 2004

8pm Wednesday 6th October
Hook Norton Brewery Visitor Centre
***Presentation of Donations***
***Election of Officers and Committee***
***Everyone welcome***

Nominations to: Andy Horne, 7 Ironstone Hollow, Hook Norton


HOOK NORTON C. OF E. PRIMARY SCHOOL
In May 2003, I underwent a very thorough 2 day interview process for the post of Head teacher of Hook Norton School. I can assure you that no stone was left unturned in the governors' search for Andrew Bowen's replacement!
The most searching interview came from the School Council, where I was grilled on matters such as Sports Day and Maypole Dancing. I was so delighted to be offered the job – it is such a special school - although following in Andrew's footsteps was going to be a challenge!
How time has flown since then. Nothing prepares you for the post of Head and all the decisions you have to make. I am now an expert on frogs in drains, jammed hot water pumps, drains running purple, hoops in trees, self flushing urinals, gritting paths and that's before you get on to any matter directly to do with children! You may also have spotted a plumbing theme running throughout – a plumber's apprenticeship certainly would have been a useful preparation for the job….
I would like to extend my thanks to everyone in Hook Norton who has given me such a warm welcome and been so supportive in my first year as Head teacher. Best wishes to all those Year 6 children moving on to new schools and the next chapter in their lives and I wish you all a very happy and safe summer holiday.
Stella Belgrove, Head Teacher


FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL (FOHNS)
School may be out for Summer, but the indefatigable Friends of Hook Norton School are already dusting off their Santa outfits in preparation for the Christmas Fair.
But before we get there, a big thanks to everyone who took part in the Summer Barn Dance. Jenny Mead and her team raised a fantastic £242 from the checked folks in big hats and boots.
And a reminder that if you want to buy your meat directly from a local, trusted source, then why not try out Coldronbrook Farm – every purchase brings a donation to FOHNS from the farmer, Mr Datsun.
Now back to our plans for the future, something to contemplate while you're slapping on the suntan cream and building sand castles.
If you are interested in helping FOHNS or want more information, then ask at the School Office or contact me. Have a great summer.
Sue Wood, FOHNS chair, woodees@btopenworld.com


1ST HOOK NORTON BROWNIE NEWS
We now have 24 brownies in our pack and the end of the summer term is fast approaching. Over the year, we have had lots of fun – in the autumn term we enjoyed a joint camp fire with 2nd Hook Norton Brownies and did lots of craft activities. After Christmas, we went to see the Hooky panto and joined in an excellent District Thinking Day Celebration at St Peters Church celebrating Western Hemisphere, Asian and Arab cultures, as well as an Adventure Day at the School. To celebrate Guiding's 90th year, the girls learned about old Brownie traditions, including what every Brownie used to carry in her pockets (string, pencil, paper, hankie, coin for the phone…)! In the summer term, the girls took part in a Children's Marathon Challenge and raised over £240 for children with leukaemia - what a fantastic achievement - as well as doing a litter pick around Hook Norton on a very hot day, going ten pin bowling in Banbury and completing their road safety badges. To finish off a great year we are now looking forward to our Pack weekend away in the New Forest in July – thanks to all the girls for making Brownies such fun and a huge thank you to Teresa Hughes, Ana Wright, Vicky Taylor and Katie Wood for all their time and hard work in running the unit this year.
Sarah Gardner 1st Hook Norton Brownies


MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
This annual event will be taking place as usual at the Study Centre, Hook Norton Primary School on Friday 24th September, 9am - 11.30am. I do hope that you have the date in your diary - as usual I shall be selling Macmillan Christmas cards on the day (you can also order them from me free of postage and packing), as well as a raffle and coffee and cakes. I would very much like donations of raffle prizes and cakes - if you would like to bring them on the day or contact me nearer the time, I would be very grateful.
If you would like to help me on the day, I would also be very grateful. Please let me know as soon as it is convenient. I look forward to seeing you on 24th September, raising money for this well earned charity.
Julie Wood


W.I. HOOK NORTON

As we started our June meeting, there were loud drilling noises coming from the building site just the other side of the wall. As we were about to listen to the music of Edward Elgar, we asked the builders if they could delay this part of the work for a little while. They agreed and so we were able to listen to the music and hear from Wendy Hillary about those pieces, inspired by the 'other women' in his life.
The competition of 'a Musical Note' was won by Mary Williams with a picture of the sea being 'C Natural.'
By the time you read this we will have been on our summer outing for lunch at the Red Lion at Little Compton on 27th July.
The Garden Meeting on 17th August will be tea at Malthouse Barn in Sibford Road at 2.30pm. New members and guests are always welcome.
Teresa Forrest.


FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY

SUMMER READINGS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
There will be Summer Readings for Young People in the Library on 18th August.
Readings for the 3 to 5 year olds will be at 10.00 to 10.45
Readings for young people of 6 and upwards will take place 11.00 to 11.45

AGM 2004
The Annual General Meeting of the

Friends of Hook Norton Community Library
will take place on
Monday, 6th September 2004 at 7.30 pm
at the Brewery Visitors Centre Hook Norton.
Everybody is very welcome.
As in years past, the formal proceedings will be
followed by an entertainment with a literary flavour.
Refreshments will be served.



HOOK NORTON GARDEN CLUB

All members will have received a letter from our Chairman, Dave Coates asking serve on the Club Committee and to fill the office of Treasurer or Secretary. We have had a wonderful season so far but more help is needed if the success is to continue. Please consider whether you can help and contact Dave Coates. If you are not a member and would like to know more about the Club please contact Dave Coates.
The next event in the Calendar is the Autumn Show on Saturday 4th September in the Memorial Hall. Schedules and Entry Forms will be delivered to members by the middle of August and registration night will be on Wednesday 1st September. Please support your club and enter the show-it's great fun
Verity Calderan


HOOK NORTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
On a typical English June evening (cold, lashing rain & gale force winds), twenty members of our Charlbury equivalent visited this village.
John Wheatley gave them an instructive and entertaining tour of St. Peter's Church before a rain-coated Christopher Barry with moral support from Brian Rider, explained the historical significance of other parts of the village. I'm told his voice was in noise defiant mood; every word was heard.
When the group arrived at the Brewery, windswept, rosy cheeked and cheerful, the sight of tables laden with sandwiches, all kinds of mouth watering cakes and steaming coffee organised by Sheila Rider and the Team, excited their hunger.
After a good feed, old Hook Norton photographs were examined, our museum visited and Howard Hicks showed them the brewery steam engine. All expressed their envy at our venue. We felt very smug.
Advance notices:
7th September Dr Edwards on Tudor Portrait Miniatures
5th October Mairi Macdonald on Medieval Women

Very Advance notice: When we were chatting in the rain by the Local History Group stand at Moors House on 26th June, Judi Leader said that she wished she knew more about Hook Norton's history. I realised she couldn't be the only one. People like living here. We want them and their children to stay and we must continue to inject them with our special benign Hook Norton virus. An idea took root. I rashly said that we'd arrange an actual local history night in the autumn. A one off; a charity night – for everyone. Oh dear though! This good idea means I've had to start on my homework already by re-reading Margaret Dickens. Never heard of her? Then come and hear about her work and of our history. Look out for the date on Tom's board. See you then.
Sheila Terry, Chairman

Wanted Urgently

Second hand plan chest
for the Museum and Archive

contact:
Barbara Hicks
or
Pat Summerell



WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID MAY - MID JULY
Interesting shapes and colours make butterflies and moths some of the most fascinating creatures. Their wings are remarkably delicate but astonishingly stable structures. A network of fine tubes or veins gives the membrane its required strength. These tubes contain blood, nerves and air-tubes. The amazing colours are the product of millions of scales which cover the wing surface like tiles on a roof and which contain coloured pigments. Their bodies are covered with a fine film of wax which repels water and makes them weatherproof to a certain extent.
Helen Foster saw her first Peacock butterfly on 17th April near Crofts Farm. Marianne Joyce phoned me on 26th May to say that she had found a moth she identified as a Buff-tip which looks like a very small piece of wood, so it is well camouflaged. Gwyneth Edgington in Burycroft Road phoned on 9th June to say that she had a good view of a Red Admiral on a buddleia in her garden. There have been other sightings of Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Small Copper and Speckled Wood.
At lunchtime on 6th June, Bob Atkinson saw a 4 foot long Grass Snake in Tite Lane, basking in the sun. It did not move until he came within 2 - 3 feet of it when it slithered across the road and he guided it into the cemetery. David Shirt of White Hills Farm found a young Grass Snake squashed in the drive a couple of weeks ago. Please be careful and try to avoid running over these reptiles, as they do like lying in the warmth of the road in the sun.
Martin Madge has seen Foxes in the early mornings. He said they seem to be everywhere these days. Three Foxes were seen together in a garden in East End. There have been other sightings in this area. On the evening of 4th June, David Shirt saw a Hedgehog in the road at the crossroads by The Gate. Bats have been seen in East End and David Shirt tells me he has a bat detector at White Hills Farm, but they seem to have deserted the area of their house this year. Does anyone know of a good spot for seeing bats in the village area? Richard Taylor spotted a Red Kite flying low in the dip on the road to Chipping Norton 28th June and others were seen on 2nd June over Osney Close and very near the road between Hook Norton and Sibford Ferris. Stella and David Taylor saw a Buzzard a couple of weeks ago over their house in Watery Lane flying in the thermals. David Shirt said that they always hear or see a Buzzard if they spend a few hours in the garden. The maximum was seven birds on 28th March circling very high and all visible in a single binocular field. Occasionally they hear Barn Owls and on 10th July, one flew over their garden at dusk and early on 5th July there was a Quail calling in the cornfield by the house.
Mary Barnes in Austins Way saw a Green Woodpecker in early June on a telephone pole making an awful noise before tapping at the pole. For a few weeks, a Skylark was seen in a field in the East End. They fly very high and are often difficult to spot but have a loud distinctive song. It is very good to hear that many Song Thrushes have been spotted around the village. Gwen Whitehead in The Shearings said that on 19th June there was great excitement as there were four Song Thrushes on her lawn, one parent and three young. They even came up to her patio near the house. Caroline Vaughan in Rectory Road found that two Wood Pigeons had fallen out of their nest in the strong winds into her garden. They had their feathers, but unable to fly and called for their parents. Overnight she put them in straw on the bird table and to her amazement, they were still alive the next morning. After many phone calls, she found a lady who would take care of them until they were ready to fly. Her name is Mrs Bennett who lives in Banbury if you are ever in this situation. I will let you know in the next newsletter what happened to these birds. Very many thanks to all those who contacted me, please keep calling.
Geraldine Moore email: geraldine.moore1@btinternet.com


FRUIT PICKING
August is the perfect month to take the family and some baskets to your local fruit farm. Soft fruit are in wonderful supply and you'll have great fun choosing and picking your favourite fruits for your puddings.
Tip; Freeze soft fruits on flat trays and when hard place in plastic bags, store in the freezer, well labelled until required. Alternatively, make into summer puddings and freeze.
Alternatively make strawberry jam using special preserving sugar which sets quickly.


SUMMER PUDDING
Ingredients;  
450g Raspberries
200g redcurrants
200g blackcurrants
50g strawberries
75g caster sugar
Sliced white bread
(a day or two old)

Natural yoghurt
to serve.
  • Place all the fruit and sugar into a saucepan with 3 tbsp. of water.
  • Bring to the boil slowly and gently simmer for 4 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Cut the crusts off the bread and with once slice cut a circle to fit in the bottom of a pudding basin.
  • Cut the remaining slices in half and arrange around the sides of the pudding basin, overlapping them. Reserve one slice.
  • Reserve approx. 100ml of the fruit juice and spoon the rest including the fruit into the pudding basin.
  • Place the remaining slice of bread on top and cover with a saucer, which fits just inside the basin, place a heavy weight on top.
  • Refrigerate over night.
  • Turn the pudding out onto a plate and pour the reserved juices on top. Serve with natural yoghurt
Recipe courtesy of; (please contact us for a brochure)
Apples Cookery School, Tuthill Park, Wardington, Banbury OX17 1RY.
01295 750720 www.applescookery.co.uk


ANNOUNCEMENTS


Charles Whittington and Victoria Perriss
were married at St Peter's Church
on 3rd July 2004

Adrian White and Hayley Maule
were married at St Peter's Church
on 29th May 2004