Sadly we record the deaths of Mabel Hemmings, Barnaby Jackson and Monica Skey and on behalf of the village send our condolences to their families and friends.
There were some generous individual donations from villagers this month as well as £45 collected from the box in the Post Office. Thank you.
If you know someone who has difficulty in reading small print you may like to know that there is a BIG PRINT copy available in a hard back folder on request at the Post Office. More and more Newsletter copy is coming in by e-mail and it makes such a difference to the work load. Please join the club if you can.
New Advertisement Rates: one page £20.00 half a page £10.00 one third of a page £7.00 and pro rata. Inserts supplied cost £25 for commercial firms but £12 only for village organisations.
The editors welcome letters and articles on any subject for publication in the Newsletter but all correspondence must have your name and address, especially if they express personal views rather than the regular news which we receive from the many village organisations. (There may be the rare occasion when we would consider withholding your name but would then state "Name and address supplied" at the end of your contribution). We are sure you will understand that we cannot print anything if we do not know the source. In this context, if the person who sent us a letter signed "The Public" would like to get in touch and identify him/herself, the letter can be considered for publication in the next Newsletter. We reserve the right to edit or amend your contributions but this is mainly on the grounds of space considerations.
Did you know that we are very happy to print an announcement of the birth of your child but we do need to be told about it.
We are sorry, but you may not receive your Newsletter this time until the end of the first week in June. This is due to production difficulties beyond our control.
BARBARA HICKS 737017 HELEN FOSTER 737391
Next issue: advertising copy by Saturday 15th July. Final text copy by Tuesday 18th July.
e-mail:Barbara@news-hooknorton.freeserve.co.uk or helen.foster@viatel.com
Henry (Hal) Guy Stanton Dare son of Cliff and Jo was baptised at St Peter's Church on 19th March 2000
Amelia Grace Knight daughter of Richard and Suzanne was baptised at St Peter's Church on 2nd April 2000
Aimee Ruby Pearce daughter of Jonathan and Marie was baptised at St Peter's Church on 23rd April 2000
Peter and Lisa Nottingham are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Alice Olivia on Friday 14th April 2000
PARISH COUNCIL
April Meeting: This was preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting with virtually no members of the public in attendance and took twenty minutes.
There had been eight planning applications during the month and site meetings had been held. There was considerable discussion on how planning applications should be dealt with. Councillors were to meet later and put forward proposals.
Tiles had been purchased for the hall kitchen and Mr West was asked to do the work. New charges for the hall were under consideration along with "Rules and Regulations".
It was agreed to purchase eight new smaller tables for use in the Hall to replace the old formica topped ones.
The goal posts in the play area had encouraged the older boys back playing football and there had been complaints from residents. It was agreed to move the posts once and for all. The litter bin had again been vandalised. The hedge along Station Rd at Ironstone Hollow did not appear to belong the Parish Council and the Clerk was making enquiries.
The skip had again been used by someone dumping builders rubbish.
Sibford Road between the Pear Tree and The Firs was in a poor condition and will be reported and Mr Clay said there was still a problem with water in Bells Lane.
Insurance had been increased to cover the new litter bins. Dog bins will be emptied twice a week during the next six months.
May Meeting: The Annual Parish Council Meeting.
The new Chairman elected was Mr R Jelf who said he would do the job for a year. It was agreed that an annual election for Chairman would take place. Mr C Barry was elected as Vice Chairman. Committees were to remain the same and Chairs of Committees will be decided when they next meet.
Six Planning Applications were considered during the month, with four no objections. The School wall had observations made and an extension on 'Little Bowden', The Bourne, was objected to as too large for the site.
Mr Timms said that Mr Nigel Matthews had kindly supplied a quantity of bark, free of charge, for the play area but more would be needed. The Pyracantha that had been planted to stop children/adults climbing over the wall into Watery Lane had already been uprooted!
The hedge problem at Ironstone Hollow had still not been resolved. Mr S Bishop of Cherwell had suggested measures to resolve this. Short term measures were not seen as satisfactory. Longer term measures would be costly - possibly £2500.
Tay Homes had finally sent a plan showing the land in Old School End that the Parish Council had offered to adopt and maintain.
The triangle in the High Street is to be "planted" once the County have put in the kerbing. The old MEB pole is still in evidence in spite of phone calls and letters asking for its removal.
Mr Bullard wondered what was happening about the Surgery. It had been some considerable time since the plans were circulated and no one seemed to be aware of any progress. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Dr Harris to see if he could shed any light on the situation.
Road sweeping was noticeable by its absence and the weeds in the gutters needed attention.
Complaints were received about the grass cutting, particularly where the grass was left lying in the road. If the contractor were to be asked to clear up, it would mean physically sweeping up after each cut and would at least double the present cost. Could residents clear up outside their own property if they felt the grass presented a hazard?
A quote is being sought for the renovation of the church clock face after Smiths of Derby said they felt work was needed.
Fly tipping was again a problem. A washing machine was left in front of the skip and furniture had been piled on top of the skip. These items can be picked up from the house free of charge by Cherwell District Council. Many are then recycled and given to those in need - surely a more worthy way to dispose of unwanted goods than dumping them illegally at the skip site so that others have to clear them up!
MILLENNIUM BOOK
Some two hundred photographs later we can now let you have some news about publication. We expect to take the prepared layout to the printers on the second Monday in June and are allowing four weeks for printing and binding. We hope to deliver copies to all of you who have kindly paid in advance, during the first week of July. If you have not got round to ordering a discount copy at £7.50 there is still time for you to do so. Just fill in a form obtainable at the Post Office or Library or merely write your name, address and telephone number and your requirement on a piece of paper and take it to the Post Office together with a cheque or cash. Receipts are sent for all monies. Copies will be available at the Rural Fayre and other venues at a cost of £9.50 each.
As you can imagine it will be impossible for us to publish the name of every person appearing in any of the two hundred pictures. However it is our intention to publish a list which will be available later on. To do this we shall need your help. When you identify yourself in the book, please jot down your name(s) and page number and take the details to the Post Office. (A phone number would be useful in case of a query.) Barbara Hicks 737017 or Venice Barry 730407
TRANSPORT
Shoppers' bus
The number of people using the shoppers' bus has increased in the past few weeks, but there is still plenty of space for more new passengers and their shopping bags or trolleys. More new stores will be open in Banbury by the beginning of June, including BhS and HMV. So come and join us - it's only £1 - why pay more? The bus leaves the village at 9.15 and is back here by 12.30. It will run on Thursdays 8 and 22 June, 6 and 20 July and 3 August. Anyone can use the bus, but must put their name on the list in the Post Office. Peter Fry
VANDALS
What pleasure do some people get from kicking panels out of the children's climbing frame in the Play Area and other wanton acts of vandalism that someone has to repair? Do they know their parents will have to pay more Council Tax to cover this? I wonder? Christopher Barry
GUIDES
Since the last newsletter, the Guides have been up to many things including decorating pots for Mother's Day, having a visit from Hook Norton Rangers, star-gazing in the hall!, singing led by Jenny Mead and making camp blankets ready for the camping season, as well as making Mother's Day posies and attending the St. George's Day parade and service.
Elizabeth Crawford wrote:
On the last Monday of the Spring term, the Memorial Hall had a visit from a star dome or planetarium. The dome filled up most of the hall and was pitch black inside. On the walls were projected images of the London skyline at night. On the ceiling and the walls there was a view of the stars as seen by the people of Britain. We were given a very interesting talk on space, the planets and the stars. We learnt a lot about the aurora and the sun. We had a great evening under the stars!
RANGERS
Most of the Rangers have managed to gain octant awards over the past few weeks, which moves us all nearer to our Chief Guides Challenge. Following our recruitment evening, we have gained new members which is great. Recently, we had a very informative fun evening at Chipping Norton police station where we were shown around as well as having fingerprints and mugshots taken and trying on all their riot equipment (which is very heavy!!) We had a Japanese student who was staying with Julie Wood come and cook traditional dishes for us.
Over Easter, three of us went to Bath with Emma Hughes for her Queen's Guide Award Enterprise and then one day later went camping for Abby's Senior Section Camp Permit for which she was successfully assessed. WELL DONE ABBY!
We also had AA man, Rob Fear come and show us around the engine of a car and how to change a tyre. We all had an attempt at changing a tyre, which in some cases was quite feeble due to outbursts of laughter! However, it was a very good evening and we all learnt a lot.
FOHNCL
We are grateful to those Friends who have renewed their subscription. To those who haven't yet done so, we hope you will continue your support. If you have lost the form, then more of these are available at the Library. Similarly new Friends are most welcome - so if you value our community library fill in the form and join us.
The money continues to be used to improve the book list and also, in consultation with the local schools, to buy useful CD-ROMS.
However, in this connection, we would emphasise that we are anxious to receive suggestions from those "beyond full-time education"!
At our Rural Fayre Stand there will be a suggestion box - all will be welcome, all will be acknowledged (if you can't wait until 9th July then pop them into the Library). This year we want to make our Rural Fayre presence both interesting and fun. There will be a Book Quiz and a Treasure Hunt for the children. Also we have invited two suppliers to offer books for sale - Dorling Kindersley Family Learning are a leader in the provision of educational books whilst the other is more in the sphere of leisure reading - just in time for the summer holidays! Finally remember that the Library is open on Saturday mornings. We want this to be a family opportunity for choosing books or videos together - not to mention using the computer facilities. Make our Library the 'in-place'! John Wheatley
HOOK NORTON FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES
Saturday 22nd July 2000
from 12 noon to 10pm at the Pear Tree Inn
Over fifty of Britain's finest Real Ales served in Perfect Condition and a
Great Day Out for All The Family
The seventh annual Leukaemia Research Fund, Hook Norton Festival of Fine
Ales will follow the same format as previous years.
Lots of beer, more than last year.... lots of music, including many new acts
and a few familiar faces.
John and Carol at The Pear Tree will be giving us TWO pig roasts, so you
won't be disappointed this time......one at lunch time and one at tea time.
PLUS all the facilities of The Pear Tree Inn.
To drink at the bar you must buy a festival glass, either in pint or half
sizes and all beer is sold by ticket.
The price of beer will be £1.00 per half.
Come EARLY, as we will run out of tickets long before our bar closes at
10pm PROMPT
Events of this nature are impossible without the help of those who give
generously of their time and effort. We always do very well for help and you
must have enjoyed yourselves, as many of you have already volunteered again
this year. However, we need more help than we have had promised from those who are willing, so once again we are calling for volunteers.
There are several jobs that need manpower.
On the Saturday itself, we need people to sell beer tickets, beer lists and glasses. We need teams of bar staff to run beer-pulling shifts. We need people to pick up litter, both during and after the day. We need stewards to make sure everyone is behaving themselves.
We need help in setting up the road closure and signposting the car parks.
If you can't help us directly, you can help us by coming down on the day with friends and family, trying a few ales and sitting in the sunshine.
Contact Jem Hayward on 737717, Bob Murray on 730177 or Denis Wynn on 730009.
e-mail festival@briksdal.co.uk or www.hook-norton.org.uk/beerfest
HOPES AND DREAMS
The musical performed at St Peter's Church proved a great success in raising money for the nominated charities - Christian Aid and John Radcliffe Childhood Cancer Research Fund. Over the two performances almost £450 was donated. In addition the Traidcraft stall sold almost £200-worth of Third World products.
Thus the singers, actors and musicians are congratulated upon providing such an enjoyable show which encouraged the audiences to be so generous in helping these worthwhile causes. Thanks too to everyone who gave their support by attending. Rita Wheatley
HOOK NORTON PLAYGROUP
A huge thank you to everyone for their support in raising £450 for the Playgroup at the Spring Fayre. Special thanks to The Pottery and The Brewery for donating prizes for our raffle. Well done to the staff and committee for all their hard work. May has been a busy month for the playgroup. On May 24th we had our annual Open Day and on May 26th we had a visit from Tony Baldry MP. The committee have also been busy organising the Summer Draw. These raffle tickets will be on sale soon and the prizes include a day out at Blenheim Palace, theatre tickets, a meal for two in Pizza Express and fourteen other prizes. The draw will take place at the Playgroup sports day on Friday July 21st. Playgroup staff and committee will be helping out at the Rural Fayre and we will also have a tombola stall, so see you there. Finally, congratulations to our committee member Barbara Brown and her husband on the birth of their second son, Cameron. Fran Machin, Chairperson
CAP AND BELLS
Anyone who has lost a Jesters Cap look no further - apply at the Village Shop.
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
The successful season of meetings and speakers is at an end until September but volunteers still gather each Tuesday afternoon to work on the displays in their museum at the Brewery Visitor Centre. Lots of exciting Hooky artefacts have been put in our care and more are promised. Thank you all very much. The group's outing this year is to Ewelme on Saturday 10th June and amongst other possible activities will include lunch in a nearby pub and a conducted walk around the church later. See posters for details. Barbara Hicks 737017
HOOK NORTON BRASS BAND NEWS
Dressed in full uniform, the band assembled on March 16th for Beaumont Photographers to take up-to-date pictures. The rest of the evening was spent practising for coming engagements.
The AGM on March 21st saw the election of a full committee; Paul Roberts taking on the responsibility for instruments and equipment and Jenny Cobley accepting the post of Band Sergeant. The whole committee works behind the scenes in planning and organising to ensure the smooth running of the band, as well as taking on individual commitments.
April 1st was the day arranged for a 'Rail Ale' trip to the Brewery and the band was engaged in playing for their entertainment for part of the afternoon. It was a happy lively event with appreciation very forthcoming from the audience. The inclement weather forced us inside and we were more than happy with that arrangement. The next engagement shortly afterwards on May 7th was the 'Friends of the Band Concert'. The practices in preparation for this were made very difficult for the MD by absenteeism which meant that music choices had to be changed several times. The concert itself, was a complete success with a very large audience. The happy and relaxed atmosphere and the favourable comments added to the occasion and were much appreciated by the band. The training band took centre stage prior to the interval and looking smart in their new maroon waistcoats, expertly made by Mrs Liz Ford, delighted everyone present with their musical renditions. The abilities that they displayed say much for and pay tribute to the patient and persevering teaching week after week by the musical leaders, Ron and Jason Glynn. Supported by some members of the main band, the training band numbers twenty and takes players from grade 2 onwards. Maintaining an enthusiastic membership of the training band is essential for the healthy future of the main band.
The following Friday evening the band were out again, this time to celebrate the refurbishment of the "Royal Oak" at Whatcote. The band, seated around the front of the pub, entertained customers and passers by with a programme of light music on a mostly fine evening. The two magnificent shire horses, pulling a dray, arrived and stood nearby with their dray man and never once showed any concern over the audible presence of the band. The hosts, Pam and Ron Hopkins laid on a wonderful buffet and altogether the evening was very successful and enjoyable for all. The band have a full itinerary of summer engagements which will keep us extremely busy and we hope to see friends old and new. J. Glynn.
FIREFIGHTERS
Our firefighters were very busy during the two months up to 22nd May attending forty five calls compared with twenty nine during the previous two months.
Of these, twenty two were standbys for Banbury and Chipping Norton. Firefighters were swiftly at the scene to help with the successful rescue of a village bell ringer who was taken ill in St Peter's Church tower.
Five alarms were set off, one of which was malicious. Two fires were also maliciously set off, one in a doorway and one in a shed. Failed security lights and two chimney fires accounted for more calls. There follows an extensive list of serious fires: a kitchen fire, a TV/video fire, a large fire in a loading bay in Banbury and a mobile home and Dutch barn which were completely destroyed. A bonfire and a lawnmower fire and a pigeon stuck in a chimney swelled the numbers. Two internal hiccups accounted for two more call outs and a situation with cables arcing was handed over to the MEB. Finally there was a road traffic incident on the B4022 involving two cars. On arrival firefighters found one of the cars on fire and were able to release the trapped occupants.
HOOK NORTON BREWERY
We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the following awards in the British Bottler's Institute 2000 Ales and Lager Competition, judged on Tuesday 9th May 2000: We have won a Silver award for best Bitter in Class A and a Diploma for Old Hooky in Class C. Yet another award for Best Bitter to be added to our collection and recognition for the quality of Old Hooky.
North Oxfordshire College BTEC Performing Arts Students
Cider with Rosie Memorial Hall
Saturday 10th June Tickets available at Post Office £3.00 - concessions £1.50
DIALABILITY
Our Mobile Information Unit will be in Banbury on Wednesday 14th June, Wednesday 26th July and Wednesday 9th August 2000. We shall be parking in Bridge Street outside Marks & Spencers and we look forward to seeing you between 10.30am and 3.30pm. We can offer all sorts of advice and information on any topic to do with disability. It does not matter whether or not you are disabled yourself, a carer, a friendly neighbour or a relative or, just someone who wants to know what goes on in our van, we really would like to meet you, so do call in and say "hello".
ST PETER'S CHURCH
Easter was celebrated joyfully with the blessing of the Paschal Candle, which was lit at midnight on Easter Eve, followed by Holy Communion. There was also a Communion Service at 10 o'clock on Easter Day. There were many lovely flower arrangements in the Church to add to the festivity.
J S Bach's St John Passion was beautifully presented on April 29th by the North Cotswold Chamber Choir accompanied by the Cotswold Baroque Orchestra. This was very much appreciated by all who heard it.
Archdeacon Stanley Ntagli of Masindi preached at the morning service on May 7th. He is a leading Anglican in Uganda, at present on a course at the Oxford Centre for Mission. Last time he visited us, Nancy Austin offered him a keyboard which she had, as there was only a drum as accompaniment in his church. The choir were so delighted that they made a special tape recording for her, including a song specially composed for her birthday. The Rector thinks that this time it would be wonderful if we could raise £2,500 to give him for a second hand four wheel drive vehicle to get around his vast archdeaconry, which he now does on a motor bike, on mostly unmade roads. If you would like to help please contact the Rector, 737223.
Many people worked very hard to produce the wonderful performances of 'Hopes and Dreams', a musical based on The Lord's Prayer'. It was a really worthwhile achievement, much enjoyed by the audiences on both May 14th and 15th, as well as by the participants. (More about this elsewhere in the Newsletter.)
On Trinity Sunday, 18th June there will be a United Service in the Main Hall, Hook Norton School at 10.30 am followed by a barbecue lunch, then Fun & Games for all ages. Everyone welcome.
June 29th is St Peter's Day and we shall be celebrating the Patronal Festival on Sunday 2nd July, with Songs of Praise in the Church at 4pm followed by tea. The occasion will mark the opening of the appeal for funds to provide the much needed cloakroom and catering facilities and various other amenities in the tower of the church. Plans and full details will be on display.
St Peter's Church will again be organising a Noah's Ark at the Rural Fayre on July 9th. If anyone has any slightly unusual pets or livestock could we 'borrow' them for the day? For more information or offers of help, please ring 'Noah' Hughes on 737900. There will also be a bottle stall in aid of the Church. Mary and Tom Powell (737463) will be glad to accept bottles for this.
Bible Reading Fellowship. Nancy Austin is moving to Cambridge and Gill Handley, 6 The Shearings, (tel 730702) has agreed to take on the Group Secretaryship. R.J.
HOOK NORTON HARRIERS
April is London Marathon time. About ten members were lucky enough to gain places this year. We ran a coach from the village which Banbury clubs took advantage of as well, so there was a very happy crowd that travelled up to London very early on Sunday April 16th. We congratulate them all on finishing a gruelling 26 miles, especially the village members - Cecilia Petersson, Don Cornelius and Steve Knight, who did a personal best time.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Hook Norton Primary School made an excellent start to the new Millennium with a visit by OFSTED Inspectors. Their very favourable report confirmed the impressive standards achieved in English, Mathematics and Science and the very good educational provision for the children of Hook Norton and surrounding villages.
The term continued with a wide rage of activities related to the children's studies. Visits included 'HMS Belfast' and the 'Britain at War' exhibition in London, workshops on 'Toys' and 'Victorians' at Oxford Museum, 'The Language of Lewis Carroll' at Banbury Museum, and Cogges Farm.
Pupils participated in the 'Rainforest Roadshow', linked with the Oxford Business Partnership, a 'Science Day' and the 'Music Festival' at Chipping Norton School and school footballers supported Oxford United at one of their home games. Visitors to the school included Swedish teachers from the partner school in Vara, 'Ragdoll Productions' and representatives from the Cherwell Sports Roadshow.
For one week Mathematics was incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum and at the end of a very successful week, parents were welcomed in all classes to play games with a mathematical theme.
Pupils in the Reception class enjoyed their first 'residential', spending a night in the Study Centre and some Year 5 pupils will be visiting Bristol for 3 days this term. Studies also continue in and around the village.
During the past year pupils have raised a considerable amount of money for others less fortunate than themselves. Most recently Year 6 children held a sale in connection with Linda Freeman's sponsored cycle ride, raising funds for CLIC.
Further fundraising for the school will take place on Saturday, 17th June, 2pm at
Hook Norton School Fete.
Please come along for a fun-filled afternoon of events for all the family.
THE SIBFORD PAGEANT
'A celebration of 2000 years of local history - not to be missed!!'
Join us in Sibford Gower on 22nd, 23rd, 24th June at 7.30pm when history will come alive - great entertainment for all the family.
Call the box office on 01295 780512 for your free tickets.
WHY! WHY! WHY! you ask in the last issue "Is the Youth Club Hall in such a poor state of decor?". How often the Youth Club Committee have asked themselves that. We have repeatedly asked in the past three years for it to be decorated, but we keep getting the same answer "No funds available". We have decorated it several times in the past only to have the paint flake off because the plaster is in a terrible state. So before redecorating can take place it needs re-plastering. Because its a "listed" building it needs special plaster, yet another expense.
We raise funds every year from the Birmingham to Oxford Cycle Ride but these funds are only enough for a small amount of new equipment and running costs.
The reason the club is only open one night a week is because after constant advertising, verbally, posters and letters to parents we are unable to get help in running the club. We are in desperate need for someone (or several people on a rota) for 2½ hours a week to sell 'Tuck' to the young people on Club Night. Age is no barrier, anyone from 17 - 80 years could quite easily manage this small job. Please, is there anyone out there!!!
If enough volunteers come forward the Hall could easily be opened another evening for the Young People of the village to have 'somewhere to go' to meet their friends.
We also have a large amount of unsuitable furniture which needs 'skipping'. The Council will not collect it as it isn't classed as domestic waste! Skips are too expensive for our present funds to hire so we are looking for some kind person or persons who have trailers or lorries etc to help us move this waste to our local waste disposal area. Please contact Joe Williams at the Village Shop or Gwenda Stubbington on 737346 for further information. G.S.
WI
Easter week was a busy but very enjoyable time. At the April meeting, Pat Fletcher gave an enthralling flower demonstration and her beautiful pedestal display was used again for the Group meeting in the Memorial Hall, when Hook Norton WI entertained guests from other Institutions in the Sibford Group. The Easter Bonnet competition was won by Pat Fletcher who won the cup for Hook Norton. Entertainment was provided by the St James Singers. President Susan Barrett thanked Gwen Whitehead who, as one of the Vice-presidents, stood in for Susan for six months while she was abroad. The committee remains unchanged. Some mouth-watering recipes for 'one or two' were demonstrated by Ann Batchelor at the meeting on May 16th. Resolutions for the year were discussed and the one concerning 'Payment of Benefits at Post Offices' received unanimous support.
On Tuesday June 20th at 2pm in the Baptist Hall 'Brainstormers' of OFWI have been invited to present 'Light-hearted Fun' about WI membership.
An alteration to the programme for July has been made - instead of an outing to Blenheim Palace, Mrs 'Mac' Grundy will give a talk with slides on 'Scottish Islands' and the outing is postponed until September - the destination under discussion. Mrs Grundy's talk will be on Tuesday July 18th at 2pm in the Baptist Hall.
Hook Norton WI will have a stall at the Rural Fayre on Sunday July 9th with all goods, cakes etc. homemade, crafts and garden produce, vegetables, plants and cuttings. Well worth paying a visit to a traditional WI stall!
Guests are welcome to all the WI meetings - as are new members - held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Baptist Hall at 2pm. LOOK OUT FOR POSTERS.
Marion Roberts 730214
WILDLIFE
Mid-March - Mid-May
Thanks to Tim Burchell for gathering records in April while we were away. All the usual bird migrants have now arrived back from Africa. Periods of high pressure with light winds from the south provide the best conditions for returning birds. A warm spell around the 8th April saw the first wave: Paul Pickering reporting the first swallow and the Curtis family keeping up their recent record with the first cuckoo. Cuckoos became more widespread from the 19th with reports from D. Marshall and Geraldine Moore. Geraldine saw a house martin on 22nd April and Tim Burchell reported swifts in the first week of May. The last bird to arrive in the village is the spotted flycatcher and one in Whittons Close in May was a typical arrival date. It's a few years since we checked on breeding numbers of flycatchers in the village and I would welcome a call if you have any nesting in your garden this year.
Resident birds begin breeding from the turn of the year but March is the month when most nest building begins especially for blackbirds and thrushes.
The first young blackbird was reported by Geraldine Moore on 26 April and by early May young song thrushes, dunnocks, robins and house sparrows were around. A family of long-tailed tits were in Rectory Road on 24 May and a brood of five Canada Goose goslings was reported by Clare Curtis. Buzzards are now being seen around the village year round and their return must be one of the bird success stories of the past decade.
Lots of butterfly reports came in; small tortoiseshell, brimstone and peacock in March and orange tip in April into May when the first speckled woods were along woodland edges and mature hedgerows. Two roe deer were seen near the school on 22 April and a badger visited gardens on Sibford Road and Rectory Road (Tim Burchell and Mrs Cadd). Finally a large grass snake was seen by Christabel and Peter on 14 May in a cottage garden near the Post Office.
We experienced some problems with our answerphone and lost some messages. Apologies if we missed any of your reports which are always welcome and appreciated. Steve Holliday 8 Whittons Close tele: 737038
GARDEN CLUB
The Garden Club's 45th Annual Spring Show held in the Memorial Hall in April was a riot of colour. The were 325 entries and the committee's decision to stage the Spring Show two weeks earlier than usual was fully justified. The daffodils were at their best and there were also many other colourful Spring displays. Once again the floral art exhibits featuring Easter bonnets and other topical subjects drew favourable comments from the judges and visitors. It would be nice if more visitors could be attracted to the shows. Those who stay away miss a treat.
The judges in the flower and vegetable sections praised the exhibits and spoke of the difficulties they had in choosing the winners. The children's section and the photography and art classes were well up to their usual high standard.
Cup Winners were: Harry Pargeter Cup for the man with most points, Tim Burchell. Bill Clarke Cup for the woman with most points, Mrs R. Gillett. Willis Cup (childrens section), Sam Moulder. Floral Art Cup, Pat Fletcher. Redlands Cup for most points in Homecraft section,Nancy Longmore and Yvonne Higgins.
A Certificate of Merit in Floral Art went to Mrs Fletcher and George White received a Certificate of Excellence in Horticulture.
The Club's Spring - Summer open meetings have ended but two evening visits are planned for June and July. On June 21 there will be a visit to Wheelwright House, Long Compton, the home of Mrs Suzanne Shacklock who spoke at one of the open meetings earlier this year. On July 12 there will be a trip to the home of Alan and Julie Swift, Bellford, East End. Times of meeting and pick up points will be displayed around the village.
The April meeting featured a talk on Wildlife Gardening by Jeremy Sacha, Cherwell District Council's Landscape Services Manager. With the aid of slides he showed how wildlife gardens can be developed to conserve and enhance our environment. Malcolm MacLachlan, Batsford Aboretum Manager, was the speaker in May. He gave an illustrated talk on the Aboretum's development so that it now has some 1600 species of trees, shrubs and also many flowers.
It is a pity more villagers do not attend these open meetings because they would find them both interesting and informative. K Wood, Secretary 737443
HOOK NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Season 1999-2000 proved to be a mix of highs and lows. The death of Ian Willoughby during a game against Adderbury Park in January was a devastating blow to everyone connected to the club. Such a tragic day will never be forgotten by all those at the game. Ian will be very much missed by all his friends.
On the playing side it was the best in the clubs 100 year history. The first team were crowned Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division Champions for the first time. In addition they also won the Oxfordshire Charity Cup for the first time in the 98 years history of the competition, Danny Cleevley's winning goal 40 seconds from the end of extra time will long be remembered. Joint managers Paul Souch and Darren Williams deserve lots of praise.
The Reserves consolidated their position in the top reserve division of the Senior League and special thanks are due to John Hughes for his efforts with the team over the past two seasons. Despite all the success the club would still like to hear from anyone with time to spare on a Saturday to help with match arrangements, especially anyone with first aid knowledge. Dave Macfarlane 737123
Neville Pearce 737030
BAPTIST CHURCH
We have had a very busy two months, productive and thoroughly enjoyable. We joined our friends at St Peter's for an excellent Lent series, held in the school, where we listened to a variety of speakers, led the worship and particularly enjoyed the fellowship and friendships that developed.
Easter was a family time for us with a Maundy Thursday traditional meal for Passover, Good Friday morning service followed by the Village Prayer walk where members from both churches joined together to 'soak' the village, its residents, businesses and activities in prayer and got soaked ourselves in the pouring rain!
Sustenance was at hand with toasted hot-cross buns and coffee on our return. Easter Sunday started with Holy Communion, followed by breakfast, superbly cooked and served in the hall and a Family Service when we were pleased to welcome visitors and members of our extended family.
During all this time we had also been rehearsing enthusiastically the musical "Hopes and Dreams", again with friends from St Peter's and if you came to either of the two performances, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and that it brought you fresh insight into the oldest prayer in the world, The Lord's Prayer. We have found that as we emphasise the unity between the churches the differences are becoming less important and we look forward to working more closely together in the future. With this in mind we are having a joint service on Trinity Sunday 18 June, to be held in the School at 10.30am, followed by a barbecue.
There are so many aspects of life that work best when tackled by a team approach and being a Christian is one of them. It is virtually impossible to be an effective Christian if you are in isolation and not part of a church. St. Paul tells us that we are all vital parts of the "body" which we call the Church. Consider on a cold winter's day the warmth and comfort you draw from a blazing fire; but if you take a red hot piece of coal out of that fire and lay it alone on the hearth, what happens? Very quickly it turns cold and grey and has no life in it. On another level and bearing in mind those of us who will be watching avidly the Euro 2000 football this summer; if Kevin Keegan were to take an English team that didn't have a goalkeeper, what good would that be, we would lose hands down. If he took all defenders and no strikers, not only would the game be immensely dull but without strikers we wouldn't score any goals.
So it is with your church, you are an integral part of it, without you it doesn't function in the way God wants it to.
John our Pastor has copies of Euro 2000 booklets for those who are interested and don't forget that the forms for the Holiday Club will be available soon. Don't let your kids miss out; it's running from Monday August 14 - 19 and the next Saturday Special is on June 17 starting at 11am.Julie Warren 737037
A MAY MEETING
On that sunny Sunday afternoon in May (yes, there was one) fourteen members of the Local History Society assembled on some rough grass, with challenging holes and bumps, to take part in a boules competition in aid of an urn (tea?); no more frantic boiling of kettles. There was lots of laughter, not too much skill and unbelievable £65 in the money box. Too many names to mention so for your generosity - thank you, noble players. Sheila Terry
PAWS AT THE FAYRE 9th. July
Lots of doggy things at this years Rural Fayre!
SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
The football season has finally ended and what a successful one it was! The cricket season is now under way and fixtures are taking place every weekend as well as the midweek league matches. The junior cricket club has also arranged a number of evening friendly fixtures and the tennis players carry on as usual, playing all the year round. Enough of the sporting side of the club. I am sure each club will wish to record their own successes under separate entries in this newsletter; what of the social side of the club?
There are three major events coming up in the next few weeks.
Annual Funday and Fete - Sunday 11th June
The very popular annual Funday and Fete is being held on a Sunday this year due to a very full Saturday cricket fixture list. The usual stalls, rides and competitions will be there as well as the highly entertaining, not to say competitive, team games. A number of teams have already entered for the adults and junior competitions. It is not too late to enter a team of your own. If you want to take part in what promises to be a great afternoon out please contact either Sheena Maule 730140 or Jill Deller 737237 for further details.
Ladies Fashion Show and Sale - Friday 16th June
A Ladies Fashion Show is being held in a marquee at the Sports and Social Club on the Friday evening 7pm prompt. All are welcome. Tickets: £2.50 each can be obtained from Sheena Maule 730140, Jill Deller 737327 or from the Sports and Social Club during normal opening hours. Tickets are limited so please book yours early to avoid disappointment. Look out for posters!!
Midsummer Ball - Saturday 17th June
A Midsummer Ball is being held to help raise funds for Leukaemia Research and the Meningitis Trust, again in a Marquee at the Sports and Social Club. All 200 tickets for this event have been sold and a wonderful evening is in prospect.
The Sports and Social Club is continuing to expand its membership, both social and sporting and is actively fundraising to provide new and improved facilities to benefit the whole community. If you would like to know more please contact Mike Battley 737734 or Terry Mckee 737094
Fun Day and Fete Sunday 11th June
Youngsters Fancy Dress Competition
Junior Miss Sports and Social Club
(All you children put on your glad rags and join us) age groups: 0 - 5 years 6 - 10 years
Free entry, just ring Sheena 730140, Jill 737327
WELCOME CLUB
The Club has begun its new programme, having sorted out the new committee, with a very interesting talk on wild flowers given by Mr Cheersby and our outings began with a mystery tour which was very much enjoyed. Next we go to Millets Farm and other outings will follow at two weekly intervals. Mrs Watts brought along a gigantic Easter Egg, given by Mrs Slade, for which we are most grateful. We shall be holding a raffle for this at our next Meeting.
I am always surprised and gratified at how close people in this village are - so different from London where nobody wants to know anybody. I had a delightful example of this recently; I had a book from the Library of photographs of around Chipping Norton and there I found a picture of Hook Norton's May Queen and her attendants in 1938. I wondered if anyone in the Club knew any of the girls in the picture? Imagine my pleasure in finding that not only was Mrs White able to identify all the girls but in fact was one of them herself!! That is what is called continuity! Les Humphries
AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER IS HAPPENING IN OXFORDSHIRE
Ragwort is the most common cause of poisoning in livestock in Britain. Animal lovers will be horrified to hear that ragwort is deadly poisonous both when it is growing and also when dry in hay. A pony dies after eating as little as 2lbs. The toxins affect the liver and the pony dies a horribly painful death. There is no cure. Not only is the plant spreading at an alarming rate across our common and open spaces, it is smothering and killing rare wild flowers such as the green winged orchid and the delicate harebell. Once we have lost these wild flowers they will never return.
As ragwort is such an injurious weed, it is specified under the 1959 Weeds Act. The Ministry of Agriculture, Foods and Fisheries has powers to serve clearance notices on landowners that allow the plant to grow. Ragwort is easy to recognise, in the Spring it produces a rosette of dark green leaves with irregular and ragged edges, it then grows into an upright plant as tall as three feet with a woody stem slightly red at the base. In July the plant produces a large head of flowers with daisy like petals in bright yellow. This prolific plant produces up to 150,000 seeds a year of which 70% will germinate.
The best method of clearing ragwort is to spray the area during late April/early May with a herbicide but this is environmentally unacceptable in most places. However the plant does pull up very easily once the flower head appears and this proves an equally effective method of clearing it. Clearance must be done before it has the chance to seed. All plants pulled up must be put into bags and ideally incinerated to prevent the seeds germinating again. Always remember to wear gloves when doing this.
What we need is for everyone to work together in the county to clear this toxic weed. Private land, open spaces, nature reserves, roadside verges and gardens all need to be checked thoroughly this summer and cleared of ragwort. This is a project that any one can help with, whether it is advising us of areas you have found or simply pulling up the plants as you find them while out walking. To do that all you will need is a bag to put the plant into, it's as simple as that!
The British Horse Society is organising a major ragwort clearance programme across Oxfordshire this summer. We welcome everyone who has read this article to join us. If you want to safeguard the environment for future generations and care about the welfare of animals please join our campaign and become involved with this project.
For advice, leaflets, or to offer help please contact the BHS welfare officer Miss D M Harris on 01993 702844. Thank you.
PLAYGROUP ASSISTANT WANTED
HOOK NORTON PRE - SCHOOL, initially until Christmas.
For more details phone Fran Machin 01608 737893
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Thank you to everyone that supported the Car Washing during the winter and spring and helped to raise: £1,313
The car washing on Saturday mornings will recommence in the autumn.
OPEN GARDENS - GREAT ROLLRIGHT
Sunday 2nd July 2 - 6pm. Admission £2 children under 15 free. Nine gardens open, unusual plants for sale. Garden Quiz, Arts and Craft Exhibition in St Andrew's Church. Raffle, teas in the newly refurbished Village Hall. Free parking. Proceeds to Village Hall and St Andrews Church.
OPEN GARDENS - WOOTTON-BY-WOODSTOCK
Village gardens will be open 1 & 2 July 2000 Sat 10.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 11.30am - 5.30pm, Songs of Praise in St Mary the Virgin Church 6.00pm. MORNING COFFEE, TEAS - PLANTS All proceeds to St Mary's Church. For more info contact: Vee Sampson 01993 810050
MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION
(reprinted from Epidemic Observations written by Oxfordshire Department of Public health) and sent in by Hook Norton Surgery.
National surveillance data shows a decline in the number of cases affecting vaccine recipients. Cases of group C disease have fallen by 75% in the first age groups to receive the new conjugate C vaccine. Ten cases of group C disease were confirmed in children up to 1 year in weeks 2 to 11 of 2000 compared with 37 expected. Similarly, only 16 rather than 70 expected cases were confirmed in 15 to 17 year olds.
PIANO AND SINGING (ad)
Always wanted to learn? Young and adult pupils welcome. Try an experienced teacher. Raymond Head MA, Dip Ed 01608 642025
CARING MATTERS
Carers; fancy a holiday in London? The Kiloran Trust is a specialist charity offering holidays for Carers. Everything is aimed at reducing the stress and strain of caring. The holiday is in a 4 bed-roomed house (one double) in a quiet street in West London. All meals are provided, all rooms are en suite and there is even help given to those on low incomes. If you would like to know more, either contact your Carers Support Worker or ring them direct on 020 7602 7404
Lots more in Caring Matters issued by the Carers Centre: 27 Horse Fair, Banbuy, Oxon OX16 0AE 0345 125546
TV LICENCES FOR OVER 75s
From 1st November anyone over 75 will be entitled to a free TV licence for their principle residence. If you are 75 or over and your licence expires between April and November you will be able to buy a short-term licence. For those who have a licence beyond the change date refunds will be available.
NB Over 75s still have to have a licence, they just don't have to pay for it. Any queries phone 0845 602 3334 or ask at your post office.
HOOK NORTON TENNIS CLUB
Tennis mixed doubles tournament
Sunday June 25th 10am
All profits to the Sports and Social Club for their new facilities. Apply as a pair or as an individual
Players of similar ability on same court.
A barbecue and free glass of wine will be served at HNTC courts during the early evening. Entry Fee £10 per player to include barbecue. 18 and under £5.
Entry forms from Tony Gale 01608 737853 or Nigel Tucker 01608 677505
LOOSE CHIPPINGS
Loose Chippings is a brand spanking new drama club based in Chipping Norton. Formed during the summer of 1999 we aim to produce comedies to a highly professional standard. We are looking for new members who can commit to meeting once a week. Our next production is David Tristram's hilarious comedy "Last Tango in Little Grimley" at The Theatre, Chipping Norton on 13th/14th June 2000. Tickets £5 and concessions £4. Box office 01068 642350. Contact Ken Norman on 01608 643336 or 07790 670 234
e-mail ken@loose-chippings.co.uk
FREE TESTING OF ELECTRIC BLANKETS
Cherwell District Council want to draw your attention to this important service.
Testing last year revealed many blankets in a highly dangerous condition and there was a recent fatality in Banbury due to an electric blanket fire. CDC urge you to take advantage of this service and to phone early for an appointment which is on a strictly first come first served basis. These free checks take place at Banbury on 14th September or Bicester 19th September. Tel 01865 815400 for an appointment now.
RURAL FAYRE AND FOLK IN A FIELD
This year's concert and Rural Fayre are set to be the most exciting ever. We have such a packed programme over the weekend that finding space for all the attractions has been a real challenge for the committee.
The theme this year is "History hits Hooky!". We have no less than four historical re-enactments on a timeline round the field stretching from Vikings to the First World War. Of course, St. Peter's church will be at the start of the timeline with the return of their popular Ark. While walking around the field you can test your knowledge of Hooky's history and there will be a prize for the winner. We are even looking into the future with a competition for schools to build a model of how their village will look in the year 3000 with a similar competition for paintings or drawings by individual children.
Other attractions include a Field Gun Display by cadets from the Portsmouth area, Gus Dermody with his sheepdogs and ducks, a huge inflatable cottage, a magician, Punch and Judy, and lots more...
As ever, this event can only happen with the generosity of many people and organisations. A huge amount of effort has already gone into creating a really special weekend for the year 2000. However we are always grateful for more help however small. There are lots of small tasks in the week before and over the weekend. If you would like to help in any way, please call Andrew Parton on 737617 or Simon Mead on 730146.
It is going to be really great weekend. Please come and support us (remember all the proceeds go to charity) and bring your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you on the 8th/9th July.
OPEN MEETING
There is an Open Meeting on Tuesday 13 June. It will be at The Sun from 8:00pm. This is the last meeting before the Rural Fayre and concert. It is a great opportunity for anyone involved or wanting to be involved to get together with all the committee. All residents of Hook Norton parish are automatically members of the Charitable Association so the meeting is open to anyone living in the village. Another topic on the agenda will be the Association's charitable status. We hope you can make it.
inside back cover
CALLING ALL CHILDREN
The Hook Norton Rural Fayre on 9 July 2000 has a theme of 'History hits Hooky' and will feature a major competition for children and schools in the area:
'My village in the year 3000'
STOP PRESS - SPECIAL RESERVE Bottles of special reserve Folk in a Field red and white wine are now available from the Village Store and Post Office. Don't miss this opportunity to make the concert and Fayre weekend go with a swing !