| Directory: | Diana Barber |
| Advertising: | Andy Horne |
| Distribution: | Malcolm Black |
| Treasurer: | Kevin Hope |
| IT/Web Support: | Martin Baxter |
FROM THE EDITORS
Sadly we report the deaths of Colin Scarrett aged 84, James Stacey aged 93, Laurie Heath aged 74 and Ken Wilkes aged 61. On behalf of the village we send our condolences to their families and friends.
Firstly, we apologise for getting both the June and August issues out behind the normal schedule and will try to get back on track for future issues.
Please note the new email addresses this month. The old one will continue to work for a few months yet but we’d appreciate it if you could use the new ones in future.
The new email is part of a few changes in the way the newsletter will be produced in future. Both Helen and Martin will have been involved with the newsletter for 10 years this Christmas. Andy is a relative new boy at only 8 years but we could all do with a change.
Consequently, the three of us have shifted what we do and have all realised how much time each of our tasks take up. The fortnight between copy deadline and the first of the following month can get rather hectic for the three of us but being able to share the work would make things easier. So if the budding publisher or designer in you is itching to express itself, please let one of us know.
Your help would be appreciated.
| Andy Horne | Helen Foster |
| hookynews@totalise.co.uk | helen@hook-norton-newsletter.co.uk |
are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team
|
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Are sad to announce that Colin Scarrett, President of both the Club and Cricket Club, passed away on Thursday 25th June 09 following his recent illness and long spell in hospital Colin did manage to come home for a few weeks but sadly had to return to hospital when he got too poorly He will be greatly missed by all at the club ****************** Colin’s funeral service took place at St Peter’s Church and later Banbury Crematorium on July 6th 2009 All at the club send their deepest sympathy to his sister in law Mary and her family There will be a small ceremony to remember Colin later this month at the club Details to be confirmed via web site *************** |
HOOK NORTON W .I.
The speaker for our May meeting was Mais Appleton who came to give us a talk about the Associated Country Women of the World.
The Association was started in 1933 and is the largest rural woman’s organisation covering 70 countries. It is involved in helping out women, especially in the third world not only with money but friendship wherever it is needed.
The competition was for an old coin which was won by Eve Symons.
At our June meeting Geraldine Moore was the speaker. She gave a fascinating talk accompanied by a power point presentation of various species of wild life that we would find in Hook Norton. She held everyone’s attention by involving us all as she described each picture. She also played bird songs to help us identify birds in our own gardens.
Nancy Longmore won the competion for a picture of a bird.
Our next meeting will be a Garden Party at 10, Hollybush Road.
All guests are welcome.
On August 18th we will be visiting Sudeley Castle.
If anyone would like to join us please contact Janice Black for details.
LIBRARY NEWS
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 last issue, I missed the deadline.
We’ve had a busy time here and the summer reading challenge for children is well under way. Anna, children’s librarian from Banbury and myself, visited Hook Norton Primary School for an assembly to launch the scheme. Whilst there we enjoyed a wonderful presentation by Year 5 about water, which really made us think, and was very informative so we do thank the school for letting us join them.
The challenge this year is called Quest Seekers and children can join at any library. They get stickers and rewards for reading books over the holidays and when they have read six books, they receive a certificate and medal. So come along and join in.
Our Rhymetimes for the 0 to 3 year olds are still proving popular the next dates are Monday 17th August, 14th Sept, 12th Oct, 9th Nov, and 7th Dec, from 2.00pm to 2.30pm.
All are welcome just come along, no tickets needed.
I would like to thank all the readers who left Sainsbury’s and Tesco vouchers here for the school, we passed on so many and I know they were appreciated.
Our battery recycling is as popular as ever and don’t forget we have photocopying and computers with broadband here. The Friends 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 and hope you are all enjoying the summer holidays.
READING MATTERS BOOK CLUB
We are a very friendly and informal group who meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 2.30 pm in the Hook Norton library. The meetings are democratic with a different member volunteering to chair the group and lead the discussion each month. Our first meeting in May was a great success with 16 people attending. We read one book per month and have already done Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones and Old Filth by Jane Gardam. The next 3 books we have chosen are Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, The True History Of The Kelly Gang by Peter Carey and The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. We are currently reading Swallowing Grandma by Kate Long.
If anyone wants any information or is interested in coming to an evening group if that is more convenient please contact Kerrie McCormick.
HOOK NORTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
The new season gets underway on Tuesday 1st September when Barbara Hicks, Barbara & Pat Summerell will be giving a talk entitled "Emigration from Hook Norton". Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month in the Brewery Visitor Centre starting at 7.30pm. Annual Membership is £10 for an individual and £19 for two people at the same address. Non members are welcome to attend the meetings, however, there is a modest £2 charge for attending individual meetings.
For further information please contact the secretary, David McGill.
GARDEN CLUB
June was a good month for visits; although the weather was changeable 19 members enjoyed a visit to the Old Vicarage gardens at Bledington. The splendid garden was full of colour provided by a variety of roses, shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants and vegetables. Our hosts then laid on some exquisite home made refreshments. The following week Mary Powell escorted two groups around the conservation wild flower meadow (SSSI). It was a wonderful warm (hot) summer's day and the butterflies and bees were busy. Many Pyramid and Bee orchids were spotted as well as the usual meadow plants. Thank you, Mary, for sharing these delights with us.
We have one more evening visit in July before it's time to start thinking of the autumn; the Autumn Show will be held in St Peter's Church on the 19th September so remember to take photographs over the summer - subjects on your calendar.
The members only annual visit on 27 September will be a return to Wisley - a firm favourite. Entry to Wisley will be free as the club is affiliated to the RHS so only the coach fare will be payable.
If you want to join the trip you can sign up and become a garden club member at the Autumn Show - £3 or £5 for a couple valid until the end of 2009.
HOOKY SLIMMERS ARE EXPANDING
Hook Norton Slimming World Group is expanding whilst shedding pounds every week - since January the group has lost over 53 stone and the group has over 50 members now!!! The group is moving to Tuesday evenings at The Sun Inn. We will be in the function room and you can park at the rear of the pub. Come and see us from Tuesday 11 August at 6.30pm. We are a very social and friendly group and we have several young members (11-15 year olds) who attend group for free! Our plan is also approved for pregnant ladies and people with diabetes. Losing only 10% of your weight will give you significant health benefits!
You
can be a member for as little as £3.75 per week! We have a
raffle, food tasters every month and there is always tea and coffee
available. Pop in and see us to find out more or contact Lucy:
lucyb@twang.co.uk
2ND HOOK NORTON BROWNIES
 After over six years with 2nd Hook Norton Brownies, the last three as Unit Guider, I have decided that the time is right to move on. I have enjoyed the challenges immensely, particularly getting to know the girls and working with other Guiders. I first started with Diana Barber, Di Walker and Katrina Hambidge, and was lucky to benefit from their support and experience. I have enjoyed the whole Guiding experience, going away with the Brownies on Pack Holiday was a particular favourite, and I will take away good memories of Guiding. Katrina is now returning to the Unit as Brown Owl, assisted by Rachel Reeves-Serby as Tawny Owl. Thanks to all the helpers I’ve had over the last few years, most recently Rachel Mortimer, and the parents for their support, but most of all thanks to the Brownies who made it so much fun. |
1ST HOOK NORTON GUIDES
I went on my third Guide camp in May this year. This time we went to a campsite near Cheltenham for four days. The weather was sunny for most of the time, but we did get completely drenched on Wednesday and had to squeeze under the mess tent to keep dry.
I always enjoy camp. It’s always good to see Martha because I don’t go to school with her, and we get wet and messy and it’s a laugh.
Since guide camp, my guide unit has done a number of fun activities . We went Crayfishing with our Dads for Father’s day. My dad and I caught 4 crayfish and the last one we caught was huge. I fell in and got completely drenched, I had tonnes of water in my shoes! We also went to The Warriner School farm, we looked at all the animals including sheep, horses, pigs and their piglets and cows. I loved the little piglets because they came right up close to us and they were so cute! I also enjoyed it when we walked to Sugarswell Farm. On the way to the farm, we played a game called ‘Dead Ants’ which is where each guide had to shout ‘Dead Ants!’ and everyone has to get on the ground and pretend to be a dead ant. When we got to the farm, we picked some strawberries to take home for tea.
Overall I’ve really enjoyed guides this summer and can’t wait to come back next term to see my friends and do more fun activities!
GIRLGUIDING IN HOOK NORTON NEEDS HELP
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Are you aged between 18 and 65? Are you ready to discover a whole new world of Fun, Friendship and Adventure? Girls from 5 to 25 are already enjoying the benefits of Girlguiding, but we need more adults to help with Rainbows (5-7yrs) in Hook Norton. Please can you help to save our unit in the village?
Do you have skills you would like to share? Do you have lots of activity ideas? Are you a whiz with bookkeeping? Do you love outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy being part of a team? Having any one of these qualities makes you an ideal Guider/helper Girlguiding offers you their support if you can give up some of your time for the benefit of the next generation To find out more Contact: Julie Wood julie@hookiewood.freeserve.co.uk Jenny Bruton jenny.bruton@virgin.net or Diana Barber diana.barber.gemini@gmail.com |
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
Once again, our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning will be held on Friday 25th September, at the Study Centre, Hook Norton Primary School. Please note the time of 9.30am - 11.30am. We very much hope that you will support this very worthwhile cause and help us to reach over £10,000 in the 13 years I have been holding this in the village.
As usual, I shall have the Christmas cards and gifts available to purchase, as well as delicious cakes and coffee to consume. There will also be the normal large raffle!
If you would like to help me with the coffee morning, or donate a raffle prize or cake, I would be very grateful. The cakes and raffle prizes may be brought with you on the day.
Look forward to seeing you on 25th September, if not before.
REDCROSS COLLECTION
A big thank you to the generous people of Hook Norton who donated an amazing £442.00 in the house to house collection in May. Despite these difficult times this was a record for Hook Norton and was a very significant contribution to the £8013 raised in the Banbury area. Much of the success of the village collection is due to the wonderful team of collectors, many of whom have knocked on doors for many years come rain or shine. Many thanks to them all.
KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE
Hospice Stall at Cropredy Festival
13 - 15 August, Cropredy Festival, Cropredy
Our well known stall will have its usual spot at Cropredy Festival (top of the main field), selling a variety of donated and craft items. Local honey, crocheted blankets, knitted clothing, hand-made cards and much more will be on offer.
Beer Festival and Family Fun Day
Bank Holiday Monday- 31 August, Banbury Rugby Club
Katharine House is to be a beneficiary of this great day out for all the family. Live bands, a pig roast, afternoon teas and many stalls will ensure that there is plenty of entertainment for everyone. Doors open at midday. Small entry fee.
Hospice Furniture Shop
Our hospice furniture shop has now been open for a year! Selling a wide variety of furniture, including chairs, sofas, tables, wardrobes and book-cases, the shop on Calthorpe Street, Banbury is proving extremely popular and we are always delighted to receive donations of good quality unwanted furniture. If you have any items of household furniture you would like to donate (these can often be collected from your home), please call the shop on (01295) 262973.
Volunteer Drivers Needed
We urgently need volunteer drivers to transport patients to and from our Day Hospice. In particular, we are keen to find drivers willing to drive our wheel-chair vehicle. If you would like to become part of a very special team please call Barbara, Administration Secretary on (01295) 811866.
Hospice E-Newsletter
We are now offering a monthly e-newsletter to local businesses.
If you would like to find out more about forthcoming events and hospice information, please email sarah.bidwell@khh.org.uk
Any new mums, or new mums to be, or old mums with new ones, are you afraid of walking through the door for the first time or after a few years, well don’t be.
We Don’t Bite
We will be happy to welcome you to our group, if you’ve given it a go before and wasn’t sure, then please come again and give it another go.
We try our best to cater from newborn to starting school, we work as a team helping each other out, and so if you’re stressed and need to chat about a problem you think you’ve got then there will be sure to be somebody who’s experienced it already.
Several of us have taken over from Nicki Levett, who did a great job for us, but we have quite a few younger children between us to keep an eye on, so we are on the look out for a Granny. If anybody knows of a Granny or several Grannies please bring them with you or tell them about us, we would like somebody to be a Granny to the children, that extra pair of hands and eyes for when we set up and clear down, so we can keep the group running.
Our subs are £1.50; this enables us to supply tea and coffee, squash and biscuits and to pay our rent each week.
RECOGNITION OF HOOKY IN NEW YORK
The July 19th travel section of the NY Times featured some Hook Norton Brewery pubs. The Pear Tree, was the opening photo. Have a look. (sooner rather than later as I don't know how long it will be online).
ENERGY SAVING
Are you interested in finding out more about energy saving, climate change and renewable energy? Find out how to insulate your home, drive smarter and make more of your energy with this collection of articles on energy saving at
www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk/saving
ST PETERS HOOK NORTON 2010 NATURE CALENDAR
The St Peter’s Church 2010 Nature Calendar, designed with photographs by Patrick Fox, is now on sale at St Peter’s and the Village Shop. This stunning A4 wall calendar features seasonal images of landscapes and wildlife, many of which were taken in, or near to, Hook Norton. All proceeds go to St Peter’s.
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID MAY TO MID JULY
Aileen
Watson, who lives in The Bourne, sent me an email to say that at 6.30
on sunny Bank Holiday Monday 25th
May, her daughter Mollie was more than a little startled to discover
the cat annoying a Snake on their patio! The Grass Snake made its
escape round to the front of the house. It was easily three feet long
and moving very fast and to their surprise started heading back
towards the garden. At this point their neighbour caught sight of the
Snake and agreed that it was big!
They then watched as it disappeared
under the foliage of the oil tank. Interestingly enough Mollie had
noticed that the cat had been showing a lot of interest in the oil
tank area for the past week and they had assumed that the wandering
Hedgehog had returned, but now they are not so sure!
On 27th June Teresa Forest in Sibford Road saw a Grass Snake slither across her lawn and into the stream.
Paul Cooper in The Bourne had a surprise when uncovering their compost heap back in April to find a Common Lizard staring back at him. They have created a wild area in their garden and are pleased to say that it has attracted at least one Common Toad and a number of Common Frogs, despite no water feature.
In early June Mr Atkinson was in Mr Irvine's wheat field walking along the headland when he saw something moving slowly and 3 - 4 metres into the wheat there were three young Badgers which were totally untroubled by his or his dog's presence.
Pam Morris in Old School End at 6.00am on 10th June saw a dark coloured Fox which stood in the middle of the road for a while before it trotted off.
On 1st June Naomi Bowen, who lives in Wigginton, saw her first Beautiful Demoiselle Damselfly in her back garden which runs down to the river Swere, where she is told these elegant insects abound.
Mrs Edgington of Burycroft Road saw her first Brimstone Butterfly of the year on 27th May and is pleased that she has seen more since. Recently Butterflies have been much in evidence including Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Painted Lady, with reports that this latter butterfly as been seen in some areas in huge numbers. Gwen Whitehead in the Shearings had two beautiful Garden Tiger Moths on her comfrey and nettles on 9th June.
It has been a very interesting spring as far as the Cuckoo is concerned as I have had more reports this year than for years, starting with Mr Atkinson on 22nd May over by Oliver Ramsdales by the small paddock, when he stood and listened to a Cuckoo call 207 times and in a couple of weeks, heard the call on four different occasions, Jane Taylor near the Baptist Church on 30th May, the same day as Naomi Bowen and David Shirt, who also heard another one on 5th June, Malcolm Black on 5th June in the eastern part of the village, Linda Wong in East End on 5th June whilst standing at her back door, and we also heard one calling on this day and Teresa Forest in Sibford Road on 15th June.
On 29th May a skein of 30 Canada Geese were flying over Austins Way .
In Kjell Trogstad's garden in East End on 7th June he had a brief visit from a Jay on their bird tray and it has become a regular visitor since. Early on 8th June Pam Morris had a Green Woodpecker for ages in her garden picking ants off kerb stone edges. On 10th June Ray Gasson was driving from Great Rollright to Hook Norton and saw a dead Pheasant with a Red Kite and Crow at the kill.
David Shirt in Sibford Road has heard Tawny Owls nearby calling every night and Little Owls on 14th June and up to this date has heard constant song of Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats. From 8th June for about two weeks an adult Great Spotted Woodpecker was on nuts in a garden in East End and there was a young bird begging for food from its parent. Also seen in this garden has been a Nuthatch. Paul Cooper had Blue Tits nesting in a bird box outside their bedroom window and on 31st May they saw 4 chicks successfully make their maiden flight.
Thank you all for contacting me and please let me know of any sightings.
SAVE THE HONEYBEE PETITION
Sign the Soil Association’s online petition to help them to persuade Government to ban neonicotinoids and save the Honey Bee by lending your voice: www.soilassociation.org/Takeaction/Savethehoneybee/tabid/434/Default.aspx